The UAW union’s Stellantis Council met yesterday to discuss the beleaguered carmaker’s “ongoing failure” to honor the agreement that ended the 2023 labor strike, and their latest union memo doesn’t pull many punches.
It’s not a great time to be Stellantis. Its dealers are suing leadership and threatening to oust the company’s controversial CEO, Carlos Tavares, as sales continue to crater in North America, it can’t move its new, high-profile electric Fiat, and it’s first luxury electric Jeep isn’t ready. And now, things are about to get bad.
In an email sent out by the UAW earlier today (received at 4:55PM CST), UAW President Shawn Fain wrote, “For years, the company picked us off plant-by-plant and we lacked the will and the means to fight back. Today is different. Because we stood together and demanded the right to strike over job security—product commitment—we have the tools to fight back and win … We unanimously recommend to the membership that every UAW worker at Stellantis prepare for a fight, and we all get ready to vote YES to authorize a strike at Stellantis.”
The dispute seems to stem from Stellantis’ inability to commit to new product (and continued employment) at its UAW-run plants and other failings to meet its strike-ending obligations. This, despite a €3 billion stock buyback executed in late 2023.
I’ve included the memo, in its entirety, below. Take a look for yourself, and let us know what you think of the UAW’s call for action in the comments.
UAW memo
SOURCE: UAW, via email.
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Author Jo Borrás
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It won’t be news to Charged readers that Chinese automakers have lapped “Western” brands in the EV race. The US and EU are erecting tariff walls in a last-ditch attempt to save domestic automakers from their decade-long failure to adapt, but they have no control over what happens outside their borders. Markets in Asia, South America and Africa may be small compared to North America and Europe, but taken together they add up.
Michael Dunne knows as much about China’s auto market and automakers as just about anyone out there. In a recent article, he warns that China has launched “a global car blitzkrieg” that puts American, European and Japanese automakers’ status as global companies in grave peril.
China will export some six million cars to over a hundred countries this year, making it the world’s #1 auto exporter. The average price of these made-in-China cars is $19,000, less than half the average price in North America or Europe. (An often-overlooked point is that these are not just EVs—the Chinese are exporting gobs of gas-guzzlers too.)
In Thailand, Japanese brands have dominated for decades, with a market share around 90%. Now every Japanese firm is seeing sales shrink. Honda recently closed a plant in Thailand, and Suzuki has exited the market altogether. Meanwhile, BYD’s market share has grown to 5%. A veteran Bangkok car dealer recently told Dunne that he’s getting quotes from Chinese automakers all the time. One offered to deliver a replica of the Ford Territory for $8,000. (The real Ford Territory sells for $32,000 in Thailand.)
In Brazil, the world’s sixth-largest car market, Chinese automakers delivered 175,000 cars in the first half of 2024. Chevy, Jeep and Fiat collectively saw their Brazilian sales shrink by 125,000 over the same period. An exec from a dealer group in Sao Paulo told Dunne that “aggressive pricing and good products” from Chinese brands are paving the way for more growth.
“Japanese, European and American competitors appear to have no response,” writes Dunne. “They are confused and overwhelmed by the speed and strength of the Chinese offensive.”
China’s onslaught is fueled by a number of factors, including subsidies at all levels of the supply chain and manufacturing capacity far greater than what’s required to serve the domestic Chinese market (the “unfair trade competition” that Western governments cite to justify increased tariffs). Automakers BYD and SAIC even have their own roll-on/roll-off ships to transport their cars around the world.
Mr. Dunne concludes his latest article with “the question of the year: If China can jump from 1 million exports in 2020 to 6 million in 2024, what is to stop China from shipping 12 million annually by 2028…and shattering 100 years of Western car dominance?”
Despite the hype, most users concede that balcony solar provides modest cost and energy savings. Weyland spent around $530 for his 600-watt-capacity system. While he’s happy with how his south-facing panels perform during balmy weather, such days are rare in northern Germany. He estimates that he’ll save around $100 in annual electricity costs and recoup his investment in about five years.
That’s fairly typical, although advocates of the technology say a system’s efficacy — and, therefore, payback timeline — varies widely depending upon the number of panels, their location and direction, and how much shade surrounds them. A household with a “comparatively large well-positioned balcony system in a sunny spot facing south” can produce 15 percent of its electricity with balcony solar, according to Peter Stratmann, head of renewables at German Federal Network Agency, the country’s utility regulator.
While that can put a dent in a household’s utility bill, its impact on Germany’s consumption is far smaller. “Even if we attached panels to all suitable balconies across the country, we’d still only manage to meet 1 percent or less of our overall energy needs,” Stratmann told Deutsche Welle.
So if balcony solar doesn’t generate a lot of power or save a lot of money, why are so many people flocking to it? Many of them like the idea of producing energy at home and gaining a bit of independence from the grid. It also provides a tangible way to take climate action. “It makes the energy transition feel a little more concrete and not so abstract,” said Helena Holenweger of the nonprofit Deutsche Umwelthilfe, or Environmental Action Germany. She installed a balcony solar system on top of her garage about a year ago. “You can literally do something about it.”
Holenweger and others who have tapped the sun said balcony solar led them to reevaluate their understanding of electricity consumption and take steps to reduce it. “For lots of people, energy is just something that comes out of your socket,” Holenweger said. “You never think about how it gets there or how it works.” The systems don’t include battery storage, so the juice they generate must be used immediately, leading people to plan the best time to, say, run the washing machine to ensure they’re using renewable energy. In that way, it becomes something of a game. Many balcony solar kits feature an app to track daily energy generation, providing what has, for many people, become a scorecard. “They screenshot that, they send it around to their Facebook groups, family WhatsApp groups. They’re super proud,” Gründinger said.
But even in Germany, balcony solar still faces hurdles, including fierce resistance from landlords worried about electrical fires or put off by the aesthetics of the panels. Last year, Weyland sued his building’s property management company for imposing what he deemed unreasonable requirements to install a system, including a formal inspection of the building’s electrical system. A court sided with him in October 2023, but similar cases pop up regularly.
Weyland hopes that as more people adopt balcony solar, that will soon change. Already, people in his life regularly ask him about his panels, and two friends are buying systems of their own.
“So many people talk to me in our neighborhood and ask about the system when they see it,” Weyland said. “It’s kind of like a snowball that gets bigger and bigger.”
GM and Rivian’s CEO have something in common: Neither thought EVs would become a political lightning rod.
On Thursday while speaking at the New York Times’ Climate Forward event Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said “I think it’s really important that we don’t make EVs a political thing, and I’m saddened that they are.”
“It doesn’t make any sense that they are,” Scaringe said.
But EVs have become political. Election 2024 has two candidates with very different stands on EVs, climate science, and democracy itself. Trump plans to gut EV policy. Harris backed the proposed Green New Deal and was a key figure behind VW’s emissions-cheating scandal.
Electric cars have been intertwined with politics at some level dating to the 1950s. Ike Eisenhower liked EVs, but his massive public works projects that included the modern Interstate highway system might have rung the death knell for short-range EVs.
Scaringe said he would’ve never predicted that electric vehicles would’ve been talked about as a positive or negative thing depending on one’s political affiliation. But believes it comes down different interpretations of what’s best for our kids.
“We as a species, there’s about 8 billion of us on the planet, there’s no reasonable way we could live anywhere other than earth. It’s our only home, it’s a beautiful home, and we need to do everything we can do to protect it,” Scaringe said. That’s going to require a massive shift a massive industrial complex we built to renewable energy, and that’s going to be hard with incumbent businesses and disruptions with legacy job transitions, Scaringe acknowledged. “And that charges people up,” he said.
Scaringe isn’t alone. On Sunday GM CEO Mary Barra told Kris Van Cleave during an interview “I never thought the propulsion system on a vehicle would be (a political) issue.”
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of the automotive industry because they eliminate emissions and are easy to maintain. However, the transition can be challenging for companies on tight budgets. How can you convert your fleet to electric trucks?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the change more manageable.
1. Set a Timeline
First, it’s essential to set a timeline and decide how quickly you want to transition the vehicles. Here, the company’s fleet size and budget matter the most. A complete overhaul could require a significant upfront investment, so a gradual transition could make the most sense. Some state regulations, like theAdvanced Clean Fleet Rule in California, may dictate the pace of your transition.
Logistics managers should also consider their operations and downtime when switching to electric trucks. A staggered strategy lets companies minimize disruptions and keep vehicles on the road. Drivers also may need time to learn the new trucks and make adjustments.
2. Calculate Driving Needs
Calculate how far your routes take your fleet
A critical factor for an electric truck fleet is the range. EVs can only last so long on the road before needing to recharge, so fleet owners should calculate their driving needs. How long are your routes? Are there charging stations? These factors affect how feasible these vehicles will be for your business.
Charging stations deserve special attention because trucks need them for long-distance hauling. Research shows the U.S. has over168,000 public charging outlets, though not all are appropriate for trucks. Some highways have stations for them, but there aren’t many at present. That is changing as Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds dedicated to commercial infrastructure development have stimulated substantial construction of new charging depots.
3. Set a Budget
Ultimately, your budget determines which electric trucks fit with your fleet. These heavy-duty vehicles are expensive upfront, so be prepared to invest significantly. That said, logistics managers should consider long-term finances because EVs are generally cheaper to maintain.
The costs per truck can be expensive, especially if you choose one of the top EV manufacturers. For instance, the all-electric Tesla Semi costs $250,000 (according to reports, few have made their way onto the market so far). Other electric big rigs that are available from major players like Freightliner and Volvo are even more expensive. That could be burdensome for most fleets. Prices could decrease later with more competition, but the upfront costs remain high.
4. Use Financial Incentives
While electric trucks are expensive, logistics companies should consider internal and external financial incentives. Reduced fuel costs are an immediate benefit because you no longer have to fill up with diesel. Many fleet owners can take advantage of state and federal purchase incentives to ease the burden.
The most significant federal incentive is the commercial clean vehicle credit. Fleet owners can qualify for a credit of up to $40,000 if they meet the criteria. For instance, the company must primarily use the vehicle in the United States and not resell it.
5. Obtain Charging Equipment
Charging equipment can be a new expense
Battery capacity and charging times can make some fleet owners nervous. However, you can control some of it by obtaining charging equipment for your home base. These stations ensure drivers charge before they leave and save time before hitting the road, thus increasing uptime.
Electric trucks need powerful chargers because of their giant batteries. The most efficient choice for your fleet is a DC fast charger, though it’s the most expensive. This station provides an 80% charge in 30 minutes for an average vehicle with a 100-mile range. A full-charge for a typical 250-mile range big rig will take a couple hours, but faster charging standards are coming in a few years and some charging equipment is already being installed. A level 2 charger with 240V could work for overnight charging, but fleet owners should avoid a level 1 device.
6. Prepare for EV Maintenance
EVs have a strong reputation for low maintenance. The machines don’t require long days in the shop since there are fewer moving parts. However, electric trucks still need checkups to remain viable over the long haul. Logistics companies should train their employees on the best upkeep practices.
The most pressing maintenance task for electric trucks is checking the battery. Regular inspections are needed to gauge its capacity, considering its importance to uptime. Your team should inspect the surrounding charging cables and other parts for damage and overheating issues.
Megawatt chargers are here; the trucks will come soon
7. Optimize Battery Usage
Fleet owners should optimize battery usage to get the most from their trucks if the range is concerning. One of the best ways to maintain the batteries is not fully charging them. Experts say to cap charging at 80% to prolong battery life and improve its long-term balance.
Another way to help your electric truck battery is to minimize wasting it. Fleet managers should remind drivers not to deplete their vehicle’s capacity by idling or speeding on the highway. Electrified fleets benefit from telematics devices because they track driver metrics and send the data to the company.
8. Track Savings Over Time
Depending on the size of the fleet, the transition to electric trucks could take months or even years. Regardless, logistics managers should track the savings over time to ensure financial responsibility. Patience is necessary because you might not break even for a few years.
Gauging savings starts with comparing the total new costs to the old fossil fuel-powered trucks. For instance, fleet owners should monitor charging expenses and see how they measure against diesel expenditures each quarter. The business should also track savings with maintenance, emissions and other vital benchmarks.
Building an Electrified Fleet
Converting truck fleets to EVs is essential for the entire fright movement industry. However, the transition won’t happen overnight. Fleet owners should meticulously plan the transition to maximize the benefits for their company.
With an effective plan, you can electrify your fleet and minimize operational downtime.
The post A Step-by-Step Guide to EV Fleet Transition first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
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Author Martin Banks
#StepbyStep #Guide #Fleet #Transition
Rinco Ultrasonics, a Switzerland-headquartered manufacturer of ultrasonic welding equipment, has launched its Ultrasonic Servo-Driven Splicer (USDS).
The USDS captures and secures groups of wires and welds the ends together to create a strong bond that has better electrical conductivity than soldered joints, the company said. Rinco is working to expand the USDS offering with higher power versions.
The company’s ultrasonic metal welding machines enable the welding of non-ferrous metals without any additives. By manufacturing customized tools and components, Rinco offers products for various applications including batteries, cable terminals, power strips, IGBTs, foil sheets and microelectronics. The higher conductivity compared with soldered bonds is increasing the use of ultrasonic metal welding in the production of batteries, buss bars and wire harnesses.
Rinco’s ultrasonic metal welding line also includes the Ultrasonic Servo-Driven Bonder (USDB), which has a robust machine design that can withstand various loads and reaction forces. Rinco’s systems can be integrated into special-purpose machines or automated lines.
“The Ultrasonic Servo-Driven Splicer gives manufacturers another effective option in the metal welding market,” said Bill Aurand, Sales Manager for Rinco. “Our system is highly efficient, helping manufacturers meet today’s demanding productivity requirements.”
On today’s emotionally energized episode of Quick Charge, an independent test show that the latest Tesla Full Self Driving requires an intervention every 13 miles. Meanwhile, Hyundai, Kia, and California are making EVs better, AND more affordable.
Independent testing firm AMCI seems to verify Fred’s initial findings with FSD 12.5, Hyundai and Kia are working on new, more affordable EV batteries, and the state of California has a low(er) cost solution to seriously upgrade its energy grid. All this and a new secret word, too – enjoy!
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That brings me to the final and perhaps most crucial element of Hyundai Motor Group’s success in the burgeoning EV market: pricing. Sure, there are cheaper EVs out there than what its brands offer. There are prettier ones, more luxurious ones, and ones with more range too. But no other EV lineup on the market combines all those attributes like Hyundai Motor Group brands do.
The electric offerings from Hyundai and Kia tend to be not only among the best-looking and best-driving EVs in their segments but also the most competitively priced. Both brands have traditionally been value-oriented, and that continues here thanks to some forward-thinking engineering.
I’m referring to the development of something called E-GMP. That stands for the Electric Global Modular Platform, the hardware and software system underpinning most EVs from Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. Since all those cars share the same basic architecture, battery design, and electrical system, the brands can save manufacturing and development costs.
It also helps that Hyundai Motor Group already operates a dozen factories in Korea and elsewhere in the world, more than half of which can or actively do produce EVs. This includes one in Alabama and another EV-focused plant under construction in Georgia. While other automakers are still figuring out their electric vehicle and battery manufacturing needs, Hyundai Motor Group got the ball rolling early.
Staying true to an EV vision
Another important aspect of Hyundai Motor Group’s success is its dealership knowledge and buy-in.
For one, the company has done a great job of getting its dealers on board with the EV shift. That’s a huge contrast from other manufacturers, whose dealers seem hell-bent on actively sabotaging their own EV efforts, at times even resulting in legal action.
“We believe our EVs resonate because we have prioritized great design, practical technology, affordability, and a commitment to an electric future,” Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, told me.
“We are addressing charging-time concerns via our E-GMP architecture’s 800-volt charging capability,” she said. “We are tackling infrastructure fears by including a NACS [North American Charging Standard] port in our vehicles and partnering with other leading automakers to build the IONNA [EV charging] network. We’ll even help install a Level 2 charger in your garage and solar on your roof through Hyundai Home.”
This bundle of offerings is more holistic than what most automakers provide at the moment.
Most important, Hyundai also recently reconfirmed its goal of 2 million annual EV sales by 2030, a signal that the company is staying the course on its EV goals as others waver. However, it’s worth noting that 2 million EVs would equate to just over a third of the company’s anticipated total sales in 2030, a more conservative target than the ones other automakers are easing off of now. And just like its competitors, Hyundai is also investing more in hybrid vehicles to meet the needs of consumers who aren’t quite ready to transition.
For now, Hyundai Motor Group’s focus on the fundamentals, high vehicle-production volume, and comparatively conservative EV goals go a long way toward explaining why the brand is in a more enviable position on electrification than many of its competitors.
The 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron arrives at dealers in the U.S. later this year
Q6 E-Trons have up to 321 miles of range
The Q6 E-Tron costs between $65,095 and $80,595.
Audi this week confirmed pricing and EPA electric range for the 2025 Q6 E-Tron, which is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships before the end of the year.
Pricing starts at $65,095 (all prices include a $1,295 destination charge) for the Premium grade with the single-motor rear-wheel drive powertrain. Premium Plus and Prestige grades are also available at $68,895 and $71,895, respectively. A dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain is also available for an additional $2,000.
However, you’ll need rear-wheel drive to achieve the maximum EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, which only applies to single-motor models with the Ultra Package and 18-inch wheels. All-wheel drive models max out at 307 miles of range.
2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron
All models have a 100-kwh battery pack (94.4 kwh usable), and considering that, Audi is delivering on its promise of greater efficiency compared to previous EVs like the Q8 E-Tron.
Dual-motor models up output to 456 hp, compared to 322 hp for single-motor models. That results in estimated 0-60 mph times of 4.9 seconds for dual-motor models and 6.3 seconds for single-motor models.
The lineup also includes a sportier dual-motor SQ6 E-Tron variant, priced from $74,195 in Premium trim and $78,595 and $80,595 in Premium Plus and Prestige trim, respectively. The 509-hp SQ6 boasts a quicker 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, but range drops to 275 miles.
2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron
Revealed earlier this year, the Q6 E-tron is the first Audi model based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which it shares with the Porsche Macan EV. The Q6 E-Tron also debuts a new interior, with a three-screen layout that will be repeated in other Audi models—both electric and gasoline.
The Q6 E-Tron won’t be the only PPE-based Audi EV for long. It’s set to be quickly followed by the Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron, which clothes the new platform in a sleeker hatchback shape (an Avant wagon will also be sold outside North America). This model is expected to reach the U.S. next spring or summer.
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Drive Electric Week kicks off this Saturday with nearly 200 online and in-person events celebrating electric vehicles. Events will be held for the next two weekends, from September 27 through October 6, in the US, Canada, and one in Guadalajara, Mexico.
These events are an opportunity for prospective EV buyers to talk directly with EV owners about the experience of owning an electric car, and EV owners to network with each other and share tips. The dealership experience is not ideal for many EV shoppers, so unfiltered conversations with EV owners can be a great way to learn.
Each event is organized by local EV advocates, and they range in size from small parking lot meetups and local EV parades to large festivals with lots of booths from nearby car dealers and green businesses. Be sure to check each event page to see what your local events will look like and what types of EVs might be in attendance.
Drive Electric Week has a map and list of events happening next week. Most events are in-person, but there are some webinar-style online events that you can attend to hear about various topics related to electric vehicles. You can also search for events near you.
Here’s a sample of some of the events happening over the course of the week:
Phoenix, AZ has a ride and drive on Sep28 from 8am-12pm, with a wide variety of vehicles available for test drives and raffle drawing for anyone who participates in a test drive. There are also many EV owners registered who will be happy to talk about their EVs (including a Fisker Ocean, that should be an interesting chat…)
Port Hueneme, CA will have an EV showcase at the Port Hueneme Banana Festival on Sep28 from 10am-5pm. There will be port tours, a kids zone, live music, and banana-themed food. (Port Hueneme is also nearby some of the largest heavy-duty EV charging station projects in the country, to help fuel port traffic)
Midlothian, VA will hold “Electricarpalooza” on Sep28 from 11:30am-6pm with discussions, test drives from 5 manufacturers, EV and e-bike display, and a happy hour.
In 2023, Anchorage’s event included a panel discussion with local utility Chugach electric. Photo: Kate Ayers
Driving electric isn’t just for the continental states, as Juneau and Anchorage will both have events. Juneau will have its annual EV round up on Sep28 11:30am-1pm with EV, e-bike, and even electric outboard motor displays, and Anchorage is holding a ribbon-cutting for a DC fast charger on Oct4 from 12-1pm.
4 separate Hawaiian islands are having their own events, in Koloa on Kauai, Honolulu and Aiea on O’ahu, Kahului on Maui, and Hilo on the Big Island.
The sole event in Mexico is in Guadalajara on Oct5 from 9am-4pm CST, and will take place at Oscar Casillas Karting Track, where there will also be a race of student-built electric karts alongside the EV exhibition and test drives.
Canada’s largest event will be in Waterloo, Ontario on Oct5 from 11am-3pm. it was a pretty big event last year with lots of EVs on display, and a GM Brightdrop electric delivery truck (made at GM’s CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario) will be there too.
Schenectady, NY is hosting the New York Capital District’s event on Oct6 from 10am-2pm at Schenectady City Hall with test drives, live music and food trucks. Over 100 vehicles and 41 models are registered for the EV display, which means this might be the biggest event in the country (here’s a video from last year’s event).
Fort Worth, TX has a wide variety of exhibitors confirmed for its Oct6 event from 10am-2pm. You’ll see solar cars, golf carts, wind energy providers, local dealerships and Harley’s Livewire electric motorcycle, among others.
Not all the events are large or hosted in big cities. There are also smaller events happening in town centers, church parking lots, and so on, often with just a handful of EV owners who are typically happy to stand around and have a frank discussion with members of the public about what it’s like to own an EV, or to network with other local EV owners.
Some events will host EV parades, like 2023 NDEW in Wenatchee, WA. Photo: Julie Banken
During the peak years of the COVID-19 pandemic, events went to an all-online format, and when in-person events came back, they were a bit more muted than the days of yore. But attendance is growing back to its former glory, and most are outdoors anyway, so it’s a great way to enjoy a nice weekend day before the cold comes back (though we’re not too worried about that part here in sunny Southern California).
A few online events do remain for those who don’t have any local events near them or who are otherwise booked on the weekend. There’s an EV 101 seminar, a discussion about charging EVs at work, and a talk about EV incentives for consumers and businesses.
If you’d like to attend these events, either to show your vehicle, to volunteer to help run the event, or just to show up and look around, you can go to each event’s page to find more information. Remember to click the “RSVP” or “Volunteer” links near the top to register your interest (or register at the links mentioned in the event description).
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