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Scout reveals electric Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, due in 2027

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Scout reveals electric Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, due in 2027

  • The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup arrive in 2027
  • Scout said the EVs will have up to 350 miles of range; 500 miles with the range extender
  • Pricing is said to start at under $60,000

Scout Motors on Thursday unveiled concept versions of an electric SUV and pickup truck the new Volkswagen Group brand aims to start manufacturing in 2027 at its new $2 billion South Carolina factory. The concepts are about 85% accurate to the production models, according to Scout.

The Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup truck are based on a new body-on-frame platform that’s exclusive to the Scout, with four-wheel drive and a solid rear axle. The old school layout is intended to maximize off-road capability and towing capacity, which Scout estimates at more than 10,000 pounds for the pickup and 7,000 pounds for the SUV, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds for both models.

Scout Traveler SUV concept

Scout Traveler SUV concept

Body-on-frame construction also ties the Scout EVs to the original Scout trucks manufactured by International Harvester from 1961-1980. VW got the rights to the name through its acquisition of successor company Navistar in 2020. That’s also reflected in retro styling that references the original Scout vehicles with features like rectangular grilles and a kicked-up lower rear window line on the Traveler SUV, which will also be available with a Cabana Top offering a larger roof opening than a typical sunroof.

In contrast to the Volkswagen ID EVs, Scout also emphasizes tactility with mechanical door handles and analog controls. This should help contribute to Scout’s goal of easy repairability. The brand claims approximately 80% of repairs can be performed without having to go to a dealership.

Scout Traveler concept

Scout Traveler concept

A front bench seat is another throwback feature, although a conventional setup of front bucket seats with a center console will be available. Modern touches include a 16.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Terra measures in at 229.2 inches long while the Traveler checks in at 207.9 inches long, and both models are 91.6 inches wide. Scout said both models are designed to accommodate 35-inch tires, offer over a foot of ground clearance, and can ford least three feet of water. They’ll also be offered with a front sway bar disconnect and front and rear mechanical lockers to further enhance off-road capability. On pavement, up to 1,000 lb-ft of torque will get the trucks from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, Scout claims.

Scout Terra concept

Scout Terra concept

Scout plans to offer all-electric and range extended versions of both models, the latter dubbed Harvester in reference to the original Scout’s manufacturer. All-electric versions will offer up to 350 miles of range and will use the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector for DC fast charging from the start. Harvester range-extended models will have a driving range of 500 miles, according to Scout.

An 800-volt electrical architecture will accommodate fast-charging at up to 350 kw, as well as bidirectional charging. The Scout Terra pickup also houses two 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt outlet in its standard 5.5-foot bed. That bed can also accommodate a 35-inch spare tire with an optional carrier (the standard under-bed mounting point holds tires up to 33 inches) as can the Traveler SUV’s standard rear spare tire carrier.

Scout Traveler concept

Scout Traveler concept

Scout expects both models to start at under $60,000, which is a big hike from the $40,000 base price CEO Scott Keogh discussed in 2023. With incentives factored in, though, starting prices will be closer to $50,000 for the Traveler and $51,500 for the Terra, according to Scout. Reservations open Oct. 24 and require a $100 refundable deposit.

The Volkswagen Group announced Scout in 2022 as a brand under the control of the parent company—not VW of America—allowing the space for a different direct-sales model. Announced at the peak of heightened demand for EVs, it was a complete surprise to VW’s U.S. dealers, who had reportedly been asking for an electric truck. They’re about to get a different 1960s throwback EV in the form of the ID.Buzz van.



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Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)

#Scout #reveals #electric #Traveler #SUV #Terra #pickup #due
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Tesla Targets Full Semi Production by End of 2026

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Tesla Targets Full Semi Production by End of 2026

A Tesla Semi completed 384 miles on a single charge and 806 miles over 24 hours during the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s Run on Less-Electric Depot program in September 2023. (PepsiCo)

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Tesla expects production of its Semi Class 8 tractor to accelerate to full throttle by the end of 2026, according to a senior executive, as the automaker begins to offer more details and express ever more enthusiasm about the vehicle.

The world’s most valuable company by market capitalization previously said Semi production capacity in Reno, Nev., would be 50,000 tractors per year.

Earlier timelines for the start of production of the tractor also are holding steady at present, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy said during an Oct. 24 earnings conference call. Tesla posted a third-quarter 2024 profit of $2.17 billion, up 17% year on year, and revenue totaling $25.18 billion, up 8%.

“We’re on track to start pilot builds in the second half of next year with production starting in the first half of 2026 and ramping really throughout the year to full production,” Moravy said during the earnings call.

Q3 2024 Earnings Call live at 4:30pm CT https://t.co/FLyk30QBLk

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 23, 2024

Those augmentations on what to expect followed comments by Moravy during the world’s most-watched automaker’s first-quarter 2024 earnings call that Reno’s first Semis were expected late this year with customers starting to receive the tractors in 2026.

While executives, including CEO Elon Musk, have tended to concentrate on Tesla’s many other products during recent earnings calls, particularly its artificial intelligence work, Moravy and his boss bantered excitedly about the Semi for the first time during the most recent earnings call.

Moravy first downplayed appetite and expectations for the Semi, saying production growth would depend on customer appetite, but Musk quashed such pragmatism about an upcoming product line.

The Tesla Semi tractor on display at an industry trade show. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics) 

“I don’t think we’re going to be limited, honestly,” said the world’s richest man. “We have kind of ridiculous demand for the Semi.”

He added, “Yes. Fundamentally, if you’ve got a Semi, the fully considered cost per mile per ton of transport is better than a diesel truck. Any company that doesn’t adopt an electric Semi will lose. It’s not a subjective thing.”

Musk’s enthusiasm and excitement rubbed off on Moravy, a one-time Honda suspension designer who has worked at Tesla for nearly 15 years.

Moravy told analysts and investors that PepsiCo drivers do not want to drive any other truck once they have driven a Semi.

A longtime pioneer in testing the Semi, PepsiCo ranks No. 2 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America. PepsiCo operates 12,590 tractors, according to TT data.

“It’s easy to drive… and it’s fast,” noted Musk, with Moravy replying: “Super fast — maybe too fast.”

“And that’s a benefit not only for the driver and for the goods but also for safety in terms of other drivers on the road. You don’t get stuck behind the Semi; you’re not like in a slowdown situation,” Moravy added.

The Semi was first introduced in 2017, with Musk vowing tractors would be on the road by 2019 and have a ballyhooed range for a battery-electric truck of 500 miles.

Product launch delays are not without precedent in Tesla’s at times rocky history, but the Austin, Texas-headquartered company’s challenge to legacy truck makers is nearing fruition, with Musk promising a global showdown.

On Oct. 15, Musk wrote on the X social media platform he owns that the “Tesla Semi will be available worldwide,” as the tractor was displayed outside Tesla’s Giga Berlin factory.

Construction of the factory for the Semi production lines began in 2023 at the site of the existing Gigafactory Nevada.

Around the same time, Tesla handed over 15 Semis to PepsiCo in Modesto, Calif.

By September 2023, the Semis were showing off their capabilities in the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s Run on Less-Electric Depot program, with one completing 384 miles on a single charge and 806 miles over 24 hours.

NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth was impressed.

“The Tesla numbers speak for themselves. They are showing us sort of the future,” Roeth told reporters at the time. “It’s like the art of the probable here; we hear art of the possible, well, this is more the art of the probable, because it is real trucks, real freight.”

Employees at DHL Supply Chain USA — the No. 14-ranked logistics company on the TT Top 100 — also are impressed, they said earlier in October.

During a two-week trial in the summer, DHL integrated the truck into 3,000 miles of normal operations out of Livermore, Calif., including one trip of 390 miles with a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds on a single charge.

“Our verdict: The Tesla Semi is ready for prime time!” DHL said, adding that it was encouraged by how quickly drivers gained confidence with the vehicle. As a result, the company is looking to integrate more tractors into its network once production begins, the company said.

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How to Start and Run a Trucking Company That Stands Out

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How to Start and Run a Trucking Company That Stands Out

How to Start and Run a Trucking Company That Stands Out

10 Tips To Put It All Together

This article may contain affiliate links.

There are many different ways to start and run a trucking company. You could go the traditional route and get financing for semi truck to lease or buy trucks to build up your fleet, hire drivers and get started that way. Or you could try something different—something that will set your trucking company apart from the rest. This post will discuss some of the things you can do to make your trucking company stand out from the competition.

1) Invest in the Best Technology:

Investing in advanced technology can make your trucking company stand out from the competition. Automated dispatch software, GPS tracking systems and automated customer relationship management (CRM) tools are all great investments that will help streamline your operations and increase efficiency. By investing in these technologies, you can ensure that your operations run smoothly and effectively. Consider Autonomous Trucks that can be run using artificial intelligence for a more efficient, cost-effective solution in the near future.

2) Offer Specialized Services:

To stand out from the competition, consider offering specialized services that your competitors don’t have. This could include things like dedicated trucking lanes, delivery scheduling, temperature management or hazardous material transportation. By offering these services, you can attract customers who need them and give your company an edge over the competition.

Truck on the road; Via Unsplash
Offer something your competition doesn’t

3) Invest in Quality Drivers and Equipment:

Investing in quality drivers and equipment will go a long way toward setting your trucking company apart from the rest. Hire experienced drivers with clean driving records who can handle special loads or difficult routes with ease. Invest in reliable technology and it will pay for itself in uptime.

4) Make Safety a Priority:

Safety should be a priority for any business, but it’s especially important for trucking companies. Invest in protective gear for drivers and regularly inspect trucks to ensure they’re up to code. Additionally, develop safety protocols such as designated rest stops or speed limits to keep employees safe while on the road.

5) Market Your Business:

Marketing your business is an important step in setting it apart from the competition. Develop a website and create social media accounts to reach potential customers. You can also consider joining truckers’ associations or trade organizations to network with other businesses in the industry. And don’t forget about traditional marketing methods such as print ads, radio spots, or TV commercials. The more people you reach, the better chance you have of generating interest in your trucking company.

6) Get legal assistance:

Finally, it’s important to get legal assistance when starting and running a trucking company. Laws and regulations vary from state to state, so make sure you understand the specifics of your area before getting started. Hiring an attorney who is knowledgeable in this field can help ensure that you stay compliant with all laws and regulations.

Work with truck accident lawyer Laborde Earles to make sure you are properly insured and understand the legal requirements for operating a trucking company.

Daimler Trucks E-Fuso truck
Quality equipment can make you stand out

7) Develop Excellent Customer Service:

Good customer service is essential for any business, and trucking companies are no exception. Make sure to be prompt with deliveries and handle customer complaints quickly and effectively. Develop a rewards program or other incentives to encourage customers to keep coming back. Going the extra mile for your customers will help you stand out from the competition and ensure that they keep coming back.

8) Consider Outsourcing:

Outsourcing can be a great way to save money and make your trucking business stand out. There are many advantages of external hiring, such as specialized skill sets and usually reduced wage costs. Consider outsourcing certain tasks such as accounting, marketing, or customer service. This will help you focus on running the business and allow you to put more resources into making sure that your operations run smoothly.

9) Utilize Social Media Platforms:

Social media is a great tool for getting the word out about your business. Use it to post updates and show off what your company can do. You can also use social media to create relationships with customers, respond to customer inquiries and even offer discounts or promotions to encourage them to use your services again.

10) Your Staff:

Finally, your staff is the heart of your business and can make or break your company. Invest in their training and development to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to do a great job. Take the time to build meaningful relationships with them so that they feel appreciated and valued, which will go a long way toward ensuring their loyalty and commitment to your business.

When done correctly, starting and running a trucking company can be a rewarding experience. Having the right equipment, making safety a priority, marketing your business effectively, getting legal help, developing excellent customer service, outsourcing certain tasks and utilizing social media are all ways you can make your trucking business stand out from the competition. Additionally, investing in your staff and building relationships with them is essential for ensuring that your operations run smoothly. With hard work and dedication, it’s possible to create a successful trucking company that will last for years to come.

The post How to Start and Run a Trucking Company That Stands Out first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.

Source link by Clean Fleet Report
Author Aaron Borderman

#Start #Run #Trucking #Company #Stands
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Absolutely WILD Hyundai N RN24 concept is here to steal the show

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Absolutely WILD Hyundai N RN24 concept is here to steal the show

Hyundai N Rolls Out Audacious RN24 at N Day 2024 Paving the Way for Future High-Performance EVs

New passenger-hauling SUVs? Lifestyle pickups? Promises about affordable, self-driving EVs? You won’t find any of that trash here – this cut-down, lightweight, massively powerful EV is for people who still want to drive.

If you’re sick of posh, quiet SUVs built around their infotainment screens and a bunch of weird nerds calling a pack of soulless golf carts shuffling around a movie set without steering wheels a utopia, Hyundai N’s absolutely unhinged RN24 concept might just be for you.

Powered by the PE system from IONIQ 5 N’s E-GMP platform the RN24 is the Group B S4 to the upcoming IONIQ 5 XRT‘s ever so slightly more civilized Delta HF Integrale. It’s not a car, in the sense that it’s not really meant to shuttle people and things from point A to B – but, while it may not haul groceries, it surely hauls ass.

“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N‘s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” Joon ParkVice President of N Brand Management Group. “This Rolling Lab proves that there remains untapped potential for high-performance EVs and with new technologies ahead, there is much to look forward to.”

Continuing that rally theme, the RN24 features an 84 kWh battery pack that retains the production XRT model’s energy capacity, but allows for a 340 mm shorter wheelbase. That brings the racy concept down to B-segment size … comparable to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid World Rally racer.

The concept’s torque-vectoring drivetrain is also comparable to i20 N Rally1, this setup helps optimize the distribution of torque to all four wheels. The performance of the i20 N Rally 1’s mechanical technology is simulated by RN24’s ‘Rally Mode’ electronics, delivering similar performance in a way that’s more cost-effective (read: “realistic”) for future production cars.

The RN24’s chassis, too, boasts a specially designed, rally-style suspension setup with rally-spec dampers and high-rigidity subframes, while a pair of massive aluminum coolers up front and a towering rear wing tie up the concept Hyundai’s “Unlimited Class” aesthetic.

Hyundai knows what’s up

I can smell this picture; via Hyundai.

While the concept of cutting a car down to its essence to unlock performance has been the hot-rodders’ way since the first T-bucket V8 rolled out of some drunken moonshiner’s garage, the Hyundai N RN24 concept does it in a way that manages to be forward looking, with a few retro-future touches that would feel as appropriate in a modern version of Ridge Racer as they would in a for-real racing car.

The LEDs are right. The hundred function steering wheel is right. Everywhere you look, Hyundai did the RN24 concept right.

It’s got the look

That said, Hyundai did make a few questionable choices that take away from the RN24’s otherwise impeccable track cred.

For starters, Hyundai fitted the RN24 with an external high-output sound system featuring two outward-facing side speakers in addition to IONIQ 5 N’s N Active Sound+ setup. Hyundai says the vehicle’s soundtrack is “augmented by a rear fender design that acts as a soundbox, enhancing the sound experience and creating an immersive soundtrack for fans that complements the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.”

I like to think the fans are there to see real racing, experience real thrills, and decidedly not to hear fake engine noises synthesized through speakers, but no one asked me.

That’s OK, though – because I can ask you. What do you think of Hyundai’s latest track-focused concept car? Is it enough to steal the show, distract everyone from Elon’s crazy rants, and spoil Scout’s big reveal? Head down to the comments and let us know.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai.

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Author Jo Borrás

#Absolutely #WILD #Hyundai #RN24 #concept #steal #show
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Nissan to give second life to LEAF batteries at corporate HQ, takes stake in ChargeScape

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Nissan to give second life to LEAF batteries at corporate HQ, takes stake in ChargeScape

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor has announced it will take a 25% stake in ChargeScape, a software company that connects electric utilities, automakers and drivers, and that it is deploying two power management systems using second-life batteries from the Nissan LEAF.

ChargeScape is a joint venture founded in 2023 by BMW, Ford and Honda, each with an equal ownership stake, that is focused on integrating EVs into power grids to enable the smart use of plugged-in EV batteries. The alliance’s software connects to electric vehicles wirelessly and “manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions,” temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging. The software can support V1G, a unidirectional technology that can send energy back into the grid when needed, or V2G, a bidirectional recharging protocol. 

When connected to ChargeScape’s platform, an EV driver can opt to pause charging temporarily in return for a financial incentive during periods of high demand. Drivers will eventually be able to sell the energy stored in their vehicle’s batteries back to the power grid, the group said. 

Once the transaction closes, Nissan will become an equal 25% investor in ChargeScape and the three founding companies will each see their stakes reduced from 33.3% to 25%. Nissan then plans to roll out the consortium‘s software to its EV customers in the US and Canada. 

Meanwhile, in Franklin, Tennessee, the Nissan Americas Headquarters is gaining two battery systems that use second-life LEAF batteries for storage. The storage system will help offset building power consumption while extending the useful life of the EV batteries.  

The battery energy storage solution (BESS) will supply power to the headquarters building during its peak demand times and recharge during off-peak hours. The BESS will be managed in partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric, 7 States Power and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. 

“The project is a core part of Nissan’s sustainability goals, contributing to the company’s mission of maximizing the use of repurposed and recycled materials while minimizing the amount of waste generated,” the company said. 

Source: Nissan 



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Scout Terra vs. Rivian R1T: Comparing electric trucks

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Scout Terra vs. Rivian R1T: Comparing electric trucks

The Scout Terra electric truck has the Rivian R1T in its sights, along with a bevy of other electric pickups.

Said to enter production in 2027, the Scout Terra will be an off-road, adventure-ready electric truck that cribs from Rivian’s playbook.

Although billed as a production-intent concept that’s 85% of what will be made in the U.S. in 2027, the Scout Terra remains years away. Here’s how it stacks up against the present-day Rivian R1T.

Scout Terra pickup concept

Scout Terra pickup concept

What are the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T?

How much does the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T cost?

  • Rivian R1T costs $71,700 including an $1,800 destination charge, can be optioned up to about $110,000 today.

  • Upcoming quad-motor R1Ts will check in at about $120,000 next year.

  • Originally Scout said the Terra pickup would cost more than the Traveler SUV, which was to start in the $40,000s; now both are said to cost less than $60,000.

Which has more range: the Scout Terra or Rivian R1T?

  • The current Rivian R1T goes further on a charge than a future Scout Terra might.

  • Rivian’s R1T has between 270 and 420 miles of EPA-rated range.

  • The Terra electric truck will have up to 350 miles of range, according to Scout.

  • The Terra will offer a Harvester option, which adds a gas-powered range-extender and a tailpipe. The range-extender will encompass a series hybrid system, with no mechanical connection to wheels, according to Scout.

  • The Harvester range-extender might enable up to 500 miles of driving range.

How large is the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T and how many passengers do they hold?

  • The Scout Terra is larger than the Rivian.

  • The Rivian R1T seats five.

  • The Rivian R1T measures in at 217.1 inches long, which is 14.6 inches shorter than Ford F-150 Lightning.

  • Scout Terras will seat five or six passengers with two rows of seats.

  • Scout will offer front bucket seats with a center console or three-person bench up front

  • The Scout Terra measures in at 229.2 inches, which is nearly the size of a Ford F-150 but over 10 inches longer than the Rivian R1T.

What kind of controls do the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T have?

  • The Rivian R1T relegates almost all controls to a 15.6-inch touchscreen with almost no buttons to speak of outside the steering wheel.

  • There’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver and 6.8-inch touchscreen for the second-row occupants.

  • Scout Terras have a 16.2-inch touchscreen along with hard switches and dials for the climate control and auxiliary systems.

  • Scout said accessories will be able to tie into the hard controls along with a smartphone app.

  • A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver in the Terra.

What size battery does the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T have?

  • The Rivian R1T can be optioned with a 92.5- 109.4-, or 141.5-kwh (usable) battery pack.

  • Scout hasn’t talked battery pack sizes for the Terra, yet.

Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup concepts

Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup concepts

How fast do the Scout Traveler and Rivian R1S charge?

  • The Rivian R1T runs a 400-volt electrical architecture and has a max charge rate of 220 kw.

  • Terra will run on a more future-proof 800-volt electrical architecture with a projected peak charge rate of 350 kw.

How many motors do the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T have?

  • Rivian R1Ts can be optioned with dual-, tri-, or quad-motor powertrains with power outputs ranging from 533 hp to 1,025 hp and up to 1,198 lb-ft of torque.

  • Scout Terras will have two motors—one per axle—with up to nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque. No hp has been discussed, yet.

Which is quicker: the Scout Terra or the Rivian R1T?

  • Rivian R1T, by a healthy amount.

  • Rivian R1T sprints 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.

  • The slowest R1T does 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

  • The Terra will do 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to Scout.

When can I buy the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T?

What kind of suspensions do the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T have?

  • The Rivian R1T features an independent suspension at both ends.

  • The R1T rides on air suspension paired with a hydraulic kinetic anti-roll system, which replaces conventional anti-roll bars.

  • The Scout Terra has a solid rear axle with independent front suspension, but Scout hasn’t divulged full engineering details yet.

Scout Traveler Terra pickup concept

Scout Traveler Terra pickup concept


Where are the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T made?

  • Rivian puts the R1T together in Normal, Illinois.

  • Scout will assemble Terras in South Carolina.

Are the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T good off-road?

  • Yes and probably.

  • The Rivian R1T sends power to all four wheels, can be lifted to have 14.9 inches of ground clearance, and can ford up to 43.1 inches of standing water.

  • The Scout Terra will have over 12.0 inches of ground clearance, and will be able to ford nearly 36 inches of water.

  • The Scout Terra will send power to all four wheels, have mechanical front lockers and a front sway bar disconnect (all things the Rivian lacks)

How much can the Scout Terra and Rivian R1T tow and haul?

  • The Rivian R1T has a tow rating of 11,000 pounds and is rated to carry up to 1,764 pounds of payload.

  • The Scout Terra is expected to arrive with a tow rating of over 10,000 pounds and be rated to haul nearly 2,000 pounds of payload.

  • The Rivian R1T has a 4.5-foot bed.

  • The Scout Terra has a 5.5-foot bed.

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Author news@greencarreports.com (Joel Feder)

#Scout #Terra #Rivian #R1T #Comparing #electric #trucks
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CATL Developed World's First Hybrid Battery With EV-Like Range

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CATL Developed World's First Hybrid Battery With EV-Like Range

  • The new CATL Freevoy battery for PHEVs and EREVs is claimed to deliver 248 miles of range.
  • It can apparently add 173 miles in just 10 minutes of fast charging.
  • CATL claims the new battery is mostly unaffected by freezing temperatures thanks to sodium ions.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery maker, has helped China become the largest market for electric vehicles. It’s so big and influential that even American carmakers have been seeking its expertise in making batteries.

CATL has made bold claims in recent years—like batteries lasting 1.24 million miles and charging speeds previously unheard of. Now, it says its latest hybrid battery offers hundreds of miles of pure electric range, promising to “herald a new era” for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs). 

The company claims its Freevoy hybrid battery has a pure electric range of 400 kilometers (248 miles) thanks to a new type of cathode and electrolyte. It can apparently add 280 kilometers (173 miles) of range in just 10 minutes of charging, assuming you plug into a fast-enough charging stall.

Those numbers are likely based on the overly optimistic China Light Duty Test Cycle (CLTC), but even then, it’s mighty impressive.

Current PHEVs in the U.S. have a pure electric range of 30-50 miles depending on the make and model. The majority of them cannot fast charge and they’re mostly pricey, barring a few models like the Toyota Prius Prime or the Kia Niro PHEV. In some use cases, they can practically function as EVs if access to charging is easy. 

There are no extended-range EVs (EREVs) in the U.S. at the moment, but automakers like Hyundai have plans to change that down the line. EREVs have a fuel tank and engine like a regular gas car, but the engine powers a generator that recharges the battery, which then powers the motors that drive the wheels.

CATL’s battery, if it holds up to the bold claims, will effectively make PHEVs and EREVs more like EVs and increase their efficiency, minus the range anxiety.

The Freevoy battery uses improved materials inside. The cathode (the negatively charged side of the battery) gets a surface treatment and a new high-voltage liquid that together forms a thin, protective layer. This layer helps reduce unwanted chemical reactions, making the battery more efficient.

CATL Freevoy Hybrid Battery

CATL’s Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan announced the new battery in Beijing, claiming it’s the world’s first hybrid battery with 400 km range.

Tiny, energized particles inside the cathode help lithium ions (the energy carriers) move more easily, improving the battery’s performance. CATL said its software increases the battery’s state of charge accuracy by 40%, which helps the car use its power better, boosting the range to over 248 miles.

It also analyzed how the battery charges and discharges and created a “control strategy” that predicts how much power is left more accurately. This improved the hybrid vehicle’s power by 20%, the company claims.

Freevoy uses sodium ions, which are considered resilient in cold climates. It can work even at -40 degrees Celsius, charge at -30C and help the EV drive smoothly even at -20C, as it would in normal weather.

The battery is already used by brands like Li Auto and Avatr and by next year, some 30 hybrids from EV giants like Geely, Chery, GAC and Voyah are expected to launch or deliver models equipped with the Freevoy pack.

Have a tip? Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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Holiday Fun! Taking A 32kWh MINI Cooper SE On A 962km Road Trip From Johannesburg To Afriski Resort In Lesotho And Back

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Holiday Fun! Taking A 32kWh MINI Cooper SE On A 962km Road Trip From Johannesburg To Afriski Resort In Lesotho And Back

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South Africa’s charging network is growing all the time. EV drivers can now comfortably do road trips along most of the country’s major highways. Drivers can now also do road tips to resorts in neighbouring countries such as Lesotho. To showcase this, Ryan Jarret recently took a trip from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho. Afriski is the only ski resort in Southern Africa. Ryan’s electric car is a 2022 MINI Cooper SE with a 32kWh gross, 28kWh usable energy battery pack. It has a mileage of 66,000 km (41,000 miles). The round trip from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Afriski in Lesotho was 962 km (598 miles) and the average energy consumption for his trip was 15.9 kWh/100 km.

Here is a summary of the charging stops:

1. At the 60kW DC charging station at Engen 1-Stop

  • Vaal West (Villiers)
  • 22.10 kWh recharged, up to 95% SoC
  • Cost of R162.50 ($9.20 USD)
  • Total charge time — 36 min

2. At the 50kW DC charging station at Engen 1-Stop

  • Bergview (Harrismith)
  • 29.41 kWh recharged, up to 97% SoC
  • Cost of R216.25 ($12.24 USD)
  • Total charge time — 47 min

3. At the 22kW AC charging station at Protea Hotel Clarens.

  • Clarens
  • 20.99 kWh recharged
  • Cost of R 123.48 ($6.99 USD)
  • Total charge time — 2 hours and 6 min

4. At the 50kW DC fast charging station at Dihlabeng Mall.

  • Bethlehem
  • 19.10 kWh recharged, up to 99% SoC
  • Cost of R 133.67 ($7.57 USD)
  • Total charge time — 47 min

5. At the 60kW DC fast charging station at Engen 1-Stop

  • Vaal West (Villiers)
  • 21.66 kWh recharged, up to 90% SoC
  • Cost of R159.26 ($9.02 USD)
  • Total charge time — 31 min

There was also a charge session through the night and a bit more for 13–14 hours in the cold at 2.4 kW from a standard wall socket at the ski resort.

Here is a cool video from Ryan documenting his trip:

I love these types of trips that document how easy it is to take popular road trips that are about 1,000 km round trip in modern electric vehicles. By modern standards, the MINI is a short-range EV, and therefore this trip shows that with basically any other EV available to buy in South Africa at the moment, which will have a range of at least double the range of the 2022 MINI, these road trips will be even better.

In the first 6 months of this year, 749 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in South Africa. A total of 931 BEVs were sold in the whole of 2023, meaning that the total number of BEVs sold in the first six months of 2024 was 80% of the total for the whole of the previous year. This is very encouraging, as sales of BEVs have been quite slow in South Africa over the past 5 years or so. The slow sales of BEVs can be attributed to several reasons, including:

  1. A limited number of models available in South Africa compared to similar markets. The range of BEVs offered in South Africa is improving, which gives us hope for the future.
  2. High import duties and taxes applicable to electric vehicles in South Africa. Petrol and diesel vehicles imported from the EU into South Africa have a customs duty of 18%, while for electric vehicles it is 25%. There are also the Ad Valorem Customs Excise Duties and VAT.

There is talk of introducing some form of incentives for EVs in South Africa. We hope this happens soon! As more EV models become available in South Africa, as well as a growing number of more affordable EVs coming onto the market, it is very important to raise awareness around all issues relating to EVs in South Africa to catalyse adoption. These kinds of trips will go a long away in raising awareness.

Images courtesy of Ryan Jarret

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Source link by CleanTechnica Reviews Archives
Author Remeredzai Joseph Kuhudzai

#Holiday #Fun #32kWh #MINI #Cooper #962km #Road #Trip #Johannesburg #Afriski #Resort #Lesotho
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Elon Musk just said some wild things about Tesla’s self-driving rollout

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Electric Vehicles Magazine
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Elon Musk just said some wild things about Tesla’s self-driving rollout

Elon Musk just said some wild things about Tesla’s self-driving rollout – clarifying the path to Tesla deploying unsupervised autonomous vehicles next year.

He may regret some of these comments.

At the risk of repeating myself, Tesla has never released any data about its (Supervised) Full Self-Driving (FSD) program beyond the total number of miles driven with FSD, which the automaker just confirmed surpassed 2 billion miles:

That’s despite Tesla starting to claim improvements in “miles between critical disengagement” without any base data to compare it to.

For example, Tesla released its “AI roadmap” last month and it included this milestone to be completed in September:

12.5.2 with ~3x improved miles between necessary interventions

Not only did Tesla not specify what improvement compared to what version, but it also claimed to have completed all September milestones, including this one.

The best data we have is a crowdsourced data set with a few hundred thousand miles between all versions of FSD. It’s far from ideal, but it’s the best data available, and Musk has even positively acknowledged this dataset recently as Tesla continues to refuse to release its own.

Over 40,000 miles between all versions of v12.5, the data shows that FSD is achieving 138 miles between critical disengagement:

That’s actually worse than the previous wide release (12.3 – Tesla skipped wide releasing 12.4 for most people). There’s no obvious release to compare it to where Tesla can claim a 3x improvement in miles between critical disengagement based on this dataset.

Now, with that context in mind, CEO Elon Musk has made new comments during the conference call following Tesla’s release of its Q3 2024 financial results:

We expect to see roughly a five- or six-fold improvement in miles between interventions [with v13] compared to 12.5. And actually, looking at the year as whole, the improvement in miles interventions, we think will be at least three orders of magnitude. So, that’s a very dramatic improvement in the course of the year, and we expect that trend to continue next year.

The second part of the comment will be more challenging to verify, but for the first time, Musk is clearly comparing two versions for the first time.

He says that Tesla’s upcoming FSD v13, which is supposed to come within the next week, will achieve a 5 to 6x increase in miles between disengagement compared to v12.5.

Ashok Elluswamy, the head of FSD at Tesla, clarified that this would be miles between critical disengagement.

That means that based on the crowdsourced data, Tesla FSD v13 will achieve between 690 and 828 miles between critical disengagement.

If Tesla indeed delivers v13 by the end of the month, we should know whether that’s true or not within the next few weeks.

After that, Musk and Elluswamy are predicting even faster improvements after v13, leading to safer-than-human drivers by the end of the second half of next year.

Musk then added that Tesla’s internal projection expects to achieve that in Q2 2025:

So, that’s not sandbagging or anything else. Our internal estimate is Q2 of next year to be safer than human and then to continue with rapid improvements thereafter. 

That’s on what he based his announcement at the We, Robot event that Tesla will deploy “unsupervised self-driving” in California and Texas next year.

Many have noted that Tesla has yet to apply for a self-driving permit in California and it took companies like Waymo over 6 months to get their permits after applying. As for Texas, the process might be faster as Musk pointed out, but the self-driving provider needs to take on the full liability.

Tesla needs to be ready for that.

Electrek’s Take

To be honest, if v13 truly comes with “Unpark, Park, and Reverse in FSD,” as Tesla wrote in its roadmap, it could achieve something close to “690 to 828 miles between critical disengagement.”

Many disengagement have to do with FSD getting confused about what to do once it arrives at its destination. If Tesla can have the vehicle actually park itself and get itself unstuck by reversing, you will remove a lot of disengagements.

However, that’s not really the hard part. To me, that would simply mean that Tesla achieved what Elon previously called FSD “feature complete”—meaning it can complete all the tasks related to driving. After that, the march of the 9s (99.9999999% efficiency) starts, and that’s the hard part.

Ashok said something important during the conference call:

By Q2 next year, we should cross over the average in miles per critical intervention, or collision, in that case, [for humans].

He says that the goal is for FSD’s miles between critical interventions to beat the miles between collisions for human drivers.

According to the NHTSA data that Tesla uses to compare against its Autopilot safety reports, that number stands at 670,000 miles.

To be clear, Tesla believes the current 138 miles between critical disengagement will increase to 670,000 miles between critical disengagement within the next 8 months.

This goal brings a few words to mind: ambitious, delusional, and made up.

And again, if Tesla believes that the crowdsourced data is inaccurate, it can always release its own.

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Source link by Electrek
Author Fred Lambert

#Elon #Musk #wild #Teslas #selfdriving #rollout
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This automated tool helps tackle methane emissions from landfills

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Electric Vehicles Magazine
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The climate law is helping bring solar to more apartment buildings

When Melinda Sims first started LoCI Controls, a company that provides landfills with real-time data on methane collection, she wasn’t trying to address climate change. It was 2012, and methane — a super-pollutant that traps 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a 20-year time period — wasn’t yet a part of the national conversation around lowering emissions. ​“CO2 reduction was the main focus,” Sims said. ​“Nobody was talking about methane or landfills.”

At that time, Sims was a graduate student studying mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She got the idea for the company after a major landfill operator asked for her help with a particular conundrum. The company was trying to capture methane — which seeps from landfills as food scraps and other organic matter decompose — and use it to generate energy, but it couldn’t extract enough of the gas to fuel its on-site power-plant engines.

Sims was able to identify the problem: The landfill’s extraction system, a network of pipes and wells that collect methane and other gases, was leaking. ​“Landfills are dynamic,” Sims said. Waste decomposes and shifts, temperatures vary, atmospheric pressure rises and falls — all these changes cause pressure inside the extraction system to fluctuate, and methane to seep out.

As Sims researched the issue, she realized that the operator who had enlisted her help wasn’t an outlier. ​“It wasn’t a single landfill problem,” Sims said. Operators are supposed to regularly monitor and adjust pressure inside the extraction system, but that typically happens only once per month — not nearly often enough to catch leaks. In response, Sims and fellow MIT graduate student Andrew Campanella developed a technology that does this work remotely.

A decade later, we know that landfills are the third-leading source of methane emissions. As state and federal regulators tighten landfill-emissions requirements, automated well tuning has become an important tool in the effort to reduce this source of greenhouse gas emissions — and LoCI Controls is at the forefront of that effort.

After food scraps get thrown in landfills, they are buried under dirt and other waste, then covered in tarps. Over time, aerobic bacteria, which feed on oxygen and organic matter, munch on this food, depleting the oxygen inside the pile of trash. This frees up room for methanogens, which eat the carbon dioxide produced by aerobic bacteria and pump out methane.

Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency places limits on how much methane landfills can leak. To meet these requirements, landfills have to install extraction systems, which pump methane to locations where it is burned or funneled on to energy projects. But experts say that meeting EPA requirements is largely an honor system. In addition to monitoring the extraction system on a monthly basis, operators typically perform manual inspections of a landfill by walking around its surface with a handheld emissions detector. One analysis of landfills across eight states found methane leakage that exceeded legal limits at 96 percent of them. Inspections of major landfills around the country have revealed cracked, aging extraction systems.

LoCI Controls places sensors at wells whose purpose is to vacuum methane to the surface for collection. Those sensors continuously monitor conditions within the extraction system, including pressure, temperature, and composition of the gas collected, then send that data to a server where an algorithm automatically makes adjustments to valves on the well. ​“That’s tens of thousands more measurements than a landfill would typically have,” said Peter Quigly, the CEO and chair of LoCI Controls. 

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Source link by Canary Media

Author Isobel Whitcomb


#automated #tool #helps #tackle #methane #emissions #landfills

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