Start-up TELO Trucks unveils new EV...truck

I'm a big fan of EV start-up companies, especially those that offer fresh insight into what an EV can be. Silicon Valley-based TELO Trucks is just such a company. With founders that have worked for Tesla and autonomous driving companies, TELO Trucks has a bright future. That future includes plans to start production, reach a delivery target, and then move most production in-house. Bodies will be built in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (very strong, light, and now cheaper to produce) like the original BMW i3. Vehicles will feature a "skate-board" chassis that was designed by TELO employees and allow for future product variants like a delivery van or (and?) an SUV. Motors and batteries will be purchased from vendors, but TELO aspires to build its own hardware when in-house production is feasible and economically prudent. No word on whether assembly of the disparate pieces will be done by TELO or contracted out at the start. The design is unique and attractive with short overhangs. Why have a huge front and hood if you don't need to cover an engine? And most frunks are an after thought anyway. The scoops and dimples on the side are to extract hot air and move the air into the vehicle's upper airstream for improved aerodynamics (and cooler wheels I'd expect). The TELO Truck has plenty of room for people and stuff with an interior sized like that of a Toyota Tacoma and a truck bed as large as that on the ginormous GMC Hummer. There is a midgate that would allow for the rear seats to be folded down and the bed to accept a 4'X8' piece of plywood. All of this in a vehicle the size of a Mini (see pic above). Fresh ideas indeed! The TELO Truck is anticipated to hit 60 mph from a standstill in around 4 seconds (500 hp / 380 kW dual motor, AWD, 4400 lbs.), have a 350-mile range, and to fast-charge to 80% in 20 minutes all for around $40 to $50k. Prices are expected to come down in the future. For more info, check out the media release, specs, and video from Global Update after the "read more" jump. TELO is accepting pre-orders at their site with a $152 (the length of the vehicle in inches) deposit. Some aspects may change, but TELO needs to get this truck to market ASAP. I'd get one. You? How about different headlights for the various iterations." Just a thought...

Source: TELO Trucks - Media release, pics - Video - Global Update

And here it is: The '25 Volvo EX30 compact SUV

Well folks, here it is, the right-sized, all-new, 2025 Volvo EX30 small SUV EV. It's a great-looking little vehicle that should fit in most garages (about VW Golf size) that sets new standards for EV efficiency and affordability. The design is very clever with simplicity and reduction of materials being the driving force while maintaining Volvo's upmarket feel and appeal. The EX30 will come in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive with the AWD option having dual motors and the title to quickest Volvo ever made (0 to 60 in about 3.5 secs.). Rear-wheel drive, single motor cars will hit 60 in around 6 seconds and can go almost 300 miles on a single charge with the larger battery pack. The larger battery can be quick-charged to 80% charge in about 25 minutes.  There will be four interior options (one with recycled denim) that all use recycled and sustainable materials. The clever interior details include a top-of-the-dash aoundbar that holds the vehicle's speakers making more room and less complexity in the car doors. The glove box is in the center of the dash (below the screen) for easy access. There are numerous phone-charging locations including in the slide front armrest. The EX30 uses Android Automotive for infotainment and Apple Carplay is also standard. Safety and infotainment tech are up to Volvo's standards even though this vehicle is meant to be affordable. Prices are expected to start between $30-$35k for a well equipped standard RWD model. This car is an EV game changer. In fact GM CEO Barra announced the return of the Chevy Bolt after the EX30's introduction and very warm reception. Coincidence? The media release is after the "read-more" jump with two videos including Volvo's clever "Un-boxing" video. The second video is a walk-a-round video from Autogefuhl (after the media release) which is worth the watch. Enjoy! Pre-ordering should be available now with the first deliveries in the early to mid new year..BTW: the Cross-Country model (below) will be available sometime next year.

Source: Volvo,  Media release, pics, video (Volvo, Autogefuhl)

Volvo upgrades the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge compact EVs for the 2024 MY

What we have here are tweaks that have been made to two of Volvo's EVs, the C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge models for the 2024 model year.  What makes them note-worthy is the fact that the changes were made mid-cycle and foretell the Scandinavian automaker's upcoming new models. The big news are the new motors that were developed in-house by Volvo which replace existing powerplants. Previously,  one motor was available in RWD versions and the motor was doubled up for AWD versions. The new single use motor develops 255 hp  on the rear axle and a new 147 hp asynchronous electric motor is used on the front axle in AWD models. The new motors are more efficient and provide greater range even with similar battery packs. In fact the RWD single motor car now gets almost 300 miles per charge and AWD variants have seen range increases as well (see the chart in the media release after the jump). There have also been some subtle exterior tweaks as well but the XC40 and C40 will not be mistaken for anything else. I like the look a lot and would choose the C40 coupe SUV as long as the lowered roof doesn't reduce headroom (I'm kinda tall). Volvo's new XC30 model will be released any day now and the XC30 was developed as an EV from the start while the current cars were converted ICE models which should make the smaller EX30 even more efficient and have greater range wile using the same new motors. Can't wait. The 2024 XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge should be available soon, while we'll have to wait for the XC30 until next year.

Source: Volvo = Media release, pics

7/11 gets into vehicle charging with 7Charge - Update

Well this was a no-brainer. 7/11 is going to make it easier for you to get a charge (pun intended) while you get your snacks, hot food, drinks (not to mention that Slurpee you wanted) and other assorted supplies. Years ago, the major gas companies added convenience stores to their stations so it only makes sense for a convenience store company to add chargers to their locations. And, you don't have to build a huge project with underground tanks, etc., so it's a win-win for 7/11. Not to mention that gas stations will be relics in the decades ahead or at least the actual numbers of stations will be largely reduced. It is inevitable folks, so get on board. In fact, to maintain relevancy, gas stations would need to install EV Chargers like Shell has announced they will do in the near future. Don't forget the in-roads made in ICE vehicle technology over the last decades, so EV tech will be amazing shortly. Just look at the range increases made in the last few years. The future looks bright and with 7Charge, 7/11 is relevant again.

An app on your phone will be required (for now) and the 7Charge app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting 7‑Eleven.com/7charge.

Source: 7/11 - Press re;lease, pic