Jeep Wrangler Magneto EV concept for Easter Jeep Safari 2021

 
Every year, Jeep makes a big "to do" about their concept vehicles that they prepare for the Easter Jeep Safari that is usually held in Moab Utah. All safe distancing aside, these special Jeeps underscore what can be done with Jeep vehicles using the options catalog and Mopar parts. While seven vehicles were created, this year I'm focusing on the one EV in the pack, the Jeep Wrangler Magneto. The Magneto (a Wrangler Rubicon two-door) utilizes the charging port from the Wrangler 4Xe Plug-in Hybrid (which should at your local dealer now) and uses an electric motor that mimics the performance of the standard Pentastar V6 (285 hp, 273 lb/ft. of torque). That power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Four lithium-ion battery packs with a combined power of 70 kW/h, running an 800-volt system are distributed around the Wrangler to balance weight on the four wheels. The Magneto concept runs from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. I would have expected more power, but production is a long way off (if ever). Nice touches include a 12-volt battery that powers existing systems, such as the radio and lighting. A second 12-volt battery serves as an auxiliary power unit (APU) for accessories, such as the winch. A DC-to-DC converter charges both 12-volt batteries, allowing long-term operation of accessories to power a campsite or an unexpectedly long winch operation. Unique mounts secure the battery packs for harsh driving and custom skid plates protect the packs from potential strikes to the undercarriage while traversing harsh terrain. A 10-kw high-voltage heater keeps the fully open-air passenger compartment comfortable. The Magneto also dips into the Mopar catalog for a JPP 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Lights Out black metallic wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a custom roll cage, Mopar Rock Rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan for added off-road capability. Add to that black leather seating and the special interior blue accents and you've got yourself a Magneto. I could see a few of these in urban and rural driveways especially if Jeep follows (or joins) Rivian's lead to create an off-the-road charging system. I'll add video if it becomes available.

Source: Jeep - Media information, pics

Volvo adds Charge-Point EV charging app to Google infotainment system

This is kinda cool and sort of expected. Who would have thunkit that Volvo would be the one to introduce the new ChargePoint app that allows you to not only find a place to charge your EV, but to also handle the payment transaction from inside your car...on the infotainment screen. Yeah, I know you can handle this on your phone, but now you don't even have to do that. Of course the Google Android Auto OS used in new Volvos makes synchronization with your phone extremely easy, but I guess you can take consolation that the screen is bigger and easier to read. Volvo's Recharge EVs will be the first to get the new app starting with the XC40 Recharge (below) that is slowly making its way to dealers. So how does it work?

 "When the high voltage battery in the XC40 Recharge reaches a driver-selected state of charge, the car is shifted into in Park, and available charging stations are within a half-mile radius, a visual alert appears on the 9.1-inch center touch screen, accompanied by an audible notification.

Touching the visual alert displays a list of available charging stations, their locations and pricing. The driver selects the preferred location to begin turn-by-turn navigation. The driver can also use Google Assistant to find and navigate to nearby stations by saying, “Hey Google, find a nearby ChargePoint charging station.”

Upon arrival at the charging station the driver selects the appropriate charger from the on-screen list and touches the green “Start Charging” button. Using GPS location and cellular technology the app communicates with the ChargePoint network to activate the selected charger and release the plug. At that point the driver can get out of the car, remove the plug from the charger and plug in the car.

Payment information is stored in a driver’s ChargePoint account and eliminates the need to use a phone,"

Easy and another reason to check out the new Volvo EVs. Check out the media information and video after the "read more" jump.

Source: Volvo - Media information, pics

Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS) shows new Urban Delivery EV van

It's a good thing to see the number of potential EV delivery solutions come to market. One such new start-up is Electric Last Mile Solutions (ELMS) that wants to make your Urban Delivery van. The "Last Mile" reference in the name has to do with that last mile of a product to be delivered to an end-user, purchaser, or retailer. Any one who's had a delivery van idle in front of their home or business knows how bad these old(er) vehicles can pollute when not properly maintained. ELMS has the solution with a 100% electric delivery (non-polluting) vehicle built on a dedicated EV platform. “The interest we have seen for the Urban Delivery has been overwhelming as fleet managers continue to seek solutions that will reduce their total cost of ownership and help them to achieve aggressive sustainability targets,” said ELMS Co-Founder and CEO, James Taylor. “Our more than 45,000 pre-orders reflect the demand for fleet electrification and our value proposition of low-cost, reliable, connected and customized solutions." The price of entry is approximately $30k (plus options and with any rebates included) for a vehicle with about 150 miles of range, which should be more than enough for most deliveries and delivery routes. An added benefit is the lower cost of usage and maintenance with these vehicles. In fact, ELMS has 45k pre-orders and is expected to start production the second half of this year. In other words, you could be seeing these out on the road very soon. For more info, check out the two media releases and a video after the "read more" jump.

Source: ELMS - Media information (2), pics, and video

Canoo reveals all-new, cab-over EV truck

 

LA-based Canoo has revealed its latest EV with the name Truck..so far anyway. The Canoo Truck is a multi-configurable conveyance that utilizes cab-over design to maximize visibility and potential uses. As an example, the front frunk area (under the windshield) becomes a sizable storage/work area. Multiple accessories are available like the roof rack (shown above), bed extender, camper shell, and much more. (The media information after the "read more" jump, goes into detail regarding many of the available features and accessories.) The Canoo Truck will be available in single- or dual-motor configurations with up to 600 hp and all-wheel drive. Driver-by-wire technology has been used to minimize mechanical intrusion into the cargo/interior space allowing a truck with large capacities and a smaller footprint. Exact specs and info will be released closer to the truck's introduction. With all the new EV start-ups, one has to wonder which ones will make it and which ones will disappear or be eaten up by other companies. We shall see. Canoo has more than 300 employees, so... The cab-over design (which first appeared on smaller trucks in the 60s) gives the Truck a unique profile with tire spats/arches allowing for larger wheel/tire packages and a more rugged appearance. This might become a new(old) thing if Canoo delivers on the promise of full(er)-size capabilities in a smaller footprint with improved visibility. More to come...

Source: Canoo - Media info, pics

Alpha Motors shows Wolf compact EV truck

Alpha Motors has shown other automakers how to utilize a vehicle platform with the new Wolf compact EV. Using these same EV underpinnings, Alpha has shown a four-door sedan-esque crossover thing, a two-door EV coupe, a van utility vehicle, and now the Wolf EV truck shown hefre. The specs remain about the same with changes in weight and aerodynamics, so expect similar performance results, like 250-275 miles of range. The truck is s two-seater with options like a bed cover with photo-voltaic panels to increase range. For more, check out the media info after the "read more" jump and the previous posts for the JAX, and the Ace Coupe. More to come...

Source: Alpha Motors - Media info, pics

Audi e-tron GT quattro - Update

Audi's e-tron GT was released recently and should be appearing on pavement near you very soon. While they don't mention it anywhere, the e-tron GT appears to share a platform and some mechanicals with brother-company Porsche's Taycan sport EV. But Audi seems to have gotten the styling just about right with the e-tron GT and upcoming RS version (RS models are more performance oriented versions of Audi vehicles). The Taycan had some odd styling choices when I first saw it several years ago at an auto show, but it has been updated and the new Turismo (wagon-esque) version of the Taycan is striking. But Audi went with low and sleek in a four-door coupe design you could lust after. Audi seems to have become the design/styling powerhouse in the VW family of vehicles. Expect big power from the electric motors and quattro all-wheel drive, fast charging, and zero emissions. Standard features and options include Bang & Olefson premium audio, adjustable sport suspension, Audi laser lights, and much more. One odd thing that the e-tron GT shares with the Taycan is the two-speed differential. Most EVs don't have this feature or need it, but it seems to be a specific way to get higher top speeds for bragging rights and the Autobahn. Seems like additional items that would need servicing, which most EVs need little of (or no servicing) which is a high point of EV ownership. Also Audi has added a noise system with interior and exterior speakers to transmit sound because I guess driving a beautiful car isn't enough for the "look-at-me crowd." The Porsche Taycan's price can approach the mid six-figure range in top models, but the e-tron GT's pricing should hover around $100k making it a little more "affordable." The media release gets into the specifics (for Euro models) regarding charging rates, power output, etc. so check it out after the jump not to mention additional pics and an intro video. Enjoy. Update: Evidently there is an entry-level Taycan that is priced similarly to the "base" e-tron GT, but like many of these cars, few are sold without numerous upgrades.

Source: Audi - Media release, pics, and intro video after the "read more" jump

Solar nanogrids in development with Audi Environmental Foundation and India's Numan

As we make the switch from ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles to EVs, many have wondered what will happen to EV batteries after they've reached their useful life in vehicles. Some will be recycled for their minerals and metals, etc. and others that still have 2/3rds of their performance can be formatted for use like these seen here. The Audi Environmental Foundation has been working with India's non-profit Numan to work on these alternative solutions. Audi took two batteries from e-Tron test vehicles and used them to power the stalls of fifty shopkeepers allowing them to work into the night. “In parts of Uttar Pradesh, hours-long power outages regularly make life difficult for the people who live there,” says the 30-year-old cofounder of Nunam, Prodip Chatterjee. While visiting family, he came up with the idea to complement the electricity supply with mobile second-life energy storage systems to ensure that important everyday items such as lamps continue to work. Shops are open late in the rural area – without light, many tradespeople lose their source of income. Using solar energy in coordination with the local power company, this beta programs is proving to be successful (the first program used laptop batteries). This type of system could be life-saving in the future (think Texas last month) not to mention life-expanding for the "third world." Tesla has been successful deploying their battery-storage systems around the globe. Now Audi is working to develop programs that give EV batteries more life. More to come I'm sure... Media release and video after the jump.

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

Volvo shows its latest EV: the C40 Recharge - Update

This was a surprise on many levels. "Coupe" versions of SUVs/CUVs or whatever-ever-you-call-them utilities are becoming more common and provide consumers with a more stylish alternative to traditional utes, but with the same high ride height. I'm a big fan of Volvo's XC40 Recharge compact SUV EV and the new C40 Recharge (the X denotes crossover/SUV in Volvo model nomenclature) is a looker. With its lowered roof and sleeker roofline, the C40 gives "coupe SUV" buyers everything they want in a right-sized package. The C40 Recharge goes into production later this year in Belgium and will ONLY be available online. Yep, Volvo is switching to all-electric propulsion by 2030 and online only sales. Hasn't hurt Tesla and many dealers refuse to sell EVs, so...their loss is our gain. I guess existing dealerships will become service centers (for some dealers that's where the money is anyway). So expect numbers similar to the XC40 - 400+ hp, 200+ miles of range, fast charging capabilities, efficiency, dual motor set-up for all-wheel drive, Google infotainment, and so on. Maybe a performance version will rear its head at a future date. Volvo also mentions an attempt to simplify online ordering by reducing the options list with more complete packages and models. We shall see. Can't wait to see this one in person. As a six-foot+-tall human, I hope the lowered roofline doesn't restrict headroom. It has been reported that Volvo's XC90 will be the next SUV to switch to Volvo's "skateboard" EV platform. Will that spawn a C90 SUV Coupe since Volvo intends to do away with traditional sedans and wagons? More to come...

Source: Volvo - Media Release, pics, video