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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 Sunday 15th October, 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.
Lexus Preps for New EV Lineup with Fresh Trademarks
– Lexus has recently filed for four trademarks with the EUIPO, hinting at a possible new electric car series.
– Trademarked names include LF-ZA, LF-ZC, LF-ZL, and LF-ZV.
– The consistent use of the letter “Z” in all these names implies that they’re part of the same car family.
– Historically, Lexus has used the “LF” prefix predominantly for its concept vehicles.
– Speculations arise as Lexus is known to be crafting an electric supercar named the All-Electric Sport Concept.
– This supercar is believed to be the spiritual successor of the iconic LFA. Design inspirations for the All-Electric Sport Concept are drawn from the LFA, notable in features like the elongated hood and prominent front air intake.
– Enthusiasts anticipate Lexus to showcase this new EV lineup at the approaching Japan Mobility Show.
Vauxhall Introduces Budget-Friendly Astra and Mokka Electric Models
– Vauxhall unveils the Design versions for both Astra Electric and Mokka Electric.
– Pricing starts at 37,795 pounds for the Astra Electric Design and 36,610 pounds for the Mokka Electric Design.
– Mokka Electric Design specifics:
– Features a 100 kW electric motor.
– Equipped with a 50 kWh battery.
– Achieves up to 209 miles (336 kilometres) per charge based on WTLP data.
– Astra Electric Design details:
– Comes with a 115 kW electric motor.
– Sports a 54 kWh battery.
– Can travel up to 258 miles (425 kilometres) on a full charge.
– Both electric vehicles are currently open for orders in the UK.
– Initial deliveries to UK customers are set for January 2024.
– Vauxhall’s New Corsa Electric is already accessible in the ‘Design’ entry-level variant.
– Just like the Mokka Electric Design, the New Corsa Electric Design houses a 100 kW motor and a 50 kWh battery.
– It boasts a slightly better range than the Mokka, clocking in at 222 miles (357 kilometres).
– UK pricing for the New Corsa Electric starts at 32,445 pounds.
Audi Alters Q4 e-tron Brussels Production Strategy
– Audi had planned to initiate overflow production for the Q4 e-tron in Brussels by mid-2023 to alleviate production pressures in Zwickau. The production in Zwickau hasn’t reached its full potential. Volkswagen (VW) recently eliminated 270 temporary roles and introduced cost-reduction strategies in October.
– Consequently, the commencement of Brussels production was rescheduled to the year’s end.
– Brussels will produce fewer Q4 e-trons than initially projected. The revision is primarily attributed to reduced market demand.
– Given the current demand, Zwickau’s production capacity suffices, negating the need for overflow production in Brussels. This decision sparked a two-day strike among Brussels plant workers.
– Audi’s statement to German *Automobilwoche*: “The company has decided to assemble the Audi Q4 E-tron in Brussels in addition to Zwickau in response to increased market demand. This will allow Audi to react more flexibly to peaks in demand.”
Mercedes Introduces Battery-Powered “Little G” in G-Wagen Lineup
– Mercedes-Benz is launching a new addition to the esteemed G-Wagen series, fondly termed as “Little G.”. While the classic G-Class is gearing up to welcome its electric variant, the EQG, the “Little G” will also be an electric vehicle.
– The name “Little G” was officially coined by CEO Ola Kallenius during the IAA Munich 2023 event. The branding Mercedes presented interestingly featured a lowercase “g.”
– Once launched, the electric G-Class will bear the label EQG. Technically speaking, it’s anticipated that the “Little G” will be based on the recent compact Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), initially seen in the Concept CLA-Class.
– This framework is versatile, supporting both traditional combustion engines and electric ones.
– For those intrigued about the electric specifics:
– The “Little G” is designed to boast an 800-volt charging system.
– Its travel capacity on a full charge is projected to be slightly over 300 miles.
– It will come equipped with standard all-wheel drive.
– Details about its battery size, the design of the motor, and its total capacity remain under wraps for now.
– Industry experts anticipate that the manufacturing of this vehicle will kick off around the close of 2026. Before the arrival of the new “Little G,” Mercedes has a few more launches in the pipeline including the new CLA, EQA, and EQB models. Additionally, the electric edition of the full-sized G-Class is slated for a debut next year.
Colorado Offers $6,000 EV Rebate for Swapping Old Gas Cars
– Colorado introduces a rebate of up to $6,000 for residents trading in their old or high-emission gasoline cars for an electric vehicle (EV).
– The initiative stems from the Colorado Energy Office’s program, as reported by *The Denver Post*.
– To be eligible, participants need to earn 80% or less than the median income specific to their residing county. This translates to earnings of approximately $65,800 for individuals or just under $94,000 for a family of four.
– The traditional fuel vehicle to be exchanged has to meet certain criteria: It should be operational and a minimum of 12 years old. However, newer vehicles that fail the state’s emission standards are also eligible for the program.
– Additional requisites for the rebate application include:
– Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
– Providing evidence of both address and income.
– Unlike the federal tax credit system for EVs, Colorado’s rebate is instant. This means the discount reflects directly during purchase, without waiting for a tax refund.
– Eligible EVs for this offer encompass battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. There’s a catch though; the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price should not exceed $50,000. The rebate will be up for grabs until the annual budget, which is $1.8 million, is exhausted.
Pirelli’s EV-Specific Tires
– Electric Vehicles (EVs) present a new set of challenges for tire manufacturers due to their unique design and weight distribution.
– Heavier battery components, especially those located under the car, result in increased weight and produce greater horsepower and torque.
– This causes EV tires to degrade about 15% faster than those on traditional vehicles, according to Andrea Casaluci, Pirelli’s GM of global operations.
– To counter this, Pirelli introduced the P Zero E tire. Wear rate on these new tires has been improved by around 40% compared to their previous generation.
– The quiet nature of EVs has an unintended side effect: drivers tend to notice other sounds more, especially noises resulting from tire contact and wind. Tire rolling resistance is also crucial for EVs. Lowering this resistance can help in prolonging the battery’s range, an essential feature for EVs.
– Pirelli’s P Zero E tire has been specifically engineered to address these issues. The tire boasts of a unique structure, innovative materials, and state-of-the-art technology that make it apt for EVs.
– However, there’s a catch. Crafting an EV-optimized tire has its price. The development cost for such a tire is approximately 15% higher than creating a conventional one.
Zero Motorcycles Slashes Prices Across Models in North America
– Zero Motorcycles has made significant price cuts for its range of bikes in North America.
– Price cuts range from $1,000 to a notable $4,500, contingent on the specific model.
– Here’s a closer look at the models and their new prices:
– The ZF7.2 model receives a $1,000 discount, making its new price $11,995.
– To add, the 2022 model year of ZF72nd is now listed at $10,995.
– The adventure-centric ZF17.3 model, which ranks as one of Zero’s priciest offerings, gets the steepest cut of $4,500, bringing its price tag down to $19,995.
– Other models from the company have seen reductions ranging between $1,250 to $4,000.
– So, why the generous price slashing? Zero Motorcycles cites “improved production efficiency” as the primary reason.
– However, it’s still up in the air if the European market will also see such extensive price adjustments for Zero Motorcycles in the future.
LONG READS!
China’s Pioneering Role in the Electric Vehicle Battery Arena
In a pivotal moment in 2018, China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) inked an agreement to construct Germany’s maiden large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery factory. This landmark event marked China’s foray into the heart of Germany’s esteemed automotive industry, signaling a pivotal shift in the global EV battery landscape.
Despite its longstanding reputation for automotive excellence, Germany had been grappling with a critical challenge – lagging behind in the realm of lithium-ion battery technology. The realization had dawned upon Germany that, to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, it needed to master this essential technology.
The rise of lithium-ion batteries can be traced back to the 1970s, a period marked by oil crises that prompted intensified research into alternative energy sources. During this era, the first rechargeable lithium-ion battery emerged, though it faced safety issues that required resolution before widespread adoption.
A significant turning point arrived in 1992 when Sony successfully commercialized lithium-ion batteries. Concurrently, Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) had also begun making its mark as a reliable supplier. Eventually, ATL found itself under the wing of TDK, a renowned Japanese corporation known for products such as cassette tapes and recordable CDs.
CATL solidified its presence by collaborating with BMW in 2013. The partnership led to the introduction of the all-electric Zinoro, designed exclusively for the Chinese market. This endeavor underscored the necessity of custom-made electric car batteries, tailored to fit various vehicle models.
In 2011, the Chinese government took a strategic step by introducing subsidies designed to bolster the electric car industry. Notably, these subsidies mandated that the batteries used in electric vehicles must be domestically manufactured. This policy decision presented CATL with a remarkable opportunity to thrive in the electric vehicle ecosystem.
By 2008, CATL had already made substantial contributions, providing batteries for the electric bus fleet showcased during the Beijing Olympics. This marked the inception of China’s efforts to electrify its transportation network.
CATL’s ambitions extended beyond its home country. In 2019, the company took the initiative to establish Germany’s inaugural car battery factory, beating traditional German automakers to the punch. Furthermore, CATL embarked on a global expansion journey, setting up production facilities in Hungary and planning new plants in the United States and Mexico.
With an expanding global footprint, CATL secured its position as a trusted battery supplier for numerous electric vehicle manufacturers, including the industry giant Tesla. This affirmed CATL’s pivotal role as a global leader in the production of lithium-ion batteries.
CATL’s strategic entry into the German automotive market in 2018 underscored the pressing need for Germany to catch up in the realm of lithium-ion battery technology. The evolution of lithium-ion batteries, from their early days marred by safety concerns to their dominance in modern electric vehicles, has had a profound impact on the automotive industry. CATL’s strategic collaborations, coupled with favorable government policies, fueled its remarkable success story, leading to its role as a key supplier to major EV manufacturers worldwide.
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