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Europe’s Adorable Mini EV, Microlino, Expands Reach to France
The Microlino, a charming four-wheeled electric vehicle, is now available in France, adding to its growing European market.
Technically classified as a L7e quadricycle, the Microlino is a pint-sized vehicle that’s perfect for city driving.
Micro Merlin Ouboter, the co-founder of Microlino, expressed excitement over the launch in France, anticipating it to be one of their biggest markets in Europe.
The French are no strangers to small electric quadricycles, with the Citroen Ami being a popular choice in the country.
Quadricycles are similar to the LSV category of motor vehicles in the US but are allowed to reach higher speeds in Europe. They are more cost-effective due to fewer regulations.
The Microlino is priced at around €17,900, placing it between the cost of an electric motorcycle and an electric car.
The vehicle has a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) and a 12.5 kW (16.8 hp) motor, making it ideal for urban tasks. The larger battery is 14kWh, or 10kWh for the standard battery.
At 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) long, the Microlino is perfect for navigating densely populated urban centers and finding parking spots that full-size vehicles can’t use.
Despite not being a “real” car, the Microlino uses automotive-grade construction and components, including steel and aluminum unibody construction.
The Microlino’s design features a single forward-opening door and a rear hatchback for access to a small storage compartment.
The company recently celebrated a significant milestone with the 1,000th vehicle rolling off the line at their Italian factory.
Sneak Peek into the 2024 Mini Cooper Electric’s Interior and Soundtracks
The 2024 Mini Cooper Electric is set to bring the iconic hatchback back to its roots, with a design that is noticeably more purposeful and minimalist.
The car’s exterior features a wider track, shorter overhangs, a longer wheelbase, and larger wheels, giving it a more assertive stance.
The interior of the car is inspired by the original Mini, with a minimalist cabin and a touchscreen replacing the traditional speedometer. The display houses all the vital information, including gear selection, electric range, power meter, navigation hub, and media player.
Temperature control dials are located at the bottom corners of the screen, with a row of shortcut icons in the middle.
The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced with a pop-up glass HUD (Heads-Up Display) for easy viewing of important information.
Below the center screen is the “toggle bar,” which includes switches and knobs for gear selection, turning the car on and off, and various drive modes.
The steering wheel has been redesigned and is smaller in diameter than the current model. It features more buttons than the center console.
The electric Cooper is due to go on sale in May 2024.
The new EV will match the current Electric’s 181bhp and is expected to go from 0-62mph in roughly 7.0 seconds.
A warmed-up Cooper SE is also in the pipeline with 215bhp, and a John Cooper Works variant is expected to have around 250bhp.
The electric Cooper will use a 40kWh battery for a claimed range of 240 miles, while the Cooper SE will use a 54kWh pack to push closer to 300 miles.
MG ZS EV Gets Cheaper In China’s Price War
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market is witnessing a significant price war, with MG the latest to slash the prices of its ZS EV model.
MG has reduced the price of its ZS EV model by 20,000 yuan (approximately $3,100 USD). The price war in China’s EV market is being fueled by a number of factors, including government subsidies for EVs, increasing competition among manufacturers, and the growing demand for electric vehicles among Chinese consumers. As more and more people in China become aware of the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, the demand for these vehicles is expected to continue to rise.
China Prolongs EV Tax Exemption Until 2027, Boosting New Energy Vehicle Market
On July 19, the Chinese fiscal authority announced an extension of the new energy vehicle purchase tax exemption policy until the end of 2027.
Under this policy, new energy vehicles purchased between January 2024 and December 2025 will be fully exempted from the vehicle purchase tax, with each vehicle eligible for an exemption of up to RMB 30,000 ($4,180).
New energy vehicles purchased between January 2026 and December 2027 will enjoy a 50% reduction of the vehicle purchase tax, with each vehicle eligible for a reduction of up to RMB 15,000 ($2,090).
The tax exemption policy for new energy vehicles in China was first implemented in late 2014 and was extended in 2022 until the end of this year.
This move is expected to further stimulate the new energy vehicle market in China, which is already the largest in the world.
China’s Energy Storage Revolution: Five Key Drivers of the Boom
China’s energy storage sector is experiencing rapid growth, with an impressive planned capacity of over 19 gigawatts in newly published tenders for projects during the first five months of this year. This represents a 93.5% increase compared to the same period last year. It is anticipated that China will possess a total new energy storage capacity of 97 gigawatts by 2027, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 49.3% between 2023 and 2027.
The surge in energy storage projects in China can be attributed to several factors:
Adoption of Lithium-ion Battery Technology: This technology has proven to be reliable and efficient, making it the preferred choice for many energy storage systems in the country.
Government Policies: The Chinese government has implemented various initiatives to support the development of the energy storage sector. These policies include financial incentives, subsidies, and tax benefits that attract investors and promote the growth of energy storage projects.
Potential of Energy Storage: China has recognized the potential of energy storage in enhancing grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Market: China’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) market is driving the demand for energy storage solutions.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities: China’s leadership in advanced manufacturing capabilities has also contributed to the country’s energy storage boom.
Hertz’s Electric Fleet Expansion: A Boon for Bargain Hunters
Hertz, the rental car giant, is encouraging its customers to rent one of the many EVs in its fleet by offering discounted prices and free rental days through the end of the summer. If you rent an EV for at least two days by September 6, you’ll get a free rental day. Hertz is also offering a separate 30% discount on EV rentals until the end of August.
Earlier this year, Hertz announced that it has more than 50,000 EVs in its fleet, which is about 10% of the company’s fleet. The company has plans to increase this number to over 340,000 EVs by 2027. This includes orders for 100,000 vehicles from Tesla, 65,000 from Polestar, and 175,000 from GM.
Hertz’s EV expansion is not just about increasing numbers. The company has also announced initiatives like “Hertz Electrifies Orlando,” which will bring 6,000 of those EVs and 50 DC fast-charging stations to the Florida city. Similar announcements have been made for other cities including Houston, Denver, and Atlanta.
Hertz is also sharing data from its connected EV fleet with city planners to help them decide where to install charging infrastructure. Additionally, the company is donating EVs to high school and community college auto programs so students can get hands-on experience with EVs.
Hertz is trying to make the EV rental experience as smooth as possible for its customers. If you request an EV, you’ll get a link emailed to you for an online EV guide. Hertz is also updating the keychains for its EVs to include a QR code that links to the guide.
PG&E To Boost EV Adoption In Underserved Communities
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has introduced two new programs, Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger, to enhance access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in underserved communities. This move aligns with California’s goals for vehicle electrification and climate action.
These programs offer free EV charging infrastructure and resources to help cover the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in low- and moderate-income communities within PG&E’s service area.
A recent study by the California Energy Commission revealed that high upfront vehicle costs, lack of chargers for renters, and inadequate access to public charging stations in low-income and rural communities have limited EV adoption among these populations.
The Empower EV program offers income-eligible customers up to $2,500 in incentives to help cover the cost of installing EV-charging equipment at their single-family residences. PG&E plans to provide a free Level 2 charger, valued at $500, to approximately 2,000 customers who meet eligibility requirements.
PG&E will also cover up to $2,000 per eligible household for panel upgrades completed by the program’s approved electrician. Up to 800 eligible households may qualify for financial assistance with panel upgrades.
To participate in the Empower EV program, customers are required to verify income eligibility and show that they have purchased or leased an EV within the six months prior to applying. Pilot participants will be automatically enrolled in PG&E’s Home Charging EV2-A Time-of-Use rate plan and must remain on the rate for a minimum of six billing cycles.
The Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program plans to install approximately 2,000 Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at 450 multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in select communities. For qualified customers, the charging units will be installed at no cost to property owners, and the program covers two years of networking and software fees.
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