Ford and Purdue University developing new fast-charge cables for EV charging units

Ford, in conjunction with Purdue University, is developing the next generation of charging unit cables that could ultimately result in charging times that are similar to gas fill-ups. The cables use liquid cooling to allow a speedy transfer of power since heat is one of the problems with the current (sorry for the pun) set-up. “Today, chargers are limited in how quickly they can charge an EV’s battery due to the danger of overheating. Charging faster requires more current to travel through the charging cable,” said Michael Degner, senior technical leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “The higher the current, the greater the amount of heat that has to be removed to keep the cable operational.

"This innovation could one day deliver significantly more power than today’s leading systems to re-charge electric vehicles, making the potential of faster re-charging times possible if vehicle charging and other technology enhancements are made in parallel. Ultimately, this could eventually lead to re-charging EVs as quickly as conventional gas station fill-ups." While there is work to be done, this bodes well for the future of battery-electric vehicles and public acceptance of electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicle charging time can vary widely, from 20 minutes at a station to hours on an at-home charging station, and that can be a source of anxiety for people who are considering buying an electric vehicle,” said Issam Mudawar, Betty Ruth and Milton B. Hollander Family professor of mechanical engineering, Purdue University. “My lab has come up with a solution for situations where the amounts of heat that are produced are beyond the capabilities of today’s technologies.” More to come...click on "read more" below to view the full media release.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics

Hyundai unveils new Seven SUV EV Concept that points the Ioniq sub-brand's way forward

Hyundai's Seven Concept is an Ioniq EV for the future featuring a lounge-style interior. Sort of reminds me of Mini's Urbanaut concept with ideas, screens, and moveable seats for the ultimate adaptability. The Seven Concept even features an interior UVC Sterilization mode. Is that overkill or an honest nod to our possible future (disease-wise). The roof features a screen that can show what's above the vehicle or other shapes and designs. The video after the jump shows this clearly. Of course I think a kid planting plants and creating a YouTube video from the back lounge seat of the car seems well... My question is where do you put your stuff that most of take places and pick-up in our vehicles. I guess you remove the middle seats and stick your stuff on the floor. There's plenty of room for it. The pillar-less side doors (fronts open normally, rears open with a rear hinge) provide unobstructed entry and exit for passengers (and their stuff). The dash is one large screen and the welcome lighting sequence (the whole band of rear lights circle around the tailgate, and the front lights put on a little dance as well) is kinda cool but could get boring after a while. Lots of new EVs are offering this feature. No actual EV info was given other than the Seven is using Hyundai's latest EV platform. 

The Seven (passenger capacity) is an interesting look at one possible new vehicle for Hyundai's Ioniq EV sub-brand. Or something like it. Wouldn't be cheap but it is a luxury lounge on wheels. It will be interesting to see what Mini does with their similar Urbanite which is rumored to be in development for eventual production. Might force Hyundai's Ioniq hands, so to speak. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release and video. “The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.” We shall see... Enjoy the video...

Source: Hyundai - Media release, pics, and video

First ZEVA awards - Zero Emission Vehicle Awards - announced at the LA Auto Show

The Zero Emissions Vehicle Awards held their inaugural event at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The ZEVAs winners and finalists were honored during AutoMobility LA, LA Auto Show’s media and industry days, at a special event hosted by E for Electric YouTube channel creator and host, Alex Guberman (above). “Our amazing community of car fans and LA Auto Show visitors helped make THE ZEVAS a huge success, ushering thousands of votes to award this year’s winners,” said Lisa Kaz, owner and CEO of the LA Auto Show. “Introducing this first-of-its-kind awards program totally surpassed our expectations thanks to the support of Electrify America and our automotive partners. This industry is on a fast-track towards electrification and the LA Auto Show is excited to showcase and celebrate it during our ZEVAS reception at AutoMobility LA.” To be eligible, a zero-emissions vehicle had to be on sale or available for pre-order at the time of voting (online). More than 90 vehicles were nominated. The list of 2021 winners in the nine categories are:

Compact: Hyundai KONA Electric
Coupe: Alpha Motor Co. ACE Coupe
Crossover ($50,000 and below): Fisker Ocean
Crossover (above $50,000): Tesla Model Y
Hatchback/Van/Wagon: Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle
Sedan ($60,000 and below): Tesla Model 3
Sedan (above $60,000): Lucid Air
Sport Utility Vehicle: Mullen FIVE
Truck: Rivian R1T

It will be interesting to see how these awards develop in the coming years. To view the media release, click on "read more" below.

Source - Los Angeles Auto Show - Media release, pic (by Jim Donnelly photo)

Fisker debuts new Ocean SUV EV

Fisker has been making cars for some time and the Ocean EV is their latest offering. Shown at the LA Auto Show in production-intent form, the Ocean SUV is an attractive vehicle that manages to NOT look like everybody else's crossover EVs. The Ocean will come in three trim levels, Sport, Ultra, and Extreme, with features and prices climbing with each upgrade. The first 5,000 cars will be the top-of-the-line Ocean One with prices matching that of the Extreme trim. 

Speaking of prices...Ocean prices are expected to start at $37,499 (+ taxes, license, fees, and options minus government incentives) for the Sport trim level, jump to $49,999+ for the Ultra trim and finish out at $68,999+ for the Extreme and One editions. Interior materials are vegan with luxury touches comparable to the trim level chosen. Interestingly, the center video screen has a "Hollywood" mode that allows the 17.1-inch screen to rotate from portrait to landscape at the push of a button. Don't know what that will accomplish but it does give you choices. Various wheel sizes are standard or optional. Two roof options include one that opens up the vehicle for an almost convertible feel (see video) to a solar roof that energizes the batteries and increases range. The single motor Sport model has 275 hp and an estimated 250 miles of range. The dual-motor Ultra and Extreme (also One) models will feature about 550 hp, have 340-350 miles of range and hit sixty from zero in 3.9 seconds.

For more information, an additional pic, spec charts, and the reveal video click on "read more" below. Production will begin in Austria very soon with personal deliveries (no dealers) starting with the first reservations delivered by the the first quarter of 2022.

Source: Fisker - Media release, pics, spec charts, and reveal video

Subaru unveils the production Solterra all-wheel-drive EV crossover

Well Subie fans, hear it is in it's production duds. Subaru unveiled the production version of the Solterra EVSUV (as they call it in the video) just in time for this year's subdued LA Auto Show (It's amazing that the show happened at all, what with the less-deadly "breakthrough" COVID infections). The design is attractive, if somewhat reminiscent, although the front is made somewhat awkward by the wheel arch flairs intruding under the headlights. Fewer parts, easier manufacturing? Whatever the reason this little detail bugs me and I bet it will be less intrusive in darker colors. The interior is following the "minimalist" trend but looks good and serviceable. Since this is a Subie, all-wheel drive is on board with all of Subaru's safety suite including a 360 degree camera system, blind-spot warning, lane change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and more. The Solterra is the first vehicle utilizing the new e-Subaru Global Platform that will also underpin the Solterra's sister EV from Toyota (yes Subaru is in an alliance with anti-EV Toyota). From the early specs, the Solterra seems underpowered with only 215 hp from two electric motors (front and rear) but has class-competitive torque ratings of 248 ft./lbs (similar to the base iD.4). The Solterra supports level 2 fast charging that will provide an 80% charge in under an hour (enough time for lunch). Range is currently estimated at 220 miles but numbers could change after the EPA does their thing. I can't wait to see this one. Looks good. More choice. What could be better? Solterra won't be economy-car cheap (no prices announced), but should be price competitive. For more info, click on "read more" below to view the media release, and additional pic, and the "Love is now electric" video.

Source: Subaru - Media release, pics, and video

Ford develops Eluminator concept to showcase EV crate motor

Ford used this year's SEMA show to unveil the F-100 Eluminator Concept to showcase Ford's new EV Eluminator e-crate motor. The concept uses the body from a 1978 F-100 truck with a new frame from MLe Racecars and the new e-crate motor. Thr Eluminator e-crate motor develops 281 hp and 317 lb./ft of torque and is street legal in all 50 states. This new motor is one of the motors from the Mustang Mach-e GT. The motor is available online from Ford Performance Parts for $3,900, but sorry, the first allotment is spoken for aka sold out. In fact, Ford Performance plans to develop a wide list of components for the Eluminator powertrain with some of the leading performance manufacturers, including battery systems, controllers and traction inverters to close the loop on full turnkey aftermarket electrification solutions. Why don't some of the new EV start-ups just buy these systems from Ford until they can develop their own? GM has an EV crate motor that develops 200 hp from the Bolt, but rumor has it that the motors are scheduled but not yet available. So if you have a vehicle that you like, you will be able to convert to electric propulsion very soon. Companies like Zlectric Motors (in San Diego) are already performing conversions (to Volkswagen Beetles, Porsches, etc.) with motors and controllers, batteries, etc. from totaled Teslas. Visit their website and review their work, which is quite spectacular (but it ain't xheap). For more info, click on "read more" below and check out the media release and video after the jump. The future looks Eluminated...

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, and video

TA.b - Quickie - Ford F-150 Lightning "Can Strike Anywhere"

The new Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck can be (will be?) a game changer. An EV truck for anyone, the F-150 Lightning will hit the market in the Spring of 2022 (ahead of the Tesla Cybertruck, but behind Rivian who is delivering EV trucks as you read this) with more than 100,000 reservations. What caused me to post this Quickie was the "Can Strike Anywhere" video (below) which shows the interior and the giant frunk that I had forgotten about. Can you say "lots more storage?" Click on "read more" to view the brief media release and the F-150 Lightning reveal video. Enjoy!

Source: Ford - Media release, image, and videos

TA.b -Quickie - Aston Martin completes first Valkyrie hypercar

Aston Martin is a storied marque that has been producing luxury and performance cars for years. Decades even. Even James Bond thought they were cool. But the world is changing and the car industry is going through a revolution of sorts that has made it hard for smaller manufacturers to survive. Drawing on its ruch racing heritage and history, Aston Martin determined that ultra-performance hypercars were the way to go to survive and thrive. The result is the car you see here, the Aston Martin Valkyrie.  The Valkyrie (a Norse goddess of war) is a very limited edition with only 200 cars being built. Power comes from a hybrid V12 that produces in excess of 1,100 horsepower and the price is in the seven-figure range. As you can see from the pic and following video, the Valkyrie is basically an F1 car for the road. While it would've been cool to see electric propulsion, I guess we must take baby steps. I doubt many of us will ever see one of these outside of an auto show, so click on "read more" below and view the brief media release and video.  Here's to more Aston Martins in the future!

Source: Aston Martin - Media release, pics, and video

Volkswagen reveals new iD 5 EV SUV "coupé"

Volkswagen unveiled the iD 5 EV coupé showcasing VW's juggernaut of future electric vehicles. The iD 5 uses the same MEB EV platform as the 5's iD 4 sibling and many other VW models including Audi, iD 3,  etc. The iD 5 is the latest member of the iD family of EVs and yes, it is a streamlined iD 4 which is not a bad thing. No specific numbers regarding range or horsepower were provided, but the numbers should mimic those of the iD 4 except range which might be greater due to the increased aerodynamic efficiency. Choices, choices... As with the iD 4, expect 200+ hp with rear-wheel drive for base models and just over 300+ hp with the all-wheel drive Pro (US) model. Only the largest battery from the iD 4 will be offered in the "5" at this time. Don't expect the good stuff like the GTX model (an iD GTI so to speak) or the enhanced heads up display which are offered in Europe and other markets but not the US. Don't understand that but, hey...and VW is having enough trouble getting its dealers to sell and embrace EVs even though sales are good. Many dealers in the US are conservative oilheads, so this isn't a problem that only VW faces. But the iD 5 is a good-looking alternative to the more family-oriented iD 4. Now if we here in the US could get the better stuff. For more info and two videos (including a walk-a-round video of both models), click on "read more" below. The first pic after the jump has the regular iD 5 and a red GTX model for comparison. Also the videos feature the GTX version as well. Enjoy!

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