MAY 16, 2022

2023 Toyota bZ4X Good, Not Great

Test Drive
Toyota’s first high-volume battery-electric vehicle is fun-to-drive and comfortable, but underwhelms on performance and interior materials.

Toyota Upgrades ADAS Capabilities in First BEV

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Toyota enhances their Teammate Advanced Drive and Advanced Park capabilities with improved sensors, better detection and a Safety Sense package in the '23 bZ4X BEV.

GM Confirms Electrified Corvette in Development

CEO Mary Barra says an electrified version of the Corvette will appear as soon as next year, followed by a battery-electric version built around GM’s Ultium battery technology.

Behold the Cockpit’s Brave New Materials

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The push for sustainable interior materials is not new, but Sage Automotive Interiors’ Julie Jacobs says consumer demand is fueling the growing scope and seriousness of the efforts, especially among the rising tide of younger, environmentally conscious consumers who care deeply about how the vehicles they buy are made.

Mahle Sees ICE As Weapon in Fighting Climate Change

Michael Frick, Mahle’s deputy chairman and chief financial officer, says the increased electrification of powertrains must be balanced by the reality that climate-warming emissions could increase if internal combustion does not feature in the drive for lower CO2.

Electrify America Sees Record Usage; Ford’s Home Power Feature Priced

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The U.S.’ biggest fast-charging network after Tesla says it experienced a huge jump in usage last year, while the F-150 Lightning’s ability to power your home will cost you.

Achates, Walmart Launch Opposed-Piston Engine Trial

Achates Power and Walmart are teaming on a joint test of the engine-maker’s opposed-piston diesel in the retail giant’s tractor-trailer rigs. Achates says the engine cuts CO2 emissions 10% without any added cost.

The Biden Plan on BEVs: Is It Enough?

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The administration has set an aggressive target for half of all U.S. new-vehicle sales to be battery-electrics by 2030. To get there, more government-backed programs likely will be needed to support charging infrastructure and incentives to lure buyers into the market, industry insiders and analysts say.

Lincoln Star Concept Previews Brand’s e-Mobility Future

The Lincoln Star concept large CUV/wagon should be seen as a preview of the automaker’s new exterior-form vocabulary for electric vehicles and some of the ways Lincoln might take advantage of the flexibility of EV architectures.

Eaton Expands European EV Production Facilities

U.S. automotive power management provider Eaton is continuing it European expansion of its Vehicle Group and eMobility businesses with a new R&D center in Germany.

Capable '22 Grand Cherokee 4xe Enhanced With Eco-Friendliness

Test Drive
The ’22 Grand Cherokee 4xe is impressive on- and off-road. We achieved a surprising 29 miles in EV-only mode – 4 miles more than the vehicle’s rating.