Which automaker promised “radically simplified” future EVs with smaller batteries?
And which one doesn’t see 300-mile EVs as the longer term?
This is our look again on the Week In Reverse—proper right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending February 3, 2023.
One of the largest information nuggets of the week within the effectivity nook concerned one other upset of Tesla. Hyundai Ioniq 6 beats the Tesla Model 3 in vary, in addition to effectivity, with an EPA ranking of 361 miles. In rear-wheel-drive kind, it ties the all-wheel-drive Lucid Air Pure in effectivity.
Consider the CEO of Mazda as amongst a relative minority of automaker executives who don’t see the vary race, and even 300-mile EVs, as the longer term. Mazda revealed its upcoming flagship, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV, with seating for as much as eight. Feature particulars, pricing, and specs are all but to return, however the CX-90 arrives this spring and might be a compelling new PHEV for large households.
2024 Mazda CX-90
GM has constructed a robust argument round its large-format pouch cells which might be on the core of its U.S. Ultium EV push. Yet now GM is kind of versatile with battery format, in keeping with CEO Mary Barra this week. Given that, and GM’s three Ultium Cells crops already introduced, what concerning the economies of scale GM has touted in preserving as a lot as attainable to 1 format?
Ford CEO Jim Farley on Thursday revealed that the corporate might be aiming to make its future EVs “radically simplified,” with smaller batteries, fewer components, and the potential to be in-built tens of millions.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Toyota not too long ago introduced a brand new CEO and gave the inexperienced mild to its first devoted, large-scale EV platform. But as we famous, placing a latest presentation in context, that doesn’t sign a higher dedication to EVs or a concession to environmentalists who suppose the automaker is misguided.
Volvo is reportedly planning an expanded EV lineup for China and Asian markets which will embrace extra sedans, SUVs, and a luxurious van—though it’s actually not but clear which of these new fashions may come to Europe or the U.S.
Volkswagen has reportedly permitted an EV smaller than the ID.4 for the U.S. market, with potential North American meeting. A North American battery plant can be being thought of for Canada. Is this the return of the e-Golf, or one thing else totally?
Teaser for Scout SUV idea
An Audi electrical off-road SUV may use the platform from guardian Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scout EV model, in keeping with a report. Perhaps arriving round 2027, it could rival the Mercedes EQG, Jeep Recon, and Rivian R1S.
The first 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has been auctioned off for $500,000, with proceeds to learn Tread Lightly. Although as we’ve famous earlier than, the Hummer EV most undoubtedly doesn’t tread calmly; it would truly be the heaviest SUV ever.
Electrify America to put in EV quick chargers at TravelCenters of America places
Electrify America introduced that it will likely be offering {hardware} and help for about 1,000 fast-chargers at 200 TravelCenters of America (TA) places, alongside main highways at about 50-mile intervals. These chargers are to be put in over the subsequent 5 years, with a few of them among the many 1,800 stations EA plans by 2025.
In California, EV gross sales added as much as about 16% of car gross sales in 2022. And whereas Tesla as soon as once more took a mammoth lead, with the Model 3 topping gross sales charts within the state, we checked out whether or not different manufacturers are getting nearer.
Marengo Charging Plaza, Pasadena, California
A examine commissioned by a local weather coverage suppose tank and backstopped by UC Davis analysis has discovered that limiting the scale of EV batteries would minimize the demand for lithium by as a lot as 42%—via all the advantages together with decreased air pollution and financial benefits. But convincing the market to purchase EVs with smaller batteries is a more durable promote.
Lawmakers in Kansas have known as for a tax on public EV charging, however not house charging. Some are criticizing the proposal for its “double taxation,” because the state already hiked EV registration charges, and for the way it disincentivizes those that lease or stay in condos.
Existing and advisable U.S. EV fast-chargers (from 2023 Great Plains Institute examine)
According to a brand new examine from a non-profit, it’s going to take 1,104 EV fast-charging stations to fill out federal Alternative Fuels Corridors and lay the inspiration for a federally funded nationwide charging community of 500,000 connectors. But it’s going to undoubtedly take extra on higher-traffic routes and for connecting adjoining routes, it argues.
Ford earlier within the week introduced worth reductions throughout its 2023 Mustang Mach-E lineup. They undid a few of the worth hikes given to the lineup final August, bringing the entire lineup of Standard Range fashions under what was then the $55,000 worth cutoff for the lineup to assert the EV tax credit score.
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
And we closed the week with some information that’s going to make an enormous distinction for some EV consumers over the subsequent month or extra. The U.S. Treasury Department introduced a change in what might be thought of an SUV beneath EV tax-credit worth cap necessities, and it ought to develop the value cap of many fashions—just like the Mach-E—as much as $80,000 and assist ease confusion over some mannequin lineups that have been known as automobiles in a single configuration and SUVs in one other. Put merely: See if the EPA data on the window sticker calls it an SUV.
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