After giving the Malaysia media a preview in April, Bermaz Motor Trading is now introducing the new Mazda MX-30 to the Malaysian public. The model, Mazda’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), is priced from RM198,780 and bookings are accepted at the Mazda Flagship showroom in Glenmarie, Selangor.
The development of the MX-30 is part of the company’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision of achieving carbon neutrality. The carmaker has also taken a different approach with performance (acceleration, top speed, range) not being the main focus but practicality and urban usage. This approach has helped to manage the costs which are still high for BEVs. (more…)
After releasing sketches of a new model in its BEV (battery electric vehicle) ID. range, Volkswagen has now issued the first pictures of the concept car that will be the basis of the flagship of the range. To be known as the ID. AERO, it will be the sixth member of the ID. family, after the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 as well as the iconic ID. Buzz.
The future model will be positioned in the premium midsize sedan segment and offered worldwide as the brand’s first global BEV sedan. the production version for China, a very important market for Volkswagen, is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2023. The European and global version will be made in Germany from 2023.
Electric offensive in China
With the ID. AERO, Volkswagen is stepping up its electric offensive in China as part of its ACCELERATE strategy. Following the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.6, the production version of the ID. AERO will become the fourth fully-electric model series in China when it goes on sale in the second half of 2023.
Two versions are planned for the world’s largest car market – one for each Volkswagen joint venture. Based on its regional strategy, Volkswagen is aiming to become the leading supplier of sustainable vehicles in China. As early as 2030, it is planned that at least every second vehicle sold in China will be an electric vehicle.
Elegant design characterised by aerodynamics
The concept car is almost 5 metres long and its design is greatly influenced by aerodynamic principles. The roof slopes elegantly to the rear in coupe style and contributes to achieving a very low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd.
Stylistically, the ID. AERO transfers the design of the ID. family to a sedan in the premium midsize segment for the first time. The aerodynamically designed front end and roof ensure that air flows optimally over the vehicle. The airflow is calmed by the slightly drawn-in rear end with a separation edge.
The front end is characterised by the ID. honeycombs typical for the ID. family. The front is horizontally split into two in the bumper and is a defining style element for the ID. AERO design. As another distinctive feature that makes the ID. AERO stand out in the crowd, a narrow light strip extends horizontally across the front out to the left and right of the illuminated Volkswagen badge and above the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, wrapping into the wings and side panels.
This light strip is continued visually to the rear end with a few interruptions. The dominant rear end features a striking dark light strip and LED taillight clusters with honeycomb structure that create an exclusive look.
The sporty 22-inch two-tone wheels are designed in the style of a turbine and are integrated flush into the wheel housings. Classic door handles are replaced by illuminated touch surfaces, which reduce the drag even further.
At the top of the silhouette, the bold tornado line and downward sloping roof line shape the design. The powerful shoulder section of the ID. AERO is located above the tornado line. The contour lines make the electric sedan appear flatter and give it a dynamic look.
Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB)
Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) permits short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an exceptionally spacious vehicle interior. The ID. AERO will have a powerful lithium-ion battery with a net energy content of 77 kWh. Thanks to the interaction of the efficient drive system and the excellent aerodynamic properties, the carmaker claims that ranges of up to 620 kms will be possible.
“With the ID. AERO showcar, we are revealing a preview of the next member of the ID. family. A car with an emotional and at the same time extremely aerodynamic design, a range of over 600 kms, an extraordinary amount of space and a premium interior,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “With our ACCELERATE strategy, we are intensively driving forward the electrification of our model range. Following the ID.4, this model will be our next global car for Europe, China and the USA. ”
The ID. family is Volkswagen’s range of the future with all battery-electric models using the MEB platform.
Since it was launched in March 2021, the Kia EV6 has impressed the automotive world and received a number of awards, including the 2022 European Car of the Year award. The first of the Korean carmaker’s next-generation battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the EV6 embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification. As part of the Hyundai Motor Group, Kia is also very much into electrifying its range with the aim of achieving carbon-neutrality.
The EV6 has progressively made its appearance in many markets around the world and now it is also being offered in Malaysia, although only bookings are being taken for now. The model is distributed through Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), which took over representation of Kia from the Naza Group in April 2021. A subsidiary of BAuto (Bermaz Auto), DMSB is the sole distributor while another company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd – has also been formed to manage the assembly of Kia vehicles locally and Kia Motors has majority share in this company.
Dedicated BEV platform
Priced from RM300,668 (click here for the pricelist)for the GT-line version, the EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV produced with the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the Hyundai Motor Group. By having a dedicated platform, it means that the architecture of the vehicle can be fully optimised for an electric powertrain. Earlier, carmakers developed BEVs using platforms that were still used for conventional combustion engines, resulting in less than optimum engineering when it came to a BEV.
The EV6 has all-wheel drive with two electric motors generating a total of 605 Nm, and a 77.4 kWh battery pack powering them. Claimed performance figures are 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. The claimed range on a fully charged battery pack is 506 kms but just as with combustion engines, this figure depends on driving conditions and driving style.
In addition, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kWh of power and is capable of operating lifestyle electronic accessories, so the EV6 can serve as a mobile power station.
Digital Tiger Face
The tiger face which was created by Peter Schreyer in 2007 and became a brand signature is still present, but it is now described as a ‘Digital Tiger Face. A sleek, modern appearance of the daytime running lights and a sequential dynamic light pattern evokes the original ‘Tiger Nose Grille’, taking the brand into the era of electrification.
With the E-GMP, the designers have had new freedom to efficiently package the interior with innovative use of space. Though the exterior dimensions are compact, the generous 2900 mm wheelbase allows a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.
High-tech interior
Being a vehicle that points towards the future, the EV6 is equipped with technological that enhance safety, connectivity and infotainment. There’s a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless smartphone charging. The curved infotainment screen has a simple form language which gives the interior an open feel.
The EV6, which has received the maximum score of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, comes with an extensive list of standard safety features and systems. These included advanced systems like High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist. In addition, there is also a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning. Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control are also included for reducing driver load on long journeys.
Each new EV6 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or first 150,000 kms). In addition, the battery pack warranty coverage is up to 7 years or maximum of 150,000 kms.
Ford’s SuperVan series in Europe began in 1971, and since then, there have been three other SuperVans. This week, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Ford showed off the fourth Supervan and not surprisingly, it opens the first electrified chapter in the legendary series. The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan uses no petrol and fully utilises the potential of electric performance and enhanced connectivity to achieve the highest performance of any Ford van ever.
Four electric motors, a 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, and a bespoke control system produce approximately 2,000 ps for sub 2-second 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time. Performance from a purpose-built, track-ready chassis including components from the recently unveiled E-Transit Custom 1 – the first fully electric version of Europe’s best-selling van – is complemented by Ford’s SYNC in-cab touchscreen technology 4 from road-going Ford models, as well as additional functionality to control the Electric SuperVan’s unique capabilities.
The enhanced connectivity keeps the driver informed and enables real-time data transmission for remote vehicle management and optimised performance, just like the integrated services that can accelerate the productivity of over 125,000 Ford Pro customers across Europe. Selectable drive modes and regenerative braking technologies similar to those on Ford production electric vehicles also feature.
The striking, all-electric demonstrator vehicle was developed in secret by Ford Performance and electrified rally and racing specialists STARD in Austria, with exterior design work was done by the Ford Design team in Germany.
“We’re bringing SuperVan into the 21st century with 2,000 ps of all-electric power for unmatched excitement and unmistakeable styling inspired by the new E-Transit Custom. But performance isn’t all about horsepower – the Electric SuperVan’s processing power means engineers can use real-time vehicle data to optimise its performance, just like on a top-level racing car,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
“Ford Pro is all about accelerating productivity for our customers – so why not create a new Electric SuperVan that proves the power of electrification and connectivity?” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “This incredible demonstrator vehicle takes E-Transit Custom’s advanced engineering and distinctive look to a whole new level, and is high-speed proof of the power of Ford Pro’s connected services ecosystem.”
The Ford Pro Electric SuperVan is a one-off demonstrator, which gave the Ford Design team a lot of freedom to create a wild-looking vehicle that reflects extreme performance capability. The outlandish wheel arches, muscular style and one-off livery are the most extreme expression of Transit design. Meanwhile, the fully-electric powertrain offered the development team lots of freedom with fewer of the packaging and cooling restrictions that come with a combustion engine.
“The fourth chapter of the SuperVan story is designed to be the fastest, most extreme yet while keeping the Transit DNA. The proportions are a more dramatic version of what we developed for the E-Transit Custom and the front light bar creates a futuristic expression, making the Electric SuperVan the absolute pinnacle of Transit design language. The chance to be part of the iconic SuperVan story and reimagine what it could be in the 21st century was a dream opportunity,” said Amko Leenarts, Director, Design, Ford of Europe.
The vehicle’s motorsport-spec construction marries the E-Transit Custom floorpan with a steel spaceframe and lightweight composite body panels. A bespoke 50 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack is mounted for optimum weight distribution and a low centre of gravity and can be fully recharged in approximately 45 minutes using a standard electric vehicle fast-charger.
A suite of onboard cameras can immerse audiences around the world in the action during SuperVan’s impressive high-performance runs. As on the Ford E‑Transit, the driver can pull camera feeds onto the in-cab screen and switch between them to help position the vehicle.
Ford Performance and STARD’s motorsport input is immediately obvious; the dramatically sculpted body’s front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser would be at home on a racing car, while the radical rear design’s cutaways and dorsal fin flow into the rear wing to generate downforce and push the SuperVan into the track for as much grip as possible.
The latest Supervan continues the tradition started by the first one 51 years ago. That van has a mid-mounted engine taken from the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. The next Supervan continued with the formula was taken further for SuperVan 2 with a lightened Transit Mk. 2 body draped over the monocoque. It had the 590 ps Cosworth V8 of Ford’s C100 racing car. The Supervan 3 was a facelifted Transit Mk. 3 lookalike, powered by the 650 ps Cosworth HB engine used in Formula 1 cars then.
Evolution of Ford SuperVans
Beyond demonstrating Ford’s advanced electric vehicle and connectivity know-how, the Electric SuperVan is also a high-speed science experiment. Its demanding driving scenarios and unrestricted design concept allow Ford to push the boundaries of electric vehicle engineering and connectivity to improve its future race cars and road-going vehicles, software and services.
There was a while when it seemed that if you owned an electric vehicle (EV), you were free of having to buy petrol (or diesel) and all you had to do was plug in to a charging point and get the battery pack recharged. While electricity, wherever it is supplied, still costs something, it didn’t seem that way as no one really asked for money – at that time.
You can still charge ‘for nothing’ if you can install a charging station at your own home but with charging facilities now commercialised as the number of EVs goes up, getting the battery pack recharged will just be like buying liquid fuel – you have to pay for it.
As public usage of charging stations keeps growing, the charges will be adjusted according to demand. DC Fast Chargers, which shorten charging time (if the EV is able to accept such charging), are expensive to set up so the charges for using them will be higher.
Standardised prices
To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country. The Pay-Per-Use pricing structure for charging at any authorised BMW dealership listed below is as follows:
BMW and MINI EV owners can also expect greater accessibility to charging facilities across the country as BMW Group Malaysia partners with multiple key EV charging providers such as JomCharge and Tenaga Nasional Berhad, in addition to chargEV. This strategy will ensure that owners of our BMW electrified vehicles will have access to the widest range of charging facilities no matter where they are in Malaysia. Customers and members of the public can therefore expect to see many more BMW i Charging facilities located in key areas.
Over 400 charging stations
In partnership with chargEV, BMW Group Malaysia has successfully provided access to a comprehensive network of over 400 charging facilities across Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The infrastructure network comprises of AC Chargers located strategically to enable peace-of-mind when travelling, whether intercity or out of state.
BMW EV owners who use chargEV-powered BMW i Charging facilities can register as a member at RM240 per annum to enjoy preferential Pay-Per-Use charging rates, as well as complimentary usage of all their AC Chargers nationwide. With the chargEV mobile application, users can also locate charging facilities at over 250 locations nationwide and are also able to reserve chargers, start and stop charging remotely, as well as view their vehicle’s charging status in real time.
Removing the worry of EV owners
“Our vision for an Electric Future spans beyond just the expansion of our EV portfolio and infrastructure here at BMW Group Malaysia. We have long been working on fostering a viable ecosystem that is future-ready and one that electrified mobility can thrive in, knowing that the main roadblock to EV adoption remains to be range anxiety and a worry that there may not be enough charging facilities in place across the country. Through our many partnerships with local tech and EV industry leaders over the past few years, we have been able to continuously grow our network of charging facilities where the needs are highest,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“With an official pricing structure in place, we are taking the next step in the ever-maturing EV ecosystem in Malaysia, by endeavouring to provide fair and adequate access to these facilities for all EV users in Malaysia – regardless of make and model, as electrification remains a shared responsibility amongst automakers in solving climate change,” he added.
Lunaz is a young (in existence since 2018) British company which remanufactures and electrifies vehicles, and it claims to be the world’s leading creator of upcycled, restored and electrified classic cars. Models which it has electrified include the Jaguar XK120, 140 and 150, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Bentley Continental, and Range Rover Classic.
The company typically does work on commission, and it has three divisions providing all the necessary services that further the legacies of the most celebrated cars in the world. Its most recent project which has been completed is a 1952 Jaguar XK120.
The car presented a world-first for a project of this type – a leather-free interior that utilises ocean clean-up materials. This includes carpets that are woven from reclaimed nylon sea-fishing nets. Additionally, the backing of these carpets is upcycled from marine plastic pollution such as plastic bottles.
The process of reclaiming waste materials from the ocean is already being successfully utilised in the worlds of fashion, fine furniture making and high-end watch manufacturing. Global demand for these kinds of sustainable materials is driving significant positive environmental impact: for every tonne of the raw material produced to make the materials that make Lunaz’ carpets, 7 barrels of crude oil can be saved and nearly 7 tonnes of carbon will not be emitted.
In handing over this beautiful electrified and upcycled Jaguar XK120, we conclude a project that has empowered our designers to re-imagine the traditional classic car material palette. We are proud to take materials and create processes that significantly reduce the global impact of enjoying these cars by unlocking the power of upcycling,” said David Lorenz, Founder & CEO of Lunaz (which has David Beckham among its investors).
While such a car is already exclusive, Lunaz’ customers would expect to be able to personalise their cars further and this is handled by an in-house design department. The team works in close collaboration with customers to understand their aesthetic and personal sensibilities. In the case of this very special build, the customer visited Lunaz throughout the commissioning and specification process to understand the way that alternatives to leather and innovative upcycled materials perform from a visual and comfort perspective.
This led to a decision (by the customer) to create an entirely leather-free interior specified to complement the bespoke Obsidian Blue exterior colour scheme. This was painted in-house at Lunaz’ home in Silverstone, UK and is one of the limitless palettes of colours available to every Lunaz customer.
This very close collaboration yielded an interior finished in an innovative blend of textiles, traditional woods and upcycled materials. For example, the seat frame is constructed from recyclable aluminium. This offers both a contemporary aesthetic and an alternative to traditional classic material palettes while delivering the functional requirements of the seat.
The seats are finished in a super-high-quality fabric material. Subtle reference to the driver-focus of this particular car is made through the addition of a black stripe to the driver’s seat.
The Burr Walnut veneer wood has a contemporary aesthetic through a satin lacquer. Wherever possible, material from the 70-year old car was painstakingly restored to minimise the requirement to create new materials. This extended to the substrates which were then re-veneered in sustainably sourced timber.
Lunaz’ team of engineers subtly integrated the latest infotainment and audio technology into the car. This includes the discreet placement of a screen installed with Apple CarPlay to operate the customer’s preferred navigation and music streaming apps.
The Lunaz modular powertrain used in the Jaguar was developed by a team of engineers drawn from some of the leading names in automotive design and technology and under the leadership of Jon Hilton, former Technical Director of Renault Formula 1.
Lunaz’ proposition has created unprecedented global demand from both new classic car owners and existing collectors seeking to rebalance their collections in line with shifting global sensibilities. An independent environmental audit found that once a Lunaz vehicle undergoes the brand’s process of re-engineering and electrification, it reclaims more than 80% of the embedded carbon of the original car’s manufacture.
Therefore, this approach represents a sustainable means to keep the most celebrated cars in history on the road while addressing the other key barriers to classic car ownership, usability and reliability.
In the 1950s, when Sir Alec Issigonis began to think of a small city car that would become the legendary Mini, styling was probably of a low priority compared to the design. How it looked would largely follow what was required of it – form follows function. And he certainly followed that design principle which could be traced back to the 19th century.
Form follows function
Quite simply, he wanted to create a small car which had the largest possible interior on the smallest possible footprint. Applying ‘form follows function’ strictly to automotive construction, he came up with a car that would be revolutionary. The spatial concept of the Mini was unique, and transversely mounting its engine made significant waves in the motoring industry at the time.
The brilliant design of the original Mini which strictly adhered to the ‘form follows function’ principle. Inset shows the actual sketch that its designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, drew on a napkin in 1956.
When the BMW Group continued the Mini story, it fully respected not just the history but also the design language that would provide guidance for the 21st century version. The original design philosophy was revised in keeping with the times, while simultaneously preserving the essential Mini character. While form continues to follow function, innovative technical solutions allow this principle to be applied to a greater degree.
Evolution continuation
The modern MINI appeared in 2001 and has undergone evolutionary continuation of the legendary formal language that defined the original Mini. The systematic expansion of the model family also show how new life has been introduced to the brand’s fundamental values and, building on this, to open up authentic and intriguing perspectives for the future of the brand.
The modern MINI and the original classic Mini in 2007.
Digital and electric influences
Now the MINI team is again looking ahead at the next generation of models and this time, there are strong electric and digital influences. The MINI models of the future will bring together a modern and purist exterior and an interior design that focuses on the essentials, just as it always has.
The new design language also exploits the opportunity of electrifying the powertrain to generate the driving pleasure you expect from MINI entirely without local emissions. “Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.
The architecture for the new MINI model generation has been developed for purely electric mobility from the outset. This differs from previous generations where the electrified version used a platform that was developed to also be able to take combustion engines. As such, every centimetre of the available installation space is used even more efficiently. This means that it will be possible to continue to offer the ideal combination of a small footprint and available interior space in the future.
Concept model to be shown in July
The core of the brand will also be embedded in the future model generation of the MINI 3-door – purely electric and consistently geared towards urban driving pleasure. The successor to the current Countryman will also have purely electric drive and a concept model (shown camouflaged in this pictures) of this will be shown at the end of July.
“The MINI Design DNA will clearly come through in every model of this new generation, leaving its brand affiliation in no doubt whatsoever,” declared Heilmer. “At the same time, the MINI design team has successfully created strong product features with individual accents that more than ever before underscore a sense of independence.”
‘Charismatic Simplicity’
Creation of independent vehicle personalities is one of the central features of the new design language. ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ gives each member of the future MINI model family its own individual charisma that is unmistakably based on the brand’s core, reinterpreting it confidently and in its own way. The authentic reference to the essential values of MINI is expressed in a very modern design language featuring clearly and cleanly modelled surfaces.
Charismatic Simplicity reduces the number of components and concentrates on essential elements, helping the design of future MINI models achieve an emotional, intuitively perceptible identity. “We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language,” explained Heilmer. “For example, innovative LED technology gives the typical Union Jack design of the MINI combination rear lamps a variety of forms, creating an individual light signature for each model.”
Combining tradition and progress
The combination of tradition and progress will be evident in the interiors of future models. The key to this is both in advanced digitalisation in operation and connectivity, and in a clearly designed interior with intuitive functionality.
In the cockpit of future models, ‘reduction’ does not mean having to do without. For example, the OLED technology for the fully digital display and control unit (shown in the MINI Vision Urbanaut concept) means significantly more functions can be combined in a single control unit. This is presented in the archetypal circular central instrument in the middle of the dashboard.
MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer a touch display with a fully usable round surface. The innovative display technology paves the way for a new user interface design. At the same time, the design retains analogue control units such as the toggle switches below the central interface. These embody the attention to detail and distinctive design features that transform intuitive functionality into an emotional experience.
“The future of MINI design is based on the courage and determination to shape change and stamp a distinctive and inimitable profile on the brand,” said Heilmer. This also includes a range of materials with a focus on sustainability. The new model generation will move completely away from leather surfaces and also reduce its use of chrome components to almost zero. A minimal ecological footprint is deeply anchored in the brand’s tradition and is incorporated more comprehensively than ever by MINI Design into the new model generation.
It looks like the Chinese carmakers are steadily establishing their presence in the ASEAN market as sales are growing for some of the brands that have entered a few years earlier. This is not their first approach as they began to appear in the 2000s. But back then, their products were not of the same quality as what consumers had come to be used to from the Japanese and Korean brands, so they quietly faded away. Chery was one of them, having tried its luck in Malaysia and even did some local assembly but pulled out in the end.
Today, the Chinese carmakers have progressed greatly and have improved quality as well as made technological advancements themselves. With the government having given a push towards electric vehicles (EVs), they have had to develop EV technology as quickly as possible while competing with each other for a slice of the biggest vehicle market in the world.
Having their own EV technology and products is timely, of course, as government around the world are pushing the auto industry to take definite action to address climate change. Going electric is one approach and countries like Indonesia have offered attractive incentives that are drawing carmakers there to grow their EV business.
Wuling Motors, through its SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint-venture with General Motors, is aiming to do just that and develop Indonesia into a major overseas market. Over the past 15 years, it has gained experience in export sales, having sold one of the most popular small vans in Asia. In 2021, SGMW exported over 140,000 units from China to more than 40 countries and regions.
Now it intends to also promote its new range of models developed on its Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform. And for the debut of its first global-market zero-emission vehicle – the Wuling Air EV – it chose Indonesia for the world premiere. Apart from the country’s attractive incentives for EV players, SGMW already has a significant presence and a manufacturing plant.
The Wuling Air will be the first EV model that SGMW will sell outside China and has been selected as the official car partner for the 2022 G20 Summit to be held in Indonesia this November. It is likely that the model will be assembled in Indonesia where there can be significant economies of scale and flexibility.
Furthermore, with the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, the EV can be exported to other markets in the region duty-free. Of course, for Malaysia, that will be the case anyway since there is presently full exemption on import duties for BEVs (battery electric vehicles).
It is likely that SGMW will produce LHD versions in China for the domestic market, complementing the joint venture’s current EV portfolio that has the Wuling Hong Guang MINIEV, Wuling Nano EV and Baojun KiWi EV. Indonesia could thus become the production hub for RHD versions.
The Air EV is the Wuling’s fourth next-generation vehicle to adopt the brand’s new look with a new design language. It has a modern appearance that is somewhat different from other small EVs, with a front fascia that features a horizontal bar extending to the sideview mirrors, and integrated LED daytime running lights.
Size-wise, there are two versions – one with a long wheelbase (LWB) and the other with a shorter wheelbase (SWB). From information released in Indonesia, it appears that only the 4-seater LWB will be offered outside China. This has a length of 2974 mm, width of 1505 mm and height of 1631 mm with a wheelbase measuring 2010 mm. The SWB version can accommodate only two persons and is 2599 mm long with a wheelbase of 1635 mm.
These are certainly very small cars as a Perodua Axia is 3645 mm in length. And while it is often said that an EV doesn’t have a heavy engine, the lithium iron phosphate battery pack is still heavy. In spite of being smaller than an Axia which weighs 825 kgs to 860 kgs, the Air EV LWB weighs 860 kgs, while the SWB version is 100 kgs less.
The powertrain will be fairly basic with a single motor driving the front wheels. There will be a choice of 30 kW or 50 kW and also Standard and Extended ranges of 200 kms and 305 kms, respectively. Top speed is claimed to be 100 km/h which is probably as fast as you would want to go in such a small car.
The price in Indonesia is rumoured to start from 275 million rupiahs (about RM84,000) and while that is down to the Honda City/Toyota Vios level in Malaysia, Perodua and Proton offer cheaper cars – and they are more spacious too. So we can’t see the Air EV coming in and besides, with the still-limited recharging network, many will be hesitant to invest in a car which could be stuck in some kampung in the rural areas because its battery can’t be recharged. Presumably, Indonesia’s plan to raise EV adoption will see a rapid development of the recharging network around the country.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship appeared this weekend for the first time in Indonesia, joining 16 races at 5 locations so far in Asia. In fact, the very first Formula E ePrix was held in Beijing while the 50th race was in Hong Kong. Other locations have been Putrajaya in Malaysia (twice) and Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. Seoul, Korea will join the list for the first time at the end of this season.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan joined over 60,000 spectators at the first-ever Jakarta ePrix, Round 9 of the 16-race calendar of Season 8. 11 teams and 22 drivers took part on the specially built Jakarta International e-Prix Circuit in Ancol Beach. It was uncharted territory for the participants with high humidity and searing heat. Also adding to the unknowns was the 2.37-km circuit’s unique banked sections, undulations, bumps and a mix of technical and high-speed sections.
The 2.37-KM, 18 corner circuit layout was inspired by the horses of the Kuda Kepang traditional dance.
After 8 rounds and 5 different race winners, Season 8 remains a thrilling battle. Going into Round 9 in Jakarta was championship leader Stoffel Vandoorne of Mercedes-EQ, ahead of ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara and DS TECHEETAH’s double champion Jean-Eric Vergne.
But it was Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) who fended off the efforts of Vergne and Edoardo Mortara to take his third win of the season. The Kiwi made a late-race lunge that caught then-leader Vergne off-guard at Turn 7 on Lap 31 in an opportunistic move from way back.
From there, energy management became increasingly critical for the lead duo as they fought between themselves and against searing track temperatures. After an early Safety Car period, the race was extended and drivers posted 40 laps in total as a result.
That allowed Mortara to join the party as Evans and Vergne duelled. Evans had some 5 minutes plus added time to hold the pair off, with the race anybody’s heading into the final turn and his rear tyres fading fast. He held on to stay ahead of Vergne and Mortara home as all 3 drivers finished within a second of each other.
Antonio Felix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH) slipped from second at the start to be fourth across the finishing line. As for the championship leader, Vandoorne was able to make 3 crucial passes through the race to wind up fifth after starting from seventh. He has enough points to retain his championship lead though the gap is now reduced.
“That was hard. I was just happy to be in it at the end. We had a tough last race [in Berlin], and this track was similar with the climate being on another level! We put a lot of work into the set-up and the systems, but the team gave me what I need, gave me the goods,” said Evans. “It was really tight at the end with Vergne; I thought I was going to pull away but my tyres started going off as soon as I got past him. I was under a bit of heat but we got the job done. This is what we needed.”
With Vandoorne’s closest rivals all finishing on the podium, the Drivers’ standings are closer. Just 12 points now split the top four, with Vergne 5 points back from the Belgian, Mortara 2 points away from the Frenchman in third, and Evans another 5 points back in fourth.
Vandoorne’s team, Mercedes-EQ, still holds its position at the top of the Teams’ championship with 186 points. That’s 16 points ahead of DS TECHEETAH which, after the Jakarta ePrix, climbs above ROKiT Venturi Racing.
The teams leave Jakarta to head to Morocco for the Marrakesh e-Prix on July 2. It will be Round 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and as in Indonesia, there will only be a single round run.
At last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Polestar showed off an experimental specially modified Polestar 2 with impressive performance. However, the company said that it was just a one-off which they would not be turning into a production model. Nevertheless, enthusiasts loved it and there was a lot of interest expressed in buying one if it was made available.
“We had a great reaction and the response made it clear – we should create a version like that for production,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. He had proposed the project last year to push the boundaries of the performance fastback’s design and performance potential.
The experimental Polestar 2 at Goodwood in 2021 (above), and the production version (below) that will be offered to 270 customers.
Only 270 units
And here it is – a special edition called the Polestar 2 BST edition 270. The ‘270’ indicates the number of units that will be offered, exclusively for Europe, North America and China (so they will all be in lefthand drive).
The tuning-based Polestar Engineered product leverages on decades of tuning experience to create the brand’s most dynamic electric driver’s car yet. The production car includes mechanical modifications along with key design enhancements that place it above standard Polestar 2 models.
Increased output
The two electric motors and 78 kWh battery pack have been enhanced for a maximum power output of 350 kW (476 ps) and 680 Nm of torque, along with heightened responsiveness to go with the sportier dynamics.
Chassis modifications include lowered ride height (by 25 mm), specially developed and unique Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers with auxiliary adjustment chambers mounted under the bonnet, a front strut bar, 20% stiffer springs and unique new black 21-inch alloy. The tyres fitted are 245/35R21 Pirelli P Zero, developed specifically for the car which retains the standard 4-piston Brembo brakes.
Styling enhancements
The limited-edition model has a more substantial expression, thanks to fully-painted bumpers and side skirts. A matte black body stripe is available as an option, as well as a full-body Battleship Gray satin wrap. Th side mirrors are finished in glossy black while the signature ‘Swedish gold’ details remain, including on the brake calipers, damper elements, valve caps and seatbelts.
Each unit will be priced around US$77,000 (about RM338,000) and production is planned to begin in mid-2022, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of the year.
