Ford unveils the F-150 Lightning EV Special Service Vehicle for law enforcement use

They say that if you count slowly after a lightning strike and wait for the thunder, you'll know how close the storm is to you. Course if you see this Lightning in your rear-view mirror, it may be too late...the storm has arrived. What you see here is Ford Pro's first F-150 Lightning Special Service Vehicle (SSV) built for law enforcement duty. The Lightning SSV is equipped similarly to Ford's other police duty vehicles with special interior fitments like special cloth seats with reduced side bolsters for ease of entry/exit, dash top mounting points for equipment, seat steel intrusion plates, available roof-mounted LED warning beacons, and much more. One cool feature of the Lightning SSV is the adaptation of the frunk to hold additional police equipment, you know, like the trunk on a traditional sedan. Power can be anywhere from 452 hp to 580 hp depending on battery size. Zero to sixty is expected in around four seconds. Range estimates have not been released, but they should be less than the standard Lightning...all that extra weight don'tcha know. The Lightning SSV is expected to tow more than 7,700 pounds. The new F-150 Lightning SSV gives law enforcement everywhere new choices that can save departments money. Departments that have introduced EVs into their fleets have seen lower costs and increased efficiency. So, keep your eye out for this one. For more info and an intro video click on "read more" below.

Source: Ford Pro - Media release, pics, video

Volkswagen begins iD4 EV production in Tennessee

Volkswagen began production of its iD4 EV at their factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee recently with the first US-produced models hitting dealers as early as October (there is a ramp-up period checking for quality, etc.). Initially, VW expects to produce about 7,000 vehicles per month with production increased in 2023. "There has been a tremendous effort by thousands of VW Chattanooga employees to bring this vision to life,” said Chris Glover, President and CEO, Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “I’d like to thank all our highly motivated team members and the extended community of Chattanooga for supporting us as we begin assembly of the ID.4 for the North American market.” Also more than 3,000 jobs were added by VW suppliers which includes materials and components assembled in 11 U.S. states, from steel in Alabama and Ohio, to interior parts in Indiana and South Carolina, and electronics components in Kentucky and North Carolina. The EV battery will be supplied by SK Innovation located in Georgia. It is anticipated that other models that share the iD4 platform will be added later like the iD5 coupe/SUV and the iD Buzz van. While you're at it VW, how about the iD3? Click on "read more" to view the media release.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics

TA.b Quickie - Bank of America to increase charging stations at financial centers with Electrify America

Just think. while waiting in line at the bank, you can now be charging your vehicle as you run your errands. This is how EV acceptance will grow (can you buy gas while waiting in the bank?). BofA (Bank of America) and Electrify America recently agreed to more than double the number of EV charging stations at BofA financial centers to more than 350 by the end of 2023. BofA also has chargers at non-banking sites for employee use only as part of the EV100 coalition of businesses. BofA’s collaboration with Electrify America began in 2019 and in the first five months of 2022, the number of chargers has expanded to 192 EV chargers across 51 centers in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia and Washington. The companies plan to expand the number of EV charging stations in existing states, as well as add charging stations in several new states including Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas. “Electrify America is expediting the electric future by providing ultra-fast charging to customers in convenient locations,” said Anthony Lambkin, senior director of operations at Electrify America. “Collaborating with companies such as Bank of America – who share our goals for a more sustainable future – helps to accelerate the transition to electric transportation and meet customers’ needs.” This is good news indeed for our electrified futures (you know it's coming). Click on "read more" to view the media release.

Source: Electrify America - Media release, pic

TA.b Quickie - Walmart to purchase 4,500 EV last-mile delivery vehicles from Canoo

Whenever I hear about a new EV start up beating the odds I let out a little cheer. Hooray. While Canoo has shown variations on its basic Lifestyle Electric Vehicle, there were rumors that everything wasn't so sunny (Yes, I resisted the whole up the creek metaphor). But Walmart has recently signed an agreement with Canoo to purchase 4,500 electric delivery vehicles for last mile deliveries with an option to purchase up to 10,000 units. Last-mile deliveries are those from the warehouse/store to your home or office. Canoo has adapted their Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) for Walmart. “We are proud to have been selected by Walmart, one of the most sophisticated buyers in the world, to provide our high-tech, all-electric, American made Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle to add to their impressive logistics capabilities. Our LDV has the turning radius of a small passenger vehicle on a parking friendly, compact footprint, yet the payload and cargo space of a commercial delivery vehicle. This is the winning algorithm to seriously compete in the last mile delivery race, globally,” said Tony Aquila, Investor, Chairman and CEO of Canoo. “Walmart’s massive store footprint provides a strategic advantage in today’s growing ‘Need it now’ mindset and an unmatched opportunity for growing EV demand, especially at today’s gas prices.” And let's not forget that EVs require little maintenance, are more efficient and cheaper to run. Sounds like a winner all around. Early testing will begin soon in the Houston area with deliveries to Walmart starting in 2023. Click on "read more" below to view the media releasee and a brief delivery vehicle video (not specific to Walmart).

Source: Canoo - Media Release, pic, video

Chevrolet takes the wraps off of the 2024 Blazer EV set to challenge the Mustang Mach-e

The stunning vehicle you see here is the new 2024 Chevy Blazer EV that will start hitting the streets near you in the summer of 2023. Some might think the design is a little overdone but then you could buy it in black and let the light accent the Blazer's curvaceous flanks. I think Chevy might have a hit on its hands. The new Blazer EV will be built on GM's Ultium platform that is underpinning the automaker's newest EVs. The Blazer is a five-passenger crossover with lots of room for people and stuff. Blazer will come in four flavors, 1LT, 2LT, RS, and SS with most models offering AWD (standard in the SS). GM's Ultium batteries will provide the go and allow for fast charging. Power numbers weren't quoted for all variants but the SS is expected to hit 60 in 4 seconds utilizing almost 560 hp,  Expect competitive all-around performance for all Blazer models with range estimates expecting to top out at 320 miles (RS), although by the time the Blazer is produced, technological breakthroughs could provide even more...of everything. All of GM's safety and tech is available either as standard by model or in optional packages. Prices are expected to start at $47k for the 1LT and head north of $65k for the SS. More to come when it is made available. For now, Click on "read more" below to view the extensive media release, infographics (click on the image for an easier read), a side pic, and an intro video. Can't wait to see this one in the "flesh." There is even going to be a Police Pursuit Vehicle version. "The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.” Wanna switch?

Source: Chevrolet - Media release, pics, video, infographics

Ford's Raptor super-off-roader gets an even more powerful R version for 2023

I've always felt that if you needed one vehicle to get around and to survive the apocalypse, this would be the one...the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Raptor was originally developed and tested racing in the grueling Baja 1000 off-road race (in standard trim I might ad), so the trucks bonafides are real (the Raptor completed the arduous rally). For 2023, the Raptor gets a new R model that boasts a 700-hp V-8, a long(er) travel suspension, special badging and graphics, and most of the good stuff available. Let's not forget that the F-150 is a full-size truck so the nimbleness and maneuverability of these Raptors is amazing. Plus when you're not dodging zombies or what not, the Raptor (and the R model) are very nice places to be. There's even room for five comfortably with storage nooks everywhere and that giant truck bed out back in case you need to run errands and haul stuff like zombie spray or flowers. I normally only write about EVs and hybrids, but this one is an exception since well the world is...  For all the information and a cool video, click on "read more" below and enjoy. BTW: This one won't be cheap (inexpensive). If this is what's missing in your driveway, order yours today.

Source: Ford - Media release, pics, video

Mini tries out a Cooper EV convertible during Mini takes the States

This one's just for fun. Mini is doing a product roadshow called "Mini takes the States," and the automaker created a one-off Mini Cooper SE Convertible for the event. Is Mini asking the questions, "Should we offer this?, and will folks buy them"" If you enjoy convertibles the answer would be a resounding, "Yes!" The question is can Mini produce the open-air runabout for a reasonable price. In the coming years, all new cars will be electric, so somebody needs to make an open-top convertible and it might as well be Mini. Since the next-gen Mini Cooper is due for a complete redesign very soon, this on-off fun machine was created using bits and piece from the current Mini Cooper SE EV and the current convertible. It uses the SE model's EV drivetrain that creates about 187 hp and hits 60 from a standstill in around 7.7 seconds. Not fast, but quick. Current range is under 200 miles, but if Mini decides to go forward with this model on the new EV platform, numbers and efficiency should go up. Lets hope this one gets the greenlight. For  more info, click on "read more" below to view a Mini video downloaded by another site, an additional pic and the media release. Enjoy. BTW: if this looks like something you might purchase, let Mini know.

Source: Mini - Media release, pics, video, previous Cooper SE post.

Toyota brings the Crown flagship back to the US market

 

Toyota's Crown flagship was never big in the US. If you need an upscale Toyota, that's what Lexus is for, fight? Well Toyota has re-envisioned the Crown sedan as more of a crossover coupe than a typical four-door sedan. It has a slightly higher ride height which most folks like for ease of entry/exit. The tailgate makes loading and unloading your cargo easy. In fact, you could say that the new Crown is a five-door. The styling is distinctive (especially for a Toyota) and the Interior seems like a nice place to spend time. It certainly won't be as opulent as the Lexus LS sedan, but pretty much everything you could want is available in the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels. No prices were quoted but the Crown won't be cheap. The Crown has two hybrid drivetrains available including Toyota's new Hybrid Max that makes about 340 hp with all-wheel drive (the electric hybrid motor is on the rear axle.). When you look at these pics and the intro video after the  jump and like what you see, you might want to get in line now because wll-new vehicles tend to sell out fast...at least in the beginning. If you don't want to be the first on your block to get a new 2023 Toyota Crown, then you might need to wait a bit. Especially if supple constraint issues continue. Check out the extensive media release and video by clicking on "read more" below Enjoy.

Source: Toyota - Media release, pics, video

AVWWG: Retro-styled Honda e Limited Edition EV citycar

The idea that Honda doesn't build EVs is proven wrong by the urban car seen here, the retro-styled Honda e. Due to the success of this compact EV since its introduction in 2020, Honda unveiled a Special Edition model with all the bells and whistles and a great new metallic red, two-tone paint scheme. Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen drove the new Honda e Special Edition in Italy before his win in the FORMULA 1 ROLEX GRAN PREMIO.  “The Honda e Limited Edition is simply lovely,” said Verstappen. “It has funky looks, a compact design and is fun to drive. It’s a great electric urban vehicle (read lower range).” Since this is Another Vehicle We Won't Get post, it's sad to see what Europe has access to and we probably never will see here in the US. The Honda e has many interesting features that should show up in vehicles in the US soon, like the full width dash screen with rear-view monitors at each end supported by outside rear-view cameras, I don't understand why automakers are reluctant to sell smaller vehicles in the US. Honda could sell thousands of these (even at the Honda e's higher price tag) in the US's larger cities. Oh well. Click on "read more" below to view the brief media release and a couple more pics. Enjoy! Oh and if this looks like something you'd like to see/own, let Honda know. Great color, btw.

Source: Honda - Media release, pics

Cadillac Lyriq EV set to begin deliveries

Cadillac has announced that the auromaker will begin Lyriq SUV/EV deliveries soon (Summer 2022). The first models to be delivered are the Debut Edition models that were the first offered for order online. Next up will be the RWD (rear-wheel drive) models with AWD (all-wheel drive) models expecting delivery in early 2023. The range for the RWD model is currently rated at 312 miles with AWD ratings to be announced closer to delivery dates as will power ratings. In other words, the final tweaking isn't finished. The Cadillac Lyriq is built on GM's Ultimum platform that uses Ultium batteries (batteries built in a joint venture in Tennessee between GM and LG). Prices start at $62,990 (plus taxes. license, fees, options) with the AWD model expected to start for just $2k more. The Lyriq promises to be a luxurious place to be in keeping with the Cadillac name. Expect all the good stuff like AKG audio, safety and technology equipment on hand as standard or available in optional packages. You can pre-order your Lyriq now at www.cadillac.com/electric/lyriq/order-yours. To view the media release and two short videos, click on "read more" below. Enjoy! PS: Early orders may qualify for either free charging or an at-home charging unit (see release or website for more info).

Source: Cadillac - Media release, pics, videos (2)