Posts tagged with "electric vehicles"

First Carbon Neutral Heli Ski Resort

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NORTHERN ESCAPE HELI SKIING BECOMES ONE OF THE FIRST CARBON-NEUTRAL HELI SKI OPERATORS IN THE WORLD

Premier Boutique Heli-Skiing Operator Takes Action on Climate Change by Taking a Hard Look at its Operations and Offsetting its Carbon Footprint

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (NEH) has recently become one of the first carbon-neutral heli-skiing operators in the world. The operator partnered with Synergy Enterprises and Offsetters, Canada’s leading carbon management agency, to take action on climate change and offset its current carbon footprint. NEH purchased offsets that benefit The Great Bear Forest and the First Nations living in the region, as well as the Lara Ceramic plant-based in Brazil by helping to decrease deforestation in the area.

In addition, the operator has a three-year plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adopt renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and electric vehicles to support its operations. The passion to create a more sustainable approach to heli-skiing comes from NEH leadership. “Over the 35 years of my career as an ACMG Guide, I have witnessed incremental changes in our climate, our snowpack, and our glaciers. The first of many steps to achieve this for us is to become carbon neutral. We need to do the best we can to mitigate climate change and become a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. Every single department of our company is drilling down to the basics of how we can shift our operations to mitigate our environmental impact.” explains NEH Co-founder & General Manager, John Forrest.

NEH is located in Skeena Mountains near Terrace, BC, and is only a short 90-minute flight from Vancouver. It connects a worldwide community of skiers and boarders to more than 5,500 sq km of pristine wilderness. To be able to do this responsibly, the management of the company, with the help of Synergy and Offsetters, analyzed every single aspect of the company’s operations from mountain commute to the guest experience. “We work with the various recycling companies in Terrace to decrease our use of single-use plastics as much as possible. Once our machines cycle through their lifespan we’ll be replacing them with electric ones, and we’ll be encouraging guests to purchase carbon offsets for their flights,” says Forrest.

NEH is a boutique heli-skiing operator offering a variety of custom packages for small groups of skiers and boarders from all over the world. Guests have an option to stay at two different lodges and enjoy dining by Red Seal chefs, hot tubs, massages, and more. To learn more about NEH’s environmentally responsible journey, or to book your carbon-neutral stay, please visit: Here

Pirelli Announces New Tire Launch

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PIRELLI RUN FLAT: 20 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY BORN OUT OF RALLYING: NOW APPLIED TO COMFORT, SUSTAINABILITY AND NEW ELECTRIC MOBILITY

MORE THAN 1000 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RUN FLAT TIRES DEVELOPED, MORE THAN 70 MILLION TIRES PRODUCED AND OVER 50 CAR MODELS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY

The principal benefit of Pirelli’s run flat technology – introduced to select Pirelli road tires in 2001 using the lessons learned from rallying – is to allow drivers to continue driving for a while after most punctures, rather than being stranded by the side of the road. Rallying is where this technology was tried and tested for the first time, with tires featuring a reinforced structure designed to allow driving after a puncture, which would otherwise cost several minutes in the heat of intense competition on a wide variety of roads.

NEW MATERIALS AND PROCESSES TO INCREASE COMFORT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Non-stop research and development into new materials and processes has helped Pirelli to improve driving comfort in recent years for cars equipped with Run Flat tires. Thanks to new technology in the tire’s structure, as well as advances in the materials used, increased comfort for drivers and better rolling resistance, with reduced fuel consumption and fewer emissions, are possible. These tires are built to absorb bumps in the road, and they offer similar levels of comfort as standard tires, but with the key advantage of being designed to allow continued driving up to 50 miles at 50 miles per hour (mph) to seek assistance after most puncture events – even with reduced air pressure. The particular suspension characteristics of vehicles equipped with Run Flat tires as original equipment should encourage the driver to always use tires with this technology, including as replacement tires when needed, to maximize the performance of the car.

USEFUL TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES, WITH AN EYE TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Spare tires are not usually available in electric cars, in order to free up more space for batteries. That’s why several vehicle manufacturers choose extended mobility solutions such as Run Flat or Seal Inside to minimize inconvenience and allow the driver to get to a shop in the event of most punctures. Run Flat tires are designed to allow motorists, including those with electric vehicles, to continue driving up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph without loss of air pressure, even after most punctures. Run Flat technology is also expected to play an important role in future autonomous driving systems, by helping the vehicle remain operative in most road hazard events.

OVER 1,000 DIFFERENT VERSIONS DEVELOPED AND MORE THAN 70 MILLION RUN FLAT TIRES PRODUCED

Over the last 20 years, Pirelli’s engineers have developed more than 1,000 different types of tires featuring run flat technology, which are built to allow drivers to keep driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of up to 50mph. It’s a solution that has been adopted by many different manufacturers, who have requested run flat tires as original equipment on their new vehicles – such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo. Throughout these two decades, Pirelli has produced more than 70 million run flat tires, including summer, winter and all-season tires – some of which have been fitted to the most powerful and prestigious cars of recent times, including the entire BMW and Mini range, a substantial part of the Mercedes range, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi Q5 and Q7.

A WIDE RANGE AVAILABLE

There are more than a dozen premium and prestige vehicle car manufacturers that use Pirelli tires with run flat technology today, including Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. This technology is available on more than 50 models of Pirelli tires homologated as original equipment for use by car vehicle manufacturers. All these tires carry ‘run flat’ markings on the sidewalls, together with markings denoting the individual vehicle manufacturer they are intended for. On some tires, this technology is combined with Pirelli Elect and PNCS noise-cancelling technology. The former is dedicated to electric vehicles and is focused on low rolling resistance, reduced tire noise, grip, and a structure designed to support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle. PNCS is instead focused on reduction of perceived tire noise inside the cabin, thanks to the use of special sound-absorbing sponge on the inside of the tire. Pirelli Seal Inside is yet another technology made available by Pirelli. In the event of a puncture in most portions of the tire, a sealing substance inside the tire forms a seal around the foreign object as soon as it penetrates the tire, preventing air from escaping and the tire from losing pressure. When the foreign object is extracted, the same material seals up the edges of the resulting hole, until the tire can be repaired, so drivers can carry on driving in control and comfort.

Pirelli’s high-end Run Flat tires are the result of Pirelli’s innovative MIRS production process, which is entirely controlled by computer with ‘raw’ tires made using robots offering a final result with high standards of quality and reliability. Pirelli’s self-supporting run flat system uses special reinforcements inserted into the internal sidewalls, which are designed to sustain the lateral and transversal loads on the car even in the absence of tire pressure.

By: Matthew Anthenelli

Today, Pirelli is proud and excited to announce the introduction of the newest model to their Scorpion AS Plus line, the Scorpion AS Plus 3. The quiet, sporty tire was designed using cutting-edge 3D technology to ensure the most durable, gripping tire possible for all North American crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

Pirelli is an internationally known brand that is signified by its outstanding quality tires that increase the performance of virtually any kind of car. Their tires are specifically designed to provide the maximum amount of comfortability, quietness, grip, and durability for cars ranging from electric vehicles and hybrids to Formula 1 race cars.

The Scorpion line of tires from Pirelli is designed specifically for North American consumers and was started in 2013. This means that all the tires were manufactured not only to custom fit many popular American car models and brands, but also in order to be able to perform in the conditions of all four seasons and a wide variety of terrain. Another main goal of the Scorpion line is an increased mileage guarantee, with the new Scorpion AS Plus 3 boasting a seventy thousand mile warranty.

The AS Plus line of Pirelli tires have been specifically designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of larger vehicles like crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Pirelli has always maintained its reputation of providing high quality products that are geared towards performance and innovation, while still being able to be used for both sports and lifestyle purposes.

As a result of the pandemic, CEO Pietro Berardi explained that Pirelli has put more investment into researching their customer base and design innovations than ever before in the past year. The head of Pirelli’s North American Marketing team added that in their research for the Scorpion AS Plus 3, designers were able to use 3D modelling and simulation in order to create the most optimal tread design for the best handling and grip on both tight turns and high speeds. The 3D models are a huge innovation in the design and manufacturing of tires, as designers were able to see in real time the differences in type of treads in different environments as well as comparing how they’d each hold up over time.

Using 3D technology, Pirelli was able to design the Scorpion AS Plus 3 to optimize quietness and comfortability, road-hugging grip, and all-season performance that motorheads and thrill-seekers will depend on. The tires are designed for all North American crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks and come in a wide variety of thirty seven different sizes. They even have custom-fit tires for popular vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and F-150 for customer’s ease and convenience.

The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a highly technologically advanced tire that is a must for anyone driving a crossover, SUV, or pickup truck and looking for a high performing tire to go with it. Featuring tread designed with innovative 3D models and a seventy thousand mile treadwear warranty, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is without a doubt the most futuristic and cutting-edge tire available today.

Check out Pirelli’s new video featuring Danica Patrick, which highlights the performance capabilities of the new Scorpion AS Plus 3 here! You can also find out more by checking out Pirelli’s Instagram and website.

1000 Mile Battery Vehicles

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Many Routes to 1000 Mile Battery Vehicles, Reports IDTechEx

It is easy to make 1000-mile battery-electric vehicles, and the effect on market uptake will be profound. For example, a typical city-dweller today might charge only once every two months and vacation where chargers are rare.

With solar bodywork having done some of the job, even feeble existing chargers will cause little delay in charging time. Indeed, solar bodywork is a “get-you-home” feature that is capable of suddenly making battery-electric vehicles acceptable in most of the world– increasing their market potential and accelerating economies of scale in production, making battery-electric vehicles more affordable. Meanwhile, today’s EV would be easier to sell to country dwellers if they had a folding solar panel “lifeboat” offered as an optional extra. See the IDTechEx report, “Solar Vehicles 2021-2041 2nd Edition”.

Learn from the sea. Many solar boats can already be bought with effectively infinite range because they have so much area available for solar. Some have the generating capacity to supply three houses on arrival. For heavier sea-going ships, adding wind turbines works because at sea, the wind is rarely head-on at a speed less than the craft’s. The large Manta ocean clean-up boat from Sea Cleaners is the latest example. Even energy-independent ships are possible by combining these technologies with others.

Land vehicles lag in energy-independent technologies because they have less surface area per passenger, but the newly viable single-crystal silicon on the sides (as demonstrated by Sono Motors at CES 2021) is a step in the right direction. Student solar racers get energy independence using 3–5 compound solar that is unaffordable for most applications as yet. They also get ultra-low drag factors by squeezing the riders. Nonetheless, these things benchmark what is coming to a car, robot shuttle, and truck near you.

For example, following solar golf cars, Aptera, a Californian solar car start-up, promises 1000 miles for those willing to mix it with Class 8 trucks while sitting in a three-wheeled egg. More mainstream, Tesla and Lucid already get past 500 miles range by utilizing low drag factor, light-weighting, more efficient power electronics, and other strategies such as aluminum monocoque, even before adopting solar. Indeed, Tesla Roadster doubles the battery to get 620 miles. Lightyear solar family cars approach 500 miles range with exceptionally extensive solar bodywork, but also offer more efficient in-wheel motors. More efficient motors have been important for Tesla’s exceptional range, and better motors are on the way. See the IDTechEx report, “Electric Motors for Electric Vehicles: Land, Water, Air 2020-2030”.

When feasible, Elon Musk wants solar that unfolds on arrival and will pump more than one kilowatt. Many vehicles are largely glass, but solar building windows are obviously coming to vehicles, starting with Hyundai promising a translucent solar roof.

In 2018, Tesla began to adopt wide-bandgap semiconductors (silicon carbide) in the Model 3’s main inverter, which are more efficient and save on the weight and space of the cooling equipment. Supercapacitors are barely used in on-road BEVs, but they can improve range in many ways now they appear with higher energy density and at a lower price. They grab more braking energy, and they facilitate deep discharge of the newer batteries that can tolerate such things.

The roadmap of other range-extending technologies is equally rich. Infrared harvesting surfaces under the vehicle may work in hot countries. On top and sides, adding perovskite to silicon will grab infrared and light over a much wider spectrum, increasing electricity by at least 10% (multilayer perovskites promises 100%). Autonomous taxis, shuttles, and buses dispensing with the weight and space of the driver can go further. In windy countries, wind turbines that erect when the vehicle stops can be viable. Indeed, the US Department of Defense funds trials of electricity generation by using tethered drones from vehicles, up where the wind is stronger and more consistent.

Raghu Das, CEO of IDTechEx, advises, “VW Group and many others work on structural batteries and supercapacitors to increase range – no more dumb bodywork. Meanwhile, Tesla and Lucid commercialize a first step in that direction. Equally challenging, but still a possibility is using higher voltage to increase range beyond the current focus on charging time. 800-1000V is pioneered by VW Group, Lucid, Rivian, GM, Hyundai, Kia, and other carmakers and their suppliers such as Hitachi, Borg Warner and others. In principle, it increases efficiency and lightens weight.”

“We are currently working on the start of production for several premium 800-volt projects,” says Bert Hellwig, who is responsible for electric drive system development at ZF. “We supply a Chinese OEM with the complete electric driveline, including power electronics, for several models. For a European sports car manufacturer, ZF provides power electronics for a high-voltage application. Further series start-ups are already on the horizon.”

There is much more. Thermal management and all materials and systems can perform better and get lighter, both of which increase range. See the IDTechEx reports, “Materials for Electric Vehicles: Electric Motors, Battery Cells & Packs, HV Cabling 2020-2030” and “Thermal Management for Electric Vehicles 2020-2030”. For example, a transparent heater film applied only where needed on vehicle interiors has been shown to save up to 30% of that electricity.

Meeting all these factors in the middle is intermittent catenary and intermittent road rails and coils–charging vehicles as they hurtle by– and an increasing number of cars able to charge other cars (Sono Motors’ Sion is again an example). Batteries charge fast initially, so the profusion of lamp post chargers topping up in London, for example, can be a good alternative to scarce and expensive fast chargers, particularly as vehicles double their range. Battery improvements promise large range increases. Volkswagen targets 40% more energy density by 2030. In other words, vehicle designers can now choose which of the many routes to 1000-mile range they will pursue with plenty of choices.

For the whole picture, see the IDTechEx report, “Electric Vehicles: Land, Sea and Air 2021-2041”.

For the full portfolio of Electric Vehicle research available from IDTechEx, please visit this website.

China’s EV Industry Growth

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1.3M Electric Vehicles Were Sold In China In 2020 – Projected For 51% Increase By 2021

China has become a relatively rich market for Electric vehicles (EVs) in recent times, and companies like Tesla have pounced on the opportunity. China posted a record number of EVs sold in the country in 2020, despite the global downturn of the automotive industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data presented by TradingPlatforms, 1.3M EVs were sold in China in 2020– a rise of 8% YoY, but is projected to grow by over 51% in 2021 to almost 2M.

EV Enters Mainstream– China One of Promising Markets, Despite Negative Effects of Pandemic

EVs have entered the automotive mainstream in recent times with Tesla setting the tone for affordable and stylish EVs. In 2019, the global EV market was valued at just over $162B and is expected to see tremendous growth in the next decade. The global EV market is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 22.12% in the period from 2019-2026, and rise to a value of almost $803B in 2026.

China is a particularly strong market for EVs, where a record number of EVs were sold in 2020. However, recent policy changes around the EV industry in China, and the more recent Coronavirus pandemic, have slowed down the strong momentum EVs once generated. Despite this, the number of EVs sold in China still saw a modest increase of 8% YoY from 2019-2020 to a record 1.3M units sold.

Demand is also expected to rebound after 2020’s sharp downturn for the entire industry. EV sales are projected to increase by over 51% to almost 2M EVs sold. Automotive industry expert Chris Jones noted: “Prospects are very good for China’s EV market in 2021. There is already an excellent network of standardized public EV chargers in China, good government support and now a return to strong consumer demand.”

SAIC-GM-Wuling and Tesla Carried Chinese EV Industry Through Turbulent Time

Two brands and their vehicles carried the Chinese EV industry through a difficult period caused by the pandemic: SAIC-GM-Wuling and Tesla. The Tesla Model 3 was the most popular EV in China for a time until the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV entered the market in the middle of 2020. As of July 2020, the Tesla Model 3 was the most registered new electric car in China with the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV already following closely behind.

An estimated 11,000 Model 3’s had been registered by that period while 7,250 Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV had already been registered despite deliveries only starting in the same month. By the end of 2020, SAIC-GM-Wuling had become the most popular EV brand in China with an estimated 177,000 units in car sales compared to Tesla’s 137,460 units.

The two brands offer two very different EVs, yet found that their shared success that carried the Chinese EV market through a difficult time. Jones further notes: “If it had not been for the huge success of these two very different EVs, the Chinese EV market would have declined in 2020. Between them, the two models represented one in five of all EVs sold in China.”

You can read more about the story with more statistics and information at TradingPlatform’s website.

MANN+HUMMEL and ALBA Group Tackle Vehicle Emissions

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At the start of 2020, filtration specialists, MANN+HUMMEL, and global recycling and environmental services company, the ALBA Group, joined forces to launch a pilot project with the aim of significantly improving air quality standards in Singapore. As part of a series of innovative measures developed by the ALBA Group for the city-state, the company’s recycling trucks were fitted with PureAir fine dust particle filter roof boxes from MANN+HUMMEL.

The partnership proved very successful and the two companies now plan to fit more of the ALBA fleet with PureAir roof boxes. The hope, ultimately, is that the technology can be rolled out to wider markets. The roof box design is well suited to trucks and lorries because they generally operate at lower speeds in environments where there is a high concentration of particulate in the ambient air. These are the ideal performance conditions for the roof box, which means these products can significantly reduce emissions from these vehicles.

“Although electric vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, particulate emissions are still a major problem, especially in cities,” explains Franck Bento, Director of Sales for New Products at MANN+HUMMEL. “Our technology can make a real difference in tackling this problem, so we’re excited to continue our partnership with the ALBA Group and help them install more of our roof boxes in the near future,” he continues.

“It’s vital for us that we protect our environment and preserve our natural resources,” explains Thomas Mattscherodt, Head of Project Management Office at ALBA W&H Smart City Pte Ltd in Singapore. “In 2019 alone, our recycling operations saved 32.3 million tonnes of primary raw materials and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4.2 million tonnes compared with producing the same materials from scratch. We’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint and the PureAir fine dust particle filters provide a really effective way of reducing the particulate pollution generated by our trucks on their rounds.”

PureAir fine dust particle filter for buses and lorries

The PureAir roof box is a great solution for buses, lorries and other similar use cases. The built-in filter elements are extremely energy efficient. The low flow resistance maximizes the volume of air passing through the filter and guarantees excellent filtration results. In fact, the filter removes over 90% of PM₁₀ particles – that is particles measuring 10 micrometers or less in diameter – from the ambient air. The standard filter element is a PM₁₀ design, but other filters are available on request.

Fans also increase the flow of air through the filter by drawing in ambient air in addition to the airflow generated by the moving vehicle. So even when the vehicle is stationary, the roof box continues to filter particulate out of the ambient air. This low-energy design makes the roof box a very sustainable solution.

Moreover, customers have the option to customize the outside of the roof box with their own company branding or advertising material. As well as working to optimize the aerodynamics, size and efficiency of this product, MANN+HUMMEL has also developed new versions of the technology, including its concept for integrating particulate filters into the front end of cars, which it showcased at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2019.

About MANN+HUMMEL

MANN+HUMMEL is a leading global expert in filtration. The Ludwigsburg-based group develops filtration solutions for vehicles, industrial applications, clean air in indoor and outdoor spaces as well as for the sustainable use of water. In 2019, over 22,000 employees at more than 80 locations worldwide generated a turnover of EUR 4.2 billion. Products include, amongst others, air filter systems, intake systems, liquid filters, technical plastic parts, filter media, cabin filters, industrial filters and membranes for water filtration, sewage treatment and process applications.

You can find further information on MANN+HUMMEL at https://www.mann-hummel.com/

IDTechEx Explores NiMH Batteries

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When we talk about battery-electric vehicles, the lithium-ion battery is dominant; however, for full hybrid electric vehicles (those that have electric-only modes but do not plug-in), NiMH batteries are still the most common battery on the road. With the growing market for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), will this drive further demand for NiMH batteries and stop them from being eliminated from the automotive market?

The new report from IDTechEx on “Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle Markets 2021-2041” covers this topic along with the key players and geographical markets for HEVs. Battery and motor-generator technology is analyzed for HEV cars, buses, and trucks, giving forecasts for Li-ion and NiMH battery demand over the next 20 years.

Toyota is the ruling OEM in the global HEV car market, with over 60% market share in 2019. Other manufacturers have started to eat into this share over the years, but Toyota still reigns supreme. While the other OEMs have mostly transitioned towards Li-ion batteries for their HEVs, Toyota remains committed to NiMH batteries and HEVs for the foreseeable future, with the majority of their line-up now using either NiMH or Li-ion depending on the specifications. For the relatively small batteries that are used in HEVs, the NiMH is still sufficient to meet requirements. It is also much more technologically mature and is less costly than Li-ion.

In 2020, NiMH batteries were still the dominant form installed in HEVs, largely due to Toyota. As Li-ion costs continue to fall and HEV battery capacity increases, NiMH are unlikely to remain competitive but will still see an increase in short term demand. Source: IDTechEx report: “Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle Markets 2021-2041“.

Sales of HEVs have continued to grow throughout the COVID-19 pandemic despite the downturn of the overall car market. This, combined with Toyota’s dominance and NiMH portfolio, provides a good market for NiMH batteries, at least in the short term. Li-ion technology is still evolving and reducing in price; at a certain point, it may no longer be cost-effective to continue using NiMH. Additionally, fossil fuel bans are incoming, with countries like the UK banning purely internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2030 and only allowing hybrids “that can drive a significant distance with zero emissions”. HEV manufacturers will likely increase the battery capacity in order to give more electric-only range, making the Li-ion option more appealing. Even with this stay of execution for HEVs, banning vehicles with ICEs of any sort is likely to follow shortly after. This will eliminate the HEV in many markets and hence the demand for NiMH.

IDTechEx recently published the report “Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle Markets 2021-2041“. This report gives an in-depth look at the historic HEV market in China, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the US, with an outlook over the next 20 years. An extensive model database of over 80 HEVs sold between 2015 and 2019 is used to determine the market’s battery and motor-generator technology in addition to geographical markets and manufacturer market shares. The total cost of ownership calculations is compared with ICE and 48V hybrids, as well as how HEVs can help manufacturers meet new European emissions targets. For more information on this report please visit www.IDTechEx.com/HEV.

This report forms part of the broader electric vehicle and energy storage research from IDTechEx, which tracks the adoption of electric vehicles, battery trends and demand across more than 100 different mobility sectors. This is summarized in a master report: www.IDTechEx.com/EV, or for a further in-depth analysis, please see the full portfolio of electric vehicle research available from IDTechEx: www.IDTechEx.com/research/EV.

IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

2021 Polestar 2

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Polestar Cars has just announced the formal pricing of the Swedish brand’s first pure electric car, the 2021 Polestar 2. The electric performance fastback has an MSRP of $59,900 in the United States.

The MSRP of the Polestar 2 is below state incentive thresholds in critical markets such as California and New York. Additionally, this price enables state rebates of approximately $2,000 in certain states*, for total tax incentives of up to $9,500 when combined with the federal electric vehicle tax credit.**

“We are quite enthusiastic to announce the U.S. pricing for the Polestar 2,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar USA. “The MSRP is lower than we originally targeted, and will be extended to all of our current reservation holders.”

“With an online purchase option, lower pricing, considerable tax incentives, and production already underway, the Polestar 2 is well-positioned for a successful entry into the U.S. market,” continued Hembrough.

Polestar also announced option pricing for the Polestar 2 depending on which add ons someone hopes to add to the car. The performance pack comes in at $5,000 and the Nappa Leather Interior is priced at $4,000. The stunning 20-inch Alloy Wheels and the Metallic Paint Colors both come in at $1,200.

This vehicle is priced in the same range as the 2021 Tesla models that have been released. The 2021 Tesla Model Y is starting at $49,990 and the 2021 Tesla Model S is priced beginning at $69,420. The current average price for an electric car is around $55,600, so the Polestar 2 falls right on par with this average.

The Polestar 2 arrives with 408 hp and 487 lb.-ft. of torque, very powerful for an electric car. The vehicle also features all-wheel drive and a 78 kWh battery pack, which enables considerable EV range. The car has an MPGe of 96 in the city and 88 on the highway.

The Polestar 2 is also the first car in the world to feature a built-in infotainment system powered by Android, featuring voice command via the Google Assistant, Google Maps with EV charging support and app downloads via the Google Play Store. The car features innovative technology throughout. The interior of the hatchback is modern yet minimal creating an opulent feel for passengers.

The Polestar 2, which began production in late March, has already begun delivery to U.S. reservation holders in summer 2020. With a digital retail model, the Polestar 2 is available to purchase on Polestar.com.

In order to replace car dealerships, the brand will soon open physical retail showrooms—Polestar Spaces—where non-commissioned Polestar Specialists will be able to assist customers with product information and test drives. Polestar Spaces are designed specifically to allow people to explore the cars without the pressure of committing to a purchase. The first of these locations have opened in California and New York as of late summer 2020, and the next additional locations are currently set to open in Denver and Austin.

The Polestar 2 is available for sale in all 50 states and Polestar will announce lease and retail finance options for the vehicle in the near future.

In the pursuit of accelerating sustainable mobility, Polestar, the electric performance car brand, today released a multi-episode video series featuring Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac. A champion for climate justice, Isaac delves deeper into Polestar innovations which aim to improve today’s society, and that of the future.

In partnership with The Wall Street Journal, “Making aNew” is a five-part mini docuseries which seeks the truths behind Polestar’s ethos and advancements in sustainability, electrification and performance. The video series is available to view today at www.polestar.com/us/making-anew.

“As the automotive world moves to electrification, important terms such as sustainability and clean energy are becoming generic slogans with diminished meaning,” said Oscar Isaac. “After learning about the company, I feel better about driving a Polestar because the brand is transparent about how its cars are produced, accountable for its impact on the planet and taking action to truly offset the footprint of its vehicles.”

Since the launch of the brand in 2017, Polestar has become synonymous with the development of new technologies, harnessing refined performance and incorporating unconventional materials in the development of its vehicles.

More recently, the brand began publishing detailed climate impact reports of its electric vehicles as they leave the production line, aiming to be the most transparent company in the automotive industry. As a proof point of this pledge, Polestar has published a full lifecycle analysis of the Polestar 2 Electric Fastback, and will release its first annual sustainability report in March of this year.

“We are determined to be the guiding star for our industry, accelerating the shift to more sustainable mobility. Innovation, clean energy, circular materials and transparency are areas of particular focus. A great example of this is the use of blockchain to improve the accountability of our cobalt supply chain,” said Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability at Polestar. “Collaborating with visible activists like Oscar, who are as passionate about carbon-neutrality as we are, will help raise awareness and understanding, paving the path for a more sustainable future.”

About Polestar

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. Established in 2017, Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and retails its vehicles in ten global markets across Europe and North America, and in China.

Polestar produces two electric performance cars. Polestar 1 is a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fiber body, 609 hp, 738 ft.-lb. and an electric-only range of 60 miles – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. Polestar 2 launched in 2020 with an all-wheel-drive electric powertrain that produces 408 hp and 487 ft.-lb., with a maximum range of 233 miles EPA (292 miles WLTP).

In the future, the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV will join the portfolio, as well as the Precept – a design study vehicle released in 2020 that is slated for future production. Precept showcases the brand’s future vision in terms of sustainability, digital technology and design.

*All tax information is current as of April 15, 2020. Government incentives are for informational purposes only and subject to change without notice, nor are within Polestar’s control. Incentive programs are offered and administered by government agencies. Eligibility and availability vary. Visit your state program’s website for the most up-to-date information on availability and redemption requirements. Your eligibility for income tax credits depends on your personal tax situation. Polestar encourages consulting with your tax advisor for details.

**The IRS offers a Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of qualifying vehicles. This is not tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor for details.

AIWAYS RE-STARTS PRODUCTION

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AIWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, is to start taking online orders for its U5 all-electric SUV from European consumers from the end of April. Secured via a small deposit, the U5 will be offered exclusively via a direct-to-customer sales model, and not retailed or leased through traditional dealerships. European pre-sale markets and the required deposit amount will be announced by AIWAYS in April.

Alexander Klose, Executive VP Overseas Operation at AIWAYS, commented: “Online pre-sales represents the next important phase of AIWAYS’ entry into the European market. It’s our promise to customers that for only a small deposit they can be among the first to receive the U5 and start enjoying the benefits of a long range, high-tech and well equipped electric SUV.”

Meanwhile, AIWAYS has re-started production of the U5 at its manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, following the interruption caused by COVID-19 (coronavirus). Production of the European U5 will start in July, with the first deliveries now slated for August 2020.

Making the most of its agility and flexibility as a startup, AIWAYS is adapting its pre-sale marketing activities to better suit the enforced period of ‘contactless’ retail because of COVID-19. By introducing new online platforms and seamless digital experiences, AIWAYS will give European car buyers the confidence to order the U5 online. More details to follow soon.

GMC HUMMER EV

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GMC will introduce the GMC HUMMER EV, bringing bold design and remarkable capability to the electrified vehicle space, during this weekend’s big game, in an ad titled “Quiet Revolution.”

The spot juxtaposes the staggering anticipated performance metrics of GMC’s first all-electric truck with the remarkable quietness inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle.

The GMC HUMMER EV truck will showcase the GMC brand’s design and engineering potential, and will feature¹:

1,000 horsepower
11,500 lb-ft of torque
0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds

“GMC builds premium and capable trucks and SUVs and the GMC HUMMER EV takes this to new heights,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “We are excited to debut our revolutionary zero-emissions truck during the biggest night in TV advertising.”

The GMC HUMMER EV will be revealed on May 20, 2020 and built in Michigan at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant².

The 30-second TV spot is scheduled to air during the second quarter of the big game. The spot highlights the anticipated performance of GMC’s all-electric super truck, which will generate remarkable metrics in terms of horsepower, torque and acceleration while providing incredible on- and off-road capability. All of this is combined with the vastly reduced noise and zero emissions inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle.

As part of the digital and social media marketing push surrounding the big game ad, GMC will take over the YouTube homepage masthead on Friday, Jan. 31. Customers can follow the conversation at #GMCHummerEV.

More information is available at www.gmc.com/HummerEV.

¹Based on General Motors estimates.
²The GMC HUMMER EV will be built in Michigan at GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly with globally sourced parts.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @GMC or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

How to Save Money with Electric Cars

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Last year, over 200,000 electrically powered vehicles were purchased in the United States of America, and most consumers give one simple explanation for making the switch from gasoline powered cars; money.

Though electric cars can have a slightly higher sticker price than their internal combustion engine counterparts, they can offer drivers huge savings on fuel costs and maintenance. As vehicle charging stations have become more numerous, and home vehicle charging options have gotten better than simply sticking a plug in an outlet, electric vehicles have become more and more popular with consumers.

Here we are going to look at some of the ways that drivers are saving money by using electric cars, and how you can join in and start saving yourself some money too.

At a Cost-Per-Mile, Gas-Guzzlers Cannot Compete

The biggest saving that drivers of an electric car make is on the cost of fuel per mile. Even the most frugal internal combustion engines cannot begin to compete with fuel efficient electric vehicles.

Some electric car manufacturers offer free charging for their vehicles at selected charging stations, so gas powered cars have no chance to match those savings, but even electric vehicles that are charged at home or at charging stations that require payment offer drastically lower fuel costs. For electric vehicles, the cost per mile is often measured in cents, not dollars.

Less Maintenance, Fewer Trips to the Mechanic

Another area that driving an electric car can save you money over a regular gas-guzzler is in the cost of regular maintenance and trips to your mechanic.

The internal combustion engine is incredibly complex with hundreds of moving parts that require adequate lubrication, and the fuels and oils it uses need topping up and fresh filters. The drivetrain that powers electric vehicles couldn’t be more different, with most electric motors only having one moving part. This drastically reduces maintenance costs, and the possibility that one small part will fail on your car and keep you stuck indoors while a mechanic fixes your engine.

You Can Generate Your Own Electricity at Home

Imagine if you owned an oilfield. You would be much less concerned about the cost of fuel if you could just fill up your own car from your own supply of gasoline.

Many owners of electric cars are doing something similar to this by generating and storing their own electricity at home with solar or wind power and home battery packs. This electricity is essentially free, after the cost of the equipment, saving owners of electric cars even more money.

Some electricity suppliers will even offer their customers discounted electricity rates when it is used to recharge electric vehicles, saving them even more money.

The price of gasoline is constantly increasing, as well as the cost to the environment that gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting cars produce. When you take a look at all the savings that driving an electric car has to offer, as well as the environmental benefits, it is easy to see why hundreds of thousands of American drivers are now making the switch to electric vehicles.