G. David Felt

At the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the Kia Design center of America brought to life two concept vehicles that provide the ultimate in capabilities, adaptability, utility and organization. These two lifestyle vehicles blend form and function into the machines designed for responsible engagement with nature. EV9 ADVNTR CONCEPT EV SUV – this truly unique all-electric 3-row SUV is designed to take life well beyond the beaten path.  And conquer it. Built for serious fun, this 2025 EV9 EV SUV has been refined into the most adventurous SUV Kia has ever imagined. With custom front and rear facias for a unique and rugged look – and a reinforced rocker panels for increased capability and character – the EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV also features a 3” lift compared to the standard EV9 and a rugged tire and wheel combination to maximize the vehicle’s off-road capability. A custom roof rack can handle everything from standard luggage containers to bespoke roof-mounted tents that transform the EV9 ADVNTR into a machine perfect for getaways in the great outdoors. Rough and ready, the EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV is Kia’s latest expression of a lifestyle utility vehicle ready for tomorrow’s adventures. PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN – is based on Kia’s recently debuted line of EV PBVs, or Purpose Beyond Vehicles, designed for small business and delivery functionality. It is a highly capable van allowing expression of your lifestyle wherever it may take you. Lifted and equipped with off road tires, it is an ideal escape pod for extended weekends in nature. The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features a highly flexible and adaptable modular interior that can be easily and efficiently customized to maximize space and function – akin to a Swiss Army Knife on wheels. The van’s “Gear Head” feature is the first-of-its-kind storage solution that provides an off-board, sheltered storage space for gear when the vehicle is stationary, allowing for maximum utilization of interior space while still offering easy access to gear outside. The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN’s “Gear Head” can also be transformed into a mobile pantry for cooking afficionados that want to “Cook with a View”. Truly self-sufficient, the PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features solar panels and unique hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the batteries for many uses.  As an example, Kia installed an onboard compressor to handle needs for inflation, from adjusting tire pressure when out on the trail to inflating space efficient mattresses when setting up camp for the night.  Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America had this to say at the reveal: “Kia’s rugged and capable utility vehicles have long been known for being versatile, adaptable and comfortable to suit the needs of a wide range of consumers. We wanted to ‘level up’ the functionality and capability by developing these concepts that take those legendary attributes to the next level. Our vehicles already help people live their active and adventurous lifestyles and it was fun to see just how far we could go with these latest concepts. The SEMA Show acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.” Work or play these two EVs are ready to handle whatever you throw at them. Kia, get out and play!!! View full article

We'll this sucks, C&G went down causing headaches for Drew and we now have a Fascist in power. How folks can vote for a convicted rapist, convicted business fraud and not once but 6-time bankrupt businessperson all for his own personal gain is beyond me. I did read an interesting AP story that said in 2016 the bulk of Latino voted for Trump, then 2020 for Biden and now back to Trump. College education is low among Latino's and the bulk of these conservative folks have stated that they do not believe woman belong in politics or business and as such went with the guy to vote. Seeing so many immigrants supporting Corrupt 47 blows my mind. A coworker said a number of folks from Africa that he knows where he came from all voted for Trump as Economy was their number 1 concern. Yet we have a strong economy and low unemployment. He said they all were frustrated with how expensive things had become to buy and they said Trump will lower costs. I pointed out that Inflation is always here, and the first two years of a new president is dealing with what was left to them from the outgoing president. As such, the first two years of high inflation under Biden was due to the poor policies that Trump did while in office. Unfortunately, It is what it is and truly mind boggling that so many bought into the Trump Lie Machine. Hopefully the House will go Democrat to balance out a republican senate so crazy cannot go too crazy with stuff. Here is an interesting video to watch. Video: Listen to The 2024 Xiaomi SU7 Max Belting It Around The Track | Watch This is interesting, price parity has been achieved on the fleet side. The 2025 Ford E-Transit Costs The Same As The Gas Version

In business, it is a countable noun, it tends to mean to stop or cause something to stop, usually before possibly continuing again. Based on how business sees a stall, I would have to say that Ford would be committed if they were moving forward with updates on the existing EVs, instead they have stopped all further development as they wait for their so-called skunk works project which makes no sense to me. Other than the few updates that Ford Confirmed at the start of this year for Mach-e and F150 Lighting, everything else has been Stalled as the engineers have been reassigned to Hybrid or HD work according to ford. Ford Commitment would be moving forward to lower cost on current EVs rather than stopping the building of the battery plants that would lower cost as well as other plant use. IMHO Two different segments, totally different type of customers. The approach to how it is seen in the industry is very different as to why the media tends to not group fleet and retail together.

Welcome to the Suck Club of American Football!

Seems like the Seattle Seahawks too, everyone at work was talking about how strong they were and were going all the way to the Super Bowl this year. and then after the first 4 games of solid wins, now 5 straight losses. Totally this, which is an awesome modern version of the original if you have never heard it.

This pretty much sums up the battle, both trucks have highlights, but the winner from fit n finish to quality of features and software features is Rivian. New Rivian R1T vs Cybertruck: Battle Of The Electric Pickups

I feel that the bulk of quality engineers have left Tesla as stuff like this should not be happening, but it does. Pathetic Cybertruck Owner Fixes Problem Tesla Dealer Couldn’t Solve With A $13 Amazon Part | Carscoops

Seen this from Dubai. Crazy that the arabs want their woman covered head to toe even the face in many cases and yet they will pay to have a non-arab woman dressed in next to nothing.

Have to say that now with Kia releasing the full econo lineup of the Kia EV3 with the top end being the GT-Line, this is a sweet EV. Should be very successful here in the US when it goes on sale Spring 2025. Chevrolet Bolt better deliver otherwise it will be a knockout by Kia. Kia EV3 Base Model - They have an EV9 go by and you can see the style and size. Better than anything Tesla has offered in the Model 3 for an interior (IMHO) and Chevrolet better bring their A game as Kia is going for the throat. Removed the videos as they auto play and I could not stop it, so here is the site you have to choose which EV3 video you want to watch. Kia EV3 videos - Dailymotion

Audi USA has opened the books on ordering the 2025 RS Q8 Sport, Audi's most powerful combustion model ever produced: With 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, the new RS Q8 performance ranks as the most powerful production combustion Audi Sport model ever Expressive exterior design and new, lightweight forged wheels significantly sharpen the appearance of Audi’s most powerful SUV Standard ceramic brakes and adaptive air suspension extend the new model’s performance envelope while retaining comfort and everyday practicality The Audi RS Q8 uses a biturbo V8 engine producing 631 HP and has impressive daily usability and practicality while delivering outstanding handling. Stopping power comes from massive carbon ceramic brakes (17.3"/14.6" F/R) paired with an adaptive sport air suspension and Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system with optimized self-locking center differential. The RS Q8 has a choice of carbon exterior and interior design packages to choose from to personalize your RS. This comes with having new distinctive to the RS Q8 air intakes, honeycomb structure in the 3D singlefram grill. Rolf Michl, Managing director of Audi Sport had the following to say:  “The new RS Q8 performance embodies sportiness and elegance. The top model of the Q8 series combines a passion for performance, prestige, and suitability for everyday use to create an exhilarating experience.” The biturbo V8 engine delivers 631 HP with 627 lb-ft of torque delivering you in a 0 to 60 mph of just 3.4 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top track speed of 190 mph. One can enhance their presence by upgrading the default exhaust with the optional system that further intensifies the sound experience and stands out with a glossy black tailpipes. Power is delivered in a default 40:60 (F/R) axle ratio with the ability when the electronic system senses slippage of sending up to 70% of the power to the front wheels or 85% to the rear wheels The RS-tuned adaptive air suspension will continuously adapt the riding height by up to 3.5" higher or lower depending on the driving mode selected and the sensors sensing of the road as you drive. This is further enhanced by a 48-volt lithium battery system that allows the electronic all-wheel-steering (eAWS) to improve agility and stability at high and low speeds. The eAWS system at low speeds turns the rear wheels up to five-degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels reducing turn radius giving superior tight spot maneuverability. This system using two electric motors can absorb and release high currents in lighting fast reaction in spirited driving reducing lateral tilt or body lean. The RS Q8 comes with OLED lights front and rear, with the rear having five selectable digital signatures paired with the front DRL Signature. There are nine paint finishes to choose from including the Chili Red as seen here. Standard wheels are a 22" 10-spoke-star alloy piece fitted with 285/40 R22 summer tires. Optional is a 23" 5-Y-spoke designed in a bi-color black finish. These optional rims reduce corner weight by 11lbs at each corner and improve brake cooling. The 23" rims come with Pirelli P Zero 295/35 R23 tires for superior wet and dry road grip. The RS Q8 interior comes with dual 12.3" virtual cockpit display that allows you to customize the information you want to see from the launch control to other informational areas about the performance of the auto. The interior will have two options of red or gray RS design package that covers the center console, floor mats, steering wheel, and seatbelts and stitching allowing a contrast of the red or grey selected interior. The RS Q8 is available to order now with deliveries starting late 2024 with a starting MSRP of $136,200 Online Gallery View full article

I updated my post as I forgot as a 2026 model, we will see the NEW Ultium based Chevrolet BOLT based on the EUV. GM has said there will be two models that will allow them to have a low priced mid $25K EV and a Higher priced Bolt EV $30K below the Equinox. That would give them two models to compete against the Kia EV3 that is launching in Spring 2025 at a mid $25,000 price point or below $20K with IRA rebate.

Yes, Lincoln killed all EVs and has decided that they will go full Hybrid for the portfolio, so Ford has just 3 if you combine Fleet and retail. GM as a full family for 2024 has 9 when you combine fleet and retail Chevrolet Equinox EV Chevrolet Blazer EV Chevrolet Silverado EV GMC Hummer Pickup GMC Hummer SUV GMC Sierra EV Cadillac LYRIQ Chevrolet Brightdrop 400 Chevrolet Brightdrop 600 Chevrolet Brightdrop chassis cab In 2025 will add: Cadillac Optiq Cadillac Escalade IQ Cadillac Celestiq Chevrolet BOLT - Possible two models to come in 2025. UPDATE GMC Terrain - Unconfirmed at this time since earlier 2024 EV roadmap Buick Electra - Unconfirmed at this time since earlier 2024 announcement If GM delivers on just adding Cadillac that is 12 or 14 EVs in the portfolio, or 14 if the GMC and Buick show up, but I expect they will be push back. Kia / Hyundai / Genesis has 9 EVs total, 3 retail versions in each brand, but Hyundai is adding the Ioniq 9 for 2025, Genesis is adding the GV90 SUV to compete with Escalade IQ in 2025 and Kia has had their EV9 Pickup truck running around LA in testing which implies we will see something maybe at the LA autoshow. So they could end up with 12 EVs by the end of 2025. GM / Hyundai / Kia / Genesis EVs compared to Ford shows Ford having fallen far behind in this transition and will be even harder to catch up too imho. Updated as I forgot to include the Chevrolet BOLT that GM has stated will come out in 2025 and they have talked about two models of the Bolt.

Not dismissing it, it is an EV offering, but not one that the traditional retail customers would look at, as such more specialty dedicated. Example of this EV is GM with Brightdrop that they merged under the Chevrolet banner now. They have the BrightDrop 600 and 400 commercial vans as well as the chassis version like ford. This is 3 more EVs one could tag onto the Chevrolet banner then saying they have a total of 6 EVs, Equinox, Blazer, Silverado and Brightdrop. Yet retail customers are not going to buy a specialty van that is unfinished inside to drive their family around in if we are honest with ourselves just as retail customers are not going to buy the Transit-e. They are specialty EVs aimed at the commercial / fleet market.

Yes anyone can order the E-Transit, but considering that they do not offer a family version and Ford has been very clear that the focused selling is via their fleet channel, why would a family buy a tin can EV Transit for family use? Nothing in these 3 model offerings say Family or Retail EV.

Hyundai has Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 & 6. = 3 models, 1 car & 2 SUVs Kia has Niro EV, EV6 and EV9 = 3 models, 3 SUVs Genesis has GV60, GV70 and GV80 = 3 models, 1 car & 2 SUVs All 3 models are retail home users Ford has the F150 Lighting Pickup Truck and Mach-e = 2 models, 1 truck & 1 SUV Ford has Commercial Transit delivery Van = 1 model commercial segment So yes, you can say each company has 3 EVs, but Ford is really only 2 EVs in the retail space with 1 in the commercial space. Ford has 3 EVs in Europe & China, Transit-E, Mache-e and Puma-e, introduced at the Shanghai auto show new hybrids but nothing else in EVs. Kia has 3 models in China the EV5, EV6 and EV9 SUVs, with the EV4 & 8 both cars to start in 2025 along with the EV3 SUV. giving Kia 6 models by the end of 2024. Hyundai Ioniq 5 & 6 gives them 2 models in China. Hyundai announced 3 new EV models to launch in 2025 for China. Genesis has the same models in the US in China and Europe. End result is that Hyundai, Kia, Genesis is expanding their EV offerings across the globe while Ford stops EVs and turns to Hybrids with Success in the U.S. but limited success in China, Asian rim and Europe. Biggest problem with Ford and GM is they followed Tesla to a T in going after slower 400V EV versions rather than looking to the future of building fast charging offerings on 800V technology. Investing billions in a current tech rather than the future tech of where EVs were going was a big mistake.

Some very cool technology reading for those interested. US firm’s 5-min EV battery charge tackles range anxiety in all weather - Aimed to be on the market in OEMs in 2 to 3 years. This EV battery can go 1,000 miles on a single charge - Fast Company - MIT startup 24M has developed this battery, test units will be in OEMs for mule testing in 2025 with wide spread availability expected by 2030 globally. As I have stated before, we are in interesting times and only fascist dictators will destroy humanity moving forward. Solid State batteries are nearly here and we will see some amazing changes in EVs over the next 5 to 10 years.

Seems Ford and Lectron have joined up to build and ship out the CCS to NACS adapter as the Tesla one is still having the bugs worked out that caused Ford to tell their customers to stop using it. Ford will ship out the Lectron to replace the Tesla units. Ford Begins Shipping New Tesla NACS Adapters To EV Customers

Interesting read on an ICE that has become an EV user for 90% of their life. Their old 231,000 miles Tahoe is for the other 10%. I'm A Gas Car Fan. Here's Why I Love My First EV @surreal1272 Months like this add up to take over a market big time. EVs And Hybrids Catapult Hyundai, Kia October U.S. Sales To New Record

More Support that Ford is making a big mistake, Hyundai based on presale orders has increased the all new Ioniq 9 for global markets by 30% as they now plan to produce 210,000 of them for 2025. Kia, Hyundai, Genesis say spacious EVs at proper price points will drive adoption and that will be shown by their EV3 subcompact that will hit the US for Kia in 2025. https://thekoreancarblog.com/2024/10/30/next-gen-palisade-set-for-december-debut-30-production-increase/ GM better get a move on with their $25,000 Bolt if they want to dominate a chunk of the market.

Yes, the whole VW mess is confusing at times to figure out what is VW getting versus their independent divisions.

Correct, they have on their whole EV expansion put much on hold, delayed much as I posted above where this is all covered under their BlueOval City which the local Tennessee news has covered on all the delays and slowdown in work. Yet they got their huge tax breaks but the work will be delayed / possibly killed. Yes, Kia, Hyundai,Genesis have moved forward to dominate the world and compete against the Chinese while the American companies now Cower in their tower, drive chinese versions and complain. GM has FAILED to see what the customer wants as they go after charging to get the same app on their EVs. Will not be getting my money any longer as they fail to listen to their customers. I can see Korea auto companies dominating the US market in a few decades.

Guess Ford which has 50 to 60 day supply of most models is shutting down the F150 Lighting line due to having 100 plus days of supply till January 6th 2025 and is looking to do the same for Mach-e and Transit that has a 128 and 112 day inventory on hand. Ford to halt production of electric F-150 Lightning next month until January

? Delayed indefinitely the mid-size EV Pickup, 3 row EV SUV and since it is a division of Ford, all the Lincoln EVs that were supposed to happen and now Lincoln will stay ICE with Hybrids as they stopped EV all together. So yea, you can say Ford is not committed to EVs anymore. Remember this was all the rage in 2022 when stories like this came out and Lincoln was to kill off all ICE by 2030, no EVs are dead as Lincoln will have hybrids between now and 2030 with Ice continuing on well into the undefined future. 5 Electric Lincoln Models Are Expected by 2026: Reuters Report So I would say Ford is NOT committed to EVs, they have pretty much kicked it to the curb. Ford Blue Campus was the Rage to be online by January 1st 2025 with battery production and the mid-size EV Truck and other EVs to start between 2025 and 2026. BlueOval City Now the latest is that production of batteries will start end of 2027 at the earliest with no time set for EV production. Hiring of the 6,000 workers by 2025 is now by 2030 at the earliest. What to know: The new Ford BlueOval City plant poised to reshape West Tennessee • Tennessee Lookout So yea, this tends to show no commitment to EVs Compared to other brands. IMHO