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 27th 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.
Polestar 3 Nears Completion Post Rigorous UAE Hot Weather Testing
The fast-approaching completion of Polestar 3 has been propelled by a two-week hot weather testing phase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Following its striking debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, the Polestar 3 prototypes were whisked to the UAE in August. The vehicle was tested in the urban and desert terrains around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where temperatures skyrocketed to 50 degrees Celsius (122°F).
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, expressed optimism regarding the progress of the Polestar 3 development, affirming that production is slated for the first quarter of 2024. The advent of Polestar 3 is particularly notable as it contributes to expanding Polestar’s model lineup, which will soon boast two new SUVs – the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4. Ingenlath also highlighted that enthusiasts can now visit global Polestar retail locations to get a glimpse of the Polestar 3’s design and explore its exclusive, innovative interior.
BMW i5 Unveils Anti-Theft Recorder akin to Tesla’s Sentry Mode
The BMW i5 has rolled out a novel anti-theft recorder, closely mirroring Tesla’s Sentry Mode, aiming to catch miscreants in the act. A 40-second clip released by BMW demonstrates this feature. In the clip, two individuals are seen attempting to unlock the i5, but are quickly thwarted by the alarm system, forcing them to flee. Unlike traditional systems, the BMW i5’s anti-theft recorder leverages the vehicle’s external and internal cameras to capture live footage, transmitting it straight to the owner’s phone via the My BMW app.
Enhanced 2024 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid PHEV Revealed
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, recently unveiled for the U.S market, is poised to bridge the performance and price divide between the V-6 Cayenne E-Hybrid and the V-8 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Under the hood, a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with a 174-horsepower electric and 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. One of the standout upgrades is the expanded battery pack, now at 25.9 kWh, up from the previous 17.9-kWh pack
Dealers Express Concern Over EV Tax Credit Direct Application
Starting next year, buyers will have the option to apply the Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credit directly to the sale price of an EV, essentially using it as a down payment. This new provision differs from the current system where the $7,500 tax credit is only applicable against tax liability. However, this change has sparked concerns among dealers regarding the timeliness of government reimbursement once this credit is applied directly. They fear a delay in the government paying back the credited amount, which could affect their financial operations.
The new process is seen as beneficial for buyers but potentially cumbersome for dealerships. A dealer from New Jersey highlighted the need for a swift reimbursement process, ideally within 48 hours, with a maximum wait time of seven days to ensure smooth financial operations. In light of these concerns, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is engaging with the government to streamline the process, making it more dealer-friendly while maintaining the benefits for buyers.
Volkswagen Halts Production of Two EV Models Amid Lower Demand
Volkswagen has opted for a temporary pause in the production of its ID.3 and Cupra Born electric models at the Zwickau and Dresden plants in Germany, responding to reduced demand. Scheduled for the initial fortnight of October, this move aligns with the autumn holidays in Saxony from October 2 to 13 at the Zwickau plant, while the Dresden facility will pause ID.3 model production from October 2, resuming on October 16. This decision trails Volkswagen’s earlier revelation this month, where it disclosed not renewing the fixed-term contracts of 269 employees at its all-electric Zwickau plant
Xcel Initiative Lowers EV Charging Costs for Minnesotans
Xcel Energy’s newly unveiled program aims to ease the financial burden for Minnesotans keen on charging their electric vehicles (EVs) at home by offering a rental or purchase option for home charging stations. Customers can rent a charger for a monthly fee of $16.50, apart from the electricity usage cost. This rental scheme covers charger installation and maintenance, although any preliminary electrical work needed for installation is the customer’s responsibility.
Alternatively, customers have the option to purchase a charger for $770, accompanied by a monthly fee of $6.68 plus electricity usage, with a three-year warranty included. A highlight of both options is the opportunity for better electricity rates for charging conducted between midnight to 6 a.m., incentivizing off-peak hour charging that could lead to significant cost savings over time.
This program not only simplifies access to home charging solutions but also supports EV adoption by making charging more economical. It signifies a positive stride in catering to the increasing number of EV aficionados in Minnesota, possibly paving the way for analogous initiatives in other regions.
FLO Ventures Into Wireless Charging and Plug & Charge Innovations
FLO, a prominent charging network operator based in Quebec, has recently embarked on strategic partnerships aimed at augmenting its charging solutions with wireless charging and Plug & Charge technologies. In collaboration with Massachusetts-based WiTricity, known for its Halo EV charging system, FLO is exploring the integration of Halo into its charging stations to facilitate wireless electric vehicle charging. Simultaneously, FLO has allied with Berlin-based eMobility expert, Hubject GmbH, to weave Plug & Charge technology into its Ultra fast chargers, further enhancing the charging experience for electric vehicle users through Hubject’s expansive intercharge network.
Victorian Ombudsman Criticizes Unfair EV Road-User Charge
The Victorian Ombudsman has pointed out that the state tax imposed on electric vehicle (EV) drivers has been “unfairly” administered since its inception two years ago.
This state government charge is aimed at zero and low-emission vehicles (ZLEVs) to equate the contributions that fuel-powered vehicle drivers make towards road maintenance via the Commonwealth fuel excise. The tax mandates drivers of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles to pay per kilometre on public roads, applicable both within and outside Victoria.
Since its implementation in 2021, the charge has impacted thousands of individuals, many of whom have been affected unjustly. Among the criticisms are the scheme’s reliance on average calculations which leads to plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers being doubly charged – the electric vehicle charge and fuel excise.
BYD Gathers Momentum with Record-breaking Test Drive Event
BYD and their Aussie importer EV Direct orchestrated what’s being lauded as the “world’s biggest test drive” event across multiple Australian cities. The event witnessed over 1,400 test drives of the notable BYD Atto 3, which stands as the third highest selling EV in Australia, surpassed only by the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. The remarkable turnout translated to more than 200 new orders for the BYD Atto 3, as reported by the event organizers. Along with the test drives conducted on the designated day, numerous additional test drives were facilitated throughout the week for those who couldn’t attend the primary event.
To date, over 10,000 BYD Atto 3 units have found their homes in Australia, marking it as a competitively priced, fully developed electric car, especially within the highly favored SUV category.
Tesla Slashes Powerwall 2 Price Preceding New Model Release
Tesla has reduced the price of its Powerwall 2 energy storage system to $8,400, a strategic move preceding the launch of its next-generation home battery, Powerwall 3. In addition to this price reduction, buyers can avail a $500 rebate for installations completed before October 31. The savings don’t stop at the direct price drop; many Powerwall installations also qualify for additional incentives, notably a 30-percent federal tax credit through the Residential Clean Energy Credit program, adding to the financial appeal of acquiring the energy storage system now.
The current Powerwall 2 requires an external inverter, but the forthcoming Powerwall 3 eliminates this need with a built-in inverter, simplifying the installation process and enhancing usability. The Powerwall 3 is set to offer up to 11.5kW of continuous output, indicating a significant upgrade in energy output capabilities. This price adjustment not only makes the existing model more financially appealing but also stirs anticipation for the Powerwall 3, which is poised to bring substantial advancements in home energy storage solutions.
Ubitricity Hits 10,000 Charging Points Milestone with Expansion into Netherlands
Berlin-based charging infrastructure provider, Ubitricity, recently marked a notable milestone by expanding its network to over 10,000 charging points, with a significant push coming from its entry into the Dutch market in July 2023. This expansion saw the incorporation of about 1,500 existing AC charging points across the provinces of North Holland, Flevoland, and Utrecht. The cumulative figure of 10,000 charging points is a blend of self-installed chargers using Ubitricity’s hardware and those predominantly utilizing the company’s components.
The UK emerges as Ubitricity’s largest market, boasting over 7,000 public charging points. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the company is retrofitting around 1,000 existing lampposts to serve as charging points across various districts, resonating with its original business model of street lamp charging solutions.
Samsung Receives $5M Grant for $41M Lithium-Ion Battery Expansion in Michigan
The Michigan Strategic Fund board recently greenlighted a $5 million grant aiding Samsung SDI America Inc. in its ambitious plan to enlarge two Auburn Hills facilities. This $41 million venture aims at amplifying Samsung’s lithium-ion battery production capacity to meet the automotive sector’s escalating demand. A total of 368 new job opportunities, with an enticing average hourly wage of $37.50, are anticipated to arise from this expansion.
Solar Energy and EV Sales Surge Propel Climate Goals Forward, Report Indicates
The aspiration to curb human-induced warming to a globally agreed threshold remains viable owing to a remarkable expansion in solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) sales worldwide, a recent report reveals. Over the previous two years, the trajectory of solar energy installations and EV sales has been consistent with the emissions reduction targets essential for limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, states the Paris-based International Energy Agency. To adhere to the Paris Agreement’s warming cap, a 75% reduction in methane emissions from the energy sector is imperative. Methane, a formidable greenhouse gas, is up to 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a short duration, necessitating significant cuts.
The narrative of clean energy adoption is inspiring, with solar power capacity escalating by nearly 50% and EV sales skyrocketing by 240% in the last two years, thereby keeping the goal of global warming cap within reach. This surge in clean energy solutions and electric vehicles is not merely a testament to technological advancements but also a beacon of hope in the global effort to mitigate climate change. The report accentuates the collective global stride towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape, underlining that the window to achieve pivotal climate goals, although narrowing, remains open.
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