Kia’s has put a prototype of its all-electric Niro on display in Las Vegas. The model’s 150 kW serial version shall hit the stores before the year’s end. According to the carmaker, it comes with a 64 kWh battery pack and reaches up to 382 km.
Weiterlesen
The Korean alliance announces a serious push of its electric car lineup with 14 new all-electric models to be expected by 2025. That is two cars per year strictly speaking.
Weiterlesen
The South Korean carmaker wants to serial produce its first FCEV by creating a follow-up model with fuel cell drivetrain of its SUV Sorento, according to Business Korea.
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Among all the save-the-world apostles FleetCarma’s video campaign stands out and puts the fun back into the whole driving story. Tagged #EVsAreBetter they released a series of short clips pointing out the obvious and not so obvious advantages of electric cars. Gas butler anyone?
youtube.com (gas butler), youtube.com (all videos)
Aston Martin to limit RapidE: The British want to manufacture no more than 155 units of its all-electric RapidE from 2019. That is just one third of the amount announced initially. The reason is that Aston Martin quit its partnership (for this electric model) with Chinese company Le Eco due to the latter’s financial problems. Pre-orders with a down payment of 10 percent of the total 200,000 pounds shall be possible from August. The electric version of Aston Martin’s DBX is supposed to enter the market by 2019.
reuters.com
Pricing for Renault’s electric Kangoo: In Germany, net prices for the new Kangoo Z.E. with its 33 kWh battery start at 20,820 euros, the cheapest long version Kangoo Maxi is available for 22,820. For the first time, the French offer the battery for sale rather than lease only with its EV.
electrive.net
Seat to electrify its Cupra: The Spanish intend to create electric versions of its performance models called Cupra. So far, the Seat Leon is the only one existing as well in a Cupra version, but in 2018 an Ateca Cupra is to follow. Seat’s first EV model based on the MEB platform is due by 2019.
autoexpress.co.uk
No electrification of Kia’s Stonic: The Korean car manufacturer denies rumours claiming an electric twin of its compact crossover Stonic at launch. Marketing head Seo Bo-won stated that there won’t be a hybrid version neither. The explanation is that Kia seeks to delineate the Stonic from the Niro.
theinvestor.co.kr
BMW extends its U.S. factory: The Germans want to invest 600m dollars in Spartanburg, South Carolina and create 1,000 jobs over the next four years, BMW announced during its X3 model presentation. It seems likely, the planned X3 electric version will be made in Spartanburg from 2019, too.
motortrend.com, businessinsider.com
New electric bus for China: Shenzhen Wuzhoulong Motors has presented a 12 metre electric bus for the Chinese market. The Wuzhoulong F2 Felicity comes with a 250 kW drive from UQM and shall be particularly light and thus particularly energy-efficient.
greencarcongress.com, businesswire.com
Tesla’s China factory ready for realisation? The Californian EV maker is allegedly close to sign an agreement with the city of Shanghai in order to build a Tesla plant in the Lingang development zone. Bloomberg quotes insiders, stating the deal may be done before the week’s end. With the negotiations being private, it remains unclear, who may become Tesla’s joint venture partner required to be allowed to produce in China. Chinese internet giant Tencent only recently accumulated a 5 percent stake in Tesla but their role is likely to help with communications if anything. Once Tesla starts producing in China, the 25 percent import tax would become obsolete.
bloomberg.com
Hyundai gears up FCV: 3,600 units may be made of Hyundai’s new fuel cell serial model based on the FE Fuel Cell Concept presented at the Geneva Auto Salon. If insiders are right, that represents a significant increase compared to the predecessor ix35 Fuel Cell that sold less than 1,000 times to date. Hyundai’s motivation could be to surpass Toyota’s Mirai FCV, which has found almost 3,000 buyers.
businesskorea.co.kr
GAC with concrete strategy: Seven new EV and PHEV models are set for launch before the year’s end, says GAC, thus manifesting previous announcements. The Chinese company wants to electrify 20 percent of the total sales volume of 1m cars by 2020. It also set sight on entering the States by 2019.
greencarcongress.com
Mahindra doubles its investment into e-mobility as it earmarks up to 12bn rupees (167m euros) for its electric transport division. Mahindra Electric is then to provide electric propulsions to Mahindra and other OEMs. A new factory in Chakan to produce EVs and to install battery packs is underway as well.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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First photos of Kia Stonic: Ahead of its official debut at the IAA in September, pictures of Kia’s Stonic have appeared online. Like the recently unveiled Kona, the Korean compact crossover shall have an electric powered twin from launch.
carscoops.com, autodato.com
Phat market entry: 20 mph is the top speed of a new electric scooter supposed to go 30 to 50 miles on a single charge. Made by Arizona start-up Phat Scooters, the battery sits flush under the deck. Pre-orders are possible from this week onwards.
prnewswire.com, electric.phatscooters.com
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In May an impressive 514,759 hybrid cars by Hyundai and Kia have been sold worldwide. Most popular was Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid with 207,299 sales followed by Kia’s K5 hybrid also known as Optima (111,644) and lastly Kia’s Niro hybrid (87,992).
koreaherald.com
First Model Y teaser: At its Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla has allowed a first glance at its Model Y by publishing an image that hides more than it reveals as usual. Still, Elon Musk confirmed at this occasion that their up-coming compact crossover will not be based on the Model 3, but bear its own platform and that sales shall start by 2019. The EV maker expects demand for the Model Y to be even higher than for the Model 3.
electrek.co, teslarati.com
Luxury EV for luxury price: The Fisker Emotion is going to hit the stores in 2019 with prices starting at 129,900 US dollars. Pre-ordering will be possible from 30th of June. Besides these new details, the carmaker also unveiled new images. Technically, the luxury EV shall reach 640 km thanks to an innovative graphen-based energy storage system and is claimed to charge extraordinary fast through Fisker’s proprietary ‘UltraCharger’.
techcrunch.com, theverge.com, insideevs.com
Hyundai to increase EV production: The Koreans intend to increase the production of its Ioniq Electric from 1,200 to 1,800 cars monthly. Currently, clients have to wait 4 – 5 months. Half of the Ioniq production shall address the home market, half is to go abroad.
english.etnews.com
Outline of Kia’s Stonic: The Korean manufacturer has revealed first outlines of its compact crossover Stonic that is to be officially presented at the IAA and to hit the road before the year’s end. As reported, a fully electrified SUV version is part of the plan.
carscoops.com, europe.autonews.com
Climate deal between CA and China: Irrespective Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord, representatives of California and China entered an agreement to work closer together for developing green tech. The MoU includes sectors like renewable energy as well as zero-emission vehicles, energy storage or grid modernisation.
greencarcongress.com
Climbing Tesla insurance rates: AAA wants to increase rates for Model S and Model X owners by up to 30 percent. The insurer detected higher claim frequencies and costlier claims compared to other vehicles. Tesla called the analysis “flawed”.
autonews.com, insideevs.com, greencarreports.com
Strategic transport partnership: Mercedes and courier Hermes have finalised their previous agreement to make deliveries emission free. Hermes wants to deploy 1,500 electric Mercedes Sprinters and Vitos, first in Stuttgart and Hamburg but later nationwide. At the signing ceremony, they further detailed the deal. It includes plans for infrastructure for logistic hotspots, where the batteries assembled in Daimler subsidiary Accumotive’s new facility will be charged. The electric drives have been specifically developed by Mercedes to electrify its van business, which will also receive another 150m euros over the next few years. daimler.com, electrive.net (in German)
Jeep offensive: The outdoor brand wants to offer hybrid versions of most of its eight models, FCA CEO Marchionne announced. The leap into electric terrain is to take place within the next 2-3 years, so it looks like the Yuntu PHEV, displayed in Shanghai, was more than just a concept to test the waters.
marketwatch.com
Lambo likes it large: The Urus SUV by Lamborghini will have 650 hp under the hood. A first production run will see an initial 1,000 units hitting the road next year but Lambo plans to scale up to 3,500 pieces annually. By 2019, the Urus will also come as PHEV variant featuring the same V8 engine.
autonews.com
Spyder up close: The upcoming roadster BMW i8 has been caught on camera and bared almost all, or at least parts of its convertible new side. The innards of the super hybrid are expected to be stronger comes 2018, when a 380 hp engine will be combined with a bigger battery pack.
carscoops.com
Korea gets Kia Niro PHEV: Kia has begun to serve its local market, where it launched the dedicated plug-in hybrid as planned. The Niro went on sale for 33m Won (about 27,000 euros). Europeans will have to wait until autumn for the PHEV and Kia has scheduled an all-electric version for 2018.
yonhapnews.co.kr
Changan too bets on domestic buyers and just announced an electric version of its compact SUVs CS15, that will launch in China later this year. The Changan CS15 EV entails 55 kW and has a said range of up 300 km.
carnewschina.com
4 in 5 victories of this year’s Formula E racing series went to Swiss Sébastien Buemi. The Renault pilot just scored again at the ePrix in Monaco, where he overtook Lucas di Grassi (Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport) and Nick Heidfeld (Mahindra Racing).
electricautosport.com, youtube.com (highlights)
StreetScooter expands enormously: Deutsche Post DHL is taking its EV manufacturing business yet another notch up as the delivery service will open a second factory to produce the StreetScooter. Annual capacity will thus double to 20,000 electric vans and at least 50 percent will be made for third parties. Prices for a StreetScooter start at 32,000 euros and DHL hopes to interest municipalities and/or partners and fleets across Europe. No more specific location other than North Rhine-Westphalia has been given for the new production site yet.
europe.autonews.com, postandparcel.info, dpdhl.com
E-tron Sportback Audi’s 2nd EV? 2018 will see the introduction of Audi’s first fully electric model. However, now another seems to be in the pipeline. Auto Motor und Sport believes the second EV is to be the e-tron Sportback, which could hit the shelves no later than 2019.
auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German)
Kia gears up for its third EV in the meantime as the Korean brand is looking to electrify its compact SUV Stonic. An electric variant may be here as early as next year and will utilise technology from the Hyundai Ioniq Electric allegedly. With a larger battery than its brother in tech, the Kia Stonic EV may get 300 km far. If it makes it to market in time, it would be Kia’s third all-electric model after the Soul and expected Niro.
cleantechnica.com, pushevs.com
Second-hand EVs: Mahindra ventures into the vintage market for electric cars as it authorises its subsidiary Mahindra First Choice Wheels (MFCWL) to open its platform for used EVs. It includes certification and warranty and enables clients to exchange, buy and sell pre-owned electric cars.
indiatimes.com
Ampera-e statistics: The European version of GM’s Bolt EV has made it onto our shores, at least on paper. First registrations of the electric Opel surfaced in Norway (13) and Germany (68) but were most likely logged in by dealers. Get ready to book your test ride. Deliveries officially start in May.
itanywhere.no (Norway), kba.de (Germany)
Talking about shipments: Chrysler is three months behind schedule for the Pacific plug-in hybrid. It will start shipping to U.S. dealerships only after Easter. Chrysler claims quality control for the delay.
insideevs.com
Tesla with record-breaking quarter: The American EV maker has accumulated 25,000 sales in Q1 2017, that’s 69% above the first quarter of 2016 and the company’s best result ever. The Model S accounts for 13,450 sales, the Model X for 11,550. Furthermore, 4,650 EV’s are currently on the way to their new owners and to be reflected in the second quarter’s statistics. Taking those into account, Tesla claims to have set a new record in production: 25,418 EV’s rolled off the lines this quarter.
greencarcongress.com, electrek.co, marketwired.com
Kia to introduce FCV: The Korean carmaker intends to launch its first FCV within three years time. The fuel cell Kia is to use hydrogen technology from Hyundai, due to launch by 2018. The FE Fuel Cell Concept of Hyundai could be seen recently on display in Geneva.
autonews.com
Peugeot to spice up SUV 3008: By 2019 the French carmaker intends to launch a high performance hybrid version of its new SUV 3008. While not quite a GTi, the PHEV will benefit from AWD and 300 hp under the hood. In the same year, Peugeot wants to offer an all-electric version of its 208.
autoexpress.co.uk
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e-mobilbw.de (PDF)
Hybrid SUV by Spyker: Dutch sports car maker Spyker is going hybrid with an SUV dubbed D8 Peking to Paris in memory of the firm’s participation in a rally of the same name in 1907. The luxury SUV is to couple a Koenigsegg V8 with an electric powertrain and may be shown in Geneva next year.
autocar.co.uk
Crazy race: Abt Audi Sports driver Lucas di Grassi’s first win of the season in the Mexico City ePrix was most memorable. The Formula E driver started from 18th position and even had to make an extra pit stop to change his rear wing before taking and keeping the lead.
electricautosport.com, electriccarsreport.com, youtube.com (highlights)
Home charging reloaded: Dutch EV-Box, which has recently been acquired by Engie, launched a new generation of EV charging devices. Elvi combines upgradable power capacity technology, smart interoperable stations as well as a modular design for installation and maintenance. It shall kick-off in both the States and Europe before the year’s end.
ev-box.com
GUL campaign grows: Hyundai Motor UK has joined the Go Ultra Low campaign. The Korean carmaker will add its ix35 FCV and Ioniq EV to the product lineup, which are officially campaigning for the use of plug-in and fuel cell vehicles on the Isles. Hyundai thus joins the likes of Audi, BMW, Kia, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen on the consortium.
am-online.com, businesscar.co.uk
Germany’s charging initiative is working at least for large utilities like E.On. Its regional subsidiaries have handed in applications for more than 700 charging points. Most requests for funding were submitted by Avacon, Bayernwerk, E.DIS and Hansewerk on behalf of municipalities.
upi.com, eon.com
Chargemaster’s Polar network is to take on all former Source East charge points with complimentary upgrades. Source East will go out of business by the end of the month (we reported).
fleetnews.co.uk
100 Soul EV order: Kia sold a whole bunch of its electric cars to one rental company on the Korean island of Udo. 100 Soul EV are on the way. To date, Kia sold 21,000 units worldwide since the Soul EV’s inception in 2014.
koreajoongangdaily.com
Breaking battery news: The 2018 Kia Soul EV is to get a new battery that can use full 30 kWh, up from 27 kWh. This increases the range to 250 km (NEDC) and new colours will be offered as well, documents leaked in Germany revealed. Europeans may order the Korean electric car immediately with deliveries set for June. Prices start from 29,490 euros before incentives, 600 euros more than before.
kia-world.net, electrek.co, auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German)
Risk reduction at Tesla: Ahead of the Model 3, the EV maker plans to raise 1.15bn dollars in equity and debt. CEO Elon Musk said he would invest 25m in shares himself, while the press release claims “risk reduction” as the reason behind this latest quest for money. 250m dollars will be in common stock and 750m in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due in 2022.
electrek.co, greencarcongress.com, ir.tesla.com
Below Tesla is where Lucid Motor pricing positions its Air EV. The start-up just issued the base price for the Lucid Air luxury sedan – 52,500 dollars after federal incentives. Reservations can be made now with a 2,500 dollar deposit. The entry version comes with 294 kW and is just short of 400 km range (386km). Bigger battery packs will offer 500 – 640 km on one charge and up to 735 kW in the AWD variant of the Air. Naturally, the price of the top-of-the-line model will be above 100,000 dollars.
greencarcongress.com, insideevs.com
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Cayenne power hybrid: Porsche plans to spice up its next-gen Cayenne range with a Turbo S E-Hybrid variant, the same 680 hp drive the Panamera hybrid utilises reportedly. Menawhile, spy shots reveal the new 911, which will include a PHEV version, too.
motor1.com (Cayenne), carscoops.com (911)
UK pricing for the Toyota Yaris has just come out. The hybrid with reengineered powertrain will be yours from 15,995 GBP, 200 pounds less than the version it replaces.
carscoops.com
Fuel rules review confirmed: The Trump administration has taken the next step that may make it easier for firms to destroy the planet further. EPA has been charged to review its latest emission standards and decide on whether or not to modify them by April 1, 2018.
electrek.co, epa.gov
Meet Sedric, Volkswagen’s first truly driverless concept. The name stands for “self-driving car” and the electric vehicle is SAE level 5 autonomous and consequently comes without a steering wheel or pedals. Instead it bears a little garden in the front similar to Rinspeed’s Oasis study. If Sedric sees the sun, make it into serial production that is, it could serve car and ride sharing services.
greencarcongress.com, electriccarsreport.com, youtube.com (presentation in Geneva)
Kia got the whole hybrid family together in Geneva, where the Korean carmaker displays both the PHEV variants of the Niro and the Optima Sportswagon. Both shall hit the market early this autumn.
caradvice.com, 4-traders.com
Hyundai’s hydrogen concept: The FE Fuel Cell Concept is on display in Geneva. It comes equipped with Hyundai’s 4th gen H2 technology, that is said to be 20 percent lighter and 10% more efficient than the one used inside the ix35 Fuel Cell. The study could go as far as 800 km and elements of it may make it into Hyundai’s H2 SUV due in 2018.
carscoops.com, autocar.co.uk, hyundai.news
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Super-fast and extra-strong Zoe: Renault took its little EV and gave it a mighty makeover. The ZOE e-sport Concept boasts two electric drives that propel it with 460 hp from 0 – 100 in 3.2 seconds. The French’s involvement in the Formula 1 shows here and while the power Zoe will never see a regular road, “she” serves as proof of concept beautifully.
autocar.co.uk, carscoops.com, youtube.com
Bentley sportive in Geneva: The British surprise in Switzerland as they presented an electric sports car. The two-seater EXP 12 Speed 6e EV Concept is based on the 2015 EXP 10 Speed 6 hybrid study. This year, the EV is top less but details are scarce.
autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk, electriccarsreport.com
PSA buys Opel: The deal is done, the French group acquired GM’s Opel/Vauxhall brand for 2.2bn euros and thus creates a new European car force. The agreement includes the Ampera-e aka Chevy Bolt technology but Peugeot, Citroen and now Opel would be wise to develop their own electric offering rather sooner than later. PSA is indeed determined to make its new family member profitable within three years, although Opel recorded its 16th consecutive full-year loss. GM will receive 1.32bn euros for the brand’s manufacturing arm in both cash and PSA share warrants. The remaining 900m euros will be paid by the Paris-based carmaker and BNP Paribas for the financing side of Opel-Vauxhall.
reuters.com, greencarcongress.com, autonews.com
This is the first EQ Power+ model and also Mercedes AMG’s premier in-house developed sedan. While the teaser video does not reveal too much of the AMG GT Concept destined to debut in Geneva, it will almost certainly be offered as PHEV, because it bears the EQ Power+ label visibly – EQ Power+ reportedly is the new label Daimler reserved for high performance hybrids.
youtube.com, autoevolution.com, autocar.co.uk
Indian e-racer? Mahindra wants to utilise its Italian design studio Pininfarina for its own line-up to develop an electric sports car. A feasibility study is underway already, according to the Economic Times, and will be completed within the next three to six months.
indiatimes.com
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Scan&Charge enables ad-hoc charging via QR code, without the need to register with a service provider. Scan&Charge is free-of-charge for all Charging Point Operators. EV drivers simply need to scan the image and select a payment method to start charging. Billing can be done by the minute or kWh. Get ad-hoc charging on your network for free today! www.plugsurfing.com
Tesla readies its Korea launch with first showrooms due to open soon in Seoul and Hanam. Furthermore, the EV maker is setting up Superchargers as well as a network of Destination Chargers.
yonhapnews.co.kr (showrooms), koreatimes.co.kr (infrastructure)
Polaris wants to build e-motorcycles again despite the defeat of its Victory brand. A new electric motorbike will bear the label Indian and can be expected within 4 – 5 years, the company said.
reuters.com
Kia electric in China: The Korean carmaker plans to use its Chinese JV Dongfeng Yueda Kia to build an electric sedan this year. The 300E from the sub-brand Horki is based on the Kia Cerato and will only be available in China, where Kia just started to sell its hybrid Niro as well. The crossover goes from 149,800 yuan (about 20,500 euros) and thus rivals BYD’s Yuan SUV that costs 50,000 yuan more. Kia has to act aggressively as its sales in China plummeted by almost 40% from a year earlier.
theinvestor.co.kr
EV-only Opel to go through? GM’s European brand may indeed go all-electric as planned even if sold to PSA, Manager Magazin reports. GM would licence its electric car tech to the French group, at least for the Ampera-e. So it is possible PSA will put the idea Opel had been working on into practice.
autonews.com, manager-magazin.de (original source)
Kia Niro fully electric by 2018: Like Hyundai with the Ioniq, Kia is to electrify the Niro successively. Already this year, the hybrid crossover will get a plug and by 2018, there will be a Niro EV, COO Michael Cole announced. The E-Niro will utilise the Ioniq Electric’s motor.
autorai.nl via carscoops.com, greencarreports.com
Schaeffler completed the acquisition of Compact Dynamics as planned. With the integration of the expert for electric drives, Schaeffler strengthens its e-mobility activities.
schaeffler.de
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Electric GT to kick off in England: The world’s first electric GT racing series, which uses remodelled Tesla Model S P100D, will launch at the UK Silverstone Circuit on August, 12. More races will take place in the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal Spain and France until November.
autocar.co.uk
Land Rover Defender inspired: Chemical company Ineos plans to build a hybrid and/or entirely electric 4×4 that takes inspiration from the Defender, Autocar reports. 2020 is set as production start and the firm plans to produce up to 15,000 units annually.
autocar.co.uk
Toyota pushes hybrids in India,where it just launched the Camry Hybrid as well as the new Prius. The Japanese see India as a “crucial” market for green technology. Also, Indian carmaker Mahindra Electric wants to scale up production at its Karnataka facility from 2,000 to 5,000 units by next year.
businessinsider.in (Toyota), business-standard.com (Mahindra)
Research tip: Enter the minds of Tesla buyers and you find that Model 3 reservists are ready to pay 48,000 dollars. The main difference between Model S and X owners is that the latter spent 30% more on their car. Both groups are of an average age of 53, while Model 3 holders are ten years younger.
teslarati.com
Reading tip: Kia’s Niro has joined a fleet and Stuart Milne looks back at the first 800+ miles with the dedicated hybrid. While it looks are rather “prosaic,” its economy translated into the real world and stands at a “respectable” 51 mpg.
autoexpress.co.uk
Subsidy update from China: According to Reuters, the Chinese government has published a new list of electric and hybrid cars eligible for subsidies. It contains 185 models so far and will be amended at a later date. It now also includes cars with batteries from LG Chem and Samsung SDI, which were excluded in 2016.
reuters.com
Subaru XV as hybrid: Subaru will premier its second generation XV at the Geneva Motor Show. So far, the XV is only offered as a hybrid in Japan and the U.S., but will now also debut in Europe. The platform, on which the XV is based, would also allow for a pure EV model.
autocar.co.uk
BYD increases output: The Chinese manufacturer wants to increase production of electric and hybrid vehicles this year in order to cut cost. The reason is that the Chinese government has lowered subsidies by about 20 percent. A loss that the company now needs to compensate by slashing production cost by about 5-10 percent.
chinadaily.com.cn
Scotland to ban combustion engines? To reach the country’s CO2 reduction goals, a new strategy paper suggests setting up an energy task force that will ban all diesel and petrol cars from cities by 2025. The government is expected to publish the draft next week. To what point the energy task force will be mentioned remains to be seen.
dailyrecord.co.uk
New Outlander priced: Mitsubishi UK now offers the new generation of the plug-in variant starting at 34,749 pounds (before the 2,500 pound subsidy). The new model comes with an “EV Priority Mode” and shorter charging times.
electriccarsreport.com
Kia Niro Hybrid gets price tag: The car will start at 22,890 dollars in the U.S. and will already roll to dealerships there in the first three months of 2017. Pricing for higher trim levels nor the destination charged were announced so far.
hybridcars.com
Five new e-trons for China: Audi and its Chinese joint venture partner signed off their 10-year strategic plan. Next to forming its own brand for mobility and digital services, the two companies are also planning to produce five more e-tron models in China, on top of the already scheduled A6 L e-tron und Q7 e-tron, and introduce them to the market there. That includes purely electric vehicles.
greencarcongress.com, electrek.co, audi-mediacenter.com
Diesel-ban in Oslo: The Norwegian capital banned private diesel cars from its roads on Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The ban could be extended. German magazine Der Spiegel reports that Oslo even wants kick all vehicles with combustion engines out of the inner city ring by 2024.
thelocal.no, theguardian.com, spiegel.de (in German)
Kia Stinger update: According to Auto Express, Kia could launch an all-electric version of the Kia Stinger GT, which it presented at the Detroit Motor Show. The sleek five-door GT would then rival the upcoming Tesla Model 3, but is not said to hit the road before 2019. But it could then be fitted with level 3 or 4 autonomous features.
autoexpress.co.uk
SUV Aircross as PHEV: Citroën wants to introduce its SUV Aircross to the Chinese market at the end of the year. It will also be available as a seven-seater, as well as a plug-in hybrid from 2018.
carnewschina.com
Rollout plan: GM has published a rollout schedule for the Chevrolet Bolt in the U.S. The EV is currently only available at dealerships in California and Oregon, but can already be ordered in a total of seven states. By September, the Bolt will be available across the United States.
insideevs.com
Tesla referral programme: Tesla launched a new round of its referral programme until March 15th. Clients who successfully refer seven new buyers will receive two invitation to the Model 3 delivery event. Those who sell five vehicles get a limited-edition Powerwall and those with three successful referrals get a Model S for kids. Tesla also kicked off an annual awards programme. The first person to successfully refer 20 new buyers in each sales region – North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific – will get a Tesla Model S or X P100D.
electrek.co, teslarati.com
Hybrid anniversary gift: The Mercedes-AMG hyper car that will hit the road for the companies 50th anniversary, will be called Project One. It will be presented at this year’s IAA. Mercedes-AMG meanwhile released a new teaser and confirmed that the vehicle will be fitted with the hybrid drivetrain from the current Formula One racer.
autocar.co.uk, gtspirit.com, topgear.com
New Autopilot programme lead: Chris Lattner, an 11-year Apple veteran and creator of the Swift programming language, has taken a new job as Vice-President of Autopilot Software at Tesla. He takes over the steering wheel from Jinnah Hosein, SpaceX’s Vice President of Software, who will now fully focus his time on the space venture.
electrek.co, teslarati.com, tesla.com
New electrified car? Kia unveiled a four-door sports limousine called Stinger at the NAIAS in Detroit. Autocar reports that the new car could be made available as a hybrid variant – and possible even as a purely electric vehicle.
autocar.co.uk
BYD expands: The Chinese manufacturer wants to kick off construction of two new factories in Latin America before the end of the year. It will serve as production site for electric busses for the local market, as well as complement existing production facilities for the U.S., Hungary, and Brazil.
chinadaily.com
Chinese Munro Motor presented a retro-style electric moped. The Munro 2.0 weighs just above 35 kg and features a Bosch electric motor. Top speed is capped at 28 mph (45 kph and the exchangeable battery pack has enough capacity for 30 miles (50 km) of range. In China, pricing start at around 800 dollars, while the e-moped will be offered in the U.S. for 1,700 dollars from April.
techcrunch.com, electrek.co
Finer emission testing: EU nations voted for stricter emission rules for gasoline engines. Real-world emissions testing will thus include ultrafine particles. The new rules will apply for all new car models by September 2017, although carmakers had called for the rules to be delayed until 2019. By September 2018, all new vehicles will have to abide.
europe.autonews.com
VW got a deal on 3l diesels: Volkswagen reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of California on 3.0L diesels. The German carmaker will pay 225m dollars into an environmental fund and 25m to CARB. But VW is also allowed to recall 75% of diesels (63,000) in order to bring them into compliance – if EPA and CARB approve the measure and a judge the deal.
greencarcongress.com
BMW 5 PHEV pricing: BMW UK issued pricing for the 5 series plug-in hybrid. The 530e start at 43,985 GBP and will hit the shelves in February 2017.
carsuk.net, bmwgroup.com
Tesla takes credit: The EV maker added 500m dollars to its credit lines as it prepares to expanse its production facilities for the Model 3. The deal increased two existing debts with Deutsche Bank.
electrek.co
The anti-Prius: Kia has made a true Prius-fighter with the Niro. Apart from being an efficient hybrid equipped with “fancy technology”, the Niro is “as normal as possible” according to Joel Stocksdale.
autoblog.com
Review Renault: Neil Winn drove the 2016 Renault Zoe R90 Signature and found an electric car that is suitable for more people “than ever” as its range improved a lot with the 41 kW/h battery.
autocar.co.uk
The Opel Ampera-e can now be ordered in Norway, where it will become available this spring, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The EV is listed for the equivalent of 32,300 euros, though the price won’t translate to other markets. With the exception of Norway, where every Opel dealer will offer the Ampera-e, the car will only be sold at select locations, while the number available is also limited. In the U.S. the first three Chevy Bolt have now been delivered to customers in San Francisco.
carscoops.com, opel.com (Opel), insideevs.com (Bolt)
Zoe gets CCS: Eric Feunteun, head of emobility at Renault, confirmed to French Autoactu that the Zoe will be equipped with a CCS inlet by 2019. Whether the current generation Renault Zoe can support 150 kW is not clear but likely, since Renault is expected to use the same battery technology in models to come.
autoactu.com (in French), insideevs.com
Honda electrifies: The Japanese want to offer plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars in its small car segment by 2020, Autocar reports, quoting Honda’s head of sales Jean Marc Streng. The Honda Jazz could be one of the first models to be fitted with an electric drivetrain.
autocar.co.uk
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Change of personnel: Gilles Normad will become Senior Vice-President Electric Vehicles at Renault from January 1st. Normad previously headed the automaker’s Asia/Pacific region, focusing on the expansion into China. The French are now gearing up for a surge in EVs and also hired a chief engineer for electric drivetrains.
europe.autonews.com, renault.com
Musk to advise Trump: The Tesla CEO, as well as Uber boss Travis Kalanick have joined Donald Trump’s advisory council called Strategic and Policy Forum. Though Musk was most likely asked to join the team not for him pushing electric cars, but his company SpaceX.
insideevs.com, electrek.co
Kia Niro Hybrid reviewed: It’s a good car for those who don’t like the futuristic lines of the Toyota Prius, but essentially, the latter is the better hybrid, Auto Express finds. Though unlike the Japanese, Kia uses lithium-ion polymer technology, doubling its battery’s energy density and cutting down weight.
autoexpress.co.uk
New Nissan EVs? The Leaf might get company soon as Nissan considers to electrify more segments. A small EV with technology from the Renault Zoe is possible, while an electric SUV or crossover may be offered on the European market. Nissan invested 5.4bn dollars in electric cars such as the Leaf and must make sure to satisfy “as many types of customer as possible,” Gareth Dunsmore, head of Nissan’s EV programme in Europe said.
autoexpress.co.uk
BYD growing in Europe: The IAA saw the Chinese firm present an electric coach for sightseeing and shuttle duties which can travel up to 200 km on one charge. Furthermore, BYD plans to build a production facility for buses in Europe, which will likely be set up in Hungary.
motorindiaonline.in
How to order a Chevy Bolt: GM released the Chevy Bolt EV “Ordering Guide” that lists all available options. CCS fast-charging is 750 dollar extra for example. Colours range from metallic to blue and red. There is only one 60 kWh battery option as expected.
insideevs.com
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e-Up facelift: The new e-Up has arrived at Volkswagen dealers. The updated electric version is available from 26,900 euro. Both the stadard equipment as well as infotainment functions have been extended, while the range of the small electric car remains the same.
volkswagen-media-services.com
Soul update: Kia is tweaking its Soul crossover range. The design will be updated and a new petrol engine offered. If the Kia Soul EV will be improved, i.e. with longer range, is not yet known.
fleetnews.co.uk
Audi loses its drive as its head of powertrain development, Stefan Knirsch, stood down following his suspension by the brand. Knirsch is accused of being involved in the Volkswagen diesel scandal.
autocar.co.uk, audi-mediacenter.com
Daimler goes electric: German Automobilwoche reports that Daimler wants to bring six to eight electric Mercedes between 2018 and 2024. The focus will be on SUV and crossover models, but a few compact cars and sedans are also in the pipeline. There will be no sub-brand for electric vehicles, but a clearly identifiable product line.
automobilwoche.de (in German), autonews.com
German emobility in numbers: A total of 895 new electric cars were newly registered in Germany in August, 7.7 percent more than in the same month last year. Hybrid cars even saw an increase of 84.5% compared to August 2015, with a total of 3,927 units sold. 836 of those were plug-in hybrids – also 46.7% than last year.
kba.de (in German), autonews.com
Hyundai and Kia face hurdle: Since China no longer certifies batteries from Samsung SDI and LG Chem made in South Korea (we reported), the planned introduction of Hyundai’s and Kia’s PHEV models there could fail. If batteries are not certified, the cars don’t qualify for government subsidies, making them not competitive enough for the Chinese market.
koreatimes.co.kr
Model S P90D get downgrade: With the 100 kWh version now available, Tesla has scrapped Ludicrous mode for the 90 kWh variant. Meaning that everyone with a need for speed will have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets.
insideevs.com
Polish luxury EV is coming: The Varsovia Motor Company has presented a concept an electric luxury sedan with range extender called ‘Varsovia.’ It said to have an all-electric range of 350 km and will make it all of 500 km with the ReX. About 50 Varsovia per year will be available form 2018.
autoguide.com
Electric remake: Back in 2011, Dutch manufacturer Savage Rivale hat presented the topless supercar Roadyacht GTS, which never made it to production. Now, Japanese start-up Green Lord Motors wants to release an all-electric version. Details will be made public at the Salon d’Automobile in Paris.
motorauthority.com
BYD announces new EVs: The Chinese manufacturer has announced two new all-electric SUVs for China. The Song EV with a range of 270 km will be unveiled soon and become available before the end of the year. Just like the Yuan EV, said to go 250 km on one charge. Moreover, the Song EV could replace the originally planned plug-in hybrid version.
pushevs.com
H2 update from Hyundai: The Korean carmaker has unveiled details about its future fuel cell plans. The second FCV will arrive at dealerships in 2018, and will be sold from 53,400 dollars. Range is said to 600 km. Moreover, Hyundai says it will present its first fuel cell bus before the end of the year.
koreaherald.com
Kia Optima gets price tag: The plug-in version of the Kia Optima will sell for 31,495 pounds in the UK, including subsidies. Meanwhile, Autocar and Autoexpress took the brand’s first PHEV for a spin. The latter complains that in real life, the all-electric range is much less than on paper, while Autocar says the low price makes it a true competitor for Mitsubishi and Volvo.
fleetnews.co.uk, carscoops.com (pricing), autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk (test drive)
Topless BMW i8: A prototype of the i8 Roadster that will reportedly hit the road 2018, has been spotted during testing at the Nürburgring. For some unexplainable reason, the car sported an i6 logo in the back – maybe just to confuse journalists.
autoevolution.com, youtube.com
Power hybrid arrives in Japan: Honda is now accepting orders for the U.S. built NSX hybrid sports car. Pricing starts at 23.7m yen, or almost 236,000 dollars. Deliveries will start at the end of February 2017.
greencarcongress.com
World heritage visit: Since recently, a sightseeing catamaran with a hybrid propulsion system takes visitors the world heritage site Nærøyfjord in western Norway. It has room for 399 passengers and in the conservation area, the “Vision of the Fjords” travels on battery-power only.
navico-commercial.com
Tesla upgrades to 100 kWh: The EV maker now offers its Model S and X with a 100 kWh battery pack. The Model S 100D has a range of 315 miles (613 km) and is the first EV to exceed the 300-mile-threashold. Able to go from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds, the Model S 100D with Ludicrous is also the third fasted production car ever made. The range of the Model X increases to 289 miles.
engadget.com, tesla.com, greencarcongress.com
Denza EV with endurance: Daimler and BYD have upped the range of their jointly build model for China. The Denza 400 now has a 62 kWh battery pack (up from 47.5 kWh), allowing it to go up to 400 km on one charge. Why can’t Daimler offer a similar electric car in the other corners of the world?
autocar.co.uk, greencarcongress.com
FF EV caught on camera: First images of the upcoming electric car from Faraday Future have surfaced online. Even though the testing vehicle is still heavily camouflaged, it is clear that we have a crossover model similar to the Tesla Model X to look forward to.
electrek.co
Strict rules for utility vehicles: The U.S. EPA and DOE have determined fuel efficiency standards for utility vehicles from 2021 to 2027. Tractor units, for example, will then have to emit 25 percent less CO2 than allowed in 2018.
automotive-business-review.com, epa.gov
Soul gets makeover: The Kia Soul has gotten a small facelift. Next to some minor updates, it now comes in five different colours. The electric variant sells from 42.75m won (38.300 USD) in South Korea.
koreaherald.com
More money for electric mobility: The German federal state of Hesse announced that it will increases grants for electric mobility from 1.5 to 2.3m euros for 2017. The money will be spent on pilot projects, practical applications and community mobility hubs. Another 5m euros annually will be earmarked to purchase electric buses and help develop EV charging infrastructure.
bundesverkehrsportal.de (in German)
Mercedes’ electric label is taking form as MEQ. The suggestion is based on Daimler’s registration of a series of model names starting with EQ found by Auto Express. They range from EQA through to EQX, plus the protected slogans ‘EQ inside,’ ‘EQ boost’ and ‘Generation MEQ.’ It is believed that the EQS, an electric sedan, will introduce the new style at Daimler and pose a high-end competitor for Tesla. While Mercedes officially denies all naming games, it recently mentioned an eco subbrand.
autoexpress.co.uk
Revero revealed: Karma Automotive issued the first picture showing the Fisker Karma successor. The lineage is obvious but technical details are scarce. The Revero will have a solar roof and is said to have “super-charging capabilities,” according to Karma. On-sale is set for September, 08.
greencarreports.com, electriccarsreport.com, prnewswire.com
1m EV for Poland: Within ten years 1 million electric vehicles shall roam Polish roads. The goal has been set by the government that plans to issue grants and tax rebates details of which are yet to emerge. Several car sharing projects are planned and Poland asks its towns for ideas also.
dw.com
Baby NSX expected: Honda trademarked ZSX thus spawning speculation of an upcoming small version of the NSX. An engineer hinted at a concept to debut in Detroit next year. If the ZSX holds up it will likely come in the form of a hybrid coupe concept with two electric in-wheel motors.
carscoops.com
Hyundai i30 Ioniq? The Korean started teasing the upcoming i30 set to debut in Paris in October. It is expected to be the first model to also benefit from the Ioniq’s electric motor line-up, meaning there may well be a hybrid or plug-in hybrid i30 in the making. Hyundai has not confirmed that.
autoexpress.co.uk
Kia Niro review: It is the company’s first dedicated hybrid and it has hit the shores of Kia’s best-trading market overseas, Great Britain. The Niro found favour with Motoring as they liked the design in particular as well as the smooth switch from electric to petrol mode. Alas, the gear shifts not as effortlessly.
motoring.co.uk
Renault to build EVs with Russia? Rosseti, a Russian utility provider is in talks with Renault for setting up a local production afacility for electric cars. The Moscow region in particular is seen as potent market, where up to 110,000 units could be sold by 2020. By 2030, up to 300,000 EVs could roam Russia, said Roman Berdnikov, Rosseti’s director. Renault has not commented.
automobil-produktion.de, sk.ru (in Russian)
Mercedes electric line substantiated: Daimler is pushing its plans for new electric models. Insiders speak of two electric SUV and two sedan set for launch within this decade and under a dedicated electric sub-brand. The first EV will be build in Bremen together with the fuel cell GLC.
bloomberg.com
Tesla to scale up: 2,200 EV per week shall leave the lines in Fremont this quarter. For Q4 their number is set to increase to 2,400 units, Tesla plans. The company has struggled to fulfil projected production in Q2 but still aims to deliver 50,000 Model S and X until the year’s end. On the energy front, Tesla plans to make its own inverters to connect its products to SolarCity – given the merger gets the go ahead.
shareholder.com (production outlook), electrek.co (SolarCity)
PHEV Corvette? Chevrolet is expected to launch edition no. 8 of its epic Corvette in 2019 and it looks as if there might be a plug-in hybrid version in the making. The idea has been inserted into the public sphere by former GM manager and outspoken car commentator Bob Lutz.
detroitnews.com via greencarreports.com
Kia for Rio: The Korean carmaker plans a crossover version of its Rio supermini. The Rio SUV may arrive as a plug-in hybrid late next year with hybrid technology taken from the Niro.
autoexpress.co.uk
BMW 740Le xDrive review: Hilton Holloway got to drive the hybrid luxury model, which he calls one of BMW’s “mightiest technical achievements to date.” Power is mainly down to the engine as the electric motor only works until it hits 50 mph. Holloway however finds the motor noise a “real issue.”
autocar.co.uk
SolarCity-Tesla merger gets green light: As announced, Elon Musk will combine his two co-founded companies under one roof and will pay 2.6bn dollars for SolarCity in an all-stock transaction. The merger will be completed before the end of the year, and save the companies 150m dollars in costs in the first full year after closing.
autoblog.com, businessinsider.de, solarcity.com
Sono presents electric minivan: The Munich-based start-up took the wraps off its promising electric vehicle – a minivan that seats six and will sell for 16,000 euros. Range is given at 250 km. On top of a 30 kWh battery pack, the EV is fitted with a solar roof for an extra 30 km of range and comes with fast-charging capabilities. Sono wants to finance crash tests and test drives with crowdfunding and kick off production in 2018.
sonomotors.com, youtube.com (video presentation)
Is Daimler planning an electric sprinter? For the next generation of transporters, the manufacturer apparently wants to add an all-electric variant to its portfolio, trucks.com reports. The model is thus in early stages of planning, but could hit the road before the end of the decade.
trucks.com
Kia Niro Hybrid a hit: According to Thomas Oh, COO of Kia Motors, the Niro Hybrid is already selling better in South Korea than anticipated. The carmaker expects to sell some 40,000 units in the U.S. and 20,000 in Europe in the coming year and confirmed that an all-electric version is in the pipeline.
autocar.co.uk
Plug-in for China: Chinese carmaker GAC Motor has introduced its GA3S PHEV sedan to its home market. The liquid-cooled battery allows for an all-electric range of up to 70 km. Moreover, GAC will open a new plant with a yearly production capacity of 150,000 units in Guangzhou in August; it could also harbour the production of electric and hybrid vehicles.
greencarcongress.com
BMW i3 94Ah reviewed: The car’s first major upgrade is said to give it considerably much more range, though its test drivers make no mention of whether or not they were able to achieve the 124 miles on one charge promised by BMW. They also had a little trouble with the strong regenerative breaking, which does take some getting used to.
autocar.co.uk
Audi to Speed Up electrification: Details of Audi’s new roadmap have been leaked ahead of a meeting with managers today. CEO Rupert Stadler will call to “Speed Up” the process of modernisation as Audi will push for electrification, digitalisation and autonomous driving. The sectors will receive one third of the R&D budget, while other divisions must expect to be cut down. Audi aims for electric cars to account for a quarter of its sales by 2025.
reuters.com, europe.autonews.com
VW to make EVs in America: The German carmaker considers to turn facilities in Tennessee and Mexico into electric car factories. Hinrich Woebcken, head of VW’s North American operation did not go into detail, but the move could happen as early as 2020.
boerse-go.de (in German)
No autonomous experiments: The Chinese government warns carmakers to refrain from testing autonomous driving on highways until the regulators have worked out new rules. A draft is ready, yet no date for finalisation has been set. Question is, if this ban concerns Tesla’s Autopilot as well?!
europe.autonews.com
EV batteries made in Chechnya: South Korean Kokam is building a lithium-ion battery plant in the Russia’s so-called federal subject. The facility stands in Tashkala, a suburb of the capital Grozny, and is build with Russian partner ChechenNefteKhimProm. Already next month, a division is to start production with an initial capacity of 30 MWh. It shall eventually go up to an annual output of 125 MWh.
maerkte-weltweit.de (in German)
Please refer: Tesla has renewed its referral programme for the 5th time. The top prize for this new round is a Model X P90D. More intriguing though is the announcement of invites for the next “Unveiling Event” for ten referrals. Maybe it will be the new Roadster or the Model Y?!
electrek.co, insideevs.com
Kia Hybrid arrives in the UK: The Korean’s dedicated hybrid, the Kia Niro, can now be ordered on the isles. Prices start at 21,295 GBP for the basic version.
carscoops.com, fleetnews.co.uk
