Tag Archives: Electric Vehicles

USPS Could Get $6 Billion To Spend On Electric Vehicles

March 9, 2021 admin

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) could be awarded $6 billion to buy tens of thousands of electric delivery vehicles.

Legislation introduced by a group of 17 U.S. House Democrats earlier in the week stipulates that at least 75 per cent of the USPS fleet would need to be made up of electric or zero-emission vehicles.

The bill would also require 50 per cent of the postal service’s medium/heavy-duty vehicle purchases to be for EVs or zero-emission vehicles through 2029. After January 2040, all new USPS vehicles would need to be zero-emission vehicles.

The contract would involve between 50,000 and 165,000 vehicles over 10 years.

Backing the legislation includes chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Peter DeFazio, and Representative Carolyn Maloney who chairs the Oversight and Reform Committee that oversees USPS, Reuters reports.

“We welcome and are interested in any support from Congress that advances the goal of a Postal Service vehicle fleet with zero emissions, and the necessary infrastructure required to operate it,” the USPS said in a statement issued on Monday. “With the right level of support, the majority of the Postal Service’s fleet can be electric by the end of the decade.”

News of this legislation comes a week after the USPS awarded a $482 million supply contract to military vehicle maker Oshkosh Defense to produce the service’s next-generation postal vehicle. In doing so, the USPS shunned Workhorse Group which was considered a front-runner in supply talks.

Shares of Workhorse Group jumped by 13 per cent following reports of the $6 billion cash injection into the USPS.

Women’s World Car Of The Year Names 2021 Awards Category Winners

February 26, 2021 admin

The Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jurors have announced the 2021 winners in nine different categories.

Selected by a panel of 50 motoring journalists from 38 countries across five continents composed exclusively of women, the winners were narrowed down from three models in each category, all of which had to be launched between January and December 2020.

Also Check Out: 2021 Ford F-150 And Mustang Mach-E Named North American Truck And Utility Of The Year

“This year, voting was more complicated due to the pandemic, which limited each juror’s ability to drive”, WWCOTY notes in the press release about the nine vehicles declared best of the best in each category. “Despite the challenges, jurors made an extra effort to get behind the wheel of these vehicles to evaluate them in time for voting.”

Their work isn’t done yet, as they will now have to select the ‘Best Car of the Year’. Thus, another round of voting will take place, and the result will be announced on March 8, which is International Women’s Day.

You can check out the winners in each category down below.

2021 WWCOTY Best Urban Car: Peugeot 208

2021 WWCOTY Best Family Car: Skoda Octavia

2021 WWCOTY Best Luxury Car: Lexus LC500 Cabrio

2021 WWCOTY Best Sports Car: Ferrari F8 Spider

2021 WWCOTY Best Urban SUV: Peugeot 2008

2021 WWCOTY Best Medium SUV: Land Rover Defender

2021 WWCOTY Best Large SUV: Kia Sorento

2021 WWCOTY Best 4×4 & Pickup: Ford F-150

2021 WWCOTY Best EV: Honda e

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Lotus And Alpine Team Up To Develop Fully-Electric Sports Car

January 14, 2021 admin

It has been a busy day for the Renault Group, whose Alpine unit just signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lotus.

The two automakers will go on to study multiple areas of cooperation, with a focus on the joint development of a fully-electric sports car, leveraging resources, expertise and available facilities in both the UK as well as France. Unfortunately, no further details about the vehicle were provided.

Could it serve as a direct replacement for the current Alpine A110? Will it be sold as both an Alpine and a Lotus? Will it ride on Lotus’ next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) architecture, or Renault’s CMF-EV platform? As soon as we know, you’ll know.

Both companies will also look into the development of a joint services offer, combining their engineering expertise. Another thing being discussed is a collaboration to “leverage” Alpine’s motorsport platform, from Formula One to Formula E and Endurance racing.

“The signing of this MoU with Lotus shows the lean and smart approach we’re implementing as part of the new Alpine brand strategy. Both brands have an amazing legacy and we are most excited to start this work together, from engineering tailored solutions to developing a next-generation EV sports car,” said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

Alpine’s current A110 sports car

“This collaboration along with our transformation mark the beginning of a new era in which we’ll be taking the Alpine name and line-up to the future. We’re putting F1 at the heart of our business, leveraging our in-house expertise and best-in-class partners such as Lotus to inject our cars with leading-edge performance, technology and motorisation.”

Meanwhile, his counterpart at Lotus, Phil Popham, added that his company is proud to work with the Renault Group and to share Lotus’ technical expertise and abilities.

“Our companies have much in common – from a pioneering pedigree in light-weighting, to championship-winning sportscars which perform as impressively on the road as they do in the motorsports arena. It is a natural fit in many ways and the co-development of an EV sportscar is hugely exciting for our companies, our fans and customers around the world. The joint-services element of our agreement will additionally make our engineering expertise available to those wishing to engage our innovations,” added the Lotus CEO.

Quick guessing game

While there are no details at this point, we can safely assume that it will be a small or compact lightweight sports coupe, with a possible dual-motor setup. The term “sports car” is also revealing in its own way, which is why we anticipate something the size of an A110 or Evora.

Less of a guess is the fact that it will almost certainly feature an automatic “transmission”, seen as how it will be fully electric. So to all you purists out there, forget about changing gears yourselves.

Ultimately, would you rather this EV sports car look and behave more like a Lotus or an Alpine? We know which way we’re leaning.

Lotus Evija powertrain pictured

GM Will Reportedly Build Honda EV In Mexico, Acura EV In Tennessee

January 6, 2021 admin

General Motors is set to build a Honda EV and an Acura EV in its Mexico and Tennessee plants respectively.

According to individuals with knowledge of the plans, the all-electric Honda in question will take the shape of a crossover and be built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, the same location where the Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox are produced. Meanwhile, GM will handle production of an electric Acura crossover at its factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the same location where the electric Cadillac Lyriq will be built.

It is understood that both the Honda and the Acura EVs will be similar in size to the Lyriq.

GM’s EV platform

Both the Honda and Acura are set to use GM’s Ultium batteries that have been rated at up to 450 miles of range, Auto News reports. Neither GM nor Honda would comment on the report.

The two automakers announced an agreement to jointly develop two Ultium-powered electric vehicles back in April 2020. In that announcement, the companies confirmed that the Honda and Acura EVs would feature exteriors and interiors designed exclusively by Honda while using GM’s global EV platform.

“This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” executive vice president of American Honda Motor Rick Schostek said at the time. “This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Sales of the Honda and Acura EVs are expected to begin for the 2024 model year in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

California’s Cutest Car Appears: The Alpha Ace Coupe EV

December 23, 2020 admin

The Alpha Motor Corporation would like to introduce you to its latest creation: The Ace. The adorable little coupe is just the second in a lineup of electric vehicles the company plans to unveil over the coming months.

At 165 inches long, the Ace is about 8 inches shorter than a Ford Fiesta, making it as little as it is cute. But Alpha is clear-eyed about that, saying that the back seats are more for luggage than people.

The frunk is also for luggage, as the EV architecture makes this space free of engines. It remains unclear at this point what kind of motor will propel Alpha’s vehicles and the precise size of the batteries has not been revealed, but the company promises enough range for daily personal needs.

“Ace is a departure from contemporary automotive and places emphasis on mobility for the user,” said Michael Smith, Alpha Motor Corporation’s CEO, in a statement. “Alpha is rethinking automobiles for the sake of innovation that moves humanity.”

Really, though, the best part of the Ace is the design, which would look as at home in Art Of Rally as it does in these press images. The worst part is a company name that can be mistaken for both Alfa Romeo and AMC. But I digress.

The Ace is the second vehicle to have been revealed by the Alpha Motor Corporation, the first being the Icon. That vehicle, revealed on December 2, is a commercial vehicle that can be configured as either a van, an SUV, or a truck.

Alpha has promised more unveilings over the coming months. From the looks of the first press images it released, there could be as many as three more.

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Explore The 2021 VW ID.4 With The Help Of Augmented Reality

December 18, 2020 admin

VW has launched a special online tool using augmented reality prior to deliveries of the all-electric 2021 ID.4 kicking off in the United States.

Dubbed the VW Showroom, the tool allows shoppers to use their phone to place an ID.4 somewhere in your home, driveway, or anywhere else for that matter. Users of the app are able to walk around the vehicle as they would in a real showroom and can view it from all angles.

In addition, the AR technology allows you to choose between six exterior colors for the ID.4, including red, blue, black, white, and two shades of grey/silver. There are also two different wheel designs that can be chosen. You can also take a virtual tour of the VW’s interior, although there are no areas of customization in the cabin.

Volkswagen says it took an international team of 17 people three months to develop the tool. In addition to the ID.4, it can be used for the new 2022 Taos, which is heading to the United States next year as a rival to the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Kia Seltos.

VW’s U.S. range for the ID.4 starts out with the Pro model that’s available from $39,995 and comes standard with an 82 kWh battery pack that drives an electric motor with 201 hp and 228 lb-ft (309 Nm) of torque. The next step up in the range takes shoppers to the ID.4 1st Edition which has the same powertrain but is better equipped and available from $43,995.

What Does Jay Leno Think Of The Ford Mustang Mach-E?

December 10, 2020 admin

The Mustang Mach-E is one of the most important vehicles released in recent memory by the Blue Oval. Eager to see what it is all about, Jay Leno was joined by Ford chief executive Jim Farley at his garage to check out both the road-going Mach-E and the one-off Mach-E 1400 developed as a technical showcase for EVs.

Most of the video is about the street-legal Mach-E, which isn’t much surprise, while the final few minutes are dedicated to the Mach-E 1400. Despite being a traditional automotive enthusiast at heart, Leno appears quite fond of electric vehicles and is impressed with the technologies that have been packed into both cars.

Topping out the range of the Mustang Mach-E is the new GT Performance Edition. This model pumps out 480 hp and 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) of torque, an increase of 21 hp and 22 lb-ft over the standard GT. As such, it is able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a mere 3.5 seconds and can travel up to 235 miles (378 km) on a full charge.

As Ford hasn’t yet provided journalists the opportunity to test out its new EV, Leno wasn’t able to take the car out onto the streets. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to hear Farley talk about the Mach-E and well worth a watch.

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Rivian Launches R1S And R1T Configurators

November 24, 2020 admin

Right on cue, Rivian has launched the configurators for the highly anticipated R1S and R1T.

While it’s not configurable, the R1T Launch Edition will be the first model out of the gate as it will arrive in June of 2021. A similar R1S Launch Edition will arrive a few months later in August.

Moving onto configurable vehicles, the entry-level R1T Explore starts at $67,500. The truck comes standard with 21-inch wheels, but customers can also opt for 20- and 22-inchers with a variety of different tires. There are also two standard paint choices as well as seven optional colors which retail for $1,500 or $2,500.

Speaking of the exterior, customers can order an Off-Road Upgrade package which costs $2,000 and adds skid plates, front tow hooks and an air compressor. There’s also a $5,000 camp kitchen with a sink, stove and water tank.

Also Read: Rivian Confirms R1T And R1S Pricing, Both EVs Launching In Mid-2021

Moving into the cabin, there’s heated vegan leather seats with performance stitching. Buyers will also find matte black accents and recycled textile floor mats.

The R1T Adventure is more luxurious and it begins at $75,000. The truck builds on the Explore version by adding a power tonneau cover and making the Off-Road Upgrade package standard.

Bigger changes occur in the interior as drivers will find perforated vegan leather seats with heating and ventilation. Other special touches include natural-grained ash wood trim, compass yellow accents, a microfiber headliner and Chilewich floor mats.

Deliveries are slated to begin in January of 2022 and both versions will have a “large” battery pack that promises to deliver more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. If that’s not enough, customers can opt for a so-called Max battery which costs $10,000 and increases the range to more than 400 miles (644 km).

The R1S is largely identical, but it eschews the Max battery pack and offers seating for up to seven people. The SUV also costs slightly more as the Explore variant retails for $70,000 while the Adventure goes for $77,500.

You can check out the configurator for the R1T here and RS1 here.

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2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Is All About Refinement, Not Neck-Snapping Performance

November 2, 2020 admin

A couple of months after customer deliveries of the 2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback kicked off in the UK, Carfection had the opportunity to put the all-electric SUV through its paces.

UK buyers can choose between three distinct variants. The entry-level model is the 55 quattro S line, while sitting above it is the 55 quattro Launch Edition. The range is topped out by the 55 quattro Vorsprung, although as the ‘55’ badge in the name suggests, there are no powertrain differences between the three.

As such, all come with a 95 kWh battery pack that powers a pair of electric motors which produce 355 hp and 414 lb-ft (561 Nm) of torque. The SUV does also features a ‘Boost Mode’ that increases those figures to 402 hp and 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) of torque, allowing Audi‘s EV to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.5 seconds.

While the E-Tron Sportback features a Quattro all-wheel drive system, it operates primarily in rear-wheel drive mode and the front axle is engaged only when needed, giving the SUV a nice rear-wheel drive bias.

One interesting driving quirk of the E-Tron Sportback is the fact that, while it has plenty of horsepower and torque, it doesn’t fire off the line and push you into the back of your seat like so many other electric vehicles. Instead, Audi has calibrated the electric motors to provide a more gradual power band that adds to the pleasant driving experience.

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Karma GSe-6 Electric Luxury Sedan To Start At $79,900, Will Reach Customers In 2021

October 16, 2020 admin

Karma Automotive has announced U.S. pricing for its first all-electric production model, the upcoming GSe-6 luxury sedan.

Scheduled to reach customers in 2021, the Karma GSe-6 will have a starting MSRP of $79,900, roughly half the price of the 2020 Revero GTS. Mind you, the price is before all applicable tax rebates and incentives; it also excludes taxes, fees and delivery charges. The Chinese-backed company has created a reservation site where prospective customers can pre-order the GSe-6 for a fully-refundable $100 deposit.

Karma’s GSe-6 sedan retains the design of the Revero GT and the full aluminum body but replaces the latter’s complicated two-motor range-extender system with an all-electric powertrain. The model will come standard with connected car capabilities, internet radio, haptic steering wheel controls, surround view camera, 21-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, and Level 2 autonomous driving.

Watch Also: Take A Tour Of The Karma Revero GT And The Company’s Design Studio

One look at the reservation site reveals that the GSe-6 will offer optional Sport and Luxury packages, with each bringing exclusive exterior and interior appointments. More importantly, the Karma GSe-6 will offer a driving range of up to 300 miles (483 km) and a “fast enough” 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration. Expect a short charging time for the battery as Karma mentions a maximum charging speed of 110 kW.

“We are pleased to announce that our first all-electric vehicle is now available for pre-order at a price point that is competitive with other vehicles in the space,” said Joost de Vries, Karma’s VP of global sales and customer experience.

“We have been producing vehicles here in the USA for a while and the new all-electric GSe-6 was the next logical step in our progression as a company. We like to say we go ‘beyond EV’ and this vehicle – combined with our existing extended range EV technology in the Revero GT – offers consumers a unique solution for their next vehicle purchase.”

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