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Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch a handful of electric vehicles in the near future, and those vehicles will be part of a new subbrand. Bloomberg has learned from sources that the German automaker will be taking a page out of BMW's playbook and introduce a new subbrand that will be comprised of two electric sedans and two SUVs - something we first reported back in May. A name hasn't been chosen yet according to the sources. What is for certain is that Mercedes will show off a concept electric SUV at the Paris Motor Show in September. Using a new platform for electric vehicles, the concept is expected to boast a range of 310 miles. Mercedes hopes to start selling vehicles under this subbrand before the end of the decade. But doing a subbrand for electric vehicles is a risky proposition. BMW's i hasn't made any real impact in terms of sales or recognition. This has caused the brand to delay plans for another i model. Whether Mercedes-Benz is able to avoid the pitfallls remains to be seen. Source: Bloomberg View full article

What does the future of Jaguar's lineup look like? According to Automobile Magazine, expect EVs and no replacement for the XK Coupe and Convertible. Let's begin with the EVs. First up is a replacement for the XJ known under the codename of X590. The report says X590 will be a four-door coupe with a liftback (something like an Audi A7). This is a compromise between infighting with Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth (wanted a three-box design to replace the XJ) and Jaguar design chief Ian Callum (wanted a big coupe). The underpinnings is a new architecture that is capable of handling the hardware needed for autonomous technologies. All-wheel drive will come standard. The plan is to have X590 possibly launch in 2018, beating models that are expected from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. While Jaguar hopes this model is a success, the current XJ will be sold alongside it for a time in case it flops. (Secretly, we're hoping there is a new XJ coming as well.) Following a year later will be an electric SUV. Now this isn't an electrified version of the F-Pace. According to the report, this model was originally going to be a Range Rover before becoming a Jaguar. “Although it looks sleek, modern and aerodynamically efficient, this model will be rated as an SUV in North-America. All the SUV-defining hard points are there in place,” said a source about the design. This model will be offered with the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and three different battery packs. The plan is to build around 20,000 to 30,000 X590s, and 30,000 to 50,000 of the new SUV. We should also mention the replacement for the XK has canceled, most likely due to Jaguar's electric ambitions. We know the replacement would have used a stretched version of the F-Type's platform. Source: Automobile Magazine View full article

Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to launch four new electric vehicles - two sedans and two SUVs - by 2020. Autocar reports that the German brand is accelerating plans after the German government announced that it would be offering subsidies on all EVs priced less than €60,000 (about $66,900) to spur sales. The outgoing R&D boss at Mercedes-Benz, Thomas Weber has put these plans into motion and hinted that the electric models will share links with standard models. This means the sedans will have a connection to the C and S-Class, while the SUVs will share bits from the GLA and GLC. Sources tell Autocar that the designs share the basic elements with the gas-powered models, but will have their own touches to make them recognizable as EVs. In terms of platforms, the two sedans and GLC-sized model will use a new one known as MEA (Modular Electric Architecture). MEA allows Mercedes to offer an electric vehicle with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive in combination with three electric motors. The GLA-sized model will utilize the same platform that underpins the B-Class Electric Drive. As for power, Mercedes' r&d is working on a range of electric motors producing 75 to 400kW (101 to 536 horsepower). Batteries will come from Accumotive that will provide a minimum range of 250 miles. Source: Autocar View full article

One of the key problems with most electric vehicles is the limited range on offer with many offering a max range of around 100 to 120 miles. Many believe that for electric vehicles to be in the mainstream, they need to offer a minimum of 200 Miles. But not Ford. Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's director of electrification programs and engineering Kevin Layden says the updated 2017 Focus EV with a range of 100 miles will cover the average commute for a driver. "I think right now with the launch of the Focus Electric at 100 miles, it is going to satisfy a big chunk of the population. It's going to be really affordable and a step up from where we are now," said Layden. The primary issue is the cost and weight of the batteries to achieve a 200 mile range. Ford doesn't see how an increase of possibly $6,000 and added weight would help. Layden says the lower range allows the blue oval to use a lighter and less expensive battery pack. But there is another factor possibly in play as to why Ford isn't going with a 200 mile range with the Focus EV, sales. The Focus EV is very slow seller for the brand, with only 1,717 models sold in 2015. Through March, Ford only has moved 257 Focus EVs (average of about 86 vehicles per month). Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Audi believes that the future of the brand will rest on electric vehicles. In fact, the German automaker wants to have 25 percent of vehicles sold to be electric. Now this goal is way down the line, but Audi is beginning to make this a reality with a number of electric vehicles going into development. They are also tackling how they will sell them. A recent piece in the New York Times said that dealerships were a stumbling block when selling electric vehicles either because they didn't know anything about them or pushed buyers into buying a gas-powered vehicle. Tesla is the only automaker that no problem with selling their models, but that is due to their decision of opening their own stores. Autoblog had the chance to speak with executives from Audi of America about how they plan to sell EVs. First up is Filip Brabec, Audi of America's director of product management. He explained that EVs may need a new experience at dealers. "A lot of it has to do with the complexity of the product and the complexity of the offer and it's difficult, I think, to bring that into a classical dealership and sort of treat is as another car and off we go. I think there needs to be some differences in how we go in the future," said Brabec. Another key point is to get consumers into those vehicles. "I think exposing consumers to EVs, letting them experience EVs is another big aspect, and probably different than we have today, because test driving a car today is a very conventional thing. It's probably not going to be as conventional with EVs, particularly if you've never been in one before." Second was Audi of America's president Scott Keogh who explained that Tesla showed everyone that providing a complete experience was a very smart move. But Keogh believes that Audi could do a much better job than Tesla when they start building their own EVs. Source: Autoblog, New York Times View full article

Following in the footsteps of Tesla and Toyota, Ford announced last Friday that it would open up its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicle patents to competitors to help accelerate the development of these vehicles. Now unlike Tesla and Toyota's programs, Ford is charging a licensing fee. “Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” said Kevin Layden, director of Ford electrification programs. Ford says they have filed 650 electric vehicle patents and about 1,000 pending applications relating to hybrid and plug-in vehicles. Those interested in purchasing one of Ford's patents can either go through the blue oval's technology commercialization and licensing office or through the AutoHarvest Foundation - a nonprofit that Ford help found in 2012. A Ford spokesman tells Automotive News that pricing for the various patents range with “some in the hundreds and some in the thousands.” Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Opens Portfolio of Patented Technologies to Competitors to Accelerate Industry-Wide Electrified Vehicle Development Ford is opening its portfolio of electrified vehicle technology patents to competitive automakers to accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles In 2014, Ford filed for 400-plus electrified vehicle patents – more than 20 percent of the total patents the company applied for last year Ford is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford's first laboratories DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is offering competitors access to its electrified vehicle technology patents – a move to help accelerate industry-wide research and development of electrified vehicles. In 2014, Ford filed more than 400 patents dedicated to electrified vehicle technologies. This is more than 20 percent of the patents the company filed – totaling more than 2,000 applications. "Innovation is our goal," said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs. "The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers." Ford Motor Company is a leader in this area – offering six hybrid or fully electrified vehicles including Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. In total, Ford has more than 650 electrified vehicle patents and approximately 1,000 pending patent applications on electrified vehicle technologies. Ford's innovations have resulted in acclaimed electrified vehicles on the road today, but the company believes sharing its patented technologies will promote faster development of future inventions as all automakers look toward greater opportunities. "As an industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other," said Layden. "By sharing ideas, companies can solve bigger challenges and help improve the industry." To access Ford's patents and published patent applications, interested parties can contact the company's technology commercialization and licensing office, or work through AutoHarvest – an automaker collaborative innovation and licensing marketplace. AutoHarvest allows members to showcase capabilities and technologies, then privately connect with fellow inventors to explore technology and business development opportunities of mutual interest. The patents would be available for a fee. "Ford helped launch AutoHarvest as a founding member to enable efficient and transparent technology licensing across the automotive industry and beyond," said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO, Ford Global Technologies, which manages intellectual property for Ford. As part of Ford's increased focus on new and innovative technologies, the automaker is set to hire an additional 200 electrified vehicle engineers this year as the team moves into a newly dedicated facility – Ford Engineering Laboratories – home to Henry Ford's first labs in Dearborn. Available Ford electrified vehicle patents Here are some of Ford's electrified vehicle patents available for competitors to purchase: Method and Apparatus for Battery Charge Balancing, patent No. US5764027: The patent covers passive cell balancing: discharging a cell through a resistor to lower the state of charge to match other cells. This innovation extends battery run time and overall life. This is the first invention to enable battery balancing at any time, instead of only while charging, and it enables the use of lithium-ion batteries in electrified vehicles. It was invented long before lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles became commonplace – truly ahead of its time. Temperature Dependent Regenerative Brake System for Electric Vehicle, patent No. US6275763: The technology works to maximize the amount of energy recaptured in a hybrid vehicle through regenerative braking. By improving the interplay between normal friction brakes and regenerative braking during stopping at certain air temperatures, a driver is able to recapture more energy than previously possible, helping the motorist drive farther on a charge. Driving Behavior Feedback Interface, patent No. US8880290: The patent provides a system and method for monitoring driver inputs such as braking and accelerating, and vehicle parameters including energy consumption to assess driving behavior. The feedback can be used to coach future driving behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits and improve fuel economy. This technology also has enabled drivers of non-electrified vehicles, such as a Ford Focus, to develop better driving habits. View full article

Kelly Blue Book has listed the ten vehicles that deprecate at alarming rate and top three happen to be electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf according to KBB is projected to only retain 18 percent of its new-car price after five years. Behind the Leaf is the Fiat 500e which is expected to retain 21 percent and the Smart ForTwo EV which is expected to retain 21.5 percent. Few key items to keep in mind: Fiat 500e is only available to lease in California A number of automakers, like Nissan have been dropping the price of the EVs Electric vehicles come with a number of incentives from the U.S. and state governments, which in turn hurt the resale value Eric Ibara, director of residual consulting for Kelley Blue Book tells USA Today EVs have a problem of finding someone to buy a used one. "Pure electrics have been slow to catch on in the resale market." Customers "have been willing to buy a new one, not a used electric vehicle." As to why, Ibara doesn't have a good answer to this. The remaining seven vehicles on KBB's list are all luxury vehicles such as the BMW 7-Series, Lincoln MKS, and Jaguar XK. Nissan Leaf - 18% Fiat 500e - 21% Smart fortwo electric - 21.5% Jaguar XJ - 22.2% Volkswagen CC - 25% Mercedes-Benz CL-Class - 25.8% BMW 7 Series - 26% Volvo S80 - 27.3% Lincoln MKS - 27.5% Jaguar XK Series - 27.6% Source: USA Today William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 28, 2013 California and seven other states have signed a new pact that hopes to increase the number of zero emission vehicles on their roads to 3.3 million by the year 2025. Joining California in this pact are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Vermont. The seven states have already adopted a rule like California where by 2025, 15 percent of vehicles sold must produce zero emissions. To help get to this goal, the eight states have four steps to spur sales of zero emission vehicles Amend building codes so it becomes easier to build charging stations Buy more zero emission vehicles for Government fleets Further cash incentives and introduce discounted electricity rates for home-chargers Introduced shared standards for charging stations and common signage "From coast to coast, we're charging ahead to get millions of the world's cleanest vehicles on our roads," said California Governor Edmund Brown in a statement. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article