On the heels of massive price cuts across the board by Tesla, Ford today cut prices of its Mustang Mach-E by as much as $5,900 in some cases. In a tweet this morning, Ford's CEO Jim Farley mentioned the price cuts along with an increase in production for the brand's best selling electric vehicle. 

"At Ford, we want to make EVs more accessible, so we’re increasing Mustang Mach-E production & reducing prices across the Mach-E lineup," Farley said, "Scaling will shorten customer wait times. And with higher production, we’re reducing costs, which allows us share these savings with customers."

Ford ended 2022 with a production rate of roughly 78,000 Mach-E vehicles and plans to ramp production up to a rate of more than 130,000 units annually by the end of 2023. However, not every Mach-E model will bring profits for the company. During a media briefing, Ford's Chief Customer Officer for electric vehicle business, Marin Gjaja, explained that the price cuts will mean that some Mach-E trim levels will fall below a profitable point on a per-unit basis. However, cutting prices was a move that Ford needed to take if they want the Mustang Mach-E to stay competitive.

"We are responding to changes in the marketplace,” Gjaja said during a media briefing, “As we look and want to stay competitive in the marketplace, we’re having to respond.”

The company expects to make up for the loss of profits through the scaling of production and reduction of supply costs for materials. As production increases, the cost per-unit should drop.

The 2023 Mach-E prices now start at roughly $46,000 to $64,000, placing it firmly in the midst of the competition from Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and others.

​While these price changes affect future customers, existing customers who recently purchased (after Jan. 1, 2023) a Mach-E won't be left out to dry. According to the company, representatives will reach out to these customers with a "private offer" to quell any ill will. Customers currently awaiting delivery will automatically receive the adjusted prices.

There was no indication from Ford about which specific trim levels would or would not be profitable after these price cuts. The company had previously reported last year that they were struggling to produce the Mach-E profitably. 

“We actually had a positive bottom line profit when we launched the Mach-E, commodity costs have wiped that out,” Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said in June 2022. Before the end of last year, Ford even raised prices for the Mach-E to offset the rising cost of materials.

“We want to make money. Don’t get me wrong, we absolutely want to make money,” Gjaja said. “Believe you me, I know that we need to be trying to get more profitable because we will be publicly accountable for that number.”

As a part of their new package of product updates, they have now improved the range and charging speeds for the XC40 and C40 vehicles compared to the outgoing model year, increasing range by as much as 37 miles (60 km) on some variants. Furthermore, three new powertrain options are going to be offered on both vehicles including two RWD options, the first time that Volvo has gone RWD in 25 years, and a revised AWD performance model.

Another first for the brand is the electric motors used for the C40 and XC40 models have now been developed in-house.

In a press release from the company, COO and deputy chief executive Javier Varela said, "These updates are another big step in our work towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030. Range and charging times are new key factors for more and more of our customers, and these improvements make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were.”

The single motor with standard range is driven by a 175 kW permanent magnet electric motor, which provides a 3% increase in power output over the outgoing 170 kW single-motor front-wheel drive variant.

In the XC40 Recharge single motor, the same 69 kWh battery capacity is carried over, but enhancements in cooling efficiency mean it can now deliver increased range and driving up to 240 miles according to the EPA test cycle.

The range of the C40 Recharge single motor meanwhile improves up to 245 miles (EPA). A 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 34 minutes using a 130 kW DC public charger.

If you feel the need for more power and range, you can also opt for a larger battery coupled with a more powerful, 185 kW permanent magnet motor on the rear axle. This second new variant comes with an 82 kWh battery pack which boosts range up to 270 miles (EPA) for the XC40 Recharge single motor extended range and up to 275 miles (EPA) for the C40 Recharge single motor extended range.

​Here too, charging power has improved as the larger battery pack allows for charging at an updated top rate of 200 kW DC (previously 150 kW DC maximum), while a 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 28 minutes.

​The all-wheel drive variants also benefit from these updates, realising even more impressive range improvements. The previous set-up of two 150 kW motors on the front and rear axles has been replaced by our in-house developed 183 kW permanent magnet motor on the rear axle and a new 117 kW asynchronous electric motor on the front axle.

This new configuration, paired with an 82 kWh battery pack and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, means the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD can now drive up to 310 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, a 38 mile boost over the previous iteration. The range of the C40 Recharge Twin Motor AWD has improved up to 315 miles (WLTP) from 280 miles (WLTP). No EPA estimates were released for this configuration.

Exterior updates also help to improve efficiency where possible. For example, a new 19-inch alloy wheel for both XC40 and C40 Recharge not only boosts the overall look of the models, but it also helps to reduce drag through its aerodynamic design.

Source: Volvo Cars

Tesla published their 2022 results showing record production and deliveries... sales growth that any other automaker would dream of having. In 2022, vehicle deliveries grew 40% YoY to 1.31 million while production grew 47% YoY to 1.37 million. Here's how it was broken down:

These results should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following the activities of the company. In 2022, Tesla opened two new factories, one in Berlin and the other in Texas, and has started to show significant production numbers from both locations. 

The growth was so strong last year that the number of deliveries nearly surpassed the total number of deliveries the company had from 2012-2020. And, we can expect to see further growth from the company this year as well.

During the recent Q4 earnings call Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared that he expects Tesla to be able to produce 1.8 million vehicles or more.

​“We’re saying 1.8 because there always seems to be some friggin’ force majeure thing that happens somewhere on Earth." Musk said, "We don’t control if there’s earthquakes, tsunamis, wars, pandemics, etc. If it’s a smooth year, without some big supply chain interruption or massive problem we have the potential to do 2 million cars this year. I think there would be demand for that, too.”

While Cybertruck production won't likely contribute significantly to the overall number, it is expected that production will start this year at the factory in Austin, Texas. The larger expectation will be that Tesla continues to ramp production of the Model Y, already selling so many that it has become the 4th best selling vehicle in 2022, trailing only behind the Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and the Ford F-Series.

During their fourth quarter earnings call this past Wednesday, Tesla had a number of good things to celebrate: Record production and deliveries, an increase in profits, and a significant increase in revenue. However, if you are a Cybertruck reservation holder, not everything was sunshine and rainbows.

Since the unveiling of the Cybertruck in 2019, Tesla has given a significant number of updates to the expected start of production, delaying the original expectation by years. More recently, the company has guided that production will start this year, likely in the summer or early fall.

​During the earnings call, when asked directly about the Cybertruck’s expected start of production, Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded:

So the name of the game for those in line for their cybertruck is waiting… but that isn’t something new. While we expect to see record overall production numbers in 2023 (like we saw in 2022), there likely won’t be more than a few thousand Cybertrucks produced. On to 2024 it would seem…

Tesla might be close to opening up access of the North American Supercharger Network to non-Tesla vehicles.

With the launch of their non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program in Europe, Tesla also added a filter to it’s ‘Find Us’ webpage map to display superchargers that were open to non-Tesla Vehicles. Earlier this month, Tesla also added the same filter to the US map… however only one supercharger was displayed, the one in Hawthorne, CA, which is conveniently located close to their design studio.

​In addition to adding the filter to the map on the website, Tesla also added the Hawthorne location as an option under the ‘charge your non-tesla’ menu in the mobile app. Selecting the stall revealed a rendering of a supercharger with Tesla’s Magic Dock. The ‘Magic Dock’ is a special CCS adapter that will be built into the existing Supercharger equipment and will unlock (but lock to the charging cable) for use with non-Tesla vehicles.

At this time, both the filter and the image have been removed from the website and the mobile app, but thanks to twitter users Hayden Sawyer (@haydensawyer14) and Branden Flasch (@brandenflash) we have the images saved.

So while we can’t see them now, it does appear that these accidental reveals indicated that Tesla is getting closer to opening up the Supercharger network here in North America and it’s likely that they first location will be the Hawthorne, CA site.
​
Unfortunately, like many things regarding Tesla’s future plans, we don’t have further details. However, the change to allow non-Tesla vehicles to use the Supercharger Network is likely to start this year and it will shake up the EV charging experience for owners of CCS equipped vehicles.

With only one manufacturer (Aptera) currently planning to adopt Tesla’s NACS plug, it will be important for CCS equipped vehicles to be able to use the Supercharger units even if they haven’t invested in an adapter themselves… and it looks like the ‘Magic Dock’ might just be the answer to that problem.

In order to roll out this change, Tesla will need to retrofit the ‘Magic Dock’ to the existing Supercharger equipment, so it should be fairly easy to recognize when access to the network is imminent.

​I, for one, am super excited about this. I look forward to seeing the charging experience for CCS equipped vehicles improve. And, one of the best ways to do that is giving them access to Tesla’s network because it is one of the most reliable charging networks here in North America.

In a video update today, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony shared the news that many Aptera reservation holders were waiting for: DC Fast Charging WILL be standard on Aptera vehicles. In the video, the pair explains the process of designing and choosing the hardware on which they will eventually settle for the final production vehicle design. 

The current intention for fast charging capability is the 40 kW - 60 kW range. "At a minimum, the heating from all of the busbars we have, 40kW is below the limit" Fambro explained, but as current goes up, the sizes of the busbars and cables need to be increased, but that "through validation we'll see how higher we can get above 40 kW. But I believe it's a 40 kW minimum up to 60 kW after validation."

"It's really exciting that every Launch Edition Aptera will already have the technologies incorporated in them to be compatible with the supercharger network," Anthony added, hinting at the possibility of using the Tesla's network of high-powered charging stations. There is no news yet on if Tesla will open up their Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles, although that wouldn't be a surprise considering that they have already started doing so in Europe.

This exciting news comes on the heels of a major backlash from the Aptera community following the recent presentation of the Launch Edition vehicle. While development of the DCFC capability for the Aptera vehicles had previously been paused, it seems now that the company will focus on it's final development. When the people ask... they shall receive.

See the full video here:

During the Launch Edition online presentation, Aptera Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro shared that the initial production of Aptera vehicles will not have DC fast charging capability. 

As you might imagine, this caused a lot of reservation holders to speak up about their displeasure with that decision. Many taking to Aptera's community forum to share their thoughts and feelings on the matter... some even threatening to cancel their reservation.

However, there is good news on the horizon for those, like myself, wanting to have the ability to recharge quickly while on the road. Chris McCammon, Content Specialist for Aptera, responded to the forum post saying, "Even though we will not have DC fast charging to start in the Launch Edition vehicles, we plan to offer a DC fast-charge capability at a rate of 100 miles in 10 minutes – eventually and as an upgrade to the Launch vehicles at a later date."

During the Launch Edition presentation, this was not clear. However, his comment may come be reassuring to many who were looking forward to having their Aptera vehicle capable of fast charging. Previously the company discussed having charging speeds up to 60 kW (100 miles of range in 10 min.)

Want to order your own Aptera? Consider using my referral link for 30% off your deposit ($30).

Yesterday, Jan. 20th, Aptera showed their Launch Edition vehicle to the world in an online presentation. Steve Fambro, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, explained: “We’ve solved the equation for a more efficient way to travel by harnessing the power of the sun, and we’re excited to introduce our Launch Edition vehicle to the world.  Our tireless efforts have resulted in the Aptera vehicle, that can take you where you want to go using the creative energy directly from our sun and efficiently converted into free movement.” 

​Aptera’s Launch Edition was created with one purpose in mind — energy efficiency. Its unique shape, ultra-lightweight, and ultra-strong materials allow Aptera to slip through the air using a quarter of the energy compared to other electric and hybrid vehicles on the road today. Equipped with roughly 700 watts of proprietary solar technology, Aptera drives up to 40 miles per day directly from the sun’s rays, making it possible to never plug in to charge again.

With Aptera’s solar technology, consistent access to a charging station or even a plug and socket isn’t necessary. Aptera’s Launch Edition comes integrated with a solar charging package allowing most people to drive for weeks, even months, without ever having to plug in to charge. In a location with very high sun exposure like Southern California, the average American driver would never have to plug in, based on the daily average of 29 miles. In a location with medium sun exposure such as New York or Chicago, you will only need to plug in roughly three times per year. 
Plus, with Aptera’s efficient vehicle platform, any standard power outlet in the world becomes a place to charge your vehicle. When plugged into a 120V outlet, Aptera’s Launch Edition can still charge over 13 miles per hour or roughly 150 miles overnight.

In partnership with CPC Group, Aptera has developed an efficient and streamlined process for manufacturing their Launch Edition vehicles. These methods allow for quicker vehicle deliveries and a better use of raw materials. One of the most important aspects of this process is Aptera’s specialized composite body, or Body in Carbon – BinC. The resulting BinC takes much less time to assemble and yields quality and repeatability that is truly a new paradigm for manufacturing composite vehicle bodies and closures, especially when compared to other steel or aluminum vehicles. 
​
This process is only just the beginning of Aptera’s plans to move solar mobility forward. After the company’s Launch Edition production line is up and running, Aptera expects eight different assembly plants to be in operation around the globe by 2028.

Aptera is finalizing the fourth and final phase of its product development, Delta. As part of this phase, Aptera will complete crash testing and validation. Once completed, Aptera plans to scale quickly into full-scale single shift production of 10,000 vehicles per year. From there, Aptera will expand its output to dual shift 20,000 vehicles per year out of its Carlsbad, California facility. 

“While our delivery timeline is funding dependent, our goal is to begin production by the end of 2023,” Chris Anthony, Co-Founder and Co-CEO said. “Once we meet our fundraising objectives, we will be able to provide a more accurate delivery timeline.”   
​
With over 40,000 reservations, the production of Aptera’s Launch Edition vehicle symbolizes the dawn of a new era for the company as it shifts toward manufacturing. For more information on Aptera’s Launch Edition, download the full spec sheet here.
​
 “Our Launch Edition is our chance to show the world something that’s never existed before,” says Anthony. “Our identity at Aptera is about transformation, reinvention, and surprises. The Launch Edition is our chance to lead a movement that’s for everyone. We are solar mobility, and we are the future.”  

The future of Arcimoto, the Oregon-based maker of fun, three-wheeled electric vehicles, is unclear. Earlier this week in an SEC filing the company disclosed that they "have halted [their] production of vehicles and will require substantial additional funding to resume production, which may not be available to [them] on acceptable terms, or at all, and, if not so available, [they] will be required to cease [their] operations and/or seek bankruptcy protection."

The company has faced many recent challenges that included supply chain issues, a change in leadership, and the hemorrhaging of cash reserves as they work to ramp up production of their FUV and other similar vehicles.

​On January 19th, the company successfully closed a $12 Million public stock offering which may help hold off bankruptcy in the short term, but if the balance sheet doesn't significantly improve, it may be an inevitability.

​In their Q3 Financial update, the company reported:

Arcimoto is a pioneer in the design and manufacture of rightsized, ultra-efficient, incredibly fun electric vehicles for everyday mobility. Built on the revolutionary three-wheel Arcimoto Platform, their vehicles are purpose-built for daily driving and local delivery, all at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of traditional gas-powered vehicles. Based in Eugene, Oregon, the Arcimoto team is dedicated to creating world-class EVs that make the world a better place. For more information, please visit Arcimoto.com.

This past Tuesday, Jan. 17th, Chevy celebrated the 70th birthday of the Corvette by giving it an electric motor. I’d say that’s a good way to celebrate, right?

This revolutionary shift in propulsion design comes from the desire to make the Corvette better: faster, better handling, and in some cases almost silent.

Because the rear of the car still has the 495hp 6.2L V8 taking up space, Chevy positioned the electric motor in the front of the car. The motor puts out 160 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 1.9 kWh li-ion battery that is positioned down the center of the car between the driver and passenger.

​The addition of this electric powertrain means that the E-Ray is now the best performing Corvette from the company ever. 0-60 mph comes in only 2.5 seconds and it’ll run down the 1/4 mile in 10.5 seconds at 130mph.

One new feature of the E-Ray that was never available on any other Corvette model is what the company is calling “stealth mode” that drives the car only with the electric motor on the front wheels… for about 3 miles or so. Remember, it’s still a very small battery.

Pricing for the E-ray jumps considerably from the base model Corvette Stingray at $64,500 to $104,295. Given that the performance of the base model is still 2.9 seconds 0-60 with a 194 mph top speed, I’m really curious to see how many E-Ray models sell over the other configurations. It’ll also be interesting to see how traditional buyers of the Corvette respond to the electrification of the brand.

Only time will tell, but I’m starting to get excited and can’t wait to see what Chevy does when the Corvette ditches the gas engine entirely.

Source: Chevrolet

August 2022 saw a brief drop in demand for electric vehicles. Consumer desire may fluctuate from month to month, but the overall trend is clear: More people want EVs in 2023 than ever before. What caused the short decline in demand, and why do electric car commercials seem to be popping up constantly? The answer is multifaceted.

According to the car-buying trends website Edmunds, 34% of vehicle shoppers last year cited gas prices as a very important factor in their purchasing decisions. A full 12% said it was the most important. Consistent with this data, Edmunds reported that one-quarter of site visitors shopped for an EV in March 2022 while gas prices were high. As gas prices fell in August, however, only 17% of shoppers wanted an electric vehicle.

Fuel prices will always fluctuate. Although there may be a slight dip in EV demand while gas prices are low, the larger trend is that electric vehicle sales are climbing. More people are buying EVs than ever due to tax incentives to go electric, increased public awareness of climate change and the desire to charge their cars from the comfort of their homes.

Consumers got a preview of what life would be like without tailpipe emissions in March 2020. Air quality vastly improved in some areas as transportation ground to a halt, to the point that buildings previously shrouded in smog were unveiled to the public’s eye. This firsthand lesson in air pollution prompted people to rethink their vehicle choices.

People already car shopping decided to cut ties with internal-combustion engines forever, vowing to reduce their ecological footprint and save money on gas in the process. The choice to go electric made a lot of sense, especially in cities, where charging stations are easier to come by. Simultaneously, improved battery technology and charging station infrastructure eased consumers’ range anxiety. Fewer people today are worried that they won’t make it to a charging station in time.

Furthermore, electric vehicles are no longer synonymous with dinky little European cars, a hurdle manufacturers had to overcome to appeal to an American audience. There are electric SUVs and pickups as well. The trend of relegating electric batteries to clown cars seems to have lost momentum since larger families want room for their kids, ranchers need trucks that can haul hay and — let’s face it — most people want a normal-looking ride.

As EVs expand to a broader audience, the market is no longer just edgy early adopters looking to make an environmental statement. Making EVs blend in with city traffic is an important step toward normalizing their use.

Many shoppers want to buy EVs in the U.S., but there aren’t enough electric cars for sale right now. In some cases, waiting lists stretch years into the future, and electric vehicle owners are selling their used cars for a premium — sometimes fetching a higher price than they paid at the dealership. Why?

Soaring global lithium prices, a dearth of EV battery recycling technology, chip shortages and unevenly distributed subsidies all contribute to the problem. However, as kinks in the supply chain work themselves out, manufacturers will almost certainly be able to match the EV demand. It’s only a matter of time.

Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act will start giving tax credits for certain EV models, bolstering the electric vehicle market. 2023 is set to be a fantastic year for EV sales. 

The fact that so many people want to buy an EV is good news. Society can’t run on gas guzzlers forever, especially as the population grows and people are forced closer together. Electric vehicles emit no air pollution, reduce dependence on foreign oil and gas, allow people to charge their cars overnight, and make the roads quieter. If we’re lucky, they might even look good in the process.

Jane Marsh works as an environmental writer, covering topics such as sustainability and green living. She is also the founder of Environment.co. Jane Marsh is an opinion columnist for the CEOWORLD magazine. Connect with her through LinkedIn.

One of the biggest benefits to electric vehicle ownership is having the ability to "refuel" at home. Waking up every morning with a full "tank" (battery) is one of the advantages EVs have over other vehicles, and charging at home is significantly less expensive than using public fast chargers. That being said, it's really important to make sure that you have the appropriate equipment that has been designed for your and your vehicle's needs.

Finding a charger that fits your budget but also gets the job done is one of the first steps to take before or just after bringing your EV home.

While having the ability to fill up overnight while you're sleeping has its advantages, you want to consider a few things before choosing an EV charger.

• Max Charge Rate of Your Vehicle
• Max Capability of Household Circuit
• Max Charge Rate Needed for Driving Needs

​Keep in mind that the maximum capabilities for your vehicle or your household wiring do not need to be used all the time. Charging an EV as slowly as possible while still accomplishing the charging needs you have is always the best method.

For more EV Charging Tips we have provided a few EV 101 Articles: 

• How much range do you really need?
• Real world range
• Types of charging and charging stations
• How Long Does It Take To Charge

EV chargers come in many different varieties designed to work on 110v, 240v, or sometimes both. The higher the voltage, the higher the charge rate (generally). Most EV owners choose to go with 240v chargers, but if you have a vehicle that doesn't charge quickly -or- you don't need to recharge very much daily, choosing to use a charger only on 110v could save you money. Regardless of what you choose, it is our recommendation to contact a licensed electrician to make sure that your house wiring is capable of handling your needs. We also recommend that your EV charges on either a dedicated circuit or that you use a smart splitter to share the power with an existing appliance (usually the clothes dryer).

We've put together a list of six EV chargers that we believe are the best choices on the market for 2023, three wall-mounted choices and three portable choices as well:

• 240 volts (Level 2)
• Flexible amperage settings up to 50 amps (16/24/32/40/48/50 Amp)
• 23ft Charging Cable
• Wi-Fi Enabled

Product Description:
Charge Point Home Flex is the newest, fastest and most advanced Level 2 home charger offered by Charge Point, charging up to 50 amps and adding up to 37 miles of driving range per hour of charging. Flex can be installed to charge upto 50 amps, allowing drivers to pick the speed that's right for them and their home’s electrical supply.

Charge Point Home Flex is a Wi-Fi-enabled charging station and offers smart charging features using the Charge Point app, including the ability to set a charging schedule, get reminders to plug in, see all of your charging history in one place, connect with Alexa, and more.

Flex is UL Listed for electrical safety, ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency and comes with a 3-year and 24/7 customer support. Charge Point Home Flex can be installed by any electrician, indoor or outdoor, to charge at 16A to 50A, and comes with a 23-foot charging cable and either a NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 plug.

​Plug-in installation with a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet requires circuits/breakers rated 40A or 50A. For other circuit ratings, the plug is easily removed for hardwired installation. Flex can be installed outdoors using either a hardwired installation or a weatherproof NEMA receptacle.

• 240 volts (Level 2)
• 40 amps
• 25ft Charging Cable
• Wi-Fi Enabled

Product Description:
JuiceBox 40, the best-selling smart home electric vehicle charger, combines performance and value. Enjoyed by thousands of satisfied EV drivers, JuiceBox delivers all the safety and smart charging features you need to make home charging convenient, reliable, and cost-effective.
​
Built on the universal J1772 charging standard, JuiceBox is a Level 2 charging station that can power all electric vehicles on the market today, including Teslas via a Tesla-provided adapter. The Juice Box comes with a built-in cable rack and security lock for versatile use, indoors and out.

• 240 volts (Level 2)
• Flexible amperage settings up to 40 amps (16/24/32/40 Amp)
• TWO 24ft Charging Cables
• Wi-Fi Enabled

Product Description:

• Grizzl-E Duo is a long-awaited dual-port EVSE designed to charge 2 electric cars at the same time. Comes with two J1772 24-ft premium charging cables.
• Made in Canada with a heavy-duty NEMA-4 Indoor/Outdoor rated metal enclosure to withstand the harshest weather conditions. Compatible with all EVs and PHEVs sold in North America. Fast 240V Level 2 Charging and adjustable amperage: 40A, 32A, 24A, 16A.
• Intelligent power-sharing to maximize available current between 2 cars. Provides up to 10kW to 1 vehicle.
• IP67 Water-resistant, Fire resistant NEMA 4 Aluminum Cast Enclosure. Over Current, Over Voltage, Under Voltage, Missing Diode, Ground Fault, and Over Temperature Protections. Error monitoring for both chargers.
• Easy to install and use. Save hundreds of dollars on installation – install a simple 14-50R outlet, and you are ready to plug in your Grizzl-E. Easily transportable. Simple to remove from the mounting bracket and transport between different locations.

• 240 volts (Level 2)
• 32 amps
• 21ft Charging Cable​

​Product Description:

• FAST CHARGING - This product is designed to make EV charging quick and effortless. Compact and durable, it is the perfect charging cable for home use. Its 21ft cable is extra-long to fit most driveways or garages. The NEMA 14-50 Plug has an input power of 240V. You may attach it to a 240V outlet for Level 2 charging.
• ONE CABLE FITS ALL - Utilizing the standard J1772 charging protocol, this charging cable is compatible with all electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is perfect for users who own more than one electric vehicle or buildings with docks for EV charging.
• LED INDICATOR LIGHTS - The LED indicator lights on the charging cable show you where your car is across three different charging levels. It alerts you if a fault is discovered, allowing you to manage the problem right away.

• 240 volts (Level 2)
• 24 amps
• 26ft Charging Cable​

Product Description:

• PORTABLE FAST HOME CHARGING - 26 ft 24 Amp EV Charger, the FASTEST allowable rate for National Electric Code (NEC)-approved 30 Amp circuit, charge confidently with all-weather IP55 rated enclosure
• NO INSTALLATION REQUIRED - Plug directly into your existing standard household 220-240V NEMA 14-30 outlet, dryer socket or Splitvolt Splitter Switch (sold separately)
• REAL TIME CHARGING STATUS - Take a quick glance to view the charging status with built in LED's: Power, Charge, Fault 1, and Fault 2

• 110 volts (Level 1)
• 16 amps
• 21ft Charging Cable​

Product Description:

• LEVEL 1 CHARGING – The EV Charger with NEMA 5-15 Plug by Lectron can be used as a Level 1 charger. Connect the charger to a standard outlet in your house and you can charge your vehicle with level 1 charging but connect the charger to a voltage transformer or a special outlet that produces 110V and you will be able to access level 1 charging
• HIGH QUALITY – The charging station is rugged and robust, equipped with overvoltage, overheat and overcurrent protection. The indicating light on the charging station helps to show the various stages of charging and to warn of possible errors

• LED INDICATOR - The LED indicator lights on the charging cable show you where your car is across three different charging levels. It also alerts you if a fault is discovered

October 20th and 21st, the 2022 Virginia Clean Energy Summit (VCES) saw clean energy leaders from across the state connect in Richmond to discuss current clean energy policy, innovations, and strategies to reduce Virginia's carbon footprint and support Virginia businesses.

The event this year highlighted the many different technologies that are creating opportunities for Virginia business while building a more reliable, responsive, and environmentally-friendly energy system. More than a dozen panel discussions and keynote presentations were held on topics that included solar power, energy efficiency, energy storage, electric vehicles, micro-grids, wind power, smart buildings, clean energy policy, and more.

The goal of the VCES is to focus on the synergies among these technologies and businesses as well as the consumer, environmental, and business opportunities that are emerging from their deployment. 

Conference attendees included representatives from state and local governments, businesses, academia, ​and NGOs.

“This annual event was excellent with a wide range of participants from Senator Kaine to Governor Youngkin to local officials all working on affordable reliable clean energy and innovation." Said Alleyn Harned, director of Virginia Clean Cities.  “Virginia Clean Cities was glad to be there with the Virginia Department of Energy and several booths of electric vehicle charging information. And it was an honor that the conference had an EV emphasis on the 21st."

Several electric vehicles were on display Friday for event attendees, including models from Chevy, Hyundai, VW, Tesla, and GEM.

The Virginia Clean Energy Summit is a Unique Collaboration of Prominent Renewable Energy Groups Across the Commonwealth.

Co-Hosts include:

• Virginia Energy, https://energy.virginia.gov/
• Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance, https://www.va-rea.org/
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, https://www.deq.virginia.gov/
• Virginia Advanced Energy Economy, https://www.virginiaadvancedenergy.org/home
• Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, https://vaeec.org/
• CHESSA, https://www.chessa.org/​​

For more information about VCES: https://www.vacleanenergysummit.org/

Arcimoto, makers of rightsized, outrageously fun, ultra-efficient electric vehicles, announced in an email, October 20th that they are opening up six new states for sales of the FUV: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and Washington D.C. 

Once ordered, deliveries are expected to arrive within 120 days.

This Spark EV and I have been through a lot...

This Chevy Spark EV and I have been through what feels like hell and back. Purchased at the end of May 2019 used, this 2016 Spark was still early in its life and only had roughly 28,000 miles on the odometer. It was the perfect urban EV and used primarily for running errands, food delivery, and of course the occasional YouTube video.

Even though it was rated with an 82 mile EPA range, that didn't stop me from taking several longer trips with it, the longest being a 550 mile road trip with my daughter, just to prove that it could be done.

For a couple of years, everything was great...almost. In early 2021, I started to notice that the range wasn't as good as it used to be. This is normal for most EVs, but I was noticing some significant loss. In fact, its usable battery capacity had dropped from 18.4 kWh to around 13 kWh. That being said, while driving more efficiently I could still hit the 82 mile range... but then I started to notice that it was having problems when the battery state of charge was very low.

Twice while still displaying mileage remaining (usually around 2 miles or so), the car would lose all propulsion power and would leave me on the side of the road waiting to be towed home (I was always less than a mile from home). However, because the diagnostic light wasn't illuminated, Chevy dealerships told me they wouldn't touch it. Frustrated, knowing there was a problem, I would continue to drive the car for a few months until one day the light came on and I was able to pull the diagnostic codes and verify that there was, in fact, an issue with the battery system.

P0A7F refers to the high voltage battery and indicates the ECU has determined the HV battery has deteriorated. I arranged to have a local dealership diagnose the problem, confirm my findings, and service the car as needed.

After an exchange that lasted multiple weeks (I won't get into details, but I was VERY upset with the lack of professionalism), the dealership assigned the problem to the 12 volt battery (not the HV battery) and said that the 12 volt battery needed to be replaced. I had just done this a month before. Of course, it is possible that I had received a bad battery so I went ahead and, again, replaced the 12 volt battery. The dealership cleared the diagnostic codes and said that my problem was solved. 

I was very confident that my problem had in fact NOT been solved, but without an illuminated diagnostic light, I once again resolved to driving the car until it failed again. I did not have to wait long, just over 2,000 miles in fact.

In April 2022, it finally happened. With 17 miles left on the range meter, I lost all power and pulled to the side of the road. This time was different. The car reset the range to showing 3 miles remaining, BUT also that the battery was nearly full. I knew that this time my problem was different. 

I had the car towed to the nearest charger, but it would not charge. So, I knew that I'd have to take it in to the dealership. This time however, I chose a different dealership (CMA's Colonial Chevrolet in Chester, VA), because their organization has said they want to be the leaders in EVs in Virginia. So of course, I gave them the challenge of figuring out what to do about my car.

I won't go into details in this post, but there was quite a fight with GM about what to do next. Initially, the company said that there were no high voltage battery packs available for the Spark EV, the part had been discontinued, and my only course of action was to go through a buy-back process. I wrote an extensive article about that here.

After speaking with the company further, they committed to repairing the car (and other Spark EVs as well) and that I didn't have long to wait. I waited four months. 

​During this time, the service staff at the dealership provided me with a loaner vehicle and stayed in constant contact with me, even if there was no update to the situation. I have to say that I have never had a more pleasant experience with any car dealership ever and I would recommend CMA's Colonial Chevy to anyone in the central Virginia area.

​After four months I finally got the phone call I was waiting for. My car was fixed and ready to be picked up! The funny thing though is that my battery pack hadn't been replaced. Just the battery cells, and one of the control modules. GM actually shipped all new battery cells to the dealership and the technician assembled the pack in his bay. This, as I'm told, is the first time this has been done with a Chevy Spark EV in North America.

​Here are a few photos of the pack when removed from the car:

While the technician who worked on my car couldn't say for sure, we think that one of the cells of the high voltage pack had gone bad and as a result caused the entire system to fail.

Considering that the car wasn't even 8 years old and had less than 100,000 miles on it, all of the work was covered under warranty and I didn't have to pay for anything (except for the gas for the loaner vehicle).

Everything is great. In fact, the car is doing better than it ever was when I had it before. I have checked my battery capacity and it is restored to like new condition of 18.4 kWhs. The car has been achieving 4.4 miles/kWh in efficiency even with my (very inefficient) aftermarket and wheel combo, and after 2,500 miles it doesn't seem to have any problem at all anymore.

This is harder to say. I have exchanged emails with GM and asked a lot of questions... to which I get generic empty answers that don't share any information at all. This is not surprising.

​There have been reports of other Spark EV owners here in the US that are starting to get their vehicles serviced, but owners in Canada are reporting that they are only being offered a buy-back.

The situation for Spark EVs with failed battery packs is hazy at best and I have been telling potential buyers of used Spark EVs to stay far away from the car if it is close to being out of warranty. In fact, I wouldn't recommend anyone own one out of warranty because of what I think is going on...

Now, this is all speculation. I want to make sure that this part I'm about to say is very clear in that way. I have no proof and have gotten no information from GM that supports this theory... I think GM didn't have any battery packs for the Spark EV, as was what the company originally said to me. I don't think they have any battery packs now. I think they are getting the cells made on-demand as failed, under warranty, cars get brought into dealerships. 

I also think that this means that the company is likely waiting out the warranty period on the battery packs, and once there is no coverage, that Spark EV owners will (as I had written in my original article) be left out to dry. There will be no option except to find a different Spark EV, remove the pack, and frankenstein together a working pack... assuming you have the equipment to program all the modules AND assuming you assemble everything in the correct order (the tech told me about that part after he was on the phone with his GM support for quite a while trying to figure it out). While GMs parts system does show that the pack is available for backorder (if you're willing to pay the $30k for a new one or $18k for refurbished), I don't believe that they will actually be supplying these packs at all at that time. 

Naturally, it's hard to predict what I'll do. Hopefully, this updated pack will last at least 4 years. But, eventually it will fail. At that point, I'd love to tear apart the car, replace the battery pack, and a few other parts and basically do an EV conversion (to a custom system) on the car... but who knows if that will ever happen.

For now, I'm just going to be happy that I've made it through this experience, fought to get my car fixed (even though nobody should ever have to do that) and can drive on EV power yet again. And hopefully, this is the last time I'll have to write about this experience! 

​You’ve probably heard the chatter around electric vehicles. Good, bad, or otherwise…
everybody seems to be talking about them these days. It’s a new technology that promises to
change the way we live and think about transportation. For the early adopters, EVs have been a way to save money, “go green”, and not worry about the hassle of constant vehicle
maintenance.

While those are great reasons to consider an electric vehicle, Zack Hurst with EV Resource
says there’s a reason that most people overlook, and it’s the very reason he started the Electric Vehicle Fall Festival.

“I’m a car guy at heart. I just want to go fast and have fun, and that’s why the Electric Vehicle
Fall Festival exists.” Hurst said, “I can’t think of a better way to have fun in a car than driving
around a racetrack.”

Taking place September 18th from 10am-5pm, the EV owner supported Electric Vehicle Fall
Festival returns to Dominion Raceway to give EV owners and non-owners alike the opportunity to have the most fun with these cars in a safe and legal environment.

Members of the public who haven't made the shift to being an EV owner yet will experience a
variety of different EV makes and models. These attendees will be able to take rides around the track in owner-provided vehicles, and speak with our many vendors and EV owners to get a more rounded understanding of EV ownership. The goal is simple, affect change in the mind
and encourage EV adoption to those who haven't made the shift.
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EV owners who attend the EV Fall Fest will have a different experience. For these VIPs they will have the opportunity to enter their EV in a car show judged by members of the public, drive at speed around the DR 2-mile Road Course, and launch down the 1/8th mile drag strip. For EV owners, we want a day packed with the thrill and excitement of EV performance. EV owners will also be encouraged to sign up to be an EV Ambassador and share their experience of EV ownership with non-owner attendees.

Attractions:

• EV Education Zone
• Track Rides
• eMobility Zone
• EV Car Show
• 2mi Road Course
• 1/8mi Drag Strip

“If you’re curious about EVs, haven’t experienced an EV yet, or are a long-time owner, we’re
going to have something for everyone.” Hurst continued, “What we want more than anything is
for the people who attend to leave with a smile on their face that is hard to wipe off… and I’m
pretty sure that’s exactly what’s going to happen.”
​
General Admission for the event is just $15, with separate pricing for track activities. For tickets and more information go to ElectricVehicleFest.com

When the lights go out, what do most people do? Probably suffer miserably, OR figure out some way to keep the power on. This naturally requires some sort of power backup; either a generator that burns diesel or propane, or a large battery pack. In the case of this video shared by the Technically Jeff YouTube channel, he is using a large battery pack... from his Kia EV6. 

Granted, even if you have an EV sitting in the driveway that doesn't mean you can simply plug it into the house and keep the lights on. As Jeff explains, he was able to purchase a Nature's Generator Power Transfer Kit that will allow him to disconnect grid power (to prevent his Kia EV6 from powering the neighborhood or cause potential harm to line workers), and run household appliances off of the power from his car. Not every EV has bi-directional capability, as he explains, but vehicles on the E-GMP platform from Hyundai Motor Group, and a few others (ie. Ford Lighting, etc.) as well have built in capability to power other things... including your home!

What do you think? Is this something that we will be seeing more of in the future?

While DC Fast Charging may seem like an easy, already established solution to the problem for those who cannot charge overnight, there are a number of problems with this method.

First, let's not forget that modern EV batteries prefer to be charged (and discharged) at a slow rate. Fast charging on a regular basis has been shown to cause excessive and sometimes premature degradation of the battery pack and should generally be avoided. Additionally, owners have to go out of their way to find chargers (which may not be near their work or home) and spend potentially as much as an hour of their time waiting for the car to charge, assuming they find a charger that is operational and not waiting on repairs. Not to mention that this method of charging is by far the most expensive option available to owners.

​Additionally, these stations are extremely expensive to install and maintain, so adopting this method of charging EVs is not something that will be as common as other options. DCFC is definitely not the ideal solution, even though it is one that works for some EV owners currently. However, as EV adoption increases at a much faster rate than the charging infrastructure is being built, waiting in lines at DCFC stations will become more commonplace. As a long-term solution, DCFC is out. ​

In a SEC filing on Thursday, Arcimoto announced that as of August 5th, 2022, Mark Frohnmayer would be departing from the role of CEO and instead transition from the role to a new position as Chief Vision Officer. Frohnmayer has been leading Arcimoto since the beginning in late 2007.

Also on August 5th, Jesse Fittipaldi, formerly Arcimoto’s Chief Strategy Officer, was appointed as interim CEO. Mr. Fittipaldi jointed the company in May of 2015 as the company’s business development lead and had also taken time as the vice-president of the company.
​
“It’s an honor to lead this amazing organization, and I believe Arcimoto has the team in place to effectively lead the way in the manufacturing of rightsized EVs,” said Fittipaldi in a press release by the company. “We endeavor to continue the vision set forth by our founder Mark Frohnmayer, who built Arcimoto from the ground up, starting with a napkin sketch and a dream to build the right tool for the job of daily driving. I will do my best to enable the entire team to fulfill its desire to make a difference in the world.”

As Chief Vision Officer, Frohnmayer will turn his attention to long-term strategic initiatives and key technology development programs for the company. He will also continue in his role as Chairman of the Board.

“The top-notch management team Arcimoto has assembled, including seasoned veterans we have cultivated within for many years, as well as the serious rockstar talent we’ve recently brought on board, has allowed me to focus directly on what I do best: articulating the long-term vision of the company through key partnerships and future product and technology initiatives,” said Frohnmayer. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Jesse Fittipaldi, who has been helping me build the company hand-in-hand these last seven years, from a team of five to more than 300, is now stepping up to take on the daily leadership of Arcimoto’s plan to bring clean mobility solutions to the world.”​

April 21st, two weeks after the failure of the high voltage battery pack in our Spark EV (above), we published an article stating that battery packs for the Spark EV were no longer available from GM and would not be available from the company going forward.

​The information we were given at the time, and the knowledge of the many people at the company we spoke with during those two weeks, was that battery packs for ALL Spark EVs were unavailable and discontinued. We were told that there was a stockpile of batteries available, and after that supply ran out on April 7th, there were no more. We were told our car was unrepairable and we were offered a buyback on our car as a result and had begun that process.

Since publishing, the original post, GM has said initial reports were incorrect, they will be supporting the Spark EV. We have been in direct communication with the company and have updates to share regarding our car and also what the future will look like for other Spark EVs.

Simply, it seems that there was miscommunication within the company that created some confusion. We have been told now that there was a breakdown of communication between departments at the company (Purchasing, Supply Chain, After Sales Support, etc.) At the dealership level, parts departments were showing that the latest part number for the battery pack for the Spark EV was discontinued. This was widespread across the country. In addition to the dealerships we reached out to, members of the Spark EV Owners Facebook Group also contacted many dealerships and found the same to be true. 

Representatives from the company that knew otherwise learned about our reporting, and on April 27th were able to put out the following statement: 

"Recent reports speculating that GM will no longer provide battery pack replacements for the Spark EV are incorrect. While we are currently experiencing a temporary disruption in the supply of new Spark EV packs, GM remains committed to providing replacement packs to Spark EV owners who need them in the future and will work with owners until we get the supply issues resolved."

Since then, members of the Facebook group have contacted the same dealerships and verified that the part is now showing available, but backordered and dependent on supply. EV Resource has been in direct communication with the company, both for our own car and also in regards to what this statement means for the future support of the Spark EV. The good news: Spark EVs will have support from the company, indefinitely. So, what can Spark EV owners expect from here on?

In response to the statement, we reached out to Kevin Kelly, Senior Director of Chevrolet EV Communications, with a few followup questions.

Q: When do you expect to have replacement packs available to Spark EV owners who need
them?
A: We continue to work with our suppliers to provide replacement packs for the Spark EV as
needed and will have some packs available in the near future. We will continue to work to
improve availability.

Q: What is causing the supplier logistics issues?
A: We’re not going to get into the specifics but will continue to work with our suppliers to
improve replacement pack availability.

Q: What should Spark EV owners who need a replacement pack do in the meantime?
A: Our EV Concierge team is available to help. Owners who need assistance should call 833-
EVCHEVY (833-382-4389).

Mr. Kelly was very clear about the future of the company's support for the car, saying, "Rest assured we are not going to leave the owners of Spark EVs without options. We are continuing to work through [supply chain concerns] in terms of long term availability, we are focused on getting everything we can get right now."

It is clear to us that the company is committed to the repair and support of Spark EV vehicles under warranty. For our own car, we have been told that a pack will be installed in a few weeks and we will be driving again soon. We have confirmed with Chevrolet that there are a few battery packs available now, and that the company will be making more as they are able.

The cells for the battery packs are manufactured in Korea and then shipped to the United States for battery pack assembly. Naturally, the future availability of those battery packs depends on the supply chain, but that is something that is affecting a lot of companies, not just GM.

​​

UPDATE 4/27/2022: EV Resource has received the following statement from Kevin M. Kelly, Senior Director, Chevrolet Communications:

"Recent reports speculating that GM will no longer provide battery pack replacements for the Spark EV are incorrect. While we are currently experiencing a temporary disruption in the supply of new Spark EV packs, GM remains committed to providing replacement packs to Spark EV owners who need them in the future and will work with owners until we get the supply issues resolved."

It is unclear what this means regarding the timeline for expected battery packs. It is also unclear why multiple people within the company would have so clearly stated that battery packs were no longer being supported for the Spark EV. EV Resource has responded to Mr. Kelly with these questions and will update the situation as we learn more.

The Chevy Spark EV, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2012, was General Motors’ first attempt at an all electric vehicle since the recall and destruction of the EV1 vehicles of the ‘90s. With an 82 mile EPA range, this small hatchback was a low volume compliance car targeted at metropolitan areas in CARB states. Even with that being the case, it was a vehicle option that provided tons of fun at an affordable price.

In many ways it was revolutionary. It was the first EV in North America to offer the CCS charging standard and in 2014 its electric motor provided more torque than a Ford Mustang GT of the same year. It has been a great entry level option in the years since it’s introduction, even in the used car market after GM discontinued it’s production in 2016 in favor of the Bolt EV.

​But as all good things come to an end, the end for this piece of EV history is near.

EV Resource has confirmed that GM will no longer be providing replacement battery packs for the Spark EV. This means that when the high-voltage (HV) battery fails, owners will have zero options to repair their car. None. Their vehicle will never drive again.

Parts departments at various Chevy dealerships seem to all agree as well. While they confirm that there used to be a part available (although backordered), as of April 7th, no more are available.

One GM representative, a district executive who wished to remain anonymous, said, “we are no longer going to supply that battery.” GM only had a select number of HV batteries stored for the Spark EV, and now that the supply has run out, there are no options for the vehicles.  EV Resource has contacted multiple GM dealerships in Virginia, Maryland, Oregan, and California and spoken with workers in the parts departments, We have been told that the part number for the HV battery has changed multiple times, but at the bottom of the page they view for the most recent battery pack, it is showing discontinued, but that you can backlorder the part. In an attempt for clarification, we were told that in this case, "backorder" simply means to request the part, and doesn't mean that it is available. The personal experience of the author has taken this process one step further and he was told that the battery has in fact been discontinued and the vehicle will not be repaired. All other attempts by EV Resource for comments from the company were ignored.

Because of this decision by the company, GM has effectively killed all hope for the future of the Spark EV. As reports of HV battery pack failures are becoming more and more common within the Spark EV community, the hope of owners driving for many years to come is quickly dying as well.

​Unlike the EV1, which you can still find a few examples of in museums, in a few years the only place you’ll likely find a Spark EV is the junkyard.

While hard data has been nearly impossible to gather related to the frequency of Spark EV battery failures, in addition to experiencing this myself, quite a number of other Spark EV owners have experienced this as well and shared their story publicly. However, only a few (since April 7th) have run into the situation highlighted.

So now, when the high voltage battery fails, owners who are still covered by the factory 8 year 100,000 mile warranty should consider themselves the lucky ones, but still won’t drive away with a working vehicle.

Vehicle owners are not given any option by the company to repair their car, but instead are offered buyback value from GM. In some cases, this offer is equal to the purchase price of the car, but that varies from state to state.

​However, for owners of the earliest 2014 model year vehicles, who are coming up on the end of the warranty period, if their battery fails they will have a vehicle that will not be operable, and will not be repairable.

For some other older electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf, early Tesla Roadster, and Tesla Model S, aftermarket companies have provided continued support for aging and failing battery packs. Companies like Gruber Motors and Fenix Power have been known to restore and even improve battery packs for these older EVs.

However, for a low volume and inexpensive car like the Spark EV, there is no value in a company providing aftermarket support.

​YouTuber and owner of the Electrified Garage, Rich Benoit, expressed concern for the situation with the Spark EV saying, “if you go online and type in ‘Tesla battery pack’ you’re going to get quite a few results. But for the Spark EV, there’s nothing really there. This is a really, really tough scenario. This is so difficult, not many people have even bothered to take apart a Spark EV. It’s actually really sad.”

​What this ultimately means for current Spark EV owners is this:

• If the HV battery pack fails under warranty, owners may get their money back for the price of the car, but they won’t have their car anymore.
• If the HV battery pack fails after the warranty ends, owners will be left with an inoperable car that cannot be repaired.

Understandably, the Spark EV community has been shaken up since learning about the situation. Some members of the Spark EV Owners Facebook Group have been looking to sell their cars by selling to companies like Carvana, Carmax, Vroom, and others while the market is still hot for used EVs.

Members of the Facebook group, like Bob Mann, admitted to looking to trade up to a Bolt EV.

​“With used prices so high,” he said, “my wife and I were thinking of selling our Spark EV to trade up to a new Bolt EV. In a discussion with Criswell Chevrolet (of MD), they said, 'if the battery had failed we wouldn't replace it. There are none available so we would buy the car back.' So, since the future of the Spark was in question, we sold it."
​
However, the situation isn’t as straightforward for everybody. Some Spark EV owners who bought the car because of it’s affordable price are finding themselves car shopping in a market that has inflated the price of electric vehicles due to low supply and high demand. This situation forces them to choose a more affordably priced gas powered car, even though it will cost them more in the long run due to fuel and maintenance costs.

Ultimately, the worst case situation would be that somebody who still has a car payment on their Spark EV ends up with a car that they can’t use… and can’t afford another car. What are they to do then? It’s heartbreaking to think about, but it could be a very realistic future for some should they decide to keep their Spark EV as long as possible.

At this point, the Spark EV has a very limited future. With battery packs failing and no factory or aftermarket support, owners have very few options to avoid potential disaster.

​As much as I loved my Spark EV, I am one of the lucky ones who will be getting a buy back under warranty. But others, hopefully not many, will be left in a far worse place. My only hope is that people learn about their car as soon as possible, and use that information to make the best informed decision for their life and family.

Zack Hurst is a Spark EV owner waiting on an official buy back offer from GM. His love for the Spark EV started almost immediately after purchase and his car will be missed. 

EV Resource can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Los Angeles, CA August 24, 2021 – Brighton-Best is proud to supply Proferred PPE to the parking attendants, maintenance crew, security and general staff of the 2021 Electric Vehicle Fall Festival happening in Thornburg, VA on October 3rd.

This family event, that is an eco-friendly approach to racing, focuses on the next generation of electric solutions and aligns with BBI’s core values of family and innovation.

Brighton-Best President, Jun Xu says: “There is no stay the course road to prosperity.”

BBI strives to uphold high standards of conduct and team synergy, borne from the guidance of our owners, always encouraging growth, not only as employees, but as people as well. BBI embraces a culture of never becoming complacent, always asking questions, and always looking beyond what is current to embrace change and the future. So when asked to donate to this festival, the answer was an emphatic “YES!” BBI is committed to bringing quality, innovation, and safety to every job site.

​See more Proferred products at www.BrightonBest.com.

For More Information:
Brighton-Best International, Inc.
Nikki Gillette
ngillette@brightonbest.com

About Brighton-Best International

Brighton-Best is the only “One-Stop-Shop for Fasteners.” They have earned that position with their rapidly expanding product lines, their competitive pricing, their emphasis on quality and their commitment to customer service. They have a stated goal of “providing the lowest total cost and highest overall value” and they are doing it. They seek to introduce efficiencies into the supply chain from the supply side, within Brighton-Best themselves, and with their customers.

THORNBURG, VA, 7/19/2021 - The Electric Vehicle Fall Festival, presented by Mattaponi Winery, is a celebration of the people at the core of the electric vehicle community. From DIYers to EV Conversion shops, to the EV owners that day in and day out push the world forward to an all electric future, this is a celebration of it all.

Taking place across 100 acres at Dominion Raceway in beautiful Thornburg Virginia, the Electric Vehicle Fall Festival is an action packed day of electrified fun with a mix of great local food, drinks, live music, a farmers market, and much, much more.

Experience the latest electric cars, motorcycles, eBikes, eScooters, and others from electric vehicle brands you know. Visit with interactive displays, chat with EV owners and EV experts, and best of all, test drive your EV on the thrilling Dominion Raceway 2 mile road course racetrack and drag strip!

DC Fast charging will be available on site provided by Electrify EVSE.

Multiple VIP packages will be announced soon:

• Exclusive Behind the Scenes Access
• Exclusive Track Time
• Exclusive Meal(s) and much more!

​
The best EV event on the east coast is just around the corner. General Admission is free and there are hotels within a mile of the track for people who are coming from out of town. So start planning your trip to come to the electric vehicle fall festival by going to electricvehiclefest.com and registering to attend!

The world’s first all-electric, multi-brand touring car championship, PURE ETCR, is supporting the 51st annual Earth Day today with a set of activities throughout the day and beyond.

Recently, a partnership was established between PURE ETCR and EARTHDAY.ORG, which seeks to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement globally.

More than one billion people in 192 countries support Earth Day activities annually, making it the world’s largest civic observance, and this year PURE ETCR is inviting fans of touring car racing to join together and help further climate action all over the planet.

To mark the 51st Earth Day, a list of 51 actions and tips to make a difference has been released, showing people around the world how they can help in the push towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Today (April 22), the PURE ETCR community is participating in numerous Earth Day events globally, including local clean-ups, plogging (litter picking while jogging) and buying only locally-produced food.

In 2021 the series has pledged support to EARTHDAY.ORG’s Canopy Project, which plants trees to benefit local communities, increase habitat for species and combat climate change. Additionally, commitments will be undertaken in every country visited by the series this year, building up to a Great Global Clean-up event, to include the entire PURE ETCR community, in September.

Touring car fans are invited join in the activities and share their experiences on PURE ETCR’s social media channels using #PURETCR and #RestoreOurEarth.


For more information visit:

In celebration of Earth Day, the team at Voltage Velocity Games took matters into their own hands to get out into their community and clean up. Scattered across the country from California to Virginia, Greg Fuller, Tyler Tadevic, Cam Newman, and Zack Hurst showed what can be done with The Power of One: One Person, One Bag, One Hour. 

Each were tasked with filling a bag of trash in the area where they lived, worked, or played to help clean up our planet. Voltage Velocity Game's "The Power of One" initiative challenges each of us to take action and make a difference in small ways. After all, if everybody took the time to fill even just one bag of trash, what a big difference it would make.

​"I believe if we all just make even the smallest of steps, together, we can really make a big impact on our world," said Founder and CEO Greg Fuller, "I'd like to challenge everybody, no matter where they live, to join us in this initiative to clean up our communities."

​Earth Day 2021 is celebrated globally with events on every continent (except Antarctica). 

Do you accept the One Person, One Bag, One Hour challenge? Take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #OnePersonOneBag
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