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5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars to Debut in 2023 – From New ID.3 to ID.7

VW has been unveiling electric car models under its ID sub-brand for a while now and it has announced to launch 10 new EVs by 2026. The upcoming electric cars from VW are slated to cover the entire spectrum of the segments in any automobile market. We are talking about EVs ranging from sub €20,000 to the recently unveiled flagship electric sedan, ID.7 and everything in between. This is the age of legacy automakers trying to transition to electric vehicles to keep up with the future trend. We take a look at some of the most awaited electric cars from the German auto giant. You might also like: Cupra Born vs VW ID.3 – Which One Should You Pick? 5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars VW ID. 2all The much-talked-about compact EV from Volkswagen that will cost less than €25,000 is the ID. 2all. Its concept avatar made its premiere recently. VW says that it will be a front-wheel-driven EV with a range of 450 km and will be based on the new MEB Entry platform. The electric motor will generate 166 kW (226 PS) of peak power and DC charging from 10-80% will take ~20 mins. The VW ID. 2all will boast a top speed of 160 km/h. It can go from 0–100 km/h in under 7 secs. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,050 mm in length, 1,812 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height. The compact car comes with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. It gets 490 to 1,330 litres of storage capacity and the production version will be launched in 2025. It would have Travel Assist ADAS features along with IQ.LIGHT. You might also like: MG Cyberster EV To Be The Most Powerful MG Yet New VW ID.3 The new ID.3 will come with a 77 kWh battery pack in its top, Pro S trim that will power an electric motor to belt out 204 PS of peak power with a range of 347 miles (558 km – WLTP). The battery could be charged via a 170 kW DC fast charger. It will have the latest-gen Travel Assist functions for ADAS, OTT Updates for Software, Recycled Materials on the inside, an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, a 12-inch Infotainment Display will be standard, and more. The price of the top trim starts at £42,870 (OTR) in the UK. The 58 kWh Pro trim with 265 miles (426 km) range starts at £37,115 (OTR). You might also like: Polestar 4 vs Polestar 3 – Specs, Features, Price Comparison VW ID.7 Volkswagen premiered the ID.7 last month based on the MEB platform with a WLTP range of 700 km from the 86 kWh battery with the efficient electric motor able to generate 210 kW (286 PS) of peak power. There will be 200 kW DC fast charging capabilities and the drag coefficient is about 0.23. The nearly 5 m long mid-size electric sedan will have a 15-inch Infotainment Display, AR Head-up Display, and Travel Assist ADAS functions, among others. The launch is slated for autumn 2023 in Europe and China with North America receiving it in 2024. You might also like: First-Ever Mercedes Maybach EQS Luxury SUV Revealed VW ID. Buzz LWB The much-anticipated Long Wheelbase version of the VW ID. Buzz will debut in June this year (2023) and the US launch will take place in Summer 2024. It will get a larger than 77 kWh battery pack with the base trim good for 201 hp from a single-motor layout while the dual-motor setup could produce 295 hp, the same as the AWD version of the ID.4. You might also like: VW e up City EV – Specs, Range, Features, Price & More VW ID.1 Now, while there will be some mid-life updates of ID.4 and ID.5, we have decided to list the smallest member of the ID family that VW has announced, will cost even less than €20,000. Since, this is a long time away, no details about it have been shared yet. Our guess is that it could replace the e-Up. The coming couple of years will be exciting for VW loyalists.

Lexus RZ 450e Adventure Outdoor Concept Front Three Quarters at Shanghai Auto Show

Lexus RZ Electric SUV Outdoor Concept Looks Adventurous

14 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Toyota showcased the new Lexus EV concept with a rugged and adventurous look at the Shanghai Auto Expo with a multi-tone finish and skid plates. Toyota unveiled a new Lexus RZ Outdoor Electric Concept SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show 2023. The electric SUV looks more adventurous than any other Lexus electric car yet. This concept is based on the Lexus RZ450e and gets KC lamps on the outer edges of the nose and an LED strip above the windshield. It also has fender flares, a bike carrier at the rear, revised bumpers, and a carbon-fibre spoiler. Lexus wants to display the off-roading modification capabilities of its EV. You might also like: MG Cyberster EV To Be The Most Powerful MG Yet You might also like: Polestar 4 vs Polestar 3 – Specs, Features, Price Comparison Lexus RZ Electric SUV Concept – Specs This muscular concept is based on the already-available RZ 450e which comes with a 71.4 kWh battery powering two electric motors for an all-wheel-drive configuration. They produce a combined output of 308 hp and 321 lb-ft of peak power and torque. This battery generates an okay-ish range of 220 miles (354 km) and can recharge using a 150 kW DC fast charger or a 6.6 kW AC home charger. Its top speed is limited to 99 mph (160 km). Lexus RZ 450e Specs Battery 71.4 kWh Range 220 mi (354 km) Power / Torque 308 hp / 321 lb-ft (435 Nm) DC Fast Charging 150 kW Top Speed 99 mph (160 km) Specs You might also like: First-Ever Mercedes Maybach EQS Luxury SUV Revealed Dimensions The dimensions of the regular Lexus RZ 450e are 4,805 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, 1,635 mm in height and 2,850 mm in wheelbase. The ground clearance is a decent 200 mm and a cargo capacity of a cavernous 966 litres. Parameter Dimensions Length 4,805 mm (189.1 in) Width 1,895 mm (74.6 in) Height 1,635 mm (64.4 in) Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in) Ground Clearance 200 mm (7.9 in) Cargo Capacity 966 litre (34.1 cu.ft.) Dimensions You might also like: BMW i7 M70 xDrive Revealed as the Fastest EV from BMW Features and Safety On the inside, the EV gets a ginormous 14-inch HD Touchscreen Display, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch TFT MID, Head Up Display, Air Filter, Lexus Assistant, Leather-Wrapped Heated Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters, 13 Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Audio System, 8-way Power Adjustable Driver and Passenger Seats with Ventilation and Heating, Electrochromic Rear View Mirror and much more. In terms of safety, there are Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 ADAS functions including Blind Spot Monitor with RCTA, Backup Camera with Back Guide Monitor, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking, Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Key, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Bicycle Detection and Motorcycle Detection and more. You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material Price The price of the RZ 450e Premium AWD starts at $59,650 and for the 450e Luxury AWD trim, it starts at $65,150. We don’t see this Adventure Outdoor Concept making it to production but it represents what the possibilities to modify your Lexus RZ 450e are.

MG Cyberster EV Exterior Front Three Quarter

MG Cyberster EV To Be The Most Powerful MG Yet

17 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Marking the 100th anniversary of MG Motors, the 2-door Cyberster EV has been officially announced at the recently concluded Shanghai Auto Show with launch slated for 2024. MG Cyberster EV has been officially announced by the Chinese-owned British car marque at the recently culminated Shanghai Auto Show. It is a two-door roadster that will display an exhilarating performance on the back of being the most powerful MG yet. While the overall industry is heading toward electric SUVs, MG is taking a different route to reinstate an electric roadster in the market. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the brand, Cyberster EV is slated for launch in 2024 in UK and Europe. You might also like: First-Ever Mercedes Maybach EQS Luxury SUV Revealed You might also like: BMW i7 M70 xDrive Revealed as the Fastest EV from BMW MG Cyberster EV Specs The EV Roadster will be based on the all-new platform built around the 2017 E-Motion coupe concept and will get a ‘cell-to-pack’ battery. Although the entire spec sheet has obviously not been revealed yet, it was announced that there will be two variants on offer – a single-motor setup making 309 hp and a dual-motor configuration generating 543 hp of peak power. The dual-motor version will have an acceleration time for a 0-100 km/h sprint of under 3 secs. The weights of these will be 1,850 kg and 1,985 kg respectively. Boosting the efficiency will be the ‘hairpin’ wiring technology. MG Cyberster EV Specs Drivetrain 2WD/AWD Platform 2017 E-Motion Power (Single-Motor) 309 hp Power (Dual-Motor) 543 hp Acceleration (0-100 km/h) under 3 secs Weight (Single-Motor) 1,850 kg Weight (Dual-Motor) 1,985 kg Specs You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? Dimensions The most powerful MG boasts a sleek new design language. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,535 mm in length, 1,913 mm in width and 1,329 mm in height. This makes it larger than Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 718 Boxster. These details were revealed by the leaked government filings in China last month. The EV will feature scissor doors accentuating the sporty styling. Parameter Dimensions Length 4,535 mm Width 1,913 mm Height 1,329 mm Dimensions You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology Interior & Features While not too many details about the interior are known, the Cyberster EV will come equipped with a Tesla-type yoke steering wheel and multiple digital screens for infotainment and other relevant information about the powertrain. The EV will be launched in multiple markets next year (2024).

Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV Exterior Front Three Quarters

First-Ever Mercedes Maybach EQS Luxury SUV Revealed

11 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The legendary Maybach division of Mercedes has premiered its first all-electric model, the EQS SUV based on the regular GLS at the recently concluded Shanghai Auto Show. The Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 4MATIC is the sub-brand’s first all-electric, full-size luxury SUV. The Ingolstadt-based car marque claims the new SUV combines Maybach exclusivity with technical perfection. It is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to come with sustainably processed leather. One could recognize it instantly with the optional two-tone paintwork and colossal 22-inch alloys (available later). Let us check out its details. You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? You might also like: BMW i7 M70 xDrive Revealed as the Fastest EV from BMW Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV – Specs The opulent electric SUV is equipped with a large 132 kWh battery powering 2 Permanent Synchronous Electric Motors enabling an All-Wheel-Drive configuration via Mercedes’s trademark 4MATIC system. The total power and torque outputs stand at a potent 649 hp and 949 Nm ensuring a sporty 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in just 4.1 secs. The top speed is rated at 130 mph. There is 200 kW DC fast charging available that juices up the battery from 10-80% in just 31 mins. Using the 9.6 kW AC charger, the battery can be charged from 0-100% in 12.75 hours. The large battery allows a decent range of up to 600 km on the WLTP cycle. It gets Eco, Sport, Off-road and Individual drive modes. Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV Specs Battery 132 kWh Range (WLTP) up to 600 km (373 mi) Power / Torque 649 hp / 949 Nm Acceleration (0-96 km/h) 4.1 secs 200 kW DC Fast Charging 31 mins (10-80%) Top Speed 209 km/h (130 mph) Specs You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV Dimensions Mercedes Maybach EQS is a large luxury SUV which is indicated by its gargantuan proportions. It has a length of 5,123 mm, a width of 2,035 mm, a height of 1,725 mm and an impressive wheelbase of 3,211 mm. The DIGITAL LIGHT feature welcomes and says goodbye to the driver with a special light show. Additionally, an animated projection of the Maybach pattern shines in all four doors. Parameter Dimensions Length 5,123 mm (201.7 in) Width (w/o mirrors) 2,035 mm (80.1 in) Height 1,725 mm (67.9 in) Wheelbase 3,211 mm (126.4 in) Dimensions You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology Interior & Features On the inside, the Mercedes Maybach EQS gets a standard MBUX Hyperscreen with “zero layer”. It can be customized with three display styles (understated, sport, and MAYBACH) and three modes (navigation, assistance, and service). The car also features a three-dimensional performance bar, an alternative display, Burmester 4D Surround Sound System, Dolby Atmos, and a digital instrument cluster with animated effects. The company has also added two 11.6-inch displays on the backrests of the front seats. The rear passengers also get MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment, MBUX rear tablet, and MBUX Interior Assist. The luxury EV comes with Maybach Exclusive Nappa Leather. All seats have ventilation, massage function, and neck/ shoulder heating. Additional features include two thermal cup holders, a shelf for the standard MBUX rear tablet, adaptive rear lighting, active scenting, four fast-charging USB-C ports, two HDMI interfaces and a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air). You might also like: Stella Vita Electric Camper Van – Self-Sustaining Mobile House Price Now, the price of the regular Mercedes GLS600 starts at US$170,000 and there is a premium of around US$25,000 for the corresponding EQ versions. Therefore, a retail sticker of around US$200,000 might be logical. The sales could commence by the end of this year (2023) or the beginning of next (2024).

BMW i7 M70 xDrive Revealed as the Fastest EV from BMW

13 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

BMW officially unveils the i7 M70 xDrive at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show 2023 making it the fastest EV from the Bavarian car marque. BMW i7 M70 xDrive was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show as the fastest EV from the German carmaker. After the success of the i4 and iX, BMW adds the new all-electric performance model to the 7-Series lineup. It uses the 5th generation BMW eDrive technology that offers a more efficient powertrain and charging technology. The EV poses a challenge to the likes of the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Audi RS e-tron, etc. You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material BMW i7 M70 xDrive Specs The BMW i7 M70 xDrive is backed by a 101.7 kWh battery that offers a range of 488 – 560 km (303 – 348 miles, WLTP cycle). It powers two electric motors for an AWD configuration generating a mammoth 660 hp and 1,100 Nm of peak power and torque with the M Sport Boost Function. This propels the performance EV from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 secs while the top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). There is also a Max Range Mode that restricts the drive power of the EV and allows a top speed of just 56 mph (90 km/h). A 22 kW AC charging comes standard while there is a 195 kW DC fast charging option that can recharge the EV for a range of 170 km (106 miles) in just 10 mins. The drive unit has a six-phase design with a dual inverter. BMW i7 M70 xDrive Specs Battery 101.7 kWh Range 303 – 348 mi (488 – 560 km) Power / Torque 660 hp / 1,100 Nm (w/ M Sport Boost function) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 3.7 secs 195 kW DC Fast Charging 10 mins for 170 km (106 mi) Top Speed 250 km/h (155 mph) Specs You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology BMW i7 M70 xDrive Design & Dimensions The all-electric BMW M Performance model uses an M-specific chassis. It features M exterior mirrors with a distinctive twin-stalk design, the BMW kidney grille with M badging, and 21-inch Jet Black M light-alloy wheels with high-gloss metal inserts. It has a length of 5,391 mm, a width of 1,950 mm, a height of 1,544 mm, and a wheelbase of a generous 3,215 mm. The EV weighs 2770 kg (Unladen EU). Dimensions Parameter Length 5,391 mm (212.2 in) Width 1,950 mm (76.8 in) Height 1,544 mm (60.8 in) Wheelbase 3,215 mm (126.6 in) Dimensions Features & Safety The list of features on the i7 is as extensive as one would expect from the flagship offering of BMW. This includes things like Augmented View for the driver, BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Voice-Controlled Assistant, BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW Remote Software Upgrades, Personal eSIM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Reclining Rear Seats, unique BMW Theatre Screen, and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with optional in-seat exciters. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 On the safety front, the EV comes with Active Roll Stabilization with Active Roll Comfort, Adaptive two-axle Air Suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling, Parking/ Manoeuvre Assistant, and Integrated Collision Protection functions for the automatic doors. The worldwide launch is slated for the second half of 2023. For reference, the entry level i7 costs over US$120,000 but this performance spec will be significantly more expensive.

BYD Seagull Becomes the Cheapest EV in the Lineup

15 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

BYD officially unveiled the Seagull EV at the ongoing 2023 Shanghai Auto Show and bagged 10,000 orders on the first day. BYD has unveiled its entry-level Seagull EV at the ongoing 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. As the name indicates, it will be part of BYD’s Ocean series with nomenclature inspired by sea creatures. Being the cheapest electric offering in BYD’s ever-expanding stable, it has garnered over 10,000 orders within 24 hours of the unveiling, as announced by the company at the press conference. Let us decipher the reasons behind that. You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? BYD Seagull EV Specs The BYD Seagull is based on e-Platform 3.0 and comes equipped with 2 BYD Blade LFP battery packs – 30 kWh and 38 kWh. The former is good for a CLTC range of 190 miles (306 km), while the latter offers a decent 251 miles (404 km). The power output stands at a usable 55 kW (74 hp) from the front-mounted electric motor. Both these batteries have DC fast charging capabilities enabling them to juice up to 80% in just 30 mins. BYD Seagull EV Specs Battery 30 & 38 kWh (Blade LFP) Range 190 / 251 mi (306 / 404 km) Power 55 kW (74 hp) DC Fast Charging 30 mins for 80% Platform e-Platform 3.0 Top Speed 130 km/h (81 mph) Specs You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison BYD Seagull EV Dimensions Since the Seagull is an entry-level electric hatchback from the Chinese auto giant, its dimensions are indicative of that. It has a length of 3,780 mm, a width of 1,715 mm, a height of 1,540 mm and a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. Interestingly, it is 345 mm (L), 55 mm (W) and 30 mm (H) smaller than the popular BYD Dolphin mid-size sedan. However, both EVs are based on the same architecture. Dimensions Parameter Length 3,780 mm (148.8 in) Width 1,715 mm (67.5 in) Height 1,540 mm (60.6 in) Wheelbase 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Dimensions You might also like: BYD Seal Deliveries to Begin in Europe; To Rival Tesla Model 3 Features & Price Despite belonging to a subcompact segment, BYD has ensured that it is equipped with the latest convenience, tech and connectivity features. This includes a large 12.8-inch Infotainment Display, a 5-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster, a sporty flat-bottom Steering Wheel, Wireless Charging, 2 Cup Holders, and more. The prices start at an enticing 78,800 Yuan ($11,400 ). With such an attractive package, experts believe that Seagull could become the highest-selling EV in the segment in China in the next 6 months. With BYD’s global expansion plans, the Seagull EV could attract a ton of customers in Europe and other international markets too.

Stella Vita Electric Camper Van – Self-Sustaining Mobile House

12 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Stella Vita electric camper van (RV) is a self-sustaining mobile house that is aimed at those who like to live on the road. The trend of RVs in many parts of the world is well-established since decades. But there has been scarce development when it comes to electric RVs even though the EV wave in terms of passenger vehicles is more prevalent than ever. The Stella Vita is a project developed by 22 students from the Eindhoven University of Technology. You might also like: Tesla to Make PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements Stella Vita – European Tour This one-of-a-kind electric camper van was able to successfully complete a 3,000 km trip from Eindhoven (the Netherlands) to Tarifa (Spain) (also called the southernmost tip of Europe) primarily using solar energy. The initial days witnessed bad weather which is why the team had to plug it in 2 times. The rest of the journey was completed just using solar power. The fact that the last leg was in Spain (a sunny country) was a positive as well. You might also like: Why Electric Cars Catching Fire Must Concern You Specs and Technology Stella Vita electric camper van has a 60 kWh Li-ion battery pack. Since the focus is just on efficiency, the design takes care of the aerodynamics which is why the RV looks the way it does. As a result, a 600 km of combined range is offered by the electric RV which extended to 730 km on a sunny day. The roof has a retractable surface where additional solar panels are installed making the total area to be 17.5 m2 from 8.8 m2 when the roof is folded. In regular settings, it would take 2-3 days for it to be fully charged when standing still. There is an aluminium chassis and glass fiber shell to maximize range. It has 4 doors and can carry 2 passengers. The top speed is capped at 120 km/h. Stella Vita Electric Camper Van Specs Powertrain Solar Battery 60 kWh Range 600 km Solar Panels (max area) 17.5 m2 Charging 2-3 days Top Speed 120 km/h Specs of Stella Vita You might also like: 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is Brand’s Foray into the Electric Future Stella Vita – Dimensions Being a quintessential RV, it is 7.20 m in length, 2.05 m in width (w/ folded roof panels), 4.40 m in width (w/ open roof panels), 1.83 m in height (w/ folded roof panels) and 2.54 m in height (w/ open roof panels). The electric RV weighs just 1,700 kg and even some standard EVs are heavier than that. That is achieved using lightweight materials for the interior cabin, kitchen, etc. Stella Vita Dimensions Length 7.20 m Width (w/ folded roof panels) 2.05 m Width (w/ open roof panels) 4.40 m Height (w/ folded roof panels) 1.83 m Height (w/ open roof panels) 2.54 Weight 1,700 kg Dimensions You might also like: Canoo Electric Pickup Truck Could Be The EV You Really Need Interior and Features The main attraction of the Stella Vita electric camper van is the spacious inside. In fact, the layout is perfect to make you like you are sitting in the living room of your house. There is a full-size double bed, kitchen, wash basin, seating, TV, shower, toilet, sofa, and anything that you would typically find in a home. The electricity requirements are taken care of by the system itself which keeps charging with the sunlight all the time. It is designed keeping in mind that the owners could choose to live and work from their RV for days on end. The team has successfully completed the 3,000 km tour in it. Now, they are waiting for some big automotive player to take it to the masses with its resources. Therefore, it won’t be unfair to say that we might not see it out on the road anytime soon. Nevertheless, innovative projects like these reflect the kind of future in electric mobility that we are heading toward. We shall keep an eye out for more such interesting developments.

Next-Gen Tesla PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements

Tesla to Make PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements

15 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Tesla announced that it will make a Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) Motor for its next-gen EVs (electric motors) without the rare earth elements. Interestingly, Tesla started making EVs using AC Induction Motors which didn’t contain any rare earth elements almost a decade ago. Rare earth elements include Lanthanides along with Yttrium and Scandium. PMSM primarily uses Neodymium. Also, most rare earth elements are found in China. However, after the arrival of Model 3, it introduced a new Permanent Magnet Motor which contained rare earth elements. In fact, between 2017 and 2022, Tesla was able to reduce the rare earth elements usage by 25% in the Model 3 drive units. You might also like: Qualcomm Plans to Dominate the Future of Electric Cars You might also like: Kia EV9 Electric SUV Partially Revealed Via Official Teasers Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) As the name suggests, this kind of motor consists of a permanent magnet which creates rotating magnetic fields in the rotor and stator. Both these components of the electric motor are in sync and there is no slip which is where the name comes from. They have high power density, high efficiency (~95%) and need low cooling. But these tend to be slightly more expensive and use rare earth elements. There is also a theoretical danger of demagnetization. You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? However, Tesla aims to completely eliminate the use of rare earth elements in their next generation of electric motors. It has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in the EV space. In fact, its technological superiority for over a decade is what makes it the biggest EV maker in the world. At the Investor Day ceremony, Tesla compared the parameters of the rear earth elements usage in its existing Model Y permanent magnet motor with this next-gen motor on which they are working. While technical details were not revealed owing to the fear of letting the secret out but we suspect that Neodymium, Dysprosium and Terbium are the three rare earth elements that were being discussed during the presentation. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Substitute for Rare Earth Elements Now, the rare earth elements are not only being used in the permanent magnet motors for EVs but also in various other electronic gadgets including speakers, hard drives, screens of smartphones, computers, new-gen light bulbs, flat panel televisions, etc. But there has been research going on regarding the alternatives to these elements for quite some time now. This includes materials like Ferrites (Iron Oxide with Barium or Strontium additives), AlNiCo (Aluminium-nickel-cobalt alloys) and Samarium Cobalt. Most of these materials and techniques are not in the mass-production phase yet. But there are also concerns about the use of Nickel and Cobalt for various reasons which is an issue in the Li-ion batteries too. So, it will be interesting to see how Tesla is able to deliver on this promise of using a PMS Motor without rare earth elements for EVs.

2024 Cadillac Lyriq is Brand’s Foray into the Electric Future

16 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is an all-electric SUV that marks the brand’s foray into the electric future. Despite being the first EV from the American car marque, it is evident that it has worked hard to ensure that while the design language resembles that brand’s DNA, the interior and cabin layout are ultra-modern. This is visible via the colossal 33-inch curved display that forms the centre of attraction around which the cabin is designed. The prices range from US$58,590 to US$63,190. You might also like: Kia EV9 Electric SUV Partially Revealed Via Official Teasers 2024 Cadillac Lyriq – Specs The electric SUV is based on GMC’s Ultium EV Battery Platform (same as Hummer EV) and is available in three variants – Tech, Luxury and Sport. One could choose between a single-motor RWD or a dual-motor AWD configuration. Lyriq is powered by a 102 kWh Li-ion battery pack that powers the electric motor(s). The range is almost similar in both AWD and RWD configurations at 307 miles (494 km) and 308 miles (496 km) respectively. Its power and torque figures range between 340 hp / 440 Nm and 500 hp / 610 Nm. 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Specs Battery 102 kWh Range (max) 308 mi (495 km) Power 340 hp – 500 hp Torque 440 Nm – 610 Nm 190 kW DC Fast Charging 10 mins for 77 miles (124 km) Platform Ultium EV Battery Platform 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Specs You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? 2024 Cadillac Lyriq – Dimensions The luxury electric SUV has an imposing road presence on account of almost a 5 m length and spacious interior cabin with around 3.1 m wheelbase. It continues to be a large SUV that will surely make a lot of heads turn while it is being driven on the road. 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Dimensions Length 4,996 mm (196.7 in) Width (w/ mirrors) 2,207 mm (86.9 in) Height 1,623 mm (63.9 in) Wheelbase 3,094 mm (121.8 in) Cargo Storage 793 litres (28 cu.ft.) Dimensions Interior and Features As mentioned previously, the centre of attraction inside the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is its humungous 33-inch Curved LED Screen that consists of an Infotainment System as well as Driver’s Digital Gauge, Google Built-in Capabilities, 19-Speaker Premium AKG Audio System, Wireless Phone Charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Capabilities, 5G WiFi Hotspot, Fixed Glass Roof, Faux Leather Upholstery, Interior Lighting, Wood Interior, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Front Seats, Cadillac’s Super Cruise Hands-Free Driving, 3,500 lbs Towing Capacity, Touchscreen for Rear Passengers, Advanced Road Cancellation Technology and more. You might also like: Nio EC7 Has a CLTC Range of 920 km – Specs & More Safety Being a futuristic luxury electric SUV, the Lyriq comes packed with safety features to the gills. This includes Airbags for Front Impact, Side Impact, Overhead and Knee, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, HD Surround View Camera, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Diagnostics and more.

Kia EV9 Electric SUV Partially Revealed Via Official Teasers

9 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The upcoming Kia EV9 has been partially revealed via official teasers by the Korean carmaker. EV9 will sit above the existing and wildly successful EV6. In fact, the EV9 will be Kia’s flagship electric car based on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). We have seen the 7-seat electric SUV undergoing thorough and rigorous tests over the last year but the latest teaser reveals the final production version. The global premiere is slated for March 15, 2023. You might also like: 2023 Hyundai KONA Electric vs 2023 Kia Niro EV – Specs, Range and Price Comparison Kia EV9 – Specs While the official figures will be out closer to the launch, we have an idea of what the Korean carmaker could equip the EV9 with. There could be three variants to choose from – a regular RWD, a long-range RWD and a performance-focused dual-motor AWD trim. As far as the battery capacity is concerned we might see a 100 kWh unit on the AWD and long-range RWD trims which would be the largest on any Kia EV ever. What we know is that it will support an 800 V electrical architecture which means that the DC ultra-fast charging will be capable of 350 kW charging. This will allow the EV to be charged upto 80% in around 20 mins. We could expect a driving range of around 300 miles (483 km) and the power figures could range from 200 hp to 400 hp. Kia EV9 Specs (expected) Battery 100 kWh Range 300 mi (483 km) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) (0-62 mph) 6 secs Power 200 hp – 400 hp DC Ultra-Fast Charging 350 kW Architecture 800 V Expected Specs of Kia EV9 You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs Kia EV6 – Specs, Price Comparison Kia EV9 – Dimensions The one thing we know from the concept is the dimensions. The electric SUV will be just under 5 m in length which will liberate a more-than-generous wheelbase of 3.1 m. Moreover, the flat floor will allow it to feel even more spacious which is a trait of the modern EVs. Kia EV9 Dimensions Length 4,929 mm (194 in) Width 2,055 mm (81 in) Height 1,790 mm (70 in) Wheelbase 3,100 mm (122 in) Kia EV9 Dimensions Interior and Features Hyundai Motor Group is focusing its attention on the use of sustainable and recyclable materials to develop the interior of its latest and futuristic EVs. As a result, the Kia EV9 will have no use of genuine leather but vegan leather and other sustainable materials including fishnet debris, recycled plastic water bottles, bio extracts and much more. Apart from that, there would be 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. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? Price While the official prices will be announced closer to the launch, there has been a survey that indicates that the electric SUV could retail in the vicinity of US$56,000 and US$73,000. Nevertheless, we shall update this post with the actual data once the Kia EV9 is revealed on March 15, 2023.

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