Category Archives: global warming

Toyota Slashes 2025 Electric Vehicle Prices $6000

Posted on 17 December 2024 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Stellantis and CATL JV for LFP Battery Plant in Spain

Posted on 10 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA )* and CATL (Shenzhen 300750) today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. The transaction is expected to close during 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory conditions.

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.” Continue reading →

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Tavares Out. Stellantis Back into ACEA!

Posted on 9 December 2024 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Hyundai Motor Group Using XCIENT Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks

Posted on 4 December 2024 by Ken Zino

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 →

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GM to Sell Lansing Battery Plant to LG Energy Solution

Posted on 2 December 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it has reached a non-binding agreement to sell its stake in the nearly completed Ultium Cells LLC battery cell plant in Lansing, Michigan to its joint venture partner LG Energy Solution.* The transaction is expected to close in the 2025 first quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. 

“Our EV profitability is rapidly improving thanks in part to our strategic decision to build battery cells in the U.S. with LG Energy Solution. It will be years before some of our competitors approach this level of performance,” said Paul Jacobson, GM executive vice president and CFO. “We believe we have the right cell and manufacturing capabilities in place to grow with the EV market in a capital efficient manner. When completed, this transaction will also help LG Energy Solution meet demand by leveraging capacity that’s nearly ready to come online and it will make GM even more efficient.”  Continue reading →

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Battery Electric Vehicle Sales In EU Slumping

Posted on 29 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Roughly half of all European markets saw a drop in battery electric vehicle sales through September 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. There was a slight improvement in Q3.

“This was contrary to consensus market projections. Battery electric vehicle sales in the EU experienced a year-on-year decline of 4% during the first nine months, prompting most OEMs to re-evaluate and rescale their investment plans and strategies towards electrification,” said Vivek Satheesh, a powertrain analyst at the respected  GlobalData consultancy. Continue reading →

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Honda – Global Expansion of Electric Motorcycles

Posted on 27 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Honda in Tokyo today announced two electric personal commuters in India continuing 2024 as the first year for its global expansion of electric motorcycles. The new ACTIVA e and QC1 are the 12th and 13th models, respectively, of Honda’s “30 electric models to be launched globally by 2030” target. The ACTIVA e is equipped with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e with swappable batteries as its power source. QC1, has a fixed battery.

“Both ACTIVA e: and QC1 will be manufactured in India, strengthening the electric commuter lineup to meet the growing needs for electric mobility in the Indian market. In addition, Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited will operate Honda e:Swap, a battery sharing service, in three major Indian cities (Bengaluru, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Mumbai [footnote 3], providing customers mobility experience with more peace of mind,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles – Japan vs Korea

Posted on 26 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“This rivalry is more than a market battle – it’s a bid for energy independence and environmental sustainability. FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) offer several advantages over traditional fossil-fuel vehicles and even BEVs (battery electric vehicles), such as longer range and faster refueling, making them a potentially transformative solution, especially for long-haul and heavy-duty applications,” GlobalData said. Continue reading →

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EPA – US Fuel Economy Record High. CO2 Record Low

Posted on 26 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“This annual report indicates EPA’s commitment to provide the public with information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers’ performance in meeting the nation’s emissions standards. EPA’s annual Automotive Trends Report is separate from the agency’s regulatory process, which is far more complex and has been subject to political and judicial interference funded by special interest groups. – AutoCrat.” Continue reading →

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Hyundai Debuts 2026 IONIQ 9 EV SUV

Posted on 21 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company today revealed IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV in Los Angeles. The 110.3 kWh battery delivers a WLTP-projected driving range of 620 km [see footnote 2].* The E-GMP architecture delivers 10% to 80% recharge in 24 minutes[3]. The seven seat IONIQ 9 will be shown publicly at the LA Auto Show and on sale in Korea and the United States during the first half of 2025. Rollouts are planned for Europe and other markets subsequently. It has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, at 3130 mm. (read AutoInformed.com on:Vast Executive Reorganization at Hyundai Group)

“IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global EV market.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Bets the Company on STLA Frame

Posted on 20 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) has debuted a new multi-energy Platform: dubbed STLA Frame. Purposely designed for full-size, body-on-frame trucks and SUVs, STLA Frame can use internal combustion, hybrid, hydrogen, battery electric (BEV) and range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) technologies. In short, struggling Stellantis’ future is dependent on this new architecture. (read AutoInformed.com on: Beleaguered Stellantis Cuts 2024 Financial Guidance, and Stellantis Q3 2024 – Shipments and Revenues Plunge)*

“Like STLA Medium and STLA Large, STLA Frame combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs, to haul their families or power their businesses,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “With full EV and extended-range EV tech coming soon, we’re bringing ‘no compromise’ solutions to buyers who may be hesitant on trying their first electric vehicle. We’re proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming product blitz on Jeep and Ram.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Huntsville Finishes 168-acre Solar Array

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE: TM) and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities have completed 168-acre solar project. The renewable energy produced will generate ~70 % of Toyota Alabama’s total energy. It is in keeping with the automaker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality at all of its North American facilities by 2035. In total, the array will generate approximately 62,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, reducing an estimated 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

“Toyota is committed to clean and sustainable power. We know that the collective future for our community and our team members depends on clean mobility, clean air, clean water, and biodiversity,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama. “We are thankful for our partners on this project who have created a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Embraces and Adapts HVO Diesel Fuel

Posted on 11 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA)* said today that its entire assortment of cars and light-duty commercial vehicles is fully compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) diesel fuel. HVO diesel has the same performance as traditional diesel and is derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils or animal fats.

“The hydrogenation process used to produce HVO results in a cleaner, sulfur-free fuel with significantly reduced levels of aromatic compounds and pollutants, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option,” Stellantis claimed.

Well, yes, but with caveats, AutoInformed observes. Some sustainable-fuel industries are still budding. McKinsey & Company research says that most sustainable fuels (other than clean hydrogen) are projected to see significant growth by 2030. By 2050, McKinsey expects demand for sustainable fuels to quadruple. Depending on net-zero objectives across countries, the share of demand for sustainable fuels could account for as much as 37% of all energy used in the transportation sector. [The respected McKinsey consultancy has many ongoing studies on Sustainability and Oil & Gas Practices. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Joins Tesla Supercharger Network in North America

Posted on 30 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars* (VOLCAR B:STO) said this week that drivers of its fully electric vehicles including the new EX90 flagship SUV will have access to more than 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. and Canada.**

“As part of our journey to electrification, we want to make life with an electric car, including our new flagship EX90, as seamless as possible,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. Continue reading →

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Dodge Charger Daytona Cars to use Solid State Batteries

Posted on 23 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) and privately held Factorial Energy said today that their partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Factorial’s solid-state battery technology* will begin with the launching of a demonstration fleet of all-new Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles based on the STLA Large platform incorporating solid-state batteries in 2026. Critics of solid state batteries maintain the thus far valid assertion that there is no clear path to mass production. Perhaps this will alter that perception at some pint in the future. But demonstration fleets are not mass production. Read AutoInformed.com on – Solid-State Cell Technology – All Hype No Production Way? Continue reading →

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