Plus, stay tuned because later in the show I’ll tell you what NIO just said about selling their cars in Europe
But first…
Now THIS Is How To Do Highway Charge Stops
Motoway has submitted a planning application for a solar farm and redevelopment of its Wetherby services on the A1(M) to include ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY new EV charging bags, plus FIFTY FOUR new electric HGV charging bays.
Tesla’s €25K Affordable EV to be Manufactured at Giga Berlin
– Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla’s anticipated €25,000 electric vehicle will be produced at the Giga Berlin facility.
– Musk made this announcement during a visit to the German manufacturing site.
– The affordable Tesla model has been the subject of speculation, with discussions about its production in various global locations including China and Mexico.
– The revelation by Musk specifies that this budget-friendly EV will be crafted for the European market directly out of Berlin.
Tesla raises wages at the Gigafactory
This text informs about a wage increase for Tesla employees at its Grünheide facility near Berlin, as announced by the company. Last year, salaries were raised by up to 6%, and this year they will be increased by an additional 4% for all employees, effective with the upcoming November payout. Additionally, starting February 2024, the annual salaries of production workers will be increased by 2500 Euros. Tesla CEO Elon Musk personally thanked the employees at the Grünheide facility for their efforts in ramping up the factory. The wage increases were communicated during an internal team meeting and were described as a result of Tesla’s standard internal process of regularly reviewing employee compensation to ensure fair pay. Tesla emphasized that there is no connection between the wage adjustments and recent union activities, contrary to claims made by the IG Metall union, which had recently portrayed a potential wage increase as a success of their action week.
Volvo Unveils 2024 C40 & XC40 Recharge with Enhanced Range and Charging
– Volvo announces pricing for the 2024 models, including the updated C40 and XC40 Recharge electric vehicles.
– The latest upgrades address customer demands for increased driving range and quicker charging capabilities.
– The 2024 lineup introduces Volvo’s new in-house developed electric drivetrains.
– Both the C40 and XC40 Recharge models are now equipped with a 248 hp electric motor, offering improved efficiency.
– The 2024 C40 Recharge can reach up to 297 miles, while the XC40 Recharge offers up to 293 miles of EPA range, marking a significant enhancement from earlier versions.
– Charging is faster, with a new 82 kWh battery that enables a 10%-80% charge in approximately 28 minutes using 200 kW DC fast charging.
– The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions see a range increase as well; the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can travel up to 254 miles on a single charge, exceeding its predecessor by over 30 miles.
– Pricing for the XC40 Recharge begins at $52,540 and the C40 Recharge has a starting MSRP of $53,600.
Despite being imports, they currently miss out on the $7,500 federal tax credit due to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but leasing options might offer this benefit.
Volvo’s Soaring EV Sales Momentum
– Volvo’s fully electric car sales soared by 29% globally in October year-over-year, now representing 18% of total sales for the month.
– Plug-in hybrid sales, however, have slightly decreased by 8%, indicating a shift in consumer and company focus towards fully electric models.
– In the US market, Volvo’s EV sales surged by 49% in October, with 1,240 electric vehicles sold.
– Europe showed significant growth, with 7,009 EVs sold, outperforming plug-in hybrid sales which reached 6,654 units.
– Year-to-date figures for January-October 2023 exhibit a 123% spike in Volvo’s fully electric vehicle sales in Europe, compared to the same period in the previous year.
– The EX30 crossover, Volvo’s new entry-level EV, is expected to become a major hit thanks to its competitive pricing—starting at €36,590 in Europe and $34,950 in the US.
– The EX30 features a 69 kWh battery, a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 horsepower, and boasts an EPA-estimated range of 275 miles.
BMW Confident in Sales Outlook, Avoids Price Cuts
– BMW anticipates a strong sales quarter, with pre-orders extending into the next year.
– Company executives express no inclination toward initiating price reductions as a strategy to compete, unlike some rivals.
– CEO Oliver Zipse emphasizes BMW’s focus on sustainable growth rather than market share expansion through lowered prices.
– The automaker’s Q3 results align with forecasts, maintaining a positive outlook compared to some peers in the industry.
– The demand for BMW’s electric vehicles remains robust in China despite aggressive pricing tactics by competitors.
– BMW’s strategy contrasts with other industry players who are dealing with economic pressures like inflation and high-interest rates.
– The sales of fully electric BMW models comprised 15.1% of total sales in the third quarter, surpassing the company’s own end-of-year goal.
BMW Positions Next-Gen EV Batteries to Surpass Tesla
– BMW prepares to launch next-generation EVs with batteries anticipated to exceed Tesla’s range capabilities.
– BMW Group’s production chief asserts that their upcoming EV batteries may set a benchmark for Tesla to follow.
– Newly designed cylindrical cells will be employed, measuring 46 millimeters in diameter, available in heights of 95 or 120 millimeters.
– The new cells will feature a high-nickel, low-cobalt cathode, and an anode with increased silicon, enhancing energy storage and efficiency.
– The transition to cylindrical cells by BMW aims to boost energy capacity while reducing production costs.
– Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian currently utilize cylindrical cells, which are known for their range advantages.
– BMW’s cylindrical cell production will be scaled up across six factories, with CATL and EVE Energy manufacturing two in China, Europe, and North America each.
– BMW’s strategy diverges from General Motors’, which is investing in large-format pouch cells for its Ultium-based EVs.
BMW Launches Mass Production of the iX2 EV Model
– BMW’s iX2 is now available for online configuration following its October reveal, with production officially underway. In Germany, the base model iX2 xDrive30 is priced starting at €56,500, while in the UK, the M Sport version begins at £57,445.
– The company has not yet announced a delivery schedule for the iX2, currently offered exclusively with all-wheel drive. The iX2’s production runs alongside its sibling, the iX1, and other models at BMW’s Regensburg plant, where around 1,000 vehicles are assembled daily.
– BMW maintains a single assembly line capable of manufacturing both combustion engine and electric models, though specific production figures for each are not disclosed.
Nio to Reduce Staff by 10% Amidst Market Shifts
– Nio is set to decrease its workforce by 10% in efforts to enhance efficiency and manage expenses.
– The decision comes in response to the increased competition in China’s EV market and a shift in consumer preference towards plug-in hybrids.
– The layoffs are set to occur across various divisions, with the battery and smartphone segments expected to experience the most significant adjustments.
– Plug-in hybrid sales have surged by 84.5% over the first nine months of the year, benefiting companies like Li Auto and BYD.
– The staff reduction at Nio is scheduled to be finalized within November.
– Despite a challenging first half, Nio has seen a rebound, with 109,993 EVs delivered in the first nine months of the current year.
Nio’s Direct Sales Strategy Maintains Firm Grip on User Experience
– Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle maker, confirms its commitment to a direct-sales approach in Europe, dispelling rumors about establishing a traditional dealer network.
– Unlike its compatriots BYD and GWM Ora, Nio refrains from using dealers to sell its cars, aiming to maintain control over customer interactions.
– The company has expanded into Norway, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands and plans to enter the UK market by late 2024.
– Despite the complexities encountered in the European market, Nio prioritizes its control over the ‘user experience’, according to Matt Galvin, UK boss and European head of sales.
– Genesis, an upmarket auto brand, initially adopted a direct-sales model in the UK but shifted to create a small dealer network to increase brand presence.
– For the UK launch, Nio will introduce the EL6, a luxury SUV competing with the Mercedes EQE, available predominantly via financing options.
– Purchasing options for the EL6 will include outright buying and subscription services, with subscriptions estimated at around £1,000 per month.
– Nio’s existing markets benefit from a network of sales and service hubs, innovative battery-swap stations, and ‘Nio Houses’ that serve as community and leisure spaces.
– Before offering the EL6 in the UK, Nio aims to establish a similar support network, including hubs and battery-swap stations, to ensure a robust user experience.
Lucid Air Adjusts Pricing, Up to $10K Off Luxury Sedans
– Lucid Group reduces prices across its luxury Air sedan line in a limited-time offer for the holiday season.
– Competitive pressures have led to a general decrease in EV prices, with the average cost dropping to $50,683 as of September.
– The Air Touring model is now priced at $87,500, down from $95,000, marking a $7,500 reduction.
– Lucid’s Grand Touring version sees a $10,000 price cut, now listed at $115,600.
– The all-wheel-drive Air Pure model’s cost is reduced to $74,900 from the previous $82,400, while the rear-wheel-drive Air Pure remains at $77,400.
– These reductions follow a previous price decrease announced by Lucid in August.
– In comparison, Tesla’s Model S, a direct competitor to Lucid Air, has a new price point of $74,990.
– Lucid’s financial position is bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, offering it a stability advantage over other financially strained EV companies.
– The company is poised to announce its earnings for the third quarter on the following Tuesday.
Essential Online Courses for Electric Vehicle Education
– A wealth of online courses is now available to educate individuals on EV technology and its environmental significance. The courses provide in-depth knowledge on various facets of electric vehicles and are suitable for different levels of interest and expertise.
**1. Introduction to Electric Vehicles (Coursera)** **2. Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (Udemy)** **3. Electric Cars: Technology (edX)** **4. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (Udemy)** **5. EV Everywhere: An Introduction to Electric Vehicles (Coursera)** **6. Electric Vehicles and Mobility (edX)** **7. Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program (ASE)** **8. Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy (Coursera)** **9. Electric Vehicles – History, Technology, and Policy (edX)** **10. EV Battery Engineering (Coursera)**
Top 10 Online EV Education Programs
– Online learning platforms are offering a range of courses to help learners grasp the complexities of EV technology and their ecological benefits. Comprehensive online courses cover various aspects of EVs including design, operation, environmental impact, and the future of transportation.
**1. Introduction to Electric Vehicles (Coursera)**
**2. Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (Udemy)**
**3. Electric Cars: Technology (edX)**
**4. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (Udemy)**
**5. EV Everywhere: An Introduction to Electric Vehicles (Coursera)**
**6. Electric Vehicles and Mobility (edX)**
**7. Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program (ASE)**
**8. Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy (Coursera)**
**9. Electric Vehicles – History, Technology, and Policy (edX)**
**10. EV Battery Engineering (Coursera)**
New Book Chronicles Two Centuries of EV Progress
– “The Electric Vehicle Revolution: The Past, Present, and Future of EVs” is a new publication providing an exhaustive history of electric vehicles (EVs).
– The book offers a visual and narrative journey through EV development from the mid-1800s to the present.
– Highlights include a trove of historical images and ads, along with anecdotes about Detroit Electric and Baker.
– Early electric vehicles are a focal point, predating the combustion engine cars.
– Wealthy women, who found the manual starting of gas cars burdensome, were among the primary users of early EVs.
– EVs proved efficient for specific uses like taxis and short-range deliveries; New York’s taxis were powered by battery swaps in a repurposed ice rink.
– Pioneering EVs set speed milestones, with the first car topping 100 km/h and 100 mph being electric.
– The narrative uncovers the near-success story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison’s potential collaboration on an EV, as reported in a historical New York Times interview. The book speculates on an alternative history where EVs could have been mass-produced early on, akin to Ford’s vision for gasoline vehicles.
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