Fiat 500e evaluated, F-150 Lightning reduces prices, diesel-electric hybrids, street-side EV charging stations: The latest in automotive news
Is a significant advancement in battery energy density essential for electric vehicles to be environmentally beneficial?
Which high-end electric vehicle is reintroducing the look of a traditional gas engine grille? Could artificial exhaust pipes be on the horizon?
Here’s our recap of the highlights from the past week at Green Car Reports, as of April 12, 2024.
During an initial test drive of the 2024 Fiat 500e, Green Car Reports concluded that this trendy electric vehicle, though still best suited for urban environments, continues to share several constraints with its predecessor, the first-generation 500e that was available on the West Coast.
2024 model of the Fiat
The latest 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E comes with enhanced battery life and improved charging speed, in addition to faster acceleration across several models, all at a cost significantly lower than last year’s 2023 model. According to Ford, the Mach-E can now travel as far as 320 miles on a single charge as per EPA standards. Furthermore, Ford asserts that the high-end Mach-E GT models equipped with the Performance Upgrade can now surpass the Tesla Model Y Performance in terms of speed and power.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS hatchback is set to receive significant updates for the upcoming model year, featuring enhanced battery capacity and extended driving range, upgraded brakes, and a luxurious rear seating option. Additionally, the redesign includes a grille designed to resemble that of the traditional gasoline-powered S-Class.
Ford has decided to roll back some of the recent price increases on its F-150 Lightning model. The company has reduced the prices for the 2024 F-150 Lightning by as much as $5,500, with the newly launched Flash version seeing the largest reduction, and various mid-tier models also seeing significant price cuts.
Honda Sedan Prototype – 2024 Consumer Electronics Show
Honda has highlighted the adaptability of its new EV production center in Ohio, which is designed to manufacture either hundreds of electric vehicles daily or primarily hybrids, based on market needs. The facility will feature next-gen EV technologies, including massive die-cast machines standing 31 feet tall and weighing 6,000 tons, surpassing the equipment utilized at Giga Texas.
Last week, Kia outlined its strategy for transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and other electrified powertrains for the coming decade, maintaining its goal of selling 1.6 million EVs each year by 2030. Additionally, the company now projects annual sales of approximately 800,000 units for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles by that year, which would represent 58% of its total vehicle sales in 2030.
Curbside EV charger by Voltpost
A substantial rollout of curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the United States is anticipated in the near future. Voltpost has revealed its strategy to deploy EV chargers integrated into lampposts across several major U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit. These chargers, which are Level 2 AC types, will feature a 20-foot retractable cable and be supported by a dedicated mobile application. Moreover, the cost of installing these integrated chargers is significantly lower compared to the expenses involved in setting up standalone charging stations.
Toyota had earlier indicated plans to discontinue diesel engines in its passenger cars. However, the company still markets diesel-powered SUVs in many areas, including Europe. Recently, an Australian executive from Toyota emphasized that diesel engines will remain relevant for the foreseeable future and suggested the possibility of combining diesel with hybrid technologies, especially for larger vehicles.
Rimac C_Two undergoes electromagnetic compatibility testing
Rimac has revealed plans to assist BMW in developing advanced batteries for electric vehicles. Originally beginning as a company that converted BMWs to electric vehicles and later evolved into a supercar manufacturer, Rimac is now also transitioning into a role as a high-tech supplier.
Last week, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares argued that electric vehicles (EVs) require a significant advancement in battery-cell energy density to be environmentally viable compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. He highlighted concerns over the additional weight and raw materials required for EVs. This perspective sharply differs from the consensus reflected in numerous academic studies and assessments from various groups, including environmental agencies and car manufacturers, which indicate that current EV technology rapidly compensates for its carbon dioxide emissions and has a generally positive environmental impact.
Chief Executives Carlos Tavares of PSA Group and Mary Barra of General Motors
Last week, New Jersey enacted a new law that imposes an extra $1,000 fee on electric vehicle (EV) registrations, which will be added to the standard registration costs. This fee is intended to substitute for the gasoline tax that funds road upkeep, traditionally paid by gasoline vehicles. However, this additional cost might hinder New Jersey’s efforts to follow California’s EV mandate, aiming for 50% of car sales to be electric by 2027 and reaching 100% by 2035.
Although Connecticut and Maine had previously intended to follow California’s emissions benchmarks, both states have recently postponed the implementation of California’s electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements. Proponents of electric vehicles worry that these delays will defer the adoption of these regulations until later in the decade, attributing the setbacks to misleading information propagated by organizations backed by the fossil fuel industry.
Ford, GM, and Stellantis have heavily depended on the revenue from their high-end full-size pickup trucks to finance their transition to electric vehicles. However, with the recent decline in sales potentially linked to rising interest rates, there are questions about how this might affect their upcoming electric vehicle launches.
2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten Edition
A recent study from the Natural Resources Defense Council and EPRI, which represents utilities, suggests that by 2050, electric vehicles, including both passenger cars and various types of trucks, could account for as much as 65% of the current electricity grid demand. However, the report highlights that advancements in electric vehicle efficiency could significantly mitigate this impact. Enhanced efficiency has the potential to lower electricity costs broadly, benefiting not just electric vehicle users but all American consumers.
Recent Gallup polling data reveals that while the number of Americans owning electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise, the interest among non-EV owners in purchasing such vehicles is declining. The study also highlighted a growing divide in EV consideration based on political lines, and corroborated findings from other research indicating that older Americans are less inclined to purchase or consider EVs.
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The electric version of the Mercedes G-wagen has been transformed into a die-cast model, now with an emphasis on sustainability. Meanwhile, previously owned electric vehicles are hitting the market at prices lower than those seen last year. Additionally, the most budget-friendly Lexus model has improved its fuel efficiency. All this and more can be found on Green Car Reports. For 2025, the Lexus UX 300h will be exclusively hybrid, with its all-wheel-drive version receiving a significant improvement in fuel economy. The UX 300h AWD now achieves 43 miles per gallon combined and has a starting price of about $40,000. According to CarMax’s yearly review, the prices of the most sought-after used electric vehicles have dropped by as much as $5,000 compared to the previous year. This includes the Tesla Model 3 among others…
While the UX’s appearance largely mirrors that of the 2024 and earlier versions, it is now exclusively available as a hybrid model.
The top-selling used electric vehicle models are currently being sold for thousands of dollars less than they were last year, reports CarMax.
While the actual G 580 equipped with EQ Technology may not fully meet environmental standards, its miniature Matchbox version is completely made using recycled metal and eco-friendly plastic.
Hyundai backs out of its commitment to a fully electric vehicle factory. Polestar explores alternative battery technologies during charging trials. National experts identify strategies to enhance the dependability of fast-charging. Additionally, an electric vehicle with origins in Saab could potentially be manufactured in Italy. All these stories and more are available at Green Car Reports. Last week, Hyundai officially confirmed…
Practical uses of StoreDot’s silicon-dominant battery technology in actual electric vehicles could take a few more years to materialize, yet its charging speed in a standard-sized electric vehicle is reportedly as advertised.
The Metaplant in Georgia, originally promoted as a facility dedicated exclusively to the production of electric vehicles, will now also be manufacturing vehicles equipped with fuel tanks and exhaust systems.
The company has also released images of different models, such as a sports car named the Rise and a luxury sedan dubbed the Capital ES.
Enhancing the durability of control systems for public electric vehicle chargers could improve the dependability of entire charging stations in several typical scenarios.
Which car manufacturer has set the pricing for its hardware kit that enables its electric vehicles to power homes? Which electric vehicle brand boasts the lowest total cost of ownership among all car brands? We’re recapping these stories and more in our Week In Reverse feature—exclusively on Green Car Reports. Stay tuned for highlights from the week that concluded on April 26, 2024, starting with the Tesla Model Y…
Ford’s electric vehicles are currently not profitable, yet the company is optimistic about its upcoming lineup. Mazda has introduced an attractive electric sedan, though it’s only available in China at the moment. Toyota is developing another three-row electric SUV that will be manufactured in the U.S. Meanwhile, Honda is establishing a new electric vehicle center in Canada. Stay tuned for more updates from Green Car Reports…
The proposed electric vehicle (EV) hub in Ontario is set to enhance Honda’s original EV center in Ohio, ensuring that most of the brand’s future EVs will continue to be manufactured in America.
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