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Alastair Sloane

Energy bigwig targets Toyota for being ‘so behind on EVs’

December 17, 2021 by Alastair Sloane

An energy supply company executive accused Toyota NZ of not being ready to meet the market for electric vehicles (EVs). “What’s that mean?” company CEO Neeraj Lala asked the woman. She replied: ‘Why are you so behind on EVs?’ Lala told the story at the launch – via the online Zoom platform – of Lexus’ first battery-electric model, the UX300e, a mid-size SUV, pictured … [Read more...] about Energy bigwig targets Toyota for being ‘so behind on EVs’

Ford seeks broader audience for 2022 work/play Ranger ute

November 30, 2021 by Alastair Sloane

The new Ford Ranger line-up due next year has been designed to further reflect the changing role of utes in New Zealand, from work-only vehicles to family carry-alls. It was something Mitsubishi identified with the fourth-generation Triton ute 16 years ago. Japanese executives forecast huge growth in the ute sector beyond 2005 and wanted what was then a polarising new Triton … [Read more...] about Ford seeks broader audience for 2022 work/play Ranger ute

New PHEV Mitsi Outlander will go further on electricity alone

November 19, 2021 by Alastair Sloane

Mitsubishi has given the powertrain in its 2022 PHEV Outlander more of everything, including boosting by 52.7 per cent the electric-only range of the SUV, from a maximum 55km to 84km. The extra range in electric mode comes from a 20kWh battery pack, a capacity 45 per cent greater than the outgoing model’s 13.8kWh. The upgrades result in a combined power output – from the … [Read more...] about New PHEV Mitsi Outlander will go further on electricity alone

Solid-state batteries the ‘holy grail’ for EVs …

November 5, 2021 by Alastair Sloane

Toyota and Panasonic are among the front-runners in the race to deliver smaller batteries with a longer life and more range … … [Read more...] about Solid-state batteries the ‘holy grail’ for EVs …

All-electric Toyota points to future of solid-state batteries

November 5, 2021 by Alastair Sloane

The Toyota bZ4X, the Japanese carmaker’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), ushers in the evolutionary next stage of electric automotive power: solid-state batteries (SSB). The bZ4X SUV won’t have SSB power on board when it lands in New Zealand later next year. Instead it will be powered by a conventional liquid-cooled lithium ion pack. But it remains a Toyota pioneer … [Read more...] about All-electric Toyota points to future of solid-state batteries

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The Good Oil

French carmaker Renault has won the 2025 European Car of the Year award with the all-electric R5 supermini (pictured). It’s the brand’s second win in a row, following the new Scenic’s gong in 2024. The R5 led the vote count from start to finish from the 60 jurors in 23 countries. It received 353 points, beating the Kia EV3 (291 points) and the Citroen C3/e in third place with 215 points. It’s Renault’s eighth win in the 62-year history of the Coty award. The R5 goes on sale in the UK this month. There are two main drivetrains: a 90kW motor/40kWh battery model with a 300km range, and a 112kW/52kWh example with a 400km range. The R5 starts in price at £22.995, or $NZ50,000.

EU carmakers seek trade deal with Trump

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are among carmakers urging the European Union to get a favourable trade deal with US President Donald Trump. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) wants to keep open trade with both the US and China. It fears Trump, who promises heavy tariffs on Chinese imports to the US, will look unfavourably on countries that continue to trade freely with Beijing. Ola Kallenius, president of the group and chairman of the management board of MB, said in a letter to EU leaders:  “Overall, it is essential to recognise that trade with China and the US is most vital for the prosperity of the European economy.The EU should seek a grand bargain with the US and attempt to avoid a potential trade conflict.”

Diesel fuels EV concept for US military

A  go-anywhere EV concept for the US military uses an onboard 12kW diesel generator to top up the batteries on the move.  The all-wheel-drive has 800-volt technology and a 200kWh battery pack to power three electric motors, two in the rear and one up front. Claimed output is 745kW/15,590Nm, or 1000hp and 11,500 ft-lb of torque.  The four-seater was developed by the defence division of General Motors and is based on the platform of the Hummer SUV. It rides on Fox performance shock absorbers and 37-inch tyres and comes with “exceptional” approach and departure angles for off-road mobility. Maximum range using the generator to keep things ticking over is said to be around 500km.

We are the World

The outside temperature in Midland, Texas, was 40.5C when staff at the local office of the US National Weather Service set out to show the cabin of a closed car can literally get baking hot in summer. They mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and laid them on the car’s dashboard – the surface of which showed a temperature of 87.7C. A little over four hours later the cookies were ready to eat. “Even though ours weren’t golden brown, we can confirm that they are done and delicious,” the staff wrote on Facebook.

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Electric G-Wagen takes you for spin

https://youtu.be/NwHbJ7HN1sU

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