Which EV fast-charging community doesn’t have horrible reliability?

Which firm that’s “all-in” on EVs pushed again in opposition to regulators’ targets?

That is our look again on the Week In Reverse—proper right here at Inexperienced Automotive Experiences—for the week ending July 7, 2023.

Ford broke new floor in making a hybrid powertrain normal when it launched its Maverick compact truck two years in the past. However the 37-mpg hybrid now prices $1,500 additional within the 2024 Ford Maverick and means the entry value of the Maverick Hybrid is greater than $5,000 greater than it initially was. 

2023 Ford Maverick

Rolls-Royce dedicated to going totally electrical by 2030 a pair years in the past, however it begins that journey later this 12 months with first deliveries of its first EV ever. The backstory of how the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV took kind is attention-grabbing in itself, though you’ll additionally wish to learn this Rolls-Royce Spectre first drive. 

Rivian made progress ramping up EV manufacturing within the second quarter of the 12 months, in response to outcomes launched by the corporate earlier this week. It says the numbers “stay in step with firm expectations” as R1T pickups, R1S SUVs, and EDV vans roll out of its Illinois meeting plant. 

Volkswagen ID.Buzz self-driving prototype testing in Austin, Texas – July 2023

Volkswagen is shifting its autonomous-vehicle program on after the now-defunct Argo.AI, and it’s utilizing its ID.Buzz electrical van for U.S. autonomous-tech testing—initially on the streets of Austin. But it surely ought to be famous that VW’s utilizing the shorter-wheelbase model it gained’t promote to Individuals.

Fiat on Wednesday confirmed its tiny Topolino electrical minicar, in addition to the 600e compact crossover that aligns intently with the 500X crossover that’s been provided within the U.S. There aren’t any American plans for both of those fashions, although, in response to Fiat, however the 500e EV stays on schedule for early 2024. 

2024 Fiat Topolino

Fiat’s father or mother firm, Stellantis, additionally detailed one of many 4 platforms that may underpin as much as 2 million EVs yearly throughout its many manufacturers. The STLA Medium platform will provide quick charging and effectively over 300 miles of vary in some kinds. It’s anticipated to be the spine of a number of essential mainstream EVs for Europe—suppose Peugeot, Citroën, and maybe Fiat—and can kind the premise for fashions which might be primarily compact by U.S. requirements. 

This week marked the tip of the EPA’s remark interval for pending light-vehicle emissions guidelines that may require vastly better EV gross sales over the following decade, and amongst many arguments GM’s feedback stood out. Regardless of its aspiration to make its whole light-duty automobile lineup all-electric by 2035, GM is worried about assembly 50% EVs by 2030 in a variety of car units outlined by regulators. 

2023 Tesla Mannequin X – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

In response to a petition, the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) this week reopened an investigation into unintended acceleration in Tesla autos. Doubtlessly affecting each Tesla ever made, the investigation will look into allegations suggesting a design flaw in Tesla’s inverters.

Common Motors has acquired a agency that makes software program serving to to establish EV battery points, together with thermal runaway occasions and different battery failures. The agency’s options are particularly engaging, GM explains, as a result of they don’t require further {hardware} or sensors.  

Michelin Uptis airless tire on French postal van

Airless tire tech has lengthy been seen as a key expertise for electrical and autonomous autos. Now France’s postal service will probably be testing Michelin’s Uptis airless tires in supply vans, in what might turn into an essential real-world proof level. 

The automotive provider ZF final week urged that, with a Porsche Taycan as its prototype, it’s in a position to spice up cold-weather EV vary by as much as a 3rd with a revamped thermal administration system and propane-based warmth pump. It exhibits there should still be some vital vary beneficial properties to attain with out upsizing batteries. 

Tesla Supercharger

And up to date J.D. Energy information means that fast-charging reliability is abysmal when all however Tesla Supercharging. Will the shift to Tesla’s NACS connector in future EVs lengthen Tesla’s constant expertise to different manufacturers?

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