G. David Felt

So via LinkedIn, Walmart CEO has confirmed expanding in home grocery delivery creating 3,000 new roles and will use BrightDrop delivery vans to make this happen giving GM another big contract of EV vans. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dougmcmillon_walmart-to-expand-inhome-delivery-reaching-activity-6884590382848589824-VEOR

Yet behind the American Big boys as with two EVs, they will catch up to Ford that has two out now. In regard to Mercedes versus GM, by the end of this year, GM will have Bolt, BOLT EUV, Hummer EV Truck & SUV, Chevrolet Truck EV next year, Equinox EV also next year, Blazer EV end of 2023 and many more to come by 2025. That shows Mercedes is very much behind and will have to play catch up after getting caught with their pants down on Dieselgate. Catching up to Tesla, how about Mercedes catching up to Ford and GM. ?

I have to say, I can wait till this goes into production. I think this is an awesome solution to convert my 1994 GMC Suburban from ICE to BEV. I could dig AWD with 577 HP and 10,156 lb-ft of torque.

Magna EtelligentForce PowerTrain system is an electric 4WD system for pickups and light duty commercial vehicles paired with Magna eBeam technology gives full capabilities without compromising payload or towing capacities and is targeted for full production from 2025. Pickup trucks and full-size SUVs are at their height of popularity and comes at a pivotal time where legacy OEM auto builders are looking for ways to eliminate emissions and yet maintain full capabilities. Created to benefit the 3/4-ton and 1-ton truck class. EtelligentForce features Magna's eDrive technology at the front and its eBeam electrified beam axle at the rear. This allows the following capabilities: Towing up to 14,500 pounds Total peak power of 430 kW (577 HP) with Peak Torque of 13,770 Nm (10,156 lb-ft) 250 kW (335 HP) / 10,000 Nm (7,376 lb-ft of Torque) rear eBeam 180 kW (242 HP) / 3,770 Nm (2,780 lb-ft of torque) front eDrive. Omits need for architectural changes Totally customizable allowing to prioritize key performance attributes. Magna's eBeam replaces traditional beam axles, accommodating existing suspension and brake systems, and avoiding the need for expensive redesign of existing truck platforms. This could if Magna so chooses to be an excellent way to convert existing ICE full size trucks and SUVs to electric. Fewer moving parts in comparison to traditional ICE powertrain, the EtelligentForce powertrain requires less maintenance - a direct benefit to truck / SUV owners over the life of the vehicle. Magna is setting up a dedicated EV center at its U.S. headquarters in Troy, Michigan. This team will be dedicated to preparing and launching the EtelligentForce Solution in the North American EV Market from 2025 forward in addition to other EV products. Magna has the EtelligentForce powertrain solution joining their two existing powertrain solutions the EtelligentEco focused on PHEV production and the EtelligentReach Bev Powertrain solution. Magna had a booth at CES 2022, and allows a in depth virtual attendance of their booth here: Magna at CES 2022 | Magna International This technology has already been put into production as Magna provides the EtelligentReach as the RWD/AWD powertrain for the Jaguar I-Pace built by Magna's Austria division for Jaguar. Magna is also to build the Fisker Ocean BEV for Fisker Auto Group using their BEV tech for the Crossover. News Release - Magna’s EtelligentForce Simplifies Electrification of Truck Segment Magna at CES 2022 | Magna International Product Storyboards EtelligentForce (magna.com) EtelligentForce (magna.com) EtelligentEco (magna.com) EtelligentReach (magna.com) Fisker Ocean | Fisker Inc. View full article

Japan has a HUGE American Muscle scene, just have to wait like here in the US a few decades to import without restrictions those muscle cars one loves.

Now that they have released actual images of the Chrysler Airflow and that it is near production ready, this is an impressive EV and should do well for Chrysler dealers.

While I have not found the stories again, I do now that somewhere in the Rivian threads I had posted what was in the Bloomberg / WallStreet / CNN interviews where RJ the CEO said they are exploring alternative bed lengths to add down the road due to the flexible nature of their Skateboard platform. All one has to do is look at the Fleet section where you have your choice of 500 / 700 / 900 cubic feet vans on the same platform and see how much bigger they are and the fact that you can get them in FWD or AWD format for delivery services. AWD is focused on the Northern States where ice and snow make delivery more challenging. As such, I see them around Seattle all the time since this is the HQ market. Even in the testing in California where they have been caught with an R1T which you can clearly see is much shorter than the Van. So, 6- and 8-foot trucks are possible, and I tend to believe since the photo slipped of the king cab or extended cab version, that they would also have other formats.

As has been stated the same platform has been used for extended length Amazon Prime Delivery vans which proves they can easily build them longer no problem. Then on top of this, this story with leaked picture of a extended length truck got the CEO to say in other interviews they do have longer bed lengths being tested. Did Rivian Accidentally Leak An Extended Cab Version Of The R1T Truck? (insideevs.com) This of course led to these images.

@surreal1272 @Robert Hall Here are the specs of Unimog versus Hummer EV Truck. Unimog U 4023/U 5023: Technical data - Mercedes-Benz Trucks - Trucks you can trust (mercedes-benz-trucks.com) 6 to 13 tones of weight depending on which model and configuration. Wheelbase = 3,850 mm = 235-inch Body spec = 4,100 x 2,280 x 1,400 mm = 161.4 x 139.1 x 55.1 inches Length x Width x Height Turning Radius = 16.4 meters = 54 feet Ground Clearance = 10 to 20 inches depending on tire size. Approach Angle = 41 to 46 degrees depending on model Departure Angle = 39 to 50 degrees depending on model Breakover Angle = none stated Introducing the GMC HUMMER EVs | Electric Truck & SUV Truck & SUV Weight = 9,046 lbs or Wheelbase = 135.6 or 126.7 inches Height = 79.1 or 77.8 inches Width = 73.3 inches for both Length = 216.8 or 206.7 inches Turning Radius = 37 or 35 feet for 4-wheel steering / 44 or 45 feet for 2-wheel steering Truck Ground Clearance = 11.9" to 15.9" SUV Ground Clearance = 12" to 16" Truck Approach Angle = 44 to 50 degrees Truck Departure Angle = 33 to 39 degrees Truck Breakover Angle = 25 to 32 degrees SUV Approach Angle = 44 to 50 degrees SUV Departure Angle = 41 to 50 degrees SUV Breakover Angle = 27 to 35 degrees Overall, I think the Hummer is a very capable off-road EV due to the hydraulic suspension system.

Seems Stellantis CEO has finally answered that they believe GM is the Loser since they are second in the EV truck race and that RAM will have an EV Truck out in 2024, so plan for seeing it this year some time, but others while RAM is riding HIGH on their trucks might see this as a failure and behind the other two big truck makers. Only time will tell. For sure I can see RAM seeing what Ford and GM did and toping them. This is the way it has always played out. The Big Three leap frogging each other for the Top truck of the year. Stellantis CEO: Ram 1500 electric truck being adjusted to boost specs (freep.com)

Rivian has proven that the skateboard chassis is actually easier to extend as they have their 8ft test mules out now. I expect this is more of a keep thing close to the vest. GM having stated they will have an HD EV line while ford has stated no plans for Super Duty EVs (Ford: No plans for all-electric Super Duty trucks (freep.com)) and yet has proven in their EV truck that it can pull more than Diesel with the Million pounds tow of the train and trucks. I fully expect since GM has shown they can scale up and down the Ultium platform for various auto size needs that 6- and 8-foot trucks are in our future. As Mary Barra has stated, HD Trucks will be out before 2035, yes long ways away, but does give them time to perfect their Ultium Platform.

Washington state has required 220V outlets in the garage for chargers since 2015. With the tech boom here, many new home developments in the last 5 years have also included a 220V CCS charger. So, for me, it is probably far more common than most states I have to assume as to why it is so easy to see here. Even with the cost of say $1,500 for a 220V install for charging, with federal and state rebates, many people can offset that cost and still come out ahead over ICE I believe. I understand your point, I think EVs also have to work into your lifestyle. As an active outdoors person and in a state where Rivian and Tesla have made a point of installing along with Jeep now chargers at offroad parks, ski resorts, national and state parks to compliment what the state has installed, this has expanded the fast charge ability for people to live an outdoors active lifestyle and use emission free autos. For me, especially when I go skiing on the weekends, not having the diesel smell or noise in the parking lots would be very nice IMHO.

I get the point you're making and I also hope that the initial launch with only 5' 10" bed is just for the start and that additional bed lengths like Rivian is exploring now in mules happens as it only makes sense that it would plus, we do have GM saying that they will be building HD models also so for there I expect 6- & 8-foot beds to be standard.

Reading the actual full study, one could come up with many questions about the facts that are stated in the full report. Costs of Fueling EVs and ICE Vehicles (2021) (andersoneconomicgroup.com) The biggest question I have is WHO REALLY PAID for the study as they do not state it, but their web site clearly states that they do these studies based on businesses paying for it. This seems to be to be a study based on what the OIL INDUSTRY is wanting to have sold to the public as they do the marketing of supporting green energy, but in reality, want to kill it since it is easier to keep drilling, destroying the environment and sell gas/oil than embrace changing over to green energy sources. While they state this in their FAQ: Did oil companies, auto manufacturers, or other interest groups pay for this study? In circumstances where an organization commissioned our work, we state that explicitly. In this case, the work was done independently. This study is the result of over 6 months of independent work by consultants at Anderson Economic Group. The company has over two decades of work for clients that include auto manufacturers, trade associations, auto dealers, labor unions, state governments, municipalities, colleges, and nonprofit organizations, including organizations that promote conservation and energy efficiency. No outside group provided support for this analysis, financial or otherwise. EV Fueling Study FAQ – Anderson Economic Group One does have to wonder what influence the OIL INDUSTRY had on this so-called independent study. Real-World Electric Vehicle Fueling Costs May Surprise New EV Drivers – Anderson Economic Group I do appreciate you posting this as it does touch on things that many will overlook, yet costs keep coming down and many states are now insisting on new homes having 220 outlets in the garage so anyone can plug in a 220V charger. Yes, I get it that if you live in old neighborhoods, old homes usually do not have a 220V outlets in the garage unless they have the washer and dryer out there.

Be it 20 oil changes or the $1,500 for a 220V wall charger, both would be written off against the business as a business expense one would assume in optimizing the profits for your business / work. A moot point IMHO.

Looks like one of those customized Clown Cars.

Wife bought the hair cutting kit from Costco 20 years ago as she hated the local barbers and hair saloon on how they would cut my hair after I told them what I want. She has done this now since then and a few kits we have gone through from Costco for cutting hair. I now have a couple of water jugs filled with quarters as every time, once every 5 to 6 weeks, I then put a roll of quarters in the jug for the haircut. Our Bali travel fund once we get through this Pandemic. Was supposed to be last December for our 30th wedding anniversary, but Covid stopped that, so we will go once we are comfortable with travel. I love my close commute for haircuts, work and having lunch with the wife. A nice walk from the office to the kitchen or garage depending on what is going on.

Hello Biff, when did you ever ask for a direct comparison of Apple to Apple. You stated: Then you went into models, the statement is clear, no off road SUVs. WRONG AGAIN BIFF! Plus where is Mercedes Best or Nothing Truck, off-road Truck??????? RIGHT............................... NOTHING!

GM makes the Tahoe and Suburban Z71. That is a pretty strong off road SUV! You can also get the off-road High-Country package on the Traverse in AWD. The Blazer comes with 5 different drive modes, get AWD and you get additional includes Off-road, sand, snow, mud. These are the same by the equal GMC labels also. So how do you say they have zero off road SUV?

I agree with you that it is not weird and quirky, but as @surreal1272 stated boring or for me TOTALLY FORGETABLE! Mercedes seems to be building true appliance autos that one will forget as they do not stand out and that could be the biggest failure of Mercedes BEV strategy. While not a fan of the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, you do not forget them, and they are easily identifiable. Mercedes has moved into the generic realm so bad that they are totally forgettable as most people will not be able to define them from one another. IMHO

Excellent video on the EVs coming in 2022 and I have to say Mercedes FAILS with the UGLY EQB that has no style and fails, so much better is the BMW even with the ugly kidney grill. Others look way better than the germans too.

Interesting comparison of the New Silverado EV to the past Avalanche.

Some of the first posts of the truck by other media outlets. After looking at this with a close up of the dash, this is the BEST Looking Silverado in a long time to me IMHO. The Dash I am loving. Edmonds did a decent comparison of the Silverado EV to F-150 Lighting.

@Drew Dowdell Congratulations, seems the first edition first year of production sold out in 12 minutes. New GM Electric Silverado Sells Out in 12 Minutes - Bloomberg Interview of Mary Barra with Bloomberg where she states this. Silverado EV (chevrolet.com) More images, videos and details on this site now.