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2026 Lexus launches their first ever ES four-door sedan as a BEV, to be joined later in the year by a hybrid. The Lexus ES will come in two models, the 350e Front-Wheel-Drive and the 500e All-Wheel-Drive. Both models will be available in two trims, Premium and Luxury. The Lexus ES 350e FWD will start with a base MSRP of $47,500 and an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles. Let's dig into what the eighth-generation Lexus ES will offer by model and trim: Standard Equipment: All Models Latest Lexus Interface Debuts with 14-in. Touchscreen and 12.3-in. Multi-Information Display Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian detection Rear Pedestrian detection Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist Intersection Turn Assist DRCC or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Eco-mode Lane Tracing Assist Lane Changing Assist Lane Departure Alert with Steering Road Sign Assist Intelligent High Beams Proactive Driving Assist Traffic Jam Assist Front Cross-traffic Alert FCTA 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Standard NACS charging port Lexus will include a CCS to NACS plug adapter allowing owners to access over 76,000 level 2 & 3 chargers nationwide with CCS charging cords. 11 kW AC charger controller Level 2 charger for charging to 80% in 7hrs Level 3 charger for charging to 80% in 28 minutes Dual Voltage Level 1 and 2 charging cable 2026 ES 350e and ES 500e include Plug & Charge capability with an active Remote Connect* trial or subscription which allows owners/lessees to initiate charging and payment at compatible public charging networks simply by plugging in after a one-time enrollment setup through the Lexus app. L-shaped LED running lights sit above Dual LED headlights and flank a pinched surface evocative of Lexus' spindle grille design and a prominent body shoulder line rises from behind the front wheels to meet the wraparound LED Blade taillamp with illuminated logo 2026 ES dimensions Exterior 3.1 inches longer wheelbase 2.2 inches wider width 6.5 inches longer length 4.5 inches in height Interior Front seat headroom .8 inches larger Rear seat headroom .4 inches larger Rear seat leg room 1.4 inches longer Front seat shoulder room 1.6 inches larger Front seat hip room 1.9 inches larger Front and rear seat hip ingress and egress is enhanced due to higher entry points 19-inch standard aluminum wheels Optional 21-inch wheels in various styles depending on model. OTA via 5G network Wireless device charger Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smart Access keyless entry Active Drive Connect subscription Cloud Navigation Intelligent Assistant Remote Connect Safety Connect Service Connect Wi-Fi Connect The 2026 Lexus ES has emphasized a clean technology with elegance approach and as such they have gone with using capacitive touch buttons and bars to provide tactile feedback as they shift towards a streamline, tech driven luxury experience according to Lexus. ES 350e FWD Premium 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 350e FWD Luxury 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 500e AWD Premium 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph 5.1 seconds 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 500e AWD Luxury 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 350h Hybrid: Details to Date Lexus' sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system powering either the front wheels or, with available all-wheel drive (AWD), all four wheels. Hybrid battery beneath the rear seat Toyota has stated that more details closer to release later in the year but pricing was announced. Toyota has stated the following EPA-estimated total driving range per full charge: ES350e with 19-inch standard wheels 307 miles ES350e with 21-inch optional wheels 292 miles ES500e with 19-inch standard wheels 276 miles ES500e with 21-inch optional wheels 272 miles 2026 Lexus ES Pricing Model Code Model Name MSRP* 9030 ES 350e Premium $48,795 9035 ES 500e Premium AWD $51,795 9032 ES 350e Luxury $57,195 9037 ES 500e Luxury AWD $60,195 9020 ES 350h Premium $50,995 9025 ES 350h Premium AWD $52,395 9021 ES 350h Premium+ $55,795 9026 ES 350h Premium+ AWD $57,195 *Prices listed include $1,295 Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee (DPH) for ES, which is subject to change at any time. Dealer price will vary. Style is a personal issue as some will find this polarizing, others will love it. Lexus keeps a four-door sedan on the lot for those that want a car over an SUV. For a point of comparison at the top of the Lexus lineup, see our Review: 2019 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport. More Lexus ES Coverage All-New 2026 Lexus ES Gets Electrification On All Models Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Avalon Hybrid View full article -
2026 Buick ENCASA Electric MPV but Not for America :Discussion
G. David Felt posted a topic in Buick
Buick has teased the Electra name for decades, Buick has now chosen to create a sub-brand for Buick in China called Electra and with this, their flagship product is the Electra ENCASA. This is an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) minivan that will define the 21st century of Buick for luxury transport and family use. The ENCASA MPV has a starting price of $70,986 U.S. dollars and comes with GM's latest charging system, a 900V 6C ultra-fast electrical system enhanced for safety and refined ownership experience with the latest in electric technologies. This global MPV has been paired with what GM says will become their new standard for electric vehicles. Buick Electra ENCASA Details The Advanced Electric Performance and Charging System has the following details: 900V 6C Ultra-fast Charging system Peak Charging of 640 kW 10% to 80% charging in 11 1/2 minutes 96 kWh battery pack 373 miles of range Design Language from Private Aviation Land Jet Inspired 0.258 Cd low drag coefficient 12-layer two tone paint, delivering an understated, but refined flagship luxury Intelligent Driving, Premium Experience, Ultimate Electric Mobility Safety Driver assistance system built on Momenta R6 learning model Three-row spacious layout focused on comfort for all passengers using premium materials consistent with a flagship position 78% high-strength steel ratio for body structure, engineered to meet global standards ENCASA Proportions 124-inch wheelbase Overall length 207 inches Overall Height 80 inches Overall width 72 inches ENCASA has seven-mode adaptive crystal LED headlights and a signature through-body taillight with 257 ultra-red LEDs enhance visibility and on-road presence. ENCASA's ceremonial air suspension enables the vehicle to lower by 2 1/2-inches, delivering the lowest entry height in its class. Together with gesture-controlled sliding doors and full-vehicle hospitality modes, ENCASA extends luxury beyond the cabin itself. The interior only uses high-end full grain Nappa leather, ultra-suede headliners and Australian wool carpet. This is the start as the ENCASA has a Buick first, multi-posture zero-gravity seats. This is able to maximize the usable 37-inches of interior cabin length floor space. If one buys the Luxury with executive package, you can enjoy a "Chaise Longue" experience with 8-mode, 10-point massage, full-area heating and on-touch rest mode comfort. All seating comes standard with floating layer seat cushions composed of mother-and-baby-grade pearl-cotton padding. From third row sliding seats, 49 storage locations or at little as 22 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats to a cavernous 73 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seats folded down. The ENCASA can handle any hauling needs one might have. ENCASA introduces the industry-first five-constant wellness cabin, delivering a balanced, science-driven in-vehicle environment: Constant Temperature: Dual-layer, multi-zone climate regulation. Constant Humidity: Automatic 40-60% humidity control. Constant Oxygen: Twin-layer fresh-air circulation that maintains low CO2 levels. Constant Cleanliness: Panasonic nanoe X purification, AQS detection, PM2.5 filtration and low-allergen materials. Constant Quietness: Extensive acoustic treatments and ANC create a serene environment. AI Advanced Digital Luxury Integration for ENCASA Powered by Qualcomm's SA8775P platform delivering 72 TOPS of AI compute, ENCASA offers Buick's most immersive digital experience yet: 50-inch panoramic AR-HUD integrating more than 15 sets of driving information Three connected 16.3-inch displays for driver, front passenger and infotainment 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen Bose premium audio system Cabin-wide gesture control via OMS camera Dual 5.5-inch smart control panels for second-row passengers AI voice assistant with four-zone recognition, 700+ commands and creative AI capabilities These features allow families to enjoy movies, gaming, karaoke or personalized scene modes with seamless multi-screen interaction. 18-5.mp4 See all photos in the 2026 Buick Electra ENCASA photo gallery. More Buick Coverage Buick Electra Sub-Brand Launches in China with the Electra GS Concept Tariff Tuesday: Buick Killing it in China; Killed in the U.S. Buick Electra EV Path Becomes Clear View full article -
Recently, there has been a shift in BMW's sales plans. Walter Mertl, BMW's Chief Financial Officer, said they have hit the tipping point for internal combustion engines (ICE) and will focus more on electric cars. Mertl also says that ICE vehicle sales have plateaued and will start to decrease. This is due to changes in environmental regulations with stricter or zero emissions. Regulations from China, the European Union, and the United States are causing automakers to expedite creating and producing electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, 15% of BMWs sold globally were EVs. Their most popular model was the i4 M50 for the second year in a row. BMW is targeting a 33% share by 2025 and will unveil six vehicles under the Neue Klasse EV lineup. The first vehicle, an X3-sized EV SUV, is expected to arrive in 2025. Mertl did acknowledge that BMW's profit margins for EVs and ICE vehicles won't align until at least 2026. One of the factors Mertl pointed out included the higher costs associated with new battery technology. Although BMW is shifting towards an all-electric brand, they still want owners to have fun driving a manual. BMW confirmed that the M2, M3, and M4 will keep their manual gearboxes for the current generation. In 2023, 15-20% of M3 and M4s had a manual gearbox, while the M2 was closer to 50%. View full article -
Buick has teased the Electra name for decades, Buick has now chosen to create a sub-brand for Buick in China called Electra and with this, their flagship product is the Electra ENCASA. This is an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) minivan that will define the 21st century of Buick for luxury transport and family use. The ENCASA MPV has a starting price of $70,986 U.S. dollars and comes with GM's latest charging system, a 900V 6C ultra-fast electrical system enhanced for safety and refined ownership experience with the latest in electric technologies. This global MPV has been paired with what GM says will become their new standard for electric vehicles. Buick Electra ENCASA Details The Advanced Electric Performance and Charging System has the following details: 900V 6C Ultra-fast Charging system Peak Charging of 640 kW 10% to 80% charging in 11 1/2 minutes 96 kWh battery pack 373 miles of range Design Language from Private Aviation Land Jet Inspired 0.258 Cd low drag coefficient 12-layer two tone paint, delivering an understated, but refined flagship luxury Intelligent Driving, Premium Experience, Ultimate Electric Mobility Safety Driver assistance system built on Momenta R6 learning model Three-row spacious layout focused on comfort for all passengers using premium materials consistent with a flagship position 78% high-strength steel ratio for body structure, engineered to meet global standards ENCASA Proportions 124-inch wheelbase Overall length 207 inches Overall Height 80 inches Overall width 72 inches ENCASA has seven-mode adaptive crystal LED headlights and a signature through-body taillight with 257 ultra-red LEDs enhance visibility and on-road presence. ENCASA's ceremonial air suspension enables the vehicle to lower by 2 1/2-inches, delivering the lowest entry height in its class. Together with gesture-controlled sliding doors and full-vehicle hospitality modes, ENCASA extends luxury beyond the cabin itself. The interior only uses high-end full grain Nappa leather, ultra-suede headliners and Australian wool carpet. This is the start as the ENCASA has a Buick first, multi-posture zero-gravity seats. This is able to maximize the usable 37-inches of interior cabin length floor space. If one buys the Luxury with executive package, you can enjoy a "Chaise Longue" experience with 8-mode, 10-point massage, full-area heating and on-touch rest mode comfort. All seating comes standard with floating layer seat cushions composed of mother-and-baby-grade pearl-cotton padding. From third row sliding seats, 49 storage locations or at little as 22 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats to a cavernous 73 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seats folded down. The ENCASA can handle any hauling needs one might have. ENCASA introduces the industry-first five-constant wellness cabin, delivering a balanced, science-driven in-vehicle environment: Constant Temperature: Dual-layer, multi-zone climate regulation. Constant Humidity: Automatic 40-60% humidity control. Constant Oxygen: Twin-layer fresh-air circulation that maintains low CO2 levels. Constant Cleanliness: Panasonic nanoe X purification, AQS detection, PM2.5 filtration and low-allergen materials. Constant Quietness: Extensive acoustic treatments and ANC create a serene environment. AI Advanced Digital Luxury Integration for ENCASA Powered by Qualcomm's SA8775P platform delivering 72 TOPS of AI compute, ENCASA offers Buick's most immersive digital experience yet: 50-inch panoramic AR-HUD integrating more than 15 sets of driving information Three connected 16.3-inch displays for driver, front passenger and infotainment 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen Bose premium audio system Cabin-wide gesture control via OMS camera Dual 5.5-inch smart control panels for second-row passengers AI voice assistant with four-zone recognition, 700+ commands and creative AI capabilities These features allow families to enjoy movies, gaming, karaoke or personalized scene modes with seamless multi-screen interaction. 18-5.mp4 See all photos in the 2026 Buick Electra ENCASA photo gallery. More Buick Coverage Buick Electra Sub-Brand Launches in China with the Electra GS Concept Tariff Tuesday: Buick Killing it in China; Killed in the U.S. Buick Electra EV Path Becomes Clear -
2026 Lexus launches their first ever ES four-door sedan as a BEV, to be joined later in the year by a hybrid. The Lexus ES will come in two models, the 350e Front-Wheel-Drive and the 500e All-Wheel-Drive. Both models will be available in two trims, Premium and Luxury. The Lexus ES 350e FWD will start with a base MSRP of $47,500 and an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles. Let's dig into what the eighth-generation Lexus ES will offer by model and trim: Standard Equipment: All Models Latest Lexus Interface Debuts with 14-in. Touchscreen and 12.3-in. Multi-Information Display Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian detection Rear Pedestrian detection Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist Intersection Turn Assist DRCC or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Eco-mode Lane Tracing Assist Lane Changing Assist Lane Departure Alert with Steering Road Sign Assist Intelligent High Beams Proactive Driving Assist Traffic Jam Assist Front Cross-traffic Alert FCTA 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Standard NACS charging port Lexus will include a CCS to NACS plug adapter allowing owners to access over 76,000 level 2 & 3 chargers nationwide with CCS charging cords. 11 kW AC charger controller Level 2 charger for charging to 80% in 7hrs Level 3 charger for charging to 80% in 28 minutes Dual Voltage Level 1 and 2 charging cable 2026 ES 350e and ES 500e include Plug & Charge capability with an active Remote Connect* trial or subscription which allows owners/lessees to initiate charging and payment at compatible public charging networks simply by plugging in after a one-time enrollment setup through the Lexus app. L-shaped LED running lights sit above Dual LED headlights and flank a pinched surface evocative of Lexus' spindle grille design and a prominent body shoulder line rises from behind the front wheels to meet the wraparound LED Blade taillamp with illuminated logo 2026 ES dimensions Exterior 3.1 inches longer wheelbase 2.2 inches wider width 6.5 inches longer length 4.5 inches in height Interior Front seat headroom .8 inches larger Rear seat headroom .4 inches larger Rear seat leg room 1.4 inches longer Front seat shoulder room 1.6 inches larger Front seat hip room 1.9 inches larger Front and rear seat hip ingress and egress is enhanced due to higher entry points 19-inch standard aluminum wheels Optional 21-inch wheels in various styles depending on model. OTA via 5G network Wireless device charger Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smart Access keyless entry Active Drive Connect subscription Cloud Navigation Intelligent Assistant Remote Connect Safety Connect Service Connect Wi-Fi Connect The 2026 Lexus ES has emphasized a clean technology with elegance approach and as such they have gone with using capacitive touch buttons and bars to provide tactile feedback as they shift towards a streamline, tech driven luxury experience according to Lexus. ES 350e FWD Premium 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 350e FWD Luxury 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 500e AWD Premium 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph 5.1 seconds 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 500e AWD Luxury 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 350h Hybrid: Details to Date Lexus' sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system powering either the front wheels or, with available all-wheel drive (AWD), all four wheels. Hybrid battery beneath the rear seat Toyota has stated that more details closer to release later in the year but pricing was announced. Toyota has stated the following EPA-estimated total driving range per full charge: ES350e with 19-inch standard wheels 307 miles ES350e with 21-inch optional wheels 292 miles ES500e with 19-inch standard wheels 276 miles ES500e with 21-inch optional wheels 272 miles 2026 Lexus ES BEV Pricing Style is a personal issue as some will find this polarizing, others will love it. Lexus keeps a four-door sedan on the lot for those that want a car over an SUV. For a point of comparison at the top of the Lexus lineup, see our Review: 2019 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport. More Lexus ES Coverage All-New 2026 Lexus ES Gets Electrification On All Models Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Avalon Hybrid -
G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Tesla has set the auto world on fire with their sedan and now their Tesla X CUV. While most of us cannot afford a $100,000 dollar plus auto, what about our older auto's? Does it make sense to convert a traditional gas powered auto to an EV? Should I wait till a lower priced EV arrives like the Chevy Bolt? Many states have come out strong in their support for CNG home and business fueling equipment such as Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Texas. Other states have come out strong pushing to having people go electric and add electric chargers to your home such as Washington and Oregon. One large state pushing CNG, Electric and Hydrogen, is California. The average conversion on a petrol powered auto to CNG tends to run $10K to $15K depending on the size of the CNG tank and then you have fueling equipment if you want to fuel from home that runs from $5K to $10K depending on size. This means an average person converting an auto to CNG is looking at $15K to $25K price and can be even more if you buy a new CNG auto. You have many choices in the EV field such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Spark EV, Fiat 500 EV and a few others that all run in the 60 to 80 mile range of electric auto's. The upcoming Chevy Bolt is a 200 mile range EV which many feel will make an impact on autos sales. These are the EV's that are all in the $25K to $35K range depending on federal subsidies. So with thinking about the current EV's on the market and what is coming, does it make sense to convert an existing auto to electric? What is the cost of conversion and what are my options as I hear about AC versus DC driven autos? What should I have at my home to charge the auto? This is what I took as I thought about my own auto's I own and realizing that a big 6'6" 280lb man who drives full size SUV's, GMC Suburban and Escalade, finds it hard to find a greener solution in the full size SUV arena. As such, I choose to research what it would cost to convert my 1994 GMC SLE Suburban which has a modified 402 V8 500HP, 551lbs of Torque engine that requires Premium fuel or CNG to drive. In researching this I found that there are many pros and cons of AC versus DC motors. AC or alternating current electric motors and DC or Direct current electric motors are both able to achieve the job of moving an auto but are engineered a bit differently. DC current will not work with an AC motor nor will a AC current work with a DC motor. AC motors are divided into single phase and three phase motors. Single phase AC is what you typically find in a home, triple phase is commonly found in factory or commercial space, but can also be installed at a home. Today OEM auto makers are mostly using AC motors. DC motors also find themselves split into three types, brush motors, brushless motors and stepper motors. Brushed DC motors as found on Golf carts and many other small electric driven carts are easy to build and cost effective but their large drawback is that the carbon brushes used to transfer electrical current wear over time and eventually end in motor failure. Stepper motors are a brushless DC motor most commonly found in robotics/ automation. Not something you would use in an auto. The DC brushless motor eliminates brushes, is more costly to build and requires a complicated electronics system to operate but has long life and is usually what you find in EV's either converted or OEM built for the auto industry. So now that we know what the difference is between AC and DC motors, what are the advantages and disadvantages of these motors? Advantages of DC (Direct Current) motors are as follows: 1) Provide excellent speed control for acceleration and deceleration. 2) Easy to understand and design. 3) Inexpensive drive design. Disadvantages of DC motors are as follows: 1) High maintenance 2) Vulnerable to dust which decreases performance Advantages of AC (Alternating Current) motors are as follows: 1) Low cost due to simple design of the motor. 2) Generally smaller form factor. 3) Reliable operation, due to low maintenance, very rugged. Disadvantages of AC motors are as follows: 1) Low speed challenges 2) Back EMF (electromotive force) issues. This is where current in the loop of the motor that slows down the motor and has to be overcome. With all the advantages and disadvantages there are some situations that still demand a DC motor or a high performance AC motor. For long life and performance cooling is a requirement. This requires a premium efficient or energy efficient motor with proper air or liquid cooling. So knowing what I have in my suburban and wanting to keep it as true as possible as an auto that has its heaters, AC and the rest of the electronics ended up leaving me with the following parts list. EV Conversion Part List and Cost as supplied by www.electriccarpartscompany.com. This is a parts list with cost not including shipping or installation. 2 - Warp11 72-156v 453amp DC Motors will cost $5810.00 1 - Dual Motor Siamese adapter for Warp11 motors will cost $599.00 1-Air Conditioner Compressor will cost $864.00 1-Electric Power Steering Pump kit will cost $985.00 2-1000amp Zilla Motor controller will cost $3717.00 1-PB2 Pot Box Throttle will cost $99.00 1-Motor Adapter Plate and Spacer Ring will cost $450.00 1-Interconnecting Hub will cost $365.00 1-55amp DC-DC converter will cost $124.00 1-500A Fuse will cost $65.00 1-Fuse Holder will cost $65.00 1-12v 500amp contactor will cost $72.00 1-Inertia Switch will cost $57.00 1-Amp/Voltage meter with 500amp shunt will cost $108.00 1-QET 2000 watt 144v model P charger will cost $603.00 1 - 250V, 10-30A Locking Plugs, sockets, inlets & Bezel - $105.00 1-Orion BMS configured for 48 cells will cost $1131.00 Part Cost $15,219 which gives me an EV motor solution of 1000lbs of torque with near identical HP. 90 mile battery pack 48 -180Ah Calb CA180FI cells with bus bars, bolts and washers will cost $11,448.00 200 mile battery pack 48 - 400Ah LiFePo4 Lithium Prismatic cells with bus bars, bolts and washers will cost $28,032.00 90 Mile Solution Installation cost approximately $20,000.00 Part Cost approximately $15,219.00 90 mile battery pack $11,448.00 Total Cost $46,667.00 200 Mile Solution Installation cost approximately $20,000.00 Part Cost approximately $15,219.00 200 mile battery pack $28,032.00 Total Cost $63,032.00 With an overview of AC versus DC motors and having researched the installation, parts and battery pack, I have two options, a $47K 90 mile option or a $63K 200 mile option. Knowing that a new Suburban can run from $40K to $75K dollars, which makes sense? Buy a new petrol suburban or rebuild my existing Suburban to be EV? I think this really comes down to a personal choice as you have to decide if your old auto is worth more to refit as an EV or stay with petrol and drive a new one. Personally, I am leaning towards the EV conversion as my 94 GMC SLE Suburban is in mint condition, paid for and the cost of conversion would give me a 30Amp quick charging solution that long term would end up paying for itself I believe. In the end if you are interested in converting your auto to electric, you have a number of choices. The following web sites offer a complete catalog of parts for those that want to engineer the complete solution. They also offer Conversion kits that cover many popular cars and trucks. Which is right for you, can only be decided by your own choice of what you want to accomplish. http://www.electric-cars-are-for-girls.com/electric-car-conversion-kit.html http://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=40&osCsid=ve0hk6f1hpvnt5mk78pvuqosk2 http://www.electriccarpartscompany.com/ The final alternative is a new Hybrid Suburban offered by VIA Motors. Pure electric for 40 miles, then gas kicks in to balance and you end up with a 24mpg suburban but at a starting price of $79,000. Via motors web site is here: http://www.viamotors.com/ TopSpeed review is here: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/others/2013-via-vtrux-suburban-ar133014.html -
G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Tesla has set the auto world on fire with their sedan and now their Tesla X CUV. While most of us cannot afford a $100,000 dollar plus auto, what about our older auto's? Does it make sense to convert a traditional gas powered auto to an EV? Should I wait till a lower priced EV arrives like the Chevy Bolt? Many states have come out strong in their support for CNG home and business fueling equipment such as Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Texas. Other states have come out strong pushing to having people go electric and add electric chargers to your home such as Washington and Oregon. One large state pushing CNG, Electric and Hydrogen, is California. The average conversion on a petrol powered auto to CNG tends to run $10K to $15K depending on the size of the CNG tank and then you have fueling equipment if you want to fuel from home that runs from $5K to $10K depending on size. This means an average person converting an auto to CNG is looking at $15K to $25K price and can be even more if you buy a new CNG auto. You have many choices in the EV field such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Spark EV, Fiat 500 EV and a few others that all run in the 60 to 80 mile range of electric auto's. The upcoming Chevy Bolt is a 200 mile range EV which many feel will make an impact on autos sales. These are the EV's that are all in the $25K to $35K range depending on federal subsidies. So with thinking about the current EV's on the market and what is coming, does it make sense to convert an existing auto to electric? What is the cost of conversion and what are my options as I hear about AC versus DC driven autos? What should I have at my home to charge the auto? This is what I took as I thought about my own auto's I own and realizing that a big 6'6" 280lb man who drives full size SUV's, GMC Suburban and Escalade, finds it hard to find a greener solution in the full size SUV arena. As such, I choose to research what it would cost to convert my 1994 GMC SLE Suburban which has a modified 402 V8 500HP, 551lbs of Torque engine that requires Premium fuel or CNG to drive. In researching this I found that there are many pros and cons of AC versus DC motors. AC or alternating current electric motors and DC or Direct current electric motors are both able to achieve the job of moving an auto but are engineered a bit differently. DC current will not work with an AC motor nor will a AC current work with a DC motor. AC motors are divided into single phase and three phase motors. Single phase AC is what you typically find in a home, triple phase is commonly found in factory or commercial space, but can also be installed at a home. Today OEM auto makers are mostly using AC motors. DC motors also find themselves split into three types, brush motors, brushless motors and stepper motors. Brushed DC motors as found on Golf carts and many other small electric driven carts are easy to build and cost effective but their large drawback is that the carbon brushes used to transfer electrical current wear over time and eventually end in motor failure. Stepper motors are a brushless DC motor most commonly found in robotics/ automation. Not something you would use in an auto. The DC brushless motor eliminates brushes, is more costly to build and requires a complicated electronics system to operate but has long life and is usually what you find in EV's either converted or OEM built for the auto industry. So now that we know what the difference is between AC and DC motors, what are the advantages and disadvantages of these motors? Advantages of DC (Direct Current) motors are as follows: 1) Provide excellent speed control for acceleration and deceleration. 2) Easy to understand and design. 3) Inexpensive drive design. Disadvantages of DC motors are as follows: 1) High maintenance 2) Vulnerable to dust which decreases performance Advantages of AC (Alternating Current) motors are as follows: 1) Low cost due to simple design of the motor. 2) Generally smaller form factor. 3) Reliable operation, due to low maintenance, very rugged. Disadvantages of AC motors are as follows: 1) Low speed challenges 2) Back EMF (electromotive force) issues. This is where current in the loop of the motor that slows down the motor and has to be overcome. With all the advantages and disadvantages there are some situations that still demand a DC motor or a high performance AC motor. For long life and performance cooling is a requirement. This requires a premium efficient or energy efficient motor with proper air or liquid cooling. So knowing what I have in my suburban and wanting to keep it as true as possible as an auto that has its heaters, AC and the rest of the electronics ended up leaving me with the following parts list. EV Conversion Part List and Cost as supplied by www.electriccarpartscompany.com. This is a parts list with cost not including shipping or installation. 2 - Warp11 72-156v 453amp DC Motors will cost $5810.00 1 - Dual Motor Siamese adapter for Warp11 motors will cost $599.00 1-Air Conditioner Compressor will cost $864.00 1-Electric Power Steering Pump kit will cost $985.00 2-1000amp Zilla Motor controller will cost $3717.00 1-PB2 Pot Box Throttle will cost $99.00 1-Motor Adapter Plate and Spacer Ring will cost $450.00 1-Interconnecting Hub will cost $365.00 1-55amp DC-DC converter will cost $124.00 1-500A Fuse will cost $65.00 1-Fuse Holder will cost $65.00 1-12v 500amp contactor will cost $72.00 1-Inertia Switch will cost $57.00 1-Amp/Voltage meter with 500amp shunt will cost $108.00 1-QET 2000 watt 144v model P charger will cost $603.00 1 - 250V, 10-30A Locking Plugs, sockets, inlets & Bezel - $105.00 1-Orion BMS configured for 48 cells will cost $1131.00 Part Cost $15,219 which gives me an EV motor solution of 1000lbs of torque with near identical HP. 90 mile battery pack 48 -180Ah Calb CA180FI cells with bus bars, bolts and washers will cost $11,448.00 200 mile battery pack 48 - 400Ah LiFePo4 Lithium Prismatic cells with bus bars, bolts and washers will cost $28,032.00 90 Mile Solution Installation cost approximately $20,000.00 Part Cost approximately $15,219.00 90 mile battery pack $11,448.00 Total Cost $46,667.00 200 Mile Solution Installation cost approximately $20,000.00 Part Cost approximately $15,219.00 200 mile battery pack $28,032.00 Total Cost $63,032.00 With an overview of AC versus DC motors and having researched the installation, parts and battery pack, I have two options, a $47K 90 mile option or a $63K 200 mile option. Knowing that a new Suburban can run from $40K to $75K dollars, which makes sense? Buy a new petrol suburban or rebuild my existing Suburban to be EV? I think this really comes down to a personal choice as you have to decide if your old auto is worth more to refit as an EV or stay with petrol and drive a new one. Personally, I am leaning towards the EV conversion as my 94 GMC SLE Suburban is in mint condition, paid for and the cost of conversion would give me a 30Amp quick charging solution that long term would end up paying for itself I believe. In the end if you are interested in converting your auto to electric, you have a number of choices. The following web sites offer a complete catalog of parts for those that want to engineer the complete solution. They also offer Conversion kits that cover many popular cars and trucks. Which is right for you, can only be decided by your own choice of what you want to accomplish. http://www.electric-cars-are-for-girls.com/electric-car-conversion-kit.html http://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=40&osCsid=ve0hk6f1hpvnt5mk78pvuqosk2 http://www.electriccarpartscompany.com/ The final alternative is a new Hybrid Suburban offered by VIA Motors. Pure electric for 40 miles, then gas kicks in to balance and you end up with a 24mpg suburban but at a starting price of $79,000. Via motors web site is here: http://www.viamotors.com/ TopSpeed review is here: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/others/2013-via-vtrux-suburban-ar133014.html View full article
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On January 29th, 2024, South Korea reported on the EV4 from Kia Vice President Woo-Jeong Woo during a conference call. Kia plans on launching their EV3 in the first half of 2024 while the EV4 will now launch in early 2025. During the 2023 Kia EV Day in October 2023, Kia announced the launch schedules of these two. EV4 was planned to be released before the end of 2024 In the conference call, Vice President Joo stated “Electric vehicles are the biggest influence on Kia’s sales and profits. We plan to flexibly respond to market changes in the medium to long term. The EV3, EV4, and EV5 will be launched sequentially, and we are determined to make these three models successful.” Although Kia has not stated about the delay, they may be waiting to enhance EV4 quality. From the EV3 to EV5, they will use Kia's E-GMP electrical vehicle platform. EV3 is positioned as a small SUV, the EV4 as a compact sedan, and the EV5 as a compact SUV. Kia has announced that the EV3 to EV5 will cost from around $35,000 to $50,000, respectively. An update to the Gwangmyeong Plant 2 for electric cars has been completed after eight months of work. For now, there are no details about EV4's specifications, but it is likely to be front-wheel-drive. These inexpensive vehicles may use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V system. View full article
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On January 29th, 2024, South Korea reported on the EV4 from Kia Vice President Woo-Jeong Woo during a conference call. Kia plans on launching their EV3 in the first half of 2024 while the EV4 will now launch in early 2025. During the 2023 Kia EV Day in October 2023, Kia announced the launch schedules of these two. EV4 was planned to be released before the end of 2024 In the conference call, Vice President Joo stated “Electric vehicles are the biggest influence on Kia’s sales and profits. We plan to flexibly respond to market changes in the medium to long term. The EV3, EV4, and EV5 will be launched sequentially, and we are determined to make these three models successful.” Although Kia has not stated about the delay, they may be waiting to enhance EV4 quality. From the EV3 to EV5, they will use Kia's E-GMP electrical vehicle platform. EV3 is positioned as a small SUV, the EV4 as a compact sedan, and the EV5 as a compact SUV. Kia has announced that the EV3 to EV5 will cost from around $35,000 to $50,000, respectively. An update to the Gwangmyeong Plant 2 for electric cars has been completed after eight months of work. For now, there are no details about EV4's specifications, but it is likely to be front-wheel-drive. These inexpensive vehicles may use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V system. -
Recently, there has been a shift in BMW's sales plans. Walter Mertl, BMW's Chief Financial Officer, said they have hit the tipping point for internal combustion engines (ICE) and will focus more on electric cars. Mertl also says that ICE vehicle sales have plateaued and will start to decrease. This is due to changes in environmental regulations with stricter or zero emissions. Regulations from China, the European Union, and the United States are causing automakers to expedite creating and producing electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, 15% of BMWs sold globally were EVs. Their most popular model was the i4 M50 for the second year in a row. BMW is targeting a 33% share by 2025 and will unveil six vehicles under the Neue Klasse EV lineup. The first vehicle, an X3-sized EV SUV, is expected to arrive in 2025. Mertl did acknowledge that BMW's profit margins for EVs and ICE vehicles won't align until at least 2026. One of the factors Mertl pointed out included the higher costs associated with new battery technology. Although BMW is shifting towards an all-electric brand, they still want owners to have fun driving a manual. BMW confirmed that the M2, M3, and M4 will keep their manual gearboxes for the current generation. In 2023, 15-20% of M3 and M4s had a manual gearbox, while the M2 was closer to 50%. -
From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
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From the album: 2024 Volvo EX90
