Robotic Ram Charger, cell-to-chassis tech, EVs as virtual power plant: Today’s Car News
Robotic Ram Charger, cell-to-chassis tech, EVs as virtual power plant: Today’s Car News
GM and Ford look at using EVs as virtual power plants. Cell-to-chassis tech nears production in an EV from China. And we look at how the inductive charging robot that Ram teased might work in the real world. This and more, here at Green Car Reports.
The Ram EV inductive charging robot shown last week at CES with the introduction of the electric truck concept is indeed production-bound—and we took a closer look at how this unit works and how it could make things easier for owners with multiple EVs in the garage.
GM and Ford are among the companies that have signed on to a pilot project aiming to use large pools of EVs to help smooth the grid as virtual power plants, reducing the need for the use of so-called “peaker” power plants that often dramatically add to pollution issues.
And the Chinese startup Neta Auto has announced an agreement with the battery supplier CATL that might lead to a world-first use of cell-to-chassis tech in an EV—something Tesla teased at its Battery Day but hasn’t yet delivered.
_______________________________________
Green Car Reports Newsletter
Sign up to get the latest green car and environmental news, delivered to your inbox daily!
I agree to receive emails from Green Car Reports. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy.
-
The charging robot, developed by EFI Automotive, intelligently detects the vehicle’s charging needs, moves into place for the charge, and will choose off-peak times to do so when possible.
-
Chinese startup might soon make EVs with cell-to-chassis tech
China’s Neta Auto claims that all battery components are housed in the vehicle’s structure, with no need for a separate battery pack—improving everything from range to safety.
-
Virtual power plants of GM, Ford EVs could cut “peaker” pollution
Vast pools of EVs could help smooth the grid during peak times, reducing the need to ramp up dirtier generation sources.
-
Range-extended Mazda MX-30 on hold, EV battery costs, Ioniq 5 crab walk: Today’s Car News
Hyundai shows how tech intended for future mobility might make all EVs easier to park. Considering inflation, battery costs might not have surged so much. And don’t hold out for a rotary range-extended Mazda EV. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. Mazda has revealed pricing for its…
-
2023 Mazda MX-30 EV carries over, as range-extended rotary idles
Mazda confirmed that a rotary-engine range-extended version of the MX-30, called the MX-30 R-EV, is Europe-bound. But it appears that a U.S. debut has been delayed or canceled.
-
DOE: In 2022 money, EV battery costs have kept falling
On a constant-dollar basis, battery costs fell slightly in 2022 based on usable energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
-
With e-corner, the Ioniq 5 can crab sideways like a GMC Hummer EV, or turn in place much like the “tank turn” maneuver exhibited by Rivian and Mercedes-Benz EQG prototypes.
-
Ram racing ahead of regulation, Lightyear 2 waitlist, Goodyear sustainable tire: Today’s Car News
A Ram extended-range EV will help run faster than regulations. Lightyear opens the waitlist for its $40,000 model. Goodyear shows a tire that’s 90% sustainable. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. While Ford and GM are aiming to make electric trucks and gasoline ones in the years ahead…
-
Stellantis CEO: Ram range-extended electric pickup to outrun regulations
Keeping ahead of regulators is part of the motivation behind a range-extended Ram electric truck that’s in the works.
-
Goodyear shows fuel-saving tire with 90% sustainable materials
The demonstration tire shows Goodyear has the capability to make a tire with 90% sustainable content, even as it aims to launch a production tire with 70% sustainable content this year.
-
Waitlist opens for $40,000 Lightyear 2 solar car due in 2025
The Lightyear 2 will have a real-world range near 500 miles, according to the company—and, likely, the same level of emphasis on reducing dependence on charging infrastructure.
