Category Archives: connected vehicles

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.” Continue reading →

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Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Most initial costs will be offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers in the limited areas it operates in. Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program in Colorado and Wisconsin. Xcel will seek expansion in future states during the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. Continue reading →

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The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

This project for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are plentiful is endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the pilot initiative in September 2021 to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in Michigan. MDOT and Electreon have entered a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system (ERS), using the technology on Michigan roads. Continue reading →

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EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to  the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports Continue reading →

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GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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The 2024 Acura TLX Sedan Arrives at Dealerships Today

Posted on 27 November 2023 by Ken Zino

A refreshed 2024 Acura TLX sedan begins arriving at Acura dealerships today with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $45,000 [1].* The simplified lineup includes the TLX with Technology Package, an optional A-Spec sport appearance package and the high-performance TLX Type S. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Opens First North American EV Charging Hub

Posted on 15 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA said today that its first Charging Hub* opened at its headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Additional charging hubs will open across Texas and the Southeast by the end of 2023. Continue reading →

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Ford EV Charging Network Grows by 25%

Posted on 30 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor said today that customers can now access three new charging providers – Francis Energy, Blink and Red E across the US. and Canada with embedded charger routing and simple payment options via FordPass. The three new companies bring more than 10,000 new chargers to the network, including more than 550 new DC fast chargers. Blink, Francis Energy and Red E join the existing BlueOval Charge Network providers: Shell Recharge Solutions, Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, FLO, EV Connect, and Electric Circuit for a total of ~106,000 charging stations. Continue reading →

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Honda Autonomous Vehicle Test at Toronto Pearson Airport

Posted on 17 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“Our Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle has been verified to help improve worksite efficiencies and safety through previous field tests, so we’re ready to move to the next stage of exploring real world applications with airfield operators,” said Jason VanBuren, systems engineering manager at American Honda Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Hands-Free Driving Ford Mustangs Now in Spain

Posted on 6 October 2023 by Ken Zino

BlueCruise uses Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), which can automatically keep pace with traffic within legal speed limits  down to a complete stop. Hands-free mode allows drivers on approved Blue Zone sections of motorways to drive with their hands off the steering wheel if they continue to pay attention to the road ahead. Before transitioning to hands-free driving, BlueCruise-equipped vehicles confirm that lane markings are visible, that the driver has their eyes on the road and that other conditions are appropriate. Continue reading →

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Honda, Acura – New Deals with Evgo, Electrify America

Posted on 28 September 2023 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor today announced that it has reached agreements with EVgo and Electrify America, plus roaming network partners, giving Honda and Acura EV customers access to more of the largest charging networks in North America. These latest agreements are in addition to the recent announcement that Honda will adopt the NACS charging standard with Honda and Acura EVs gaining access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Combined with the  joint venture that Honda established with six other major automakers to create a high-powered charging network, US Honda and Acura EV customers will be able to use the majority of public American DC fast chargers starting in 2024 and can expect ~100,000 DC charge points available to them by 2030. Continue reading →

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Woven by Toyota Now a Wholly Owned Toyota Subsidiary

Posted on 27 September 2023 by Ken Zino

A review of the software development structure in the Toyota Group was announced this month. As a result, the three companies of Toyota, Woven by Toyota, and Denso will now strengthen collaborative efforts and are restructuring their organizations and human resources across all three companies “to enhance the value of mobility through a software-centered approach.” This is part of an ongoing industry trend to enhance competitiveness through services such as recharging and other connected car offerings. Continue reading →

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EV Grid Unlock – BMW, Ford, Honda Create ChargeScape

Posted on 12 September 2023 by Ken Zino

BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda Motor Company today announced that they have entered into an agreement to create ChargeScape, LLC, a new equally owned company that will create a single, platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested … Continue reading →

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Automated Driving – BMW to use Amazon and Qualcomm

Posted on 5 September 2023 by Ken Zino

“In the next decade, consumer habits and expectations will drive more changes in the automotive industry than we’ve seen over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Nicolai Martin, senior vice president of Driving Experience at BMW Group. “This is just the beginning of a new era of highly automated driving, fueled by innovations in technology and engineering. By collaborating with AWS, the BMW Group, along with our partner, Qualcomm Technologies, is building our new automated driving platform.” automated driving and parking functions.” Continue reading →

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GM Expanding Google Cloud AI Initiatives

Posted on 29 August 2023 by Ken Zino

However, in AutoInformed’s view there are insufficient regulations and guidelines in the industry about who owns your personal data and how it is used or sold to other entities. Therefore this might not be good for everyone or the sun might not be so sunny in a personal vale. Continue reading →

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