FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Research Shows Near-Consensus for Industry on BEV Range, Charging, Cost Targets

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BEVs need to hit 350 miles or higher in the next four years, respondents to the Wards Intelligence Battery Electric Vehicle Future survey say.

Industry Experts See BEVs Gaining More Traction in 2022

With battery-electrics such as the Ford F-150 Lightning coming this year, interest in EVs is bound to increase, says Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.

General Motors Profits Fuel Transition to Electrification

“We have set a target to deliver 400,000 EVs in North America over the course of 2022 and 2023,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra says. She says annual BEV production capacity in the region will exceed 1 million units by the end of 2025.

Farley: Blue Oval Will Encompass BEVs, ICE Vehicles

CEO Jim Farley dismisses speculation Ford might split into two distinct enterprises even as its ICE and BEV businesses continue to evolve independently.

Biden Admin. Hopes to See First Chargers This Year; BEVs Less Likely to Catch Fire?

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President Biden’s goal to blanket the U.S. with a half-million chargers is proceeding, while research finds battery fires in BEVs may be overblown.

America’s BEV Charging Network a Long Way From Prime Time

Joe Biden envisions an electrified utopia. But it’s going to take more than installing 500,000 charging outlets to make BEVs successful.

Tesla’s List of Delays

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Vague or no details surrounding three highly touted entrants into new segments cast a shadow over the automaker’s Q4 earnings call.

Hybrid Powertrain Standard on 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV

All five trim levels of the third-generation Sequoia are powered by a twin-turbo i-FORCE MAX hybrid V-6 producing 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque and paired with a 10-speed automatic.

New CEO Says Velodyne Positioned to Succeed

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Velodyne believes its perception software could be difference maker in automotive lidar market.

Chevy Equinox, Blazer Join GM’s BEV Stable

The all-electric versions of the popular crossovers will go on sale next year, with the Equinox starting around $30,000. CEO Mary Barra also provides updates on Ultra Cruise and says 50% of GMs plants in the U.S. will be dedicated to building EVs by 2030.

Qualcomm Compute Technology to Power GM’s Ultra Cruise

General Motors and Qualcomm collaborate to bring the first dedicated Snapdragon system-on-chips to GM’s upcoming advanced driver-assistance system for fast, robust data processing.

Marelli EV Technologies in Spotlight

Marelli’s eMotors can accept voltages of either 400 or 800 volts. The 800V eMotor can produce 443 lb.-ft. of torque and can spin up to 25,000 rpm. The supplier says it will be introducing other e-motors and a new 400V e-axle later in 2022.

When A Regular Bronco Isn’t Enough

Ford Performance gives the Bronco the Raptor treatment. The ’22 model arrives in showrooms this summer, but buyers can place an order in March.