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UK Pushes Petrol Car Ban to 2035, Sparks Automotive Industry Backlash
The UK government recently announced a five-year delay in its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, pushing the deadline from 2030 to 2035. This decision by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked a backlash among major automakers who argue that the delay disrupts supply chains and impedes the shift toward greener transportation options. Kia, which has plans to roll out nine new electric vehicle (EV) models in the UK, labeled the move as disappointing. Volkswagen also weighed in, stressing the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework that includes concrete infrastructure targets and consumer incentives. Ford, with a global commitment of $50 billion towards electrification, criticized the policy shift, stating it undermines the essential elements of ambition, commitment, and consistency needed for industry transformation. However, Toyota diverged from the general sentiment, expressing support for the policy shift, though without providing specific reasons.
Why The Tipping Point Matter: What’s Next For U.S. EV Adoption?
The U.S. has reached a significant milestone in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. In the last quarter, EVs made up five percent of all new car sales, a figure that grew to seven percent earlier this year. These numbers are expected to skyrocket, potentially accounting for nearly 80% of new car sales in the future. The situation mirrors Norway’s decade-long EV adoption journey, where currently, four out of five new vehicles sold are fully electric. Public opinion appears to be shifting as well. While just over a third of Americans view EVs as better for daily driving, the majority—59% and 70%, respectively—believe these vehicles excel at mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution.
EU’s August Auto Sales: Over 20% Were Fully Electric
This past August marked a milestone for electric vehicles (EVs) in the European Union. For the first time, fully electric cars accounted for more than 20% of new cars sold, hitting 21% according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The data shows not just a gradual increase but a significant surge in electric car adoption, with sales more than doubling to 165,165 units compared to August of the previous year. The momentum is strong, as nearly 1 million electric cars were sold in the EU for the first eight months of 2023 alone. Meanwhile, diesel, once the go-to choice for many European drivers, is fading into the rearview mirror, making up just 12.5% of sales in August— a stark contrast to 2015 when over half of new car sales were diesel models.
Netherlands Nears 50% Plugin Car Market Share in August
The Netherlands is making significant strides in electric vehicle adoption, with plugin cars accounting for 45% of new car sales in August. Breaking down the numbers, fully electric vehicles (EVs) made up a substantial 33% of these sales. In total, the country saw 12,518 new plugin registrations in August, fueling this sizable market share. What’s even more promising is that the trend suggests the plugin share could edge close to 50% by the end of 2023, possibly around 47%. If this momentum continues, the Netherlands could complete its EV transition well before the decade is out. Notably, pure electric vehicles dominated the plugin market in August, holding a 73% share and raising the year-to-date average to 69%.
EU Nations Seek to Dilute Stricter Car Emission Rules
EU countries are pushing to ease upcoming Euro 7 regulations aimed at lowering non-CO2 tailpipe emissions. Expected to formalize their position by next week, eight member states, including France and Italy, argue that the auto industry is already strained by the shift to electric vehicles. This move to relax regulations doesn’t alter the timeline for phasing out combustion engines but signals growing apprehensions about the economic repercussions of swift green transitions.
Day 6 of UAW Strike: Stellantis Extends a New Proposal
On the sixth day of the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, Stellantis became the first of Detroit’s Big Three automakers to extend a new proposal. Concurrent yet separate negotiations are ongoing with all three companies—Ford, GM, and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain has warned of additional strike targets come Friday unless substantial progress is made toward a fair agreement. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) has ruled out reintroducing pensions, sticking instead to its 401(k) matching scheme up to 6.4%. GM also remains opposed to the union’s request for a 32-hour workweek with 40-hour pay.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: New Features and Price Updates
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is getting some noteworthy updates. All trims will now feature a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, activated with a Hyundai Bluelink subscription, as well as haptic feedback for lane-keeping assist and blind-spot detection systems. For those opting for the top-tier Limited trim, an optional digital rearview mirror is now available. In terms of pricing, with a $1,335 destination charge included, the SE RWD Standard Range will cost $42,985, showing a $200 increase from last year. On the other hand, the Limited AWD model is priced at $58,855, marking a $750 hike.
Under the hood, the SE Standard Range will sport a smaller 58-kWh battery, limiting its horsepower to 168 and offering an estimated 200-mile range. The other trims are equipped with a 77.4-kWh battery, churning out 225 horsepower. These versions are expected to deliver a driving range of 303 miles with rear-wheel drive and 266 miles with all-wheel drive.
Rivian’s 50th Fast-Charging Station Goes Live in Michigan
Rivian recently unveiled its 50th DC fast-charging station in Mackinaw City, Michigan, solidifying its network near key travel destinations and the Canadian border. This location is not only convenient for those crossing the U.S.-Canada border but also benefits travelers headed to places like the Newberry State Forest Area and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The station, part of Rivian’s exclusive Adventure Network, has six plugs each offering a maximum output of 200 kW. Although Rivian had previously hinted at introducing paid charging, the company continues to provide free fast-charging to its customers. Looking ahead, Rivian is likely to equip its future stations with NACS connectors or compatible adapters such as the Magic Dock.
Shell Doubles Down on Investment in XCharge
Shell Ventures has invested in XCharge for the second time, following a successful Series B round in 2021. This new influx of capital will primarily fuel XCharge’s global expansion of its Net Zero product line, which specializes in battery-integrated fast charging solutions. In addition, the investment will facilitate the establishment of a new research and development center in Hamburg and a production facility in Texas. XCharge, a company founded in 2015, has already made significant strides in the fast-charging sector, recently introducing a 400 kW high-capacity charger that completes a full charge in just ten minutes. To date, the company has delivered over 40,000 chargers worldwide.
Massachusetts Expands EV Incentives to Used Cars and Down Payments
Massachusetts is ramping up its climate efforts by offering $3,500 rebates on used electric vehicles (EVs). This new initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to have 300,000 zero-emission cars on its roads by 2025. Effective from September 1, buyers can either use the rebate instantly as a down payment at participating dealerships or choose to receive a check within 90 days post-purchase. If you bought an EV between November 10, 2022, and August 8, 2023, don’t miss the November 6 deadline to apply for the rebate. It’s worth noting that hybrids are out of the picture; the deal is only for fully electric cars priced at $40,000 or less. Furthermore, eligibility extends to those who are on state or federal assistance or meet specific income guidelines.
BYD’s Dolphin Compact EV Hits the Japanese Market
BYD has rolled out its Dolphin compact electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, marking its second passenger EV offering in the country after the Atto 3. The Dolphin comes in two versions: a standard model with a 44.9 kWh battery pack and a long-range variant featuring a 58.56 kWh battery. Pricing starts at a competitive 3.63 million yen (around $24,570). The Dolphin is gaining traction, with 32,745 units sold in August alone—a 39.52% year-on-year increase and a slight bump of 2.49% from July. This performance placed it as BYD’s fourth best-selling model last month.
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