Welcome to a new Patreon Executive Producer MATTHEW LONG
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 Wednesday 13th September, Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to. 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.
FIAT 600E PRODUCTION BEGINS IN POLAND BY STELLANTIS
Stellantis has initiated the production of the electric Fiat 600e at their Tychy facility in Poland. The first unit of the Fiat 600e ‘La Prima’ edition was manufactured last week. In Germany, the base model ‘Red’ is priced at 36,490 euros, with the ‘La Prima’ variant priced at 42,490 euros. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, but estimates suggest a range of £36,000-£37,000. The Tychy plant has also been manufacturing the all-electric Jeep Avenger since February 2023.
PEUGEOT E-3008: RANGE AND POWER SPECS
Peugeot’s E-3008 is not just a revamped version of its predecessor but a leap into the future. Built on the STLA Medium electric platform by Stellantis, it’s designed for versatility. With two battery options, the larger one offers an impressive range of up to 435 miles. Power varies from a solid 213 horsepower in the standard model to a robust 326 horsepower in the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant. The interior boasts a sleek 21-inch widescreen display, elegantly curving across the dashboard. This is complemented by the windscreen’s projected data and the adaptable 10 i-Toggles, ensuring drivers have all the information they need right in their line of sight.
TESLA DOMINATES EU’S LATEST EV INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING
The European Union recently earmarked €352 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, aiming to add 12,000 charging points across its member states. Tesla emerged as the primary beneficiary, securing a substantial €148.7 million. This grant will enable the EV giant to establish 7,198 high-capacity 250 kW charging points at 687 sites in 22 countries. Tesla’s allocation represents 42% of the total funding, underscoring the company’s significant role in Europe’s EV landscape. This investment will not only support new Tesla Superchargers but also fund the upgrade of existing ones.
TESLA SLASHES MODEL 3 INVENTORY PRICES AHEAD OF U.S. REFRESH
Tesla is gearing up for the North American release of its refreshed Model 3 by cutting prices on inventory units across the U.S. In Florida, potential buyers can snag the current generation rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Model 3 for a mere $36,220 before incentives. Similar price reductions are evident in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, with prices in places like Colorado settling around $37,020. An added bonus for U.S. customers is the eligibility of these units for the $7,500 federal tax incentive. Internationally, the “Highland” Model 3 refresh is already making waves, available for order in countries from Australia to Europe. German enthusiasts can purchase the RWD Model 3 Highland for 42,990 euros or opt for the all-wheel-drive dual-motor variant at 51,990 euros.
KEY SPECS OF TESLA’S NEW MODEL 3 UNVEILED IN CHINESE FILING
The new Model 3 features a 194-kW motor for its single-motor variant and an added 137 kW motor for the dual-motor model. CATL supplies the lithium iron phosphate batteries for the single-motor Model 3. The dual-motor Model 3 uses ternary lithium-ion batteries from LG Energy Solution. The exact battery capacities remain undisclosed. The single-motor model is branded as “Tesla Model 3,” whereas the dual-motor variant carries the “Tesla Model 3+” label. Tesla’s China website indicates the discontinuation of the previous performance version, introducing a dual-motor long-range variant in its place.
KIA’S 2024 EV9: A COMPREHENSIVE FIRST DRIVE REVIEW
Kia’s EV9, set to launch by the end of 2023, will offer five trims, with pricing details still under wraps. The base Light model, equipped with a 76.1-kWh battery, promises a 223-mile range and a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds. The Light Long Range variant extends the range to 300 miles, albeit with a slightly slower acceleration. The Wind trim introduces all-wheel drive and a Boost “Feature on Demand” option, enhancing torque. The Land trim matches the Wind in power but offers a 253-mile range due to its 20-inch wheels. The premium GT-Line, with 21-inch wheels, boasts a 243-mile range and a swift 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds.
Charging the EV9 is efficient, with the larger battery reaching 80% in just 24 minutes. Luxury features in the top trims include a power recliner footrest and a light massage function. The plush second-row chairs can be upgraded with heating and massage features. Initially produced in Korea, the EV9 won’t qualify for full U.S. tax incentives. However, once production shifts to Kia’s Georgia plants, it will be eligible.
WALLBOX UNVEILS BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING WITH KIA EV9
Wallbox recently spotlighted its advanced Quasar 2 home EV charger through an engaging video. This 11.5 kW charger, launched in January, not only powers the Kia EV9 but also taps into the SUV’s energy to operate household devices. A standout feature of the Quasar 2 is its CCS-combo DC charger, enabling both vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. While bidirectional charging is still a rarity in today’s EVs, the Kia EV9, built on Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP platform, supports it and boasts a battery capacity of 76-100 kWh. Smartly, the Quasar 2 can pause charging during peak grid demands, resuming when energy is cheaper in the evening.
BMW, FORD, AND HONDA LAUNCH CHARGESCAPE FOR EV GRID INTEGRATION
BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. have joined forces to unveil ChargeScape, LLC. This innovative venture is set to revolutionize the EV landscape by creating a unified platform connecting electric utilities, automakers, and EV enthusiasts. Building on the foundation of the OVGIP cross-industry collaboration, ChargeScape aims to simplify integrations between car brands and electric utilities. The platform will grant utilities access to a diverse pool of EV battery energy. Furthermore, EV users can amplify their grid contribution by sharing battery energy during peak demand, leveraging advanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. ChargeScape’s intelligent approach will harness automaker telematics to manage charge schedules, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi-enabled stations and catering to EV users without “smart” home chargers.
EV PRICES DROP, TESLA LEADS THE WAY
In August, the average transaction price (ATP) for new vehicles witnessed a slight uptick of just $42 from the previous year. However, the electric vehicle (EV) market tells a different story. Driven largely by Tesla’s consistent price cuts, EV prices have plummeted by nearly 19% year over year, settling at $53,376, down from a hefty $65,688. This trend is further emphasized by the fact that the average EV price in August dropped from $53,633 in July.
Incentives are also on the rise, marking their 11th consecutive month of growth in August. They now account for 4.9% of the ATP, a jump from 2.3% a year ago. Specifically, for EVs, these incentives represented 8.1% of the ATP in August, translating to $4,298. Tesla’s influence on the market is undeniable. Their Model 3 prices saw a 21% reduction year over year in August, with the Model S, Model Y, and Model X experiencing drops of 17%, 16%, and 13% respectively.
By the start of September, the availability of EVs, measured by days’ supply, exceeded the industry average. This surge in production and availability indicates that dealers are grappling more with over-supply than demand shortages. As the EV market matures, this surplus, combined with increasing competition, is expected to push prices even lower, paving the way for broader EV adoption.
SWISS STUDENTS BREAK EV ACCELERATION WORLD RECORD
A team of Swiss students has set a groundbreaking record with their electric car, Mythen, accelerating from 0-62mph in under a second. This hand-built marvel, weighing a mere 140kg, harnesses power from a custom 321bhp powertrain. To optimize traction, the AMZ team innovatively employed a suction mechanism, akin to a vacuum cleaner, anchoring the car to the ground. Highlighting its prowess, the University of Stuttgart equated Mythen’s peak acceleration of 2g to the forces astronauts experience during Earth re-entry.
CHINA POISED TO DOMINATE EV MARKET AMID UK-EU TRADE TENSIONS
The UK’s Industry Minister, Nus Ghani, has raised alarms over China’s potential dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market if the UK and EU fail to resolve their post-Brexit EV trade dispute. The crux of the matter is the impending January 1, 2024 deadline, when a 10% tariff will be levied on EVs exchanged between the UK and EU. With Chinese EV imports already expanding in both regions, the stakes are high. The disagreement primarily revolves around the “rules of origin” criteria. As it stands, 70% of an EV battery’s parts can be imported from outside the UK or EU without tariffs. However, this will sharply decrease to 40% by 2024, leading to a 10% charge on vehicles that exceed this limit.
MERCEDES-BENZ UNVEILS ESPRINTER VAN PRICING
Mercedes-Benz has rolled out its first all-electric van for the North American market, the eSprinter, with a starting price of $71,886.12. Available now at US dealerships, this van features a spacious 170-inch-wheelbase and a high-roof configuration. Under the hood, it’s powered by a robust 113 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering an impressive WLTP range of up to 249 miles.
MERCEDES-BENZ ECITAN STARTS AT £33,995 IN THE UK
Under the hood, the eCitan is powered by an electric motor delivering 90 kW (122 hp) and 245 Nm of torque. Its design smartly incorporates a water-cooled 45 kWh.
Owners can take advantage of the complimentary three-year subscription to the Mercedes me app, which offers a pre-conditioning feature, allowing temperature adjustments while charging. The van’s integrated navigation system is tailored for electric vehicles, suggesting optimal routes and ideal charging stations based on the vehicle’s battery status. It also provides insights into nearby charging options, detailing their speed and availability. To top it off, the eCitan offers a standard 22 kW AC charging capability.
XPENG’S X9 MPV GEARS UP FOR Q4 LAUNCH
Xpeng is gearing up for the fourth-quarter release of its debut MPV, the X9, which recently appeared in a Chinese regulatory filing. The lineup offers two single-motor versions, each powered by a 235 kW electric motor. Additionally, a dual-motor variant features an extra rear motor with 135 kW peak power. While one single-motor model will harness lithium iron phosphate cells from Eve Energy, the other models will incorporate lithium ternary ion cells from CALB. Designed as a versatile seven-seater, the X9 is set to make its market debut by year’s end.
VOLKSWAGEN’S 2024 ID.6 CROZZ: ENHANCED RANGE AT AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE
Volkswagen has unveiled its updated three-row electric SUV, the 2024 ID.6 Crozz, with notable improvements. Priced competitively at around $35,500, this revamped model boasts an extended range and design enhancements. Produced in collaboration with FAW-VW, the ID.6 Crozz joins the lineup alongside the ID.4 Crozz, while AIC-VW manages the ID.4 X and ID.6 X. The SUV’s modern interior is highlighted by a 12-inch central control screen, a 5.3-inch instrument panel, and an advanced AR head-up display. Volkswagen has optimized the design by integrating many functions into the central screen. Furthermore, its flexible seating can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, offering configurations of either 2x2x2 or 2x3x2.
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