Latest news with #InsideEVs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Replacing Curbs With New Sidewalk Chargers Promises To Make EV Ownership Even More Convenient
Rural drivers may be convinced they couldn't possibly own an EV because of how far they drive, and yet, I do just fine living in a pretty rural area with a 150-mile Fiat 500e. That doesn't necessarily mean a new 500e would work for you, specifically, because there's a good chance it wouldn't, but urban apartment dwellers who can't charge at home often have far bigger issues finding reliable charging than those in rural and suburban areas. One German arms dealer manufacturer, however, has a possible solution — chargers that fit right into the curb on the sidewalk, InsideEVs reports. The idea of adding chargers along sidewalks isn't exactly new. We've had chargers mounted on light poles for a while now, and I regularly used one back when I lived in LA's Koreatown before I ended up back in Georgia. Still, the cords can be clunky, and the chargers themselves aren't exactly pretty to look at. Rheinmetall, a German company known mainly for making armored military vehicles, has a much more elegant solution in the form of Level 2 charging boxes designed to slot into the curb itself. There's no cable included, meaning you'll have to travel with your own cable, but that's a pretty minor inconvenience, all things considered. If you want something that will charge your car up to 80% as fast as physically possible, Reinmetall's sidewalk chargers won't do that, but that's also not the point. They're more for city dwellers who park on the street and still want to charge their EVs. And in that use case, their maximum charge speed of 22 kW is pretty much perfect. Imagine driving to dinner, plugging in where you park and returning to a mostly charged car when you're done eating. That's more of what they're going for here. Read more: 2025 Cadillac Optiq May Finally Be The Car To Attract Young Buyers To collect payment, Reinmetall says its curb chargers will work with an app on your phone, but users will also be able to use an RFID card or scan the QR code on the charger. And since they're German, they know a thing or two about inclement weather. These charge boxes are reportedly designed to be submerged in more than three feet of water for up to 30 minutes and can also automatically cut power if the street floods for too long. They were also designed to withstand regular downpours and have built-in heaters to keep snow or ice from becoming an issue during the winter. It isn't clear how well they'd handle a snowplow covering them in multiple feet of snow, but even if that's a problem, they could still be deployed in most of the U.S. without any issue since so few cities actually get that much snow every winter. If the charge box breaks, Reinmetall claims it is also designed for easy replacement. Simply swap out one box for one that works, and you're back online. These curb chargers still haven't been deployed on a large scale, so more issues could definitely pop up as they get more popular, but the initial results from Reinmetall's year-long test were still promising. Over 12 months, their test units had a reported uptime of 99%, even with all the winter and other weather issues they deal with in Germany. Is it the silver bullet that will solve all potential issues overnight? Not at all. Still, it looks like a great way to increase the number of public chargers in cities where they'd work, and it's nice to see companies taking people who can't charge at home into consideration. If EVs are going to become more common, we need more options for charging, and if these actually work as well as they look like they could, they could end up being a great way to make charging more accessible to more people. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car manufacturer unveils electric transformation of iconic vintage model: 'This project has been years in the making'
Restomods are a growing part of the electric vehicle market. For those with the means, it's possible to combine the rugged aesthetics of classic cars with the energy efficiency and high performance of an electric vehicle. Two companies are joining forces to launch a limited run of revamped Ford Broncos. As one of the makers, Icon, explained in the launch video, "this project has been years in the making." It was a combination of waiting for technology to reach that "sweet spot" and years of research and development. As Inside EVs reports, with a sticker price of $449,000, it's not for the mass market yet, but it could lay the foundations for future developments. The futuristic look of an EV is not everyone's cup of tea, so restoring classic cars is a good way to broaden the appeal. It also shows that consumers can still have the best of both worlds. While cost may be an issue for this particular car's potential customers, EVs are actually much cheaper and easier to run than a standard gas-powered vehicle. EVs require very little maintenance and cost, much less to charge as opposed to filling up with gas. The extent of the savings will depend on several factors, but the U.S. Department of Energy suggests an average of up to $2,200 per year. Of course, those savings will be even higher if charged with solar. EnergySage's guide shows how to get the best deal, and could help you save up to $10,000 in installation costs. The other massive plus for electric vehicles is the reduced environmental impact compared to gas-powered cars. Though the manufacture of an EV involves lithium mining and has a slightly larger initial pollution footprint, that evens out within the first year. A report by Reuters suggests that the break-even comes after about 13,500 miles. The longer the car stays on the road, the bigger the savings in harmful emissions. Adding more customizable options like this will only help speed up EV adoption in the long run. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford engineer announces 'unprecedented' tech that could slash the prices of electric vehicles: 'This isn't just a lab experiment'
A next-generation battery has arrived from Romulus — the city in Michigan. While there's no need to assemble an away team, Ford's headline-making breakthrough, reported on by InsideEVs, could warp already strong electric vehicle adoption to another level. In fact, lead EV engineer Charles Poon wrote on LinkedIn that the unique chemistry being used should produce cheaper rides that can travel longer distances within the decade. The news was also covered by USA Today. "This isn't just a lab experiment," Poon wrote on LinkedIn. The innovation is a lithium manganese rich, or LMR, battery cell now in its second generation. It is being developed in Ford's battery research headquarters. The pack offers better safety and can store more energy per pound, according to Poon and the reports. Poon also added that the company is anticipating "unprecedented" cost reduction. "Our goal is clear: to achieve cost parity with gasoline vehicles and deliver affordable customer solutions tailored to their needs," the expert wrote. But in-depth pack details are scarce, leaving "some experts underwhelmed," per the USA Today. For its part, LMR cathode chemistry has been around for decades. The first Chevy Volt even included a lithium manganese design, all according to the newspaper and an article posted by ScienceDirect. But performance issues at high current densities have prevented the kind Ford is using from being commercialized more widely. Now the engineers seem to have jumped the hurdles. When batteries operate, ions move between the anode and cathode through the electrolyte, a crucial middle layer. Scientists for major automakers and in labs elsewhere are trying to lower the cost and environmental impact of the materials that form the components. Manganese is being researched in China, with interesting results billed as "next-generation," as well. Part of the benefit is eliminating costly cobalt and nickel, according to USA Today. While the lack of a complete schematic breakdown from Ford is causing some skepticism, the automaker's achievements to date provide proof of its electric potential. The Mustang Mach E last year set a range record in England at 569.64 miles. The company has also been busy at the patent office, filing paperwork for a realistic EV stick shift, among other unique ideas. If successful, Ford could blow open the doors on an already-growing EV market. Stateside sales hit nearly 300,000 in the first quarter of 2025, an 11.4% year-over-year jump, per Cox Automotive. Each EV that replaces a gas guzzler nixes thousands of pounds of heat-trapping air pollution, which spews looming gases that increase risks for lung, heart, and other health problems, all according to government reports. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Tax breaks are still available to incentivize the switch, saving you up to $7,500. That's in addition to an estimated $1,500 you can bank in gas and maintenance costs. If you add a rooftop solar system to the mix as part of an overall cleaner strategy, you can secure more tax credits and leverage abundant sun energy to charge your cleaner ride — all without necessarily tapping the grid. EnergySage is a free, online tool to help you navigate the solar market. The experts there can even help you find an installer. Ford is still paying to install at-home charging stations for qualifying customers who buy or lease an EV, as well. While it's all encouraging, the company had mixed EV news last year when it announced it was shifting an Ontario plant from EV production to combustion-engine truck assembly. The decision counterbalanced some of the bigger electric milestones. Poon indicated on LinkedIn that the EV commitment remains strong. "We've fostered a culture of relentless innovation, where challenging convention and pushing the boundaries of what's possible is part of our every day," the engineer wrote. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
General Motors makes surprising announcement about the price of its electric vehicles: 'We feel good'
Inside EVs reported that General Motors is not planning to raise prices due to the current administration's tariff policies. "We now expect pricing to be relatively consistent for the remainder of the year." GM CFO Paul Jacobson stated, according to the report. This announcement is surprising. Several of GM's EVs are assembled in Mexico, so the company is bracing for a huge cost impact in the billions of dollars. However, according to the Inside EVs report, GM is currently planning to hold steady on consumer pricing through the rest of the year. The article cites that the Equinox EV is currently the most affordable EV in the U.S. and that GM credits its Mexico build location for keeping costs so low. The low price, coupled with the vehicle's 300-plus mile range, has made Chevrolet the fastest-growing EV brand in the country. GM said it is expecting a $4 billion to $5 billion impact based on the current tariff policy, affecting imports from Korea, Mexico, and Canada. It plans to offset some of the costs with "self-help initiatives" and increased U.S. production of battery components, according to the report. Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV has environmental and financial benefits. EVs do not produce air pollution that contributes to the warming of the planet, so it is a more eco-friendly transportation choice. EV owners can say goodbye to rising, fluctuating gas prices, saving money over time. Some EV skeptics cite the negative environmental effects that are a result of the pollution created during the battery manufacturing and charging process. While there is an environmental impact, the process is getting cleaner over time and has minimal negative effects in comparison to the 16.5 billion tons of fuel required for powering traditional gas vehicles. Roughly 30 million tons of minerals are dug up annually for the more affordable energy transition to EVs, and these minerals can often be reused, further reducing the environmental impact. Jacobson is confident that GM's wide EV lineup – from the $35,000 Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ – will help the company maintain pricing. "We feel good about where pricing is versus where we started the year, so we've assumed things remain constant from here," Jacobson said, according to Inside EVs. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
General Motors makes surprising announcement about the price of its electric vehicles: 'We feel good'
Inside EVs reported that General Motors is not planning to raise prices due to the current administration's tariff policies. "We now expect pricing to be relatively consistent for the remainder of the year." GM CFO Paul Jacobson stated, according to the report. This announcement is surprising. Several of GM's EVs are assembled in Mexico, so the company is bracing for a huge cost impact in the billions of dollars. However, according to the Inside EVs report, GM is currently planning to hold steady on consumer pricing through the rest of the year. The article cites that the Equinox EV is currently the most affordable EV in the U.S. and that GM credits its Mexico build location for keeping costs so low. The low price, coupled with the vehicle's 300-plus mile range, has made Chevrolet the fastest-growing EV brand in the country. GM said it is expecting a $4 billion to $5 billion impact based on the current tariff policy, affecting imports from Korea, Mexico, and Canada. It plans to offset some of the costs with "self-help initiatives" and increased U.S. production of battery components, according to the report. Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV has environmental and financial benefits. EVs do not produce air pollution that contributes to the warming of the planet, so it is a more eco-friendly transportation choice. EV owners can say goodbye to rising, fluctuating gas prices, saving money over time. Some EV skeptics cite the negative environmental effects that are a result of the pollution created during the battery manufacturing and charging process. While there is an environmental impact, the process is getting cleaner over time and has minimal negative effects in comparison to the 16.5 billion tons of fuel required for powering traditional gas vehicles. Roughly 30 million tons of minerals are dug up annually for the more affordable energy transition to EVs, and these minerals can often be reused, further reducing the environmental impact. Jacobson is confident that GM's wide EV lineup – from the $35,000 Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ – will help the company maintain pricing. "We feel good about where pricing is versus where we started the year, so we've assumed things remain constant from here," Jacobson said, according to Inside EVs. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Sign in to access your portfolio
