Category Archives: electric vehicles

Electrify America Invests Millions in ZEV Workers

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Electrify America announced today a $7.4+ million investment in organizations across the U.S. to support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) access programs, education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce development. The funding builds on Electrify America’s previous investments in organizations to advance equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) transportation in low-income and disadvantaged communities and building a skilled EV workforce. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Evgo Open First Charging Stations

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Evgo, one of the largest providers of public fast charging stations for electric vehicles (NASDAQ: EVGO), and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today announced the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. They are part of Toyota’s so-called “Empact” vision.* The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and have 350kW fast chargers. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls a Previous Hybrid Powertrain Recall

Posted on 10 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling some 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

“The Ford process is capable of determining which software part numbers have been installed in production and service. Affected vehicles do not contain the remedy Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software for recall 24S33, Ford Motor said in the mandatory Safety Defect Filing made public today by the still functioning National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalling AMG Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Posted on 10 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling ~3000 2023-2024 model year AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupes, 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupes, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, 2023-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance, and 2024-2025 AMG SL 63 S E Performance vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. A software error may cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail, causing a loss of drive power. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Group EV Recall for Sudden Loss of Power

Posted on 10 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling~14,000 2024-2025 model year AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 VW ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in an unexpected loss of drive power. The defective component was made by Robert Bosch in Hungary. Continue reading →

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Vision V – Mercedes- Teases Luxury Limousine

Posted on 7 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today in a release from Shanghai and Stuttgart that its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will appear starting in 2026. It showed the so-called Vision V concept car, err van, err MPV…

“This innovative architecture re-imagines spacious, privately positioned vehicles elevating them into the luxury segment with a focus on the ‘Private Lounge’. The future model portfolio will cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury,” Mercedes claimed. Continue reading →

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Interlagos Lap Record – Taycan Turbo GT

Posted on 7 March 2025 by Ken Zino

A Taycan Turbo GT* set a time of 1:42.1 minutes on the 4.3-kilometer Interlagos circuit on 5 February 2025, Porsche said today. The lap time trimmed almost eight seconds off the record set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2022 (1:49.8 minutes). It was also just under a second inside an earlier production-car lap record set by the 911 Turbo S (1:43.087 minutes).

“Coming to Interlagos and getting behind the wheel of the Taycan Turbo GT right after winning the 24 Hours of Daytona was an incredible experience. I expected the strong acceleration and brutal torque but, ultimately, it was the overall performance that really impressed me,” said Porsche works driver Felipe Nasr who was at the wheel. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL EV

Posted on 6 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. Continue reading →

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Annals of  Off-Road Marketing – Silverado EV ZR2

Posted on 5 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today unveiled the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck “concept” at the Mint 400 off-road race, where the truck will also compete as part of the Hall Racing team’s lineup. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept joins the team’s Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks. Chad Hall will drive the all-electric off-road race truck in the Open Production EV class.

“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude.” Continue reading →

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First Look – All-Electric Volvo ES90 Hatchback

Posted on 5 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today debuted an all-new, fully electric ES90. With order-books open now in some markets, the ES90 is the latest addition to  Volvo cars. It is the sixth fully electric model in the line, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30 as Volvo continues to covert to full electrification.

“The ES90 combines the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs. It’s a versatile car that does not compromise on comfort or space. A car that allows for bigger adventures and families, striking the perfect balance between your professional and private life, and allowing you to embrace the special moments in life,” Chinese-owned Volvo Cars said. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Plant Munich Undergoing Renovation

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Group said to day that Plant Munich is gearing up to launch the NEUE KLASSE in summer 2026. Three new production halls are currently being built for the body shop, assembly and associated production logistics. “For the production start of the NEUE KLASSE, we will have a state-of-the-art plant in Munich that is characterized by flexibility, innovation and, above all, efficiency,” said Plant Director Peter Weber. Continue reading →

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EV Satisfaction Improves But Trump Chaos Looms

Posted on 27 February 2025 by Ken Zino

“The elimination of EV tax incentives and public charging funding has the potential to affect two critical barriers to EV adoption: public charging availability and vehicle prices,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “This temporary slowdown in market share growth for EVs creates a unique challenge for the industry as manufacturers forge ahead with new vehicle introductions. The EV market will be faced with expanded product offerings and flat share, creating increased competition.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Net Profit Down 70% in 2024

Posted on 26 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that full year 2024 results were net revenues of €156.9 billion, down 17% compared to 2023. Net profit was €5.5 billion, down 70%. Adjusted operating income of €8.6 billion fell 64%. Industrial free cash flows were negative €6 billion reflecting the decline in income and temporary enlarged working capital impact due to production cuts. However, despite the almost total car wreck, the dividend to common shareholders is proposed at €0.68 per share, representing a 5% yield, pending shareholder approval. Continue reading →

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First Glance – 800-Volt Volvo ES90

Posted on 26 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo (VOLCAR B:STO) said today that its new, fully electric car – the impending Volvo ES90 sedan – has new 800-volt technology in its latest electric model offering. The ES90 will be revealed globally on 5 March 2025.

“Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer. “It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go further on a single charge.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Testing Solid State Battery on Roads

Posted on 24 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that its engineers from the road and racetrack worked in collaboration with Factorial cell engineers to deliver an all-new solid-state battery test program, resulting in the first car – a Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan – powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading →

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