Electric Cars

Tesla automobile plugged in and charging a Supercharger rapid battery charging station for the electric vehicle company Tesla Motors, in the Silicon Valley town of Mountain View, California, August 24, 2016. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images).
Smith Collection/Gado, Getty Images

Electrification is for the masses, these days. Gone are the times when hybrids were simply a niche idea. Today, so many forms of hybrids and full-blown electric cars are on sale ready to earn a spot in your driveway. Across the board, each of them have a similar goal: efficiency and reduced-emissions driving. It’s an excellent time to be shopping for these kinds of cars, simply because there are so many great choices.Hybrids and fully electric vehicles have a lot of other benefits, from federal, state and local tax incentives — though some of these perks phased out for particular automakers — to increased HOV lane access and much-reduced maintenance in the case of purely electric cars. There are downsides, of course, like the potential for expensive (if rare) battery-replacement costs.Read more: Best electric cars for 2021Read on below as we break down each kind of electrified vehicle, plus their pros and cons so you can make the best buying decision for your electrified vehicle.Yeah, even truck’s are in on the mild-hybrid game.
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Mild hybrid A mild hybrid system is the simplest and most cost-effective way of adding electric drivetrain components to a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). In a mild hybrid system, the ICE will often shut itself off entirely under no-load conditions such as coasting down a hill or coming to a stop. The hybrid system allows the ICE to be restarted almost instantaneously and can power ancillary systems on the vehicle such as the stereo or air conditioning. Some mild hybrid systems will feature regenerative braking or will offer power-assist or torque-fill to the ICE, but all lack the ability to run solely on electric power. Advantages Can power many of a car’s electrical systems.Stop-start system saves fuel during idle.Can reduce turbo lag by torque-filling until the engine comes on boost.Lighter weight compared to other electrified vehicles.Lower complexity.Lower cost. Disadvantages Increased cost and complexity versus internal combustion-only engines.No full-EV mode.The OG hybrid.
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Series hybrid The series hybrid — also known as power split or parallel hybrid — is what most people think of when they think of a hybrid vehicle. These use a downsized ICE to provide power at higher speeds and in higher load conditions, and a battery-electric system to move the vehicle at low speeds and low-load conditions. This allows the ICE to work in its ideal efficiency range, thus providing excellent fuel economy, especially in city driving conditions. Advantages Excellent efficiency at around-town speeds.Gasoline-powered ICE for longer range (and longer journeys).Offers a good compromise between efficiency, usability and overall cost. Disadvantages Typically higher cost than a purely ICE-driven vehicle of the same size.Maximizing efficiency means reducing power output.The RAV4 Prime has a whole lot of electric range to it.
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Plug-in hybrid The plug-in hybrid is the next logical step forward from the series hybrid system. These cars move closer to the fully electric vehicle side of the continuum, with the ability to go longer distances on electric power alone. The plug-in part of their name comes from their ability to be plugged into an electric car charging station, rather than just relying on the ICE and regenerative braking for battery power, thus effectively eliminating range anxiety. Another area where plug-in hybrids differ from either mild hybrids or series hybrids is in the size of their battery pack. This is what gives them their extended EV-only range. Advantages Increased range over battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to range-extending gasoline engine.Lower purchasing cost compared to BEVs.Lower running cost compared to series hybrids. Disadvantages More expensive to buy than series hybrids or mild hybrids.Larger battery packs mean more weight.More complex than mild hybrids.Everyone knows the Model 3.
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Battery electric Battery electric vehicles are mostly what they sound like: A big battery with at least one electric drive motor wired to it. Oh, and tons of complex software to manage the thousands of individual cells that make up that big battery. Mechanically speaking, BEVs are the least complex of all the vehicles we’re covering when you consider that even the simplest multi-cylinder internal combustion engine has many hundreds of moving parts, while an electric motor only has its rotor. Purely electric vehicles are becoming more and more common, thanks to innovation from relatively new companies like Tesla and industry stalwarts like General Motors and Nissan. Advantages Mechanical simplicity means less maintenance than ICE.Tons of instant torque.Nearly silent operation.Electricity is cheap, for now.No tailpipe, therefore no emissions and no emissions testing.Low center of gravity is great for vehicle handling. Disadvantages More expensive than similar size series hybrids or ICE vehicles.Limited range.Lengthy charging times.Charging station infrastructure still up and coming. Impractical for most people unless you have 240-volt Level 2 charging at your home or parking spot.Higher weight than similarly sized vehicles.Uncertain environmental impact for end-of-life battery disposal.The Hyundai Nexo is only available in select areas.
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Hydrogen fuel cell A fuel cell takes hydrogen and oxidizes it to create an electrical charge, which is then channeled into a battery and used by electric motors. This technology has been around in automobiles for a few decades, but due to costs, size of components and a relative lack of infrastructure, there aren’t many companies still working with it. Miniaturization of tech in the last few years has made hydrogen FCVs more commercially viable, and we’re starting to see more interest from manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai. Advantages No need to charge; simply fill your car with hydrogen and go.Silent operation, much like a BEV.Only emission is water. Disadvantages Hydrogen prices fluctuate wildly, oftentimes more expensive than fossil fuels.Limited refueling network outside of select cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.Hydrogen tanks can eat into passenger compartment or cargo room if the vehicle wasn’t designed from the ground up for fuel cells.

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Tesla

At the livestreamed delivery event for the new Tesla Model S Plaid, Elon Musk showed off the refreshed electric sedan playing CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 video game on the car’s redesigned infotainment system. Due to the dark settings, it was difficult to see the person playing, but the camera zoomed in through the Model S’ hatchback to show off the screen, which sure did seem to be running the game.This comes after Musk followed up January’s surprise Tesla Model S refresh reveal with a bold claim that it can run CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077. An image in Musk’s tweet showed a dashboard display-screen featuring The Witcher 3, a 2015 game from the same developer, but Cyberpunk had just come out.Cyberpunk honestly looks like it plays well on Tesla’s system.
Tesla

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Console versions of Cyberpunk were beset with performance issues and bugs, even on the next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X, leading the game studio’s co-founder to acknowledge the problems in an apology video. Honestly, in the Tesla livestream it seemed like the game runs better in the car than it even does on next-gen consoles.

The Model S’s center screen has 10 teraflops of processing power, which Game Awards host Geoff Keighley noted was comparable to the PS5 and considerably more than the 4 teraflops in the Xbox Series S (Microsoft’s higher end Series X has 12 teraflops). Tesla themselves say the Model S’ system has “PS5-level performance,” and Musk says no car has had computer technology that’s this state-of-the-art.During the livestream, Musk says the Model S’ system can run games at 60 fps, and he previously also said the Model S screen has “more storage now & easily upgradable.”Neither Tesla nor Cyberpunk developer CD Projekt Red immediately responded to requests for comment.

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An EV needs a battery, after all.
CNET

At this point, a physical Apple Car sure is feeling a lot like a poorly kept secret. According to a new report from Reuters on Tuesday, Apple is busy discussing a potential battery deal with China’s CATL and BYD. The tech giant wouldn’t need automotive batteries if it didn’t have its eye on building a real car, as opposed to just car software, that’s for sure.Citing sources familiar with the discussions, Apple wants to use a lithium-phosphate battery due to their cheaper construction and use of iron, rather than cobalt or nickel. It’s not clear if these talks include previously reported “game-changing” battery technology Apple supposedly developed for its car program.The company reportedly wants any firm it partners with for a battery supply deal to agree to the construction of a US facility for the program, however. That may be a sticking point with CATL, the world’s largest battery supplier, which also supplies Tesla locally. The company is reportedly reluctant to build a US facility amid tensions between the US and China. BYD feels a little more friendly to the current political climate. Although it’s a Chinese company, the firm currently employs a unionized workforce to build its electric buses in the US.Apple did not immediately return a request for comment on the reported discussions, but expect silence. The company’s been very private about its potential car plans for years now. Rumors heated up this year after discussions with Hyundai and Kia fell through to build the vehicle, before both said they would not partner with Apple. Right now, a 2024-2025 timeline for the vehicle is the best estimate from analysts, and the Apple Car could involve advanced self-driving technology the tech giant’s also been hard at work on.

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2021 Kia SoulWith bestsellers like Seltos and Sonet, Kia can confidently think about launching new products
Kia Soul had started its journey in 2008 as an ICE powered subcompact crossover SUV. Later in 2014, an electric variant Soul EV was also introduced in international markets. Kia may be planning to bring the car in India, as trademark application for Soul name has been filed in the country. However, it’s not certain if it will be the ICE powered Soul or its EV version.
Kia Soul design and styling
Featuring a tallboy design, Kia Soul is quite quirky and distinctive in comparison to other products in its class. Some of the key features include sleek full-LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a large front grille, trapezoidal fog lamp casing, and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the car features boomerang-shaped LED tail lights and centrally positioned dual exhaust with chrome tips.
On the inside, Kia Soul is spacious and packs in a comprehensive range of features. Higher trims come with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other key features include USB ports, wireless phone charger, sunroof, steering mounted controls, head-up-display (HUD), auto AC, mood lighting, power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and heated steering wheel.
New Kia Soul name registered in India
Kia Soul gets top marks for safety, as it’s equipped with several advanced features. Some of these include forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision warning, lane change assist, and smart cruise control.
Other safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), ABS with EBD, hill start assist control, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Kia Soul powertrain
In international markets, Kia Soul is offered with a 1.6 litre MPi petrol motor that is capable of generating 123 ps of max power at 6,300 rpm and 150 Nm of max torque at 4,850 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s a 2.0 litre MPi petrol motor also that makes 149 ps / 179 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed manual CVT unit. There’s a 1.6 litre turbo petrol version as well, which makes 204 ps / 265 Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed DCT.
Talking about Kia Soul EV, the second-gen model utilizes a 64 kWh battery pack. This was a major upgrade from the earlier 30 kWh unit. The battery utilizes a liquid cooling system. The electric motor generates 201 hp / 395 Nm and can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.6 seconds. EPA range is 243 miles (390 km) whereas WLTP range comes at 452 km on a full charge. More

Now you can work on your Jay and Silent Bob cosplay while waiting for your EV to charge.
7-11

It wasn’t that long ago that people’s biggest fear about owning an electric car was not having anywhere to charge it while they’re on the go. That concern has mostly been alleviated thanks to several nationwide brand-agnostic charging networks like EVGo and Electrify America.But, this being America, more is always better, so there’s a new player entering the EV charging game, and it’s 7-11. Yeah, that 7-11 with the questionable hot case foods and the grumpy employees and the menthol cigarettes. The convenience store chain announced Tuesday that it will be placing 500 EV chargers at 250 stores in the US and Canada by the end of 2022.

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OK, but if they can’t keep the Slurpee machine up and running, what kind of charging can users expect? Well, we don’t know, and 7-11 isn’t saying, but we do know that they will be DC fast-chargers, and it looks like they’ll be supplied by ChargePoint, so we’d bet on anything from 60-ish kilowatts to 125 kilowatts.These new chargers will join 7-11’s small network of 22 charging stations at 14 stores in four states, and the whole thing is a part of 7-11’s ongoing work to reduce its carbon footprint.
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Ford EcoSport Electric In Bronco Styling – RenderThe upcoming lineup of Ford EVs will comprise battery-powered versions of Explorer, Aviator and maybe Bronco as well
With future of the global automotive industry heavily dependent on battery-powered solutions, automakers worldwide have started planning their future ahead accordingly. One of the largest auto manufacturers Ford recently held a Capital Markets Day presentation which was mostly dedicated to future electric vehicles to be rolled out by the company.
The American carmaker announced that it will be launching new dedicated electric vehicle platforms and will develop new IonBoost batteries for future EVs. The company estimated that almost 40 percent of its global sales will be EVs by the year 2030. Laying the groundwork for its next decade of vehicle production teased several new products and services.
Future EV Platforms
The Blue Oval brand announced that it will be spending more than USD 30 billion on electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company had previously committed USD 22 billion toward electrification.
Furthermore, it went on to add that it currently possesses five global vehicle platforms but with EVs coming into picture, these architectures need to be reimagined to meet required conditions. Cars based on these new platforms will be able to share motors, gearboxes, battery packs and battery management systems across the lineup.
Ford Electric Platform
This is in addition to other cross vehicle technologies which will enable Ford to share up to 80% of a vehicle’s components across its portfolio. The company also previewed its upcoming RWD / AWD BEV Flexible Architecture which will underpin several new generation models of high-volume battery-powered vehicles between now and 2030 including some ‘rugged SUVs’.
Prospective Ford EV Lineup
While Ford didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that the upcoming platform will be available in two derivatives- one for 2- and 3-row crossovers, cars and SUVs and the other mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The former category will comprise models such as electric versions of Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Although the American carmaker didn’t specifically mention it, we also expect an electrified Bronco underpinned by the same architecture in future.
The second derivative will underpin the F-series pickup trucks for example the next-gen F-150 Lightning which could arrive as early as 2025. The first-gen model made its debut a few days back and is expected to go on sale in the coming months, it is also expected to form bases for electric versions of Expedition and Navigator.
Ford Electric Platform
The electrification of the pickup segment is critical for Ford since it expects about 1/3rd of full-size pickup trucks to be fully electric by 2030. This would mean around 800,000 electric pickup trucks will be produced annually.
Battery Development
Ford also shed light on its battery manufacturing segment and revealed that the BlueOvalSK joint venture will develop battery packs and arrays at two different facilities in the US. The next generation of batteries from Ford will be called IonBoost+.
The company also unveiled its plans would include development of IonBoost lithium-ion batteries, IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries (for commercial vehicles), and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries. The carmaker finally added that it will be expanding its commercial vehicle business by nearly double to $45 billion by 2025. More

Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
Exterior Design
Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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