Trying a new thing so you know when to expect a show. We go live at 5pm UK, that’s Midday Eastern. Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they’re ready and ad free. You can be like them by clicking here.
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, you trusted source of EV information. It’s Saturday 4th March it’s Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
TESLA DEPLOYS ITS FIRST SUPERCHARGER V4: A HUGE UPGRADE FOR DC FAST-CHARGING STATIONS
Tesla has been working on its Supercharger V4 design, which promises a higher charge rate and compatibility with non-Tesla electric vehicles. The new charger is also expected to feature a longer cable to accommodate electric vehicles that have different charge port locations. Tesla has now started to deploy the new Supercharger V4, with a station spotted under construction in Harderwijk, the Netherlands. The new Supercharger stalls are significantly larger than the previous generation, with a potential for a higher charge rate, though details on this have not been released.
The longer cable is a crucial upgrade for Tesla’s network to be accessible to non-Tesla electric vehicles, which sometimes park in awkward positions and block other stalls. The deployment of the first Supercharger V4 suggests that Tesla is ramping up production of the new charger and could make a rare press release to announce the deployment of the new station soon.
The Supercharger V4 is a significant upgrade for DC fast-charging stations, making the Tesla network the largest and most competitive in the electric vehicle charging service. With this deployment, Tesla has once again pushed the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and charging infrastructure, paving the way for the future of sustainable transportation.
Source: https://electrek.co/2023/03/03/tesla-deploying-first-supercharger-v4-huge/
ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS IN GERMANY PASS ONE MILLION MARK IN 2023
Germany has surpassed the one million mark in purely electrically powered passenger cars, according to official figures published by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). Despite a weak January, the electric vehicle market share rose to 15.7 per cent, with a total stock of around 48.8 million passenger cars. The number of electric cars registered in Germany on 1 January 2023 was 1,013,009, which is a 63.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. However, new registrations of plug-in hybrids declined.
This milestone was not unexpected as the KBA counted 840,645 electric cars in Germany on 1 October 2022. With additional monthly publicly available BEV registrations for October, November, and December, the total result would have been 1,038,731 electric cars. The exact figures from the KBA reveal that 25,722 electric cars were deregistered in Q4 2022, which was mainly due to an accident, temporary decommissioning, or sale abroad.
In 2022, 618,460 electric cars were registered in Germany, which was already a 100 per cent increase compared to the beginning of 2021 when it was only 309,083 electric cars. With the continued growth in electric vehicle registrations in Germany, it is clear that the country is on its way to achieving its goal of having 10 million electric cars on the roads by 2030.
Source: https://www.electrive.com/2023/03/03/ev-registrations-in-germany-surpass-one-million-mark/
NORWAY’S PLUGIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES CONTINUE TO GROW, WITH TESLA MODEL Y AS BESTSELLER
Norway’s plugin electric vehicle market continues to expand, with a 90.1% share of all new auto sales in February 2023. This figure is up from 86.1% YoY and is mainly driven by the growth of full electric vehicles (BEVs), which comprise 83.1% of the total market share. On the other hand, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) lost market share, making up only 7% of the total market. The bestselling electric vehicle in Norway is the Tesla Model Y, with 1,296 units delivered in February.
In contrast, combustion-only vehicle sales continue to decline due to new tax policies that further discourage their sales, with their combined share falling to 4.4% in February. This trend is expected to continue, with their cumulative share likely to drop under 5% in the coming months.
Some new models gained traction in the Norwegian market, including the Nio EL7, a large luxury SUV that saw its first 23 deliveries in February, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, based on the same platform as the popular Ioniq 5 SUV.
Source: https://cleantechnica.com/2023/03/03/norways-plugins-continue-to-grow-tesla-model-y-bestseller/
ELECTRIC VEHICLES GRAB RECORD 6.8% SHARE OF AUSTRALIA MARKET AS TESLA DOMINATES
Electric vehicle sales in Australia have hit a new high, with a record share of 6.8% of new car sales in February. The sales were dominated by Tesla, which sold 3,516 EVs in the month, accounting for 60% of the market. However, the month also saw the entry of some new electric vehicle offerings, including the Hyundai Ioniq 6, with more to follow in the coming months.
According to data compiled by vFacts on behalf of the Federated Chamber of Automotive Industries, there were 5,932 EVs sold in February, out of a total of 88,878 vehicles. FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the growing sales of electric vehicles demonstrate that where a battery electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs, and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles. Weber added that Australia needs to adopt a fuel efficiency standard to ensure enough EVs are brought to Australia to meet demand.
This is a significant milestone for electric vehicle uptake across the country, demonstrating an appetite among Australians for environmentally friendly vehicles.
TESLA SELLS 74,402 CHINA-MADE ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN FEBRUARY 2023
Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, sold 74,402 China-made electric vehicles in February 2023, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. This is an impressive increase from the previous year when Tesla sold only 4,630 cars in China during the same month.
The Tesla Model Y was the most popular vehicle, with 39,579 units sold, followed by the Model 3 with 33,120 units sold. Tesla’s sales in China have been increasing steadily since it began production in the country in 2019.
BYD’S NEW ENERGY CAR SALES SOAR BY 119% IN 2022
Chinese automaker, BYD, has announced a significant rise in sales of its new energy vehicles (NEVs) for 2022. According to a recent report by Yicai, BYD’s NEV sales increased by 119% from the previous year, selling a total of 589,577 units in 2022.
BYD’s success in the NEV market can be attributed to its continued investment in research and development, as well as its partnership with major tech companies such as Huawei and Xiaomi. The company has also expanded its product line, offering a range of electric vehicles from small city cars to buses and heavy-duty trucks.
Furthermore, BYD has been actively expanding its global presence, with the opening of new factories in various regions, including Europe and South America. This has helped the company to tap into new markets and increase its brand awareness.
Source: https://www.asiafinancial.com/byd-new-energy-car-sales-up-119-from-2022-yicai
VOLKSWAGEN CONSIDERS PLANS FOR NEW FACTORIES IN NORTH AMERICA
Yesterday morning I saw the news reports that Volkswagen Group’s supervisory board met on Friday to discuss plans for two new factories in North America, according to two sources familiar with the matter. One factory will be a production plant, while the other will be a battery cell factory. While the board is expected to approve a site for the Scout brand in the U.S., discussions around a gigafactory remain open-ended.
Reviving the Scout brand is a critical part of VW’s goal to gain 10% market share in the U.S. The company has been searching for a site for a battery cell factory in North America, and Canada has been considered as “one logical option” because of its raw material resources.
Later yesterday, Volkswagen Group has announced the construction of a new assembly plant in Blythewood, South Carolina for its nascent Scout Motors brand. The $2 billion facility will build battery-electric pickups and SUVs beginning in 2026 and will bring an estimated 4,000 jobs to the area.
The plant will have an annual capacity of over 200,000 and manufacture vehicles exclusively for the Scout brand. Scout Motors was created by Volkswagen Group in 2022 and is currently building its management teams under CEO Scott Keogh.
The brand will use a new electric platform designed in Germany. Volkswagen Group has taken great pains to keep Scout Motors a separate entity from its existing VW Group of America corporate structure to avoid providing Volkswagen and Audi dealers a claim that Scout vehicles should be retailed at their dealerships. Volkswagen is also expected to announce the details of a battery plant it has committed to building in Canada. The Canadian plant is predicted to have a large impact on the automaker’s operations in one of its largest markets. The automaker has long-term plans to vertically integrate almost all of its battery manufacturing globally through its in-house battery unit, PowerCo.
VW expects the new facilities to offer “huge potential”, according to finance chief Arno Antlitz. The company’s $2bn investment in the South Carolina plant is expected to create around 4,000 jobs.
The move comes after US President Joe Biden unveiled over $400bn in clean energy incentives, which has made the EV market more attractive for carmakers. VW joins other global automakers, such as Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota, that have agreed to produce EVs or batteries in the US since the subsidies were introduced as part of the US Inflation Reduction Act. To qualify for the incentives, the law requires EVs to be substantially made in the US and exclude materials from certain countries, including China.
Source: https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/vw-board-will-discuss-two-new-north-america-plants
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/f5623da1-5c31-4090-8c0a-f36e52ea395e
RIVIAN ANNOUNCES 2023 R1S WITH MAX PACK BATTERY AND 390-MILE RANGE
Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, has announced the addition of a new variant to its range of zero-emission SUVs and pickup trucks. Set to be released in the fall, the 2023 R1S with the Max Pack battery and dual-motor AWD powertrain is expected to deliver up to 390 miles of driving range. This is a significant improvement over Rivian’s current most long-legged version of the R1S, which delivers 321 miles of range.
The 2023 R1S Max Pack is not only capable of traveling long distances but is also impressive in terms of speed, with an acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds from zero to 60 mph. Furthermore, Rivian has promised that existing customers who have preordered an R1S will be able to modify their order to the Max Pack configuration if desired.
Pricing has not been released yet, but it is expected that the 390-mile version of the R1S will be positioned towards the upper end of the range and start at around $90,000. This upcoming R1S variant will also be among the first Rivian vehicles fitted with the automaker’s new in-house-designed Enduro drive unit, potentially helping to scale up production more quickly while maintaining or even lowering overall production costs.
Overall, the 2023 R1S Max Pack with its impressive range and performance is sure to attract more EV shoppers. With this announcement, Rivian has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and its mission of producing environmentally friendly vehicles that meet the needs of modern drivers.
Source: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/rivian-announces-r1s-with-390-mile-range-is-coming-this-fall.html
FORD TO TRIPLE PRODUCTION OF F-150 LIGHTNING IN 2023
Ford has announced plans to triple the production of its electric F-150 Lightning model this year, despite a recent production pause caused by a battery issue. The company has fixed the problem and will resume production of the vehicle on March 13. Ford hopes to build 150,000 Lightnings annually by the end of 2023. Additionally, the production of other popular models, including the Mustang Mach-E EV and eTransit vans, will also be ramped up to meet high demand.
The plans come as no surprise, as Ford aims to sell as many vehicles as possible this year. In fact, the company has already started to increase the production of the Mustang Mach-E by nearly 67% and is targeting an annual manufacturing rate of 210K by the end of 2023. Furthermore, Ford is adding more workers at the Kansas City assembly plant, where the Transit van and its electric counterpart are built, to increase annual production by 38,000.
U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANUFACTURING JOBS IN KENTUCKY
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky, on Friday to underscore the significance of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing jobs. The plant, which is a joint venture between Ford Motor and SK On, is expected to begin production in 2025 and create 5,000 new jobs. The Secretary’s visit highlighted the importance of having automotive manufacturing jobs in the “middle of the country” and positioned Kentucky to be ahead in the global race for jobs.
The BlueOval SK Battery Park is the largest battery park in the world, with two battery production facilities covering a campus of more than 2.3 square miles. Each production plant will employ approximately 2,500 people. The park is expected to play a large role in Ford’s goal to produce an annual run rate of 2 million EVs globally by the end of 2026.
Buttigieg thanked leadership across the state and noted the impact and significance of these jobs. He also emphasized the importance of bills like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in encouraging the creation of these jobs domestically.
This project is transforming an industry, creating jobs, and helping to protect the planet. With the BlueOval SK Battery Park, Kentucky is positioning the U.S. to have infrastructure that can support an EV future.
MERCEDES BEGINS BUILDING BATTERY RECYCLING FACTORY IN SOUTHERN GERMANY
Mercedes-Benz has launched a battery recycling program with two Chinese companies, CATL and GEM, to promote sustainable production and disposal of EV batteries. The program will be carried out in China, where CATL and GEM will recycle Mercedes-Benz EV batteries and extract raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium for reuse in new batteries. The companies aim to create a closed-loop system that will enable up to 95% of the raw materials from used batteries to be recovered and reused.
The initiative aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s broader sustainability goals and its focus on reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles. It also shows the growing importance of battery recycling in the EV industry, as companies work to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable circular economy.
US EV JOURNEYS ARE UP
According to a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States are being driven farther per trip than ever before, nearly equaling the distance traveled by gasoline-powered vehicles. The study analyzed data from a variety of sources, including automakers and EV charging companies, and found that the average trip length for a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) was 73 miles, compared to 24 miles in 2011. Meanwhile, the average trip length for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was 50 miles, compared to 13 miles in 2012. This suggests that drivers are becoming more comfortable with the range of their EVs and are willing to take longer trips.
The study also found that public charging infrastructure has played a crucial role in enabling longer EV trips. The number of public charging stations in the US has grown significantly in recent years, with over 100,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging stations now available across the country. This growth in charging infrastructure has made it easier for EV drivers to take longer trips without worrying about running out of power.
EV RANGE ANXIETY IS A MYTH
Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in recent years, with major improvements in range, performance, and charging infrastructure. Despite this progress, many potential buyers still suffer from range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power before reaching their destination. However, according to a recent article by Ars Technica, it’s time for consumers to officially get over their range anxiety and embrace the benefits of EVs.
The article argues that range anxiety is a relic of the past and no longer relevant to today’s EVs. Modern EVs offer ranges of 200-300 miles or more on a single charge, which is more than enough for the vast majority of daily driving needs. Additionally, the growth of public charging infrastructure means that drivers can easily top up their batteries during longer trips.
The article also notes that range anxiety is not unique to EVs, as gasoline-powered vehicles also have limitations on how far the y can travel on a single tank of fuel. However, consumers have become accustomed to the convenience of refueling at gas stations and are less likely to worry about running out of gas.
Overall, the article argues that range anxiety should no longer be a barrier to buying an EV, as the technology has improved significantly in recent years. Consumers who are still hesitant to make the switch to an EV should consider the benefits, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, as well as the environmental benefits of zero-emissions driving.
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/03/why-its-time-to-officially-get-over-your-ev-range-anxie
PREMIUM PARTNERS
PHIL ROBERTS / ELECTRIC FUTURE
PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI
AUDI CINCINNATI EAST
VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII
DEREK REILLY FROM THE EV REVIEW IRELAND YOUTUBE CHANNEL
OCTOPUS ELECTRIC UNIVERSE – GLOBAL PUBLIC CHARGING MADE SIMPLE WITH ONE APP AND ONE MAP.
LEASEPLAN ELECTRIC MOMENTS – PROVIDING ALL THE TOOLS AND GUIDANCE EV DRIVERS NEED
PARTNERS
DAVID AND LISA ALLEN
JUKKA KUKKONEN FROM WWW.SHIFT2ELECTRIC.COM
RAJEEV NARAYAN
MICHAEL LUMBLEY
BATTERY REPORTS FOR EVS AT RECURRENTAUTO.COM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
ADRIAN BOND
ALAN SHEDD
ALEX BANAHENE
ALEXANDER FRANK @ https://www.youtube.com/c/alexsuniverse42
ANDERS HOVE
ANDREA JEFFERSON
ANDREW LUOMA
ANDY NANCARROW AND LILIAN KASS
ASEER KHALID
BÅRD FJUKSTAD
BILL CALHOUN
BLAINE MCKINNEY
BLUNDERBUSS JONES
BRIAN OLEARY
BRIAN THOMPSON
BRUCE BOHANNAN
CHAD LANE
CHARLES HALL
CHRISTOPHER BARTH
COLIN HENNESSY AND CAMBSEV
CRAIG ROGERS
DAVID DYSART
DAVID FINCH
DAVID PARTINGTON
DAVID PRESCOTT
DC EV
ED CORTEEN
EDDIE RAGASA
ERIC HANSEN
ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI
FREDRIK ROVIK
GENE RUBIN
GEORGE TORTAROLO
HEINRICH LIESNER
HELMUT SELKER
IAN (WATTIE) WATKINS
IAN GRIFFITHS
IAN SEAR
JACK OAKLEY
JACOB KUEHNE
JAMES PENFOLD
JAMES STORR
JAN FROM EMOBILITYNORWAY
JIM MORRIS
JOHN SCHROEDER
JOHN VAN DEVOORT
JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS
JON MANCHAK
JUAN GONZALEZ
KESTER SANDBACH
KEVIN MEYERSON
LAURENCE D ALLEN
LEE BROWN
LUKE CULLEY
MARCEL WARD
NATHAN GORE-BROWN
NATHAN KING
NATHANIEL FREEDMAN
NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS
OHAD ASTON
PAUL STEPHENSON
PETE GLASS
PETE GORTON
PETER & DEE ROBERTS
PETER RYNER
PHIL MOUCHET
PHILIP FORRESTER
PHILIP TRAUTMAN
RAYMOND ROWLEDGE
REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
ROB FROM THE RSTHINKS EV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
ROBERT GRACE
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TYLER VOSS