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Category Archives: electric vehicles
BMW i Ventures Buys into Phoenix Tailings
BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Phoenix Tailings, a inventive metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. The Series B financing, which was led by Envisioning Partners and included additional participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Escape Velocity, will enable Phoenix Tailings to scale its rare earth processing operations to produce ~200 tons of rare earth metals annually. The output can be used in electric motor magnet , batteries, semiconductors – among other applications.
Phoenix Tailings says it was “founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts to transform how critical metals are produced – metals essential to the technologies that power modern society.” The nascent firm was heavily subsided by U.S. taxpayers via the United States Departments of Energy and Defense, as well as the State of Massachusetts. With the monies, Phoenix Tailings secured initial off-take agreements, validated its technology to process mining waste, and hired a team of workers to make the metals. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, environment, global warming, insurance, manufacturing, milestones, news, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW i Ventures, electric motor magnets, Escape Velocity, Ken Zino, Nick Myers, Phoenix Tailings, US taxpayer subsidies, X @KenAutoinformed, Yamaha Motor Ventures
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Hyundai Claims EV Altitude Change Record
Hyundai Motor Company said today that an IONIQ 5 recorded a record-breaking total elevation change of 5802 meters over a +4900 km run across India. The publicity route began in Umling La in Ladakh, through steep Himalaya mountain passes, to the finish in the coastal region of Kuttanad, Kerala. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Hyundai Revises Ioniq EV for 2022 with New Platform) Continue reading
GAC Honda Automobile Plant Starts Making EVs
Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary in China, announced today that GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (GAC Honda), a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, began operation of its newly-constructed plant for new energy vehicle (NEV) production, named the Development District NEV Factory. The new factory is located in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Under communist Chinese industrial policy 50% of the JV is owned by GAC.
The latest NEV production plant has state of the art production equipment to achieve a highly efficient, smart, and low-carbon production system. The stamping and welding processes completely eliminated logistics personnel by automating parts logistics. AI-based welding strength inspection was adopted for the first time at any Honda plant. In the assembly process, approximately 30% of the entire process is automated to achieve a highly efficient production line. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese EV trade wars, Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, GAC Honda Automobile, Guangdong Province, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hyundai to Give Free NACS DC EV Adapters
Starting in the first quarter of 2025, current and new Hyundai EV owners* who have purchased or leased their vehicle on or before 31 January 2025 will be able to request a free NACS adapter (shipping included) through the MyHyundai owner portal, the Korean company said today. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the first non-Tesla vehicle on sale to have a factory-installed native NACS port. [footnote 1] Adapters will also be available for purchase through Hyundai authorized dealers. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, global warming, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CCS-port ready Hyundai models, DC fast charging stations, Genesis, Hyundai EV drivers, Ken Zino, Olabisi Boyle, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan and Honda Sign Integration MOU!
Nissan Motor Co. (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Honda Motor Co. (NYS: HMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to start discussions and considerations toward a business integration between the two companies through the establishment of a joint holding company. In effect this will be the merger of the two companies with Honda as the stronger member so to speak given Nissan’s perilous operating results. It also raises questions about the continuance of Honda’s business ventures with General Motors.* What it does potentially do is create the world’s third largest automaker with potential annual sales of ~8-9 million, behind Toyota and struggling Volkswagen.
AutoInformed opines that as with all such complex multi-national corporate mergers, the details at the outset and more importantly in the final agreements and their implementation are key to its success. Given the twists and turns of the road and diverse corporate cultures of the participants – where there are no balance sheet entries – this is an endurance race that makes the 24 hours of Le Mans look like a 30-second TV spot. It also likely makes the venture subject to US SEC regulations, including form 4F and forward looking statements. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos ghosn, General Motors and Honda, Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co integration MOU, Ken Zino, Makoto Uchida, Nissan Mitsubishi, Toshihiro Mibe, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Form F-4, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota to Get $4.5M in Fed Funding for EV Batteries
Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today that Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), inclusive of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D, has been selected to receive $4.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The funding is part of the Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR) Program, designed to support a circular domestic supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
“As it stands, this project and program will highlight avenues for everyone to rethink their approach to battery circularity, and help prioritize the extension of battery life, facilitate battery reuse, and reduce battery waste while unveiling the appropriate pathways to achieve such priorities,” said Nik Singh, principal scientist at TRINA (Toyota Research Institute of North America) who is Principal Investigator on this project. “This is only made possible by the collaboration between the exceptional teams comprised within this project group.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, public health
Tagged Ankit Verma, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, circular battery supply chain, CIRCULAR Program, Ken Zino, Nik Singh, Sarah Kennedy, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Advanced Clean Cars II Regs – EPA Grants Waivers!
“After reviewing the information provided by California, reviewing comments submitted by the public, and applying the limited criteria for waiver review under the Clean Air Act, EPA determined in each case that it would be appropriate to grant both waiver requests. The records, included in the waiver decisions, contain public comments on the programs’ feasibility, including costs to manufacturers and the lead time provided. EPA’s review found that opponents of the waivers did not meet their burden to show how either program is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged Advanced Clean Cars II or ACC II regulations, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, clean air act, Ken Zino, Low Emission Vehicle, low-NOx regulation, Michael S. Regan, X @KenAutoinformed, Zero Emission Vehicle
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US Auto Sales Forecast Trump Bump or Bumpy 25?
The experts at Cox Automotive said today that the U.S. Automotive forecast for 2025 is likely positive with what they termed the Goldilocks economy – not too hot nor too cold but just right.
“Instead of a slowing economy, we have a stabilizing economy and most importantly, a stabilizing labor market,” said the estimable Jonathon Smoke Cox, Automotive chief economist. “We can stop fretting about a soft landing and acknowledge we’ve navigated restrictive rates, slowing job growth and increasing unemployment. But as we end 2024, momentum is back on our side. And the labor market is expected to remain at full employment,” said Smoke. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Chesbrough, Jonathon Smoke, Ken Zino, Stephanie Valdez Streaty, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Slashes 2025 Electric Vehicle Prices $6000
Toyota said today in Plano Texas that the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the 2025 bZ4X is $6000 lower for the XLE grade and $5380 lower for the Limited grade.** The 2025 bZ4X also adds a new Nightshade edition, making it the first-ever Toyota Nightshade BEV. There is more standard driver assistance technology on the Limited grade, including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
“For drivers thinking about going all electric, the Toyota bZ4X just made the choice even easier,” Toyota said. “With a smooth, quiet ride, and an EPA estimated range rating of up to 252 miles on FWD models, the bZ4X is a great value for drivers that want a BEV from a trusted brand. For 2025, that value starts at an MSRP of $37,070 on the XLE FWD grade, a reduction of nearly 14-percent. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 2025 bZ4X Nightshade edition, 2025 Toyota bZ4X, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Technical Tidbits – Porsche 1900 Wheel-Hub Motor
“Almost 125 years ago, Ferdinand Porsche was involved in the development of an electric vehicle. It was powered by a wheel-hub motor,” Porsche said in a release today.
“It’s April 14, 1900, and a groundbreaking electric car, based on the Lohner-Porsche system, is celebrating its premiere at the Paris Exposition’s Palace of Electricity. It’s the innovative drive concept that brings widespread recognition of the Porsche name,” Porsche said. Continue reading
Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Berliner Zeitung, Christophorus Magazine, Ferdinand Porsche, Jacob Lohner & Co., Ken Zino, Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivus hybrid, Lohner-Porsche system, Mixte, Paris Exposition in 1900, Stefan Hohloch, Sven Freese, X @KenAutoinformed
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Tavares Out. Stellantis Back into ACEA!
Stellantis over his embrace of electric vehicles as the core of the global automaker’s strategy, Stellantis said it would rejoin the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association** (aka ACEA at AutoInformed), the lobbying group of 15 major European automakers. Under Tavares, Stellantis resigned from ACEA, which has been advocating slow-walking fines for automakers that fail to meet intermediate carbon reduction targets set for 2025. Battery electric vehicles sales in the EU have been tanking this year. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Jean-Philippe Imparato, Ken Zino, Luca de Meo, Sigrid de Vries, The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hyundai Motor Group Using XCIENT Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), in cooperation with Glovis America, announced today it has deployed XCIENT heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics operations. Initially, a total of 21 XCIENT trucks will be in operation.
“At HMGMA, we are committed to creating sustainable transportation solutions,” said Oscar Kwon, HMGMA CEO. “Our Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel-cell trucks that support the Metaplant release zero emissions and offer a cleaner alternative to the traditional freight logistics methods used at other manufacturing facilities.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Glovis America, HTWO Logistics, Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai XCIENT, Ken Zino, Oscar Kwon, X @KenAutoinformed
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Pope Francis Gets Electric G-Class From Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz said that Ola Källenius and the team members gave a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican today. Mercedes-Benz has supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years, and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the so-called “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.*
“With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral1 new car fleet in 2039,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, new vehicle, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Ola Källenius, Pope Francis, Pope Pius XI, Popemobiles, X @KenAutoinformed
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US Electrified Vehicle Sales Soar in 2024
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released its monthly update to National Transportation Statistics (NTS), a guide to historical national-level transportation trends. Of interest to AutoInformed are trends in Gasoline Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Sales; the Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation; and U.S.-Canadian and U.S.-Mexican Border Land-Freight Gateway Travel and Goods Movement.
A trend of note is that during the last three years, sales of Hybrids, EVs and PHEVs have come close to doubling, representing ~2,500,000 in annual sales during 2024. Continue reading →