Tag Archives: Electrified Vehicles

SEC Investigating VW Due to the “Voltswagen” Stunt

April 30, 2021 admin

The “Voltswagen” April Fool’s Day prank has led to an investigation by the SEC.

What started out as a “humorous” advertising and marketing ploy could land German automaker Volkswagen in serious trouble with the federal government.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is apparently looking into VW’s “Voltswagen” marketing stunt to determine if it hurt company stock prices and may have broken any U.S. securities laws, according to German news outlet Der Spiegel.

The incident in question dates back to March 29. As a sort of early April Fool’s Day prank (and marketing ploy), VW “accidentally” released a rough draft of a press release declaring the company was going to change its name to “Voltswagen” as part of a larger effort to promote its ever-growing line-up of electric vehicles (EVs).

This action was picked up by the worldwide automotive press and on March 30 VW issued an official press release to several news outlets, including the Associated Press, confirming the leaked statement from the day before.

This action resulted in VW’s stock price going up. At one point it was 12.5% above its price before the whole incident.

SEC looking at jump in stock price

VW of America President Scott Keogh took responsibility for the poorly received April Fools’ prank that wasn’t on April 1.

This is what caught the attention of the SEC, taking what many considered a fairly unfunny publicity ruse to a possible federal offense.

After the April Fool’s stunt failed in the eyes of the media and the public, VW issued a press statement saying the releases were actually part of a larger tradition in which companies often issue prank statements.

This one just meant to also focus the world’s attention on VW’s growing EV portfolio.

But public statements that affect stock prices usually don’t get an “April Fools” immunity. An SEC investigation could result in charges against the company.

Several news organizations, including The New York Times and Reuters, have asked for a comment from VW. So far, the company has declined to issue one.

Just one of many VW legal scandals

This is not the first time VW has gotten into trouble for the way it conducts its business.

Oh those wacky Germans!! As quickly as it got here, VW took it away: Voltswagen is the company that never was.

In October 2015, as Volkswagen struggled to deal with its diesel emissions scandal, new data raised questions about whether the automaker properly reported death and injury claims to U.S. regulators during the past decade.

A study by the financial advisory firm Stout Risius Ross Inc., found that Volkswagen of America reported nine times fewer deaths and injuries than the average of the 11 largest automakers operating in the U.S. market. Significantly, VW reported less than half as many incidents as either Fiat Chrysler or Honda, both of which have been fined for underreporting their own death and injury data.

Back in September 2015, the EPA accused the German maker of using a so-called “defeat devices,” software designed to fool government emissions tests, on a variety of luxury models from the Audi and Porsche brands. The feds charged VW took steps to cover up excess emissions on 482,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. during a 7-year period.

The end result was VW paying billions of dollars in fines to various governments around the world. The company also faced numerous consumer lawsuits that further cost the company money.

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Fiat Joins Electric Van Fray with New E-Ducato

April 22, 2021 admin

Fiat is getting into the electric van market with the new E-Ducato, and partnering with global logistics giant DHL.

It’s not just the light duty arena seeing a substantive increase in battery-electric offerings as the crowded commercial van market just got another competitor: the Fiat E-Ducato.

Stellantis, Fiat’s parent company, told the world it would move quickly to become competitive in the electric vehicle market once the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Group PSA was complete. The deal was done at the end of 2020, and they’re making good on that promise.

The new E-Ducato steps into a very crowded field facing competition like the Mercedes e-Sprinter, Rivan’s new all-electric delivery van, GM’s BrightDrop offering and the king of the segment, Ford and its E-Transit model.

But it’s not just the big names looking to make inroads in the segment, Fiat’s competing with fringe players like Silicon Valley’s Canoo, Ohio’s Workhorse Group and the even smaller Arrival, which uses “microfactories,” ditching the traditional assembly line approach vehicle manufacturing.

The newest player

Fiat’s new E-Ducato starts at about $50,500, which puts it on par with most of its competition.

Ever-intensifying competition aside, the new E-Ducato is available right here — if here is Europe — and right now. It’s assembled at Fiat’s Atessa, Italy plant, although the electric powertrain will be install at the Mirafiori facility in Turin. No word on if or when a ProMaster version comes to the U.S., although the company did say other variants would follow.

Fiat says it’s comparable to a diesel in its performance levels. The motor puts out 122 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, which should be plenty to get around town. Additionally, it can add another 62 miles of range in less than 30 minutes, Stellantis officials noted.

The E-Ducato offers two different battery options — 47 kWh and 79 kWh, best-in-class for installed electrical capacity. It offers four types of charging modes, although only three are available now. With a 47-kWh battery, it travels up to 145 miles. With a 79-kWh battery, it enjoys a range of about 230 miles.

“For the E-Ducato, we started from the idea of creating not only a ‘green’ vehicle, but also a complete mobility solution, characterized by versatility, reliability, efficiency and sustainability (at both an environmental and an economic level),” said Eric Laforge, head of the Fiat Professional brand, who’s leading charge into large electric vans.

Amazon and Rivian are expanding the use of the EV maker’s electric delivery van.

“In short, a working tool to build up your business while respecting the precepts of ecology, a model ready for every mission, uncompromisingly aiming to be the benchmark in the market and to be equipped with the same capabilities as vehicles with internal combustion engines. Its 400 configurations mean it can meet the needs of all professional operators, from freight fleets and construction companies to artisans and municipal service providers.”

Following a familiar path

Like many of the other competitors in the segment, Fiat’s got a real-world partner: DHL. The global delivery giant signed on to help build a better van five years ago, but the relationship intensified when the E-Ducato hit the drawing board.

Unsurprisingly, it will purchase E-Ducatos as part its commitment to electrify most of its last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030, and 60% of its overall fleet electrified. “This means I’m looking for something like 14,000 vehicles we’re gonna buy,” said Alberto Nobis, CEO of DHL Express Europe during the press conference. “We had an opportunity to build this vehicle to our specifications.”

A pre-production version of the BrightDrop EV600 van being tested by FedEx.

It’s unclear if Nobis was committing to buying 14,000 E-Ducatos or simply that many electrified vehicles. However, the partnership between DHL and Stellantis shows the importance of catering to the market.

Similarly Rivan worked with Amazon, which is also a major investor in the company, to create the electric vans it’s currently testing in several cities across the U.S.

Arrival and Workhorse are both working with UPS, GM is partnering with FedEx on its BrightDrop vehicles. Ford and Daimler haven’t announced formal partnerships yet, but they are the two largest players in the segment so getting input likely isn’t a problem.

The new E-Ducato starts at just under $50,500, which puts in the same league as the aforementioned E-Transit which starts at about $45,000.

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EV Interest on the Rise, But Purchases Coming When Prices Drop, Study Says

April 12, 2021 admin

Interest in electric vehicle ownership continues to grow, but prospective buyers want prices to drop before they commit to buying one.

While EVs have been in the news a lot lately, consumer concerns about the cost of an initial purchase are a real thing.

Those worries came to light as part of a survey by OC&C Strategy Consultants, Reuters reported. Consumers around the world are much more interested in purchasing EVs than ever before, the study showed, but remain wary about the price of battery-powered cars, which are generally more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts.

The report shows that more than half of potential new-car buyers in Italy and France are interested in purchasing an EV. Numbers in the U.K. and the U.S. are even higher — 81% and 61%, respectively.

This problem is nothing new. U.S. News & World Report reported last year EVs are frequently more expensive up front than comparable gas-powered vehicles. “Sticker shock” can turn shoppers away from EVs, especially since initial prices are more widely considered than the overall cost to own.

But concerns about initial cost remain a barrier.

Automakers are preparing an overwhelming number of electric vehicles for U.S. consumers.

Of the consumers likely to buy an EV, 69% said they would not pay more than a $500 premium compared to a gasoline-powered car — an unlikely scenario without government subsidies.

Countries with purchase incentives have seen a faster uptick in EV sales and European countries have introduced several generous incentives.

Help might be on the way in the U.S.

President Joe Biden recently unveiled a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan for the country. Included is a proposed $174 billion to promote U.S. EV manufacturing, sales and the development of infrastructure.

Part of the sales promotion part is to give EV buyers “point of sale” rebates and tax incentives to buy American-made EVs. This reflects the reality that consumers are still worrying about purchase costs.

And OEMs are also aware of the cost problem. One solution is to reduce the cost of EVs, and some are moving in that direction. GM spokesman Phil Lienert said that GM sees a lot of promising technological improvements that will really help reduce EV costs to the consumer.

GM showed of its third-generation global electric vehicle platform with its Ultium battery technology.

“Our third-generation EVs will use the Ultium platform,” Lienert said. “This is about 40% less expensive than the Bolt EV platform. We are working to get that number closer to 60% less expensive.”

And as production of EVs ramp up, economies of scale kick in, further reducing EV prices. But despite the dropping costs of batteries and EVs, it is believed that consumers still need incentives to buy more expensive electric cars.

To help with that, Biden plans to extend the current $7,500 federal tax credit, an amount that diminishes for vehicles built by automakers including Tesla and General Motors that already have sold more than 200,000 electric vehicles. Biden could eliminate that 200,000 ceiling as well as enhance incentives for EV buyers in disadvantaged communities.

Incentives matter

“EV buyers love their cars, even there are challenges along the way,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, an EV owners advocacy group in February.

Already the top seller of EVs in the world, Tesla would definitely benefit from the reinstatement of the $7,500 tax credit for buying a battery-powered car.

The phase out of federal tax credits, said Levin. Both Tesla and General Motors no longer can offer the $7,500 incentives after hitting a Congressionally mandated sales threshold. Nissan and Ford are approaching the phase-out point, as well.

“It certainly hurts the market, especially for those who want to buy American,” said Levin.

While the upfront cost of purchasing an EV might be higher than an ICE car, there are other cost factors to consider.

Throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, the cost maintaining the typical vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine will add up to around 6.1 cents per mile, according to research by Consumer Reports. By comparison, BEV owners can expect to spend about 3.1 cents per mile. Surprisingly, the study found that maintaining a plug-in hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius Prime, can be even slightly less expensive, at 3 cents per mile.

“Electric vehicle owners don’t need a coupon to get half-off typical maintenance and repair costs from their dealer, it comes standard,” said Senior Transportation Policy Analyst Chris Harto, author of the study which is based on real-world data from Consumer Reports. “These savings are going a long way to offset the upfront costs for consumers.”

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium is part of the wave of new EVs coming available.

Sell the concept, not individual concerns

GM spokesman Stuart Fowle said the company’s goal is to reach beyond early adaptors and tech nerds. To do that GM plans to launch 30 new EV models by 2025.

“I have two children,” Fowle said. “I need a car bigger than a Bolt but I don’t need one as big as a Hummer. Once you get a line-up that matches consumer needs, you can sell EVs.”

But selling EVs is not about going line by line and saying they are cheaper in the long run or easier to maintain or improving range, Fowle said. It’s about getting the public comfortable with the tech.

As more consumers see friends and neighbors drive EVs, a tipping point will be reached where people will feel left out if they don’t buy an EV.

“That day is coming sooner than many people think,” Fowle said.

Volts, er, Volkswagen’s April Fool’s Day Prank a Jolt to the System

March 31, 2021 admin

Oh those wacky Germans!! As quickly as it got here, VW took it away: Voltswagen is the company that never was.

A lesson for wannabe pranksters: if you’re planning an April Fool’s Day joke, stick to April 1st.

That lesson apparently got lost in translation over at Voltswagen, er, Volkswagen headquarters when the company intentionally leaked an “internal document” on March 29 indicating it was planning to change its name as a way to highlight a dramatic, mega-billion-dollar shift to battery-electric vehicles.

Like so many others, automotive PR departments have often found ways to tweak the media on April 1 and the closer a supposed story hews to reality the better the joke — though news veterans have learned to tread cautiously with everything they see that day. VW’s gag, it seems, gained credibility because of the timing, even though it would have generated major skepticism had it come out two days later.

But “There will be no renaming of Volkswagen of America,” the company now says after receiving numerous angry calls from those fooled by the supposed name change — including, we will admit, TheDetroitBureau.com.

Good one, guys … good one

Volkswagen of America chief Scott Keogh, left, and VW AG CEO Herbert Diess share a laugh, knowing what was going to be unleashed on the U.S. media.

As readers will note, we did question whether this was part of a short-term marketing campaign, rather than a real, permanent name change. After all, other companies have taken similar steps. IHOP in 2018 announced it was becoming IHOB, a short-lived switch, it turned out, to promote the fact it offered more than just pancakes for breakfast.

Indeed, the stunt was intended to highlight the launch of the Voltswagen, er, Volkswagen ID.4, the carmaker’s first long-range battery-electric vehicle targeting the U.S. market. It began rolling into American showrooms this month.

“The alleged renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signaling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all,” said a statement from VW released the day after the rouse, 36 hours before April Fool’s Day.

The right amount of credibility for a fake release

The thread of credibility was, in fact, there for at least a short-term use of the name Voltswagen. The German company is going all-in on electrification, committing to spend more than $80 billion to bring at least 50 all-electric models to market by mid-decade. Its high-line Bentley brand will only sell battery-electric vehicles by 2030 and while the flagship VW brand hasn’t committed to going completely BEV, global CEO Herbert Diess has strongly hinted that is in the works.

Volkswagen has designated $86 billion to bring more than 50 EVs to market in the next few years, including the ID.4.

“We have said, from the beginning of our shift to an electric future, that we will build EVs for the millions, not just millionaires. This name change signifies a nod to our past as the peoples’ car and our firm belief that our future is in being the peoples’ electric car,” said the fake VW release, purportedly quoting Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America.

VW already did adopt a new name for its electric vehicles. They are being grouped together under the ID banner. An all-electric hatchback, the ID.3, went on sale in Europe last year. Other models are coming, including the ID.Buzz, a modern, battery-powered take on the legendary VW Microbus.

Volkswagen isn’t alone, one rival German automaker marketing its BEVs through the new Mercedes-EQ marque, another opting to call its electric models BMW i. And Hyundai just launched a new battery-car sub-brand called Ioniq.

VW’s reaching out to promote its electrification efforts shouldn’t be surprising. The automaker’s global CEO Herbert Diess declared a goal of becoming the world’s leading EV manufacturer, his goal to “overtake” today’s top seller, Tesla.

Whether the Voltswagen stunt will short-circuit the launch of the ID.4 isn’t certain. But wary journalists are likely to be far less willing to get charged up the next time a VW press release arrives.

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These Automakers Now Plan an All-Electric Future

March 23, 2021 admin

The debate about whether or not automakers will shift to electric vehicles has seemingly changed to when the change will occur.

The age of the internal combustion engine is coming to a close — or so you might think considering the latest headlines.

A growing number of countries and regions have laid out plans to ban gas and diesel engines, Great Britain recently moving its ban up to 2030. California wants to ban internal combustion engine sales by 2035.

While automakers have traditional resisted regulatory requirements, the industry is actually taking the lead, in many cases. At least 10 have laid out plans to fully electrify their product lines. Some, including General Motors, intend to switch to 100% zero-emission vehicles — which can include battery-electric, as well as hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Others plan a mix of BEVs and hybrids.

Here’s a look at where things stand today — though you can expect to see even more news in the next year or two, other manufacturers hinting they may follow.

General Motors

The GMC HUMMER EV is designed to be an off-road beast, with all-new features developed to conquer virtually any obstacle or terrain.

The world’s fifth-largest automaker by sales — demoted one spot after the recent formation of Stellantis — is the largest manufacturer laying out plans to go 100% battery electric. The company has been accelerating plans and now expects to have 30 BEVs in global showrooms by 2025, while banning ICE power entirely a decade later. The rollout is just gaining momentum but the Hong Guang Mini EV GM is building with Chinese partners Wuling and SAIC is now the world’s best-selling BEV. Significantly, the flagship Cadillac brand will be first to go 100% electric by 2030, officials revealed.

Volkswagen

The story here is a complicated one. The German giant clearly is spending more than any competitor on electrification — more than $80 billion to bring out more than 50 BEVs by mid-decade. But its plans vary by brand. The flagship VW marque launched its first long-range all-electric model, the ID.3, in Europe last year, with the ID.4 SUV reaching U.S. showrooms in a matter of weeks. And there are plenty more coming, including the ID.Buzz microbus. But the company has not yet indicated if or when it would give up gas and diesel power with its anchor brand.

Audi

The new Audi RS e-tron GT is just the latest EV coming from the world’s automakers.

VW’s largest luxury division is another marque aggressively migrating to electric propulsion, just last month revealing the new e-tron GT sports car. There’s been no formal plan for eliminating gas or diesel but Audi officials have broadly hinted that could come within the next 10 to 15 years.

Bentley

Meeting future emissions and fuel-economy mandates will be difficult for luxury brands, especially ultra-premium marques known for large, high-performance products like Bentley. In a major move that caught almost everyone off guard, Bentley announced last December that it will offer only plug-based models by 2026, going entirely BEV by 2030.

Nissan

The 2021 Nissan Ariya is about the size of a Rogue SUV – but features the interior space of the bigger Murano.

As part of the broader Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the Japanese marque battles it out for industry dominance for VW and Toyota. It was an early EV pioneer with the original Nissan Leaf. Now, after a decade delay, it is finally moving to electrify more of its line-up, the all-electric Ariya SUV launching for 2022. In January, Nissan said all products in “key markets” will use some form of electric propulsion by the “early 2030s.” This will include not only BEVs like Leaf and Ariya but also vehicles using the new e-Power range-extending hybrid system.

Toyota

This company, proud of its leadership in hybrid technology, has long been skeptical of pure electric propulsion. For now, it is committed to offering hybrid and plug-in versions of all its product lines by around mid-decade. Facing increased competition, as well as regulatory pressures, Toyota is readying a modest number of BEVs but could move fast, officials have hinted, if it sees EVs as inevitable. It has hinted this could happen by 2040. Significantly, it is investing heavily in next-generation solid-state batteries. It also wants to be a leader in hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Hyundai Motor Group

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the company’s new all-electric sub-brand with a new design language.

The automaker is reserving space for internal combustion engines though, even here, it is moving towards hybrids and plug-ins. The Korean carmaker, which includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, expects to have 23 all-electric models in global showrooms by 2025. A number of them will be sold through the new, battery-car sub-brand, Ioniq. It soon could announce a move entirely to Zero-Emission Vehicles. But, like Toyota, that would include both BEVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

Ford

An early pioneer in electrification, Ford announced last month that it will offer only plug-in hybrids and pure battery-electric vehicles in Europe by mid-2026. It has yet to lay out plans for the U.S., China and other key markets but Ford is ramping up spending on battery programs and will launch some significant products over the next several years, including an all-electric version of the F-150 pickup. It’s off to a good start, the Mustang Mach-E winning honors as North American Car of the Year for 2021, while generating significant sales.

Volvo

Volvo’s rolled out its second battery-electric model, the C40 Recharge.

The Swedish automaker and its Chinese parent Geely are making hefty investments in electrification. It launched its first long-range BEV, the XC40 Recharge, for 2021, and this month unveiled a second all-electric model, the S40 Recharge. Volvo had been planning on a mix of BEVs and plug-in hybrids but, by the end of the decade it will abandon those PHEVs and only sell BEVs.

Daimler/Mercedes-Benz

The leading global luxury brand is another brand moving aggressively into electrification while not quite ready to lock down a hard date to ban ICE technology. At the moment, that appears likely to happen before 2040. Mercedes already is moving in that direction with the launch of its EQ line-up. That sub-brand will cover a broad spectrum of sedans, SUVs and other body styles with products like the EQB and EQS coming out during the next several years. A significant development came with news that the high-performance AMG arm also will begin electrifying.

Smart

Smart was the first company to make the switch to an all-electric line-up with its fortwo.

Daimler’s city car brand became the world’s first to formally commit to switching from gas and diesel to all-electric propulsion back in 2018. The move is seen as a logical choice for the sort of buyers targeted by products like the little fortwo. The shift was already underway by the time the German parent decided to pull Smart out of the American market.

Stellantis

The merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France Groupe PSA instantly created the industry’s fourth-largest automaker. It left many questions lingering about what the newly created Stellantis might be planning for electrification. Brands like Peugeot and Citroen were adding BEVs and hybrids and are looking to accelerate the shift. The big uncertainty is on the old FCA side. That said, the Fiat brand is set to have 60% of its offerings either hybrid or fully-electric by the end of this year, and may push even further.

Maserati

Then there’s Maserati. The high-performance arm of the old Fiat Chrysler said last November the new Ghibli Hybrid is just the start of its electrification program. Last November, CEO Davide Grasso declared, “All our line-up will be electrified in the next five years.”

BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse with iX and i4

BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse revealed the new i4 alongside the iX — three months early.

BMW

Another early pioneer, with products like the i3 BEV and i8 plug-in sports car, BMW appeared to be debating strategy for a few years before launching two long-range all-electric models, the new iX and i4. And there are plenty more in the pipeline. But the near to mid-term strategy calls for a mix of hybrids and BEVs, which will generate 50% of BMW’s global sales by 2030, Chairman Oliver Zipse said last week.

Mini

The British-based Mini brand is a different story. Here, parent BMW isn’t wavering. This month it confirmed that Mini will become an all-electric brand by 2030 “in every region of the world.” That’s a fast changeover considering that the very first Mini BEV, the SE, just came to market this past year. Significantly, the next-generation Mini Countryman will be produced both in gas and all-electric versions when it comes to market shortly.

Jaguar Land Rover

The Jaguar I-Pace hastened the brand’s shift in to the “Reimagine” program.

The Jaguar side of the British carmaker got a jump on competitors like BMW and Mercedes with its I-Pace model. A second all-electric SUV is now in the works. And CEO Thierry Bollore last month said that JLR’s “Reimagine” program will see the Jaguar side go 100% BEV by 2025, well ahead of key competitors. Surprisingly, though, the BEV version of the flagship Jaguar XJ sedan has been scrapped. As for the Land Rover side, the company plans to retain a mix of electrified powertrains, though it believes battery-only models will deliver 60% of total sales volumes by 2030.

Plenty of startups

We’ve focused on mainstream U.S., European, Japanese and South Korean brands. Expect to see a number of Chinese marques to lay out all-electric strategies, as well. That will include market leaders like Volvo parent Geely. It also will include a long list of Chinese start-ups. According to analyst Michael Dunne, more than 100 potential EV entrants hope to get licensed by the Beijing government, alongside other recent startups. There are plenty of other EV wannabes in the U.S. and Europe, such as Rivian, Lucid, Bollinger and Lordstown Motors.

Then there’s the EV market’s 800-pound gorilla. Tesla continues to dominate the market, though it has begun losing ground to a few competitors. The Ford Mustang Mach-E took 12 points of market share away from Tesla in the U.S. in recent months. The Wuling microvan is outselling all Tesla models combined.

The real question is whether consumers will back all the investments in electrification. All battery-based models combined still account for barely 6% of global new vehicle sales, BEVs roughly 2%. But industry forecasters see big jumps coming, especially if regulators continue to lay out plans banning internal combustion engines.

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NHRA Eyes Expansion of EV Drag Racing

March 3, 2021 admin

Ford electrified the dragstrip last year with its battery-powered Mustang Cobra Jet.

Talk drag racing and you’ll likely to think of flame-spitting funny cars and supercharged muscle cars flying down the quarter-mile. But, if the NHRA has its way, the sport will soon see an “expansion of electric vehicle racing.”

Battery technology is expected to revolutionize the automotive market during the next 10 to 15 years, so it should be no surprise it’s starting to transform the world of motorsports, as well. There are already a number of electric race series, including Formula A. Several manufacturers have developed high-performance drag racers like the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet. While they might not make the ground tremble like a classic funny car, electric dragsters soon could become a common sight.

“It’s certainly no secret that electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular with consumers, and the technology associated with them continues to move forward at a rapid pace. At NHRA, we are eager to keep pace with the latest developments in EV technology,” said Ned Walliser, the National Hot Rod Association’s vice president-competition.

“Big Daddy” sets a record

“Big Daddy” Don Garlits set a record of over 189 mph in his Swamp Rat 38 battery dragster in 2019.

It’s not like battery-powered racers haven’t shown up at the drag strip before. There are a growing number of drivers rolling up to the “Christmas tree,” the light pole used to start a race, in something battery powered. And they’ve had some of the most famous NHRA drivers behind the wheel.

“Big Daddy” Don Garlits, one of the most famous drag racers ever, set a record run of 7.235 seconds, passing through the quarter-mile traps in at 189.04 mph in his Swamp Rat 38 on July 20, 2019. Last year, Steve Huff not only took the crown away but managed to become the first to charge through the 200 mph barrier at the Tucson Dragway. His Current Technology 2.0 managed to hit 201.07 mph in the quarter-mile, with an elapsed time of 7.52 seconds on May 14, 2020.

Huff’s racer used two customized motors making 2,400 horsepower, drawing power from specially built 800-volt lithium-polymer batteries.

Automakers join the (drag) race

Chevrolet also weighed in with its all-electric e-COPO Camaro in 2019.

While those record setters were produced by private teams, automakers have been moving into motorsports more aggressively each year. Formula E now features teams sponsored by some of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. And some are pushing out onto the dragstrip, as well.

The 2019 Winternationals at the Lucas Oil dragstrip in Indianapolis got what NHRA at the time described as “a glimpse of drag racing’s future. To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the original COPO Camaro project, Chevrolet rolled out the one-off e-COPO. The modified muscle car replaced its V-8 with a twin-motor drivetrain punching out 760 hp and 651 lb.-ft. of torque and drawing power from an 800-volt battery pack.

Ford tried to one up its longtime rival with the debut last April of the 1,400-hp Mustang Cobra Jet.

“Ford has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation,” Dave Pericak, Global director, Ford Icons, said at the debut of the Cobra Jet. “Electric powertrains give us a completely new kind of performance and the all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 is one example of pushing new technology to the absolute limit. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible in an exciting year when we also have the all-electric Mustang Mach-E joining the Mustang family.”

NHRA wants to be “a leader, not a follower”

The NHRA is setting up a series of meetings to discuss electric drag racing opportunities, reaching out to automakers, race car companies and others. The first is set to take place at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 12-14.

The NHRA has ‘no intentions of abandoning” the sort of petrol- and alcohol-powered drag racers that have built up its loyal fan base, Walliser said, adding, “When it comes to drag racing electric vehicles, we want NHRA to be the leader, not a follower.”

It will need to move fast considering that electrified vehicles – in all their various forms – are showing up in numerous traditional race series, like Formula One, and on legendary track like Le Mans. NASCAR will debut hybrid power in 2022. And the list of dedicated, all-electric race series is growing. Formula E launches a companion series, Extreme E, this year.

“I think (all auto racing series) will have to go electric or they will have no relevance,” Formula E organizer Alejandro Agag said during an interview with TheDetroitBureau.com.

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Jaguar J-Pace Could Pose Challenge to Tesla Model X

December 24, 2020 admin

The I-Pace was Jaguar’s first all-electric model. The J-Pace is expected to be bigger – and may also offer hybrid and plug-in powertrain options.

With the launch of the I-Pace, Jaguar became one of the first automakers to deliver an all-electric model in luxury car territory. Now, the British brand is readying its second battery-electric vehicle, the even larger J-Pace.

Expected to arrive later in the 2021 model year, the Jaguar J-Pace will be go up against other premium midsize SUVs, such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and, in particular, the Tesla Model X.

The automaker hasn’t said much about its plans for the J-Pace, just confirming that additional battery-electric vehicles are in the works. But set to be its second entry into the BEV market, it will be both larger than the current Jaguar I-Pace and longer range, thanks to a battery pack expected to store about 100 kilowatt-hours.

(Jaguar keeps celebrating E-type’s 60th anniversary with unique F-Type.)

That’s in line with the longest-range version of the Model X which can deliver an EPA-rated 348 miles per charge. But whether Jaguar’s electric driveline can match its rival’s efficiency remains to be seen. Currently, Jaguar gets an EPA rating of just 234 miles out of a 90 kWh pack with the smaller I-Pace.

The coming J-Pace will be comparable to the Tesla Model X, although the Model X has a longer range, but changes by Jaguar could change that.

The J-Pace, however, could manage a bit more as it will be using an all-new platform that also will underpin other Jaguar Land Rover battery-electric vehicles. That will include the next-generation Jaguar XJ, along with a future version of the Range Rover. JLR has confirmed the all-electric sedan but only hinted at full electrification plans for the Land Rover side of the company.

It has, nonetheless, made it clear that its future will involve electric drivetrain technology pretty much across the board. But that will include hybrid technology – and plug-ins, in particular – as well as all-electric vehicles.

Significantly, the new platform set to underpin the XJ and J-Pace has been designed to accommodate both full battery-electric drivelines as well as hybrid and traditional gas-powered systems. Some speculation centers around a possible debut of JLR’s new inline-six-cylinder engine with the launch of the J-Pace. Most likely, however, it would be used as part of a plug-in hybrid system with a smaller battery pack than the all-electric version of the J-Pace.

Whatever the final options Jaguar offers, it takes a distinctly different approach from the direction Jaguar took with the I-Pace, its first BEV. That model is offered only with a battery drive system.

(Jaguar offering new, but old electric vehicle: E-type Zero.)

Adopting a flexible architecture has its advantages: it allows a manufacturer to mix and match powertrains, depending upon market demand, without having to develop separate platforms.

The new J-Pace will likely share its platform and dimensions with the Range Rover Sport, but get a very different look.

But there are numerous compromises to such a design. All-electric architectures tend to resemble oversized skateboards, optimized to have motors, batteries and other key components mounted below the load floor. Among other things, they tend to have lower centers of gravity and good front-to-rear weight distribution. But that changes when you need space up front for a possible gas engine.

The Jaguar I-Pace, in particular, took advantage of its electric-only design by recapturing some of the space normally required for an internal combustion engine, repurposing it for passengers and cargo.

Nonetheless, the J-Pace is expected to pick up many of the distinctive design cues of the I-Pace, albeit with a somewhat longer nose.

It will offer more interior space and more high-line features, according to various sources. There will be an emphasis on technology, including a version of the Duo Pro touchscreen infotainment now offered on the most recent JLR entries. That system uses twin SIM-based communications systems to enhance its speed. One is used for such things as downloading mapping and traffic info, while also being able to handle smartphone-style over-the-air updates for the vehicle’s software.

(2021 Jaguar E-Pace gets “thorough freshening.”)

While Jaguar is expected to continue using internal combustion technology, how long it will do so is unclear. It may follow a path similar to that of Volvo which expects to continue relying on plug-in and BEV systems, at least through the end of the decade. But the British brand has begun signaling that it could go entirely electric beyond 2030. Considering that’s the year that Great Britain now plans to ban sales of new vehicles using internal combustion engines, that would clearly make sense.

Audi Touts Trio of Powerful Hybrids for 2021

October 14, 2020 admin

Audi’s Q5 TFSI e is one of a trio new hybrids coming for 2021. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

The shift to electrified vehicles is definitely on, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting some (silently) snarling beast that explodes off the line leaving that guy next to you at the light in a pile of dust — unless it’s one of Audi’s new offerings.

Audi’s looking to make sure it retains its reputation as a premium brand by ensuring its new plug-in hybrids come with plenty of pop, as is the case with the 2021 Q5, A7 and A8 TFSI e hybrids. The new models bring “torque-rich, powerful plug-in performance and all-electric driving to Audi customers,” the brand claims.

These new hybrids not only provide plenty of power, but they’re also eligible for federal tax incentives exceeding $6,700, in some cases. They also push Audi toward its goal of electrifying at least 30% of its U.S. lineup by 2025.

(New Audi RS 6 Avant carries on tradition of high-performance wagons.)

The new A7 TFSI e can travel up to 24 miles in all-electric mode. It gets 68 MPGe.

Updated on the outside for 2021, the Q5 TFSI e starts with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine paired with an electric motor, resulting in 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The ute sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, which is on par with the Audi SQ5. It’ll also travel up to 19 miles in all-electric mode and gets an estimated 50 MPGe.

Because it’s a PHEV, some states allow it to use HOV lanes, no matter how many folks are in the ute. Between the performance and the special road access, drivers may get to their final destination sooner. They may also arrive with a smile on their face and more money in their pocket as it’s eligible for as much as $6,712 in federal tax incentives, Audi officials note.

The A7 sedan is powered by the same 2.0-liter set up and is eligible for similar tax incentives. Both the Q5 and A7 PHEV models use the 7-speed S tronic transmission that takes advantage of Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive technology.

(Audi launches new e-tron Sportback EV coupe for the U.S. market.)

The sedan does 0 to 60 mph in a slightly slower 5.7 seconds, but it also travels farther in all-electric mode, 24 miles, and boasts a better fuel economy rating at 68 MPGe, which is the best of the trio. All three models use a 14.1 kWh battery pack that sits under the rear cargo area.

The Audi A8 TFSI e races from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and can travel 18 miles in electric-only mode.

They’re equipped with an integrated heat pump that uses battery heat to efficiently warm the cabin. Their onboard 7.7 kW charger allows them to replenish battery power from empty to 100% in just 2.4 hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

Separating itself a bit from the pack is the A8, powered by 6-cylinder engine in concert with an electric motor that jointly put out 443 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It boasts the best 0-to-60 time at 4.9 seconds, but the worst electric-only range at 18 miles. It gets an estimated 53 MPGe, according to Audi.

(Audi reveals the second-gen A3, coming to the U.S. in 2021.)

Naturally the three models come with a slew of advanced driver assistance tech and convenience features. Pricing for the Q5 TFSI e starts at $51,900 and reaches $61,700. The A7 starts at $74,900 and jumps to $80,250. The A8 is $95,900 and none of those include the destination charge of $1,045 for the sedans and $1095 for the Q5.

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Return of the Rotary: Mazda Will Use Wankel as Range Extender for All-Electric MX-30

October 9, 2020 admin

Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto revealed that the company plans to use the Wankel rotary engine again.

Mazda has formally confirmed a report that first appeared on TheDetroitBureau.com in March 2017: the rotary engine set to make its return in 2022.

Otherwise known as a Wankel engine, it was a beloved part of the Mazda engine family for decades but was phased out with the demise of the RX-8 sports car in 2012. But unlike past applications, the rotary the Japanese automaker is now developing won’t be used to directly power a vehicle. Instead, it will serve as a range-extender for the all-electric Mazda MX-30.

Mazda has been slow to embrace electric powertrain technology, preferring to focus on its efficient SkyActiv gas and diesel engines. But increasingly stringent global mandates – notably, with many countries planning to ban internal combustion engines entirely – means it has to move quickly to bring out hybrids and all-electric models, something CEO Akiro Marumoto described as a “green move” in a video confirming plans for the rotary redux.

(Return of the Rotary redux? Mazda hints that MX-30 could get a Wankel range extender.)

The new rotary engine will be used as a range extender for the MX-30 EV in 2022.

There was a time when many auto industry leaders saw the rotary engine as the way of the future. A number of manufacturers began tooling up to produce Wankels due to their simplicity, compact size and high power output. But the buzz didn’t last long. General Motors, among others, backed away as it became apparent the design wasn’t up to early expectations.

Mazda remained the only manufacturer committed to the technology, even after a series of problems led to massive failures requiring substantial payouts that threatened the company’s very survival. Mazda engineers eventually overcome reliability issues, but by the turn of the millennium the Wankel had become little more than an afterthought. It was last used for the RX-8 sports car which ran from 2003 to 2012.

Since then, Mazda has repeatedly hinted that it would bring back a new version of the rotary engine that could address its biggest problem: relatively meager fuel economy. The automaker isn’t revealing specific details about the new rotary, but it appears it has found a way to overcome that limitation by changing the way the Wankel is used. It turns out that the engine is most efficient when operating at a fairly consistent rate, rather than dealing with the constant revving up and down required when powering a conventional automobile.

(Mazda unveils MX-30 — and delivers a surprise, a hybrid comes before the EV.)

That’s perfect in a range extender application, where the goal is to provide extra energy for an electric vehicle that either can be used to boost performance or take over when the batteries are discharged. It’s a concept similar to what we saw with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, as well as the BMW i3 REx – though both of those used conventional gas engines as range extenders.

Mazda’s last rotary-powered car, the RX-8.

The key point is that range-extending engines never actually drive the vehicle’s wheels, so they can run at a steady rate that maximizes their efficiency.

The MX-30 itself is Mazda’s first battery-electric vehicle and began arriving at showrooms in Europe recently, with a mild hybrid version now on sale in Japan, as well. Company insiders hint a version of the little BEV could arrive in the U.S. late next year.

The crossover, which shares the same underlying platform as the Mazda 3 and CX-30, has limited space available for batteries so, like the BW i3, range is relatively limited. An extender will address that problem and the rotary engine has the advantage of taking up relatively little space.

(Mazda celebrates 100 years with special edition Miata.)

We’re hoping Mazda will soon provide more technical details about the package and, perhaps, let us know if the MX-30 with a rotary range extender will also make it to the States.

Electrifying! Cadillac Debuts All-New Long-Range Lyriq EV

August 6, 2020 admin

The new Cadillac Lyriq, the luxury brand’s first EV, made its debut Thursday evening.

It’s become the General Motors corporate mantra, the automaker routinely reminding us that it is on “a path to an all-electric future.” We’ve already got the Chevrolet Bolt, with an extended version coming out next year. There’ll also be two different GMC Hummers: an SUV and a full-size pickup.

All told, GM plans to introduce “20 or more” all-electric products by 2023 and as important as any will be the new Cadillac Lyriq, the luxury brand’s first pure battery-electric vehicle. With Lyriq, Caddy throws down the gauntlet with a direct challenge to competitors including Tesla. More significantly, the electric SUV will determine whether Cadillac is on the right path itself considering brand boss Steve Carlisle has confirmed that 100% of the marque’s line-up will be electric come 2030.

“This is a very big moment for Cadillac and General Motors,” said Carlisle, recently given the additional role of president of North American operation. Lyriq, he added during a media backgrounder this week, “really is a cornerstone upon which we’re going to build the future.”

(Cadillac pulls plug on April debut of Lyriq EV due to coronavirus concerns.)

After months of hints and one delay, Cadillac finally lifted the covers on the Lyriq.

Caddy has been dropping more and more hints about the electric SUV in recent months. It was originally scheduled for a spring unveiling but the timetable got tossed due to the coronavirus. Instead, GM’s premier brand had to settle for today’s digital debut. Even so, with the production model still the better part of a year away – for the Chinese market, with the U.S. version not rolling into dealerships until the 2022 model-year – Cadillac is leaving much unsaid for now.

With the formal debut of the Cadillac Lyriq, here are some basics that we do know:

What we see today is officially described as a “concept,” but there will be relatively few changes with the production version;
The midsize Lyriq will ride on an all-new BEV3 architecture flexible enough to handle a wide range of different products;
Its skateboard platform will mount battery pack and motors below the load floor, and it will have the capability of offering different pack sizes and motor layouts;
Available only in two-row form, that approach frees up space for the interior that otherwise would have been used for a gas engine;
Two versions will be offered initially, a base model and a high-performance version.

The new Lyriq is part of GM’s larger plan to bring out nearly two dozen EVs in the next few years.

Longer-term, don’t be surprised to see additional variants, confided Marty Hogan, Lyriq’s chief engineer. Cadillac “will evaluate the need,” among other things, for a Lyriq equivalent of the V-Series packages now offered on conventional, gas-powered Caddy models such as the CT4-V. “I see V-variants across the range as time goes on,” echoed brand chief Carlisle.

The good news is that the BEV3 architecture is extremely flexible, capable of being used for front- rear- or all-wheel-drive layouts. The base model will be RWD, the performance model going AWD, with motors on both front and rear axles, though precisely how many motors is uncertain.

Also unknown is how much power the base and performance models will make. We know that the GMC Hummer will be offered with a top-line, AWD package punching out a tire-spinning 1,000 horsepower. That level could be reserved for a future Lyriq V-Series or even Blackwing model. Something more in the 400+ range appears likely for the Performance version. Even then, GM insiders are hinting at something on the order of 4 seconds 0-60. And, thanks to the instant-on torque of electric motors, the SUV’s launch feel should be intense.

The electric SUV’s hallmark feature will be this gently curved, 33-inch LED display running virtually the full width of the instrument panel.

When the automaker’s second-generation EV technology, used in the Chevy Bolt, came out, its initial 238-mile range was seen as significant. Today, that’s barely enough, Tesla recently launching a long-range Model S delivering 400 miles per charge.

At the upper end, expect to see Lyriq delver at least 300 miles and, if anything, “We’re working to get all of our powertrain combinations north of 300 miles range,” said Hogan.

Lyriq will use the new Ultium batteries GM plans to produce at a new plant in Ohio operated as part of a joint venture with Korea’s LG Chem. Unlike Tesla’s cylindrical batteries, these are prismatic – or pouch-style – which GM claims offers more flexibility in their layout, allowing more customization depending upon the vehicle.

In some applications, GM will be able to load in as many as 200 kilowatt-hours of batteries – that will be needed to give the Hummer its promised 400-mile range and towing capacity. In Lyriq, expect something around 100 kWh or slightly more, depending on the range option.

(GM outlines EV plan to cover every brand, product segment and price range.)

Recent Cadillac models have softened the distinctive Art & Science design language, Lyriq returns to a more aggressive and distinctive styling language.

The lithium-ion cells will be able to charge using second-generation 140 kilowatt quick chargers at 400V DC. That should mean an 80% charge-up at under an hour, though that’s another detail GM will reveal later.

There had been some speculation Lyriq would come with a more advanced, 800V system capable of utilizing a 350 kW charger, much like the Porsche Taycan. That more expensive system is in the works for future BEVs and, based on what GM President Mark Reuss told TheDetroitBureau.com last March, could eventually yield a 90% charge in under 10 minutes.

In terms of home charging, Lyriq will be capable of handling as much as a 19 kilowatt Level-2 240-volt system, one of the fastest home-charging rates now available.

(GM launches partnership with EVgo to rapidly increase availability of public chargers.)

In keeping with the high-tech nature of the Lyriq, one of the electric SUV’s hallmark features will be a gently curved, 33-inch LED display running virtually the full width of the instrument panel.The system will operate the latest version of the Cadillac Cue infotainment system.

The Lyriq interior offers plenty of simple controls for its electric powertrain.

Among other high-tech features, there will be a multi-plane head-up display that not only shows familiar information, such as speed, turn signals and warnings, but appears to project navigation information onto the road ahead. An arrow will point directly at the corner where you should turn, for example, if you’re using navigation. Meanwhile, the Lyriq will be offered with the updated Super Cruise semi-autonomous system, allowing hands-free operation on 200,000 miles of U.S. roads and adding the new ability to change lanes simply by tapping the turn signal.

The entire interior will adopt a more high-tech look and feel. And for those who complain that today’s Caddy cabins are elegant yet boring, the overall design is clearly one of the most striking and distinctive the brand has ever come up with.

EVs tend to be shockingly quiet. Caddy aims to eliminate the more unusual sounds that can enter the cabin, including wind and tire noises, using an active cancellation system relying on accelerometers, as well as microphones. On the flip side, it will debut with a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system.The exterior follows the design approach of the interior. Where the latest-generation Cadillac models have softened the distinctive Art & Science design language that helped put the brand back on the map, Lyriq returns to a more aggressive and distinctive styling language. It revives the Caddy theme vertical lighting, boxing in a distinctive, slat-like grille that alternates what design chief Andrew Smith describes as “floating metal bars” between “crystal-like” slats. The grille, as well as the familiar Cadillac grille, both light up.

The Cadillac Lyriq will be able to use next-gen 150 kW quick chargers, GM partnering with EVgo to expand their availability in the U.S.

A coupe-like roofline flows into a crisply formed rear end with a relatively small back glass and mostly vertical lighting.

With the launch of Lyriq, Cadillac takes dead aim at competitors such as Jaguar, Audi, BMW and, of course, Tesla. It remains to be seen where the new SUV will be priced, though company officials hinted during the backgrounder that we should see it start below $75,000. Audi’s e-tron starts at $77,400 and has been faulted for a range of just over 200 miles.

Add up all the competitors and they’re barely matching what Tesla generates in sales. So, taking on the 800-pound gorilla of the EV market will be a challenge for Cadillac, especially when you consider how long it is taking to get Lyriq into showrooms.

“This is an important launch for Cadillac. They clearly need to be in the electric vehicle market,” said Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst with Navigant Research. “My main concern is that it seem like it’s going to be late,” he added, noting most luxury competitors will already be competing in the BEV space, many by then with multiple products.

(GM confirms Hummer debut “this fall.”)

On the plus side, Navigant believes BEVs will still only account for about 3.5 to 4% of the automotive market at that point so, if Lyriq proves as good a product as promised, it could ride the wave as the EV revolution takes hold.

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