Drew Dowdell

Yeah, I think all Fast-Charging is the goal. Besides, they need that for their Canoo delivery vehicles. I see this announcement as tied to that one. They're not just being altruistic, they want an EV delivery fleet and need to build the network to charge it. Doing it this way means they'll get tax credits and customers.

Because I'm an old geezer who misses the Roadmaster, I'd want a G90 Estate.

Starting in 2025 with select EVs, Stellantis vehicles in North America will begin using the SAE J3400 charging connector, more commonly known as NACS. The NACS connector is an evolution of the Tesla plug and is backward compatible. Stellantis was the last large holdout to adopt NACS and this move effectively completes the commitment from all companies to switch to the new standard. An adapter will be made available for owners of vehicles equipped with a CCS port. (At the time of this writing, the only CCS equipped vehicle offered in the US by Stellantis is the Fiat 500e). Stellantis is one of the seven auto makers that have joined forces to build IONNA, a new charging network to rival Tesla's. IONNA aims to build 30,000 charge points across North America by 2030. IONNA charge points will be equipped with both CCS and NACS plugs, with the first stations opening later this year. What is missing from this release is any mention of Tesla Supercharger network access for Stellantis-brand vehicle owners. We've reached out to Stellantis for clarification and will report back. Related: Seven Manufactures Form Joint-Venture to Build a Rival to Tesla's Supercharger Network Ram Smashes Range Anxiety with their Ram 1500 REV Production Version of RAM 1500 REV to get Optional Range Extender View full article

Electric vehicle infrastructure news has been booming in the last few weeks and months. Last week, Choice Hotels announced they would be rolling out EV charging at most of their properties following similar announcements by Marriott and Hilton back in September, in December Pilot / Flying J and General Motors Partnership opened their first 17 High-Speed Charging Locations, and IONNA, a charging network founded by seven auto manufacturers, commenced operations earlier this month. In a recent press release about store remodels, Walmart announced they would be building a charging network of their own, beginning with 650 stores slated for remodeling in 2024 and another 150 new stores due to be built this year. Walmart's goal is to introduce coast-to-coast charging at thousands of locations across the US over the next five years. As of April 2023, Walmart has 1,300 fast charging stations at 280 Walmart and Sam's Club locations nationwide. While the hardware vendor has not been announced, Walmart will own and manage its charging infrastructure, with customers paying for charging sessions through the Walmart app. In July 2022, Walmart announced that it was purchasing 4,500 Canoo Electric Delivery Vans for its stores. View full article

David out there on his way to play the powerball.

A Cadillac spokesperson has confirmed to Car and Driver that the upcoming Cadillac Escalade iQ will eventually also be built in a long-wheelbase form called the Escalade iQL. The Escalade iQ wheelbase already spans 136.2 inches, roughly 15 inches longer than the standard wheelbase Escalade ICE. The overall length of the Escalade iQ clocks in at 224.3 inches, just 2.7 inches shorter than the long wheelbase ICE Escalade ESV and over a foot longer than the standard Escalade. Cadillac need not look far to find the long wheelbase components; the Chevrolet Silverado EV on the same platform rides on a 145.7-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 233.1 inches. Cadillac Escalade ICE SWB - 120.9" WB / 211.9" Length Cadillac Escalade iQ SWB - 136.2" WB / 224.3" Length Cadillac Escalade ICE ESV - 134.1" WB / 227.0" Length Chevrolet Silverado EV - 145.7" WB / 233.1" Length Cadillac Escalade iQL - TBD / TBD The standard-length Escalade iQ is set to have a range of up to 450 miles using a battery pack of over 200 kW. An extended version could potentially keep that range rating by having extra room for additional batteries. There was no word on when we would see the Escalade iQL, but later this year is a safe bet. The standard wheelbase model is not yet in production. Related: GMC Sierra Denali EV, The Luxury King of Trucks is Revealed GMC 2024 Hummer EV 3X Pickup has Longer Driving Range View full article

Good that they're doing NACS. I think we're going to see more charging networks with press releases about native NACS support soon. The way the Tesla Universal Wall Connector integrates CCS and NACS is the way to do it, but I'm not sure how that would work for DC fast charging. Probably Magic Dock style from a Tesla Super Charger, but I don't know if Tesla has released the IP on that.

Kia unveiled the updated 2025 Kia K5 at the Chicago Auto Show, committing to keeping Kia in the family sedan market for now. The family sedan has been on the endangered species list for a while now, but the 2025 K5 gets some updates to keep it relevant and kicking. The Kia K5 aims to be the sedan for anyone. Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and performance turbocharged models, the K5 can cover nearly all options in the mid-size family sedan market. For starters, the base 1.6-liter turbo has been swapped out for a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine is 11 horsepower more powerful than the outgoing 1.6T and produces 181 lb-ft of torque for the front wheels. This engine is found in the LXS, EX, and GT-Line. Those who chose the GT-Line can also select the option for all-wheel drive. The powertrain for the GT trim remains unchanged. The carryover 2.5-liter turbo produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque fed through a front-wheel drive 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. In GT trim, the K5 can scuttle to 60 in just 5.2 seconds on all-season tires. The exterior has been updated with some very striking lightning-bolt-shaped amber daytime running lights that accentuate the leading edge of the front fender. Several new wheel designs are available by trim, and the GT gets bright green brake calipers standard. An updated rear fascia and and dramatic new tail lights round out the package. Inside is a new single-pane curved display with a 12-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment unit. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all models. The center console has been revised with a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports front and rear, and new larger cupholders. Tech updates include standard Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that works at intersections and can detect cyclists. Standard or Available on EX, GT-L, and GT are Navigation-Based Smart Cruise, Highway Driving Assist, Blind View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision Avoidance, and more. Standard on the EX is a Bose Premium Audio system, 10-way power driver's seat, Digital Key 2.0, and a heated steering wheel. The GT can add Digital Key 2.0 in a package group. View full article