Sunday, May 12, 2024
Michigan drivers face vehicle troubles in subzero temperatures as arctic air grips the state. A surge in service calls, up approximately 240%, has been reported, mainly for dead batteries, flat tires, and towing. Electric vehicle charging stations experience congestion, frustrating drivers. The extreme cold prompts AAA advisories, including car battery checks and maintaining a half tank of gas. The U.S. witnesses record cold, with schools closed in response to frigid conditions.
Hertz, a major player in the rental industry, is set to sell 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs), including Teslas, Chevrolets, and BMWs, opting for gas-powered models due to heightened repair costs. The move aligns with a broader trend seen in Ford and GM, slowing down their electric vehicle production. Hertz's 2022 orders of 100,000 Teslas and 65,000 Polestar EVs signal a significant shift.
Despite predictions of impressive quarterly figures, Tesla's anticipated delivery numbers may not quite meet CEO Elon Musk's ambitious target of 2 million deliveries. The electric vehicle giant leveraged its substantial profit margins, implementing price cuts globally, particularly in China, where local competition like BYD challenged its market dominance.
Kia's Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) are set to revolutionize electric mobility, with four innovative applications based on the eS skateboard electric vehicle platform. The company aims to produce 150,000 advanced PBVs annually by 2025, focusing on autonomous package delivery and "robotaxi" services. Kia's groundbreaking efforts culminate in the launch of their first dedicated PBV in 2025.
In Q3 2023, global EV market data showed BYD and Tesla nearly equal in market sharesesla delivered This threatens Tesla's dominance, as BYD aims to lead in Q4, shaking up the EV landscape.
Audi's New CEO, Gernot Dollner, is prioritizing a balanced approach to propulsion technologies in response to changing customer demands. Audi is committed to electric mobility but isn't rushing to maximize EV production, aiming to keep dealers satisfied by promoting gas-powered, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars.
The Fiat Electric 500e, a European favorite, is making its North American debut early next year, marking a significant move for Stellantis, its parent compan. Featuring a robust 42-kWh lithium-ion battery and an estimated 149-mile range, it's set to hit the U.S. market at $32,500.
Major automakers, represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, express grave concerns about upcoming US rules that could force them to abruptly stop gas car production. The proposed regulations push for 67% electric vehicles by 2032, potentially impacting automakers' transition to EVs and their income streams.