Ram range-extended EV, heated seat belt, Mercedes charging community, Vinfast replace: At present’s Automotive Information

Mercedes has introduced its personal charging community. Vinfast revealed extra particulars about its smaller EVs. A heated seat belt might assist unlock extra winter-time EV vary. And the way will a Ram range-extended electrical truck take type? This and extra, right here at Inexperienced Automotive Studies. 

Stellantis’ Ram model will quickly supply a range-extended electrical truck, the corporate confirmed final week. In a roundtable interview, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares emphasised that this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, however a variety extender would want to ship sufficient energy for towing and hauling. Tavares additionally confirmed that it’s contemplating hydrogen fuel-cell heavy-duty pickups and vans for North America. 

Mercedes-Benz introduced that it plans to have its personal EV fast-charging community in place by the top of the last decade, and the primary focus is North America. It’s aiming to have 400 North American websites with 2,500 350-kw connectors in place by 2027—principally alongside highways and near facilities and Mercedes dealerships. 

Vietnam’s Vinfast confirmed final week that it delivered its first U.S.-bound VF 8 electrical SUVs to prospects. It additionally revealed some preliminary specs for the smaller VF 6 and VF 7 fashions, due for reservations in March. 

And why now for the heated seat belt launched at CES? Provider ZF says that with the textile course of it’s perfected, it could actually ship it at across the similar value as a heated steering wheel or heated seats. The timing can be proper for EVs, as with its direct warmth for occupants it’d enhance vary as much as 15% by reducing the load on cabin warmth.

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