Chevrolet reveals new Silverado EV truck for 2023

Automakers are showing EVs in many classes of vehicle and Chevrolet recently unveiled the Silverado EV for 2023. The Silverado EV truck will use GM's Ultium batteries and will provide great performance (0-60 in 4.5 seconds) and range (about 400 miles). Towing capacity is expected to be about 10,000 pounds and four-wheel steering will be available as will four-wheel drive, In other words, a very well-rounded and capable truck. First up, the 500-hp Silverado EV WT (Work Truck) version will debut in the Spring of 2023 with the top-of-the-line 665-hp RST truck (shown) following in the fall. Range is GM estimated at 400 miles for both versions. Payload is expected to be about 1,200 pounds.for the WT model with a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds. The "base" WT model will set you back around $30k with RST First Edition versions exceeding $100k. Various trim levels will fall within this pricing range. The Silverado EV is styled like CHevy's previous Avalanche truck but without the plastic cladding. The Silverado EV is attractive but consumers have seemed to prefer the separate cab/bed look of traditional trucks. You can get Hyundai's Santa Cruz compact trucklet now (which follows the Silverado EV's style), while the more traditional-truck-looking Santa-Cruz-competitor Ford Maverick has a backlog of orders which will take Ford more than a year to complete, so we shall see. Yes the Silverado EV truck looks like a Tahoe with the back cut off but at least initially, Chevrolet should have plenty of takers. If this looks like your thing, get in line now. For more information, click on "read more" below to view the media release, pics (including one of the frunk) and a b-roll video (click on full screen for the full effect). Ford has had to double it's initial first-year build order for the F-150 Lightning to more than 150,000 units and the Silverado EV was "ordered up" in minutes, so Tesla better get with it and get the Cybertruck to market because Ford, Rivian, and now Chevrolet has stolen their EV truck thunder.

Source: Chevrolet - Media release, pics, and video

Stellantis unveils new Chrysler Airflow EV concept

As many of you are already aware, Stellantis was formed from the merger of Fiat/Chrysler and Peugeot. While the company was establishing itself as a more competitive global player, the auto market shifted leaving Stellantis a bit behind the curve. As a result, the automaker has few EVs except for a few Fiat 500 models (that were rumored to go all electric). So Stellantis is playing a bit of "catch-up" in the burgeoning EV marketplace. What you see here is Stellantis' first US EV, the Chrysler Airflow. AIrflow is a storied Chrysler nameplate that goes back decades to the first cars that were aerodynamic, so its use here is understandable. The Airflow will set the standard for Chrysler going forward. The Airflow is expected to have (at least) class-matching technology and drivetrain wrapped in an attractive shell. The interior shots and other info peg the Airflow as a premium crossover. Expect more relatable information closer to the vehicle's introduction for the 2025 model year. Yes, the Airflow is at least two years away. It is understandable that Stellantis wants to show what it is working on, but the market will probably have shifted and become more competitive in the next two years. So Chrysler, hurry up. EV customers want more choices and based on looks alone, the Airflow would probably be on many buyers' short list of vehicles to consider. While most automakers are rushing to copy Tesla's build-it-yourself model, try buying the components you need from outside suppliers until you are up to speed on your own efforts. Or do like some have, buy the supplier with the tech and experience you need. So Stelleantis, you need to get caught up. You can do it. How about some smaller EVs while you're at it. Not everyone wants (or needs) large vehicles. To view the media release, a video, and additional pics, click on "read more" below.

Source: Stellantis/Chrysler - Media release, pics, video

Micro Motors announces Microlino 2.0 start of production set for March

 
Micro Motors is about to start production of it's Microlino 2.0 EV city car. Production has been delayed until March due to supply shortages. The pic above and the video after the jump, are of the chassis production line which has entered pre-production ramp up. The Microlino 2.0 is expected to have a range of about 140 miles and will come in three flavors (two shown). Unfortunately, the Italian company will not bring the Microlino to the US market any time soon. Maybe if they qualified the little EV as motorcycle-esque like Polaris does with their vehicles, we could see these cute runabouts in urban areas in the US. It is certainly gratifying to see another EV maker enter production. For more info or to watch the production start-up video, click on "read more" below. For more info check out the previous post (link below).

Source: Microlino - Media release, pics, video. Previous post.