Surprise: Faraday Future Still Exists and Just Delivered Its First Vehicle
Here’s something likely very few people had on their 2023 Bingo cards: Faraday Future has delivered a vehicle. To a customer. Who paid money. The first FF91 EV delivery took place over the weekend, finally putting an end to the will they, won’t they conversation surrounding the brand.
Are Rising EV Inventories Proof Nobody Wants Them?
Those who follow the automotive industry will have undoubtedly noticed that dealer inventories are slowly approaching levels that would have been considered normal before the pandemic. While this is presumably good news for people who have absolutely had it with dealerships marking up their products, some are growing concerned by how much electric vehicle inventories are outpacing their gasoline-reliant counterparts.
Despite elevated fuel prices, aggressive marketing, and most companies vowing to transition toward building electrified automobiles exclusively, America has an EV supply of more than 100 days on dealer lots. That’s about double the average for gasoline vehicles. While it would seem that people are losing interest in battery-driven automobiles, industry experts are claiming that all is not as it seems.
Aussies Drive EV Land Cruiser 7km Underwater, Set Records
A group of gearheads from Down Under have apparently set a new world record for driving a car underwater, taking a specially prepped old-school Land Cruiser about 7 kilometers (approximately 4.5 miles) across the floor of Darwin Harbour.
After emerging from the briny deep, one onlooker told the team to “drive this thing straight to the pub.” It doesn’t get more Oz than that.
GM Says Updated U.S. Emissions Rules Will Cost Auto Industry Billions in Fines
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will soon release its proposal to increase Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) requirements and General Motors has signaled its concerns regarding how much more money it will cost the automotive industry. GM is estimating that the new rules could result in manufacturers paying $100-300 billion in emission fines between 2027 and 2031.
However, the Biden administration has reportedly said it’s highly dependent on which plan is implemented — suggesting industry penalties would vary heavily between companies and average out to be far lower than GM has claimed.
Flaming Cargo Ship Contains Many More EVs Than First Reported
An enormous vehicle carrier that caught fire at sea earlier this week appears to have far more electric vehicles on board than first suggested.
Automakers Band Together To Form Tesla Supercharger Competitor
Tesla’s Supercharger network seems to have taken over the world, with several major automakers recently announcing a shift to the standard in the coming years. However, that hasn’t stopped many others from banding together to form their own charging network, including some who signed on with Tesla.
QOTD: Who's Next for NACS?
Myself and a few other journalists were talking shop over lunch today and one of us wondered which automaker would be next to adopt the North American Charging Standard for electric vehicles. The same standard developed and used by Tesla.
Nissan jumped on the bandwagon last week.
So, B and B, who's next?
Dealers Finally Have EV Inventory But Now Lack Buyers
We’ve been hearing about the rise of electric vehicles for years, but while they are growing rapidly in number, there’s still a disconnect between an auto industry hell-bent on electrification and the desires of the people they rely on to buy new cars. Axios recently highlighted the issue and found that dealers have EV inventory sitting on their lots for extended periods, suggesting that supply is significantly outpacing demand.
Mercedes-Benz Reportedly Rethinking North American EV Strategy
Canadian dealers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are reporting that the automaker is considering revising its strategy for North America.
The dealers attended a market-wide retailers meeting in Vancouver held in May and noted that the automaker was fretting about consumer hesitancy over expensive electric vehicles. Concerns centered around the ailing economy, which has been undermined by higher interest rates and ongoing inflation.
Auto Lobby Says EPA Targets Aren’t Achievable
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) is reportedly prepared to tell the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that its proposal to significantly reduce vehicle emissions through the 2032 model year is wildly unrealistic. The lobbying group believes that the government’s proposed targets are “neither reasonable nor achievable in the timeframe provided."
An internal memo was released on Wednesday, stating that the regulations introduced by the U.S. government earlier this year were so stringent that they were "a de facto battery-electric vehicle mandate.”
Lordstown CEO Claims Foxconn Ignored Him Before Collapse
With the Lordstown Motors Corp. bankruptcy now official, everyone is trying to figure out what exactly happened. This includes CEO Ed Hightower, who is now claiming that the executive leadership at Foxtron — a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group focused on electric vehicles — refused to meet with him in 2022.
Frankly, it seems like everyone is playing the blame game right now. Lordstown is keen to place some heat on the Taiwanese partner it sold its factory to and Foxconn isn’t interested in taking the fall. But let’s see what can be gleaned from Hightower’s interview.
Lordstown Motors Goes Bust
On Tuesday, Lordstown Motors Corp. (LMC) officially filed for bankruptcy and sued Foxconn. Though the writing was already on the wall for the Ohio-based electric vehicle manufacturer. Lordstown’s share price collapsed in 2021 and the company has suffered numerous production delays. This seems to have encouraged the Hon Hai Technology Group/Foxconn to back out of its strategic partnership.
But it’s not bad news for everybody. Former chief executive of Lordstown Motors, Steve Burns, managed to sell off every share of his stock before the company filed for Chapter 11. You might remember him as the executive who abruptly quit the company without explanation shortly after LMC's stock valuation slammed into the pavement.
Fisker Begins U.S. Deliveries in California
As EVs slowly grow in prominence, new automakers have sprung up like spring flowers, but it’s not always clear if they’ll actually produce a vehicle. A quick look around the industry reveals a handful of once-exciting automakers that have since fizzled, but Henrik Fisker’s company isn’t one of them. Despite a long wait for its inaugural EV, Fisker has begun U.S. deliveries of the Ocean SUV, making it one of the few to make it through the gauntlet with a real product.
DeLorean Is Building Hype for the Upcoming Alpha 5 Electric Sports Car
John DeLorean created an automotive cultural force with the shockingly futuristic stainless steel car that wore his last name. The company’s tenure was short, spanning just three years in the early 1980s, but its legacy has lived on, thanks mostly to the significant role it played in the massively popular Back to the Future movies. Though DeLorean has been out of business for 40 years, the brand is getting a rebirth, and its return will include a brand-new car.
Consumer Reports: Some EVs Do Not Shine Brake Lights When Using Regenerative Braking
One-pedal driving is one of the more well-known features of electric vehicles, but Consumer Reports recently voiced concerns that the feature might be more dangerous than initially thought.
Ford Reopens Cologne Facility as EV Plant
On Monday, Ford Motor Co. opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany. Founded in 1930, the facility first produced examples of the Model A intended for the European market. Though the site is probably more famous for manufacturing the Ford Capri and every single generation of the humble Fiesta.
The factory has more recently been the recipient of a $2 billion investment to prepare it for the automaker’s push into electrification. With retooling having concluded, Ford says the plant should boast an annual production capacity of 250,000 electric vehicles.
QOTD: Which Automaker Will Offer Tesla Charging Connectors Next?
We've reported on Ford and GM reaching agreements to use Tesla's EV charging standard.
So the obvious question is -- who's next?
U.S. Fisker Ocean Deliveries to Start Soon
Upstart automakers don’t always have the smoothest path to success, but a few make it through the daunting pre-release vehicle development period and beat the odds. Rivian did it, and now it’s Fisker’s turn. The automaker, helmed by famed auto designer Henrik Fisker, will ship its first EV starting June 19.
The Polestar 2 Just Got Better With New Software Update
Over-the-air updates are a significant benefit to today’s big-screen connected vehicles. Though the “screen for everything” trend can lead to extra driver distraction in some cases, the constant connectivity lets automakers add new features and refine existing functionality without requiring a trip to the dealer. Polestar recently announced such an update for the Polestar 2, which brings YouTube and improvements to the Apple CarPlay function.
Study: People Want to Buy EVs but Costs Are Still Too High
One of the things that EV antagonists often cite is a lack of buyer enthusiasm for electric vehicles. As it turns out, the demand is there, but costs are a significant hurdle for buyers. A recent study from KPMG found that most people are interested in buying an EV, but many cite affordability as a hurdle to ownership.
QOTD: Will EV Shift Force People to Hold On to ICE Vehicles?
A chief scientist at Toyota has said that forcing people to buy EVs could actually make them want to keep their internal-combustion engine vehicles longer.
Texas Will Tax EV Registrations to Make Up for Lost Gas Taxes
Many states and municipalities are all-in on EVs, but the shift has some wondering how they’ll make up for the tax shortfall from falling gasoline sales. A popular solution that gets tossed around is to add a tax to EV registrations to help recoup the lost revenues, and Texas recently passed a new law to remedy the problem.
Ford to Pull Back On Future Chinese Investments
Ford will be scaling down future investments in China, as the company’s chief executive has suggested that there will be “no guarantee” Western automakers can compete with local electric-vehicle rivals. This should have been obvious to American manufacturers who have historically been required to engage in partnerships with Chinese corporations just to sell within the region. But it also speaks to hardships Ford has endured while trying to break into the market.
Lordstown Waves Red Flag Over Potential Souring of Foxconn Deal
Lordstown Motors is back in the headlines with news that it could end up in bankruptcy if it can’t negotiate a dispute with Foxconn. The Taiwanese giant threatened to withhold funding, which could have a dire impact on Lordstown’s ability to operate.
Boston Man Finally Gets EV Charger After 2.5 Year Fight
What does it take to get a home EV charger installed?
Well for one Boston man, it took two and a half years, 37 letters, and four endorsements from councilors.
QOTD: Are YOU Going to Buy an EV Any Time Soon?
I am almost certain we've asked this question, or a variation of it, relatively recently, but I want to ask it anyway in light of recent stories -- are YOU going to, or at least willing to, buy an EV any time soon?
Study: EVs Poised for Astonishing Growth in 2023 and Beyond
Electric vehicles are more common and popular than ever, but a new study shows that we’re just getting started. IEA, a global sustainable energy advocacy firm, recently released a study that shows incredible demand for EVs and a projection of even more growth in 2022.
Poll: Nearly Half of Americans "Unlikely" to Buy an EV As Next Vehicle
A poll making the rounds this month suggests that almost half of Americans wouldn't buy an EV for their next vehicle purchase, due to a lack of reliable charging and high costs.
Honda Speaks About Near Future, EV Plans
Honda has sent us a brief on its hopes and plans for the near future.
Not surprisingly, there's a fair amount of optimism and some gestures toward EV plans.
EV Charging Networks Aren't Making Money
While the automotive sector is habitually discussing how electric vehicle adoption will be spurred on by the country building a more robust charging infrastructure, nobody seems to be talking about how to make charging profitable enough to sustain itself. As of now, government subsidies are helping to ease the financial burden of installing EV charging stations. But their long-term viability is being undermined by the fact that most people prefer charging at home.
SEMA CEO: Electrification Will Cost Aftermarket Jobs
The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, or SEMA, represents thousands of aftermarket and automotive parts companies, giving it a unique level of sensitivity to changes in emissions, safety, and other vehicle regulations. Recent changes to EPA regulations could bring a seismic shift in the automotive market, making a significant portion of new vehicle sales electric early next decade. SEMA’s President recently shared the organization’s thoughts on the issue, which are predictably skeptical of the changes.
Believe It or Not: Lordstown Motors Resumes Production
The Ohio-based Lordstown Motors has reportedly resumed assembly and delivery of its all-electric Endurance pickup this month, after having to pause production in February to address quality concerns.
Which EVs Still Qualify for Federal Tax Credits?
With the guidance having come in on the United States’ updated EV tax credit scheme, outlined in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, we now have a pretty good idea of which electric vehicles still qualify. Stringent content requirement stipulations have certainly culled the roster, however, and helped explain why the automotive sector didn’t have any issues with the government taking its sweet time in making decisions regarding content quotas.
There are only about a dozen models that qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit after April 18th, with a few more being eligible for a partial credit of $3,750.
Volkswagen ID.7: This is It
We've been covering the Volkswagen ID.7 in the lead-up to today's unveiling, and now we have the official deets.
QOTD: Stick or Carrot?
Yesterday we covered the proposed EPA rules and regs from the Biden administration.
Biden Admin Set to Propose Tougher Emission Rules, Boost EV Sales
Word on the street is that the Biden administration is about to propose some of the toughest emission rules the United States has ever seen in a bid to spur electric vehicle adoption. As things currently stand, the U.S. is assumed to be the very last developed nation to fully embrace EVs. But the White House seems to think the premise can be combated via a stringent regulatory framework.
Of course, the government and supportive media outlets are trying to drive home the point that these are not the same as the vehicle mandates being pushed in other countries (and some states like California) that would legally require people to buy electric in the coming years — even if the end result is functionally the same.
Walmart Intends to Install EV Chargers at 1000s of Locations
If a plan from the nation’s largest retailer takes flight, the chargers one will find at Walmart won’t just be for small devices in the electronics department. The company hopes to install EV fast chargers at nearly all its stores across the country.
Study: Hydrogen Power Is Also Bad
Of all the American adages, “there ain't no such thing as a free lunch” has to be the most applicable and it often comes to mind whenever the automotive sector spins itself up over alternative energy vehicles. While it is comforting to assume that novel powertrains are going to create a world where nothing is wasted and no environmental harm is done, the laws of nature don’t really support the theory.
2024 Kia EV9 Officially Debuts, Made in Georgia
While we already covered the powertrains the 2024 Kia EV9 will receive, its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show has given us more to chew on.
2023 NY Auto Show: Hyundai Introduces 2024 Kona
Hyundai took the covers off three variants of its new Kona today, unveiling the standard and N-Line trims plus a continuation of the all-electric model – the latter of which Hyundai will now offer with two battery sizes.
2025 Ram 1500 Rev -- Range Extension
One of the challenges of EV adoption is range, or lack thereof. But as the technology improves, range gets closer and closer to what's offered by internal-combustion vehicles.
See the 2025 Ram 1500 Rev for evidence.
QOTD: What Easter Jeep Speaks to You?
The annual Easter Jeep Safari to Moab, Utah, is almost upon us, and Jeep dropped seven concepts on us in advance of the event. Four are electrified.
GM Blunders So Badly We Thought It Was an April Fool's Joke
General Motors has done something that I think might be a bit dumb. It also had me checking the calendar to make sure it was for real.
These Quirky Electric Trucks Pack Serious Capability
Though they’re all over the streets of gated communities and could essentially be the mascot of Boca Raton, FL, golf carts are not street-legal. Even the most pimped-out cart can’t reach legal speeds and has zero in the way of safety equipment. Club Car, the company responsible for much of Florida’s retiree transportation, aims to change that with its new Urban LSV and XR. The Urban is a funky, tiny pickup truck with an electric powertrain and a small dump truck bed.
QOTD: Missing AM Radio?
I am testing an EV this week -- one of several EVs that doesn't have AM radio.
I gotta say I miss it.
QOTD: How Do You Charge Your EV?
Yesterday we noted that charging EVs in public, at least in the UK, costs more than charging EVs via home chargers.
Today, we're wondering -- how do you charge your EV?
UK Study Says EV Charging Costs More When Done in Public Instead of at Home
In a shocking -- pun and sarcasm intended -- twist, an analysis performed in the UK suggests that it costs $1,800 USD more a year to charge an EV in public than at one's home.
Why Rent a Car When You Can Rent One of These?
An interesting thing happens when a few like-minded people end up living near each other in high-end neighborhoods: golf karts start to appear. The easy-going rides are perfect for putzing around gated communities, but they’re not street-legal. That’s where Moke comes in. Its tiny electric cars are a natural not-a-car vehicle for navigating the quiet streets of retirement communities and beach towns. Now, the company is offering rentals to folks who can’t afford the more than $20,000 purchase price for one of its cars.
EV Tax Credit Changes Have Shuffled EV Sales Rankings
Changes in the EV tax credit rules have been confusing and made it hard to determine which cars are eligible for credits. Some automakers argued that the rules would unfairly harm their business and ability to compete, and we’re now starting to see how some of the changes are shaking out. Automotive News reported that the top eight EVs in the U.S. in January were built in North America, while Hyundai and Kia fell back.
QOTD: Would You Use an EV Truck for "Truck Stuff"?
Mr. Guy wrote yesterday about how Ford F-150 Lightning owners are using their trucks for so-called "truck stuff" as much, if not more, than owners of internal-combustion engine F-150s are.
Lightning Strikes: Trade Secrets Could Hamper Fire Investigation
Alert readers may recall a series of hiccups that have befallen the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning so far this year, including a battery fire in a truck that was parked in a holding pen near company facilities. Ford is obviously working feverishly to fix any problems. One roadblock on the road to repair might involve words this author rarely gets to type: Industrial espionage.
Charging an EV is Still Too Hard, Even in Places Where It Shouldn't Be
Though we’re a little past the early adopter phase of electric vehicles, owners still face challenges that gas vehicles don’t have. Scott Case, a Seattle, Washington-based EV owner, recently took to LinkedIn to outline his charging horror story.
White House: Tesla to Open Charging Network Under Federal Program
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced that Tesla will begin opening up portions of its proprietary charging network to all electric vehicles by the end of 2024. While the move could undermine one of the most desirable aspects of owning a Tesla, by forcing owners to share what’s likely to be the largest and most reliable charging network in the country, the EV purveyor isn’t coming away empty-handed. The arrangement comes under a new $7.5-billion federal program to electrify the nation's highways stemming from the $1-trillion infrastructure package signed in 2021.
Toyota Allegedly Stressing Electrification Under New Leadership
With longtime CEO Akio Toyoda stepping down from Toyota Motor Corp, the business is reportedly about to shift targets and place a greater emphasis on battery-electric vehicles. However, there are a few caveats to that claim and the entire issue is mired in controversy, with entities clearly trying to pressure the Japanese automaker against doing things its own way.
Petitioner Asks NHTSA to Require Noisemakers on Older EVs
Without the need for thousands of tiny explosions and burning liquid dinosaurs, electric vehicles are considerably quieter than those powered by internal combustion. Even so, EVs are required to make noise when traveling slowly, so they don’t surprise pedestrians. The rules cover vehicles manufactured since March 2021, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received a petition to extend the policy.
J.D. Power Survey Suggests Public EV Charging Getting Worse
Over the last couple of years, there have been a series of questionnaires hoping to determine how satisfied people are with the United States EV charging infrastructure. Most have been pretty bleak, suggesting that just about everyone driving an electric car prefers to charge at home. But these surveys have also highlighted a problem with the general unreliability of public charging stations.
Based on the latest data coming from J.D. Power, the issue appears to have worsened. The outlet’s Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study alleges that over 20 percent of all charging attempts failed in 2022.
Opinion: The Hertz EV Gambit Isn’t Paying Off
Hertz has reportedly fallen short of its promise to buy 100,000 electric vehicles from Tesla last year. Though, taking a look at the role EVs are playing in the rental industry right now, the company might actually have made the correct decision.
VinFast Lets Go Staff, Merges North American Operations
Building on yesterday’s report from Chris about hiccups in VinFast delivery, we bring news that the fledgling automaker is laying off numerous employees whilst also folding Canadian operations into its American business. Its chief financial officer also apparently flew the coop.
Report: Nissan Says Solid State Batteries Coming By 2028
Nissan is reportedly on track to have its very first solid-state battery production plant up and running by 2025, with vehicles leveraging the technology by 2028. While these units are supposed to offer increased range and decreased charging times, improving EV ownership, they also have some shortcomings engineering teams have yet to address. However, this hasn’t stopped a majority of manufacturers from pursuing the technology in the hopes of gaining an advantage over the competition as everyone attempts to transition toward all-electric lineups.
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