There is no denying that GM has dominated the entry level EV space with the most affordable new electric vehicles on sale. The Bolt EV and EUV with starting MSRP of $26,500 and $27,800 respectively are two of only three fully-electric vehicles under the $30,000 threshold. The prices for each could be even lower when applying the $7,500 EV tax credit. Even though there is strong demand for both vehicles, and they recently celebrated record sales, it just doesn’t look like it will be enough to save them. One reason could be that the company doesn’t know how to, or chooses not to, make the Bolt models profitably.

In 2019 CEO Mary Barra gave investors the impression that the Bolt EV wasn’t profitable, at the time saying, "We've talked about the fact that with our next generation of development, we want to make sure we have obtainable, profitable, desirable, and with the appropriate range.” While she didn’t outright speak to the profitability of the model, Daniel Rufiange of auto123.com said the implication was certainly there. It’s no secret that major automakers are struggling to build affordable electric vehicle options, and it looks like GM has finally said enough is enough.

On the company’s recent Q1 Investor call, CEO Mary Barra confirmed that Bolt EV and EUV production would end by the end of the year saying, “It’s now time to plan to end Chevy Bolt EV and EUV production, which will happen at the very end of the year.” The company plans to use the capacity at its Orion Township, Michigan, assembly plant to build electric trucks, like the Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, starting in 2024.

This move by the company is not entirely surprising with many owners and enthusiasts previously predicting the inevitable demise of their favorite EV when GM announced their plans to produce the Equinox EV and Blazer EV. However, those vehicles, built on the more profitable Ultium platform, are expected to have starting MSRPs above $30,000 and $44,000 respectively.

While the company has mentioned introducing an electric vehicle with a starting price less than the $30,000 (est.) Equinox, they haven’t given any details or other information about the possibility.

This move by the company leaves the American buyer without a solid option for an affordable electric vehicle. Charles Gerena, Lead Organizer of Drive Electric RVA, a chapter of the Electric Vehicle Association, and current Chevy Bolt EV owner was saddened by the news. “As an electric vehicle owner since 2014, a question I often get is what car I would recommend. The Bolt is the best value you can buy today, thanks to the range and capabilities you get for the price,” he said, “Unfortunately GM has decided to abandon the entry level end of the EV market, leaving the Nissan LEAF as the next best choice … and that car’s days are probably also numbered. The automakers are choosing maximum profits rather than giving consumers what they want. What a shame!”

Gerena isn’t the only owner with concerns, some are also worried that they won’t be able to rely on GM to provide important support in the future should repairs be needed.

Austin Clem, also a Chevy Bolt EV owner, recognizes that GM is focused on developing newer technology. “With the Ultium platform and things like solid state batteries on the horizon, old lithium-ion tech will very quickly be made undesirable,” he said, but added, “Questions can then be posed: How long should Chevrolet manufacture something like replacement Bolt EV traction batteries? Or outdated inverter/motor technology?”

GM doesn’t have the best track record regarding their support for EV models once production ends. Parts for Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid models are becoming less and less attainable, and owners of Chevy Spark EVs are struggling as well. Owners of the Chevy Spark EV, GM’s first modern all-electric vehicle, were briefly told last year by the company that they would be unable to have their high voltage battery replaced should it fail. While the company quickly (in a matter of days) made a u-turn in their messaging, owners with failed packs are still waiting on replacements with little guidance from the company on expected timelines. Many of the lucky owners still under the factory 8yr/100,000 mile battery warranty have waited many months, sometimes without a loaner vehicle from the company, until their car was repaired and back on the road. Owners of out-of-warranty Spark EVs have very little hope of any affordable option at all should their packs fail. Currently GM parts departments are showing a cost of $30,000 for a replacement pack, assuming they’d be able to get one at all.

If you purchase a new all-electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell electric vehicle in 2023 or later, you may be able to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. However, eligibility for the credit depends on several factors, such as the vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP), where it was assembled, and how its battery components and critical minerals were sourced. Additionally, the credit amount may be subject to reduction based on your modified adjusted gross income (AGI).

Pre-owned vehicles purchased in 2023 or after are eligible for a tax credit of up to $4,000.

Changes to this list are ongoing, some qualified manufacturers have yet to submit information on eligible vehicles that meet the requirements for vehicles placed in service on or after April 18, 2023. Please check back for updated information.

Earlier this month, NI, previously known as National Instruments, announced the inauguration of its latest Engineering Innovation Center located in Novi, Michigan. The advanced test center is specifically intended to facilitate partnership between automotive manufacturers and suppliers with NI's specialists on their Electric Vehicle (EV) components, including battery cells and packs, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) sub-systems. The collaboration aims to enhance the technology's standard and safety in modern-day automobiles. By working together with NI engineers, clients can boost the efficiency of their EV and AV products throughout the entire production process, ensuring that automotive consumers receive the quality and reliability they require.

As Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrain and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to revolutionize the automotive industry, novel approaches to testing these technologies have become more crucial than ever before. In this rapidly changing landscape, NI recognizes the importance of enabling its clients to work collaboratively with its experts in the Engineering Innovation Center to develop innovative systems that meet the most up-to-date standards.
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NI's Engineering Innovation Center extends its range of on-site collaboration facilities, with Novi being the latest addition to existing centers in leading global automotive hubs such as Austin, Munich, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Given that the Metro Detroit area has long been considered the heart of the North American automotive industry, Novi's selection as the site for the newest center was a natural choice for NI.

“Efficient time to market and test operations are critical to ensuring the acceleration of EV and ADAS programs as they become increasingly complex to test,” said Drita Roggenbuck, senior vice president and general manager of transportation, NI. “This Innovation Center will allow our customers to use the latest solutions from NI to test the rising software and technology going into vehicles to ensure that it is functioning properly at every step of the process, which is key to propelling the automotive industry forward.”

Source: NI Press Release

As EVs continue to rise in popularity, the charging infrastructure in the US must keep up as demand grows. We can expect to see significant developments in 2023 as more and more companies look to increase the production of electric cars. In this article, we will discuss the current state of public charging, what we can expect in the future and the challenges the industry faces as it rolls out.

Current State of the Charging Infrastructure in the US

As of January 2023, there were approximately 160,000 public charging stations in the US. With growing demand and pledges by the Biden administration, this figure will definitely grow significantly in the coming years.

Here are some critical facts about the current state of charging:

• Most public charging stations are Level 2 chargers, with roughly 125,000 in operation and they can fully charge a vehicle at slower rates, typically in around 4-8 hours, depending on the battery size.
• DC Fast charging stations, which can charge a vehicle in as little as 20-30 minutes (or less), are less common but are becoming increasingly prevalent.
• California has the highest number of EVs in operation, closely followed by New York, Florida and Texas. Around 37% of all EVs in operation in the US are registered in California.
• Due to the US being such a vast country, there are large parts of it, mainly in rural areas with little to no charging infrastructure. (ie. the midwest and northern mountain states)

The public charging infrastructure is very much in its infancy, and there is still significant room for growth. As more and more consumers switch to electric vehicles, it will be crucial to continue to expand and improve the charging infrastructure to meet their needs.

The Future of Public EV Charging

The charging infrastructure is expected to accelerate at a similar rate to the production of EVs. There are a number of charging companies and network operators (like Electrify America, EVgo, Blink, and others) investing billions of dollars into expanding affordable EV charging solutions, and these investments will increase in the coming years.

Major automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen have also made major investments, with plans to invest billions more into increasing their production of electric vehicles and have formed partnerships with network operators to improve consumer access to the charging infrastructure.. By having these companies invest in the charging networks, we expect to see more accessibility for EV owners across all 50 states.

The efforts to build out the needed charging infrastructure aren’t limited to the private sector either. Recent announcements by the Biden Administration have committed many billions of federal dollars to accelerate the plans already in place.

Challenges Facing Charging Infrastructure Development

While the development of the charging infrastructure in the US is progressing rapidly, there are still numerous obstacles that need to be overcome before you will have tens of millions of EV’s on the roads.  Some of the more pressing challenges include:

Cost - It’s no surprise that purchasing and installing charging stations, and operating and maintaining them can be expensive. For some, the price may be too high and this will slow the growth of the industry.

Permitting and Regulations - The permitting and regulatory requirements for installing charging stations can vary widely from state to state, which can be a real problem when you are trying to roll out charging points across the whole of the US, adding valuable time and cost to the process.

Conclusion

In the absence of substantial investment and advancement in the US charging infrastructure, a widespread shift to electric vehicles is uncertain at best. It is essential to have this framework in place before the number of EVs on our roads surges to record level. Encouragingly, automakers, charging providers, and the government are collectively pouring billions of dollars into enhancing the infrastructure nationwide. This is a positive indication for the gradual elimination of internal combustion engine vehicles over the coming decades, ultimately paving the way for a future dominated by electric cars.

Mullen Automotive, the company that acquired a majority stake in Bollinger Motors last fall,  revealed this week that it has successfully reacquired the intellectual property (IP) and North American distribution rights for the Chinese Qiantu K50. Current plans are to assemble and market a localized version of the electric vehicle under the monikers Mullen GT and Mullen GTRS.

The Qiantu K50, which had been mentioned briefly on the EV Resource Podcast, Episode #12, serves as the foundation for Mullen Automotive's new supercar, although few details have been released at this time. We do know that Mullen is targeting a 0-60 time of less than two seconds and a top speed of more than 200 mph. 

The company has not yet disclosed the battery pack capacity for the US-spec models either, although the Chinese versions are equipped with a 78kWh unit. However, they did previously mention that the vehicle will feature a distinct battery box module, which will include an active liquid cooling and heating management system.

“Qiantu has been working on developing electric vehicles since 2013. We are honored to cooperate with Mullen Automotive to bring Qiantu K50 to the U.S. market,” said Chairman Lu of Qiantu Motors. “With its sleek design, excellent driving and handling performance, and impressive full carbon fiber exterior, we believe the Qiantu K50 will be a success in the U.S. EV market, offering users a new level of performance and convenience.”

Additionally, Mullen has been making all-electric commercial vans, with deliveries recently to UNC Charlotte. The company also has plans to introduce a compact EV in Europe, based on a Chinese model, as well as the Mullen Five, a luxury crossover.

About Mullen:
Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of electric vehicles (“EVs”) that will be manufactured in its two United States-based assembly plants. Mullen's EV development portfolio includes the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, Mullen I-GO Commercial Urban Delivery EV, Mullen Commercial Class 1-3 EVs, and Bollinger Motors, which features both the B1 and B2 electric SUV trucks and Class 4-6 commercial offerings. On Sept. 7, 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen Automotive, and on Dec. 1, 2022, Mullen closed on the acquisition of all of Electric Last Mile Solutions' (“ELMS”) assets, including all IP and a 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.

To learn more about the Company, visit www.MullenUSA.com.

Source: Carscoops

In a significant step forward for the company, Aptera Motors has announced that they will have integration of OpenPilot™, a groundbreaking technology for its upcoming solar electric vehicle. The innovative company, known for its dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability, is gearing up to bring their state-of-the-art vehicle to production. With the introduction of OpenPilot™, Aptera is making significant strides in driver assistance and safety features.

The Aptera solar electric vehicle has already turned heads with its unique, aerodynamic design and impressive 1,000-mile range. As the world's first "never-charge" electric vehicle powered by the sun, it has the potential to transform the automotive industry. Now, with OpenPilot™, the excitement surrounding Aptera's innovations continues to grow.

OpenPilot™ is an open-source autonomous driving software that will be integrated into Aptera's solar electric vehicle. The software offers a suite of advanced safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). These features not only make driving safer for the vehicle's occupants but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable driving experience.

The integration of OpenPilot™ will allow Aptera to provide its customers with a cutting-edge driving experience. The technology enables the vehicle to drive itself under certain conditions, giving drivers more freedom and reducing the stress of long trips. Notably, OpenPilot™ is the only consumer system, besides Tesla, capable of stopping for red lights and stop signs, all while consuming just one-tenth of the power. This autonomy, coupled with the vehicle's solar power capabilities, makes Aptera's offering truly unique in the market.

The company's commitment to open-source technology also ensures that their software is continuously updated and improved. By leveraging the power of the open-source community, Aptera can stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the autonomous driving field. This, in turn, guarantees that customers receive the most innovative and reliable driving experience possible.

Another key benefit of OpenPilot™ technology is its ability to enhance energy efficiency. The software's advanced algorithms optimize driving patterns, ensuring that the vehicle consumes as little energy as possible. This not only extends the range of Aptera's solar electric vehicle but also reduces its environmental impact.

In a bold move to put America first in the green transport revolution, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a series of new private and public sector investments aimed at making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and accessible to the average American. The initiative seeks to create thousands of jobs, boost economic growth, and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for the nation.
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As part of the ambitious plan, the Biden-Harris Administration is allocating $5 billion over the next five years to expand EV charging infrastructure across the country. This move will significantly improve accessibility and convenience for EV owners while reducing the range anxiety often associated with electric vehicles. The administration is partnering with local governments, utility companies, and private enterprises to ensure that charging stations are installed in strategic locations, providing easy access for EV users.

Additionally, the administration has unveiled a new tax credit for American EV manufacturers, designed to incentivize the production of more affordable, cutting-edge electric vehicles. This tax credit will help level the playing field for American manufacturers and promote competition in the global EV market, ultimately benefiting consumers with lower prices and better options.

The White House has also announced a $3 billion investment in research and development (R&D) for advanced battery technology. This funding is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in battery performance, reliability, and cost, making electric vehicles even more appealing to consumers. The investment will support the efforts of the Department of Energy's national laboratories, universities, and private sector partners, fostering collaboration and innovation in the EV industry.

In a further move to promote domestic production and job creation, the administration is encouraging American companies to take advantage of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program. This program offers low-interest loans to help manufacturers retool their facilities and develop advanced technology vehicles. By supporting American manufacturing, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to strengthen the nation's position in the global EV market and create well-paying jobs for American workers.

Recognizing the importance of workforce development in the EV industry, the administration is also dedicating $900 million to the creation of a new Community College Consortium for Electric Vehicle Manufacturing. This initiative will provide grants to community colleges, enabling them to develop and expand EV manufacturing training programs. As a result, the next generation of American workers will be better equipped to meet the demands of the growing EV industry.

The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to promoting affordable electric vehicles is a clear indication of their determination to put America first in the green transport revolution. By investing in infrastructure, R&D, and workforce development, the administration is not only ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the nation but also creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the economy.

As the world moves towards cleaner, greener modes of transportation, the Biden-Harris Administration's recent announcements are a testament to their dedication to leading the way in the EV revolution. By supporting American innovation and manufacturing, the administration is securing America's place at the forefront of the global green transport movement and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Source: White House Statement

Ford Motor Company has announced that it will be increasing prices another time for its popular all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup. This move is the latest in a series of price adjustments aimed at mitigating the impact of elevated supply and production expenses. The base price of the F-150 Lightning is now $4,000 more, bringing the entry-level price to $59,974. With this latest price increase, the price has increased almost 50% over when it debuted in 2022.

"Ahead of the next wave of commercial order banks opening mid-April, Ford is adjusting the price of the F-150 Lightning Pro MSRP from $55,974 to $59,974," Ford said, adding that the model remains sold-out for retail customers.

As initially reported by Automotive News, this marks the fourth time that Ford has significantly raised the price of the truck. The price increase not only affects the base F-150 Lightning Pro model but also the Lightning Lariat and Platinum models. The Lariat now has a price tag of $75,974, reflecting a $1,500 increase, while the Platinum's price has risen by $1,200 to $98,074. Additionally, all models are subject to a substantial $1,895 destination charge.

Despite the price increases, the F-150 Lightning still remains in high demand. The truck boasts impressive performance, an extensive list of standard features, and a spacious, well-equipped crew cab interior. Ford provides the all-wheel-drive vehicle in various models, accompanied by two battery pack options. The maximum range currently attainable is 320 miles on a single charge. The F-150 Lightning is among the three electric pickup trucks presently available on the market, with more expected to arrive in the upcoming years. 

According to Ford, the price adjustments were made after evaluating the costs of key components such as batteries, metals, and labor. The automaker also mentioned that it is working on expanding its battery production capabilities to help reduce costs in the long term, which could eventually lead to more affordable electric vehicles.

The price hike is not unique to Ford, as other automakers have also been grappling with the rising costs of materials and labor in recent times. The automotive industry has been facing supply chain disruptions and chip shortages that have resulted in increased production costs. As a result, many companies are passing these additional expenses onto consumers in the form of price increases.
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While this latest price increase may come as a disappointment to some, the F-150 Lightning remains an attractive option in the electric pickup market. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of rising costs, it will be interesting to see how Ford and other automakers navigate these hurdles to maintain their competitiveness and appeal to consumers.

Ryder System, Inc. has announced that it will add BrightDrop's Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric delivery vehicles to its lease and rental fleet. The announcement highlights Ryder's continuous efforts to address the increasing demand for commercial electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation and logistics industries. The expansion of its offering will allow Ryder's customers to not only test and expand their EV usage but also enhance the driving experience while accelerating their sustainability goals.
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“We aim to make fleet electrification as seamless as possible by investing in alternative vehicle solutions to offer sustainable and economic advantages for our customers,” says Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions for Ryder. “Ryder continues to be at the forefront of identifying advanced and emerging vehicle technology by serving as an extended research and development arm for its customers.”

BrightDrop, a General Motors subsidiary, specializes in electric delivery vehicles and associated products and services. The company's electric vehicles are designed to help businesses improve the efficiency and sustainability of their delivery operations. 

The Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric vans boast a range of up to 250 miles on a full charge, and can support a payload of about 2,000 to 3,400 lbs. With Zevo 600’s cargo capacity of over 600 cubic feet and Zevo 400’s cargo capacity of over 400 cubic feet, BrightDrop’s electric vans offer the benefits of an electric powertrain with ample cargo space.

Ryder plans to deploy model year 2023 Zevo 600 electric vans in its rental fleet in California, Dallas-Fort Worth, and New York City later this year. The new 2024 Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 models for lease and rental customers are expected to be available as early as summer 2023 and into the first quarter of 2024.
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Ryder's decision to add BrightDrop's electric vehicles to its fleet is in line with the company's commitment to sustainability. According to Steve Sensing, Ryder's President of Global Supply Chain Solutions, the move is part of the company's broader efforts to "build a more sustainable future."

In addition to their environmental benefits, electric vehicles also offer significant cost savings compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. With lower fuel and maintenance costs, businesses can reduce their operating expenses and improve their bottom line.

“We are excited to focus on providing additional light duty EVs in our Ryder rental and lease fleets in 2023,” adds Carlo Rodriguez, group director for advanced vehicle technology for Ryder. “At Ryder, we want to help customers meet their sustainability, compliance, and operational goals through advanced vehicle technology solutions, and BrightDrop’s electric vans help us do just that.”

Ryder's partnership with BrightDrop is a positive development for the transportation industry and for the environment. By adding electric vehicles to its fleet, Ryder is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability while also offering its customers a more efficient and cost-effective transportation solution. As more businesses look to reduce their environmental impact, partnerships like this one will become increasingly important in driving the adoption of electric vehicles and building a more sustainable future.

Source: Ryder

LG Corporation's subsidiary, LG Innotek, has announced the development of a wireless battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles (EVs). This new technology is expected to have a significant impact on the EV industry by increasing the range of electric vehicles while downsizing the battery packs, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the vehicles.

The wireless BMS operates by collecting information on individual battery cells and transmitting it wirelessly to the central controller, eliminating the need for wired connections between the cells. This results in a simpler battery pack manufacturing process, reducing the number of components required for the BMS.

The wireless BMS is also expected to improve the safety of EVs. The traditional wired BMS system can be vulnerable to damage from heat or vibration, resulting in an electrical short circuit. The wireless system eliminates this risk by reducing the number of connections that can be damaged.

Additionally, the wireless BMS can detect abnormalities in individual cells more quickly than traditional wired systems, allowing for earlier detection of potential issues before they become serious problems. This can prevent dangerous situations such as fires or other failures.

This wireless BMS technology is not limited just to EVs though, it can also be applied to other battery-powered devices such as drones, power tools, and can even be used in stationary energy storage systems, such as those used in homes or businesses.

LG says this new product employs 800V, which is the highest voltage among commercially marketed BMS’s. The company had already succeeded in developing an 800V wired BMS in 2020. Since the charging duration decreases as the voltage increases, domestic and overseas automobile makers tend to adopt 800V as their voltage system for electric vehicles.

LG Innotek plans to start mass production of the wireless BMS in 2024. To do so, the company will actively conduct promotional activities targeting major domestic and overseas automobile manufacturers starting the first half of this year, accelerating its move to occupy the relevant market in advance. In addition, the company plans to start the development of an Electric Vehicle Charge Controller (EVCC) wirelessly by leveraging the technology that the company acquired this time.

Yoo Byaeng-kuk, Vice President of the Automotive Components & Electronics Business Unit, said, “We will continue to release next-generation automotive electrical components that provide differentiated customer value, and expand our global foothold as a total solution provider in near future.”

LG Innotek's wireless battery management system is an exciting innovation that is pushing the electric vehicle industry forward. With its potential to increase range, improve safety, and reduce production costs. By simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of components required, this innovation has the potential to make electric vehicles more affordable. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, wireless BMS systems, like this from LG Innoteck, will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry.

Source: LG Corp