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Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions
Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV
The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s list of exclusively electrified models. It will be available with Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. RAV4 also launches new technologies for Toyota, including the Arene software development platform, a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite. Toyota might say customer choice is paramount, but it comes with a bewildering array of options and packages to climb over that are the antonym of the once famous Honda tagline “We Make it Simple.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged Arene software development platform from Woven by Toyota, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Christ, Ken Zino, TNGA-K platform, Toyota 2026 model year RAV4 Compact SUV, Toyota Gazoo Racing, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will with LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220),* commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The announcement could be a battery technology breakthrough with significant sales and marketing advantages. This builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.
“GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, MI, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility,” GM said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM EV trucks, GM lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells, Ken Zino, Kurt Kelty, lg chem., LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese-rich prismatic battery cells, LMR prismatic battery cell, Wonjoon Suh, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Continues Expanding ZEV Programs
The State of California has awarded $500 million to school districts and other educational agencies to buy zero-emission school buses and chargers. Zero-emission school buses are part of the state’s relentless move to a clean-energy future and lead to better health for students and communities. California’s transition to zero-emission transportation is also accelerating with support from the state’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Funded primarily with proceeds from the Cap-and-Trade Program, HVIP underwent 177% year-over-year growth in 2024. This February, more than 200 HVIP-funded zero-emission trucks and buses were deployed with $31 million in incentives. The incentive program is a collaboration between the California Air Resources Board (CARB)* and the California Energy Commission (CEC), and is administered by CALSTART, a non-profit transportation organization. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged and the California Energy Commission, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California’s Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Market, CALSTART, carb, CEC, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota 2025 Mirai Fuel-Cell Sedan Due in Spring
“Mirai has an EPA-Estimated Driving Range Rating of 402 Miles running on hydrogen from onboard tanks and oxygen from the outside air to generate power for the vehicle,” Toyota said. “In essence, the Mirai is a ‘plug-less’ electric vehicle. A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. The fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen, along with oxygen from the air, and then a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a vent pipe beneath the car.
“Instead of having to charge a large battery pack like in a battery–electric vehicle, which can take several hours, the Mirai’s driver fills the vehicle’s tanks with hydrogen. With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis
Tagged 2025 Mirai Fuel-Cell, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, complimentary hydrogen fuel, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Ken Zino, Proactive Driving Assist, Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Cars, Toyota. NYSE: TM, X @KenAutoinformed
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April Fool’s Day – Trump Tariffs Hurting Economy
The U.S. economy is at a turning point with the erratic actions of what AutoInformed* observes is the Trump mis-administration threatening the economic health of the nation. We are looking at a global trade war leading to a recession or if past Republican economic policies are any indication – a depression. The latest Cox Automotive Industry Forecast** conducted this morning reinforces that view. Brother can you spare a dime?
“We are at an interesting crossroads here in late Q one 2025,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox. “at the end of last year my wish for you all was that the economy and the auto market would perform to the upside. Today we will be talking about sides, but downward forecasts and darker downsides. The economy and auto market have been relatively strong over the last 6 months. The problem which we will be getting into is that a substantial change in trade through massive increases in tariffs will be highly disruptive to North American vehicle production and could lead to a full scale global trade war and a much weaker the economy. We’re not there yet but we’re a week away from moves that make the dark side more likely,” Smoke said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive Industry Forecast, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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ZEV Truck Adoption Stalled by Costs
Cutting the total cost of ownership could boost the transition to zero-emission truck fleets. A new study released by the respected McKinsey & Company counsultancy observes that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for ZEVs remains significantly higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The TCO gap ranges between 30% and 50% compared to ICE vehicles running on dirtier diesel fuel. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cross Pagano, Dilip Bhattacharjee, Disha Mendhekar, Ken Zino, long-haul full truckload networks, McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company Fleet Decarbonization recommendations, Moritz Rittstieg, Neeraj Gole, Nick Inchaustegui, Saral Chauhan, X @KenAutoinformed, zero-emission truck adoption, zero-emission truck costs
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First Glance – 800-Volt Volvo ES90
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
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged Anders Bell, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CLTC driving cycle, Ken Zino, Volvo ES90, WLTP testing cycle, X @KenAutoinformed
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Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming
Despite all the legal and political controversies surrounding the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, there is emerging clarity in one area with a high potential for damaging the auto industry and the U.S. economy. Anderson Economic Group identified the threat of tariffs as a “two-alarm fire for the auto industry” as early as November 2024. It recently estimated the costs per car of tariffs on Mexico and Canada at $4000 to $10,000, based on its analysis of ten different vehicles from multiple manufacturers.
“The Trade Expansion Act (TEA) has clear statutory authority. It’s been used before. It’ll probably be used again, whether now or next year, said Patrick Anderson,* Anderson Economic Group CEO today speaking to the Automotive Press Association. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Anderson Economic Group, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Patrick Anderson, The Trade Expansion Act. Automotive Press Association, Trump 2.0, X @KenAutoinformed
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Society of Automotive Analysts – New Board of Directors
The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) today announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives, will serve as SAA president, while Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData, moves into the vice president role. The SAA’s stated goals are to provide automotive professionals exclusive access to industry leaders, early insights and outstanding networking opportunities. “SAA members include every automotive industry professional interested in timely and useful auto industry data, discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions,” the SAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, people, quality, sales, shows and events
Tagged Adam Bernard, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, AutoPerspectives, general motors, GlobalData, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, Magna International, Matt Grecki, Steve Hallman, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Develops New 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System
“The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle, Toyota 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. EV Adoption to Stall in 2025
“Amid a flurry of speculation about how Trump administration policies on everything from EV incentives and tariffs on foreign imports to federal emissions and mileage standards will affect the future of EV adoption, J.D. Power has focused its attention on the data, reassessing the major trends in EV adoption for the past four years, and analyzing current government policies and manufacturer strategies to get the most accurate reading possible on consumer sentiment heading into 2025. Though many variables are still at play, which could create potential headwinds and tailwinds to EV adoption, J.D. Power is projecting that 2025 will be a reset year for EV adoption, in which total retail share will hold at 9.1% as manufacturers and consumers adjust to new market dynamics,” J.D. Power said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, j.d power, J.D. Power EV Index, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Global Warming – U.S. Lags on EV Truck Battery Swapping
China is currently the largest market for deploying battery swapping trucks, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy* said this morning in a well-researched and extensive analysis of zero-emission truck strategies. In 2023, 14% of all zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles sold (12-month average) in China were swap-capable (Jin and Mao 2024). Tractor-trailers and dump trucks were the main applications for battery swap-capable HDVs. In China, 50% of zero-emissions tractor-trailers and 53% of zero-emissions dump trucks sold in 2023 were swap-capable.
Battery swapping is also emerging in other international markets. Janus Electric, an Australian manufacturer, advertises ranges of around 250 – 370 miles for its HDV technology that allows for battery swapping. In Japan, Ample, Inc., an American-based battery swapping company focused on light- and medium-duty electric vehicles serving shorter ranges, and Mitsubishi Fuso is piloting its technology with Mitsubishi’s light-duty eCanter electric truck using Ample’s battery swapping technology The pilot will test battery swapping for shorter driving ranges (~62-200 miles) in an urban environment. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged ACEEE, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Buys All of the Punch Powertrain JV
Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) announced today that it has acquired all the shares in the joint venture created in 2018 with the Belgian multinational Punch Powertrain, an original equipment maker of transmission and propulsion systems in the automotive sector. In the complex world of global automakers, the JV worked in the plants at Metz (FR) and Turin, at the Mirafiori complex (IT), where the advanced eDCT (Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission) gearboxes are produced. They will be seen in the entire Stellantis range of Mild Hybrid (MHEV) vehicles and the new generation of Plug-in (PHEV) vehicles.
“With this decision, Stellantis assumes full management of the design and production activities of the eDCT transmissions, characterized by class leading performance in terms of weight and production cost, fuel savings and reductions in harmful emissions,” the muti-national auto maker said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electrified dual clutch transmission, Ken Zino, Mirafiori complex, Stellantis and Punch Powertrain JV, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB – U.S. Senate Dumping Clean Air Act Waivers Illegal
The California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph today reacted to a vote by the U.S. Senate purporting to disapprove California’s Clean Air Act waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus using the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
“California profoundly disagrees with today’s unconstitutional, illegal and foolish vote attempting to undermine critical clean air protections. It’s an assault on states’ rights the federal administration claims to support that puts national air quality standards out of reach and will have devastating effects for the 150 million Americans who breathe unhealthy air every day,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading →