Volkswagen shows latest robotic charger prototype

As EVs become more and more popular and more affordable, charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important. In fact, many buyers of Tesla vehicles specify Tesla's expanding charging network as an important factor in the purchase of the automaker's vehicles. Those that live in large complexes often skip even looking at EVs since they have few charging options (that will be less problematic as charging stations become as numerous as gas stations). Volkswagen is developing a robotic charger that will autonomously charge a vehicle in restricted parking areas and underground structures utilizing a phone app or other communication.  The unit independently steers to the vehicle to be charged and communicates with it: from opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug and decoupling it. The entire charging process takes place without any human involvement whatsoever. To charge several vehicles at the same time, the mobile robot moves a mobile energy storage unit to the vehicle, connects it, and then uses this energy storage unit to charge the vehicle and repeats the process to charge other vehicles. Once the vehicle is fully charged, the robot independently collects the mobile energy storage unit and takes it back to the central charging station. Welcome to the 21st Century. The units shown here are prototypes and show just how committed VW is to our electrified future. More to come...

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics, and video (after the "read more" jump)

2021 Nissan Leaf gets updates and low(ish) price of entry

Some may forget that Nissan was one of the first US automakers to enter the EV market with the first Leaf. That first Nissan EV had unique styling that was attractive, but also said "I'm a little bit different." No grille, and an airy interior were hallmarks of the first Leaf. Range was small, but the technology was in its infancy. Nissan sold quite a few Leafs (Leaves?) and the little EV was updated a few years ago to look less "Leafy" and more like other Nissans. You can debate the wisdom of that choice, but the new 2021 Leaf is an attractive alternative to "regular" compact sedans like Nissan's various Sentra models. The newest Leaf starts with a relatively low prices (for an EV) of under $32k with a 149-mile range and 147 hp and 236 lb./ft. of torque in either S or SV trim. Upgrade to the Leaf PLUS and get up to 226-miles of range and 214 hp and 250 lb./ft. of torque in either the S PLUS, SV PLUS, or SL PLUS trim levels. The top-of-the-line Leaf SL PLUS gets most of the good stuff and tech and pricing starts at just under $44K. Interestingly, it's the Leaf S PLUS that has the greatest range (226 miles). I guess the added equipment in the top trim levels decreases range (215 miles). For more information, check out the media release and pics after the "read more" jump. The newest Leaf could be an inexpensive alternative to other EVs...that is until the tech becomes less expensive in the next few years and there are more options available like Nissan's upcoming Ariya.

Source: Nissan - Media release and pics

Volkswagen iD4 gets official EPA-range, mpg-e ratings for early editions

Volkswagen's all-new iD4 EV should be at your local dealer very soon and the EPA has released the official ratings for the first versions to be available. First up, are the 1st Edition and the Pro RWD 82 kWh models that feature rear-wheel drive, a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 200 hp and 225 lb./ft.  of torque (instant EV torque), and a battery pack that allows a fast-charge (125 kW) from 5 to 80 % in less than 40 minutes. The EPA rates the iD4 at 104 MPGe, highway driving is rated at 89 MPGe, and combined city/highway at 97 MPGe. The EPA also estimates that new iD4 owners will save about $2,200 annually versus the average automobile. Don't forget that the iD4 will come with three-years of free charging with Electrify America as a promotional offer. VW is taking a different road with the development of the iD4. The little(ish) ute was designed to compete with other compact crossovers like the RAV-4 and CR-V (with gas engines) directly and not other EVs. This shift makes the iD4 more than competitive in it's class and an easier sales proposition for dealers and consumers. And. it ain't bad looking either. Later in 2021, an all-wheel drive version with more than 300 hp will be introduced. Those numbers have yet to be released. Pricing starts at $39,995 + for the Pro model and Federal and State rebates are available. More to come. Check out the brief media release after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, video, and pics

Happy Holidays to all and to a better New Year!

A friend sent me this pic several years ago and I don't know where it came from (source) but we could all use a little car-themed humor right now. Whoever did this is brilliant. Have a great holiday season!

Alpha Motor Corporation unveils the new Ace EV Coupe

it seems like another day, another new EV. Of course, that's far from true since the latest crop of new EVs have been in development sometimes for years. The fact that so many have running prototypes and mock ups to introduce says a lot about the electrified-future we are all going to live in. It also says a lot about legacy automakers and the game of catch-up they are going to need to play. It also means that some of these new automakers will be bought up by larger companies, but that's a discussion for another day. 

What you see here is the new Ace coupe, an EV from Alpha Motor Corporation of Irvine, California. The Ace is a small EV with seating for 2 and a pair of jump seats for storage (14 cubic feet) and occasional riders (if Gov. Regs allow). Early specifications (after the media releases) expect a 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds, rear-wheel drive, fast charging, and about 250 miles of range. 16- to 18-inch wheels will be available and premium sound will be standard.  All this may change by production which is expected in 2023. The overall look has Volkswagen hints like the early Golf/Rabbit and the side profile hints of the New Beetle. It's a nice look...very clean. No side marker lights, but they've got time. I'm sure other things will crop up. The Ace Coupe will spawn a number of vehicles including the compact Icon crossover/SUV. Smart move to use the first product for more like the Tesla Model S and X, etc. The interior has a minimalist Tesla look to it as well. I'm sure we'll be seeing more in the future, at least I hope so. Not every one needs a giant sedan or SUV battery-electric vehicle. so the Ace Coupe city car would be a nice addition to the list of available EVs. For more info, check out the 3 media releases, pic, videos, and spec sheet after the "read more" jump. More to come...

Source: Alpha - Media releases, pics, and videos.

Aptera introduces the all-new "never charge" EV citycar

Okay, that title may be a bit of a stretch, but it is possible (depending on driving style of course) with Aptera's new EV. To begin, the Aptera is an electric vehicle that has several different battery sizes in the offing that will provide anywhere from 250 to 1,000 miles of range on a single charge. The never charge kicker is that the Aptera features solar panels to recharge the batteries on the go...so you may never have to stop. The point is that you have options. To charge or not to charge, that is the question. Obviously, this will make the Aptera extremely economical to use and so will the price of entry. The basic 25kWh Aptera two-seater (250-mile range), will start at just under $25K. Stepping up to the top-of-the-line 100 kWh battery pack (1,000 mile range) will set you back about $46K plus the price of any options. The three-wheel, light-weight design in the top configuration will tip the scales at just 2,200 lbs. including batteries and hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds (3.5 seconds with all-wheel drive). We can agree that the new Aptera EV won't be for everyone, with it's size and capacity, but as a city car or a daily driver it could meet many folk's needs. Plus it won't cost much (or anything) to run. Also, the three-wheel design does not require a motorcycle license in 48 of the 50 states. Check with your DMV offices about your state's requirements or give Aptera a holler. For more information, check out the media release, specifications sheet (at the end), and 2 videos after the "read more" jump. The new Aptera EV is expected to meet all NHTSA tests and regulations before the vehicle roll-out in 2021. It's also kinda cool looking in a space-age sort of way. Aptera is taking orders now.

Source: Aptera - Media releases, pics, spec sheet, and videos

Canoo unveils all-new EV delivery van for under $35k

What you see here is the design of the Canoo MPDV 1 (height is estimated at 6.2 ft.) EV delivery van that the company plans on bringing to market with a sub-$35k starting price and a 170-mile range. The MPDV 2 is the tall, walk-in version of the Canoo MPDV 1 (picture it much taller, 8.4 ft.in height). Three battery sizes will be available allowing up to 300 miles on a charge. Range estimates for the MPDV 2 (250 miles max) are lower due to the increased size and weight of the vehicle. The electric motor will send the power (200 hp, 236 lb./ft. of torque) to the front wheels. The driving module is set back a bit for increased safety but the MPDV 1 and 2 are expected to have class-leading cargo capacity. The new vans are positioned atop Canoo's skateboard architecture (see pic after the jump) that is expected to spawn numerous vehicles including Canoo's taxi-like passenger van and possibly a truck. The passenger van eschews the MPDV's Lego-like styling for a more rounded (and possibly aerodynamic) design. While Canoo has a ways to go before we see these vehicles on the road, these prototypes look good and should be well received. The fact that Canoo is also shooting for much lower total ownership costs is also a big plus. I hope they make it. Check out the media release (with specifications), Forward-looking statement, and the intro video after the "read more" jump. The vehicular world is certainly getting more interesting. More to come I'm sure...

Source: Canoo - Media release, Forward-looking statement, pics, and videos

Mini Countryman goes to the "Boardwalk"

Few car companies do special editions better (or as many) as the Mini brand and this is the latest, The Countryman Boardwalk. The Boardwalk edition (I keep hearing the song "Under the Boardwalk" as I type this) comes outfitted with special Deep Laguna Metallic blue paint with black accents and a stripe pattern in Deep Laguna metallic and black metallic with the lettering “BOARDWALK” on the frame of the side trims known as "Side Scuttles." Patterns and inscriptions can also be found on the entry bars. In addition, the side flanks of the roof at the rear side windows and the interior bar on the passenger side each bear a logo with the name of the edition model. The Boardwalk edition will come in three Countryman flavors: Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper S All4 (with all-wheel drive). A six-speed manual is standard and a seven-speed automatic is optional. All4 models step up to the eight-speed Steptronic automatic. Cooper S and Cooper S All4 models get the turbocharged four (178 hp). Options are available to further enhance your Mini special. Personally, I like the Deep Laguna Metallic paint and the overall look. Now if it was available in the hybrid SE version... For more, check out the media release, general Countryman video, and additional pic after the "read more" jump. Check with your dealer regarding availability.

Source: Mini - Media release and pics

Ford Mustang Mach-e EV hits range targets

Ford's all-new Mustang Mach-e EV has received it's official EPA range numbers and the electric pony has met it's early range estimates with the extended-range RWD version capable of 300 miles before needing a recharge (assuming you run it down to zero charge). Even the "base" or standard-range Mach-e will run for 230 miles between charges. (See chart after the jump. AWD versions have lower numbers due to extra weight, etc.) Of course, mileage will vary based on equipment, weather, conditions, and driving style. Range numbers have not been released for the higher-performance Mach-e GT that will be released this summer. Ford's Mach-e range puts the EV crossover into the marketplace as one of the only EVs to hit the magic 300-mile EPA-range number which also includes Tesla's Model Y, a direct competitor. The Mustang Mach-e should be hitting dealer showrooms any day now. Can't wait to see them out "in the wild." For more, check out the brief release, b-roll/interior video after the jump. More to come...

Source: Ford - Media release after the "read more" jump.

Zoox Robotaxi videos

   

Source Zoox/YouTube - second (more informative) video after the "read more" jump. Robotaxi write-up.

Zoox Incorporated shows its Robotaxi autonomous vehicle

 

Zoox Inc, unveiled its purpose-built Robotaxi autonomous vehicle that could be used in urban settings replacing "normal" taxis and ride-share services. Zoox's autonomous tech is far along in the development process with prototypes currently testing in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Foster City (Zoox's home town). Zoox was purchased by Amazon this year and became an independent subsidiary of the giant corporation. Zoox's Robotaxi makes a lot of sense for big cities and, just possibly, for the delivery of goods between warehouses, consumers. etc. Could this be the source of Amazon's interest? The Robotaxi has a large 133 kW battery pack that would allow for 16 hours of continuous usage and fast recharges. The Robotaxi is bi-directional making parking, etc. a breeze. It also features four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. Top speed is limited to 75 mph. In developing the Robotaxi, Zoox developed more than 100 pieces of new safety tech such as special airbags that would protect riders in the Robotaxi's open interior and more. We are very close to having totally autonomous vehicles and if you live in a fairly large metropolis, you could see Robotaxis soon. See the videos in the preceding post. We shall see. More to come...

Source: Zoox - Media release, pics. Video post.

TA.b Here ya go - 12A-20 AKA John Cooper Works Mini gets electric

This falls into the "well duh" category. BMW's Mini division is developing an electric platform to support the brand's JCW (John Cooper Works) performance models (I'm sure BMW would "borrow" the platform for its own use as well). With Tesla and other automaker's EV sedans and crossovers shaming supercars with better performance and better efficiency to boot, this is an easy to understand development. Can't wait to see the first electric JCW Minis. Brief media release and additional pic after the "read more" jump.

Source: Mini/BMW - Media release and pic

Below are the "Here ya go" articles of interest to me and hopefully you. First off, we have articles about Tesla's possible merger (won't happen,.,for now) with another automaker (and third article). The article includes various car companies' valuations. Interesting. The fourth article talks about the expanding charging infrastructure for Semis and so on and so on... Click to enjoy.

Tesla open to merging - Electrek

Possible that Tesla would acquire legacy automaker - Clean Technica

City of Portland and Daimler create "charging island" for Semis - ElectreK

LG Chem to double battery output for Tesla - Inside EVs

Robotics maker receives order of "bots" to produce VW iD Buzz - Inside EVs

Lucid hits major production milestone - Teslarati