Dodge confirms that it will put solid-state battery packs into Charger EV models as the company prepares to embrace a technology that could play a role in greatly expanding EV range and performance.
EVs and batteries
Tesla Cybertruck Misses Mark Again with Costly Range Extender
When Tesla finally delivered the first Cybertruck 11 months ago it missed the mark in a number of ways, starting with range. While CEO Elon Musk originally promised a version that would clock 500 miles per charge, its currently delivering a max 301 miles. To get close to the original target would require purchasing a range-extender battery, Tesla said. But that now is missing the mark, too.
Chevrolet’s New Equinox EV May be the Affordable Electric Vehicle the Market Needs
U.S. EV sales growth has slowed sharply this past year, high sticker prices getting much of the blame – especially for products delivering reasonable range. That could play out well for Chevrolet which has revealed that the new, base trim package of the Equinox will start at just $33,600 before in delivery fees – even while offering 319 miles per charge. Better yet, that’s just $26,100 thanks to federal tax credits.
Ford Slashes Price – Again – for 2025 Mustang Mach-E
Hoping to charge up sales of the Mustang Mach-E, Ford will cut the price by as much as $6,000 for the 2025 version of the all-electric crossover. That’s on top of a handful of other changes, including a revised shifter, a new Sport Appearance Package and upgraded BlueCruise technology.
GM Reports Rise in Q3 Revenue, Exceeds Analysts’ Expectations
General Motors brought in more money during the third quarter compared to a year ago, but those additional funds didn’t translate to bigger profits. However, the numbers did give the company reason to revise its earnings upward. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast For The Week of 10-21-24 – Ferrari F80 – Volkswagen ID.Buzz Review – Tesla’s Latest Probe and More
In this week’s episode of the podcast EV mandates are under fire while Tesla finds itself in the crosshairs of a new probe into its FSD system (again…) We also shine a spotlight on Ferrari’s new F80 hypercar and go for a spin in the flower power-infused ID.Buzz EV before taking a look at this week in Automotive History.
First Drive: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz – The Electric Microbus Finally Reaches the U.S.
The buzz is back – the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, that is, finally reaching U.S. showrooms decades after the demise of VW’s original Hippie Van – and two years after going on sale in Europe. If you’re one of the folks who’ve been anxiously waiting for the arrival of this new electric microbus, the good news is that the wait has been worthwhile. It’s not cheap, but the Buzz delivers a lot for the money.
NHTSA Opens Investigation into 2.4 Million FSD-Equipped Teslas
Just days after showing off nearly two dozen Cybercabs running on Full Self-Driving, Tesla finds itself being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The feds are examining 2.4 million FSD-equipped vehicles due to issues driving in “reduced visibility conditions,” including a fatality. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Chinese Automakers Planning to Add Overseas Production to Sidestep Tariffs, Trade Barriers
Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding exports to key regions like Europe and Latin America after long focusing on their home market. But that’s created problems as target markets fight back with new tariffs and other trade restrictions. As a result, some Chinese manufacturers are looking to shift production abroad – and that could include factories in the U.S.
EV Maker Lucid Pushes to Net $1.7B with IPO as New Saudi Fund Becomes Lead Investor
Developing and building electric vehicles costs a lot of money, and Lucid Motors has been tapping its Saudi-based investors for billions in additional funding during the past few years. Now, the EV maker plans to go to new source: the public. At the same time, it’s getting a new top shareholder. Find out more about its IPO at Headlight.News.
Automakers Use Paris Motor Show to Push Back Against Combustion Engine Bans
Just months ago, it seemed, the internal combustion engine was on its way out, with regulators planning to phase out the technology – in some markets, like Europe, within barely a decade. While automakers once seemed ready to go along they’re now beginning to push back. That includes BMW’s CEO who called for a “correction” of EV-only strategies at this week’s Paris Motor Show.
EV Sales Set Global Record in September
Sales of electric vehicles set a new global record in September hitting 1.7 million units. This surpassed the previous record by 150,000 vehicles last December. Unsurprisingly, China is leading the charge, but contrary to what many in the U.S. would tell you, the American market is up 10% through the end of the third quarter. Find out more at Headlight.News.