Biden’s TikTok Problem
A BuzzFeed report raises questions about Biden’s approach to TikTok and Chinese deal-making.
Tesla Is Forcing the Auto Industry to Rethink How It Sells Cars
Tesla shifted to selling cars entirely online in 2019. Now, some established automakers, like Ford, are talking about taking a similar approach.
Wireless charging, EV batteries’ second life, megawatt charging for semis: Today’s Car News
We take a look at the technology and market potential of wireless charging for EVs. Automakers are lining up second uses for EV batteries. Range anxiety still exists—without the anxiety—find researchers. And the Megawatt Charging System is ready for next-level infrastructure for electric trucks. This and more, here at Green Car... Bring on the electric truck stops: Megawatt standard for charging electric semis is formalized
Fully electric heavy-duty trucks and buses aren’t going to be widely accepted until they can charge, as the standards group CharIn puts it, “within a reasonable time.” This last week marked another important step, with the official inaugural demonstration (or simulation), at EVS35 in Oslo, of the higher-power hardware intended... Forget range anxiety: Study suggests EV drivers chronically underestimate their battery
Between longer-range EVs and increased charging infrastructure, the reasons for range anxiety are decreasing. But not everyone believes that, according to a new University of Geneva study. Published in the journal Nature Energy, the study of 2,000 drivers in the United States and Germany found that many drivers chronically underestimate EVs'... Forget range anxiety: Study suggests non-EV drivers underestimate capabilities
Between longer-range EVs and increased charging infrastructure, the reasons for range anxiety are decreasing. But not everyone believes that, according to a new University of Geneva study. Published in the journal Nature Energy, the study of 2,000 drivers in the United States and Germany found that many drivers chronically underestimate EVs'... Mercedes-Benz to unveil electric truck with 500 km range
The battery-electric eActros LongHaul long-distance truck will be Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ trade show highlight at this year’s IAA Transportation in September in Hanover.
The manufacturer announced the 40-ton truck in 2020 and presents the “concept prototype” exactly two years later for the first time. The eActros LongHaul to be shown at IAA provides a preview of the design theme of the series-production vehicle. The tractor unit is also part of the eActros LongHaul test fleet.
The first prototypes are already undergoing intensive testing and the eActros LongHaul will be tested on public roads this year. In the coming year, near- production prototypes will got to customers for real-world use testing. Series readiness is planned for 2024. On a single battery charge the eActros LongHaul will have a range of around 500 kilometers. The e-truck will enable high-performance charging – or so-called “megawatt charging.”
Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “The electrification of heavy long-distance transport is the next milestone on our road to CO2-neutrality. The eActros LongHaul is a battery-electric vehicle which is planned to be economically feasible for our customers. My team and I look forward to presenting this innovative truck to our customers and the public in September.”
As part of its pre-launch communications for IAA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks published the first teaser images of the eActros LongHaul concept prototype and announced further technical specifications planned for the production vehicle. The batteries used in the eActros LongHaul employ lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP). These are characterized, above all, by a long service life and more usable energy. The batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in well under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt.
The long range on a single charge in combination with megawatt charging results in overall ranges on a par with conventional trucks and thus enables two-shift operations. The vehicle is also characterized by a particularly well-balanced driveline for a very pleasant driving experience. In addition, the eActros LongHaul features the manufacturer’s numerous safety innovations.
The core of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks concept for battery-electric long-distance transport is to offer customers a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services. The eActros LongHaul should be the right choice for customers in terms of profitability, sustainability and reliability.
The lion’s share of long-distance transport applications in transporters’ operational practices do not require a range beyond the approximately 500 km the eActros LongHaul makes possible on a single charge. In addition, legal restrictions on the driving times for truck drivers limit the need for longer ranges, depending on the case.
For example, truck drivers in the EU must take a minimum of a 45-minute break after a maximum of 4.5 hours of driving. During this time energy for the remaining route can be recharged. The eActros LongHaul is therefore the right choice for transport companies when used regularly on routes that can be planned, given appropriate distances and charging options.
From rickshaws to renewables: Automakers are focused on EV batteries’ second life
Most automakers haven't fully ramped up production of EVs, but they are already considering second-life uses for the batteries going into those vehicles. Audi is working with startup Nunam to install battery modules from decommissioned test vehicles into electric rickshaws, which are scheduled to hit Indian streets in early 2023 as part of a pilot... Red Flags for Forced Labor Found in China’s Car Battery Supply Chain
Ties to potentially coercive labor practices could prove a problem for an industry that is heavily dependent on China, once a new law barring Xinjiang products goes into effect.
Why wireless charging matters for electric cars
If you’ve cut the cord for your smartphone with a charging pad for the bedside table and one in the car—and, if you’re lucky—wireless CarPlay or Android Auto—you likely get the idea of what a game-changer wireless inductive charging could be for electric cars. Instead of trying to juggle a toddler or a bag of... Tesla price hike; Toyota Compact Cruiser EV; Blazer EV, Ioniq 6, Celestiq teased: The Week in Reverse
For how long will Tesla be the world’s top EV maker? How does a tech supplier propose dropping the onboard charger from electric vehicles? This is our look back at the Week In Reverse—right here at Green Car Reports—for the week ending June 17, 2022. Remember when the Tesla Model Y was supposed to start around $40,000? Tesla... 2023 GMC Hummer EV gets $6,250 price hike—starting June 18
Citing rising supply chain, technology, and logistics costs, GM announced that it’s raising the official price of the GMC Hummer EV as it enters its second model year, although existing 3X reservation-holders will get a break. The price rise of $6,250 starts with the 2023 model year and applies to all subsequent GMC Hummer EV (SUT) and... 2023 GMC Hummer EV gets $6,250 price hike—starting June 18
Citing rising supply chain, technology, and logistics costs, GM announced that it’s raising the official price of the GMC Hummer EV as it enters its second model year, although existing 3X reservation-holders will get a break. The price rise of $6,250 starts with the 2023 model year and applies to all subsequent GMC Hummer EV (SUT) and... Chevy Bolt EV discounts, 600-mile BMW iX, Cadillac Celestiq made in Michigan: Today’s Car News
General Motors is making sure the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is priced at least as low as incoming 2023 versions. A startup claims it can boost the BMW iX to 600 miles of range. And Cadillac plans to make its Celestiq electric flagship in Michigan—by hand. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. GM revealed that its tech center in Warren... Ahead of cheaper 2023 Chevy Bolt EV, GM incentive gives 2022 models nearly the same discount
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV gets a major price cut, but there's no need to wait for it, as General Motors is heavily discounting 2022 models, according to CarsDirect. Beginning June 8, all 2022 Bolt EVs became eligible for a $5,900 rebate, according to the website. The nearly identical Bolt EUV gets an even bigger $6,300 rebate. Will there likely... BMW iX prototype to go 600 miles with mixed-chemistry battery pack
Michigan-based startup Our Next Energy (ONE) plans to demonstrate mixed-chemistry battery tech that it claims will enable 600 miles of range. The startup on Tuesday announced an agreement with BMW to use the automaker's iX electric SUV as a demonstrator of its new battery tech, called Gemini. The prototype is expected to be completed by the end of... Cadillac Celestiq electric luxury sedan will be built at GM tech center
GM on Thursday confirmed that it plans to hand-build the Cadillac Celestiq—the upcoming flagship EV for the luxury brand—at the automaker’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. “As Cadillac’s future flagship sedan, Celestiq signifies a new, resurgent era for the brand,” GM president Mark Reuss said in a... Ford recalls 2.9 million vehicles over a flaw in securing the gear shift in park.
Regulators said 1 percent of the vehicles recalled could have the defect. The products affected include 1.7 million Escape S.U.V.s.
Toyota Compact Cruiser EV, Kia EV6 GT, Nio ES7, Tesla price hike: Today’s Car News
Tesla prices are up again by thousands. The Kia EV6 is due for an in-motion debut soon. Nio has a new electric SUV. And Toyota's electric SUV concept is already getting some recognition. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. A design award was the occasion for Toyota to reveal a bit more about its buzz-worthy Compact Cruiser EV concept. Rooted... Tesla prices rise by thousands, again: Model Y now starts at $67,190
Tesla has again raised prices of its vehicles in its U.S. home market—this time amounting to price hikes of $2,000 to $6,000, but sparing some models. The popular Tesla Model Y base price has been boosted by another $3,000, to $67,190 (all including the mandatory $1,200 destination fee), while the Performance version of the Model Y is now...