Category Archives: electric vehicles

Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla

“This EV Amendment simultaneously amends the terms of your rental from Budget with respect to the terms herein only. All other terms of your rental remain in full force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this EV Amendment and your other rental terms, the terms of this EV Amendment shall govern,” Budget said. In other words EVs are singled out. Continue reading

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Stellantis to Buy a Large Part of Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen

Stellantis is tiptoeing into hydrogen mobility having launched mid-size vans in late 2021. Stellantis is pursuing an aggressive ambition as part of the so-called “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, which includes expanding its hydrogen offerings to large vans as early as 2024 in Europe and 2025 in the US while further exploring opportunities for heavy-duty trucks. Toyota Motor appears to AutoInformed to be the clear leader in these areas, but this is an endurance race not a sprint. Continue reading

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EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally

The new standards are long overdue. They are the first update to clean air standards for heavy duty trucks in more than 20 years. EPA says they are more than 80% stronger than current standards. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Outlines EV Drive Systems Production Sites

The new Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network was achieved following what were likely dicey discussions with German employee representatives. Mercedes says this resulted in agreements to further increase flexibility and efficiency at the various locations, paving the way for securing the future of the plants. In line with the implementation of the Mercedes-Benz Business Plan, the company is investing a mid-single-digit billion-euro amount in its European powertrain production locations. Thus far worker protest or strikes are apparently non-existent. Continue reading

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GM BrightDrop Expands to Canada with Ingersoll EV Plant

With taxpayer-financed support from both Canadian governments, GM has retooled the CAMI Assembly plant become the new global manufacturing home of BrightDrop’s fully electric delivery vans starting with the BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery van. CAMI expects to produce 50,000 Zevo vans annually by 2025. Scaled production is expected to begin with Zevo 600 models in January 2023 and Zevo 400 models in late 2023. In the US, BrightDrop completed delivery of the first Zevo 600s to FedEx last year. Continue reading

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RAM Pickup EV to be Shown. Peugeot Returning to US?

More interesting is Peugeot. The brand has not said it is returning to the US market, so why is the reveal here? “The Peugeot Inception Concept will showcase how the brand takes advantage of the next generation of cockpit platforms to re-invent the whole automobile experience, redesigning the interior space and reshaping driving gestures around the next generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit,” the release said. Continue reading

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Honda to Build CR-V Fuel-Cell in US

The new CR-V-based FCEV might become North America’s first production vehicle to combine a plug-in feature with FCEV technology in one model, which enables the driver to charge the onboard battery to deliver EV driving around town with the option of hydrogen refueling for longer trips. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz First Automaker Issuing Green Panda Bonds

A so-called green bond is a fixed-income financial instrument used to support climate-related or environmental projects. They may or not be tax free. The Green Panda Bond further reflects what Daimler said is the openness and innovation of the Chinese capital market in ESG sectors.

In our view it also shows how out of touch the Republican party of No Hope, aka nope) is on environmental and economic matters with its denial of climate change and so far futile attempts to kill such instruments in the US and punish corporate issuers. Continue reading

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Stellantis Overhauling European Dealer Network in 2023

In essence, electrification is a challenge facing all global automakers. Currently in the US Ford Motor is facing a major dealer revolt over its proposed electrification model. At Stellantis – the mega merger of FCA and PSA companies – the problem is acute – with its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall automotive brands, as well as Free2move and Leasys services – the multi-brand distribution network is, well, complex. Continue reading

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Toyota bZ Compact SUV Debuts at LA Auto Show

“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.” Continue reading

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GM Raises 2022 Earnings, Offers 2023-25 Performance Goals

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) at its annual investors’ meeting in New York City significantly raised its 2022 financial results predictions. GM now projects full-year 2022 adjusted automotive free cash flow will increase to $10-11 billion from its previous guidance of $7-9 billion. GM now projects 2022 EBIT-adjusted for the full year will be in a range of $13.5-14.5 billion, compared to its previous guidance of $13-15 billion. Continue reading

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Big Oil Rebuff as Nel ASA, GM Unite on Renewable Hydrogen

A PEM electrolyzer and a fuel cell are largely based on the same principles. A PEM electrolyzer uses electricity and water to produce hydrogen and oxygen, while a fuel cell reverses the process, using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. Continue reading

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Honda Shows eN2 Concept EV at Shanghai

Starting with e:NS1 and e:NP1*, Honda will introduce 10 e:N Series models by 2027 and accelerate electrification in China including sales and production operations. N2 clearly looks to AutoInformed meant to take on the German automakers who have thrived in the world’s largest vehicle market, no matter the motive source.  In the upscale Chinese market, rear seat room is welcomed by the chauffeured owners. Continue reading

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Stellantis Hordain to Build Hydrogen-powered, Electric and Combustion Engine Commercial Vehicles

Starting in 2024, the site Hordain will have a mini-mass production capacity of 5,000 vehicles per year of hydrogen-powered utility vehicles. This Stellantis said in a release reaffirms its goal to be the first mass-produced manufacturer of hydrogen-powered utility van vehicles. There is also a labor relations aspect to the move. Stellantis has 12 industrial sites in France, and unlike Ford Motor Company it has a stated “ethical desire not to separate its electric and internal combustion engine businesses, to engage all its employees in the energy transition.” Continue reading

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GM Earns $4.3 Billion in Q3 2022

“This keeps us on track to deliver our third consecutive year of full-size pickup leadership, and our 22nd year as the full-size SUV leader. To build our truck leadership and help maintain our strong margins, Chevrolet and GMC recently unveiled new mid-size and heavy-duty pickups that will launch next year,” said GM chair and CEO Mary Barra. Continue reading

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