Which automaker promised “radically simplified” future EVs with smaller batteries?
And which one doesn’t see 300-mile EVs as the longer term?
That is our look again on the Week In Reverse—proper right here at Inexperienced Automotive Stories—for the week ending February 3, 2023.
One of many greatest information nuggets of the week within the effectivity nook concerned one other upset of Tesla. Hyundai Ioniq 6 beats the Tesla Mannequin 3 in vary, in addition to effectivity, with an EPA score of 361 miles. In rear-wheel-drive type, it ties the all-wheel-drive Lucid Air Pure in effectivity.
Think about the CEO of Mazda as amongst a relative minority of automaker executives who don’t see the vary race, and even 300-mile EVs, as the longer term. Mazda revealed its upcoming flagship, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV, with seating for as much as eight. Function particulars, pricing, and specs are all but to return, however the CX-90 arrives this spring and could possibly be a compelling new PHEV for large households.
2024 Mazda CX-90
GM has constructed a powerful argument round its large-format pouch cells which are on the core of its U.S. Ultium EV push. But now GM is sort of versatile with battery format, in keeping with CEO Mary Barra this week. On condition that, and GM’s three Ultium Cells crops already introduced, what in regards to the economies of scale GM has touted in holding as a lot as potential to 1 format?
Ford CEO Jim Farley on Thursday revealed that the corporate might be aiming to make its future EVs “radically simplified,” with smaller batteries, fewer elements, and the potential to be inbuilt tens of millions.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Toyota not too long ago introduced a brand new CEO and gave the inexperienced mild to its first devoted, large-scale EV platform. However as we famous, placing a latest presentation in context, that doesn’t sign a better dedication to EVs or a concession to environmentalists who suppose the automaker is misguided.
Volvo is reportedly planning an expanded EV lineup for China and Asian markets which will embrace extra sedans, SUVs, and a luxurious van—though it’s definitely not but clear which of these new fashions would possibly come to Europe or the U.S.
Volkswagen has reportedly permitted an EV smaller than the ID.4 for the U.S. market, with potential North American meeting. A North American battery plant can also be being thought of for Canada. Is that this the return of the e-Golf, or one thing else fully?
Teaser for Scout SUV idea
An Audi electrical off-road SUV would possibly use the platform from guardian Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scout EV model, in keeping with a report. Maybe arriving round 2027, it could rival the Mercedes EQG, Jeep Recon, and Rivian R1S.
The first 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has been auctioned off for $500,000, with proceeds to learn Tread Calmly. Though as we’ve famous earlier than, the Hummer EV most undoubtedly doesn’t tread flippantly; it would really be the heaviest SUV ever.
Electrify America to put in EV quick chargers at TravelCenters of America areas
Electrify America introduced that will probably be offering {hardware} and help for about 1,000 fast-chargers at 200 TravelCenters of America (TA) areas, alongside main highways at about 50-mile intervals. These chargers are to be put in over the following 5 years, with a few of them among the many 1,800 stations EA plans by 2025.
In California, EV gross sales added as much as about 16% of auto gross sales in 2022. And whereas Tesla as soon as once more took a mammoth lead, with the Mannequin 3 topping gross sales charts within the state, we checked out whether or not different manufacturers are getting nearer.
Marengo Charging Plaza, Pasadena, California
A examine commissioned by a local weather coverage suppose tank and backstopped by UC Davis analysis has discovered that limiting the scale of EV batteries would reduce the demand for lithium by as a lot as 42%—by way of all the advantages together with lowered air pollution and financial benefits. However convincing the market to purchase EVs with smaller batteries is a tougher promote.
Lawmakers in Kansas have known as for a tax on public EV charging, however not residence charging. Some are criticizing the proposal for its “double taxation,” because the state already hiked EV registration charges, and for the way it disincentivizes those that hire or dwell in condos.
Current and advisable U.S. EV fast-chargers (from 2023 Nice Plains Institute examine)
Based on a brand new examine from a non-profit, it should take 1,104 EV fast-charging stations to fill out federal Various Fuels Corridors and lay the basis for a federally funded nationwide charging community of 500,000 connectors. However it should undoubtedly take extra on higher-traffic routes and for connecting adjoining routes, it argues.
Ford earlier within the week introduced value reductions throughout its 2023 Mustang Mach-E lineup. They undid a few of the value hikes given to the lineup final August, bringing the entire lineup of Customary Vary fashions under what was then the $55,000 value cutoff for the lineup to assert the EV tax credit score.
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
And we closed the week with some information that’s going to make an enormous distinction for some EV buyers over the following month or extra. The U.S. Treasury Division introduced a change in what might be thought of an SUV below EV tax-credit value cap necessities, and it ought to increase the value cap of many fashions—just like the Mach-E—as much as $80,000 and assist ease confusion over some mannequin lineups that have been known as vehicles in a single configuration and SUVs in one other. Put merely: See if the EPA data on the window sticker calls it an SUV.
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