Welcome to a new Patreon Producer CARLOS E ANZOLA ⚡👍
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Tuesday 18th July it’s Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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.
Ford F-150 Lightning’s Price Takes a Dive
Ford has significantly reduced the price of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck.
The least expensive versions of the Lightning will see a price drop of nearly $10,000, while all versions, including the top-line Platinum trim, will see a price drop of at least $6,000.
The company’s most affordable “Pro” trim is reduced from its previous MSRP of $59,974 to $49,995,
The base Lightning Pro model, designed for commercial use, is sold out for retail customers for the 2023 model year.
The XLT 311A is $54,995 (down $9,479)
The XLT 312A is $59,995 (down $8,479)
The XLT 312A Extended Range is $69,995 (down $8,879)
The Lariat is $69,995 (down $6,979)
The Lariat Extended Range is $77,495 (down $8,479)
Platinum with extended-range battery has dropped from $98,074 to $91,995.
Destination charges remain $1,995.
This price adjustment is the first decrease after four price hikes since the Lightning’s launch in April 2022.
The price cut is applicable to all F-150 Lightning models currently on order, scheduled for production, or scheduled for delivery.
The price reduction is attributed to improved economies of scale at the truck’s Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and improved battery raw material costs.
HiPhi Y Electric SUV Hits the Chinese Market with Impressive 503 Miles Range
HiPhi has officially launched its latest model, the HiPhi Y, in China. The electric SUV is priced from ¥339,000 ($47,265) and is expected to be available in Europe next year.
The HiPhi Y comes with two battery pack options: a 76.6 kWh and a 115 kWh. Depending on the battery pack, the HiPhi Y can deliver a range between 347 and 503 miles according to the China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). However, in real-world conditions, the range is likely to be around 250-370 miles.
The dual-motor HiPhi Y generates 497 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive variant of the HiPhi Y produces 331 horsepower.
The HiPhi Y is a medium-sized SUV, slightly larger than a Tesla Model Y. It features a 17-inch OLED center display, a 15-inch HD passenger touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster for the driver. Standard features include a Meridian sound system, a camera rear-view mirror, and a heads-up display.
The rear doors of the HiPhi Y are uniquely designed. The bottom half opens traditionally, while the top section opens upwards in a gullwing style.
HiPhi also sells two other models, the X SUV and Z sedan, which are set to launch in Europe this fall with prices starting at over €100,000 ($112,330). The HiPhi Y is therefore the cheapest vehicle in HiPhi’s lineup.
Kia EV9 Electric SUV 1,300 Units Sold in First Month
Kia has reported strong sales for its flagship electric SUV, the EV9, with over 1,300 units sold in its first month on the market.
The EV9, unveiled in March, is Kia’s top-tier model and its first three-row electric SUV. It is built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP dedicated EV platform and is the first to feature its fourth-generation battery tech.
The EV9 boasts “True SUV capabilities,” including 7.8 inches of ground clearance, over 81 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs, and available dual-motor all-wheel drive.
The EV9 is equipped with the latest in-vehicle software and connectivity tech, including Kia’s most advanced Highway Driving Pilot, onboard power generator capabilities (through V2L), and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Deliveries of the EV9 began in South Korea on June 19, and the electric SUV gathered over 13,000 pre-orders in its first eight days on the market. In its first month, the EV9 nearly outsold Kia’s first electric model, with 1,379 units sold in June.
More than 50% of pre-orders are from customers new to the Kia brand, a trend also observed with Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 electric SUV.
In the USA the EV9 is expected to go on sale before the end of the year and will be available in two powertrain options: a standard 76.1 kWh battery with a 215 hp (60 kW) motor, and an optional 99.9 kWh battery available in a single motor with up to 300 miles range or a dual-motor 379 hp (283 kW) all-wheel-drive configuration.
US prices have not been announced yet, but based on the first European prices, the EV9 is expected to cost around $60K for the standard battery pack and upwards of $70K for the larger battery.
Tesla Breaks Convention to Showcase Its EVs at the IAA 2023 Show in Munich
In an unusual move, Tesla will be attending this year’s IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany. The event is scheduled to run from September 4-8.
Tesla plans to present its electric vehicles in the open air at Munich’s Königsplatz. It’s not yet clear which models Tesla will display or whether it will offer test drives.
Tesla’s decision to attend the IAA Mobility show is surprising as the company rarely participates in auto shows. Instead, Tesla usually unveils its new models and technologies through its own events and online platforms, allowing it to control the messaging around its products and reach a wider audience directly.
Notable previous appearances at car shows include the 2006 San Francisco Auto Show, where it showcased the original Tesla Roadster, and the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, where the Tesla Model 3 made its auto show debut. Tesla also participated in the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show.
GM’s Battery Shortage Crisis Intensifies as CAMI EV Plant Temporarily Shuts Down
General Motors (GM) is temporarily halting production at its CAMI EV assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, due to a shortage of batteries for its Ultium platform.
GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, has previously identified battery production as the limiting factor in scaling up the company’s EV production.
The CAMI plant, which received a CAD 1 billion (roughly $750 million) investment for conversion to an EV assembly plant, began production of BrightDrop electric delivery vans in December 2022. The first 50 BrightDrop EV vans were deployed from the facility in June.
Despite high demand for the BrightDrop vans, the plant is facing a shutdown due to a raw material bottleneck that is impacting battery production across all GM plants.
GM is currently building more battery capacity, but this process takes time. Workers are expected to return to the assembly plant on July 31.
GM is also reportedly building a 400,000 square feet addition to the CAMI facility to assemble its own batteries to support BrightDrop production.
GM currently has one battery plant in Warren, Ohio, that began production last fall. It has three more planned – one in Spring Hill, Tennessee, expected to start operations later this year, one in Lansing, Michigan, slated to open in 2024, and a $3 billion plant in Indiana announced last month.
When all plants are operational, GM expects to have around 160 GWh of battery cell capacity.
Despite the challenges, GM is optimistic about its EV future. It is launching three high-volume Ultium electric cars this year – the Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV.
SEAT to Invest in a New Battery Cell Assembly Plant in Martorell
SEAT has announced plans to build a battery cell assembly plant in Martorell, Spain.
The company will invest an additional €300 million ($335 million) in the project, which will create more than 400 direct jobs and over 100 indirect jobs.
The new facility will cover an area of 64,000 square meters and will be used to assemble the cells that PowerCo will manufacture at the gigafactory in Sagunto, Valencia.
Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The plant will be connected to Workshop 10, where SEAT S.A. will manufacture some of the Volkswagen Group’s electric cars, including the CUPRA Raval.
The new facility is seen as a key step in SEAT S.A.’s electrification plan and is expected to provide the impetus to obtain a second platform in Martorell.
SEAT S.A. is playing a leading role in turning Spain into an EV hub in Europe. Through the Future: Fast Forward project, SEAT S.A., the Volkswagen Group, and their partners are investing €10 billion ($11.2 billion) to electrify the automotive industry, create thousands of jobs, and maintain the country’s competitiveness.
2024 Chevy Silverado EV Workhorse Surprises with a Boost in EPA Range Estimate
General Motors’ (GM) incoming President of North America, Rory Harvey, announced that the 2024 Silverado EV has received a higher EPA range estimate than initially predicted.
The Silverado EV’s official website states that the electric pickup truck has a GM-estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge. However, Harvey revealed that the 2024 Silverado EV work truck is expected to have an EPA estimate of 450 miles of range.
The starting price for the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV will be $79,800, inclusive of shipping. The Silverado EV work truck, with a 350-mile range, is set to launch in the spring with a starting price of $74,800.
Chevrolet plans to release other versions of the Silverado EV work truck with starting prices as low as $41,595, including shipping.
The fully loaded RST First Edition version of the Silverado EV, with a GM-estimated 400 miles of range, is set to launch in the fall with a starting price of $106,695.
GM expects the Chevrolet Silverado EV to qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA). However, not all versions of the Silverado EV will qualify for the IRA’s EV tax credits.
Ubitricity Scores Big with UK Contracts for 560 Streetlight Charging Points
Ubitricity, a Berlin-based charging infrastructure provider, has secured two new contracts in England for up to 560 additional lantern charging points.
The charging points will be installed in Berkshire and Redbridge.
The streetlight-mounted charge points charge at a speed of up to 5kW and take just three hours to install. They will be installed in key residential and commercial locations.
Rimac Nevera Shatters Record at 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Rimac Nevera, the fastest accelerating production car in the world and the production EV with the highest verified top speed, has added another feather to its cap. It is now the fastest electric production car to have ever taken on the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb.
In the Supercar Shootout on the final day of the event, the Nevera set a time of 49.32 seconds, making it the fastest overall production car this year.
The Rimac Nevera is limited to 150 examples and is currently being built on the outskirts of Zagreb, with deliveries ongoing to customers all over the world.
Mazda’s First EV-Only Model to Launch in 2027
Mazda is set to launch its first new electric-vehicle-only model in 2027, according to CEO Masahiro Moro.
In 2021, Mazda began selling an electric model of the MX-30.
From 2028 onwards, Mazda plans to increase production of EV-only models and speed up the development of high-quality electric control equipment. This will be done in collaboration with Toyota, Mazda’s capital alliance partner.
Mazda is also focusing on China, the world’s largest auto market, with plans to intensify its electrification efforts. The company believes that the shift to EVs in China will happen rapidly.
Moro stated that Mazda will offer one EV model after another from 2025 through a Chinese joint venture.
Rolls-Royce Spectre: Only Needs a Dozen Charges a Year?
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, despite having a range of only 260 miles, is not concerned with range anxiety. This is because the average Rolls-Royce client only drives around 3,000 miles per year on their cars, far less than the average driver.
Given the Spectre’s 260-mile range, this works out to approximately 11.5 charges per year, or roughly one charge per month. This is a non-issue for Rolls-Royce owners, who typically have seven other vehicles in their possession.
The Spectre can charge up to 11 kW on a Level 2 home charger, enough to fill its 102 kWh battery pack in just under 11 hours. While the Spectre is charging, owners can use their other vehicles.
Rolls-Royce offers a “concierge experience” for customers when it comes to having a charger installed. The company has partnered with Qmerit for this purpose, although some customers may prefer to use their own personnel for such tasks. Like the Rolls Royce customer who simply couldn’t wait and had a 50 kW DC fast charger in their private residence. What you can do when money is no object!
Iconic British Carmaker Morgan Prepares for an Electric Revolution
Morgan Motor Company, a renowned British carmaker based in Malvern, Worcestershire since 1909, is known for its sports cars that embody British excellence and craftsmanship.
The company was bought by private equity house InvestIndustrial four years ago, ending 110 years of ownership by the Morgan family.
The company recently opened its second dealership in Italy, announced three new dealerships in Germany and France, and is awaiting authorization from US regulators to export its new three-wheeled Super 3 model to America.
The company is also working on launching its first all-electric car by 2030 to comply with the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars in several countries, including Britain.
LiveWire Unveils Detailed Specifications for the Anticipated S2 Del Mar Electric Motorcycle
Harley-Davidson launched its electric motorcycle project, LiveWire One, in 2021. A more affordable version was announced later, and the company has now released full specifications.
The LiveWire One, which was first revealed in 2014, had a 146-mile city riding battery, 86 lb.ft of torque from the 105-hp motor, and a top speed of 110 mph. It was initially sold for nearly $30,000 but the price dropped to $22,799 after LiveWire became a standalone company.
The new, less expensive model, the S2 Del Mar, is expected to start shipping in July 2023. It has an 84-hp (63-kW) electric drive, four ride modes, a custom mode, and produces 194 lb.ft (263 Nm) of torque. It can reach 60 mph in three seconds and has a top speed of 103 mph.
The S2 Del Mar’s 10.5-kWh battery can last for 113 miles of city riding, but this could drop to 43 miles for sustained highway riding at 70 mph. Charging the battery to 80% takes 78 minutes at a Level 2 public charger, while a full recharge takes 142 minutes. Charging via a standard 110-V wall outlet takes 8.4 hours.
The S2 Del Mar is priced at $15,499. Shipping dates and availability are yet to be confirmed.
French City Cancels Hydrogen Bus Project, Opts for Cheaper Electric Buses
The French city of Montpellier has cancelled a project to run 51 hydrogen buses due to high costs. Officials found that electric buses would be six times cheaper to operate.
The Montpellier Horizon Hydrogen project, launched in December 2019, was worth €29m ($33m). It included the construction of a small solar-powered green-hydrogen plant and was announced by EDF subsidiary Hynamics.
The project had been awarded €18m of funding, including €6.9m of grants from regional, national, and European funds, and €8.9m of investment and loans from the French sovereign fund Caisse des Dépôts.
However, Montpellier’s mayor, Michaël Delafosse, decided to cancel the project due to its high operational costs. He stated that while hydrogen technology is promising, it would be six times more expensive than electric buses.
Julie Frêche, the vice-president of the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, noted that operating the hydrogen buses would cost €3m per year, compared to €500,000 with electric ones. Hydrogen buses were also €150,000-200,000 more expensive to purchase than electric buses.
Green hydrogen is considered an inefficient and expensive solution for road transport due to the energy required for electrolysis to create the hydrogen, the power needed to compress the gas, the need for large storage tanks, and the cost of filling stations to pump the stored hydrogen into vehicles.
Despite these challenges, hydrogen advocates argue that fuel-cell electric vehicles are lighter than battery-powered ones, can be charged more quickly, and can run for more kilometers on a single charge.
Young People in China Swap E-bikes for Electric Wheelchairs to Circumvent Strict Road Rules
In Guangzhou, a bustling city in southern China, able-bodied young people have found a unique way to commute. They are switching from e-bikes to electric wheelchairs to evade tightened rules on e-bikes.
This move has sparked mixed reactions online. Some support the innovative solution, while others criticize it as ‘sick’ and ‘unrealistic’.
The use of electric wheelchairs as a mode of transport by those who do not need them for mobility purposes raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of road rules.
It also highlights the challenges faced by urban commuters in China due to the strict regulations on e-bikes.
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 ELECTROVERSE – 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
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 BENJAMIN
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
ROOSEVELT WATSON
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TYLER VOSS