LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

Mercedes G580 EQ Revealed, Gets 579-hp Quad-Motor Setup

The iconic G-Wagon has finally gone electric with a prime focus on off-road performance. The all-new Mercedes G580 with EQ Technology has finally been revealed. In addition to the electric G-Wagon, the German car marque also revealed the 2025 Mercedes G550 and AMG G63. But we would just concern ourselves with the electrified G-Class which now boasts tons of new equipment to be an even more capable off-roading machine. Firstly, only the EDITION ONE variant will launch in the U.S. You might also like: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV Announced w/ DC Fast Charging Mercedes G580 EQ Revealed – Specs The electric Mercedes G-Wagon comes in a quad-motor AWD configuration (one motor for each wheel) sourcing power from a high-voltage 116 kWh battery pack (usable). The result is an impressive 579 hp and 859 lb-ft (1,165 Nm) of maximum power and torque enabling a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in a mere 4.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph (180 km/h). The ladder-frame SUV boasts an independent double-wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle. There is a shiftable 2-speed transmission with LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction enabling torque vectoring via virtual differential locks. Then there is some unique G-Wagon-specific tech like G-TURN and G-STEERING for a 180-degree U-turn (rotate on the spot) and crawl function, respectively. This hardware allows high stability on lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees and a maximum fording depth of 33.5 inches (851 mm). The charging equipments include either an 11 kW AC or 200 kW DC fast charger. The latter ensures a charging time of 32 minutes for 10% to 80% SoC. To protect the battery components, the underbody is constructed using carbon-mixed materials. They possess higher rigidity in comparison to steel or aluminium. Furthermore, it offers protection against corrosion and weighs less. The ground clearance is a massive 9.8 inches (249 mm). Finally, the G580 EQ has a 32-degree approach angle, a 30.7-degree departure angle and a 20.3-degree breakover angle. Specs Mercedes G580 EQ Battery 116 kWh (usable) Drivetrain Quad-Motor AWD Power 579 hp Torque 859 lb-ft (1,165 Nm) Transmission 2-speed Charging (200 kW DC) 32 mins (10% to 80% SoC) Acc. (0 – 60 mph / 97 km/h) 4.6 seconds Top Speed 112 mph (180 km/h) Approach Angle 32-degree Departure Angle 30.7-degree Breakover Angle 20.3-degree Specs You might also like: Mercedes VISION EQXX Drives 1,010 km On Single Charge, Still Has 309 km Range Left Interior and Features The cabin of the new Mercedes G580 EQ Technology is as extravagant as you would’ve imagined. The prime highlights of the interior consist of: You might also like: 2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE Get All-New Braking, More Range Learn Electric Cars Says The electrification of the iconic G-Wagon marks a key milestone in the history of the German luxury carmaker. The electric G-Class was in the works for a long time. We had spotted spy images and videos on multiple occasions. Now that it is finally here, it would be intriguing to witness how well the new customers embrace it. There was always a ruggedness associated with the G-Wagon in the ICE guise. Sure, not a lot of people generally take out a G-Wagon in off-roading environments. We don’t suppose that will change much with the electric guise of the G-Wagon either. Still, Mercedes has specifically mentioned that its prime focus while designing the electric G was off-roading. That becomes evident the moment you take a look at the off-roading kit on offer. We shall cover the reactions of the media and customers as soon as they are out.

Tesla Cuts FSD Prices By $4,000 and Model X, Y and S By $2,000

9 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

The largest EV maker on the planet is certainly feeling the heat with increased competition and declining sales in the first quarter. Tesla announced a $2,000 cut in the prices of Model Y, X and S, each in addition to a $4,000 cut in FSD. Note that Tesla was already offering its Fully Self-Driving technology (Level 2+ ADAS) at an offer price of $12,000. To spur the demand further and entice more customers, the Elon Must-led auto giant is now offering it for $8,000. Finally, it will also end the referral program on April 30. This used to offer owners additional incentives if they persuaded their friends or family members to purchase a Tesla car. You might also like: Tesla Eyeing Indian Factory With Capacity Of 500,000 EVs Tesla Model Y, S and X Prices Cut by $2,000 Each After the $2,000 price cut, the Model Y now has a base price of $42,990, its lowest ever. With this, the long-range trim now starts at $47,990 and the performance variant commences at $51,490. It is interesting to note that the Tesla Model Y was the highest-selling EV on the planet last year 2023. Offering discounts on the most popular EV in its lineup indicates how tough the situation is for Tesla. Also, the Model S now retails for $72,990, while the Plaid starts at $87,990. Finally, the base model of Model X starts at $77,990, whereas the Plaid trim has a retail sticker of $92,990. The discounts are not just offered for the US market, but also for the Chinese market. Hence, the largest EV maker in the world is offering benefits to spur demand in two of its biggest markets globally. If that was not enough, last week was particularly testing for Musk’s Tesla. It had to recall 3,900 Cybertrucks due to a faulty acceleration because of the accelerator pedal cover which kept getting stuck in such a position that it was flat to the floor keeping the futuristic electric in perennial acceleration. Not just that, Tesla even had to let go of 10% of its global workforce, and two key executives and sought investor approval for a $56 billion pay package for Elon Musk. All this led to a whopping 40% drop in the share price of Tesla year-to-date. You might also like: Tesla Clocks 6 Million Lifetime Sales, 1 Million In Last 6 Months Learn Electric Cars Says Tesla was the poster boy for the electric mobility revolution across the globe just a decade ago. However, as the industry embraces electrification, new players are emerging. Not just that, the legacy carmakers are putting in valiant efforts to transition to EVs. Amidst all this, Tesla has somehow managed to stay on the top for this long. But offering discounts, running ads, laying the workforce off, etc. are signs that the business is not sustainable just yet. Not to mention, the challenges for the potential customers in the mass adoption of electric cars are still immense. As a result, the current growth in EV sales has been underwhelming, especially when seen in conjunction with the ambitious forecasts. Prime regions including the USA and China are bracing for a slowdown in EV sales this year. One aspect we are intrigued to explore and witness is how well the emerging markets are going to adopt electric cars. That could determine the next wave of electric mobility.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car Marks Brand’s Entry Into EV Racing

8 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The Korean carmaker will feature the Ioniq 5 N eN1 at the Hyundai N Festival motorsports event on April 27. The debut of the fire-breathing Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car is a sign that the brand aims to enter the sustainable racing domain in the future. Essentially, Hyundai wants to test its cutting-edge technologies and boundaries of what EVs can accomplish on the racetrack. Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car is a top-class racing car for professional drivers competing in the N1 class. This EV won’t be allowed to be driven on public roads. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N To Be A Meaner Avatar Of The Ioniq 5 N Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car Based on the same E-GMP platform as the regular Ioniq 5 and performance-focused Ioniq 5 N, the Ioniq 5 N eN1 makes use of the same power electronics (PE) as the latter. The Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance EV from Hyundai, which takes forward the legacy of the N Division into the electric era. Leveraging Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, robust thermal management system and strong regenerative braking system, the Ioniq 5 N eN1 is designed for high power output and high durability for intensive circuit driving using slick tires. Since safety plays a key role in any racing scenario, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car will come with essential safety elements, such as roll cages, racing bucket seats, seat belts, fire extinguishers exclusively for electric fires, asphyxiation fire extinguishers and modified charge port location. The specifications include: The dedicated Ioniq 5 N technologies incorporate: You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Starts At $66,100 – How Does It Compare To The Rivals? Learn Electric Cars Says One might think that Hyundai Motor Company is spreading itself thin with constant innovations in IC engines, electric powertrains, hybrid engines, alternative fuels and performance EVs like the N Division and now, the Cup Car. However, looking at the way things are going for the Korean automobile giant, these endeavours are paying off. Its Ioniq range of EVs has received immense applause from critics and consumers alike. The N Division has been successful since its inception. It remains to be seen how the Ioniq 5 N is accepted by the buyers going forward. We know that the N version of the Ioniq 6 in is the works and will arrive in the next few months. Amidst all this, the news of the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car is an unequivocal sign that Hyundai has no plans of slowing down. It wants to electrify every aspect of mobility. With this, the car marque is sure to create a significant lead from the rest of the legacy carmakers, who are still struggling to execute the transition for the most part.

Upcoming Affordable Kia Electric EV2 and EV3

Upcoming Affordable Kia Electric EVs – EV2 and EV3

13 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Kia targets launching 8 electric car models in the USA by 2029 including the likes of the EV2, EV3, EV4 and EV5. Kia is planning an onslaught of affordable electric cars with its upcoming models which include EV2 and EV3. In recent announcements and spy media, the EV2 has been spotted, while the EV3 also looks to go into production based on the concept version soon after. The future of electric mobility will rely heavily on the availability of affordable EVs. The Chinese car marques are already flooding the international markets with their inexpensive compact EVs. Even Ford has deployed its Skunkworks division to develop a range of cheap EVs from scratch. Since the Chinese carmakers don’t offer their models in the USA yet, thanks to exorbitant tariffs, legacy players like Kia can stretch their lead in this space with more mass-market electric cars. The EV2 and EV3 could be key products in that strategy. You might also like: Kia EV6 Facelift Spotted Testing – Everything We Know So Far Upcoming Affordable Kia EV2 and EV3 The Kia EV2 spy media stems from the 숏카 SHORTS CAR channel on YouTube. The visuals capture a heavily camouflaged, upright and compact vehicle plying on the road. One could deduce the sleek vertically-oriented LED DRLs, a boxy silhouette, prominent roof rails, stylish alloy wheels and an upright and tall-boy stance. Apart from that, the wheel arches are quite pronounced, lending it a rather muscular demeanour. Not many details are available about the specs or features. Nevertheless, if it were to launch in the USA, the prices could be in the vicinity of $20,000 – $25,000. In fact, the video mentions that the EV2 in its native market of South Korea could even start at $14,500 (20 million Won). On the other hand, the EV3 will be a compact electric crossover SUV. As a matter of fact, we might witness the EV3 in the flesh later this year (2024). In this case, we can infer a few aspects from the concept version. The front end will borrow aesthetic cues from the larger EV9 with a sleek LED DRL setup along with a slim LED headlamp cluster. The overall silhouette will bear SUV-ish traits with most design elements inspired by the EV9. In a detailed interview with the Automotive News, Kia America COO Steve Center said, “We’re ahead of most, and we’re trying to rush out ahead because our technology will be more evolved. You can’t just jump in and catch up. You have to have your own R&D, your own secret sauce.” This is a clear indication that the Korean auto giant will launch an affordable EV onslaught. You might also like: Kia EV8 Could Replace The Iconic Stinger In Electric Avatar Learn Electric Cars Says The entire automobile industry is evidently worried about the inexpensive Chinese EVs flooding the international markets in the immediate future. Sure, the demand for electric cars in top economies like the USA and China seems to have slowed down a little in comparison to the forecasts. Nevertheless, we have to remember that a whole lot of developing regions are still at a nascent stage when it comes to EV adoption. Markets like Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil, the Middle East, and countries in Europe and South East Asia are yet to experience the EV explosion. The legacy carmakers have a presence in all these nations. Hence, everyone wants to get in the game of mass volume, low-cost EVs. That is where the future growth is set to derive from. Car marques like Kia and Hyundai have positioned themselves perfectly to cater to these regions with their mass EVs. With electric car models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6 and EV9, Hyundai and Kia have already established themselves as pioneers in this space across the globe. They want to maintain their lead and expand their footprint before other auto giants catch up. Essentially, they are leveraging their first mover’s advantage to set up global dominance before the Chinese car companies do so.

Nio ET7 Achieves 665 Miles w/ Semi-Solid State Battery In Real World

9 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The Chinese automotive company has just rolled off its 150 kWh solid-state battery off the assembly line a few days ago. Nio ET7 has bagged a rather impressive milestone of completing 665 miles (1,070 km) on a single charge using the semi-solid state battery. This latest battery from Nio has a capacity of a substantial 150 kWh. This marked the first test of the ultra-long-range battery pack since its mass production. In December 2023, Nio Founder, Chairman and CEO, William Li drove the 2023 ET7 with a 150 kWh semi-solid state battery in a challenge where he drove for 1,044 km with 36 km of remaining CLTC range. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Nio ET7 With Semi-Solid State Battery As per the official press release from the Chinese auto giant, the Nio ET7 with this new battery was tested on three different routes – from Kunming, Yunnan to Zhanjiang, Guangdong; from Beijing to Hefei, Anhui; and from Shanghai to Xiamen, Fujian. For these three routes, the electric car was able to drive for 1,070 km (665 mi.), 1,062 km (660 mi.) and 1,046 km (650 mi.), respectively. In the longest trip, the energy consumption was 12.7 kWh per 100 km and the driving time was 12.8 hours. The average speed was 83.7 km/h (52 mph) and the top speed was 118 km/h (73 mph). Also, the vehicle load was about 200 kg (441 lbs) and the altitude change was 1,875 m. Parameter Value Battery 150 kWh Semi-Solid State Range (max) 1,070 km (665 mi.) Energy Consumption 12.7 kWh per 100 km Average Speed 83.7 km/h (52 mph) Top Speed 118 km/h (73 mph) Altitude Change 1,875 m Driving Time 12.8 hours Details of the Trip Launch Details Nio opened pre-orders for the 2024 Nio ET7 on April 16 and the deliveries are set to commence on April 30. The official launch is slated for April 25. The pricing and specifications will be announced on that very day. You might also like: 91.5% of All Cars Sold in Norway in March 2024 Were Electric Semi-Solid State Battery One of the most intriguing aspects of this 150 kWh semi-solid state battery is that it is the same size as the 100 kWh unit. Moreover, it only weighs 20 kg (44 lbs) more even though it holds 50% more capacity. That makes it extremely efficient and highlights the advantages of semi-solid state batteries. In its construction, it differs from the regular Lithium-ion battery in that it has a solid conductive material suspended in a liquid electrolyte. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries have a liquid or gel-like electrolyte which enables the movements of Lithium ions between the cathode and anode. Hence, these are more prone to leakages and thermal runaways. Since, it is not so in semi-solid state batteries, they are safer. Also, they have higher energy density in the same volume which makes them perfect for applications in confined spaces. They are also better for the environment since they can be made using non-toxic materials. They are lighter than the regular Li-ion batteries which relates to the earlier point about their higher energy density. The solid material used in electrodes forms a porous layer which is able to absorb more active material resulting in higher energy density and improved performance. It allows more efficient ion transportation between the electrodes. All these factors combine to make the semi-solid state batteries lightweight, more efficient and more energy dense. You might also like: Hyundai Ioniq 6 N To Be A Meaner Avatar Of The Ioniq 5 N Learn Electric Cars Says Extensive work is happening in the field of EV battery technology at the moment. New players, as well as the existing firms, are deploying time, energy and resources to improve the existing tech. In essence, the aim is to reduce the battery size and weight and make them more energy-dense and efficient. All these factors will contribute toward creating EVs that can run for long ranges. The battery in the 2024 Nio ET7 is a prime example of how we can stretch the potential of an EV battery. Let us keep an eye out for more details in this space.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N To Be A Meaner Avatar Of The Ioniq 5 N

7 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

The Korean auto giant is reportedly working on the fire-breathing iteration of the low-slung electric sedan. After gathering positive reviews from industry experts for the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai is gearing up to launch the Ioniq 6 N. The Korean car marque is evidently excited about the performance versions of its Ioniq electric vehicle range. Having gained massive prominence, the Ioniq 5 is already available with the N badge, the first EV to wear it, while the Ioniq 6 could follow by 2025. Hyundai wants to ensure that performance enthusiasts don’t miss out on the fun as the industry transitions from coal-burning IC engines to electric cars. You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Starts At $66,100 – How Does It Compare To The Rivals? Hyundai Ioniq 6 N The test mule has been spotted by hawk-eyed automobile aficionados multiple times now. The latest case comes from somewhere in Germany. It makes sense to test in Deutschland at the iconic Nürburgring track. By the looks of things, the electric monster will borrow most elements from the regular Ioniq 6. However, there will be a few aspects to enhance the performance. This ranges from aesthetic and aerodynamic components to mechanical modifications. Some of the most visual alterations include the likes of wider tracks, fender extensions, red brake callipers, an upgraded braking system, an extension of the rear spoiler and more. Furthermore, there will be an aggressive body kit in the production model. Still, these spy images give us a clear clue as to what the final product will look like. Notably, Hyundai could also deploy its Active Skirts technology to enhance aerodynamics even more. Hyundai Ioniq 6 N – Specs Albeit there are no official announcements from the Korean carmaker, it should be safe to assume that the Ioniq 6 N will borrow the powertrain from the Ioniq 5 N. Hence, we could see the dual-motor AWD version which could produce 641 hp of peak power for 10 seconds using the N Grin Boost function, just like the Ioniq 5 N. In regular settings, this mill will churn out a still impressive 601 hp and 770 Nm of peak power and torque. Powering the electric performance sedan will be an 84 kWh battery. To take things to a whole new level in terms of driving engagement, the Ioniq 6 N could take advantage of the N e-shift function which mimics an 8-speed automatic transmission to give the jolts experienced during actual gear shifts in IC cars by regulating motor torque. On top of that, it will also get the N Active Sound+ mode which imitates the sound of Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The overall aim is to bring the driving engagement and feel as close to orthodox performance vehicles as possible. You might also like: Hyundai Plans To Launch A Mini Electric SUV And Electric Van Learn Electric Cars Says It is clear that Hyundai is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to developing electric cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen cars as well as ICE cars. Since the exact path to the future of mobility is not certain just yet, Hyundai is active in all major categories. When the time comes, they can pivot and concentrate on any single route. It is quite commendable how Hyundai is able to juggle all these alternatives to ensure that it caters to all sorts of potential customers. For now, let us see how soon we get to experience the Ioniq 6 N in the flesh. Source

Tesla Autopilot Death Lawsuit Settled Before Trial Started

Tesla Settles Autopilot Death Lawsuit Hours Before Trial Started

5 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

The case about the death of a 38-year-old former Apple employee back in 2018 due to Tesla’s Autopilot was about to go before the jury for hearing. In a rather shocking turn of events, Tesla settles the notorious lawsuit over the death of a former Apple engineer, Walter Huang, while using Autopilot. This took place in 2018 on a San Francisco Bay Area highway. He was travelling in his Tesla Model X with Autopilot ON. The details of the settlement are still under secrecy. Tesla said that it agreed to settle this case to end years of litigation. Note that Huang’s family had filed the lawsuit in 2019. You might also like: Tesla Eyeing Indian Factory With Capacity Of 500,000 EVs Tesla Settles Autopilot Death Lawsuit The aim of this lawsuit was to hold Tesla responsible for exaggerating the capabilities of Tesla’s self-driving technology. Many cases against Tesla Autopilot have been filed, highlighting the ambiguity in the way Tesla promotes and advertises its semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Note that Walter Huang was allegedly playing a game on his iPhone during the crash. However, the Autopilot had been working for 18 minutes prior to the accident. This was revealed by the investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). During the time of the unfortunate event, the vehicle was at a speed of 71 mph (114 km/h). The report also mentions that just 7 seconds before the crash, the Autopilot “began a left steering movement” and sped up. That is what ultimately caused the vehicle to hit the concrete barrier on the side of the highway. Walter succumbed to his injuries on the spot. We must also mention here that the NTSB report, after collecting the telemetry data from Apple, suggested that there was “possible user interaction”. Still, Huang’s family fought this finding because the report also cited “limitations” in Tesla’s Autopilot software which potentially contributed to the crash. Remember, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched investigations into more than 950 crashes involving Tesla cars where Autopilot was claimed to be used. There are more than 3 dozen probes into crashes which resulted in 23 fatalities so far. Finally, Tesla decided to settle, at least, this case before it ever made it to the jury room. You might also like: Tesla Clocks 6 Million Lifetime Sales, 1 Million In Last 6 Months Learn Electric Cars Says Autonomous driving technology is constantly in the news for various reasons. While we understand the need and appeal, the implementation will be much harder than one would expect. We have to take into consideration the potential issues with not just the technology itself, but with the mentality of how people perceive, and ultimately use it. That is something no one can predict. Hence, even if we reach a point where the technology reaches its zenith and behaves perfectly (aka Level 5 Autonomous Driving Technology), we can never be sure about how car owners abuse it. That is something that policymakers, as well as car companies, will need to think about prior to declaring any car capable of autonomous driving without human intervention. We shall be watchful of how things pan out in this regard in times to come. Image Source

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in China

US Tells China Not To Flood Its Auto Market

13 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was on a 4-day trip to China’s southern city of Guangzhou and capital Beijing. In the recent trip of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to China, the US was concerned about China about to flood the market. China, as we all know, is the manufacturing capital of the world. Its over-production capabilities have resulted in flooding the international markets. Fearing the dominance of EVs, the US is staying vigilant to not let Chinese carmakers into its territory. The EV war between America’s Tesla and China’s BYD has been going on for quite some time now. In the last quarter of last year, BYD overtook Tesla for the highest EV sales worldwide between the September to December period. That was the first time Tesla lost its top spot. However, in Q1 of 2024, Tesla regained the pole position. Still, the concerns regarding Chinese EVs flooding international markets, including the USA, at cost-effective prices are a threat to many countries. You might also like: Tesla Eyeing Indian Factory With Capacity Of 500,000 EVs US Tells China Not To Flood Its Auto Market Yellen mentioned that the massive Chinese government support more than a decade ago had led to below-cost steel flooding the global market, which “decimated industries across the world and in the United States”. She told a news conference at the US ambassador’s residence that, “I’ve made clear that President Biden and I will not accept that reality again.” She held the meeting with her Chinese counterparts Vice Premier He Lifeng and Premier Li Qian for a total of 11 hours. Yellen said she was especially worried about China’s weak household consumption and business overinvestment, “imbalances” she said were “aggravated by large-scale government support in specific industrial sectors.” Needless to say, the Chinese officials countered this allegation. China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called the fears of overcapacity “groundless”. Premier Li told Yellen earlier that Washington should view the matter of production capacity “objectively” and from a “market-oriented” perspective. Beijing had expressed its “serious concerns” to Yellen about the US sanctions, tariffs and restrictions. The two countries have also agreed to open channels for further talks on excess capacity. You might also like: Toyota Hilux Electric Pickup To Enter Into Production By 2025 Learn Electric Cars Says This is a geopolitical situation where the overproduced and underpriced Chinese EVs and other products are threatening to take over various international markets. We have seen how Chinese electric cars are slowly expanding their global footprint. Moreover, they are offering great products with the latest technology, cheaper batteries, and exhilarating performance at incredibly attractive prices. That has been China’s approach since the inception of its globalization. The USA’s concerns are understandable since there would be too much dependency on one country. That has, unfortunately, been the case for the longest time. For instance, the EV battery raw materials and manufacturing largely take place in China. This is similar to the world’s most semiconductor chips being produced in Taiwan. During lockdown, the entire world reeled under the effect of this. Hence, too much dependence on one country for anything is not ideal in today’s world. Every major country is, therefore, focusing on local manufacturing. Utilizing its own resources, technology and labour is the best way to approach the future to become self-reliable. But then again, we live in a world of global connectivity, both physically and digitally. Hence, isolating a single nation won’t be easy. In any case, let us keep an eye out for further developments in this case.

91.5% of All Cars Sold in Norway in March 2024 Were Electric

9 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

Norway is well on its way to banning the sales of petrol cars by as early as next year! Norway has displayed exemplary practices in embracing electric cars, boosting sales and banning petrol and diesel cars in the next few years. We know that Norway has been ahead of the entire world in terms of EV adoption for a long time now. You would be surprised to know that in March 2024, the BEVs sold in Norway comprise of 91.5% of all new car sales in the country. Out of these, 89.3% were BEVs, 5.7% were hybrids (HEV), and 2.2% were plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Shockingly, there were only 2% cars which had a diesel engine. Intriguingly, the sales of petrol cars were almost negligible. That has to be one of the most unique sales distribution charts you’ll see in this modern world. You might also like: Ford Hits Pause On Electric Pickup Plans, To Focus On Hybrids Instead Norway Electric Cars Sales Norway is one of those nations, where EVs from the USA and China sell together. The Chinese carmakers include the likes of BYD and Xpeng. Apart from that, there are other major car marques including Tesla, Toyota, VW, Hyundai, Nissan, Honda and more. Hence, there are tons of options for the buyers to choose from. This has led to a situation where the country has 700,358 BEVs on the road and 776,003 petrol cars. By the end of this year, it is possible that the total BEVs will outnumber the petrol cars. Additionally, there are a total of 339,724 hybrid cars on Norwegian roads. However, there is still some time for BEVs to overtake diesel cars – 1,068,929. But it is clear that the sales of petrol cars are negligible and are unlikely to grow going foward. Hence, BEVs can overtake petrol car sales by the end of 2025. Let us also take a look at the top 10 BEVs sold in Norway in March 2024. Model Sales Tesla Model Y 1,987 Toyota bZ4 759 Hyundai Kona 257 VW ID.Buzz 244 Toyota Proace 234 MG 4 230 Tesla Model 3 220 Nissan Leaf 199 Hyundai IONIQ 5 190 Nissan Arya 161 Top 10 Highest-Selling EVs in Norway in March 2024 You might also like: Tesla Eyeing A $3 Billion Indian Factory With Capacity Of 500,000 EVs Learn Electric Cars Says Norway has set a classic example of how to embrace EVs fully. In all fairness, the government of Norway was extremely persuasive in convincing people to switch to electrified vehicles. That becomes clear from their enticing incentives for EVs. This includes free tolls, free parking, and tax exemptions for EVs while increasing the taxes on ICE cars. Apart from that, the small country has over 5,600 fast chargers throughout its area. Finally, the country produces over 90% of its electricity from hydroelectric power and almost all the rest comes from wind power. Hence, it is not just about EVs and EV infrastructure, but the country completely shifted to renewable sources of energy across the board. With such normalization of electric transportation and green energy generation, no wonder over 91% of all new car sales in the country come from electric powertrains. Image Source

Stellantis CEO Aims To Cut EV Battery Weight By Half

8 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The size and weight of EV batteries have been a topic of debate and contention since the inception of electric cars. Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, wishes to reduce the weight of the EV battery packs by half over the next decade. Now, we know that the EV battery constitutes a major chunk of the overall mass of a vehicle. In EVs, the entire bottom part of the car comprises of the battery. In fact, in some formations like cell-to-body, the top layer of the cell container forms the floor of the EV. The higher the number of cells in an EV battery, the higher its range. But so is the weight of the vehicle. You might also like: Top 3 Potential Alternatives To Lithium-Ion Batteries For EVs Stellantis CEO Aims To Cut EV Battery Weight At the recent Stellantis Freedom of Mobility Forum, Carlos Tavares expressed his concerns regarding the excessive weight of EV batteries. He said, “From an environmental standpoint … I don’t think it makes sense [to have such heavy battery packs]. I think over the next decade we’ll be able to reduce the battery pack weight by 50%, hence reducing by 50% the use of additional raw materials against a conventional vehicle.” This conversation was a part of his interview with Reuters. Furthermore, he added that the existing EV batteries with a range of around 250 miles (400 km) need approximately 500 kg (~1,100 lbs) of additional raw materials over conventional ICE cars. That is an alarming figure with regard to the environment. With the ongoing R&D in the EV battery technology, the batteries will become more efficient which will, in turn, reduce the weight to offer a similar range. Stellantis’ EV Plans Interestingly, the Stellantis CEO didn’t mention any specific way to reduce the weight of the battery by half. Still, it hopes that 100% of sales in Europe will be for all-electric vehicles by 2030. By this time, the conglomerate also estimates that 50% of its sales in the USA will be for BEVs. To put this into concrete numbers, Stellantis aims to sell 5 million BEVs annually by 2030. To achieve this ambitious target, it will have introduced more than 75 BEVs by 2030. These EVs will make use of 4 vehicle platforms under the SLTA architecture – Small, Medium, Large and Frame. The latter will be a body-on-frame platform for hardcore electric off-roading SUVs. Moreover, it will incorporate 3 drive modules, 2 battery cell chemistries, front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. Its electric cars will possess a range between 500 km and 800 km (300 miles to 500 miles). Hence, depending on the market and customer preferences, Stellantis will have all sorts of combinations to cater to the demands. You might also like: Mazda and Panasonic To Work On Cylindrical Cells For EV Batteries Learn Electric Cars Says We know that batteries form the most critical component of an EV. This is true for the contribution in the weight of an electric car, as well as the price. That is also the reason why most legacy carmakers and new startups are investing heavily in EV battery technology. In fact, we have reported so many innovative techniques to maximize range and improve the safety and durability of EV batteries without increasing the price too steeply. We are certain that in the coming years, the weight and prices of EV batteries will go down, while the range and efficiency will rise.

LEC Team

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