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Category: ElectricVehicleTrends

ElectricVehicleTrends

  • Tesla Software Update Brings Rough Road and Pothole Scanning

    Tesla Software Update Brings Rough Road and Pothole Scanning

    Tesla is taking another step to improving its Full Self-Driving (FSD) with a new software update that detects rough roads and potholes and adjusts accordingly.

    Tesla has been working to improve FSD as other manufacturers develop their own autonomous driving solutions. A major feature all manufacturers have to provide is the ability for autonomous driving software to recognize and respond to poor road conditions.

    According to Electrek, Tesla’s latest software update is moving in this direction, even if it doesn’t yet achieve Elon Musk’s prediction from 2020 when he said Tesla Autopilot would eventually create mini-maps of known potholes and avoid them.

    Nonetheless, the latest software update does try to recognize rough roads and adjust the suspension system to maintain comfort and reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle.

    Tesla Adaptive Suspension will now adjust ride height for an upcoming rough road section. This adjustment may occur at various locations, subject to availability, as the vehicle downloads rough road map data generated by Tesla vehicles.

    The company also provided instructions on how to activate the new feature, provided the vehicle in question has adaptive suspension:

    The instrument cluster will continue to indicate when the suspension is raised for comfort. To enable this feature, tap Controls > Suspension > Adaptive Suspension Damping, and select the Comfort or Auto setting.

  • The EU May Ban New Combustion Engine Cars by 2035

    The EU May Ban New Combustion Engine Cars by 2035

    Support is growing for an EU measure that would ban the sale of new vehicles powered by combustion engines by 2035.

    Countries around the world are working to reduce carbon emissions in the coming decade in a desperate attempt to curb climate change. Many automakers have already committed to electric-only lineups in the coming years, but the EU may be forcing the issue even further according to AP News.

    EU lawmakers held a vote, requiring automakers to achieve a 100% reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions by 2035. This would effectively make it illegal to sell new vehicles powered by gas or diesel. The lawmakers also adopted a measure that would require automakers to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, substantially more than the 37.5% they are already required to meet.

    While environmental groups praised the steps taken, automakers were, unsurprisingly, less enthused. In particular, automakers wanted synthetic fuels exempted, something lawmakers did not agree to. As a result, the German auto lobby group VDA called the vote “a decision against innovation and technology.”

    The decision must still be adopted by EU nations but, if it is, it will signal a fundamental shift in the nature of the auto industry.

  • Elon Musk Wants to Cut 10% of Tesla Staff

    Elon Musk Wants to Cut 10% of Tesla Staff

    Elon Musk has reportedly sent an email to executives saying he has a “super bad feeling” about the economy and wants to cut jobs by 10% and freeze hiring.

    Tesla may be the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle market, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to the effects of the economy. In an email seen by Reuters, Musk expressed unusual concern for the state of the economy and the impact it might have on the company. Some experts are already calling Tesla the “canary in the coal mine” for the auto industry in general.

    “Tesla’s not your average canary in the coal mine. It’s more like a whale in the lithium mine,” said Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas.

    “If the world’s largest EV company warns on jobs and the economy, investors should reconsider their forecasts on margins and top-line growth,” he added.

    As of the time of writing, Tesla’s stock was down more than 9% on the news. It remains to be seen what impact the warning will have on the rest of the auto industry in the coming days and weeks.

  • Panasonic Closing in on Site for US Battery Plant

    Panasonic Closing in on Site for US Battery Plant

    Panasonic is getting close to selecting a US state to host its new battery manufacturing plant.

    Panasonic makes batteries for Tesla’s electric vehicles and has been planning to expand its battery production with a new US-based plant. According to Reuters, Panasonic Energy CEO Kazuo Tadanobu said the company is closing in on a location.

    “We’ve been making various considerations, but we are starting to finalise,” said Tadanobu. He added that no final decision had been made.

    According to Reuters’ sources, the company is looking at sites in Kansas and Oklahoma. Either site would be relatively close to Tesla’s factory in Texas.

  • Volkswagen May Have Bitten Off More Than It Can Chew in Race With Tesla

    Volkswagen May Have Bitten Off More Than It Can Chew in Race With Tesla

    Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess is now admitting his goal of toppling Tesla as the world’s number one electric vehicle (EV) automaker by 2025 may be a bit ambitious.

    Diess had previously committed Volkswagen to becoming the world’s number one EV automaker by 2025, counting on the depth of Volkswagen’s lineup to help it achieve that goal. According to Reuters, Dies now admits that it’s going to be a tougher task than he originally anticipated, given the lead Tesla has.

    “It will be a tight race but we won’t give up on it,” Diess said at the FT Future of the Car 2022 conference. “I have to say we didn’t expect our main U.S. competitor to be so fast and well-prepared.”

    Volkswagen’s challenges are not likely to improve anytime soon, with Tesla opening its first Gigafactory in Germany in early 2022.

  • Tesla Recalls 130K Vehicles Over Blank Touchscreens

    Tesla Recalls 130K Vehicles Over Blank Touchscreens

    Tesla is recalling some 130,000 vehicles over touch screens that go blank as a result of an overheating issue.

    According to The Associated Press, the recall includes “certain Model S sedan and Model X SUVs from 2021 and 2022, as well as Model 3 cars and Model Y SUVs from 2022.” The issue can occur when the vehicles are fast-charging and the CPU overheats, resulting in the main screen going blank.

    In addition to the infotainment system, the screen also powers the rearview camera display, windshield defrost controls, and gear indicators.

    So far there have been no reported crashes or injuries, and Tesla said it found the issue during routine testing.

  • Michigan to Have the First US-Based Wireless EV Charging Road

    Michigan to Have the First US-Based Wireless EV Charging Road

    Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is on the way to becoming less stressful, with the first wireless EV charging road coming to Michigan.

    Range anxiety is one of the biggest impediments to widespread EV adoption. One of the most promising solutions is wireless charging tech embedded in roadways. Much like an HOV lane, users could simply switch to the charging lane, and receive a bill later, or pay a subscription fee.

    Michigan is poised to be the first state to test, tapping Electreon to design and implement the infrastructure for a one-mile section of Detroit road.

    “As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am happy to see Michigan lead and keep building on these ground-breaking initiatives creating new business opportunities and high-tech jobs. Together, we will continue growing our economy and putting Michiganders first.”

    We are proud and thankful to be selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation to lead and implement the first wireless electric road system in the United States,” said Stefan Tongur, vice president of Electreon. “We’re excited to be transferring our success in wireless charging for a variety of electric fleets – from cars to buses and heavy-duty trucks – to this innovative project. There’s important work ahead with our partners in Detroit to develop scalable, ‘plug-free’ charging that will future-proof the city’s EV infrastructure.”

  • BMW CEO Not a Fan of EV-Only Strategies

    BMW CEO Not a Fan of EV-Only Strategies

    Automakers may be racing to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), but BMW CEO Oliver Zipse isn’t a fan of that approach.

    Many automakers, from Subaru to Bentley, have committed to EV-only lineups within the next decade or so, but Zipse believes an EV-only strategy may leave automakers vulnerable. In particular, he has concerns the various components required for EV production are under the control of just a few countries, most notably China.

    “When you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries,” Zipse said, according to Reuters.

    “If someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines anymore, someone else will,” said Zipse.

    Instead of EV-only, Zipse is a fan of highly efficient combustion engines, which he believes are both environmentally responsible and more viable financially.

  • Canada to Ban Combustion Engine Cars Sales by 2035

    Canada to Ban Combustion Engine Cars Sales by 2035

    Automakers will no longer be able to sell combustion engine passenger cars in Canada, effective 2035, adding to the growing impetus for a full transition to electric vehicles.

    Governments are working to combat climate change, with combustion engine vehicles being one of the biggest, and most visible, means of doing so. Many automakers have committed to phasing out combustion engines by the mid-2030s, and various jurisdictions are moving to require such a transition.

    Canada is the latest to do so, according to Engadget, setting 2035 as the cutoff date for combustion engine car sales. In the meantime, the government has set interim milestones for automakers to meet. Canada wants 20% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 60% by 2030.

    Ottawa’s larger goal is to reach net zero emissions as a country by 2050, hitting 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

  • Maserati Commits to Full Electric Lineup by 2025

    Maserati Commits to Full Electric Lineup by 2025

    Maserati is the latest automaker to commit to a fully electric lineup, planning to make the transition by 2025.

    Virtually every automaker is working to transition to electric vehicles. Maserati is looking to carve out a niche for itself as the first Italian luxury brand to make the transition.

    Maserati is the first Italian luxury car brand to produce full-electric models: the Trident is announcing its plans for the market launch of the electric range, Maserati Folgore, and is providing comments on the 2021 sales figures.

    The automaker is coming off of a record year, one in which it saw a 41% year-on-year increase in sales. Maserati clearly wants to build on that success with the electrification of its lineup.

    All Maserati models will come in a 100% electric version by 2025: the MC20 super sports car, the new Quattroporte sport sedan and the all-new full-size Levante SUV will complete the Maserati Folgore offering, to attract the new luxury consumer in all market segments.

    With brands like Maserati making the jump to electric vehicles, the pressure will continue to increase for run-of-the-mill brands that don’t have the performance requirements as an Italian luxury brand.

  • China Exported 500,000 Electric Vehicles in 2021, Leading the World

    China Exported 500,000 Electric Vehicles in 2021, Leading the World

    China is the leading electric vehicle (EV) exporter, exporting some 500,000 units in 2021 alone.

    Western countries have been eying China as the country has taken the lead in manufacturing, 5G, and other industries, and as its GDP continues to grow. There’s now another area where China is leading, namely in the EV export market.

    According to Nikkei Asia, China’s exports were bolstered by affordable models that made their way into Europe and Southeast Asia.

    Automakers around the world are racing to transition to EVs. It remains to be seen, however, if other countries will catch up and overtake China’s lead.

  • Volkwagen Preparing to Take On Tesla, Defend Its Home Turf

    Volkwagen Preparing to Take On Tesla, Defend Its Home Turf

    Volkswagen is preparing to defend its home turf, ramping up electric vehicle (EV) production to take on Tesla in Germany.

    Tesla’s Gigafactory is the company’s first manufacturing operation in Germany, as Tesla works to maintain its dominance in the EV market. Unfortunately for the company, virtually every major automaker is racing to transition to an EV lineup, and Volkswagen is no exception.

    According to TheStreet, Volkswagen is planning on spending some $2.2 billion on a new factory to produce its Trinity EV. Construction will begin in early 2023, with the first vehicles slated to roll off the assembly line in 2026. Volkswagen’s goal is to make the Trinity a carbon-neutral vehicle.

    “We are setting benchmarks in the automotive industry with Trinity and the new factory and turning Wolfsburg into the global lighthouse for cutting-edge and efficient vehicle production,” CEO Ralf Brandstätter said in a statement.

    The company is also “seeking to attract new groups of customers and tap additional sources of income” as it continues to work on autonomous vehicles. Like other automakers, the company has been working on the next evolution of the automobile, developing its own autonomous software and partnering with Microsoft Azure to help power it.

  • Honda and Sony Partnering on Electric Vehicle Efforts

    Honda and Sony Partnering on Electric Vehicle Efforts

    Honda and Sony are working together, forming a new company to sell electric vehicles (EVs) as the entire industry pivots away from gasoline engines.

    Sony showed off its Vision-S SUV at CES 2022, a sleek-looking EV born as a result of the response Sony received from unveiling the Vision-S sedan a year earlier.

    “The excitement we received after we showed off the Vision-S really encouraged us to further consider how we can bring creativity and technology to change the experience of moving from one place to another,” CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said at the time. “This is our new Vision-S SUV. Vision-S has been developed on a foundation of safety, adaptability and entertainment. Safety has been our No. 1 priority in creating a comfortable mobility experience. That has not changed when building this SUV. A total of 40 sensors are installed inside and outside of the vehicle to monitor safety.”

    Sony has found a partner in Honda, a company that has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities to help bring Sony’s vision to life. According to Reuters, the two companies will form a joint venture, with plans to bring EVs to market in 2025.

  • Ford CEO Says the Company Will Not Spin Off EV Division

    Ford CEO Says the Company Will Not Spin Off EV Division

    Ford CEO Jim Farley has told a group of investors the company has no plans to spin off its EV division.

    Ford is going all-in on EVs, determined to compete with Tesla and other dedicated EV makers. The company’s Mustang Mach-E recently dethroned Tesla’s Model 3 as Consumer Reports’ top EV recommendation.

    While some investors were hoping the company would spin off its EV division, Farley has thrown cold water on that idea, according to TheStreet.

    “We have too many people, we have too much investment, we have too much complexity and we don’t have expertise in transitioning our assets,” Farley said. “(But) we have no plans to spin off our electric business or our ICE business.”

    The company’s stock was down on the revelation, but keeping its EV business in-house may pay dividends in the long run.

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Tesla has been knocked off its throne, with Consumer Reports (CR) now recommending the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top electric vehicle (EV).

    The Tesla Model 3 has been CR’s EV Top Pick for the last two years. The Model 3 was a departure from previous models, being far more affordable, a point which helped it become the top-selling EV in the world.

    Ford has made no secret about setting its sights on Tesla, coming out swinging with the Mustang Mach-E. The EV has now taken the coveted EV Top Pick award.

    “The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker,” writes CR’s Jeff S. Bartlett. “We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.”

    That doesn’t mean CR doesn’t recommend the Model 3. In fact, CR praises the vehicle’s range, technology, charging network, and a ride experience that’s closer to sports car than sedan. But the features Ford packed into the Mustang Mach-E helped push it over the edge.

    “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better,” continues Bartlett. “Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”

    One thing is clear: Ford has dealt Tesla a major blow, and will likely continue to make inroads against the original EV maker.

  • Ford and Volvo Partner With Redwood Materials to Recycle EV Batteries

    Ford and Volvo Partner With Redwood Materials to Recycle EV Batteries

    Startup Redwood Materials is partnering with Ford and Volvo in an effort to recycle electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

    As the move to EVs picks up the pace, one of the biggest challenges is manufacturing new EV batteries, as well as recycling and disposal of old ones. Given the amount of rare-Earth metals in EV batteries, efficient recycling can significantly reduce production costs. Multiple companies are working the problem, including other car manufacturers, such as Nissan.

    Redwood Materials is a US-based startup that is the latest to tackle the issue, in partnership with Ford and Volvo. Beginning in California, the companies are establishing “the most comprehensive electric vehicle battery recycling program.” The program will accept all lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries in California.

    “We will work directly with dealers and dismantlers in California to identify and recover end-of-life packs,” the company says in a statement. “Redwood will then safely package, transport, and recycle these batteries at our facilities in neighboring Northern Nevada, and then return high quality, recycled materials back into domestic cell production. Overtime, as EOL packs scale, we expect these batteries to become valuable assets that will help make EVs more sustainable and affordable.”

    Redwood makes it clear the company welcomes other automakers to join its program and partner with it.

  • Intel’s Mobileye Targeting 2024 For ‘Autonomous Mover’ Shuttles

    Intel’s Mobileye Targeting 2024 For ‘Autonomous Mover’ Shuttles

    Mobileye, Intel’s autonomous driving subsidiary, is working to bring autonomous shuttles to the market by 2024.

    The autonomous market has been heating up, with automakers racing to advance the sophistication of their AI with the goal of delivering a truly autonomous driving experience. Intel’s Mobileye is considered the “dark horse” in the industry, leveraging Intel’s experience and resources along with its own.

    According to the companies, Mobileye will bring fully-electric, autonomous shuttles to the market, in partnership with Benteler Electric Vehicle Systems and Beep. Beep specializes in next-generation autonomous, electric vehicles (EVs), while Benteler is a leader in the manufacturing of various EV components. The three companies are working on “autonomous movers,” multipassenger, autonomous EVs, which will be deployed in the US first.

    “Multipassenger micro-transit needs are ever-increasing in our cities and towns globally and must be addressed in order to reduce road congestion, protect the environment and provide safe, reliable mobility for all to access,” explained Hinrich Woebcken, advisory board member for Beep and former CEO of Volkswagen North America. “Bringing to market an affordable, automotive-grade, electric, autonomous mover is a solution that will transform mobility as we know it today.”

    The shuttles will offer 24/7 transportation, giving passengers a cost-effective option.

    “Autonomous movers are the solution for future public transportation, solving the mobility challenges of increasing urbanization and emissions,” said Marco Kollmeier, managing director of Benteler EV Systems GmbH. “These movers need to be robust for 24/7 public or commercial use, at optimized costs and with excellent riding comfort. Consequently, we decided to go for this strategic collaboration with our partners Mobileye and Beep, to build autonomous movers delivering exactly against these market demands. Another example of how we make the mobility of tomorrow lighter, safer and more sustainable.”

  • US Government Announces $5 Billion EV Charging Network Fund

    The US Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy have announced a $5 billion fund to assist states in creating an electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

    The US is working to speed up EV adoption, but range anxiety is a major concern for many buyers. In fact, 20% of California EV owners end up reverting to gasoline vehicles over range anxiety. The issue is a bigger hurdle in the US than other parts of the world, such as Europe, because of the long distances that are commonly driven.

    As part of the Biden administration’s infrastructure program, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program makes $5 billion available to help states build a comprehensive EV charging network. The initial rollout would include a charging station every 50 miles alongside the Interstate system, with each station providing at least four high-speed chargers.

    “A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”

    “Americans need to know that they can purchase an electric vehicle and find convenient charging stations when they are using Interstates and other major highways,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “The new EV formula program will provide states with the resources they need to provide their residents with reliable access to an EV charging station as they travel.”

  • Detroit Deploys First EV Charging Road in the US

    Detroit Deploys First EV Charging Road in the US

    Charging electric vehicles (EVs) is about to get a whole lot easier, at least for one section of road in Detroit, with in-road charging.

    Range anxiety is one of the biggest challenges to further EV adoption, with drivers worrying about how far they can travel, whether they’ll be able to find a charging facility en route, and how long charging will take.

    Electreon Wireless hopes to solve that by embedding EV charging capabilities right into roads. This could pave the way (pun intended) for EVs to operate without ever needing to be charged in the traditional manner.

    According to Axios, Electreon Wireless is embedding its technology in a section of road in Detroit’s Michigan Central district. The test area will be up to a mile long, and will be the first of its kind in the US.

    “What a great time to come to the U.S. and show there’s an alternative — a smarter, faster charging system that takes us to where we need to be,” Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s vice president of business development, told Axios.

  • GM’s Mary Barra Says Company Could Top Tesla in EV Market

    GM’s Mary Barra Says Company Could Top Tesla in EV Market

    GM CEO Mary Barra is throwing down the gauntlet, claiming her company will top Tesla in the EV market.

    Tesla is the current reigning champion of the EV market. The company was synonymous with EVs for years, with traditional automakers only recently beginning to pivot to EVs en masse.

    GM is one such company, and is investing heavily in the transition, recently announcing a $7 billion investment in several Michigan plants, in an effort to convert half of its North America productions to EVs by 2030.

    Barra, however, has her sights set on a much more ambitious goal: unseating Tesla as the top dog in the EV market.

    “We want to lead in EVs. Full stop,” Barra told CBS News’ Ben Tracy. “And so that’s where we’re aggressively moving.”

    A big part of that plan is making more affordable EVs, much cheaper than the company’s Hummer, or Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck.

    “The Equinox EV crossover is going to start around $30,000,” she said. “We’re also working on a vehicle that will even be more affordable than that.”

    “Customers are starting to be much more interested in EVs but they want the vehicle they want,” she added.

    As CBS News points out, GM definitely has an uphill battle. Tesla has 70% of the US EV market, compared to GM’s 6%. Nonetheless, Barra appears undeterred.

    “When you look at how many vehicles we’re going to be able to launch across many segments, that’s why by mid-decade we think we’ll be in a leadership position,” she said.

    “Clearly, that’s what we’re working from a North America perspective and we’re just gonna keep going until we have global leadership as well.”

  • No New Tesla Models In 2022

    Tesla fans looking for a brand-new model in 2022 are in for a disappointment, with Elon Musk indicating there are no such plans.

    Like many companies, Tesla has been struggling with supply chain issues, especially in its efforts to secure enough semiconductors for production. The company has reportedly resorted to buying chips in advance, and may even be looking at the possibility of acquiring its own semiconductor foundry.

    According to TheStreet, CEO Elon Musk says the company has focused almost exclusively on continuing to increase its production, which would rule out the likelihood of new models in 2022.

    “If we were to introduce new vehicles, our total vehicle output would decrease. This is a very important point that I think people do not understand. So last year, we spent a lot of engineering and management resources, solving supply-chain issues, rewriting code, changing our chips, reducing the number of chips we need,” Musk explained.

    “If we actually introduce an additional product that would then require a bunch of attention and resources on that increased complexity of the additional product, resulting in fewer vehicles actually being delivered,” Musk continued.