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LUCID AIR PURE SETS NEW EFFICIENCY STANDARD
Lucid Motors, led by CEO/CTO Peter Rawlinson, has always prioritized efficiency. The latest iteration of the Air Pure model an impressive 5 miles per kilowatt-hour of energy, a significant improvement from the previous 4.1 miles, making it the most efficient production EV to date.
The Air Pure, Lucid’s most affordable model, achieves 430 miles of range with an 84 kWh battery pack. This efficiency is partly due to the integration of a heat pump system, initially introduced in the high-performance Air Sapphire model, along with other refinements. According to Lucid, this makes the Air Pure “the most efficient and thus most sustainable vehicle made.”
Another significant upgrade for the 2025 Air is the inclusion of “new-generation control hardware” in every model. This hardware enhancement triples the processing power and doubles the memory of the infotainment system, promising a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Earlier this year, Rawlinson shared with the UK’s *Autocar* magazine that the ultimate goal for electric car efficiency is to reach 6.2 miles per kilowatt-hour (10 kilometers). To move closer to this goal, Lucid has developed many of its components in-house, optimizing them to work with its unique 900-volt architecture. This innovation allows for smaller yet powerful components; for instance, the Air’s electric motor is about one-third the size of Tesla’s, while delivering equal or greater power.
Despite these advancements, the Air Pure maintains its starting price of $69,900. The Touring model is priced at $78,900, and the Grand Touring comes in at $110,900.
PORSCHE UNVEILS NEW BASE VERSION OF ELECTRIC MACAN
Porsche has introduced a new electric version of the Macan, starting at £67,200 and a range of 398 miles (640 km) on WLTP. This entry-level model delivers 355bhp and directly competes with the Jaguar I-Pace and Polestar 4.
In addition to the base model, Porsche offers three four-wheel-drive variants: the Macan 4, priced at £69,800 with 402bhp; the Macan 4S, newly added at £75,400 with 509bhp; and the top-tier Macan Turbo, which costs £95,000 and provides a substantial 630bhp.
For my US listenrs I have your pricing too: The base model of the 2025 Porsche Macan EV will be available in the fourth quarter of the year, priced at $77,295, including a $1,995 destination charge. This represents a nearly $3,000 reduction from the 2024 base model, the Macan 4.
The new base Macan features an 800-volt electrical system and a 100-kWh battery, similar to other electric Macan models. It is powered by a single motor on the rear axle, making it the first Macan to drive only two wheels. This motor, equipped with a 480-amp pulse inverter and silicon carbide transistors, produces up to 335 hp. Porsche claims this setup allows the Macan to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 136 mph (219 kph).
By eliminating the front motor and related components, the base Macan achieves a weight reduction of 243 pounds (110 kg) compared to the Macan 4. This weight saving is expected to enhance the vehicle’s range, although the EPA has not yet released official estimates. Porsche suggests the Macan 4 could achieve around 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.
The electric Macan’s release was initially planned for 2023 but faced delays due to software issues. This model is crucial to Porsche’s strategy to transition away from petrol vehicles, aiming for electric models to make up 80% of its global sales by 2030.
The new Macan has been developed in tandem with the Audi Q6 E-tron, sharing the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, along with key components like the chassis, batteries, and power electronics.
GENESIS UNVEILS LUXURY EV PLATFORM TO RIVAL TESLA
Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai, is developing a new electric vehicle (EV) platform aimed at competing with high-end brands like Tesla and BMW. This new platform will be exclusive to Genesis, distinguishing it from Hyundai’s models.
The first Genesis EV, the GV60, is set for an upgrade in 2025. This upgraded model will feature a larger battery and new design elements. The current GV60 is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which also supports the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. The 2025 GV60 will offer slightly more range and faster charging capabilities.
However, the 2025 GV60 will be the last Genesis model to use the E-GMP platform. Mike Song, the new global head of Genesis, and John Son, head of Genesis’ global product office, have confirmed that future Genesis models will be built on a new, brand-exclusive EV platform.
“All new Genesis models will be based on the new platform,” said Song and Son.
KIA’S NACS CHARGE PORT TESTING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kia has begun testing vehicles equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, as evidenced by recent sightings of camouflaged Kia electric vehicles (EVs) at a Supercharger station without the use of an adapter.
The automaker announced plans to integrate NACS ports, now officially designated as J3400 following SAE standardization, into its EVs starting with the EV6. This rollout is expected to begin in late 2024 for the U.S. market and early 2025 for Canada.
Existing Kia EV owners are still awaiting access to this new charging standard. However, Kia appears to be on track with its production timeline. Recently, two camouflaged Kia EVs were seen at a Supercharger in Michigan. Photos shared on LinkedIn by Sam Abuelsamid show a Kia EV6 connected to the Supercharger without a NACS adapter.
Next to the EV6 was an IONIQ 5, which was not plugged in but is presumed to have a NACS charge port hidden under its camouflage.
One drawback noted is that the NACS charge port is located on the passenger side (right-hand side) of the vehicle, rather than the driver’s side.
TESLA’S MASSIVE HIRING SURGE: WHAT’S DRIVING IT?
Tesla is currently on a significant hiring spree, seeking to fill almost 800 positions. This comes just months after CEO Elon Musk initiated layoffs aimed at streamlining operations and preparing for future growth. The job openings range from highly specialized roles to more standard positions in vehicle service and sales.
This hiring ramp-up coincides with a substantial rally in Tesla’s stock, which has seen an increase of over $223 billion in market capitalization within just 14 trading days. Earlier this year, Musk mentioned that the layoffs were necessary to make the company more efficient and ready for its next growth phase.
FORD UNVEILS PUMA EV: KEY DETAILS AND SPECS
The new Ford Puma “Gen-E” will be priced at under $40,000, making it an affordable option in Ford’s expanding electric vehicle lineup in Europe. It will sit below the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer Electric, and the newly revealed Capri EV.
The Puma EV will retain many features of the latest Puma model but will include unique elements to distinguish it from its gasoline counterpart. Expect new badging, updated headlights, a closed grille, and a redesigned front bumper, all aimed at enhancing efficiency and range.
Unlike the Explorer and Capri EVs, which use Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the Puma EV will be built on the same platform as the gasoline-powered Puma. This decision allows Ford to leverage existing infrastructure while transitioning to electric power.
The Puma EV is expected to house a 50 to 60 kWh battery, providing a range of at least 250 miles (402 km). This range makes it a viable option for both city driving and longer commutes.
RIVIAN INTRODUCES ONLINE TRADE-IN ESTIMATE TOOL FOR ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Rivian has launched an automated online tool designed to provide trade-in estimates. This tool is versatile, catering not only to electric vehicles (EVs) but also to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Vehicle owners, whether they drive Rivian models or other brands, including trucks and vans, can now easily submit their vehicles for evaluation. The process is straightforward: users can enter either their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or their license plate number.
Rivian promises to send an email with the estimated value of the vehicle within one business day. This estimate remains valid for one month. However, in some instances, Rivian may request an “extra review” to provide a more precise trade-in estimate.
TOTALENERGIES AND SSE LAUNCH MAJOR EV CHARGING VENTURE
TotalEnergies and SSE have signed a binding agreement to establish Source, a new business focused on deploying up to 3,000 high-power charge points (150 kW and above) over the next five years. These charge points will be grouped into 300 “EV hubs” located in key urban areas, providing fast and reliable charging solutions for EV and fleet owners. The goal is to capture a 20% market share in the EV charging sector.
The charging hubs will be strategically placed in prime locations and will be powered by renewable energy supplied by SSE and TotalEnergies. Several hubs are already under construction, with many more in the planning stages.
In the UK, Source aims to provide the ultra-fast charging infrastructure needed to support the government’s zero vehicle emissions mandate for all new cars and vans. This mandate has significantly increased the demand for reliable EV charging solutions, making it a critical component in the effort to decarbonize transportation.
VATTENFALL TO ADD 22,000 EV CHARGING POINTS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Vattenfall InCharge, the eMobility division of the Swedish energy company, has secured a contract to install up to 22,000 additional charging points in the Dutch provinces of Brabant and Limburg over the next few years. This expansion will bring their total number of public charging points in these regions to 59,000, up from the current 37,000.
The tender process for this project was highly competitive and set stringent criteria for cyber security, price transparency, and user-friendliness. New charging stations will feature displays to provide users with clear price and charging information.
While Vattenfall has not disclosed specific details about the types of charging stations or their capacities, it is anticipated that the majority will be AC charging stations. Additionally, the company has the capability to temporarily reduce the power output of these stations in areas where the electricity grid is under high demand.
OSPREY CHARGING SECURES LAND FOR NEW EV HUB
How is Osprey Charging expanding its EV infrastructure to meet growing demand?
Osprey Charging, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the UK, has acquired a two-acre site at Twyford Services on the A46 near Evesham. This purchase will facilitate the creation of an advanced EV charging hub, featuring 16 ultra-rapid 300kW chargers, with planning permission and grid connection already in place.
This project is part of Osprey Charging’s broader initiative to establish numerous EV charging hubs across the UK. The expansion is backed by significant investments from Cube Infrastructure Management and Investec Bank, which are vital for Osprey’s growth plans over the next two years.
The Twyford Services acquisition follows other key purchases, including the award-winning Salmon’s Leap hub in Devon and a site in Paisley, Scotland. Osprey Charging intends to announce additional sites in 2024, continuing its strategy to deploy high-power EV charging hubs along the UK’s strategic road network.
NIO HITS 50 BATTERY SWAP STATIONS IN EUROPE
Nio has established 50 battery swap stations across Europe. Over half of these are situated in Germany and Norway. On July 15, the company inaugurated two new stations in Norway, specifically in Straume and Oslo, as per their announcement on X.
By mid-July, Nio had set up 15 battery swap stations in Norway and 17 in Germany, based on data from CnEVPost. European Nio users have utilized these facilities for over 63,000 battery swaps, with the company delivering approximately 3 million kWh of power through these swaps.
JULY 15: THE DAY ELECTRIC CARS OUTSHINE PETROL
Did you know that by mid-July, petrol car drivers in the UK have already spent more on fuel than electric vehicle (EV) drivers spend in an entire year? This intriguing finding comes from The Electric Car Scheme, which has declared July 15 as ‘Electric Car Day’.
A detailed analysis of annual fuel expenses for the average UK driver, who travels about 7,400 miles (11,910 kilometers) each year, reveals that petrol drivers spend an estimated £1,268 on fuel. In stark contrast, electric car drivers only spend around £680 for the same distance.
The salary sacrifice leasing broker behind this study points out that by July 15, petrol drivers will have outspent their electric counterparts on fuel costs for the entire year.
USED EV BUYERS DEMAND BATTERY HEALTH CHECKS
A recent survey by Startline Used Car Tracker reveals that 87% of potential buyers of used electric cars consider an independent, certified battery health assessment crucial. This evaluation would provide detailed information about the condition of the vehicle’s battery, as maintained by previous owners.
The study also found that 83% of consumers are eager to know the time required to fully charge the battery. Additionally, 82% are interested in understanding the battery’s capacity loss since its original purchase.
Furthermore, 81% of those surveyed want insights into potential future capacity loss, while 79% wish to know the current charge level of the battery.
CHINA’S NEV SALES HIT NEW MILESTONE
In June 2024, China saw its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales reach approximately 1.05 million units, marking a 9.8% increase from May’s 955,000 units and a significant 30.1% jump from the 806,000 units sold in the same month last year. This achievement makes June only the third month ever, after November and December 2023, to exceed the million-unit threshold, signaling a robust recovery from the market slowdown earlier this year.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) reported these figures as wholesale sales by car manufacturers, encompassing both domestic sales and exports. However, the majority of these vehicles, about 963,000 units, were sold within China, reflecting a 32.2% year-on-year increase and a 12.5% rise from May. Meanwhile, 86,000 NEVs were exported, showing a 10.3% year-on-year increase and a 13.2% rise from the previous month.
Of the total 1,049,000 units sold, 612,000 were battery electric vehicles (BEVs), accounting for 58.3% of all NEVs. Plug-in hybrids also set a new record with 436,000 units sold, representing an 85.1% increase from the previous year and a 17.5% rise from May.
CHINA MAINTAINS LEAD IN LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PRODUCTION
How will China continue to dominate the global lithium-ion battery market despite higher tariffs imposed by the US and Europe?
China is set to maintain its stronghold on the global production of lithium-ion batteries this year. According to Rystad Energy, a consultancy firm, manufacturers are expected to produce over 1,500 GWh (Gigawatt-hours) of lithium-ion batteries globally in 2024, with China alone contributing more than 1,000 GWh.
To circumvent the higher tariffs imposed by the US and Europe on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), many Chinese EV and battery manufacturers are planning to establish production facilities in other countries. This strategic move aims to reduce costs and boost competitiveness. Chen Shan, a battery market analyst at Rystad Energy, noted that this could accelerate China’s efforts to diversify its trade relationships, especially within the Asia-Pacific region and Brazil.
Chinese battery manufacturers have been proactive in expanding their production capacities overseas. By the end of 2023, they had invested over 100 billion yuan in the construction of more than 40 lithium-ion battery production facilities outside China. These facilities cover various aspects of the battery supply chain, including raw material mining, battery manufacturing, and recycling.
LEAPMOTOR CELEBRATES 400,000 EV DELIVERIES
Leapmotor, a Chinese EV company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and supported by Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA), has recently surpassed 400,000 cumulative deliveries. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Established in 2015, Leapmotor was among the pioneering new car manufacturers in China. The company is now extending its reach internationally through a partnership with Stellantis, Europe’s second-largest carmaker by sales.
SCIENTISTS URGE OLYMPICS TO SWITCH FROM HYDROGEN TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Is the Toyota Mirai the best choice for the Paris Olympics’ official car, or should battery-electric vehicles take the lead?
A coalition of 120 scientists, engineers, and academics has penned an open letter to the organizers of the Paris Olympics, advocating for the replacement of the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai with battery-electric vehicles (EVs). They argue that EVs are more effective in reducing carbon emissions in passenger transport.
The letter highlights that hydrogen, unlike electricity, is not a primary energy source. It points out that 99% of hydrogen production currently relies on fossil fuels. While “green hydrogen” can be produced using renewable energy, the letter states that fuel-cell vehicles consume three times more energy than battery-electric vehicles.
The letter also references the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where hydrogen technology did not meet expectations. Despite promises from the Japanese government and Toyota, hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure fell short. Buses operated on limited routes using “gray hydrogen,” resulting in higher emissions than diesel fuel.
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