Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Friday 13th October, Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to. We go live at 5pm UK, that’s Midday Eastern. Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they’re ready and ad free. You can be like them by clicking here.
Kia EV6 Set to Adopt Tesla’s NACS Plug
– Kia unveiled at its premier EV Day event in Seoul that the EV6 is primed to integrate a noteworthy upgrade.
– The EV6 is designated as the inaugural model to embrace the NACS plug developed by Tesla.
– This shift towards Tesla’s plug is scheduled for Q4 2024, a move mirrored by Kia’s affiliated brands, Hyundai and Genesis, around the same timeline.
– Post the EV6’s adoption, this plug type will be progressively introduced to other vehicles in the Kia lineup.
– An additional highlight is the forthcoming availability of an adapter, targeting Q1 2025 for release. This will empower existing vehicles from Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis to tap into the NACS network.
Kia Corp Introduces Trio of New EVs
– Kia Corp revealed three new electric vehicles in the small-to-medium range.
– The lineup includes two compact SUVs, the EV5 and EV3, as well as an electric sedan, EV4.
– This move is a part of Kia’s aggressive strategy to hit their goal of selling one million EVs by 2026.
– The EV5 is set to launch in South Korea in 2025. Both China and South Korea will host the production facilities for the EV5. Battery choices vary by region: EV5s in China will utilize lithium-phosphate-iron (LFP) batteries. In contrast, South Korean EV5s will be powered by the pricier nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries.
Kia Unveils EV5 Specs and Teases Budget EVs, No US Plans Yet
– Kia’s showcased vehicles will utilize the E-GMP platform, which also accommodates the EV6, EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and the Genesis GV60.
– The EV5 design closely mirrors the previously showcased EV5 concept vehicle, coming across as a condensed version of the elegant EV9. In comparison to the gas-fueled Sportage, the EV5 is roughly two inches more compact.
– In China, the default EV5 will be equipped with a 64-kwh battery. Opting for the AWD variant introduces an 88-kwh battery.
– For the Korean market, battery specifications will be slightly scaled down, with the standard model boasting a 58-kwh battery and other variants accommodating an 81-kwh battery.
– Unlike the previous 800-volt system, the new Kia EVs will feature a 400-volt electrical setup. This allows for a charging range of 30-80% in just 27 minutes at rates exceeding 140 kw.
– To ensure battery longevity and stability, a standard heat pump will monitor and regulate its temperature. Additionally, Kia is innovating vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid functions, enabling the battery to fuel external devices and even supply power back to the grid.
– The EV3 crossover, while details are scant, is visibly influenced by the larger EV9’s design, suggesting a size ranging between subcompact and compact.
– Precise technical specifications for the EV3 remain undisclosed, but it’s speculated to be the most budget-friendly in Kia’s EV portfolio with an estimated starting price of $30,000.
Kia Announces EV2 Subcompact for Europe at Roughly $30k
– Kia’s CEO, Ho Sung Song, emphasizes that the EV2 is central to the company’s ambition of selling 1.6 million vehicles yearly by 2030. Positioned as Kia’s most budget-friendly EV, the EV2 will start at an approximate price of 30,000 Euros.
– Production of the EV2 is slated for Kia’s manufacturing plant in Slovakia. Highlighting future plans, Kia revealed that all upcoming EVs will be based on the E-GMP platform, the same foundation for the Kia EV6 and EV9, and vehicles from affiliated brands including Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60.
– Additionally, the EV3, EV4, and EV5 will also harness the E-GMP architecture. Kia is exploring ways to begin localized EV production in the United States.
Kia’s EV3 SUV Edges Closer to Production
– Kia confirms the EV3 SUV will proceed to production. While its U.S. availability remains uncertain, Kia anticipates introducing the EV3 to major global regions, potentially including North America.
– Aesthetically, the EV3’s appearance on roads is anticipated to mirror its conceptual design closely.
– It flaunts a low-slung and expansive posture, making its design echo traits of the larger EV5 and EV9, albeit on a more condensed scale.
– The EV3 will utilize Kia’s versatile E-GMP platform for its underpinning.
– Distinct from the more robust EV6 and EV9, the EV3 will utilize a 400-volt system, akin to the EV5.
– Kia has yet to announce a specific sales launch date for the EV3.
US EV Sales Surge in Q3 with Major Automakers Making Headway
– EV sales witnessed a significant boost, crossing the 300,000 mark for the first time during this year’s third quarter. This signifies a nearly 50% rise compared to the same period the previous year.
– As established automakers such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Hyundai scale up their production, Tesla, once a dominant player, is experiencing a diminishing market hold.
– The most recent EV sales data, provided by Cox indicates a record-breaking number of 313,086 electric vehicles sold between July and September.
– Electric cars made up 7.9% of the entire US car sales in the third quarter, marking an increase from 6.1% from the year before and 7.2% from the second quarter.
– The automotive market has been enriched with the introduction of 14 novel EV models over the past year.
– Despite Tesla’s attempts to stay competitive through price reductions, its market hold in the EV domain is experiencing a decline. In a recent report by *Automotive News*, Tesla’s market share in the electric vehicle segment decreased by seven percentage points over the previous year, now standing at 58%.
– Tesla’s Model S registrations witnessed a drastic 51% decline between January and August of the current year, while the Model X saw an 18% drop in its registration numbers.
– Although the Model Y and Model 3 remain most popular, collectively boasting over 400,000 new registrations this year (and the Model S managing to retain the eighth spot in the leaderboard), their dominance is being challenged by an ever-growing array of rivals.
– Chevy Bolt EUV, priced reasonably, has secured the third position in the rankings. Other noteworthy contenders making their mark include the VW ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevy Bolt EV, BMW i4, and Rivian R1S.
Tesla V4 Superchargers in US Sport New Features
– Tesla’s newest V4 Supercharging dispensers are being installed in several US states, including Oregon, Nevada, and Alabama.
– A recently shared photo of the V4 stall in Nevada by *Mardak* on the *Tesla Motors Club (TMC)* forum showcases some unique attributes of the American version of the V4 Supercharger.
– Notably, these charging units come with an integrated CCS1-adapter, popularly referred to as the “Magic Dock”.
– Additionally, the V4 Superchargers are equipped with a credit card reader and a compact display. This feature, which was first introduced in European V4 dispensers, suggests an upcoming direct access method for users.
– Tracing back to their first appearance, the inaugural V4 stalls were established in Asia, particularly at Lee Garden One in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island.
Tesla Boosts Salaries at Giga Berlin Amid Union Initiatives
– Tesla has decided to increase the wages for its employees at the Gigafactory Berlin, even as there’s a growing unionization movement within the facility.
– Gigafactory Berlin boasts a workforce that surpasses the 10,000 mark.
– Last year, the company amped up the salaries by 6%. The details of another wage hike are set to be unveiled this coming November.
– Contrary to speculations, Tesla clarified that their decision to increase salaries isn’t a direct response to the union activities but part of their usual operational procedures.
– Offering his perspective on the wage increment, IG Metall district manager Dirk Schulze stated, “Any wage increase is welcome, especially since pay at Tesla continues to lag well behind the tariff level in the auto industry in Germany. However, unilateral announcements of wage increases by a company management do not replace negotiations on equal terms.”
Tesla Introduces New Lease Rates for Model 3 & Y
– The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is priced at $40,380, while the Model Y is available for $45,380. Both vehicles come with rear-mounted motors, providing ranges of 272 miles and 260 miles as per EPA standards, respectively.
– Reflecting the price adjustments, Tesla has unveiled attractive lease options. The Model 3 can be leased at $349 monthly over a 36-month term with a down payment of $4,500. This package comes with an annual 10,000-mile limit, translating to a three-year lease cost of $18,154.
– The Model Y’s lease package is slightly higher, priced at $399 monthly for 36 months. It too requires a $4,500 upfront payment and permits up to 10,000 miles annually. Over the span of the lease, this sums up to $19,954.
– Tesla has revised the tax credit notification for the Model 3, stating: “All new Model 3 vehicles currently qualify for a federal tax credit for eligible buyers. $7,500 tax credit expected to reduce to $3,750 on Dec 31, pending federal guidance. Take delivery to guarantee full incentive.” However, as all EVs are eligible for the inherent $7,500 lease tax credit, this change won’t impact Tesla’s lease pricing.
– Notably, Tesla has specified that customers won’t have the option to purchase the EV once the lease period concludes.
Tesla Models Priced Below Gas Car Averages
– Recent data reveals the average transaction price (ATP) for new cars last month was $47,899, as per Kelley Blue Book insights.
– Tesla’s new price adjustments make the base Model 3 available at a reduced $38,990 and the Model Y at $43,990.
– Considering the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price drops to $31,490 for the Model 3 and $36,490 for the Model Y. State incentives might further sweeten the deal.
– Such pricing places both Tesla models well below the average ATP of other vehicles.
– Although listed prices can deviate from actual transactional costs, manufacturer incentives can sometimes account for a 10% price reduction, based on Cox Automotive statistics.
– The average transaction price for Tesla’s entire vehicle lineup sits at $50,931. Notably, this figure has reduced by almost 25% from the previous year.
– This reduction means that Tesla’s average ATP is now more competitive, even lower than luxury brands like Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and Volvo.
– The pricing gap is narrowing between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making EVs a more enticing option for potential buyers.
– Presently, luxury electric and gasoline vehicles are roughly on par in terms of pricing. However, there’s still a distance to cover for mainstream electric vehicles to equate the pricing of their gasoline counterparts.
Mercedes-Benz’s EV Sales Skyrocket in Q3 2023
– Mercedes-Benz witnesses a dramatic uptick in its electric car sales compared to last year.
– In the third quarter, the tally stood at 10,423 BEVs sold, marking an impressive growth of 284% year-over-year.
– These sales figures mean that electric cars now constitute 14.7% of Mercedes-Benz’s overall US sales, a substantial increase from the 3.8% share in the previous year.
– Cumulatively for the year, the brand’s electric car sales have crossed the 29,000 mark.
– For context, the entirety of 2022 saw the brand selling 12,423 electric vehicles in the US.
Luton Airport Fire Not Caused by Electric Vehicle, Officials Confirm
– Luton Airport, the UK’s fifth largest, faced major disruptions yesterday (Wednesday 11 October) due to a significant fire in its multi-story car park.
– Initial speculations on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, pointed towards an electric car as the potential cause of the blaze.
– The fire ignited on the third level of the terminal two car park. In response, 15 fire engines and over 100 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the flames.
– Andrew Hopkinson, the head of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, clarified the origin of the fire. He stated, “We don’t believe it was an electric vehicle. It’s believed to be diesel-powered, at this stage all subject to verification.”
– The aftermath of the fire was considerable:
– Over 150 flights were cancelled, affecting upwards of 30,000 passengers.
– A significant number of passengers faced added stress as their vehicles were located either in the affected car park or nearby, leading to hundreds being stranded.
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