Flash Drive: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 5, 2024

0

Refreshed Best-Selling Hyundai

The 2021 Tucson was first-ever hybrid SUV from Hyundai, delivering increased fuel economy while seating five and hauling all their stuff. Great as that was, Hyundai was not done as work was underway for the refreshed and updated 2025 Tucson Hybrid that is now in dealers. With changes to the exterior, interior, infotainment system, safety, tech, and even something called Baby Mode, the refreshed Tucson Hybrid is definitely worth a look.

The Tucson, available in five trims, has three propulsion options—gasoline, gas-electric hybrid and gas-electric plug-in hybrid. Within those are trims of the N Line appearance package and XRT, which offers a bit more ruggedness for light off-roading. Hyundai is hoping there is something for everyone looking for a compact SUV.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid — **All new inside and out**

Hyundai’s Best-Selling Vehicle

Hyundai invited the automotive media to the beautiful Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, California, to sample the 2025 Tucson hybrid, but also get a taste of the 2025 Santa Fe SUV and the Santa Cruz compact pickup. We drove the Tucson Hybrid through vineyards and cattle country of the Santa Ynez Valley as well as mountains and freeways. We experienced the SUV’s smooth operation and more-than competent handling, especially when pushing above the posted corner speed limit.

Effortless Efficiency

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Adding-in the 64 kW electric motor for a total system output of 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.

All Tucson Hybrids come with Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD. This electronically controlled AWD system has an active on-demand capability to seamlessly go between four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. This system is designed to maximize both fuel economy and traction depending on the road conditions. There is a button to lock the center coupling, which sends 50-percent traction to the front and rear axles so in slippery conditions, it reduces or eliminates wheel spin and provides very good traction.

The shift-by-wire 6-speed automatic with a torque converter, engaged by pushing buttons on the center console, has a Shiftronic mode and paddle shifters. The Drive Mode Select helps get the most performance and fuel efficiency from the hybrid system, offering choices of Eco, Sport, My Drive and Snow. The system defaults to normal (which is not shown on the dash gauges) when restarting the engine, so for the most performance opt for Sport and Eco for the most efficiency.

For those times when waking sleeping youngsters in the backseat is a big No-No, select “Baby Mode” that was designed to help reduce the sharpness of initial acceleration for a gentler acceleration feeling. Ahhhhh!

The torque comes on smoothly at a low 1,500 rpm and pulls strong through 4,500 rpm. In unscientific acceleration runs, we clocked 0-60 times around 7.9 seconds. This is ample power to get the 3,906-pound Tucson Hybrid up to speed. Trailer pre-wiring is standard, and the maximum trailer weight rating, with trailer brakes, is 2,000 pounds, 1,650 pounds without.

The EPA estimates fuel economy in the Limited trim to be 35 mpg city/35 highway/35 combined. If you opt for the Blue trim, the fuel economy is rated at 38/38/38/. When Clean Fleet Report has the 2025 Tucson Hybrid for a full week, as opposed to a couple hours, we will report the efficiency from real world driving conditions.

Ride and Handling

The Tucson Hybrid has a pleasant, solid and confident feel. The ride is comfortable with only the harshest road imperfections transmitting sounds to the cabin. The suspension has been programmed and designed so cornering was quite good with little-to-no body roll when pushed hard. The power assisted steering was direct and gave good road feedback, with the ABS regenerative brakes (the system that puts electricity back into the battery when coasting or stopping) had a progressive feel, producing straight and true stops.

A big “Thanks!” to Hyundai for being among the only hybrid manufacturer to put paddles on the steering wheel to adjust the regenerative braking level. Most EVs have this, but it is rare and appreciated to find it on a hybrid.

Easy Identifier

The Tucson Hybrid has what Hyundai calls “Sensuous Sportiness” that was first introduced on the 2021 model. Most of the exterior changes are subtle (but differ between trims) and key on the new boxier front bumper and a new design for the daytime running lights (DRL) imbedded in the revised grille. When a 2025 Tucson or Santa Cruz are coming towards you at night, they are easily identified as no other car, truck or SUV has this lighting signature.

The geometric DRL design of dimensional rectangles is striking upon first glance, but doesn’t get old after repeated viewing. The LED headlights sit on the far edges outside the grille. It’s the sort of front end that, when the lights are on, makes you check it out one more time as you walk away.

The sides reveal interesting dimensional lines with a bold chrome accent strip above the windows. The panoramic power sunroof sits between the aerodynamic roof rails, which lead to a small spoiler over the rear window. Bravo to Hyundai for cleanly tucking the rear wiper under the spoiler, a classy look only more expensive SUVs have adopted.

The distinctive rear end design is dominated by slanted, vertical LED tail lights and a connecting light strip, stretching from edge-to-edge on the power hands-free lift gate.

Clean, Refreshing Interior

The interior, with an open feel, has been completely redesigned for 2025, with the panoramic curved display as the centerpiece. The low slung dash has dual horizontal 12.3-inch color touchscreens that appear to be all one screen.

The right side screen houses the navigation, rear view camera, and (standard in the N Line and Limited) the 8-channel Bose premium audio system with eight speakers. This good sounding system has SiriusXM (3-month trial), AM/FM/HD radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bluetooth, aux and dual USB Type-C ports complete the audio system. The tilt and telescoping 3-spoke leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and the adaptive cruise control.

The left side 12.3-inch color instrument cluster includes easy-to-read speedometer and tachometer gauges with black faces with white letters. This cluster is fully programmable to show various vehicle systems.

Additional features include a proximity key with push button start and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. A nice feature is that dual automatic temperature control is voice-controlled. Smartly, the wireless phone charger has been moved to the top of the center console. Heated and power side mirrors with turn signals and a cargo area 12V charge port round out the features.

The cabin was quiet as Hyundai added soundproof glass on the windshield and front door windows plus carpet, floor mats and sound absorption materials. Hyundai spokespersons said they listen to automotive journalists and customers when it comes to design, so they have returned to knobs for tuning the audio and the climate systems.

The 2025 Tucson is six inches longer than the outgoing model, with the interior benefiting with more leg room and space to spread out. The front seats in the Limited, which is the top trim level, are 8-way power adjustable, leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated, with the driver getting lumbar and memory.

The second row access was excellent, with the comfortable, three-person seating featuring heated, leather-trimmed seats offering ample head and leg room. The rear passengers get A/C and heater vents, map lights, dual USB ports and a center armrest with cup holders. Cargo space measures 38.7 cubic inches with the rear seat up, and 74.5 with the 60:40 rear seat folded flat. There is additional storage space under the far rear cargo area floor.

MyHyundai technology includes the Hyundai Blue Link app, which provides access to vehicle systems including remote start, and the Digital Key providing extra convenience and safety.

Safety and Warranties

The Tucson Hybrid comes with an extensive list of standard safety features. They include eight airbags (front, side impact and side air curtain with rollover sensors), rain-sensing wipers, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, hill start assist, surround and blind view monitor with parking sensors, a tire pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control.

One very cool feature on the Limited trim is the Blind Spot View Monitor. When using the right or left turn signal, a camera comes on showing a view of cars in the lane you’re turning into.

The Forward Attention Warning safety feature tracks the driver’s eye gaze. If the driver is unresponsive, the adaptive cruise control will bring the Tucson to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake. All well and good, but it repeatedly reminded me to “Keep my eyes on the road,” which was curious as I had yet to drive into a ditch and was not experimenting driving with a blindfold.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Tucson Hybrid its Top Safety Pick. The National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2025 Tucson Hybrid a 5 Star Rating, its highest safety mark.

The 2025 Tucson Hybrid comes with these warranties:

Hybrid Systems – 10 years/100,000 miles
Powertrain – 10 year/100,000 miles
New Vehicle – Five years/60,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance – Three years/36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance – Five years/Unlimited miles
Anti-perforation – Seven years/Unlimited miles

Pricing

The 2025 Tucson Hybrid AWD comes in four trim levels, all with all-wheel drive. These base prices include the mandatory $1,395 freight charges.

Blue $34,510
SEL Convenience $37,610
N Line $39,260
Limited $42,340

Observations: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai isn’t sitting still when it comes to its best-selling vehicle. Brad Arnold, head of exterior design at Hyundai North America, said “We are Hyundai people, and I say that because it is really important for us to make every Hyundai design the best Hyundai design, better than the one we did last time.”

So how did Hyundai do with what they say are “comprehensive changes?” The exterior has been updated and the interior completely redesigned. Combine the looks and features with an efficient hybrid system, a choice of three power plants, two special trims of N for appearance and XRT for the outdoor-focused. With all that, the refreshed 2025 Tucson Hybrid hit the right notes during our brief time behind the wheel.

Go into a Hyundai dealer for a lengthy test drive and see why the Tucson is the best-selling Hyundai.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all news stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Hyundai.

[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

The post Flash Drive: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.

Source link by Clean Fleet Report
Author John Faulkner

#Flash #Drive #Hyundai #Tucson #Hybrid

- Advertisement -

Wright Electric receives $3.34 million grant from FAA for ultra-lightweight aircraft batteries

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 5, 2024

0

Wright Electric receives $3.34 million grant from FAA for ultra-lightweight aircraft batteries

Wright Electric, a US developer of ultra-lightweight motors, generators and batteries for the aerospace and military sectors, along with its partners, which include NASA, DOE and DOD, has been awarded a $3.34-million grant from the FAA’s Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program.

The funding will be used to develop a new class of batteries for large electric aircraft accommodating 100+ passengers—the segment of the aerospace industry that accounts for more than 90% of its carbon emissions. The R&D program’s objective is to make such aircraft a possibility by developing lithium-sulfur batteries that hold roughly three times more energy per pound than lithium-ion batteries.

“When Wright Electric was founded in 2016 the idea of a battery that would allow aircraft to fly regional routes with reserves seemed like a fantasy to most people. Now, we are one of several companies with a viable path toward a technology that will enable regional aircraft flights entirely on battery power,” said Wright CEO Jeff Engler.

Source: North American Clean Energy

Source link by Charged EVs

Author Marilyn Burkley

#Wright #Electric #receives #million #grant #FAA #ultralightweight #aircraft #batteries

- Advertisement -

Electric Volvo ES90 sedan teased

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 5, 2024

0

On Wednesday, in Sweden at the debut of the refreshed 2025.5 XC90 the Volvo briefly teased the upcoming ES90 midsize sedan.

The teaser displayed a midsize sedan featuring a windshield rake that’s completely different from the gas-powered S90 sedan. The body style is a sedan, though the rear glass could possibly lift up like the Polestar 2, which would be similar fashion to the Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback.

In December Volvo announced the first “verification prototype” of a new model code-named V551 had been built. The new V551 is thought to be the electric counterpart to the gas-powered S90, which would bear the name ES90 in production. The verification prototype was built at Volvo’s plant in Luqiao, China.

The ES90 would be the sedan, or liftback, counterpart to the EX90 electric SUV. Originally the ES90 was expected to be in production by May. In 2022 a Volvo executive in Australia said Volvo would launch an electric midsize sedan by the end of 2024.

Volvo ES90 electric sedan teaser. – Sept. 2024

The ES90 is expected to be built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform, which is the same dedicated EV platform underpinning the EX90.That would put a battery of about 111 kwh under the ES90 and a choice of single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. Output could exceed 500 hp.

SPA2 supports bidirectional charging and charging rates of up to 250 kw on a DC fast charger. The EX90’s 111-kwh battery, which has a usable capacity of 107 kwh, could amount to a real-world range of about 300 miles. The ES90 might have better aerodynamics that would enable the slipperier body style to go further on a charge.

Swedish outlet Teknikens Värld reported in 2023 that the ES90 will be 196.8 inches long with a 122-inch wheelbase. That would make the ES90 6.3 inches longer than the S90 and 1.6 inches longer than the S90L that later came to the U.S. for 2018.

Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Joel Feder)

#Electric #Volvo #ES90 #sedan #teased

- Advertisement -

Siekon Deep Cycle 12V Lithium Battery Review

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Siekon Deep Cycle 12V Lithium Battery Review

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

We recently got to review a new lithium deep cycle battery from Siekon, a company we haven’t worked with before. As with many other lithium batteries, there are some serious benefits to making the switch, but does Siekon’s take on lithium batteries pan out? Read on to find out!

What’s a “Deep Cycle” Battery, Anyway?

Have you ever stayed in an RV or travel trailer? Have you ever used a quiet and efficient trolling motor on a fishing boat? You’ve used a deep cycle battery!

This kind of modular, standardized battery has been around for decades, with most batteries in the past using a cheaper lead-acid battery chemistry, like what you’d find in an ICE vehicle’s 12V battery. But, instead of being made to provide a quick burst of power to start a car’s engine, deep cycle batteries are designed for lower-power use over hours or days.

Why Lithium’s A Worthwhile Upgrade

There are some serious downsides to old-school lead-acid batteries.

First off, they can be a little dangerous. They emit hydrogen gas and can explode if not properly ventilated, throwing acid everywhere. Leaks, dropping them, or an accident can break them open, letting dangerous acid flow out or start a fire. Even worse, some people deliberately misuse the acid in batteries for terrible disfiguring attacks.

Another problem is durability. In some cases, a lead-acid battery might last 5–7 years. I have a car battery that did that recently in a car that we don’t drive much. But, in most cases, you’ll get 2–3 years out of a car battery or deep cycle battery. In extreme conditions or in poor storage environments, some people buy a new lead-acid battery every year when the next RV or fishing season starts.

Capacity and weight are also issues. Lead-acid batteries are fairly cheap, but you still want to get as much life out of them as you can because you want to put off that $50–200 purchase for as long as possible. Lead-acid batteries start to degrade heavily when you run them below about 50%, so whatever the capacity of the battery is, you want to only use about half of that. Not using a heavy metal (lead) in the battery design saves a lot of weight, too.

Siekon’s Solution To This

Siekon’s 12.8-volt lithium deep cycle battery takes this to the next level by offering a LiFePO4 chemistry, also known as LFP. LFP batteries are more durable than other chemistries, can be left at 100% without extra degradation, and are extremely unlikely to catch fire. In fact, more and more electric cars use LFP batteries for these reasons, and because they’re cheaper.

This means that about all of the problems older lead-acid batteries suffer from are solved. Instead of lasting a season or two, a boat or RV with these batteries can last for years. With no need to keep the batteries above 50%, you automatically double your available energy storage without having to buy more batteries. Plus, there’s basically no danger of outgassing, fires, or acid leaks.

Because it’s 12.8 volts, this battery is able to plug right into any existing 12V battery system. You don’t need any special charge controllers, adapters, or DC–DC chargers. Simply remove the old lead-acid battery or batteries and wire these into the system. If you want to use multiple batteries together, just be sure to get them all to the same voltage before connecting them together and follow all advisories in the battery’s documentation.

The price is also pretty good. While more expensive than a lead-acid deep cycle battery ($229 as of this writing, $279 normally), the increased durability and the extra usable capacity means that you can get 2–4 times as much good out of these batteries than an old-school one. So, even at a greater cost, they’re clearly the better deal.

In our testing, it worked well. Using a power inverter, we powered all sorts of tools and devices, and had no problems whatsoever. So, if you’re looking for a decent battery at a good price, this one should fit the bill.

It’s not just us who thinks Siekon makes a decent battery, either. In other reviews, they’ve been found to work well, have the advertised capacity, and be built internally to withstand the kind of use we expect deep cycle batteries to endure. Rather than rehash all of that here, here’s a video from the DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse YouTube channel:

Featured image by Jennifer Sensiba.

Article by Jennifer Sensiba, sponsored by Siekon.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest CleanTechnica.TV Videos

CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.

CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy

Source link by CleanTechnica Reviews Archives

Author Industry Sponsor

#Siekon #Deep #Cycle #12V #Lithium #Battery #Review

- Advertisement -

Volvo to Launch Battery-Electric Truck With Longer Range

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Volvo to Launch Battery-Electric Truck With Longer Range

A Volvo FH Aero electric truck. (Volvo Group)

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

Volvo Trucks plans to boost the range for one of its global battery-electric trucks to about 372 miles on a single charge, the Swedish original equipment manufacturer said Sept. 3.

The updated variant of the Volvo FH Electric — which currently has a maximum range of up to 300 miles — is set to launch in the second half of 2025 in Europe, Volvo said.

Configurations of the FH Electric available at present include 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 tractors, with the 4×2 offering the longest range. The truck has a battery capacity of 360 kilowatt-hours to 540 kWh via four to six batteries, and offers four cab options.

Volvo said the longer-range model will help carriers keeps trucks on the road during the working day without having to recharge.

Breaking news! We will launch a long-range version of our Volvo FH Electric that will be able to run up to 600 km on one single charge.

Read more: https://t.co/yJX0WChqly #electrification #electrictrucksinreality #electrictrucks #sustainability #volvotrucks pic.twitter.com/78fixvwCO1

— Volvo Trucks (@VolvoTrucks) September 3, 2024

“Our new electric flagship will be a very good complement to our wide range of electric trucks and enable zero-emission transport even for really long distances. It will be a good solution for transport companies that have a high annual mileage on their trucks and a strong desire to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions,” said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks.

The extended range is made possible by a new e-axle that creates significantly more battery space capacity, Volvo said. More efficient batteries, an improved battery management system and more efficient powertrain are among other included upgrades, Volvo said.

Volvo sells the cabover FE Electric in Europe and Asia and may deploy the new model to other continents, but the FE range is not sold in North America, a spokeswoman said in an email. The trucks would be built at Volvo plants in Tuve, Sweden, and Ghent, Belgium, she added.

In North America, Volvo has introduced battery-electric configurations of its VNR regional and flagship Class 8 VNL tractor. The company’s Volvo Trucks North America subsidiary provided a first glimpse of the upcoming VNL 440 Electric during a June media event. A pre-production model of a 42-inch midroof sleeper model was unveiled to reporters at Volvo’s customer center in Dublin, Va.

The redesigned VNL launched in January and is also set to serve as the platform for future hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen-injection internal combustion engines, the truck maker has said.

Orders for the VNL Electric are expected to open in the last couple of months of 2025 or at the start of 2026, VTNA Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Brand Management Magnus Koeck told Transport Topics in June.

The updated variant of the Volvo FH Electri is set to launch in the second half of 2025 in Europe. (Volvo Group)

Batteries for the trucks will be supplied by manufacturing plants once owned by Proterra, Koeck told TT. Volvo Group bought battery manufacturer Proterra Power in November for $210 million after the energy company’s parent filed for bankruptcy in August.

VTNA’s current battery-electric range consists of five VNR Electric models: a 4×2 straight truck, a 6×4 straight truck, a 4×2 tractor, a 6×2 tractor and a 6×4 tractor. The range of the latter two configurations tops out at 275 miles.

Expansion of the Volvo product line, and that of sister company Mack Trucks, will be supported by the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Mexico, the company announced in April. Both Volvo and Mack are owned by Volvo Group.

Volvo said Aug. 23 the plant would be located in the city of Monterrey. The facility is expected to be operational in 2026. Volvo expects to spend around $700 million on its construction.

Monterrey’s proximity to the border with the United States and well-developed infrastructure to support sales to the southwest and west of the U.S., as well as to Mexico and Latin America, were key reasons behind the decision, the company said.

The 1.7 million-square-foot plant will join Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Pennsylvania and VTNA’s New River Valley plant in Virginia as the broader company’s key manufacturing sites in North America.

Volvo Trucks North America initiated operations of Plant 2 at New River Valley in its entirety for the first time June 21, part of a $400 million revamp of the complex ahead of the launch of the redesigned VNL. New River Valley is also the home of the VNR Electric.

Volvo has delivered more than 3,800 electric trucks to customers in 46 countries around the world so far, but its ambitions are much larger. The company wants 50% of its sales to be electric by 2030 and customers to have zero-emission fleets by 2050.

Source link

#Volvo #Launch #BatteryElectric #Truck #Longer #Range

- Advertisement -

History of the GEM Car and a Look at Its Future

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Chart: Steelmaking is starting to go electric

A Small, Slow EV That Has Found an Expanding Niche

You don’t need a high-speed sports car or heavy-duty truck when driving around your neighborhood. Instead, you can get by with a low-speed vehicle like a golf cart or bicycle. What if you took it to the next level with electrification?

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) has pioneered neighborhood electric vehicles (EVs), demonstrating a prosperous past and promising future.

Local electric transportation

What’s the GEM Car?

While they look like golf carts, GEM’s electric cars stand out among small vehicles. These machines make local transportation safe and sustainable with battery power and low speeds. The batteries mean they have zero emissions and are better for the environment than gas-powered cars or golf carts.

GEM’s four EV models suit multiple needs, depending on your family or business. For instance, the GEM e2 is the smallest and seats one or two people. If you need more space, the GEM e6 seats up to six people and looks like a shuttle bus. The company also makes work trucks to help businesses with microtransit needs.

Waev Inc. owns GEM following a 2021 purchase from Polaris. The buyout also included Taylor-Dunn, an EV manufacturer focusing on industrial EVs. While it has a bright future, the GEM lineup has come a long way since its start 30 years ago.

e4 GEM car charging — **Where there’s a plug, there’s a charge**

Where Did the GEM Car Come From?

GEM started in 1992 when a group of engineers left General Motors (GM) to form a company. After six years, they produced a purpose-built EV at the beginning of the modern electric age, when there was low demand for few electric cars on the market. In 1998, GEM’s machine rolled off its North Dakota production line as the first street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) in the U.S.

The first GEM vehicle had its speed capped at 25 mph to meet the LSV regulations. The original GEM had lead acid batteries boasting only 48 volts. However, its slowness filled a particular need. GEM designers wanted to bridge the gap between golf carts and regular cars and bring the electric mobility into the modern era.

GEM’s low-speed cars were influential in the 1990s, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a new LSV category. Following this change, you could drive GEM machines on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or lower. These cars attracted the attention of the auto industry and led to the purchase of GEM by DaimlerChrysler. The GEM became the auto company’s main tool for complying with the state of California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, although it also produced some full-electric models.

What’s the GEM Car’s Future?

Since creating the first car, GEM has produced over 50,000 units and made itself the world’s LSV leader. While ownership has changed hands a few times, the company hasn’t stopped innovating to improve its vehicles. For instance, the 2023 models included solar panels to improve battery performance by 40%.

In 2024, GEM improved its lineup to enhance the driving experience. Now, you can get lithium-ion batteries with five times more battery life than its previous absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. Another convenience is an onboard charger, letting you connect to public charging stations.

GEM’s future includes further blurring the lines between golf carts and regular cars. While traditionally for personal use, you may see these vehicles in the rideshare industry. Dayton, Ohio, residents have proposed using GEM cars for transportation services to welcome visitors. Proponents say this idea could boost sustainability and connectivity for the region.

e6 GEM car — **Small, but highly functional**

A GEM in the Rough

EVs can be pricey because of high component and production costs and the overhead of a large corporation. However, GEM takes a different approach with its smaller neighborhood cars. Their purpose is not to replace EVs, but take the place of many trips you might take in a $40,000, 4,300-pound vehicle. These machines have come a long way since 1998 and have a bright future.

The post History of the GEM Car and a Look at Its Future first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.

Source link by Clean Fleet Report

Author Martin Banks

#History #GEM #Car #Future

- Advertisement -

Volvo backtracks on its 100% EV pledge: Here’s what the new plan looks like

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Volvo backtracks on its 100% EV pledge: Here’s what the new plan looks like

Another automaker is adjusting its near-term electric vehicle target. Volvo is scaling back on its 100% EV pledge by 2030. The company said stronger government support is needed to advance the transition.

Volvo was one of the first automakers to set a 100% EV sales goal by 2030. The announcement was made over three years ago in March 2021.

The plan was to sell only fully electric cars while phasing out “any car in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids.”

Volvo’s former chief executive, Henrick Green, explained, “There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” adding, “Instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future.”

It looks like those plans are now changing. Volvo announced Wednesday that it was adjusting its electrification strategy.

Volvo is scaling back its 100% EV pledge by 2030. The new plans call for 90 to 100% of global sales to be electrified, including EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Or, in other words, “all cars with a cord.”

Volvo walks back 100% EV pledge by 2030

The other up to 10% will be “a limited number of hybrids” if needed. By 2025, Volvo expects 50 to 60% of sales to be electrified.

Volvo has already launched five all-electric models: the EX40, EC40, EX30, EM90, and the EX90. After delivering its first model in January, the Volvo EX30 is already the third best-selling EV in Europe.

Another five EVs are in development. However, Volvo said the shift comes as the charging infrastructure rollout has been out slower than expected, and government incentives have been withdrawn.

Volvo is calling for stronger and more stable government policies to support the transition to EVs.

Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan explained, “We are resolute in our belief that our future is electric.” He added, “An electric car provides a superior driving experience.”

Despite this, “it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear, and customers and markets are moving at different speeds of adoption,” Rowan explained.

Volvo also adjusted its CO2 reduction goal. The company aims to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 65% to 75% by 2030 (using 2018 as a baseline). That’s down from the previous 75% reduction target.

Next year, Volvo aims for a 30 to 35% reduction (with 2018 as a baseline), down from 40%. The company is still working with suppliers to cut CO2 emissions across its value chain.

Electrek’s Take

With two new electric SUVs, the EX30 and EX90, rolling out, Volvo still expects all-electric vehicle sales to pick up.

Volvo’s first US-made EX90 rolled off the assembly line in June, with deliveries kicking off this month.

The EX30, starting at $34,950, will be one of the most affordable EVs in the US. However, Volvo cited new tariffs on EVs imported from China as another reason for the adjustment.

The US announced a 100% tariff while Europe is planning to slap an extra 36.3% tariff. Volvo’s EX30 is made in China, but the company will begin production in Belgium to bypass the additional duties.

Volvo’s announcement comes after several automakers, including Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz, revealed similar adjustments.

With legacy automakers scaling back, it could give pure EV makers, like Tesla and Rivian, even more time to grab market share.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Peter Johnson

#Volvo #backtracks #pledge #Heres #plan

- Advertisement -

Berkeley’s gas ban was blocked in court. Now a new plan has emerged.

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Community members gathered more than 4,500 signatures to get the proposed gas tax on the ballot, which officially qualified at the end of May. The tax would charge large building owners $2.96 for every 100 cubic feet or 100,000 BTUs of natural gas used, a value based on the social cost of carbon, which estimates the damages caused to society by excess greenhouse gas emissions.

Residents in low-income communities would be among the first to receive funding from the taxes to upgrade and electrify older buildings, and union labor would be prioritized for building retrofit work funded by the tax. If approved, the policy would take effect January 1, 2025, and expire at the end of 2050.

Amy Turner, director of the Cities Climate Law Initiative at Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, said that Berkeley’s proposed tax is a novel approach. Existing policies, such as building performance standards in New York City, Boston, and Seattle, require buildings to lower emissions over time and can fine property owners for failing to comply. But they tend to be “fuel neutral,” meaning they don’t explicitly target a specific energy source like fossil gas. “We haven’t seen a fee or a payment of any kind be connected directly to the kind of fuel that a building is using,” she said.

Some trade groups, like the county’s building and construction trades council, have criticized the measure for levying additional costs on local businesses in an area with already higher-than-average taxes. And while the measure’s text explicitly prohibits property owners from passing on costs to renters, a city report expressed concerns that the tax could still result in higher rental costs “either at the time of lease renewal or, for price-controlled units, adjustments during times of vacancy.” The report also stated the initiative would likely increase job opportunities for contractors and incentivize all-electric new construction of large buildings in Berkeley.

Berkeley’s proposed tax requires a simple majority to pass. But that’s not the only hurdle: The measure will also have to withstand the same legal scrutiny faced by the city’s previous gas ban. In April 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court ruled that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act, a law that sets national energy efficiency standards, preempted Berkeley’s ban, stating that the policy would in effect prevent the use of gas appliances that meet those national standards.

Fossil Free Berkeley organizers point out that the court’s decision explicitly allowed for the possibility of a carbon tax similar to the one on the November ballot, making the new measure safe from legal challenges based on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Turner likewise noted that the city’s new approach — a tax rather than a ban — is substantially different from the one tossed out by courts.

“Certainly there are incentives of all kinds for buildings to be built or be operated in certain ways, and those are not subject to EPCA preemption,” she said.

Beyond reducing fossil gas use, which accounts for roughly one-third of Berkeley’s greenhouse gas emissions, the proposed tax would also help prepare the city for an energy transition that’s already underway, Tahara said.

In March of last year, California’s Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which governs air pollution in Berkeley and other nearby cities, passed regulations to phase out the sale of gas-powered appliances by 2027. But the regulation “left a lot of the thorny implementation issues to local municipalities,” such as how to make it affordable for homes and businesses to make the switch, Tahara said. Revenue from the tax, which would roll in as early as 2026, would help provide the funding needed for electric and building upgrades to “prepare for those regulations, so that they can be rolled out equitably,” he said.

Source link by Canary Media

Author Akielly Hu

#Berkeleys #gas #ban #blocked #court #plan #emerged

- Advertisement -

Electric Scout concepts debut Oct. 24

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Scout lives.

On Tuesday, Scout Motors confirmed its electric SUV and truck concepts will debut on October 10.

Scout Motors returns from the history books thanks to Volkswagen. The iconic brand is part of Volkswagen Group, but is said to be operated independently and is being treated as a start-up automaker. Scout is being billed as an electric SUV and truck brand.

Scout EV plant groundbreaking

The latest teaser reveals a roof-mounted compass. Previous teasers revealed brick-like silhouettes for both the electric truck and SUV. The rugged designs are said to be inspired by the classic International Harvester Scout SUV, which was produced from 1960 to 1980.

Both the electric SUV and truck will be built at a new factory near Columbia, South Carolina, which is costing VW $2 billion. Once at full capacity, the factory is set to produce 200,000 vehicles annually and create 4,000 permanent jobs. Magna is assisting VW with the rapid development of the body-on-frame chassis for the Scout EVs.

Teaser for Scout Motors electric SUV and pickup truck

The SUV is said to arrive first with a target price in the $40,000 range. The larger pickup is set to arrive in short order after the SUV and cost a bit north of its sibling.

Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh was previously the CEO of Volkswagen America. The executive has touted the SUV as a “Rugged Utility Vehicle,” or RUV.”

Volkswagen invested $5 billion in Rivian to get access to its zonal electrical architecture. The electrical architecture will be used across the Volkswagen Group’s various brands, though it’s unclear if the deal went through with enough time for integration into the two Scout EVs.

Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Joel Feder)

#Electric #Scout #concepts #debut #Oct

- Advertisement -

Rivian is rolling out a software update to R1 owners new and old, including a new ‘Launch Mode’

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

September 4, 2024

0

Rivian is rolling out a software update to R1 owners new and old, including a new ‘Launch Mode’

Rivian has just started rolling out a robust software update that improves several features in both generations of its flagship R1S and R1T BEVs. Updates vary by model, but there are some pretty extensive improvements to the Rivian ownership experience, including the opportunity to show off that tri-motor acceleration with a new “Launch Mode” feature.

It’s been a few years since relatively young American automaker Rivian began deliveries of its two first BEV models – the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. As we await the arrival of Rivian’s exciting new R2 and R3 models in development, much of our focus remains on those flagship models and there’s still plenty to talk about.

As software-defined vehicles, one of the perks of owning an EV like a Rivian is its ability to constantly be updated over-the-air (OTA). This has become commonplace for OEMs selling EVs, but not all updates are created equal.

With a focus on continuous improvement, Rivian has rolled out several previous software updates that have delivered impressive new capabilities. For example, the automaker introduced ‘Kneel Mode’ in October 2022, lowering the EV’s height to enable easier entry and exit for pets and the elderly.

Rivian also introduced a “Camp Mode” feature in which an R1T or R1S automatically levels itself for flat, comfortable sleeping and reprogrammed its vehicles’ exterior mirrors to dimly light your campsite.

Other updates have included savable dash cam footage, improved towing performance, and real-time range estimates. Rivian is at it again with another large software update than improves the capabilities of all of its current R1T and R1S models.

Highlights of Rivian software update 2024.31

As you’ll see from the links below, this is one of the more significant software updates Rivian has rolled out, and upgrade details pertain to each individual model, including first and second-generation R1 EVs. For the sake of time, we’ve highlighted some of the critical updates below, but if you want to view everything in its entirety, you can do so here:

Rivian Software Update 2024.31

Let’s start with the Gen 1 Rivian models. Software update 2024.31 allows you to customize the color theme of the Rivian vehicle’s accent lights, and more options are now available. Simply select a theme to hear its corresponding audio, which you can also mute if you’d like.

The latest software update for the Gen 2 Rivian models introduces a new “Launch Mode” feature. This mode was designed for 2025 tri-motor versions of the R1T and R1S and, according to Rivian, is “designed for use on a closed circuit track with dry road conditions.” We’ll see about that.

Anyway, Gen 2 R1 owners who get the latest Rivian software update will be able to go into “Sport” in the Drive Modes section of the display screen and can now select “Launch Mode.” This mode delivers maximum acceleration and “an increased top speed” to impress your friends and any EV haters with your best 0-60 mph or quarter-mile time. Have fun, kids.

In addition to these features, Rivian’s latest software update includes upgrades to a slew of features for both generations of its R1 models. Here are a few interesting ones:

Increased accuracy of traffic data and improve route color coding.
The cabin’s fan speed now has three different options while the climate system is in Auto Mode. Even if you change fan speed, the climate system will now remain in Auto.
The cabin temperature limit for Pet Mode has been lowered to 63℉, controllable from the center display or the Rivian app.
Improved battery performance during aggressive driving at high exterior temperatures.
While not in park, you can now use your phone’s hot-spot for internet connectivity.
Improved reliablity of the Gear Guard app.
More efficiency when using defrost or defog modes on the windshield.
Improved accuracy of the estimated remaining charge time for an Active Climate Schedule.
Improved smoothness of re-engaging Highway Assist after a lane change.
Stability improvements to the backup camera view.
Estimated charging costs now appear on the center and driver displays when you begin a session.

As we mentioned before, Rivian’s 2024.31 software update contains plenty more to unpack, so we recommend checking out the dedicated page for each model linked above. We’re working to get into one of the 2025 Rivians soon and will test out the new features and some of their accessories. Stay tuned.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Scooter Doll

#Rivian #rolling #software #update #owners #including #Launch #Mode

- Advertisement -

Submit EV Event

Refreshed Best-Selling Hyundai

Hyundai’s Best-Selling Vehicle

Effortless Efficiency

Ride and Handling

Easy Identifier

Clean, Refreshing Interior

Safety and Warranties

Pricing

Observations: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

What’s a “Deep Cycle” Battery, Anyway?

Why Lithium’s A Worthwhile Upgrade

Siekon’s Solution To This

Latest CleanTechnica.TV Videos

A Small, Slow EV That Has Found an Expanding Niche

What’s the GEM Car?

Where Did the GEM Car Come From?

What’s the GEM Car’s Future?

A GEM in the Rough

Volvo walks back 100% EV pledge by 2030

Electrek’s Take

Highlights of Rivian software update 2024.31

Popular EV news