Category Archives: electric vehicles

Mazda and Panasonic Link on Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries

Panasonic Energy Company and Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that they will prepare for the supply of next-generation cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, in anticipation of their installation in Mazda’s battery electric vehicles with scheduled production from 2027 onward. In a release they said this follows their formerly concluded agreement and reflects their aim of establishing a medium- to long-term partnership.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also approved today their joint project for the expansion of battery production and technology development as part of its plan for establishing a stable supply of batteries. The Japanese government has positioned storage batteries as a strategic asset for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and is working to expand the domestic battery supply chains and improve industrial competitiveness. Continue reading

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Chinese Auto Industry Steady in July?

The Chinese automotive industry’s economic operations remained fundamentally stable in July, with just a minor dip in monthly production and sales, according to an analysis of the world’s largest auto market just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. Domestic light vehicle (LV) sales, excluding exports, totaled 1.8 million units, reflecting a significant year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 10.4% and a month-on-month (MoM) decline of 12.5%, affected by the high comparative base of the same month last year. Continue reading

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Jaguar Again Recalls I-Pace Models for Battery Fires

Jaguar Land Rover is conducting a  safety defect  recall campaign involving 2019 MY Jaguar I-Pace* vehicles built at the Graz Vehicle Assembly Plant from 9 January 2018 through 14 March 2019. The basis for the recall population is all Jaguar I-Pace 19 model year vehicles not included in the Jaguar H484 safety defect recall. The batteries in question were from LG Energy Solution in Poland. Recalled vehicles will receive a software update that will change the maximum state of charge of the battery to 80%. A permanent remedy is under development.

Owners are advised to park and charge their vehicle outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete and for 30 days after the repair has been completed. As an interim repair, dealers will update the battery energy control module software, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. The final fix is currently under development. Continue reading

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GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.

“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading

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EV Grumblings – Hyundai Motor Changes Its Way

Hyundai Motor said today it intends to leverage its expertise to bolster its position in the hybrid market under its new Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities strategy, a flexible response to the EV market based on core capabilities. Executive summary – Hyundai is modifying its EV strategy in the face of weak EV demand. Under this change in ways, Hyundai will expand the application of its hybrid system beyond compact and mid-size cars to small, large and luxury vehicles. This will increase its current range from seven to 14 models. This expansion will encompass not only Hyundai vehicles but also its luxury brand, Genesis, which will offer a hybrid option for all models, excluding those that are exclusively electric.

“In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.” Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV – 54 Miles Electric Range

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this morning in Atlanta that the new 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is best in its class at 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification [see footnotes below – 1]. The Hybrid SUV is available now at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,900 [2].

This in German marketing theory makes “most daily commutes more flexible and economical in all-electric mode without the need to rely on the internal combustion engine.” Further optimizing efficiency, the “Hybrid” drive program prioritizes electric propulsion for the most appropriate driving situations, for example, during city driving. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Continue reading

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EV Moves – Porsche Grabs Majority Stake in V4Drive Battery

“Varta and Porsche are already working closely together on the topic of high-performance battery cells. With the planned majority takeover of V4Drive, we aim to drive the company forward and would make an important contribution to keeping key technologies in Germany,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG. Continue reading

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Shareholder Warning – Ford Delays Next Gen Electric Truck

Electric vehicle consumers currently, so to speak, are more cost-conscious than early adopters, looking to electric vehicles as a practical way to save money on fuel and maintenance, as well as time by charging at home. This, along with numerous new electric vehicle choices coming to market during the next 12 months , as well as rising compliance requirements, has multiplied pricing pressures. In short (groan) all automakers to survive must have  globally competitive cost structure, emphasizing some customer and product segments to ensure profitable growth and capital efficiency. Continue reading

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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money –  prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading

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Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts

“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.

“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading

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Magna Results Reflect Turmoil in OE EV Programs

AutoInformed notes that Magna’s challenge as a global diversified supplier to automakers going forward is adopting to and making money from the delay, elimination or reduced volumes in larger automaker EV programs while retaining or increasing sales from the now extended life of vehicles  with internal combustion engines and their potential freshening and updates with increased content that this likely entails. Continue reading

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Stellantis Tanks in First Half of 2024 – Net Profit -48%

“The Company’s performance in the first half of 2024 fell short of our expectations, reflecting both a challenging industry context as well as our own operational issues,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO. “We have significant work to do, especially in North America, to maximize our long-term potential.” Seven or more senior executives have left Stellantis so far this year. Continue reading

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Fleet Owners with EVs and Traditional Vehicles Favor EVs

“The electric-vehicle story is much larger than just the retail story,” said Zo Rahim, senior analyst of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive. “In many ways, electric vehicles can be an ideal solution for many fleet operations, which often have set routes of known distances, vehicles that routinely overnight in the same location, and operations that prioritize the cost of ownership. The fleet business is significant in the U.S. market, and we expect the EV share of the fleet market to expand in the coming years.” Continue reading

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GM Earns $4.4 Billion on Record Revenue – Raises Forecast

“With our new investments, we have an even stronger focus on margins and capital efficiency.,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO “It was truly a great first half. And we have the products, discipline and strategies to drive future success.” Continue reading

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