Ford gives the 2021 Explorer the King Ranch treatment

To be honest, Ford's Explorer has been around for some time in one form or another. The 2021 Explorer is that rare non-crossover SUV that features a truck frame and rear-wheel drive as standard. Does it really matter? No, but if you need a vehicle this size, whatever you call it, Ford has introduced a new trim package for the Explorer that might make choosing which SUV to get a little bit more difficult. The King Ranch option has been a mainstay on Ford's F-150 truck and the luxury package has been added to the Explorer. King Ranch editions add most of the options available plus luxurious, supple leathers and special badging. The King Ranch Explorer gets you real mahogany-colored Sapele wood, Mesa del Rio leather seats, and really, leather just about everywhere. Yup, this is the top luxury Explorer and with prices starting at $52k+ it should be. Add $2k for all-wheel drive. Twenty-inch wheels are standard as is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability. There is an optional Premium Technology Package that features multi-contour seats with active motion massaging functionality, a 10.1-inch center stack portrait touch screen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capability as well as a 14-speaker B&O Sound system. So you can configure your Ford Explorer King Ranch with everything that you desire and can afford. I do think that black or dark silver would be a better exterior color though. What do you think? For more info, check out the media release, one pic and the intro video after the "read more" jump.

Source: Ford - Media Release, pics, and video

Hyundai shows Ioniq 5 mid-size EV crossover

 

I had to think about this one for a moment. The design is clean, but the two-tone paint shown here does accent body lines, but is a bit busy. My concern is that without the unique paint treatment, the car might seem plain or very clean (on a somewhat positive note). I guess we shall have to see and see the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV in person. The front end reminds one of the Lucid Air which is not a bad thing. The interior follows the latest clean tech design. The Ioniq 5 (BTW: Ioniq is the latest name given to Hyundai's upcoming EV line-up) is a mid-size crossover that has been designed on Hyundai's latest battery-electric architecture (E-GMP). The Ioniq 5 will feature two battery options as well as rear- and all-wheel drive. Range on the top models is currently estimated at about 375 miles per charge. It will take about 5 seconds to hit 60 from a standstill on the more powerful 5s. Various fast charging options will also be on the menu. In other words, you can spec out your Ioniq 5 how you like it and to fit your wallet. The Ioniq 5 is expected later this year so more info should be released soon. You know like pricing, EPA-range estimates, options, etc. I don't think this one (in top specifications) will be at the bottom end of the pricing spectrum. For what info is available, check out the somewhat extensive media release that was written with lots of help from a thesaurus. More to come.

Source: Hyundai - Media release, pics

Chevrolet adds new EUV to refreshed Bolt EV family

Chevrolet has been relatively successful with the Bolt EV which is an "affordable" EV choice with decent range (240 miles). For 2022, Chevy will improve on the Bolt with updated styling, a new model, and more tech not to mention slightly improved range (250+ miles). The new Bolt EUV (pics on this page) is an SUV-esque EV that provides 3 more inches of rear-seat room when compared to the "regular" Bolt EV. The styling between the two models is slightly different with the EUV taking on a more traditional styling course (the two models share no exterior body panels). If you select the "read more" jump, you can check out the restyled Bolt EV and compare the two. Both models are attractive, so your choice will come down to your particular needs. Interiors have been upgraded which was about the only complaint consumers had with the previous generation Bolt EV. There is also loads of new tech standard or available by model or option packages (check out the comprehensive media release). In fact, the Bolt EUV will be the first Chevy to offer GM's Super Cruise autonomous-driving tech. Range has been improved slightly to 250+ miles utilizing the existing Bolt's 200-horsepower electric drivetrain. Utilizing fast-chargers, the Bolt's can get about 95-100 miles of added range in just 30 minutes. A new charging cord can allow for (somewhat slower) charging without a separate charging unit. All-wheel drive is not available at this time, but the Bolt is known for it's spirited driving feel which should continue for the 2022 model. The 22s will hit dealers this summer. It's getting better and better... Oh, and Chevy dropped the starting price of the Bolt EV by $5K so there;s that too.

Source: Chevrolet - Pics, media release, spec charts, and video

Alpha Motors shows new JAX compact utility based on the Ace Coupe platform - Update

Alpha Motors is kinda on a roll. After recent intros of the ICON utility platform, the Ace Coupe and it's performance variant, Alpha now introduces the JAX electric-crossover utility vehicle. With rugged Mad-Max-esque styling, the JAX shares the Ace Coupe platform but with giant wheels, a roof rack, and mini doors for better rear access. No word on whether there will be some kind of jump seat either as standard or optional (the Ace Coupe is a two-seat vehicle). The basic specs are a 0 to 60 mph time of around 6-5 seconds (the performance Ace does it in about 4 seconds with dual motors and all-wheel drive) with a range expected to be close to 250 miles. These numbers will be different based on the increased weight of the vehicle and it's mods as well as those large wheels (Yes, wheel size, tread, and tire compound can affect a vehicle's electric range, not to mention ICE mpgs). Some reports have questioned whether Alpha will produce this vehicle due to it's appearance. Why not, I say, why not. It's rugged cute and there aren't vehicles on the road that look like the JAX. Okay, the grille on the JAX (see pic after the "read more" jump) looks like the original Bronco but that's not a bad thing. Let's hope Alpha Motors gets these vehicles in production. Check out the media release, additional pics, links, and intro video after the jump.

Update: The Alpha JAX site, says the vehicle will be a four-seater, with either dual motor all-wheel drive or single-motor rear-wheel drive. Prices will range from $38k to $48k. Oh and the batteries will be fast-charge capable.

Source: Alpha Motors - Media release, pics, and video. Previous Ace post.

Aptera gets closer to series production with cash infusion and initial orders

Aptera Motors has received four million dollars in initial funding and has received more than 7,000 reservation orders for the automaker's "never charge" EV. This is a good sign for the San Diego-based company who recently procured a 65,000 sq. ft. space for production. The 7,000 orders potentially represent more than $100,000,000 in income. For those interested in more info, check out the previous post and media releases after the "read more" jump. There is also info regarding investing in Aptera as well as a link to their website where you can place your order for the EV with solar panels that could, with regular daily driving, never need external charging. Those with lead feet will probably need external charging. Of course the aerodynamics also help with range as well as the Aptera's light weight. More to come...

Source: Aptera Motors - Pics, media releases and video. Previous post.

Mini updates the 2022 Mini SE EV with the new Electric Collection

For 2022, Mini has given the Mini SE Coupe EV updated styling and a new option package that can help you make your new SE unique, the Electric Collection. The Electric Collection (EC) consists of Mini's popular Island Blue color, exclusive-design bonnet (hood) and side stripes with their subtle color gradient that echoes the Multi-Tone Roof. Black exterior mirror caps, 17-inch MINI Electric Collection Spoke light-alloy wheels and Piano Black high-gloss exterior elements, including the grille, headlamp and rear lamp surrounds, MINI logos, rear model lettering, door handles, and side scuttles, all add to the EC look. In addition, the MINI Electric Collection features Adaptive LED headlights including a matrix function for the high beam, door sill trims with a printed MINI Electric logo, sports seats in Light Grey fabric/leatherette combination, new design interior surfaces in MINI Yours Aluminium finish, an anthracite-colored roof lining, and a sports steering wheel in Nappa leather featuring a MINI Electric logo in the EC vehicles. Also, the standard equipment of the MINI Cooper SE includes the Connected Navigation package. The Connected Navigation Plus package includes a Head-Up Display, Wireless Charging, Concierge Service and MINI Connected XL features and much more. Nice car. A bit small for me, but not everyone has back issues. 

If there is a let down here it is that the EV's powertrain wasn't updated as well. The Mini SE seems to have borrowed the BMW i3's running gear including the 184-hp motor and a lithium-ion battery pack that's good for around 150 miles. The lighter i3 can go farther on a charge, but if you consider the Mini SE a battery-electric citycar then the range should not be an issue. Come on BMW (Mini's corporate owmers) I think you can do a bit better here and get the Mini SE's range closer to that of a Chevy Bolt or about 240 miles. Then you'd have greater acceptance I think. While the Mini SE EV may not be everyone's "cup of tea" it should be considered if a sporty, stylish EV is what you're looking for. More info and pics after the "read more" jump. Oh, there was no indication of when the EC cars might make it to the US, so check with your dealer.

Source: Mini - Pics, media release

All-new 2022 Nissan Frontier pickup debuts for summer availability

Nissan has taken the wraps off of the all-new Frontier pick-up that is expected in dealer showrooms this summer. The new Frontier has been thoroughly updated and upgraded and is now truly competitive in the smaller (compact? mid-size?) pickup segment with more modern and aggressive exterior styling, class-leading standard power, and a new interior plus all the expected safety and tech equipment (largest-in-class available 9-inch color touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM, available WiFi and wireless charging) either standard or optional. Available safety technology starts with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, featuring Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and class-exclusive Rear Automatic Braking9.

The 2022 Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades. The 2022 Frontier Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (4WD only) and new-for-2022 PRO-X (2WD only). The PRO-X grade provides the same rugged design touches as PRO-4X but does not include certain 4WD-related content (electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates). Seven option packages will be available. The new Off-Road Mode available on Frontier PRO-4X functions while the vehicle is moving forward at slow speeds and the 4WD system is in 4LO/ This is ideal for negotiating tight trails without having an external spotter to avoid potential body scrapes or dents.

For more detailed info, check out the extensive media release (w/infographic) and videos after the "read more" jump. Check with your local dealer for dates of availability. Nice truck, to bad Nissan didn't surprise everyone with an EV version. I mean the all=new Nissan Ariya CUV EV is coming out soon, so...

Source: Nissan/YouTube - Media release, pics, videos

Electrify America provides complimentary solar-powered charging in rural areas

Electrify America (EA) has set-up thirty solar-powered, off-grid charging stations in rural California. California is one of the states that has embraced the EV (electric vehicle), so EA's roll-out and test makes sense here. With input from users and public and private shareholders, EA located the new complimentary (yup they're free...for now) level 2 chargers at medical facilities and educational centers. Electrify America identified educational and health care institutions as ideal charging points due to high levels of traffic and extended hours of access. Locations were selected after further analyzing communities with the greatest need for charging, existing charging options and local travel patterns, among other factors. This brings EV charging to under-served areas and with the introduction of electric trucks and vans, these stations will allow further EV adoption.

“Electrify America’s mission centers around increasing access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure to meet the differing needs of drivers across a diverse set of communities and lifestyles,” said Nina Huesgen, senior manager, home and ecommerce at Electrify America. “We believe adding renewable energy to our offerings and expanding access to public charging in rural communities will help continue to spur EV adoption in the state.”

Check out the media release after the "read more" jump for charger locations and links to further information from EA. This is good news for all... Transportation Secretary Pete, forget high-speed trains for now and work on building the EV charging infrastructure and encourage EA to build more of these off-grid charging stations. And Pete, while you're at it, extend the tax rebate for EVs to incentivize further EV adoption with no sales limits. Thanks.

Source: Electrify America - Pic, media release