Plus, stay tuned because later in the show I’ll tell you what Hyundai are saying about electric vertical take off and landing. Realistic? Or pie in the sky?
I’m Martyn Lee and I go through hundreds of articles, feeds and stories a day, so you don’t have to.
We’re live at 8am UK time, that’s 5am Eastern, to start a brand new day with all you need to know. Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they’re ready AND ad free. You can be like them by clicking here.
Volvo and Tesla Suspend Production Due to Red Sea Tensions
– Volvo has temporarily halted production at its Ghent plant, where models like the XC40 and C40 are built, with plans to add EX30 EV production next year.
– Despite the halt, Volvo anticipates no major impact on its global wholesale or production goals.
– This production pause is in response to the escalating Red Sea crisis, involving Iran-backed Houthi attacks and subsequent military responses from the U.S. and U.K.
– Volkswagen, also affected by the crisis, does not foresee significant production disruptions.
Quality Issues in First Non-Employee Delivered Tesla Cybertruck
– Tesla delivered one of its first Cybertrucks to a non-employee customer, revealing significant body defects. Despite earlier deliveries to employees showing satisfactory quality, this recent delivery showcased substantial panel gaps.
– A notable issue was a rear panel appearing to be detaching from the vehicle’s frame.
– The owner, who shared images on the Cybertruck Owners’ Club forum, highlighted these flaws in the $100,000 vehicle.
– This raises concerns about the fit and finish quality of Tesla’s Cybertruck in its initial customer deliveries.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Rebate Offers Competitive Edge Over Tesla Model 3 Highland
– The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 is now significantly more affordable than the Tesla Model 3 Highland due to a new $7,500 rebate. This rebate reduces the IONIQ 6’s starting price from $38,615 to $31,115.
– The Tesla Model 3 Highland, starting at $40,380, currently offers no rebates and is also ineligible for federal tax credits. The price difference between the IONIQ 6 and Model 3 Highland is approximately $9,265 for buyers.
– Previously, the most notable savings for EVs were through leasing, which utilized lease cash incentives and tax loopholes. The Tesla Model 3 Highland offers an attractive leasing option, mirroring the pricing of the previous model.
– The entry-level rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is available for lease at $329 per month for 36 months.
– The lease requires an initial payment of $5,524, including a $4,500 down payment, a $695 acquisition fee, and the first month’s payment, based on a 10,000-mile annual limit.
– This lease rate is identical to the outgoing Model 3’s lease terms.
Tesla Adopts Instant EV Tax Credit System
– Tesla has adopted the recently introduced system allowing immediate use of EV tax credits. Previously, EV buyers had to wait until the following year to benefit from tax credits on their purchases. Changes made in October now permit buyers to apply the credit directly as a discount at the point of sale.
– This change enables an immediate reduction of up to $7,500 on the purchase price of the vehicle. The immediate credit application is contingent on the vehicle’s eligibility under the new system.
Tesla’s New Smart Assistant Feature in China
– Tesla’s 2023.44 update in China has upgraded the voice command feature in its vehicles to a comprehensive smart assistant. The smart assistant offers various functionalities including weather updates, stock market information, language translation, and Tang poetry recitation.
– Users in China have reported a significant improvement in the intelligent experience compared to the previous voice command system.
– Elon Musk’s involvement in AI projects like xAI and Grōk has sparked discussions about their potential integration into Tesla vehicles, enhancing user interaction.
– Although unconfirmed, there is speculation that Grōk AI may be involved in powering this new smart assistant feature, aligning with Tesla’s AI ambitions.
VinFast Introduces Affordable Mini EV in the US
– VinFast, a Vietnamese electric car manufacturer led by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, announced a small, budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
– The vehicle, known as VF3, is set to be available for reservations in the U.S. within the year.
– Dimensions: 125.6 inches long, 66.1 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall, making it smaller than the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
– Priced under $20,000, the VF3 is significantly more affordable than the average new EV in the U.S., with the Chevy Bolt starting at $26,500.
– The VF3 aims for a 125-mile range per charge, featuring a 10-inch infotainment screen, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
– The rear seats of the VF3 can be folded flat, offering cargo space comparable to a compact four-door hatchback.
– VinFast’s current U.S. lineup includes the electric SUV VF8, with the larger VF9 model anticipated to launch this year.
– The company has initiated construction of a new manufacturing facility in North Carolina.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N NPX1 Concept Debuts in Tokyo
– Hyundai Motor Company revealed the IONIQ 5 N NPX1 concept model at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. The NPX1 is a showcase for N-specific upgrades, soon to be available as part of a catalogue of N Performance Parts.
– Key features include:
– A carbon front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser.
– A rear wing spoiler.
– Lightweight hybrid carbon wheels.
– High-performance brake pads.
– Lowering springs.
– The concept’s interior boasts Alcantara material and racing bucket seats.
– Prototype N Performance Parts on the NPX1 are being refined for production, with sales expected in 2024.
Hyundai Unveils S-A2 eVTOL Air Taxi for 2028 Launch
– Hyundai’s Supernal division showcased the second-generation S-A2 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi at CES 2024. The company targets a launch date in 2028 for the S-A2 eVTOL.
– Designed for short-range flights, the S-A2 will have an average flight distance between 25 to 40 miles.
– It boasts a top speed of 120 mph and will cruise at an altitude of 1,500 feet.
– The S-A2 eVTOL is ideal for quick urban travel, like commuting from city centers to airports, bypassing traffic congestion.
Mercedes EQA: Electric Concept CLA Unveiled
– The EQA is the electric adaptation of the Mercedes Concept CLA, first showcased at the Munich motor show. Designed to mirror the upcoming CLA, this electric vehicle (EV) is part of Mercedes’ electric EQ range, though it will have a distinct name.
– Photographs from winter testing reveal that the EQA closely resembles the next internal combustion engine (ICE) CLA in design.
– The EQA will utilize the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, compatible with both ICE and EV powertrains.
– This MMA platform is expected to be Mercedes’ last to support both types of powertrains.
Mercedes CTO Questions Need for Solid-State Batteries
– Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, suggests solid-state batteries might not be essential for future electric vehicles.
– Advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have been substantial, potentially matching the cost and energy density of solid-state batteries.
– Solid-state batteries were previously considered a significant breakthrough for their higher energy density and potential cost savings.
– Schäfer notes that the expected major cost and energy advantages of solid-state batteries have not materialized, as significant improvements have been made in conventional lithium-ion cells.
– Despite these observations, Mercedes continues to invest in and monitor solid-state battery technology developments in the U.S. and Korea.
LG Launches EV Charger Factory in Fort Worth
– LG inaugurated its first U.S. electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event. The factory spans 100,000 square feet and is entirely powered by renewable energy. It has the capacity to produce up to 12,000 charging units annually.
– LG has a longstanding presence in Fort Worth, distributing consumer electronics and home appliances, and employs over 300 workers.
– The factory’s establishment aims to fulfill the growing demand for EV chargers. Two types of chargers will be manufactured:
– The first line offers 11 kilowatts of output power, suitable for wall-mounting or stand installation.
– The “Level 3” charger, resembling a gas pump and set for production next year, will provide up to 175 kilowatts and feature an LCD touch-screen display.
BYD Cuts EV Prices in Germany to Compete with Tesla and European Automakers
– BYD has reduced the prices of its electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany by up to 15%. The reduction specifically targets the German market, home to Volkswagen, BMW, and Porsche.
– The Atto 3 (Yuan Plus in China), BYD’s popular model, is included in this price cut. The Atto 3 was initially priced at around 47,000 euros but is now estimated to start under 40,000 euros ($43,000) after the reduction.
– Features of the Atto 3 include a 60.48 kWh Blade battery with a 420 km (260 miles) WLTP range. The price reduction coincides with BYD’s first cargo ship arriving at Yantai port, preparing to transport EVs from Shenzhen to Europe. BYD Explorer No. 1, the cargo vessel, is part of BYD’s strategy to expand rapidly in overseas markets.
Nio Expands Battery-Swapping Network with JAC and Chery Partnership
– Nio, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has partnered with JAC and Chery Automobile for battery-swapping initiatives. This collaboration will focus on standardizing battery technology, enhancing swapping capabilities, and expanding the battery-swapping network.
– Previously, Nio collaborated with Geely and Changan Automobile to develop vehicles compatible with each other’s battery-swapping systems.
– All Nio models are equipped with the battery-swapping feature.
– The company offers battery packs in various capacities:
– 75 kWh, primarily using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells.
– 100 kWh, exclusively using Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) cells.
– A 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery variant, introduced in July 2023, yet to be widely available.
– Nio currently operates approximately 2,100 battery swap stations across China.
China Sets Ambitious 45% NEV Sales Target by 2027
– China has established an objective for 45% of new car sales to consist of new energy vehicles (NEVs) by the year 2027. This target is outlined in a State Council document. The plan indicates a significant reduction in the use of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
– China’s Energy Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap 2.0, released in October 2020, also sets milestones for the upcoming years. By 2030, NEVs are expected to comprise around 40% of total car sales in China.
Changan Introduces Deepal 4×4 Off-Roader in the UK
– Changan, a Chinese automobile manufacturer, is set to launch its Deepal brand in the UK with a new 4×4 vehicle. The vehicle, named G318, measures nearly five meters in length.
– It features a hybrid powertrain that includes:
– A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
– Two electric motors, with one for the front wheels and another for the rear.
– The petrol engine functions solely as a generator for producing electric power, stored in a battery without directly driving the wheels.
– Customers can choose between two battery sizes: a 19.0 kWh or a 28.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.
– Deepal, launched in 2022, aims to expand globally, targeting the Asian and European markets.
– Changan aims for Deepal to reach annual sales of 450,000 units by 2024.
PREMIUM PARTNERS
PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI
AUDI CINCINNATI EAST
VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII
DEREK REILLY AND NEVO.IE WHO ARE HOLDING IRELAND’S 1ST EVER ELECTRIC VEHICLE SHOW IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BANK OF IRELAND ON FEB 17TH IN DUBLIN. VISIT NEVO.IE FOR MORE INFO AND YOUR FREE TICKETS.
OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE GLOBAL PUBLIC CHARGING MADE SIMPLE WITH ONE APP AND ONE MAP.
LEASEPLAN ELECTRIC MOMENTS PROVIDING ALL THE TOOLS AND GUIDANCE EV DRIVERS NEED
PARTNERS
RICHARD AT RSEV.CO.UK
JUKKA KUKKONEN FROM WWW.SHIFT2ELECTRIC.COM
RAJEEV NARAYAN
BATTERY REPORTS FOR EVS AT RECURRENTAUTO.COM
JAN TORE GJØBY
ADRIAN BOND
ALAN SHEDD
ALEX BANAHENE
ANDERS HOVE
ANDREA JEFFERSON
ANDREW LUOMA
ANDREW WANEK
ANDY NANCARROW AND LILIAN KASS
ASEER KHALID
BÅRD FJUKSTAD
BILL CALHOUN
BLAINE MCKINNEY
BLUNDERBUSS JONES
BRENDAN MCCARTHY AT NORTHFORK IRONWORKS
BRIAN OLEARY
BRIAN THOMPSON
BRUCE BOHANNAN
CHAD LANE
CHARLES HALL
CHRISTOPHER BARTH
C.J. BACKUS
COLIN HENNESSY AND CAMBSEV
CRAIG ROGERS
DAVID DYSART
DAVID FINCH
DAVID LARDER
DAVID MOORE
DAVID PARTINGTON
DAVID PRESCOTT
DC EV
ED CORTEEN
EDDIE RAGASA
ERIC HANSEN
ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI
FREDRIK ROVIK
GARY A HAMMOND
GENE RUBIN
GEORGE TORTAROLO
HEINRICH LIESNER
HELMUT SELKER
IAN ‘STILL WATERS UK’ BENJAMIN
IAN (WATTIE) WATKINS
IAN GRIFFITHS
IAN SEAR
JACK OAKLEY
JAMES PENFOLD
JAMES STORR
JIM MORRIS
JOHN SCHROEDER
JOHN VAN DEVOORT
JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS
JON MANCHAK
JUAN GONZALEZ
KESTER SANDBACH
KEVIN MEYERSON
LAURENCE D ALLEN
LEE BROWN
LUKE CULLEY
MARCEL WARD
MATTHEW LONG
NATHAN GORE-BROWN
NATHAN KING
NATHANIEL FREEDMAN
NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS
OHAD ASTON
PAUL STEPHENSON
PETE GLASS
PETE GORTON
PETER & DEE ROBERTS
PETER RYNER
PHIL MOUCHET
PHILIP FORRESTER
PHILIP TRAUTMAN
RAYMOND ROWLEDGE
REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
ROB FROM THE RSTHINKS EV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
ROBERT GRACE
RON HUNTER
ROOSEVELT WATSON
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TOMER SHAHAF
TYLER VOSS