Plus, stay tuned for the story of the $2 Tesla Taxi
But first…
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 2026: Features and Specs Unveiled
– The GLE 53 is evolving and will be available as a plug-in hybrid. Whether you’re looking at the SUV or Coupe variant, both are getting this electrifying makeover.
– With the integration of a 134-horsepower electric motor, this beast’s total horsepower output reaches a jaw-dropping 536.
– For the speed enthusiasts, this machine is promising: a 0-60 mph dash in a mere 4.6 seconds. Yes, it’s that fast!
– But, of course, with great power comes greater weight. The inclusion of a massive 31.2 kWh battery pack will add some heft to the GLE 53.
– Drawing a comparison with the GLE 450e, which is rated at 38 miles per charge by Mercedes-Benz (with its 23.3 kWh battery), the GLE 53 Hybrid’s larger 31.2 kWh battery is likely to exceed that range. In simpler terms, you’re probably looking at over 40 miles on a single charge. Plus, you can cruise at speeds up to 87 mph just on electric power.
– Charging options are flexible too. Similar to the offerings of the GLE 450e PHEV, the GLE 53 Hybrid accommodates DC fast charging at rates reaching 60 kW. And for those who prefer charging at home? An 11 kW AC charging option has got you covered.
Chevy Unveils 2024 Blazer EV’s Pricing and Trim Details
– Chevy’s 2024 Blazer EV is coming with the 2LT AWD trim, priced at $56,715. This trim assures you of a 279-mile EPA-approved range.
– The RS AWD version will have a slightly steeper price tag of $60,215 but will still promise that 279 miles of range.
– If you’re seeking a rear-wheel-drive option, the RS RWD has got you covered. For $61,790, you get a GM-estimated 320-mile range. Keep an eye out for this one as it’s slated for release this fall, right along with the 2LT AWD.
– For those with a penchant for sportier trims, the SS trim is on the horizon. Production is pegged to kick off in spring 2024.
– Some good news from GM’s end — Blazer EVs are now officially on the roads. In their recent third-quarter earnings report, GM announced that they’ve delivered 19 Blazer EV models in Q3.
– A bit of context here: the Blazer is not just another model for GM. It’s among their best sellers and carries a legacy. With the brand hiking prices and scrapping the base trim, the Blazer EV might hit a few bumps on the sales charts.
Electrify America Upgrades 600 California Chargers; Big Investment Announced
– Electrify America is setting the bar high with its “Cycle 4” regional investment plan, committing to refurbishing 600 charging units spread across 130 Californian cities.
– A bit of history here: the company kickstarted its journey with the installation of chargers during “Cycle 1” and “Cycle 2” back in 2018. Flash forward to 2023, these charging stalls are showing their age. The company cited hardware “wear and tear” as the reason, and it’s evidently been a bit of a thorn in the side for EV drivers, affecting the charger’s reliability.
– On the brighter side, there’s talk of a “custom redesign” for Electrify America’s forthcoming Gen 4 chargers. The key features to look forward to? A more intuitive human-machine interface screen, cables that stretch to 18 feet, and an impressive remote diagnostic system. But here’s the catch: we don’t have clarity on when these charger replacements will be finalized. And, it’s still up in the air if all these new chargers will be decked out with the Gen 4 features.
– To give you a sense of Electrify America’s dedication to California’s EV infrastructure, once the “Cycle 4” enhancements wrap up, they would have poured a whopping $800 million into the state over a decade.
NIO’s EL6 Hits European Roads, Marking Chinese EV Maker’s Overseas Ambitions
– Chinese EV heavyweight, NIO, is making headlines by delivering its first EL6 SUV to a European driver. This strategic move underscores the company’s intent to spread its wings internationally.
– For those who might be a little perplexed by the name switch. This vehicle goes by the moniker ES6 back home in China. But due to a bit of a legal tussle with Audi, which thought the name bore an uncanny resemblance to its gasoline-driven S6, NIO rebranded the SUV for European markets.
– Here’s a feather in NIO’s cap – the ES6 isn’t just another vehicle in their lineup. It’s been reigning as their bestseller since its debut, standing out as the most budget-friendly SUV offering.
– A nod to its popularity: the second-gen ES6 made waves when it opened for pre-orders in May. It raked in an astounding 30,000 orders in just a three-day window. Fast forward to July, and it’s smashing NIO’s own monthly sales record with a delivery of 10,000 units.
– And the maiden European EL6 driver received the keys this past Tuesday.
– Keeping the European market in its crosshairs, NIO isn’t stopping at the EL6. They’ve also rolled out the ET5 Touring, also known as the ET5T. What’s special about it? It’s their first-ever electric station wagon, crafted with European preferences in mind.
– Earlier this month, Europe got a taste of NIO’s EV prowess with the introduction of the ET5 sedan. It’s evident; the brand is gunning to establish a firm foothold in overseas territories.
LG’s Arizona Battery Facility Targets 46-Series Production
– LG Energy Solution (LGES) is reshaping its vision for the Arizona-based battery facility, spotlighting it as the epicenter for 46-series cylindrical cell production in North America.
– LGES dropped this announcement after unveiling its Q3 2023 financial performance, emphasizing its proactive approach to meet the growing appetite for 46-series cylindrical cells.
– Youngsoo Kwon, LG Energy Solution, gave us a bit more insight into the company’s strategy. He pointed out, “In response to constantly evolving and diversified market needs, we will secure differentiated production competitiveness across all segments, ranging from premium and mainstream to affordable.” Kwon’s confident that this maneuver will fuel the company’s steady growth, positioning LGES as a frontrunner that promises unparalleled value to its clientele.
– The Arizona facility was originally on track to churn out 2170 cells with a yearly capacity set at 27 GWh. LGES, however, decided to switch gears. They’re now directing their focus on the 46-series cells and, hold onto your hats, ramping up the annual production threshold to a whopping 36 GWh.
– For those keeping tabs on LGES’s timeline, the company is prepping to kick-start the 46-series cell production in Arizona around the tail end of 2025.
Tesla Taxi Service Revs Up in Downtown Tampa for $2 a Ride
– DASH Tampa is the new kid on the block, offering a unique taxi service that’s all about Tesla vehicles in downtown Tampa.
– Got two bucks? That’s all it takes for a DASH driver to pick you up and drop you at any of the 20-plus hubs scattered in the heart of the city.
– Think of this service as another feather in the cap of micro-transit options, rubbing shoulders with E-bikes and E-scooters in terms of convenience.
– These hubs aren’t just randomly plopped down; they’re strategically positioned around prime downtown destinations. So, chances are, there’s always one close to where you’re heading.
– For those eager to hop into a Tesla taxi, there’s an app for that. Download it, find a hub near you, and book your ride. Simple, right?
– As of now, the streets of downtown Tampa are graced by six DASH Tesla taxis. We’re guessing it won’t just stop at six given the surge in EV enthusiasm.
– Once you’ve scheduled your ride, you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs. The typical waiting time clocks in between five to 10 minutes. That’s almost as fast as grabbing a coffee!
EU Aims for Cleaner Heavy-Duty Vehicles
– The Environment Committee of the European Parliament endorsed Commission targets to minimize the carbon emissions of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs).
– In a bold move, the committee proposed a 70% reduction target for 2035-2039, stepping up from the Commission’s initial 65% recommendation.
– Should the entire Parliament approve this stance in the plenary set for 21st or 22nd November, there’s a strong chance a 90% reduction target for 2040 will be legally established.
– Despite pressures from the fuel sector, the committee chose not to adopt the “Carbon Correction Factor” (CCF).
– Essentially, the CCF would have allowed renewable liquid fuels like biofuels and e-fuels to contribute to CO2 reduction targets. This would indirectly ease the standards auto manufacturers have to meet.
– This decision by lawmakers marks another refusal to bow to the oil industry’s efforts to dilute the stringent climate objectives for trucks.
– The advocacy for such a loophole for biofuels and e-fuels stems from a desire to usher in as many fossil-fuel-driven trucks into the fleet in the forthcoming years, thereby maintaining the demand for these traditional fuels.
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