Plus, stay tuned because later in the show I’ll tell you what the United States is doing to get more EV trucks on the road.
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 Thursday 13th March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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VW Launches Electric Powerhouses: ID 3 GTX and ID 7 GTX Tourer
– Volkswagen introduces the ID 3 GTX, an electric hot hatch with a 282bhp motor, upgrading to 322bhp in the Performance variant. The ID 3 GTX Performance, the faster of the two, boasts a 0-62mph time of just 5.6 seconds, marking VW’s fastest EV acceleration to date. Steering in the ID 3 GTX has been refined for sharper precision, mirroring enhancements akin to the Golf GTI. The Performance version includes an advanced Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for improved ride and handling by closely monitoring wheel movement. Battery capacity for the GTX has been increased to 79kWh from the standard 77kWh (Net), promising up to 373 miles of range, though the Performance package may slightly diminish this figure. The larger battery supporting faster DC charging at 175 kW. This upgrade reduces the charging time for a 10 to 80% battery top-up to approximately 26 minutes.
– Volkswagen estimates the ID.3 GTX’s WLTP driving range at about 600 km (372 miles), surpassing the standard model’s 546 km (339 miles) with a 77-kWh battery, and significantly outdistancing the entry-level’s 426 km (264 miles) with a 58-kWh pack.
– The ID 7 GTX Tourer, equipped with a dual-motor setup, offers 250kW/335bhp a significant increase of 40 kW (53 hp) over the top standard ID.7 model, and uses an 86kWh battery, consistent with the ID 7 Tourer Pro S model. – It features a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 210 kW (281 hp) and a front asynchronous motor providing 80 kW (107 hp).
– The ID.7 GTX Tourer retains the spacious 1,714-liter cargo capacity of its non-GTX counterpart but adds GTX-specific sporty seating with red accents and perforated lettering. Technology upgrades include a 12.3-inch infotainment display for the ID 3 and a larger 15-inch screen for the ID 7, both running Volkswagen’s latest software system. There is an advanced augmented reality HUD, wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and IDA voice assistant that now integrates ChatGPT.
– Battery pre-conditioning feature is introduced for optimal charging, which activates with the car’s navigation or can be manually engaged.
– Pricing remains unconfirmed, but expectations suggest the ID 3 GTX could start at around £45,000, while the ID 7 GTX Tourer might approach £60,000.
2025 Polestar 3 Sees Price Reduction and More Options
– The 2025 Polestar 3 has been introduced with starting prices significantly lower than the previous year, beginning at $74,800, which includes a $1,400 destination fee. This model year introduces a new base model, the Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like Pilot Assist and a head-up display.
– The 2025 Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot AND Plus Pack, previously the base model, is now priced at $80,300, offering a $5,000 reduction and includes luxury features such as a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and wool seats.
– The Performance Pack variant for 2025 starts at $80,800, with the option to add the Plus Pack for a total of $86,300, reflecting a $5,000 discount from the previous year. This package boosts performance to 517 horsepower and 671 pound-feet of torque, improves suspension, and adds unique design elements like 22-inch forged wheels and gold accents.
– Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is improved in the Performance Pack model, dropping from 5.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds.
– The $7,500 federal tax credit is currently unavailable for purchases due to production in Chengdu, China, but leasing the vehicle allows customers to benefit from this incentive. Polestar plans to start production in South Carolina in mid-2024, which may make purchases eligible for the tax credit.
– Customers can expect initial deliveries in the second quarter of this year and can configure and order the 2025 model on Polestar’s website now.
BYD Sets Sights on European EV Market Expansion
– BYD is targeting a 5% share of the European electric vehicle market, aiming for sales of 70,000 all-electric vehicles, based on the 2023 market performance.
– Including plug-in hybrids in their offering could increase this target to nearly 115,000 vehicles.
– In 2023, BYD’s sales in Europe were under 16,000 all-electric cars, securing a 1.1% market share.
– The expansion strategy was shared by BYD Europe CEO Michael Shu in a discussion with Automotive News Europe.
Fisker Considers Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles
– Fisker is exploring bankruptcy options and has enlisted the help of restructuring advisors.
– Financial consulting firm FTI Consulting and legal firm Davis Polk are guiding Fisker through the potential bankruptcy process.
– The company has recently acknowledged risks to its ongoing operations, announced job reductions, and halted investments in new ventures pending a manufacturing partnership.
– Nissan has been in detailed discussions to potentially invest in Fisker, a move that could give the automaker entry into the electric pickup truck market.
Tesla Cracks Down on Cybertruck Resellers
– Tesla has begun enforcing its policy against Cybertruck resellers, revoking the ability for offenders to make future purchases or reservations.
– The company’s sales agreement for the Cybertruck includes a clause that could lead to a lawsuit for $50,000 or more if a buyer resells the vehicle within a year.
– Although no lawsuits have been filed, Tesla has canceled the reservations of customers caught flipping the Cybertruck and prohibited them from future transactions.
– A reported case involved a customer who had his Cybertruck reservations canceled after attempting to sell the vehicle on auction sites, following direct communication from a Tesla manager.
Biden’s Plan for EV Network Along U.S. Freight Routes
– The Biden Administration has unveiled a strategy to establish EV charging stations along key U.S. freight corridors.
– A significant statistic underlying this strategy is that 75% of heavy truck traffic occurs on just 4% of U.S. roads, indicating a targeted approach could be highly effective. The plan, named the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, involves collaboration between the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
– This initiative aims to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial sectors.
– The implementation is divided into four phases:
– Phase 1 (2024-2027): Set up hubs for EV charging.
– Phase 2 (2027-2030): Link these hubs along major freight corridors.
– Phase 3 (2030-2035): Expand these connections to cover more areas.
– Phase 4 (2035-2040): Further extend the network to achieve a comprehensive national infrastructure.
California Exceeds 100% Renewable Energy Milestone
– California achieved a groundbreaking renewable energy feat by supplying over 100% of its main grid’s electricity demand with wind, water, and solar power for several hours across four consecutive days.
– This achievement marks the first time the state has surpassed 100% renewable energy generation on a weekday, and it repeated this achievement on two weekdays.
– The state also set a record for maintaining this level of renewable energy production for four straight days in a row.
– Peak renewable energy percentages recorded were:
– Friday, 3/8/24: 103.0% for 2.5 hours
– Saturday, 3/9: 109.1% for 4 hours
– Sunday, 3/10: 104.2% for 3.3 hours
– Monday, 3/11: 102.3% for 1.2 hours
Oregon’s Short-Term Reopening of EV Rebate Program
– Oregon is set to temporarily reactivate its Clean Vehicle Rebate Program for electric vehicles this spring, offering a limited-time opportunity for buyers and lessees to receive state rebates.
– The rebate window is scheduled from April 3 to June 3, applicable exclusively to electric vehicles purchased or leased within this timeframe.
Nissan Eyes EV Collaboration with Honda
– Nissan is exploring a collaboration with Honda to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, potentially forming a significant alliance within Japan to compete with Toyota and global EV leaders like Tesla and BYD.
– The potential cooperation might involve joint procurement of some EV parts and sharing key components to reduce manufacturing costs.
– While discussions at Nissan are in the preliminary phase, Honda’s perspective on this partnership has not been disclosed.
– Both companies have been independently enhancing their EV capabilities, with Nissan collaborating with Renault and Mitsubishi Motors, and Honda partnering with Sony Group and General Motors on EV development.
– The upcoming Nissan electric Micra is set to utilize the same platform as the new Renault Five and will be produced in the same facility in northern France.
– Despite their efforts, Nissan and Honda have experienced a decline in market share in China, the world’s largest auto market, facing stiff competition from BYD and other EV manufacturers.
Wallbox Unveils Pulsar Pro for Shared EV Charging in North America
– Wallbox announces the commencement of Pulsar Pro North America deliveries, enhancing EV charging infrastructure.
– The Pulsar Pro builds upon the Pulsar Plus model, introducing features aimed at facilitating charging in communal settings.
– Key new functionalities include RFID for user authentication, dynamic power sharing for up to 50 units, and compatibility with the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for diverse commercial applications.
– It’s prepared for ISO 15118 standards, ensuring a secure and advanced charging experience.
– The myWallbox business portal offers comprehensive management tools for charging stations, including remote control, payment facilitation, access management, and analytical reports.
– Additionally, a partner API is introduced for custom software integrations and enabling participation in demand response initiatives.
ORNL Sets Record for EV Wireless Charging Efficiency
– Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers have wirelessly charged an electric vehicle (EV) at 100 kW with a groundbreaking 96% efficiency.
– This achievement utilized polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils to charge a light-duty passenger EV, notably a Hyundai Kona.
– The system operates by transferring power across a five-inch air gap, employing rotating magnetic fields in a manner akin to how small consumer devices are charged wirelessly.
– Although ORNL had previously reached a 120-kW charge in lab settings with conventional coil technology, this development signifies a significant advancement in vehicle integration using their proprietary polyphase coils.
– The design of the polyphase coils, small and lightweight with a diameter of just over 14 inches, enables the highest power density achieved in the smallest coil size to date. The rotating magnetic fields intensify the power capacity of the system.
Kentucky Bolsters EV Sector with New Battery Parts Plant
– U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Governor Andy Beshear inaugurated the Advanced Nano Products manufacturing facility in Hardin County, Kentucky. The plant, costing nearly $50 million, is positioned to manufacture electric vehicle (EV) battery components, supporting the adjacent Ford BlueOval SK battery factory, part of a $5.8 billion investment.
– Governor Beshear highlighted over $11.6 billion invested in Kentucky’s EV industry since 2020, predicting the creation of more than 10,000 jobs. Kentucky is becoming a hub for EV battery manufacturing, with significant projects like the BlueOval SK and another $2 billion facility near Bowling Green, which will generate 2,000 jobs.
– Toyota has also committed to a $1.3 billion investment in an EV factory in Georgetown, augmenting the state’s manufacturing capabilities. Expanding the network of charging stations across Kentucky is seen as vital for addressing EV buyers’ concerns regarding battery life and charging accessibility.
– The state’s burgeoning EV sector benefits from substantial foreign investment, notably from the Republic of Korea, contributing to Kentucky’s economic and industrial growth.
Jaguar I-Pace Incident Leads to Driver’s Arrest
– A 31-year-old driver of a Jaguar I-Pace was arrested by police for dangerous driving and causing a public nuisance after his vehicle reportedly lost control and reached speeds up to 100mph.
– The incident, which required police intervention to safely stop the car, occurred on the M62 motorway and lasted about 35 minutes.
– The driver, Mr. Owen, claimed the £80,000 electric vehicle malfunctioned on his way back from his first job day, prompting a significant police response.
– Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Merseyside Police conducted a thorough investigation into the event, leading to Mr. Owen’s arrest.
– JLR stated they take all product safety concerns seriously and collaborate with law enforcement and other authorities to investigate such incidents.
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