Consumer reports has had individual reports in the past on various specific models of electric vehicles, but they now publish the following report on the current state of EVs and the reliability of what is out there.
Consumer-Reports-Insights-for-More-Reliable-Electric-Vehicles-Jan-2022.pdf
Per the attached report above, we start looking at the latest overview they have put together:
Per an Executive Order from President Biden, by 2030, half of all new vehicles sold should be zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles.
While EV sales are trending up, they currently make up only 4% of 2021 new vehicle sales. (Source: Wards Intelligence)
CR’s 2021 Auto Reliability and Satisfaction survey results reveal that current EV owners are highly satisfied. In fact, survey respondents with EVs report the highest owner satisfaction (76%) of all vehicles (model years 2019 and higher).
However, respondents also report significant reliability issues with EVs. Electric SUVs were the least reliable car category.
Consumer Reports then had the following key insights and takeaways for auto manufactures:
The reliability of EVs has significant room for improvement in order to appeal to the majority of new-car buyers who are looking for reliable vehicles. Reliability is “extremely important” (top box) to 71% of new-car buyers, according to CR’s most recent National Car Buying Survey.
Despite the high satisfaction rates of current EV owners, who may have been early to adopt EVs for specific reasons such as environmental concerns or interest in new technologies, the mainstream car buyer prioritizes reliability. By providing additional data on EV reliability problem areas, CR hopes to influence future manufacturing decisions that make EVs more reliable, and in turn, more appealing to the majority of new-car buyers.
There are lessons to be learned from CR’s Auto Reliability data to improve EV reliability:
Compact Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids are the most reliable. While “simple” electric drive systems can and do have electrical failures and battery pack problems, most of these vehicles are built on proven systems.
Electric SUVs are the least reliable. The highest problem areas in EVs often have no connection to the drivetrain. Issues are most commonly found in other components: In-car Electronics, Noises & Leaks, Power Equipment, Climate System, Body Hardware, Drive System, and Paint & Trim.
Automakers should focus on building an electric platform and establishing the EV itself as a mainstream vehicle with the same systems and technology that have already proven reliable in their current lineups. If components other than the drivetrain have proven to be reliable, including them may increase the likelihood that the vehicle will have fewer issues.
Next step in the Deep Dive of Consumer Reports was the EV Reliability Data which shows that for the 2021 Auto Reliability analysis, compact hybrid/plug-ins were the most reliable auto and electric SUVs were the least reliable per auto catagory.
Consumer reports then shows that for 2019 to 2021 models, electric vehicles had higher problem rates than internal combustion engine vehicles. The sample showed the following:
The EV reliability problem rates and top problem areas show that the following issues from electronics to noise and even paint and trim were considerable. These rates were from the optional survey questions that people filled out.
While CR stated it was just an example of EV reliability problem areas, this does seem to show that one manufacture has more problems than others and begs the question of how legacy OEMs will do as they start to produce BEVs.
In-car Electronics o Audi e-Tron MY 2019 In-car Electronics problem rate is 11 compared to the model year average of 3.4. Problems reported by CR members include the display screen going blank.
Noises & Leaks o Tesla Model X MY 2020 Noises & Leaks problem rate is 9.6 compared to the model year average of 1.3. Problems reported by CR members include seals and weather stripping, air and water leaks, wind noise, and squeaks and rattles.
Power Equipment o Audi e-Tron MY 2019 Power Equipment problem rate is 5.1 compared to the model year average of 1.5. Problems reported by CR members include exterior lights.
Climate System o Tesla Model S MY 2020 Climate System problem rate is 6.9, 6.1 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include automatic climate control and temperature sensors failing.
Body Hardware o Tesla Model X MY 2020 problem rate of 5.8 is 5.1 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include issues with gull wing doors not closing properly.
Drive System o Chevrolet Bolt MY 2019 Drive System problem rate is 4.0, 3.3 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include electrical failure, drive unit replacement, and other faulty components.
Paint & Trim o Tesla Model Y MY 2020 Paint & Trim problem rate is 7.2, 6.5 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include trim coming loose, and blotchy/mismatched paint on body panels.
This report makes one wonder if GM and Ford are paying close attention and how will Rivian fare when this report comes out in January 2023 for the 2022 year. Will we still see Tesla as the leader of EV reliability issues, or will some other auto company take its place?
Insights for More Reliable Electric Vehicles - Consumer Reports Data Intelligence
Insights and Impact - Consumer Reports Data Intelligence
VinFast is Vietnam's first Volume auto company, but it is not stopping there as this is a division of the Vingroup, the largest real-estate company and largest private enterprise in Vietnam. VinFast aims to make "Made in Vietnam" a household term by becoming the largest auto and motorbike brand in Southeast Asia.
VinFast has a massive Billion-dollar factory in Hai Phong that opened in September 2019. They started with a local 5-person saloon car and 7 person SUV and added a 3rd small hatchback. Working with the Global auto design studios, Pininfarina, Zagato, Torino and Italdesign, VinFast believes they will have the best global desired 20 vehicle portfolio
These were the original sketches that were released in 2019.
We fast forward to 2022 CES show where VinFast unveiled three new models to join the existing models. The model lineup goes by the naming convention of VF5, VF6, VF7 which join the existing VF8 and VF9. The VF8 & 9 had other names but were changed for the 2022 model year to be in the same naming convention as the rest of the models. One would have to say not a very imaginative naming system. Very boring and bland much like who a few German companies name their autos.
The VF 8 and VF 9 are taking reservations at this time for release in 2024 from manufacturing. The VF8 will start from $41,000 and the VF9 will start from $56,000. The prices do not include destination or the cost of a mandatory battery lease. Unlike many other companies, VinFast believes customers would rather buy the auto and then choose the size of battery pack they want and via the lease system be able to scale up or down on size to meet their needs.
The VF8 & 9 will come with dual-motor powertrain making 402 HP and 472 lb-ft of torque. VF8 is quoted to have a 300-mile range, VF9 is quoted to have a 400-mile range at launch.
VinFast has a current line of Autos and Scooters that are ICE, they are transitioning over to BEVs and BEVs are the only thing planned for the U.S. at this time according to their press release.
One can look at their current lineup here: Homepage (vinfastauto.com)
For the U.S. Market, VinFast has stood up the following web site: VinFast (vinfastauto.us)
Currently the VF8 & 9 BEVs are listed on the U.S. web site as the VF e35 and e36.
VinFast has their CES website here with videos: VinFast Global EV Day | VinFast (vinfastauto.us)
The big question to ask is that many Chinese auto companies have announced they will enter the U.S. auto market and have failed. Will VinFast finally succeed? Next question to ask is how will consumers feel about mandatory battery leases?
'VinFast', Vietnam’s First Ever Carmaker, Unveils Logo - Logo Designer - Logo Designer (logo-designer.co)
VOLTEMPO is deploying in the UK first their scalable, modular hyperfast HyperCharging stations for both business and consumers. This 1,000kW or 1MW chargers is a game changer and is backwards compatible with all current EVs.
This DC HyperCharging system can support up to 24 EVs at the same time delivering a full charge in approximately 6 minutes depending on your EVs onboard charging support.
VOLTEMPO is working closely with government agencies, stakeholders and interested companies wanting to implement their charging system in commercial and retail solutions.
According to VOLTEMPO, the first commercial installation will take place at a charging hub at the Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham at the start of 2022. From new offices in Austin Texas USA, sales and installation will start in 2023 and then a European Launch in 2024.
Additional information can be looked at in their FAQ section.
VOLTEMPO Measurable Benefits are as follows:
Up to 30% faster charging, through dynamic power management.
Typically, 30% cheaper installation, through our patented centralized charging design.
70% fast installation, installed in hours or days, not months, through modular construction.
Future-ready design: ready to accept future charging standards, including wireless and megawatt charging as new standards emerge.
Start small, grow at your own pace. Boost power with more power modules; increase capacity by adding charging bays.
Hyper scalable: capable of servicing 30% more charging outlets for the same power availability.
Market-leading return on investment, with a typical payback of 3-5 years.
| Voltempo™
Factorial Energy has had a major 4th quarter as they secured Agreements with Stellantis, Daimler, Hyundai and Kia to use their 40Ah battery packs in their electric vehicles.
The company backed by major investors such as Former President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, Mark Fields; former senior advisor to the Obama Administration's presidential task force on the Auto Industry, Harry Wilson and investment firms Gatemore Capital Management and Wave Equity Partners have enabled Factorial to jump from a tech startup doing research to a commercial production company.
Factorial Energy has stated that for EVs to go from a global 4% capture of the global car sales market to a dominate primary auto, buyers need to see dramatic price and performance improvements in the battery systems. Factorials proprietary battery breakthrough called FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) is a solid electrolyte material that enables save and reliable cell performance with high-voltage and high-energy density electrodes. FEST is safer than conventional current EV battery technology. Fest battery packs have yielded a 20 to 50% improvement in driving range without sacrificing pack longevity and are easy to integrate into existing supply chains.
Earlier this year, Factorial Energy has stated that several major automotive partners were validating their technology in real world auto testing. This clearly has completed as they currently announced agreements with Stellantis, Daimler, Hyundai and Kia for jointly developing from the cell-level to modules and vehicle integration production of their 40Ah solid state battery cells.
Factorial Energy with their new partners is building plants around the world to ramp up production for new EVs that are coming out through 2025.
Every company is taking a different approach to working with Factorial Energy. Daimler is looking to use it in a limited series to get EVs out onto the market as they R&D and work to build their own batteries. Hyundai and Kia look to use this company in all EVs as one of many suppliers in getting EVs into mainstream use and purchasing. Stellantis has stated these batteries will be used across the whole company portfolio from Americus brands, to European, Asian and into Africa. Stellantis sees these solid-state batteries as a starting point for mass adoption of global EVs.
As Factorial likes to state, for ages, the promise of an affective, safe solid-state battery has been the ultimate unattainable goal - ideal, enticing but always out of reach.
Consider this Quote:
"The storage battery is, in my opinion, a catchpenny, a sensation, a mechanism for swindling the public by stock companies."
The speaker: Thomas Edison, The year: 1883.
138 years later, that sentiment has held true.
Factorial Energy has invested heavily in solid-state battery research over the past 6 years and their process is a practical customer-driven solution, a balanced performance-profile solid-state cell that scales at a reasonable cost. Applications perfect for this solid-state battery cell are EVs, Hi-Spec such as electric planes and stationary storage.
Transformational solid-state battery technology that is empowering a sustainable future with the highest performance and safest batteries for electric vehicles, homes and critical applications is the message from Factorial Energy.
Join the Future!
Solid-state Battery & Technology News | Factorial (factorialenergy.com)
Hyundai, Kia and Factorial Energy to Jointly Develop Solid-State Batteries for Next Generation Electric Vehicles - Hyundai Newsroom
Stellantis and Factorial Energy to Jointly Develop Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles | Stellantis
Solid-state batteries: Mercedes-Benz teams up with Factorial Energy - Daimler Global Media Site
Founder, Chairman and CEO of NIO, William Li announced with Executive VP István Kapitány of Shell Mobility have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to collaborate on electric vehicle charging and battery swapping across China and all of Europe.
Nio and Shell will jointly construct and operate the battery charging and swapping facilities. Initial phase 1 will be to have 100 battery stations up and running in China by 2025 and to jointly build and operate an undisclosed number of stations across Europe by 2022 that will be available to NIO customers.
NIO started auto deliveries to Norway this fall of 2021 marking its first step outside China in opening up new territories of business. In 2022 NIO will expand sales across Europe with both retail and commercial offerings. NIO started in 2018 in China and has delivered over 100,000 electric vehicles.
Shell is one of the world's largest gasoline retailers and has announced they plan to be a leading charging service provider worldwide as they add charging to their global station network.
Together NIO and SHELL will explore and collaborate on opportunities in global battery asset management, fleet management, membership system, home charging services, advanced battery charging and swapping technology development and construction of fast charging facilities.
NIO and SHELL have both stated this cooperation demonstrates the ability to use the strengths of both companies as they accelerate the energy transition and commitment to sustainable development globally.
NIO has stated that this agreement will help accelerate the existing NIO stations in China of which NIO operates 301 battery swap stations, 204 power charging stations and 382 destination charging stations in China. NIO has completed as of this announcement 2.9 million battery swaps and 600,000 uses of One-Click-for-Power services.
NIO and Shell agreement will help NIO achieve going beyond their current target of having 700 battery swap stations by the end of 2021. From 2022 to 2025 NIO / SHELL will build an additional 600 battery swap stations in China and by the end of 2025 NIO / SHELL plans to have over 4,000 battery swap stations globally.
NIO has also announced that the NIO Power Charging ans swapping system, as well as BaaS (Batter-as-a-Service), will be fully available to the global industry.
NIO has expanded on what Tesla once thought and considered for battery swapping which can be done in 90 seconds or so on a Tesla, but costs of $60 to $80 per swap made it too expensive for CEO Musk. As such Tesla has continued to push charging only and improvements to their battery tech saying that BSM (battery Swap Mode) will go away as the industry focuses on fast charging only. NIO does not believe BSM will get kicked out as NIO autos can be charged or swapped depending on the needs of the customer and with BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) this gives customers more options in being able to purchase the auto they want and only pay for larger battery packs when they need them for say a long road trip. NIO believes BSM, BaaS and self-charging are not in conflict but complement each other based on the needs at the time for the customer. This battery tech option allows customers to recharge, replace or upgrade at the users choice and convenience rather than forcing a single option on them.
Does the Battery Matter?
Tesla has chosen to take the supercharger station as the focus to eventually get to where ICE autos are with recharging in 5 to 10 minutes to a full battery pack. NIO believes that a battery swap of a depleted one for a fully charged one is a better option especially when one might want to go to a larger or smaller battery pack depending on driving needs.
NIO BaaS allows owners to buy the auto they want without a battery pack. This allows a savings of $10,000 dollars on average for all of the NIO models, NIO owners then subscribe to a 70 kilowatt battery subscription for $142 a month, stopping by battery swap stations to get a fully charged one when it is needed.
NIO admits that the BaaS is a great tool to get user feedback on battery performance and user preferences as they can move up or down in battery size depending on their driving needs.
NIO owners have loved the battery swapping service which on average takes only 10 minutes or less. Customers have also stated they love the reservation system to ensuring a fully charged battery is ready for them ahead of their arrival at the station. This makes for a convenient road trip system.
NIO offers a wide range of EVs from the NIO EP9 performance car to the CUV 6 series with the ET7 sedan and ES8 CUV in between serving the needs of all customers.
EP9
ES8
ET7
EC6
NIO Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Shell | NIO
NIO Announces NIO Power 2025 Battery Swap Station Deployment Plan | NIO
Tesla vs Nio: Is it smarter to charge or swap battery? - CGTN
According to the latest poll from Yale University, George Mason University and Climate Nexus commissioned by the nonprofit Coltura, finds that 55% to 35% margin in requiring all new autos sold in their state to be electric starting in 2030.
As per multiple scientific and university groups, carbon pollution biggest source is gasoline powered cars and world leaders coming off the heels of the COP26 climate gathering are trying to address this mounting climate crisis. Yes, not everyone will agree with these polls or the science behind climate change and as a multi-cultural society, we must work to at times agree to disagree and still find a way to move forward. Humanity has always come together for the good of society.
Polls are now showing strong voter support for aggressive climate action. This is of course based on a number of understandings such as the following positive impacts:
73% believe a positive impact on air quality
64% believe a positive impact on climate change
61% believe a positive impact on individual health
58% believe a positive impact on energy independence
52% believe a positive impact on urban communities
51% believe a positive impact on suburban communities
This is clearly a generational belief when one looks at how phasing out ICE auto sales are looked at by voter groups.
Voters aged 18-34 (71%) believe 2030 is when ICE auto sales should end.
69% of Black voters believe 2030 is when ICE auto sales should end.
67% of Hispanic voters believe 2030 is when ICE auto sales should end.
This is even more interesting to review when you look at the full transition to electric auto's broken down by state.
Michigan voters support this change by a 55 to 33% margin
Nevada voters support this by a 52 to 39% margin
Colorado voters support this by a 50 to 38% margin
New York voters support this by a 66 to 24% margin
Massachusetts voters support this by a 62 to 28% margin
New Jersey voters support this by a 58 to 30% margin
Some will ask and the voter survey was of 2,678 registered voters across the nation's states. Some were as low as only 153 respondents from Hawaii to 350 in New York, Massachusetts and other states.
So yes, one can say this is a small pool to sample to the almost 168.31 million registered voters in the US.
The focus on posting this is to encourage civil discussion on if this is not only reachable, but if it should be done or not, why and why not and to encourage the discussion on the future of the ICE versus EV industry.
Many states have committed billions of dollars over the next few years to installing electric charging stations across their state to help the transition to EVs. Some auto makers are taking it a step further such as Hyundai / Kia that is supporting not only the highspeed 800V plug in charging but also wireless charging of their auto's so that end users can use wireless pads that are installed at their home be it a house, condo or apartment for constant full charge at the start of each day.
Some places such as the West coast and even the East coast that is catching up in charging installation are leading compared to the Mid-west that is trailing. Change is inevitable and for some, a strong resistance to change will keep them in ICE for a long time while others will embrace the change of fueling from home as a dominant way to get to work, run errands, live life.
Post your thoughts on these latest polls on how you think this will play out. Please be polite, do not get political, but focus on the technology, the change to society and the pro's and con's of what you think moving to EV sales only by 2030 or 2035 depending on where you live will do for the world, country, state economy.
Clean Cars 2030 Polling — Coltura - moving beyond gasoline
Our News — Coltura - moving beyond gasoline
Be it grid storage, computers, cell phones and especially electric vehicles, a safe, long-lasting, and energy-dense battery in a smaller form factor is what every company is looking for in selling their products today. ICE or internal combustion engine vehicles have dominated the last 100 years, but the next 100 years seems to be looking at a major change and while ICE auto's will be with us for some time, technology is going to change the way humans get around in the 21st century.
Let's start with a little background information on battery format. You have your Cylindrical size cells that is used by Tesla and a few other companies in the auto industry around the world. There is then the Prismatic cell format which has been used by Toshiba for their SCiB cells that are also being used by various auto companies and the last is Polymer a pouch size cell that is being used in the auto industry such as GM with their Ultium battery packs.
There are pros and cons to all formats depending on the company you talk too. Here we are not going to get into this area except to say that their is various weight with each type of format and of course the denser you can get the battery cell with long-life and safety while in a smaller format, the more flexible the design of an auto has.
The solid-state break through comes via a partnership of LG Energy Solutions and University of California Dan Diego.
Working together the engineers have created a new type of battery that combines two promising sub-fields into a single battery. The two areas are as follows, the solid state battery, being no liquid inside the battery and the anode which in traditional Lithium batteries is made of metallic lithium. Here the anode is made of 100% silicon. As such you have a solid state silicon battery cell. The research has shown that this design allows for a very safe, long-lasting and energy-dense cell. The applications of which can be applied to storage for the electrical grid to electric vehicles and so much more where battery technology is used.
From left to right in the picture above:
1) The all solid-state battery consists of a cathode composite layer, a sulfide solid electrolyte layer, and a carbon free micro-silicon anode.
2) Before charging, discrete micro-scale Silicon particles make up the energy dense anode. During battery charging, positive Lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode, and a stable 2D interface is formed.
3) As more Lithium ions move into the anode, it reacts with micro-Silicon to form interconnected Lithium-Silicon alloy (Li-Si) particles. The reaction continues to propagate throughout the electrode.
4) The reaction causes expansion and densification of the micro-Silicon particles, forming a dense Li-Si alloy electrode. The mechanical properties of the Li-Si alloy and the solid electrolyte have a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and contact along the 2D interfacial plane.
This battery technology was published in the Journal Science nanoengineers from University of California San Diego in collaboration with researchers at LG Energy Solutions made this breakthrough possible.
To quote the published report: The development of silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries has been largely impeded by poor interfacial stability against liquid electrolytes. Here, we enabled the stable operation of a 99.9 weight % microsilicon anode by using the interface passivating properties of sulfide solid electrolytes. Bulk and surface characterization, and quantification of interfacial components, showed that such an approach eliminates continuous interfacial growth and irreversible lithium losses. Microsilicon full cells were assembled and found to achieve high areal current density, wide operating temperature range, and high areal loadings for the different cells. The promising performance can be attributed to both the desirable interfacial property between microsilicon and sulfide electrolytes and the distinctive chemomechanical behavior of the lithium-silicon alloy.
Silicon anode in traditional lithium batteries while safer have till now received much less attention due to the lower capacity these batteries hold. Yet solid-state has become a game changer with considerable increases in performance across a wide range of temperatures and excellent cycle life in full cell use.
What does one gain in going with this design? Currently a silicon anode in a solid-state battery is 10 times greater in energy density over a commercial lithium ion battery used in a BEV that is on the market. To quote the lead author on the paper, Darren H. S. Tan PhD in chemical engineering, "With this battery configuration, we are opening a new territory for solid-state batteries using alloy anodes such as silicon". Solid-state next generation batteries currently have had restrictions on charge rates and temperature during charging. The silicon anode overcomes these limitations, allows faster charging rates at room temperature while maintaining high energy density.
The laboratory testing delivered 500 charge and discharge cycles with 80% capacity retention at room temperature, which represents exciting progress for both the silicon anode and solid state battery technologies.
To understand why this is such an important breakthrough keep this in mind, silicon offers great storage capacity, 10 times greater than graphite. Lithium-ion batteries with silicon added to the anode mix increased energy density, but suffered from real-world performance issues; the number of times the battery can be charged and discharged while maintaining performance is not acceptable.
This problem is caused by the interaction of the silicon anodes and the liquid electrolytes it is paired with. This get complicated by the large volume of expansion of silicon particles during the charge and discharge cycle resulting in severe capacity losses over time.
Per the UC San Diego team, by eliminating the carbon and binders and going with an all-silicon anode using micro-silicon a much less processed and less expensive material over nano-silicon which has been used in the past they were able to reduce cost. They then addressed the root problem being the liquid electrolyte that causes instability. Here they used a sulfide-based electrolyte which showed this solid electrolyte to be extremely stable with the all-silicon anodes.
This creative out-of-the-box thinking has allowed them to have this breakthrough and will continue to support their research as they move forward on taking this to commercial productivity. This dual approach to battery design has removed the challenges that come with organic liquid electrolyte as they went with a solid electrolyte. It also allowed them to get ride of unwanted side reactions by removing the carbon on the anode with solid electrolyte, thus avoiding continuous capacity loss that typically occurs with liquid-base electrolytes.
This two-part move has allowed the researchers to reap the full benefits of low cost, dense or high energy and the properties of silicon being environmentally benign.
To quote LG Energy President and Chief Procurement officer Myung-hwan Kim; “With the latest finding, LG Energy Solution is much closer to realizing all-solid-state battery techniques, which would greatly diversify our battery product lineup.”
As the solid state battery race moves forward, LG will be bringing this to commercial market selling these batteries via their various partners such as a potential new battery design via GM's Ultium system
News Room ｜ LG Energy Solution (lgensol.com)
A New Solid-state Battery Surprises the Researchers Who Created It (ucsd.edu)
Carbon-free high-loading silicon anodes enabled by sulfide solid electrolytes (science.org)
New all-solid-state battery is safe, long-lasting, and energy-dense - Inceptive Mind
New all-solid-state battery holds promise for grid storage and EVs (newatlas.com)
A New Solid State Battery Surprises The Researchers who Created it, all-Silicon Anode - LG Energy Solution - Batteries News
The Lucid Group of Newark California announces today, the 16th of September 2021 a new standard in the advanced luxury EVs. The Lucid Air Dream Edition has received an official EPA rating of 520 miles of range, the longest-range rated electric vehicle ever rated by the EPA delivering over 100+ miles of range over the closest competitor.
The Lucid Air Dream Edition achieves 520 miles of range while delivering 933 horsepower and will sit along side the Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance model at 1,111 horsepower and the Grand Touring version at 800 horsepower.
To quote Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of the Lucid Group:
“I’m delighted that our Lucid Air Dream Edition Range has been officially accredited with a range of 520 miles by the EPA, a number I believe to be a new record for any EV. Crucially, this landmark has been achieved by Lucid’s world-leading in-house EV technology, not by simply installing an oversize battery pack,”
Lucid is using their race proven 900V battery technology in conjunction with BMS technology, miniaturized drive units, coupled with their Wunderbox technology in deliverying ultra-high efficiency, enabling further travel on less battery energy. To quote Lucid, "The next generation of EV has truly arrived!"
The complete family of Lucid Air vehicles have received their official EPA rating testing on versions with both 19" and 21" wheels. The Lucid family of cars which have 6 models now take the top six positions for overall EPA range rating among EVs as well as the highest MPGe ratings in the Large vehicle class.
Official EPA AWD ratings:
Lucid Air Dream Edition 19" wheels - 520 miles of Range (837 km) @ 933HP
Lucid Air Dream Edition 21" wheels - 481 miles of Range (774 km) @ 933HP
Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance 19" wheels - 471 miles of Range (758 km) @ 1,111HP
Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance 21" wheels - 451 miles of Range (726 km) @ 1,111HP
Lucid Air Grand Touring 19" wheels - 516 miles of Range (830 km) @ 800HP
Lucid Air Grand Touring 21" wheels - 469 miles of Range (755 km) @ 800HP
Lucid does remind potential customers that EPA estimated ranges are meant to be a general guideline for consumers when comparing vehicles and can change up or down based on driving style. These ratings are based on the Lucid battery pack of approximately 113 kWh.
Lucid will also have lower levels of auto's to come following the production of the current 6 models. The following models will be released at a future date:
Lucid Air Pure - 480 HP and 406 estimated range
Lucid Air Touring - 620 HP and 406 estimated range
Pricing is as follows for the Lucid electric cars:
Air Pure starting from $77,400
Air Touring starting from $95,000
Air Grand Touring starting from $139,000
Air Dream Edition Range and Performance starting from $169,000
Lucid Configurator is available here: Configurator | Lucid Motors
Lucid is truly going after the highest end luxury auto market and is making a statement by surpassing the Tesla S Long Range electric car that currently has a 405 miles EPA range (652 km).
Lucid believes they have brought together following their company's mission statement of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The interior is a modern 21st century luxury of comfort driving experience. Lucid features a luxurious full-size interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint.
Production of the Lucid Air auto line is being done at Lucid's new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona.
To quote Motor Trend in their review of the Lucid Air Dream Edition R in a drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco California and back to the Lucid HQ in Newark California, this 445 mile trip was covered with 72 miles of range to spare, "This is a Mic Drop". Motor Trends Jonny Lieberman put's it this way: "Remember range anxiety? As with internal combustion engines, it's a thing of the past!"
In reviewing the information Lucid has released to date along with their pictures of of the exterior and interior of the cars, it appears a line has been drawn in the sane in regards to Luxury levels for the interior with the highest level of fit n finish.
Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus, Infinity, Genesis, etc. are you luxury auto lines listening? Are you paying attention to the new bar in electrical efficiency and luxury expectations?
Welcome to the Lucid Air Revolution!
Lucid Air Officially EPA-Rated at 520 Miles of Range | Lucid Motors
Media Room | Lucid Motors
An absolute triumph of efficiency, Lucid Air achieves 520 miles of range. | Lucid Motors
Compare Side-by-Side (fueleconomy.gov)
President Biden was joined by the auto industry Executives of FORD, GM and Stellantis in the executive order targeting 50% of new auto sales by 2030.
While largely symbolic, this nonbinding order sets federal expectations for automakers to rapidly transition from ICE to BEV cars and trucks. Transportation is the largest share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
While not in attendance, BMW, HONDA, VOLKSWAGEN and VOLVO have all signed off on this executive order backing to target 50% of their new auto sales to be BEV by 2030 mirroring these companies pledges to hit this as they sided with California and their CARB mandates a few years back.
UAW is backing Ford and GM push to go all electric by 2035. This on top of the following statements from auto industry executives.
“It has been said that this generation is the first to feel the impact of climate change, and the last that can do something about it. I am proud that Ford is leading the electric revolution and standing for stronger standards that protect people and the environment as we progress towards a zero-emissions transportation future. Ford has always been a leader in sustainability and our employees continue their tremendous efforts to leave our children and our grandchildren with a cleaner planet.”
- Executive Chair Bill Ford
“Ford is on an ambitious trajectory to lead the electrification revolution -- from being the only full-line American automaker to side with California in favor of stricter greenhouse gas emissions, to electrifying our most iconic and popular vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit. Customer demand has exceeded our expectations. So, we expect to be well positioned to have fully electric vehicles account for 40 to 50% of our U.S. sales by 2030. We’re counting on strong cooperation among the Biden Administration, Congress and state and local governments, and are doing our part by developing high-quality, zero-emission vehicles that customers want.”
- CEO Jim Farley
Mary Barra(She/Her) • • FollowingChair and Chief Executive Officer at General Motors2w • 2 weeks ago
Yesterday, we met with the Biden administration and leaders across the industry to announce our shared aspiration to bring the nation closer to a more sustainable future by achieving 40-50% annual U.S. sales of electric vehicles by 2030.
I want to thank the administration for its leadership and support for the necessary policies that will accelerate #EV adoption, strengthen U.S. manufacturing, and provide good jobs for people and communities.
This is a critical moment in time, as we work together to advance the industry and achieve our shared goal for a better planet for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/ec4aKSY3
As such, the support and focus from the auto industry will drive new technology and new choices in personal mobility.
Ford, GM and Stellantis Joint Statement on Electric Vehicle Annual Sales
Ford Statements on Electric Vehicle Sales and White House Announcement | Ford Media Center
Stellantis Media - Ford, GM and Stellantis Joint Statement on Electric Vehicle Annual Sales (stellantisnorthamerica.com)
California Framework Automakers’ Joint Statement on New Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards. (bmwgroup.com)
California Framework Automakers’ Joint Statement on New Federal Vehicle Emissions Standards (hondanews.com)
FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Steps to Drive American Leadership Forward on Clean Cars and Trucks | The White House
Statements on the Biden Administration’s Steps to Strengthen American Leadership on Clean Cars and Trucks | The White House
Permanent magnets made using rare-earth metals is what currently drives the electric auto motors. These rare-earth metals are 15 elements that run the periodic table from 57 to 71 including yttrium and scandium which are soft silvery-white heavy metals. Very destructive to the environment and almost entirely controlled by China, but used in a wide range of electronics from computers, cell phones to current electric/hyrid auto's. Not much in the electronic industry is not using some rare-earth metals.
MAHLE under the guidance of Dr. Martin Berger, MAHLE Vice President for Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering has stated that the MAHLE breakthrough shows that the New Generation of Traction Motors is the best way forward for a cleaner planet. MAHLE traction motor does not require the rare-earth magnets for a magnetic field generation but instead uses an excitation coil located in the rotor to do the same job. As a result, the MAHLE traction motor is rare-earth material free reducing the impact on the earth and over all society while also making it much cheaper to produce these motors.
Wireless inductive power transmission which this motor uses inside allows for contact-free parts which has no friction allowing for no wear and long life. Inductive motors have now overcome the durability question which was critical in the past. Efficiency of the technology is boosted by current advanced digital control systems.
As per Dr. Berger, "To get energy to the rotor, it uses an alternating field which is then converted into direct current for the magnet coils. These magnet coils replace the permanent magnets. They induce a magnetic field into the air gap and causes the motor to generate torque."
This new traction motor is able to achieve 96 plus percent efficiency according to MAHLE. Eliminating exposure to fluctuating costs of the expensive materials and any ethical concerns with having to rely on a material supply that is controlled by China.
Per MAHLE this new traction motor allows a major step towards sustainable mobility while helping to minimize the impact on the planet.
Better yet is that these motors are maintenance-free while being suitable for a wide range of applications.
Home - MAHLE Group
MAHLE develops highly efficient magnet-free electric motor - MAHLE Group
en-us_20210505_press_release_magnet_free-hv_motor.pdf (mahle.com)
Products - MAHLE Group
The west coast green highway has served millions and the website has been a well used source to ensure all trip planning allowed for proper charging options to those using BEVs to go on a road trip.
Level 1 & 2 chargers with the occasional Level 3 fast DC charger has been the norm over the 10 year life for the WCEH. Now Washington and Oregon is moving forward to enhance this by contracting with EVCS who also purchased a series of charging sites in both states and will work with local state and county agencies to upgrade the 50kW DC chargers with CHAdeMO ports used by Nissan leafs to current high speed DC chargers with both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors.
These stations are spread out among I5, I90 and Highway 101 on the coast.
The benefits of this will be the following:
Fast chargers every 25 to 50 miles along select routes
Close proximity to freeway ramps
Convenient parking
Located in areas with secondary activities like restaurants and grocery stores.
Easy access to picturesque locations like Oregon's Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, Painted Hills, Washington's Snoqualmie Falls and Skagit Valley.
44 stations in Oregon and 12 stations in Washington have the following venues when it comes to charging needs:
Ten (10) city properties (convention centers, visitor centers, parks, etc.)
Nine (9) grocery stores
Eight (8) restaurants
Eight (8) miscellaneous properties ( Country stores, transit centers, office buildings, etc.)
Seven (7) hotels and or motels
Six (6) gas stations
Five (5) Casinos
Three (3) shopping malls.
The WCEH is the largest contiguous network of DC fast chargers in the North America giving confidence to travel up and down the west coast.
This is a welcome upgrade to the PNW and one of the largest expanding electric highway systems currently in North America.
West Coast Green Highway: Home
West Coast Electric Highway (evcs.com)
Oregon Department of Transportation : Electric Vehicles and EV Infrastructure : Programs : State of Oregon
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships | WSDOT (wa.gov)
Alpha Motors Corporation or AMC has shown up here at Cheers and Gears earlier this year when they unveiled multiple electric auto's from trucks to cars all in model form.
Now we get an update on the actual concept truck they have built as August 24th, 2021 AMC will unveal to the public at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California the Debute of the WOLF. The pure electric truck with a soul according to their press release. The public has expressed large interest in a cleaner life style auto and AMC believes they are delivering this with their first pivotal achievement of taking from art concept and models to actual building a working prototype.
The Alpha Wolf is targeted for production at the end of 2023.
Those that want more information about the truck can go here for further information.
Alpha Motor Corporation (alphamotorinc.com)
Vehicle reservations are here: VEHICLE RESERVATION — Alpha Motor Corporation (alphamotorinc.com)
You can reserve any of the following models:
ACE Coupe
ACE Performance Coupe
JAX CUV
WOLF Truck
WOLF+ Truck
SUPERWOLF Truck
Video overview of the Wolf is found here:
SuperWolf was unveiled on July 22nd but was as can be seen only in model concept.
One can check out videos on all of AMC planned future product line here: Alpha Motor Corporation - YouTube
Alpha Motors has a company drive and passion per their web site to create next generation of clean energy vehicles as the companies core passion as they serve as a platform for positive change.
Alpha Motors has teamed also with the Michael J. Fox Foundation in raising support for Parkinson's research. With 60,000 new cases diagnosed in 2021 in the US alone with no known cure, AMC is supporting via marketing and helping to raise funds to find a cure.
AMC and the Micheal J. Fox Foundation is excited for the World to see The WOLF come August 24th, 2021
PRESS — Alpha Motor Corporation (alphamotorinc.com)
The final development tweaks are being done ahead of the first customer deliveries and with that the AC Cobra is staying faithful to the recreation roots with one twist. Emissions-free electric powertrain is the start of this British marque builders future.
The specifications clearly show that this car is staying as much as possible to the roots of the Cobra history that started in 1962 with a Ford Small Block V8 and 60 years later in tribute to that history, the AC Cobra delivers with the following statistics:
Acceleration 0-62 mph - 4 seconds
Torque 500Nm Peak (369 lb-ft) / 250 Nm Continuous (185 lb-ft)
Power 230 kW (308 HP)
Battery Capacity 55 kWh
Estimated Range 150 miles
Auto Weight 1050 kg (2,314 lbs)
The AC Cobra 1 series is a limited production run of just 52 cars. One could easily say who cares, I will never see one here in the US. Yet AC Cars has already announced a larger series of the Cobra. AC Cobra Series 4 electric and for those that want an ICE they still do build authentic ICE Cobra's you can purchase via their website. Yet this is about their future and with that the Series 4 AC Cobra offers a wide selection of choices including power trains that can rocket the car including their top performance model with a 460 Kw (617 HP) electric version weighing in at 1,240 kg (2,733 pounds) with a crazy couple of seconds to 62 mph launch.
The series 4 offers two distinct packages with 4 color combo's per package.
One can get more details about the Series 4 here: AC Cobra Series 4 electric - AC CARS
Whether ones passion is electric or ICE powertrain, the one thing for any auto enthusiast is the driving experience and here AC Cars delivers on the traditional fun to drive performance car.
The New AC Cobra 378 Superblower MkIV is back featuring an LSA 6.2L Supercharged V8 with 6 speed gearbox and can be checked out here: AC Cobra 378 Superblower MkIV - AC CARS
The first of the electric AC Cobra fires up - AC CARS
AC Cars Official - YouTube
In the summer of 2019 the British Columbia province of Canada shocked the rest of Canada and many countries by stating that all new car and light truck ICE auto sales would be banned beginning January 1st 2040. They then stated that 10% of all new auto sales had to be electric by 2025 and had at the time a $57 million Canadian incentive program to encourage people to buy BEVs.
The Canadian province of Quebec then in November 2020 joined the British Columbia province in banning all new ICE car and light truck sales starting January 1st 2035. Premier Francois Legault told reporters this was necessary to ensure they hit their target of a 37.5% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and over all clean air plan for reducing health issues for the citizens.
Quebec being the second most populous province behind British Columbia has joined the California initiative to move everyone to BEVs. This has not come without push back from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association which has criticized these provinces with the following statement: “Consumers need more support to buy new (zero-emission vehicles) ZEVs, not bans on internal combustion vehicles.”
At the time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised sweeping measures to fight climate change, boost economic growth which included making zero-emission auto's more affordable to the Canadian citizen and investment in a country wide charging infrastructure. Yet due to the Pandemic, the current focus was on emergency aid to help businesses and people get through the pandemic.
Now that Canada is daily increasing their vaccinated rate for Covid19, the Canadian government had moved onto long range business and with that we get the June 29th 2021 announcement that Canada will ban the sale of fuel-burning new cars and light-duty trucks beginning January 1st 2035. This will help Canada reach their commitment to the Paris accord of reaching net-zero emissions across the country by 2050.
Canada is committed to aligning with zero-emission vehicles sales targets with the most ambitious North American Jurisdictions as stated by the Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. This supports following the lead by California that has moved to ban new car and light-duty truck sales beginning January 1st 2035 even while the United States has not yet set a fixed date for this.
Canada did state that they will work with the United States to harmonize fuel efficiency regulations by investing in consumer rebates, charging stations, business tax breaks and industry transition costs per Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
Canada also stated that they cannot reach their targets in emission reductions without the ban on ICE cars, SUVs, and Trucks especially as the SUV/Truck segment is the fastest growing segment of new auto sales as BEVs only make up 3.5% of new auto sales at this time.
Ford has committed to helping Canada change by stating that all Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus ICE production for North America will end by December 31st 2023 with BEVs production worth at least $2 billion will start beginning of 2024. The Oakville, Ontario plant will produce five new electric vehicles under Unifor Union workers. This joins Fords union work force commitment to manufacture BEVs across North America that covered at the time the US and Mexico and now Canada becomes part of that equation.
With the end of ICE production, Unifor union workers at the Windsor, Ontario plant that builds ICE engines was worried, but have since have commitment to change over the electric motor production ensuring the 3,000 Ford workers will continue to work and retire with a pension per Fords commitment.
This shows the growing Ford commitment to a BEV future globally as in February 2021 Ford had gone ALL-IN on EVs for Europe with their $1 billion transformation of the Cologne Germany auto production site to change over to production of BEVs and plug-in hybrids only by mid-2026 with all-electric only by 2030.
Ford is backing up the transition to a zero-emission future both in Canada, Europe and the greater North America by ensuring jobs as they transition plants. Currently the Van Dyke Transmission plant is now in conversion and renamed to the Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center in support of the F-150 Lightning retaining the 225 jobs there much in concert with the preservation of jobs in Canada. Ford has stated that the Van Dyke will produce a new eMotor every 75 seconds as full production begins this summer 2021 and will lay the ground work for the same performance of work at the Windsor, Ontario plant and other plants globally.
Canada sees a bright future for electric auto production and cleaner air with reduced CO2 emissions in the near future.
Canada to ban sale of new fuel-powered cars and light trucks from 2035 | Reuters
Quebec to ban sale of new gasoline-powered cars from 2035 | Reuters
British Columbia Bans Sale of Gas-powered Cars by 2040 | (ens-newswire.com)
Ford Canada to Build Electric Cars, The Canadian Business Journal (cbj.ca)
Ford Europe Goes All-In On EVs On Road To Sustainable Profitability; Cologne Site Begins $1 Billion Transformation | Ford Media Center
Van Dyke Plant’s Name Change Aligns with Expanded Production Line, Ford’s Commitment to Electrification | Ford Media Center
Zaiser Motors of Colorado has shown off their Cruiser version of an electric motorcycle in AWD/RWD form. The basic design is a 300 mile range motorcycle that can reach 60mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph.
Looking at the history of motorcycle startups as well as established companies like Harley Davidson with their livewire bike that only has 90 miles of range, the obvious question is how do they get such a long range on a bike? The answer is in-wheel hub motors.
Yes, there has been much written about the pro's and cons of in-wheel hub motors. Pro, you no longer have the drive chains/belts and other consumable parts that require maintenance, nice. Con side is the unsprung weight which requires the suspension to have to work harder in giving a smooth ride.
Zaiser Electrocycle answer is a removable, easily rechargeable battery pack that allows a much more flexible ride with a long range solution that riders are expecting based on ICE Motorcycles. Based on the Wefunder page, Quote:
"A 300-mile range is quite a claim, but we are ready to back that up.
By moving the powerplant out to the wheels and shedding weight, we are confident that we will have the flexibility to achieve a 300-mile range on our model 1 Electrocycle. Freeing up space in the center of the Electrocycle will allow us to fit our 17.5 KWH battery unit and more without compromising aesthetics or aerodynamics. Additional improvements consist of efficiency gains thanks to our new twin-hub cooling system and ultra light-weight composite material implemented during manufacturing.
These benefits alone give us the '50-mile-edge' over current over the ~250-mile industry average, however, we anticipate rapid advancements in battery technology in the near future, making this goal very attainable for Zaiser."
True Sustainability comes via ease of routine servicing, empowering the customer base and extending the lifespan of the Electrocycle. Part of this will come via building in compatibility with all levels of charging including fast DC charging, Home charging with interchangeable battery packs and recycling of battery packs allowing for a complete circle of life. This will come about via supporting the cycle industry modularity of battery packs with replaceability within the industry. Solid state batteries and using organic composite materials will be the other.
The initial Electrocycle is to be the AWD model, but they have in their business plan a much cheaper model that would imply RWD only. Safety is also right up there with their battery range, true traction control and auto stabilization are to be standard, unobtrusive to the rider and yet present when it counts. Zaiser says they are not stopping there as they have planned for a tech package that is a cohesive implementation of Lidar sensors, haptic feedback via the handlebars allowing for accident avoidance and much more that has never been present in motorcycles. Their Safety tech package they believe will play a crucial role in reducing accidents by 20%.
To succeed in todays market, Zaiser Motor company believes in three main principles for success, Culture, Community, and Events. Today's dealerships are not cutting it and Zaiser wants their stores to be a gathering hub for the community they are in. These places will be more than sales and service, but also a place for training, certifications and for hosting events to connect the Zaiser brand and it's customers and community.
Motorsports also falls in the three categories helping to drive innovation in the electric motorsport space with electric cycle advancements and innovations. Zaiser initial go-to-market strategy is to focus on urbanites that want to escape the city pod life cleanly taking them out and back safely in their adventure.
The Electrocycle is scheduled to launch by early 2022 at the latest according to their website and will come in a range of colors.
For your next bike, consider a Zaiser Electrocycle and go green!
Zaiser Motors • The Electric Motorcycle With A Soul
Invest in Zaiser Motors: The First Twin-Hub Electric Motorcycle! | Wefunder
Canoo is excited to announce their preorder reservation system is now open with a minimal $100 deposit. Canoo Inc. has stated that their first BEV will be their Lifestyle vehicle launching in 2022 with a targeted pricing of starting from $34,750 and rising to $49,950 for delivery, base and premium models before incentives or optional equipment. Pickup Truck and MPDV scaled production are scheduled to begin in early 2023.
CEO and Executive Chairman of Canoo Inc. Tony Aquila states the following: “It’s no longer a question of whether America will go EV – but when. Our line-up is future-forward and succeeds where others have struggled: Giving people the EV that works smarter for them at a price that can work for their budgets. That’s why we are designing for flexible use cases and focused on productivity solutions,” “We are designing for people who work hard, play hard and need something reliable, that will last and give you value. We’re for the 99% not the 1%. Our vehicle line-up is built for the backbone of America – to give you value so you can work smarter.”
Designed as a cabin forward to maximize interior space and function with exportable power and customization options is what the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle is all about. Available in four trims: base, premium, adventure and Lifestyle Vehicle Delivery. The Lifestyle Vehicle is the ultimate multi-tasker designed for the family that is constantly on the go. Without the need for an engine compartment, the Lifestyle Vehicle features the unique street view window for improved driver visibility.
The Adventure trim has more ground clearance with a muscular profile. The bumpers are enhanced along with the auto having metal skid plates added for increased vehicle durability.
Canoo's signature headlights and taillights serve as a core brand identifiers without the need for a logo.
The companies proprietary and highly versatile multi-purpose platform architecture will under pin all models from the Canoo lineup of BEVs. The Lifestyle Vehicle has the interior space of a large SUV with an exterior footprint of a compact car and is made for urban, adventure, families, fleet, ride hailing and more.
Anticipated specifications:
300 hp
332 lb-ft of torque
250 miles of battery range
Ready for work or play, the electric pickup truck is an ALL-AMERICAN made cabin-forward, steer-by-wire technology design built on their modular multi-purpose platform architecture. The truck has an extendable flatbed that Canoo believes will compete with America's best selling pickup trucks on a smaller footprint allowing for an easier to maneuver and more convenient to drive. The pickup truck was designed for all users with features that work from on-site jobs to out in the woods comfort. Exportable power, advanced exterior lighting, fold down worktable, cargo storage, flip-down side-tables, sidesteps and storage, extendable bed with space dividers and multi-accessory charge ports.
Anticipated specifications:
AWD or RWD motor configurations
500 plus HP
550 lb-ft of torque
Payload capacity of 1,800 lbs.,
200 plus miles battery pack range
The MPDV or Multi-purpose delivery vehicle is designed to maximize return on investment for a wide range of commercial customers (fleets) and yet still keeps small business and families in mind depending on configuration.
The MPDV was built with last-mile delivery companies in mind initially. High efficiency with class leading cargo space offer cost savings allowing businesses to reinvest and thrive. From independent contractors, tradespeople, utilities, service technicians and more.
Bi-directional onboard charging maximizes functionality and transforms the BEV into a power plant for equipment and tools that can be powered even in remote destinations. The vehicle was designed to accommodate workstations to store and access a variety of devices, products and equipment.
Depending on configuration, anticipated specifications:
200hp
236 lb-ft of torque
250 miles battery pack
Pricing, features, and performance metrics are all estimated and can change. Final vehicle specifications will be revealed at production launch.
Promises Kept – Canoo Pricing For Lifestyle Vehicle Is Accessible For Everyone | Press | Canoo
Electrify America has released that they will have 800 Ultra-Fast charging stations with 3,500 fast charging connections by early 2022 covering 47 states and the District of Columbia.
Currently Electrify America is working on new Ultra-Fast charging stations in Hawaii, South Dakota, Wyoming and Vermont that will complete the 47 states. Electrify America says they are also opening additional stations in Montana, Minnesota and New Hampshire, states with a small EV charging network presence. States that have passed legislature such as Washington state which starting in 2030 will ban the sale of new ICE auto's will have significant expansion of Ultra-Fast charging stations.
Electrify America Ultra-Fast Charging Stations support 150 kW charging which adds 7.5 miles of battery per minute for capable BEVs in metro stations and highway locations that support up to 350 kW chargers which add 23 miles of battery per minute. Select stations will have solar panel canopies that not only give shade to customers while charging but help to minimize the impact on the local electrical grid via a battery storage system.
Electrify America Opens 600 Public Ultra-Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Less Than Three Years - Electrify America NEWSROOM
Around this time last year, rental car companies found themselves selling off a fair amount of their inventory as the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the travel industry. With travel starting to bounce back, rental car companies now find themselves with a new problem - a shortage of vehicles to rent. Usually, they would turn to automakers and buy up a batch of new cars to shore up inventory. But the on-going semiconductor shortage has automakers cutting back on production, and causing rental companies to look at used cars.
“You would never go into auction to buy routine sedans and SUVs. These are special circumstances. There is a shortage of cars,” said Maryann Keller, an independent consultant.
Bloomberg reports that rental car companies do buy a small amount of used cars in the event of an sudden rise in demand, but not to fully outfit their fleet.
New car production has been hampered since last year as plants were shut down to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Production was starting to climb back up later in the year only to be hampered again by another crisis, the lack of semiconductors and chips needed for various systems. In their first-quarter earnings call, Ford reported production was down 17 percent and could fall as much as 50 percent in the second quarter. Other automakers are making similar statements.
“Our fleet acquisition team is working hard to secure additional vehicles -- both new and low-mileage used vehicles -- through all channels to meet the ongoing increase in demand.Overall, though, both new and used car inventory remain low. Our teams will continue to do everything we can to help customers with their transportation needs,” Enterprise spokeswoman Lisa Martini said via email.
There is a silver lining for rental car companies as they'll be able to charge higher rates as many people begin to take vacations after spending a lot of time at home. For example, the average rate at Avis increased 3 percent in the fourth quarter, to $59.43 a day according to Hamzah Mazari, an analyst with Jefferies & Co. He expects that number to rise to $60.00 when Avis reports their first quarter results.
Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required)
As of February 23rd, 2021 ion Ventures and LiNa Energy released their results of their first successful trial of the proprietary solid-state sodium battery platform at an undisclosed South East England location. ion Ventures, a 21st century utility and energy storage infrastructure specialist with LiNa Energy a solid-state battery technology developer had finished the final milestone of the prestigious UK BEIS Award.
LiNa Energy was formed in the summer of 2017 as a spin-out of Lancaster University. The goal was to apply modern material engineering to the sodium-nickel-chloride battery allowing them to create a game-changing battery storage technology.
The goal here was to commercialising a safe, cobalt-free battery platform that would be suited for both BEV and Grid Storage by the Utility industry at a substantial reduced cost. The achievement was that they hit $50 per kWh which is a substantial reduction over current battery technology. LiNa Energy went even further in focusing on a superior solid state cell design that also did not need Lithium removing both rare earth elements as they successfully created a solid-state sodium battery.
Development time was just under two years from concept to development and finally operational prototype that produced energy density comparable to todays existing lithium/cobalt batteries. They went even further in building a battery pack that can operate in a wide range of temperatures and does not require expensive cooling systems.
The aim of this trial was to demonstrate the ability to charge and discharge a battery module containing LiNa's patented system design which included optimized thermal and electrical management and control systems. LiNa Energy created the battery platform and ion Ventures is leading the deployment of the battery in real-word environment with a view to deploying it in the grid storage market near future.
The benefit of LiNa battery cell design is that this helps to manage grid volatility created by the decline in fossil fuel generated power by providing a synthetic source of inertia as the world moves towards green power generation. Lithium-ion technology is the dominant chemistry for battery storage systems. The LiNa Platform is a disrupting technology to the Lithium-Ion batteries currently being used in Grid storage markets, passenger and commercial vehicles (BEVs).
The clean-tech specialist consultancy BEIS Award, E4Tech performed an independent, strategic study of the stationary grid storage application based on LiNa's Technology. They identified that LiNa's platform was superior to existing Lithium-Ion based storage in regards to distribution, generation level storage and behind the meter owing to superior CAPEX, OPEX, LCC, battery self-discharge and safety metrics.
The next step is to setup a commercial large scale production for taking this battery technology to market focused on the following:
Utility Scale Storage:
Transmission grid
Distribution grid
Generation level storage
Behind the meter
Transport:
Passenger EV
Commercial/heavy duty EV
Bulk transport
Maritime
Railway
Aerospace
LiNa Technology hit's these very important points:
High Performance
Higher volumetric and gravimetric energy density than incumbent lithium-ion
Expected significant operational cycling improvement vs. lithium-ion
Low Cost:
Cell Cost as mass manufacturing of c.$50 kWH
Uses abundant raw materials, cobalt and lithium free and easily recycled
Safe:
Inherently safe system reduces system-level costs and complexity
Ceramic separator is non-flammable
Chemistry & IP:
Underlying NaNiCl chemistry proven commercially
LiNa IP is protected by several patents and 60+ years of combined specialist materials know-how
LiNa and ion Ventures conclude successful test of pioneering solid-state sodium battery platform - LiNa Energy
Technology - LiNa Energy
ion Ventures • ion Ventures and LiNa Energy conclude successful test of pioneering solid-state sodium battery platform
ion Ventures • homepage
Yamaha Motor Co. announced April 12, 2021 their new Hyper-EV motor allowing them to reach the highest output density for the EV class. In the past, Yamaha has been selling their first generation EV motor that had a range of 35 - 200 kW for auto's and mobility applications. Today's new generation of Hyper-EV motors now boasts output up to 350kW (469 hp) @ 800 volts per motor or a total of 1.4MW or 1,877 hp in a four motor AWD configuration.
Yamaha is taking EV motor development to a new industry leading level by leaving behind the module components mechanical and electrical separate units. This newly developed electric motor is a compact unit that combines mechanical and electrical as a single entity, integrating the gear, inverter into a single unit. This is in anticipation of installation of multiple units on a single vehicle.
Yamaha will be presenting this new motor line at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 in Yokohama scheduled for May 26th to May 28th 2021.
More information is expected to be released at the auto engineering show, but one can make some assumptions based on the few details on this new motor line and past details of Yamaha EV motors. Torque vectoring and redundancy of controllers is a benefit of this compact single unit in a multiple motor application.
Consider also that Yamaha Motor Co has a considerable investment in ownership by Toyota Motor Company and since Toyota currently uses Yamaha ICE engines in certain Toyota/Lexus auto's, that this motor line could very well show up in Toyota's BEV product line that is coming. Toyota has also stated they will show off this year their 800 volt solid state battery system in a BEV that will launch a complete line of auto's for global sales. It would make sense that this motor could cover from entry level to luxury level and performance BEVs.
Another interesting take is this motor line could find it's way into 3rd party sellers of conversion products. Convert your ICE Chevrolet Avalanche to AWD four Yamaha Hyper-EV motors with 1,877 HP giving you a large potential FRUNK with a battery pack between the wheels for a low center of gravity.
Electric Motors | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (yamaha-motor.com)
Yamaha Motor Begins Accepting Orders for Prototype Hyper-EV Electric Motor Development — New electric motor reaches 350 kW class in maximum output — - News releases | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (yamaha-motor.com)
October 5th, 2020 Hino Trucks, a subsidiary of The Toyota Group Company announced their Project "Z". This was the Company's development plan to offer zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) for class 4 to 8 medium and heavy duty trucks in the North American market with customer demonstrations in 2022 and production starting in 2024.
Project Z was a development plan to bring Fuel Cell and BEV to the whole medium and heavy duty product line for customers along side Diesel as the industry started to convert over. The long 5 year plan was expected due to the continued R&D that would be needed on Diesel trucks to meet global emission standards and the development time for fuel cell and BEV trucks.
During the Virtual 2021 NTEA Work Truck Show, Hino Trucks announced their intent to produce all class 4 to 8 trucks using Cummins engines for sale in North America. This is the Cummins B6.7 and L9 motors to start being produced in the Hino's L and XL Series models at the end of 2021. Additional models moving forward will come out to cover all truck lines allowing for a much reduced investment in R&D while at the same time allowing Hino to ramp up their efforts to move over sooner to a Zero Emission fleet of trucks.
As such, this announcement allows Hino and Cummins to secure long term diesel motor production for existing sales of such trucks and Hino is able to focus on Zero Emission vehicles (ZEV) using BEV and Fuel Cell technology. Hino has now moved up their time line with production of Fuel Cell and BEV trucks in Q4 of 2022 with full production by the end of 2023 rather than the end of 2024.
A couple of take aways from both the Cummins and Hino announcements and projects:
Hino can shift resources from Diesel R&D to Project Z. Cummins secures long term diesel powertrain commitments. Both OEMs secure a new partnership that helps offset R&D investments.
Cummins partnership contracts for diesel powertrain also secures revenue stream allowing Cummins to invest in their own ZEV Powertrains.
Both companies have stronger long term growth prospects with this partnership allowing both stocks to grow.
Additional commitments by HINO to the battery production industry securing large size battery cell production contracts. Battery suppliers another grow industry to consider.
HINO is a very popular truck line used in inner city deliveries as well as the suburbs and rural areas. Having a diverse portfolio of ZEV and Diesel trucks with a solid know power train from Cummins is a win win for Fleet buyers. Hino is lookin to lead the medium / heavy duty truck market in North America as well as around the world being ready for the needs of ZEV solutions while strongly supporting the needs of Diesel fleets.
Per Norway's own news and electrek story following up on the local news in Norway, they hit a record 54% electric auto sales market share for 2020. As more and more EV options come to market, gas and diesel sales have crashed.
March 2021 gas auto sales were 4.8% of the market with diesel following at 4.7% market share. This is less than half of the market share they had for the same period a year ago. Norway originally set 2025 as a target of electric auto sales only for the whole country and now are on track to ensure this happens without any issue.
As electrick story does point out, Norway is a small and rich country with strong EV incentives. As such, this has made the auto industry take notice and try to figure out how fast the rest of the world could follow.
Industry analysts believe the global market will hit 30% at best by 2030 for EVs. Even with or without incentives by local governments, there is strong belief by some that once enough variety is on the market, many will forgo ICE auto's for the simpler to maintain EV's.
Frp vil fjerne bensinbilene | DN
Norway's gas car sales are crashing to a crawl and rest of the world will follow faster than you'd think - Electrek
Libertine a UK firm was awarded a 2.6 million British pounds or $3,572,543 US dollars to take their free-piston generator concept to commercial production.
Per Libertine web site, the IntelliGEN 20-40 kWe Smart Engine platform is for OEM builders of Hybrid buses, trucks and auto's as well as distributed power applications.
Quoting their web site:
Robust and flexible platform for lab-based combustion development and prototype validation
20-40kWe* two stroke engines with uni-flow scavenging, configurable for light, heavy and gaseous fuels
Ground-breaking free piston motion control solution for the most demanding combustion applications
Advanced controls platform and analytics for low temperature combustion methods
De-risks and accelerates Smart Engine generator product development programmes
This free-piston engine propels magnet-equipped shafts back and forth generating electricity, the design does not produce torque. A big benefit of this motor design is that it can run on a variety of fuels from bio-fuels to renewable alcohol fuels. A small battery pack with efficient onboard generator using 100% renewable fuels Libertine believes is a solution that can drive uptake of net zero trucks before the end of this decade.
This engine concept is not new and has been around since the early 1900's. The solution that Libertine brings to this is the software management and problem solving on how to incorporate this design into a hybrid auto. 1934 is when the first patented free-piston generator happened and these crank less engines have many characteristics that people feel benefit being applied to hybrid auto's.
Free-Piston motors can easily have variable compression ratio for optimized operation. Based on modern computer control allows for variable stroke length by pulse pause modulation control. Frictional losses and manufacturing costs are reduced greatly allowing for less maintenance and increased lifetime. Less lubrication is required due to the purely linear motion also giving much less vibrations due to reduced balancing issues. The advantages of a free-piston engine are pretty clear with them being as follows, simple design with fewer moving parts, giving a compact engine with low maintenance costs and reduced frictional losses. Operational flexibility via variable compression ratio allows operational optimization with multi-fuel. High piston speed and a fast power stroke expansion enhances fuel-air mixing, reducing heat transfer losses and formation of NOx or nitrogen oxides.
gm did considerable research for the time in developing the XP 500 free-piston concept auto. Multiple reasons for not coming to market as management of the motor via software and enhanced controllers was not available then.
Today, Libertine is leaving no stone unturned in finding solutions to help the European Union and the world become fossil free by 2040 for all heavy-duty vehicles as their pledge. The details of the intelliGEN platforms key performance was delivered in a webinar organized by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
For more information you can reach out to the company about their various free-piston solutions / uses.
Home - Libertine
intelli-GEN (intelli-gen.com)
News & Press - Libertine
Free-piston engine - Wikipedia
Libertine is not the only company researching the use of free-piston motors. Durham Energy Institute is also looking to use this technology for range extending electric auto's. If costs are able to be kept low, then free-piston range extenders are a potential game changer for fully electric commercial trucks that have big energy needs.
Full details of the Libertine technology can be reviewed here: Technology - Libertine
According to China Daily Wuling Motors, a joint venture of GM, Shanghai Automotive and Wuling Motors sold 36,000 mini EVs in January 2021 toppling Tesla's Model 3 as the worlds best-selling electric car and to add insult even if you combine Tesla Model 3 and Y combined they still did not sell as many EVs as Wuling Motors.
Wuling Motor's Mini EV, has no connection with BMW Mini and it comes in two configurations, two or four seater, range of 106 miles and top speed of 62 mph and depending on options sells starting at $4,500 and $6,300.
Four months before it went on sale, auto reporters were invited to share their views in March 2020. They over all said it would not sell in big cities where international brands were preferred and chances would be slim in small towns or rural areas where people were constantly choosing gasoline auto's. These views have proved wrong and with it the facts that EVs at an attractive price point would sell in large numbers to the general population.
The Mini EV has safety front and center with 57% of the auto made of High Strength Steel. It also has anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and reversing radar. The back seats are equipped with two ISOFIX child safety seat restraint interfaces to cater to young families.
The auto has 13 kW of Power (17.5 hp) and 85 Nm of torque (115.3 ft-lbs) to go along with a smart battery management system that uses pre-heating and battery insulation to deal with cold or heat as well as IP68 water proofing and dustproofing of the battery system. The mini EV is 2,917 mm long (115 inches), 1,493 mm wide (59 inches) and 1,621 mm high (64 inches) on a 1,940 mm (76 inches) wheelbase. Ultimate inner city or urban commuting auto.
Wuling Motors now has requests from 150 counties / regions in China asking when will the Mini EVs go on sale. As production ramps, so will new outlet offering the Mini EV.
Statistics are currently showing that the majority of buyers are in small cities / towns with 72% of these buyers born in the 90's and 60% of them are female.
Where Tesla is considered a toy for the Rich, Wuling has gone after the Companion to the young independent Woman / Man. Selling points have been easier to park and maneuver especially for new drivers. The range while short in comparison to Tesla is more than enough for commuting to work, easy to charge at home over night as well as cute, customizable and affordable.
Wuling motors has been showing GM how to build profitable small auto's and market them for success. Wuling says you sell them like designer clothes, not like traditional auto's. Wuling has achieved this by partnering with Pantone, the global authority on Color and Design. In addition, Wuling / GM / Shanghai automotive are working on partner deals of co-branding with Disney and Nike for the regional markets.
The focus has been rather than copy everyone one else on making auto's that look like Tesla and sell much higher, Wuling has focused on the last mile of mobility and looking good while arriving. Wuling is also launching e-bikes and scooters as it has branded itself as a Lifestyle Brand not an auto company.
Alpha Motor Corporation or AMC released for reservation the WOLF pickup truck March 11th 2021.
The WOLF has the following projected specifications:
MSRP $36,000 to $46,000 depending on configuration (does not include $7,500 federal EV tax credit)
Battery range of 250 to 275 plus miles with rapid charging, battery heating/cooling for optimum performance
Single motor FWD or Dual motor AWD
0 to 60 mph of 6.2 seconds acceleration
1360kg or 3000lbs towing capacity
Length - 4765mm or 188 inches
Width - 1930mm or 66 inches
Truck bed - 1652mm or 65 inches (5ft 4 inches) length, 1490mm or 59 inches wide, 397mm or 16 inches deep
Wheels - 16" to 18"
LED lighting with Daytime running lights
Two passenger seating
Interior cargo 34.5 cubic feet
Digital display for driver and wide format center display
Premium seat and trim material
Bluetooth connectivity
Premium Sound system.
The WOLF truck is a multi-purpose electric utility truck designed for those wanting a solid four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive pickup with no carbon emissions representing Alpha's commitment to move humanity with innovations in electric vehicle modularity, customization flexibility, and practicality.
This is one of 6 auto's to be built on the Alpha platform with deliveries currently scheduled to start in 2023 to customers.
https://youtu.be/BQNW-eiXRR4
This is where old school truck looks meet 21st century technology allowing for the best of both worlds in a comfortable clean air mini pickup.
As comparison, the shortest Toyota Tacoma pickup is 212 inches, if you go back to the 70's such as the Chevrolet Luv truck with it's standard 6ft bed was only 173.8 inches long or 190.9" long with the optional 7 1/2ft long bed.
AMC Wolf Electric Pickup - Cheers and Gears
Alpha Motor Corporation (alphamotorinc.com)
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