LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

How Heat Pumps Function in EVs in Winter Cold Conditions

How Do Heat Pumps Function In EVs?

Heat pumps are getting more common in EVs with each passing day as we take a look at how these aid electric cars during extremely cold conditions. In this post, we shall discuss how heat pumps function in EVs in cold weather conditions. We are certain that automobile enthusiasts and EV owners must have read a lot of headlines pertaining to the extremely cold weather conditions in many parts of North America and Europe currently. Note that Lithium-ion batteries are vulnerable and sensitive to temperature changes. Hence, many EV owners are, unfortunately, stranded at homes or charging stations. While we are still not at the point where the battery technology can overcome temperature dependency, there are decent solutions in place. Heat pumps provide the best shot for EVs to tackle extreme cold environments. Sure, snowy conditions with massively low temperatures will still have an impact on EV batteries, but a large part of that impact will be eliminated by the use of heat pumps. That is the reason why so many modern EVs come with a heat pump from the factory. You may also like: New EV Battery From Zeekr To Offer 500 kW Charging How Do Heat Pumps Function In EVs? Depending on the use case, a heat pump can produce heat from any source, which could then be used anywhere in a vehicle. For EVs, it is generally used to heat the battery and make it operate within optimal temperature range, irrespective of the weather outside. Additionally, the heat produced by pumps can also provide air conditioning to warm the cabin and the passengers. Essentially, any component in an EV which requires heat can be fed via the heat pump. The heat pumps use the temperature difference between the outside air and the refrigerant to create a heating effect. In EVs, it can pull cold air from the outside and create warm air from it. This can be used to heat the cabin, which will reduce the energy consumption of the battery. Alternatively, it could also heat the battery itself, which will prepare it before plugging so that it can charge quickly. This will maximize the range. If the battery is too cold, it will take longer than usual to charge too. In fact, many reports suggest a drop in range between 15% and 45% due to cold temperature alone. You may also like: Edmunds Tests The Fastest Charging EV In Real-World Conditions EVs With Heat Pumps Many modern EVs possess heat pumps from the factory itself. Some of the top EVs include Tesla cars, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW’s latest i-series cars, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona, Audi’s new e-tron, Kia EV9 and Niro, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota Prius, etc. This encompasses electric cars from varied price segments. Therefore, it is evident that carmakers are offering this component as standard across the range. You may also like: How Inductive / Wireless Charging Can Transform The Future Of EVs? Learn Electric Cars Says Recognizing the importance of heat pumps in EVs, car companies will carry on this trend of offering them even on budget EVs going forward. With the kind of predicament we faced with extreme cold in many parts of North America and Europe recently, the need for heat pumps in EVs is evident. EV owners were left stranded at home. Even when they towed their cars to charging stations, the chargers had frozen. They had to wait for hours to get to a charging station. Then they had to wait a lot to charge their EVs due to slow charging speeds. We can only hope that this winter will force the authorities to take this aspect into consideration while developing charging infrastructure going forward. This was also be an eye-opener for EV owners, many of whom were facing such severe conditions with their EVs for the first time ever.

VinFast VF Wild Electric Pickup Truck Concept

VinFast Unveils Two Vehicles at CES 2024 – Electric Pickup Truck and Small Electric SUV

23 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The Vietnamese carmaker continues to be bullish on SUVs as it showcases a Toyota Tacoma-sized electric pickup truck and a Suzuki Jimny-sized small electric SUV. At the recently concluded CES 2024, VinFast revealed two distinct products – an electric pickup truck (VF Wild) concept and a tiny electric SUV. The Vietnamese auto giant is slowly introducing products for the American and other international markets. Its SUV-offensive strategy is evident. The buyers can currently purchase the VF8 and VF9 SUVs in the USA. Moreover, VF6 and VF7 will launch soon. To cater to this expansion, it is amidst the process of constructing a $4 billion EV factory in Chatham County, North Carolina. Therefore, its future plans are ambitious and vivid. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 VinFast Electric Pickup Truck Concept VinFast announced via the press release and physical presence at the CES 2024, the arrival of the VF Wild electric pickup truck concept. It measures 209 in. (5,324 mm) in length and 79 in. (1,997 mm) in width. That is enough to put it into the category of mid-size pickup trucks on sale in the USA. A prominent feature of this pickup truck is its flexible bed size. The power-folding mid-gate can increase the length of the bed from 5 feet to 8 feet with the rear seats folded. Apart from that, the design highlights include a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors in favour of enhanced aerodynamics. The VF Wild was jointly developed by VinFast and Australian design studio, Gomitiv. It took multiple designers and over 8,000 man-hours to come up with this intriguing concept. It incorporates the “Fluid Dynamism” design philosophy. You might also like: Xiaomi SU7 Makes Global Debut With 1200 km Range & 150 kWh Battery Pack VinFast Small Electric SUV In addition to the VF Wild, there was also the global launch of the VF3 at the CES 2024. Note that it already sells it in its home market, Vietnam, for about 6 months now. The VF3 is a 126-inch (3,200 mm) long small electric SUV. It measures 66 in. (1,676 mm) in width and 64 in. (1,625 mm) in height. It gets a 10-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the rear seats down, the cargo capacity will be 19.4 cubic feet (549 litres). It will offer a range of around 125 miles (201 km) from a small lithium-ion battery pack. The suggested price of this small pint-sized EV is under $20,000. The reservations will commence sometime this year. You might also like: Honda 0 Series EVs Mark Brand’s Foray Into The Electric Future Learn Electric Cars Says VinFast is aiming to grab significant market shares across various international markets. It is currently in the process of establishing a manufacturing facility even in India. It will set the car marque back by $2 billion. In the USA, it has expanded its touchpoints network to 125 locations. This is a clear indication that it is taking all the necessary measures to ensure that it emerges as a major automobile company despite stiff competition across global markets. The electric pickup truck and small electric SUV from VinFast could be major products in the future. Only time will tell if the underdog from Vietnam will be able to persevere to emerge as a global auto giant.

Honda 0 Series EVs Mark Brand’s Foray Into The Electric Future

30 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The Japanese automaker announced plans to launch two EVs under its 0 Series – Saloon and Space Hub. Honda has announced its arrival in the electric mobility space with two concept EVs under its 0 Series. It has also showcased its new ‘H’ mark at the CES 2024 which will exclusively represent its future EVs. The Japanese car marque will launch its first EV under the ‘0 Series’ in 2026 in North America. Other global markets including Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America will follow next. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Honda 0 Series EVs As per the official press release by Honda, the 0 Series will adopt a new approach – Thin, Light, and Wise – to offer five core values: Honda 0 Series – Saloon There aren’t too many details about either of these electric cars. But there is enough information to give us an idea of what to expect. Saloon will bear the low-slung sporty stance. The instrument panel features a human-machine interface (HMI) that facilitates straightforward and intuitive operations, achieving a sophisticated and seamless user interface (UI). With its thrilling visibility and user-friendly UI, the Saloon aims to deliver an enjoyable driving experience that aligns with the driver’s sensibility. Furthermore, the Honda Saloon is designed to let the driver have more control in different driving situations, thanks to technologies like steer-by-wire and advanced motion management. It’s part of Honda’s 0 Series and focuses on giving people the best driving experience with electric vehicles. The car also uses eco-friendly materials for both the inside and outside, making it a unique model that connects with users and cares for the environment. Honda plans to introduce Level 3 automated driving in their vehicles. They also aim to significantly reduce the time it takes to charge the car’s battery, from 15% to 80%, down to just 10-15 minutes. Additionally, they want to minimize battery wear and tear to less than 10% after 10 years of use, something quite uncommon in the industry. You might also like: 2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE Get All-New Braking, More Range Honda 0 Series – Space Hub Interestingly, the details regarding the Space Hub concept EV are even more scarce. But Honda claims that the cabin is spacious and adaptable with great visibility. The inside looks impressive, with two rows of seats facing each other, plenty of space in between, and blue lighting along the sides. The standout feature is the panoramic roof that covers the entire length of the car. Needless to mention, the design language is certainly futuristic. You might also like: Mercedes, BMW Exceed EPA Range in Real-World Test, Tesla Falls Short Learn Electric Cars Says While it might seem like Honda is late to jump onto the EV bandwagon, in the grand scheme of things, starting in 2026 is not too late. Sure, other legacy car brands and startups have already taken huge leaps in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, this is not a 100 m sprint, but rather a marathon for decades. As long as companies are ready to transition, we are certain that every carmaker will reach the finish line. Intriguingly, there might not be any particular endpoint. In fact, the process of metamorphosis, as per the changing times and technology, will carry on forever. We shall keep an eye out for further development in this domain as and when Honda reveals more.

Stellantis Invests Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

Stellantis Invests In Affordable Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

32 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The conglomerate is certainly bullish about the potential of the sodium-ion battery technology to power future affordable EVs. Stellantis Ventures announces fresh investment and tie-up with Tiamat for the development of sodium-ion battery technology. Tiamat is a French company that works in developing and commercializing this battery technology. These batteries are prominent for offering a lower cost per kWh. Additionally, as the name suggests, it uses abundantly-available sodium, replacing lithium and cobalt for production. This enables enhanced sustainability and material sovereignty. You may also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? Stellantis Invests In Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Sodium ranks as the sixth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Notably, its proximity to Lithium on the periodic table results in nearly analogous properties to Lithium. The abundant availability of Sodium translates to a considerably lower cost compared to Lithium. Currently, the predominant obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles lies in their cost, apart from challenges related to charging infrastructure. Tiamat The French firm recently received the honour as one of 11 top-performing technology start-ups with the Stellantis Venture Awards in 2023. In fact, it boasts the title of being the first company in the world to have recently commercialized a sodium-ion technology in the electrified product, as per the official press release by Stellantis. Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer said, “Exploring new options for more sustainable and affordable batteries that use widely available raw materials is a key part of our ambitions of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan that will see us reach carbon net zero by 2038”. He added, “Our customers are asking for emissions-free vehicles that offer a combination of robust driving range, performance and affordability. This is our North Star, as Stellantis and its partners work today to develop ground-breaking technologies for the future.” You may also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Learn Electric Cars Says We have already reported the pros and cons of Sodium-ion batteries in one of our previous posts. It is definitely among one of the most compelling methods to reduce dependence on materials like Cobalt (its mining has ethical and humane challenges in Congo) and Nickel. Furthermore, there will never be a shortage of Sodium. Sure, a lot of work is required to make it energy-dense to be used in cars without compromising on performance. But with the passage of time and new investments, these obstacles can be overcome. Let us keep a close eye on further developments in this space.

Would You Buy A Used Tesla Model 3 For $13,700?

24 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Even though mass volumes in EVs are not prevalent, there are still opportunities to purchase used Tesla cars for an absolute bargain! If you ever wanted to buy a Tesla Model 3, even if it is a used model, this might interest you. A prominent car rental company, Hertz is offering some units from its fleet with prices starting as low as $17,700. Now, after applying the IRA credit, this amount could drop down to a mouth-watering $13,700. That is a bargain if I ever saw one. But what could be some things to watch out for? You might also like: Tesla Cybertruck Issues With CCS Adapter, Slow Charging Will You Buy Used Tesla Model 3? Car rental agencies selling some vehicles from their fleets is not uncommon. In fact, they often do so to make room for new cars and still gain some revenue by clearing their stock. Often times, they just want to upgrade their fleet to the latest models. In any case, such scenarios create opportune times for potential car buyers to get cars at massively discounted prices. Sure there is a high mileage on these cars. But that is a trade-off a lot of people are willing to make, depending on their personal siutation. Warranty of Tesla Cars Tesla offers a 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. That is the critical decision one needs to make. Battery is the single most expensive component of an electric car. If it needs to be changed for any reason, it will be a huge expenditure. To make things slightly better for the potential buyers, Hertz is offering a 12-month, 12,000-mile limited warranty on all cars it is selling. If you wish to experience a Tesla for a limited period of time, this might not be a bad opportunity. Note that most batteries run well beyond their warranty periods if kept in a decent condition. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Potential Issues With Used EVs Since we are discussing how enticing such offers could be, it makes sense to glance through the potential problems that could crop up after buying a used electric car as well. These don’t just apply to this Tesla deal but to an overall situation before buying any used EV. You might also like: Tesla Model Y Facelift In China By Mid-2024, Other Markets To Follow Learn Electric Cars Says We understand the temptation one might have when they come across such attractive offers. In fact, that is not just limited to EVs. People often opt for this route to buy luxury cars. But the issues with luxury cars are also the same. Even though the initial cost might be low, the maintenance costs could get absurdly high. With EVs, there is an additional cause of worry due to the battery prices. Hence, you must do your due diligence before making this huge decision. We hope you think clearly as per your needs whether you should buy a used Tesla Model 3 or not.

2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE Get All-New Braking, More Range

22 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The German luxury car marque has updated the lineup slightly to include an all-new braking system and a heat pump for more range. The 2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE models now get an all-new braking system. This is the brand’s response to the common complaint in the previous models. Essentially, the previous models were tuned for high efficiency with regenerative braking. However, it somehow resulted in a strange pedal feel while lacking feedback. That is quite discernible for most drivers. Hence, they were short on confidence during braking in the last few feet prior to coming to a halt. Hence, Mercedes addresses this issue in the 2024 models. You might also like: Tesla Cybertruck Issues With CCS Adapter, Slow Charging 2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE Get All-New Braking Now the new models get an all-new braking system. Mercedes claims that this system will offer an “improved brake feel”. It is great to witness carmakers responding to customer feedback and turning up with the solution so rapidly. However, we shall have to wait for customers and automobile experts/reviewers to test these out in real-world conditions. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Heat Pump and Improved Range Another critical update in the 2024 models is the addition of heat pumps. This will result in an improved performance of the battery and in turn, range, in extremely cold weather conditions. We know that Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to temperature. That’s why we experience EVs losing some range during extreme cold. The addition of a heat pump will ensure that the battery remains in an optimal temperature range for maximum performance. Furthermore, the 2024 models, in dual-motor 4MATIC AWD iterations, now get an all-wheel-drive disconnect function. That will help improve the range even more. As a result, the EQS 450 4MATIC and EQS 580 4MATIC now get a bump of a marginal 2 miles and 5 miles of EPA-estimated range, respectively. However, the AMG EQS sedan now offers a 23-mile higher range (305 miles). Increased Battery Capacity and Power Mercedes has also made minor improvements in the battery capacity of the EQS SUV. It now has a usable capacity of 118 kWh. Interestingly, this doesn’t translate to any surge in range. The EQS 450+ now produces 355 hp and 419 lb-ft of peak power and torque up from 328 hp and 417 lb-ft. Similarly, the EQS 580 4MATIC now generates 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of peak power and torque up from 516 hp and 631 lb-ft. You might also like: New EV Battery From Zeekr To Offer 500 kW Charging Price The 2024 EQE sedan now retails from a starting price of $76,050, while the SUV iteration starts at $79,050. There are an additional $1,150 destination charges. On the other hand, the premium EQS starts at $105,550 for sedan and SUV.

Tesla Cybertruck Issues With CCS Charging

Tesla Cybertruck Issues With CCS Adapter, Slow Charging

28 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Tesla sells the CCS adapter with its EVs separately with which the car owners can plug into appropriate chargers in addition to Tesla’s own Supercharging network. As per some latest social media posts of Tesla Cybertruck owners, some issues are cropping up while connecting to the CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter. After a delay of 4 years, the American EV giant finally commenced deliveries of the electric pickup truck last month. The owners and car experts are testing various aspects of the ownership and sharing their experience on social media. In one such case, a certain Kyle Conner highlights the issues while connecting the CCS adapter. CCS adapter doesn’t interface with the Cybertruck due to the plastic wheel arches. We ripped those suckers off and plugged it in Wasn’t able to charge at a high voltage charger but it’s possible a low voltage one could work, but then what’s the point? Still more testing to… pic.twitter.com/ExmFNNO7Ms — Kyle Conner (@itskyleconner) January 3, 2024 You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Tesla Cybertruck Issues With CCS Adapter As per the information in this X post, Kyle mentions, “CCS adapter doesn’t interface with the Cybertruck due to the plastic wheel arches. We ripped those suckers off and plugged it in Wasn’t able to charge at a high voltage charger but it’s possible a low voltage one could work, but then what’s the point? Still more testing to be done, I have to try a few more units to see if this was a comms oddity with the Delta high power.” The man clearly mentions that he had to remove the cladding from the wheel arch of the Cybertruck. That is when he is just about able to plug it in. However, the electric pickup truck was not able to recoup energy at the high voltage EVgo charging station. That is quite weird. Admittedly, he didn’t try charging it at a lower-voltage charging station. That is understandable since it would be too time-consuming and would never be a real option while on the go. We must iterate that Tesla EVs are compatible with the NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug at Tesla’s Supercharging stations. But for people who wish to achieve peace of mind by making the $250 purchase for a CCS adapter, this could be a cause of worry. Having the ability to visit any charging station is immensely beneficial to curb range anxiety while on the road. Therefore, people often buy this adapter additionally to secure flexibility of charging. You might also like: Xiaomi SU7 Makes Global Debut With 1200 km Range & 150 kWh Battery Pack Learn Electric Cars Says Tesla prides itself on its dense and effective Supercharging stations. In all honesty, these are the benchmarks when it comes to the charging standards, at least in the USA. Therefore, fundamentally, there aren’t too many issues with the charging process for most of its EVs. However, people want the convenience of having all the equipment to ensure that they can plug their EVs in at any charging station across the country, which is where the adapters come into the picture. Now, if there are compatibility or charging speed issues with these adapters, it is quite concerning. It is also possible that this issue only crops up on the newest Tesla family member, the Cybertruck. Still, we hope that the American EV maker will look into this and make the necessary changes. This is critical in the face of growing competition in the EV industry at the moment.

Canada Commits $1.2 Billion Under New EV Availability Standard

31 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

As per the new EV Availability Standard, Canada plans to install 84,500 chargers by 2029 which will boost the charging infrastructure immensely. In a bid to promote and enable mass EV adoption, the Government of Canada announces the new EV Availability Standard. Steven Guilbeault, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has revealed a standard designed to guarantee an uninterrupted availability of zero-emission vehicles, aligning with the national objective of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. You might also like: Electric Vehicles Take Charge in Canada – 2035 Zero-Emission Mandate Canada EV Availability Standard In order to break down such an arduous task into more achievable goals, the implementation will follow a step-wise approach. The initiative has set interim goals – 20% of vehicle sales by 2026 and 60% by 2030. It aims to increase the availability of EVs in Canada, cutting wait times and ensuring access to the latest models. This standard aligns with global efforts to cut emissions and promote EV usage, as seen in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Huge Investment Plans To Setup Charging Infrastructure We know that the lack of charging infrastructure is a major bottleneck in the mass adoption of electric cars across the globe. Experts highlight that, with federal and provincial incentives, EVs offer long-term affordability, resulting in substantial savings compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, according to the Canadian government. To aid the shift to electric transportation, the government is investing $1.2 billion to set up 84,500 chargers by 2029. This complements private and provincial initiatives to expand the charging network. The government’s investment in EV production and battery supply chains is set to generate numerous jobs in a modern automotive supply chain. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Learn Electric Cars Says We are witnessing various governments across the globe, offering incentives and heavy investments in developing charging infrastructure for EVs. Additionally, there are new policies in place to make a transition out of coal-burning sources of energy. That is why it becomes necessary to ensure that the energy needed to power electric mobility should also stem from renewable sources. It will ensure an actual reduction in carbon footprint from automobiles. Hence, measures and investments like these are unequivocal signs of what’s coming in the next decade. We shall have to keep a close eye on further developments in this field.

Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2

26 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

2024 will witness a significant shift in the automotive industry towards electric vehicles and SUVs. Let’s explore the top 5 upcoming electric SUVs set to arrive this year. In 2024, the EV landscape is poised for remarkable growth and innovation as we take a look at the top 5 upcoming electric SUVs. Notable strides in battery technology have addressed longstanding concerns, extending the range of EVs. The market is now saturated with a diverse range of models, offering consumers a plethora of choices, from sleek sedans to robust SUVs. Governments worldwide are increasingly committed to sustainability, providing incentives that promote the widespread adoption of EVs. The expansion of charging infrastructure has mitigated range anxiety, rendering electric vehicles a viable option for a broader audience. As environmental awareness continues to rise, the future of electric vehicles holds great promise, set to reshape our commuting habits and contribute to a greener future. Let’s take a closer look at the exciting electric SUVs expected to emerge in the upcoming year. You might also like: Top 5 Unique Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 1 Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 Cadillac Escalade IQ – Late 2024 The first EV on this list is the Cadillac Escalade IQ. The American auto marque has been hush about the specifications of the luxury electric SUV. But we understand that the all-wheel-drive variant will generate 750 hp and 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of peak power and torque. This powertrain will propel the ginormous EV from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 5 seconds. In terms of technology and creature comforts, the cabin will be ultra-modern and packed to the gills. Hyundai IONIQ 7 – H2 2024 The Hyundai IONIQ 7 will be a luxury 7-seat electric SUV from the Korean auto giant. It will be based on the brand’s well-known Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). While the Korean automotive giant has remained discreet about the precise specifications of the electric SUV, we can venture to make some logical assumptions. Hyundai has set its sights on achieving a range of over 300 miles (483 km) for this platform. To attain such an extensive range with a large SUV, it is reasonable to anticipate a battery size of at least 100 kWh. Drawing parallels with the 4WD version of the Ioniq 5, which delivers 320 hp and 605 Nm of power and torque, we might expect a similar performance from the Ioniq 7. Confirmed details include the Ioniq 7’s charging capabilities, which are expected to mirror those of the Ioniq 5. This implies support for 350 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a 10-80% charging time of approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, in a bid to broaden the accessibility of the electric SUV, it could be offered in both RWD and AWD variants. You might also like: Top 5 Unique Upcoming Electric Pickup Trucks in 2024 Kia EV9 Essentially the Kia iteration of the Hyundai IONIQ 7, the EV9 will utilize the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and bear a 7-seat configuration. Since Hyundai supplies powertrain to most Kia models across the globe, we can expect identical specifications. What would, however, be different are the exterior styling, interior layout and tech features. As per the information, the EV9 will offer a large panoramic sunroof, a large infotainment display that could be connected to the instrument cluster to form a single seamless unit of glass (the concept features a 27-inch screen), V2L, Connected Car Tech Features with OTA Updates and Kia’s AutoMode for Autonomous Driving functions. Also, its interior will be made from vegan leather and other sustainable materials including fishnet debris, recycled plastic water bottles, bio extracts, etc. Jeep Wagoneer S – Mid 2024 Another prominent moniker which will turn electric is Jeep Wagoneer S. The American SUV maker has been transforming its portfolio with the likes of Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe. However, these are plug-in hybrids. The Wagoneer S will be a battery-powered colossal SUV. The specifics are still unclear but one could expect an arrangement which could offer around 600 hp and 400 miles (644 km) of range. Being a Jeep, it will inherently boast off-roading capabilities along with premium and modern features. You might also like: Xiaomi SU7 Makes Global Debut With 1200 km Range & 150 kWh Battery Pack Honda Prologue – H1 2024 Finally, we have the Honda Prologue electric SUV. Interestingly, it has been co-developed with General Motors, which is why it will use the same Ultium battery pack which powers other GM models too. The Prologue will come with an 85 kWh battery. In the single motor configuration, it could produce around 210 hp. This number goes up to around 288 hp in the dual-motor AWD setup. The driving range could be in the vicinity of 250-320 miles (402-515 km). Unlike other premium and luxury SUVs on this list, the Prologue would bear a relatively humble price tag of under $50,000 (starting). These are the top 5 upcoming electric SUVs for 2024.

Xiaomi SU7 Electric Sedan Front Three Quarters

Xiaomi SU7 Makes Global Debut With 1200 km Range & 150 kWh Battery Pack

28 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Xiaomi EV Technology unveils 5 core technologies – E-Motor, Battery, Xiaomi Die-Casting, Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous Driving, and Smart Cabin. Xiaomi showcases its first electric sedan, SU7 with some impressive range, performance and battery figures. Essentially, the smartphone giant aims to dominate the automobile industry with the in-house development of full-stack technology for EVs. That is where the 5 core technologies come into the picture. From die-casting to electric motors, Xiaomi displays its experience in technology to achieve its ultimate goal of Human x Car x Home Smart Ecosystem. You might also like: Fiat 500e To Be First Stellantis EV To Get Battery-Swapping Technology Xiaomi SU7 Range and Battery Xiaomi has pioneered the development of CTB Integrated Battery Technology using innovative Inverted Cell Technology, a versatile elastic interlayer, and a streamlined wiring system. This technology boasts a remarkable battery integration efficiency of 77.8%. This is the highest among CTB batteries globally. It delivers an overall performance improvement of 24.4% and reduces height by 17 mm. With a maximum battery capacity reaching up to 150 kWh and a theoretical CLTC recharge range surpassing 1200 km, Xiaomi’s CTB Integrated Battery Technology sets a new standard in the industry. Recognizing the importance of safety, this battery has a 14-layer physical protection system – 3 top layers, 3 side layers and 8 bottom layers. With an enhanced heat dissipation system, the battery is capable of resisting temperatures up to 1000°C. To safely control and monitor the entire battery unit, Xiaomi offers a self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) with ASIL-D. Battery Details Xiaomi SU7 Capacity (Max) 150 kWh Range (CLTC) 1,200 km Type Inverted Cell Technology Battery Integration Efficiency 77.8% Battery Specifications You might also like: How Inductive / Wireless Charging Can Transform The Future Of EVs? Xiaomi SU7 – E-Motors and Specs During the conference, Xiaomi presented its independently developed and manufactured E-motors, specifically the HyperEngine V6/V6s, and HyperEngine V8s. These three E-motors utilize innovative technologies, including Bidirectional Full Oil Cooling Technology, S-shaped oil circuit design, and staggered silicon steel laminations design. The HyperEngine V8s achieves a maximum speed of 27,200 RPM, 425 kW (570 PS) output, and 635 Nm peak torque. This speed is a global record for EVs. To achieve the industry-exceeding standard of 27,200 RPM, the HyperEngine V8s utilizes the industry’s first ultra-high-strength silicon steel plate with a tensile strength of 960 MPa. In terms of cooling design, the HyperEngine V8s adopts Bidirectional Full Oil Cooling Technology and an S-shaped oil circuit design. For the stator, a dual-cycle oil circuit increases the heat dissipation area by 100%, achieving a cooling effect of up to 20°C. The rotor section utilizes a patented S-shaped oil circuit, increasing the heat dissipation area by 50%, achieving a cooling effect of up to 30°C. Additionally, the stator silicon steel laminations feature a “step-like” staggered design. This further increases the effective heat dissipation area by an additional 7%. The HyperEngine V8s is currently in development and is set to be mass-produced and implemented in Xiaomi EVs in 2025. Xiaomi’s self-developed HyperEngine V6/V6s E-motors feature an industry-leading rotational speed of 21,000 RPM, surpassing the most powerful mass-produced electric motor globally. The HyperEngine V6 super motor has a maximum power of 299 PS and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. On the other hand, the HyperEngine V6s super motor achieves a maximum power of 374 PS and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. E-Motor Specifications Xiaomi SU7 HyperEngine V8s 570 PS / 635 Nm HyperEngine V6 299 PS / 400 Nm HyperEngine V6s 374 PS / 500 Nm HyperEngine V8s Max Speed 27,200 RPM HyperEngine V6 / V6s Max Speed 21,000 RPM Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 2.78 seconds Top Speed 265 km/h E-Motors Specifications You might also like: Edmunds Tests The Fastest Charging EV In Real-World Conditions Interior, Features and Autonomous Driving The cabin of the Xiaomi SU7 is ultra-modern and tech-heavy. There is a 16.1-inch 3K central console, a 56-inch HUD (Head-Up Display) and a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard with two seat-back extension mounts to connect two tablets. To enable smooth operation across devices and applications, SU7 uses the Snapdragon 8295 in-car chip with AI computing power of up to 30 TOPS. You can connect almost any smart device with the vehicle in a matter of seconds. This enables the Human x Car x Home Smart ecosystem. To offer insane active safety capabilities, the SU7 comes with two NVIDIA Orin high-performance chips with a total computing power of 508 TOPS, 1 LiDAR, 11 HD Cameras, 3 Millimeter-Wave Radars and 12 Ultrasonic Radars. Xiaomi’s full-stack in-house developed intelligent Autonomous Driving system will take the industry by storm as early as 2024. You might also like: New EV Battery From Zeekr To Offer 500 kW Charging Learn Electric Cars Says With new names emerging at the global EV landscape, things are getting intriguing. The EV revolution has created a slew of new startups and cross-industry players to test their hands in this burgeoning industry. We have already seen Sony and Apple announcing their electric cars in the future. As EVs get more electronics-focused, these tech companies can leverage their decades of experience in consumer electronics. With the right partnerships, they can potentially challenge the legacy carmakers going forward. Amidst all this, the customers stand to benefit the most as they will get worthy products at competitive prices. The Xiaomi SU7 with such impressive battery, range, e-motors and technological features is a prime example of how far these electronic firms have come.

LEC Team

© Copyright 2022 Learn Electric Cars. All Rights Reserved.