Alpha Motors shows Wolf EV pickup at Petersen Museum

There have been inquiries into the legitimacy of Alpha Motors by some online sites, that question whether Alpha Motors is really real. Alpha Motors has taken the next step by building and putting on display a mock up of the Wolf EV pick-up truck at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Several Wolf trucks have been announced, but the one shown here is the "basic" two-seat version that can be had in all-wheel or rear-wheel drive with a 75 Kilowatt-hour Lithium-Ion battery with an estimated towing capacity of 3000 lbs. with expected acceleration of zero to sixty in 6.2 seconds. The MSRP is $36,000 (two-wheel drive, plus taxes, license, fees destination minus government incentives) to $46,000+ (four-wheel drive) at ts time with an expected range of 250 - 275 miles. Production and deliveries are expected in 2024. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, the intro video, and for order links. I hope this is real, cuz I like their "retro" designs. More to come...

Source: Alpha Motors - Media release, pics,

Mazda announces MX-30 EV pricing and release date

Mazda's first EV, the MX-30, will start arriving at California dealerships in October with a starting price of $33,470 (+taxes, license, fees, options, and destination). This affordable (for an EV) pricing might get a few folks to try Mazda's citycar. The MX-30 shares a platform with Mazda's ICE CX-30 crossover (see rear view pic after the jump) which could help you determine the MX-30's size. Yes, it's a compact. The MX-30's closest competitor is the BMW i3 in terms of size, range, etc. although the little Bimmer has more power, more standard range and a unique design that made the little EV popular. Alas though, BMW no longer sells the i3 in the US (the rest of the world can still get it...for now) so that leaves the MX-30 to carry the little EV mantle in the US. Honda sells the Honda e compact EV and VW sells the Golf-sized iD3 in the rest of the world cuz dealers said they were too small for the US. But really, dealers don't want to sell EVs because they don't require a lot service which is where dealers make a lot of money (search for some of the dealer horror stories that EV buyers have had to put up with). The MX-30's electric motor puts out 143 hp and 200 lbs/ft. of torque so performance will be quick, but not fast. The MX-30 will also feature lots of tech and safety features (read media release) and the Premium Plus trim adds even more good stuff including premium audio, etc. I like the cork on the console which won't show scratches when you store stuff, Several premium paint options exist including the Soul Red Crystal Multi-tome (which is my fave and one of Mazda's best paint options) and there is a tri-color option with silver and black roof on top of the chosen body color (see pic below). There are a few single paint options available as well. In other words, you can spend as much as you like (and can afford) with the MX-30. BTW: prices don't reflect state and federal government EV incentives so take that in consideration when running the numbers. If you use your car to get to work or to run errands around town, this might be a good car for you. Mazda also has the Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program (you can "borrow" another Mazda for long trips) and $500 ChargePoint credit (for charger purchase or charging) included with ownership. What do you think? More choices, the better I say. Click on "read more" below to view the media release.

Source: Mazda - Media release, pics. Previous post.

Audi adds new S model to e-tron and e-tron Sportback EVs

What's wrong with a little more performance? Nothing really and Audi has cranked up the power on the e-tron (foreground above) and e-tron Sportback (background above) for 2022. The new layout provides three (count 'em 3) motors to propel the vehicles with 496 horsepower and a whopping 718 lb-ft of torque, getting 0-60 mph times in an estimated 4.3 seconds. You get one motor in the front and two at each wheel on the rear axle which can provide better power delivery and control (what with slippage and all that) not to mention quattro all-wheel drive. Besides the additional power, e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback models get new tech like the standard 12.3 inch virtual cockpit, 3D satellite navigation, traffic light information, LTE Wi-Fi, top-view camera, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more. Click on "read more" below to view all the details in the media release and to view the "drifting" video. All this goodness will take a bite out of the bank account though with e-tron S Premium Plus models starting at $84,800 (plus taxes, license, fees, and $1,095 destination) moving on to the top e-tron S Sportback Prestige at $92,400. Yep, they better be special when you start hitting six figures and these two are...special. They're good-looking, fast, and electric with all of Audi's (and parent VW's) latest tech and the EV kit including fast charging, etc. One thing that surprised me when I saw an e-tron in person is just how large the vehicle is. The pics are kinda deceiving but this is a luxury, performance EV with a great interior (pic below is of the standard e-tron). So if you've got the dough or a large enough credit line, Audi has provided you with two new EV choices with deliveries in the US starting this Fall. Decisions, decisions...

Source: Audi - Media release, pics,

Ford creates custom Mustang Mach-e for EAA charity auction honoring WWII female pilots

Ford and other automakers have a history of creating custom vehicles to be auctioned for charity. Ford has been working with the EAA (The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 220,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft.) for some time with the proceeds to further aviation and access to aviation by under-served communities. This year is the first all-electric custom from Ford that started life as a silver Mustang Mach-e Premium with numerous upgrades to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and to recognize their service during World War II. The WASP pilots flew aircraft to bases from their production sites. Unlike today, during WWII women could not see combat or join the regular military so they set up a support group to deliver planes where they were needed. Thirty-eight of these women made the ultimate sacrifice during their war service (hence the number 38 in the design). The Mach-e design echoes the plane above with matte black and yellow accents inside and out. Service organization and military badges complete the ornamentation. If you want to drive something different and possibly get a tax break while doing it,  contact the EAA for bidding information on the Women Airforce Service Pilots 2021 Mustang Mach-E or call 920.426.6573 or email gathering@EAA.org. Click on "read more" below to see additional pics and the media release with links.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics

GM to recall all Chevy Bolt EVs including new EUV for battery replacement

GM has taken the unprecedented step of recalling all Chevy Bolt vehicles. The previous recall affected only pre-2020 models. In, I'm guessing, a "better safe than sorry" stance, all Bolts, including the new Bolt EUV (forteground above) are recalled to replace battery packs (made by LG). Some of the batteries were found to have, in rare circumstances, two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – are present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire. GM is working with LG to increase production of new batteries to complete the recall which is expected to cost more than $1 billion. Until the battery packs are replaced, GM suggests that you:

1. Set their vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Target Charge Level mode. Instructions on how to do this are available on chevy.com/boltevrecall. If customers are unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM is asking them to visit their dealer to have these adjustments completed.
2. Charge their vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible.
3. Park their vehicles outside immediately after charging and should not leave their vehicles charging indoors overnight.

This has been an ongoing saga that could tarnish the reputation and acceptance of EVs in general. Folks that are overly concerned about EV fire risk should remember that their ICE vehicle have a tank full of flammable liquids (aka Molotov Cocktail if you will). Click "read more" below to view the media releases. Customers can visit www.chevy.com/boltevrecall or contact the Chevrolet EV Concierge 1-833-EVCHEVY (available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–midnight ET; Saturday and Sunday from noon–9 p.m. ET) or contact their preferred Chevrolet EV dealer. Chevy has halted Bolt production due to the chip shortage. Are they waiting for new batteries so that new vehicles don't need to be recalled? With introductions of new EVs from Cadillacs to GMC, I guess GMs new Ultium batteries can't get here soon enough. (Below is a pic of GM's latest Ultium powered platform as a point of reference.)

Source: GM - Media releases (2), pic

Genesis shows New GV60 crossover on new dedicated EV platform

Let's get this clear up front, the GV60 does not look like a crossover since it's too low to the ground (AKA no ground clearance) and kinda squashed looking. The GV60 looks like a hatchback sedan on the order of the Tesla Model 3. Of course there is still time to make adjustments to the overall design ahead of the EV's 2022 introduction. The GV60 is handsome using Genesis' dual lighting aesthetic front and rear, although the c-pillar flourish is overdone and not necessary. The yellow/green paint is well...especially when mated to the blue interior. The front grille is below bumper level and is used to cool the batteries. The interior is nicely done with a "floating" console that houses the Crystal Sphere that gives vehicle readiness (by color) and ambient lighting when not driving. While the GV60 dash doesn't ape Tesla's minimalist approach (read easier and cheaper to build), the curved display is nicely done along with the rear-view monitors. I hope those camera/monitor rear-view systems get approved for use in the US soon. Overall this is a nice new EV. Genesis parent Hyundai has lots of EV experience, so this one should be relatively trouble free. Performance, technical features, and pricing will be announced closer to the GV60's on-sale date. More to come... Click on "read more" below to view the media release and one additional pic.

Source: Genesis - Media release, pics

Ford makes "Ice White" special-edition Mustangs in honor of Woodward Dream Cruise

Ford commemorated this year's Woodward Dream Cruise with special-edition Mustangs, the Ice White Mustang Coupe and Mach-e. Ford had made "triple-white" Mustang convertibles a few years back (white interiors on convertibles is cool...literally) and decided to continue the tradition with the latest Mustangs. The Ice White appearance package is available on Mustang Mach-e Premium models and on Mustang Coupe Ecoboost and GT Premium vehicles. The Mach-e features Star White Metallic Tricoat paint, Star White exterior accents (including the 19-inch wheels) and a special Light Space Grey interior (see right). A nice touch are the white lenses on the taillights. The Mustang Coupe gets the Oxford White treatment on the exterior and interior (see below). “Mustang has always had the power to attract attention on the road, but the new Mustang Ice White Edition could – just like the original ’93 Triple White Fox body feature Mustang – become one of the hot collectibles of future generations,” said Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager. “We are proud to continue a longstanding Mustang tradition of continuously offering fresh, new styling options for customers to empower them to make their Mustang an extension of who they are.” Okay, the collectibles bit is a push in my opinion, but it will be twenty-five years before we know.  To view the media release, additional pics, and two B-roll videos, click on "read more" below. Course if white vehicles are your thing, then... No pricing was given and the vehicles can be ordered in the next few weeks for 2022 delivery.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

2023 Nissan Z sports car revealed

Nissan introduced a car in New York that everyone has been waiting for, the New Nissan Z. No numbers, just Z. From the pics, you can see that this is a nice update of the traditional Z styling with a clean more modern appearance. Unfortunately, no electrification was announced at this time, but the new Z will come with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 that puts out 400 hp. A six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic will be available. The Z will be offered in Sport and Performance (blue car) grade levels and a special "Proto Spec” edition (yellow car), which will be limited to 240 units. The driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired meter display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose® audio system. And yes, there's still a a hatch for entry to the cargo area. "When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The Z has always been an accessible sports car – always placed at the intersection of aspiration and attainability – of dreams and reality. This latest iteration is now ready to thrill Z enthusiasts, and create a whole new generation of Z fans as well, when it comes to market here in the U.S. early next year.” Expect lots of tech with the first deliveries in the Spring of 2022. If this looks like your next car, get in line now. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, B-roll video and reveal video. Enjoy!

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

TA.b Quickie: Lincoln builds and shows student-designed Anniversary Concept

As part of Monterey Car Week, one of the four concepts from the Lincoln and ArtCenter College of Design challenge – “Anniversary” – will be displayed. This auto gathering appeals to car fanatics and upscale buyers alike and Lincoln used the event to showcase possible future EV design but with a nod to Lincoln's past vehicles and design signatures. “The storyboarding presented by these students was beyond impressive, showcasing their rich design talent and creative approach to storytelling,” said Kemal Curic, global director, Lincoln. “This is precisely why we decided to create a full-sized replica of one of the projects, highlight the amazing talent in tomorrow’s designers and their unique perspective of our Lincoln Quiet Flight brand DNA.” Don't contact your lincoln dealer about this one, cuz production isn't in the cards, although design elements might show up on future Lincolns. Oh, and one lucky student may have gotten themselves a job, Click on "read more" to view the brief media release and more pics. Enjoy.

Source: Lincoln - Media release and additional pics

Ford pays tribute to original GT prototypes with 2022 Heritage-Edition GTs

What you see here is a pre-production model of the last of the current generation of the Ford GT. You may remember that Ford developed the GT (then GT40) with the intent to beat Ferrari at Le Mans and they were highly successful. Ford has been mostly hand-building these supercars (hypercars?) for some time with special-edition models accounting for a lot of production (see list in the media release). These cars are bound to be collectable which I think is the point, since Ford will only make a few of these speed marvels with production totaling less than the number of F-150s Ford makes in an hour (that's my guesstimate what with production limited these days by the computer chip shortage). These are special cars. Look at that dash pic (click on it for a closer look) and view the controls on the steering wheel, etc. This is a driver's car. Ford didn't go into specs, but they don't have to. With a car that has pricing that starts well into six figures, the number of possible buyers is small. This Heritage Edition model pays tribute to the original GT prototypes with Wimbledon White paint and a triple racing stripe with touches including exposed carbon fiber behind Antimatter Blue-painted carbon fiber wheels and Lightspeed Blue Alcantara® suede seats. “This is the first Ford GT Heritage Edition that goes beyond celebrating race wins – this one goes deep, and honors the earliest of Ford supercar heritage,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “The Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition is a modern interpretation of the original, with no mistaking what this car is paying tribute to.” The 2022 Ford GT is available to order for approved Ford GT customers. Production is scheduled to begin in January. Click here for more information (link to Ford site). Click on "read more" to view the media release, a video, and a couple of pics. Enjoy.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, and video

Volvo provides XC40 recharge to NYC Fire Dept to advance EV post-collision training

Recently, Volvo USA handed over the keys to a new XC40 Recharge EV (electric vehicle) to representatives from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for training purposes. Electric vehicles have high-voltage wiring and high-strength steel which can make passenger extraction difficult after a collision. So, if you don't have the training necessary, there could be difficulties post-crash for the occupants and the fire personnel. Volvo has always been synonymous with safety, so "As the automotive industry and Volvo Cars in particular speed toward an electric future, our world will see changes that reach far beyond how drivers power their cars. This includes the experience first responders will have with these vehicles,” said Eric Miller, Vice President of the Northeast Region for Volvo Car USA. “The XC40 Recharge we have donated will help ready the FDNY for this future, and we’re proud to support them as they continue the vital work of protecting the communities they serve.” When you;re considering a new EV, this isn't one of the first things you think of although many new EVs like Tesla for example, have stellar crash survivability with doors that open after a collision and occupants walking away, in many cases, unharmed. But this is still good news for EV owners and shows just how committed Volvo is to an "electric" future. Media release viewable by clicking on "read more" below.

Source: Volvo - Media release, pics

BMW iX3 EV receives updates

After just one year on the market, BMW has updated the iX3 EV SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). There are styling tweaks bringing the iX3 more in line with the new iX and I4 EVs. like a front fascia featuring larger BMW kidney grilles, headlights around ten millimetres slimmer, and a newly sculpted front apron. Also there is new muscular surfacing at the rear, three-dimensional LED rear lights, and model-specific accents in BMW i Blue at the front and rear. The styling tweaks should be enough to get some folks to consider this model for habitation in their respective garages.  The new iX3 features a 210 kW/286 hp motor with 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of peak torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds. Range is about 286 miles depending on your use (or abuse) of the "go" pedal. The updated iX3 is not a speed demon, but more of an EV that is quick with decent range. All iX3s will feature M Sport accoutrement like special aero wheels, blacked out trim, sport seats, and much more. Two trim levels will be offered. The well-equipped “Inspiring” trim level includes metallic paintwork, an adaptive suspension, automatic tailgate operation, a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable seats, a sport, leather steering wheel, a storage package and a three-zone automatic climate control system with pre-heating and pre-conditioning function. Add the “Impressive” trim and you add the 20-inch light-alloy wheels, acoustic glazing, Vernasca leather trim, BMW Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and BMW IconicSounds Electric. In other words, spend a bunch or a whole bunch. This not an entry level EV, but it is an attractive alternative to BMW's more futuristic battery-electric vehicles (iX, i4). And because the iX3 is taken from the regular ICE X3, it should be a good size for most folks. The iX3 will start production in China this September (for home market and export use) with the first deliveries to the EU in the fall. No word on whether the iX3 will also be produced at BMW's South Carolina SAV production factory for US consumption. For more info, click on "read more" to view the media release and two videos including one video (the second one) from last year. Something to consider...

Source: BMW - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Nissan shows the IMk EV Concept city car

Automakers are showing the public what potential cars will look like and be like in the future and it is overwhelmingly electric. Ther Nissan IMk is a small city-car vehicle that is made for urban environs. The boxy shape maximizes interior space with an efficient size for tight city spaces, like Japanese towns and cities. But many folks want a small(er) car and the IMk could be the fulfillment of their dreams. No EV specs were given, but if this reaches production expect more info later. The design is kinda cool but a little heavy-handed in the front. Why not go with a smaller, sleeker grill? The whole front fascia could be lowered and made to look (at least) more aerodynamic. The flanks are nicely sculpted and the roofline and greenhouse are nice and the tail is clean and attractive. The dash is simple and the car is filled (supposedly) with lots of tech including autonomous driving and a "floating" instrument cluster that projects info seemingly into the air. The interior seems quite large due to the IMk's boxy, upright stance. Does it seat six with the bench seats? This is a cool concept that deserves further development and ultimate production. Nissan has lots of EV experience, so why not? Oh and sell them in urban areas of the US. For more info, pics, and a video, click on "read more" below. Enjoy.

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and video

Shell's Greenlots EV charging network working with Chargepoint, EV Connect and FLO networks to develop EV charge "roaming" - Update

 

Shell's Greenlots EV Charging network is joining forces with Chargepoint (see pic above), EV Connect, and FLO to allow for EV network roaming, you know like you do with your phone and bank ATM. This helps make the EV charging experience much easier since you don't have to have an app for every charging network (unless you want one). This should assist in the everall adoption of electric vehicles. Evidently Tesla will open it's Supercharger network later this year, but adapters will be necessary since Tesla uses it's own specific charging plugs and cables. Evidently the upcoming Infrastructure bill has funds to expand EV networks which some say is the reason Tesla is opening up their network. Regardless of the reason these steps will benefit all of us. At this point, there will be no charge for using other networks and charging rates will remain the same, but that could change...like it did at your bank. There are many benefits for everyone. Smaller network's customers get access to a much larger number of charging points in numerous areas and EV network companies get more satisfied customers. It also allows smaller networks to grow. For more info, check out the media release by clicking on "read more." Also, check out the article at Forbes that was written by a Greenlots executive. More to come I'm sure. Good news...

Update: When I originally wrote up this post, no pics were available with the media release, so I checked Greenlots' website and found a charger one mile from where I live. Couldn't find it. So I checked again, had the right address, so I emailed Greenlots for more info. That was several days ago and I've gotten no response. So I checked the site again and found several more chargers near me. This one is at city hall and if you look closely, you can see the Greenlots logo just under the Fast Charger signage. Shouldn't it be easier to find and shouldn't the signage be larger? I guess things will improve aver time.  FYI.

BTW: Why can't I just use my ATM card to purchase power like I do at gas stations?

Source: Greenlots - Media release, Forbes article, Chargepoint pic

2022 Nissan Leaf gets more standard equipment at a lower price

Nissan has introduced the pricing and specs for the 2022 Leaf EV. The "base" Leaf will now come with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and 110-kW electric motor that delivers 147 horsepower, 236 lb-ft of torque and up to 149 miles of range (range numbers vary based on your use of the go pedal).  New standard features include a CHAdeMO Quick Charge Port (whose chargers are becoming harder to find) and portable 240-volt charging. Also, eight features previously featured in the Technology Packages for the SV PLUS grade, including ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Around View® Monitor, will now be standard. The "base" Leaf S will start at $27,400 (plus taxes license, fees and destination and handling charge of $985) while choosing the SV trim level will start at $28,800. Adding a Plus to either trim level will get you a larger-capacity 62-kWh lithium-ion battery, increasing the range to up to 226 miles (LEAF S PLUS only, 215 mile range on other trim levels). Leaf Plus also features a more powerful 160 kW motor that produces 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. By adding the Plus to your Leaf, you can also access the top-of-the line SL model (with prices starting at $37,400+). In other words, you can spend as little or as much as you like to get yourself a tested EV. The Nissan Ariya will stretch these numbers including price. To read the media release and see three additional pics, click on "read more" below. The 2022 Nissan Leaf is available now. Enjoy. For even more information about the '22 Leaf, visit nissanusa.com. Oh and if you qualify for the Fed's $7,500 tax credit, you could get a Leaf for around $20k. Pretty good...

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics