Electric Vehicles Archives

China to end subsidies for New Energy Vehicles after 2022

There were electric vehicles 100 years ago; in fact, even Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, drove and electrically-powered car because it was easy to start and had no transmission. However, battery technology at that time was not advanced and poor performance made electric cars unappealing, allowing cars with internal combustion engines to grow and then dominate the planet. With poor interest in electric cars, the manufacturers stopped developing them and would not consider them again till the 21^st century.

During the 100 years, many technological advances have been made and in the past 20 years especially, battery technology – an important element for electric vehicles (EVs) – has advanced greatly. The incentive to accelerate technological development has been the tightening of emission regulations, especially in the more developed nations, which has forced carmakers to start switching to emission-free powertrains. There is urgency as well due to climate change, with exhaust emissions of motor vehicles being identified as one of the causes.

The technology and manufacturing processes for the internal combustion engine (ICE) have been developed over more than 100 years so production costs have stabilized and as volumes grew, economies of scale kept pushing the costs down. EV technology is relatively young and the volume of EVs has not reached a point where economies of scale have fully kicked in. As such, the technologies – which are still evolving and advancing – are still expensive and EVs equivalent to ICE vehicles are still more expensive.

In order for EVs to be adopted by more people, the auto industry expects governments to help. Obviously, funding cannot be provided directly but the prices to buyers can be offset by subsidies. The lowering of retail prices can then attract motorists to consider them, while other elements like infrastructure and performance continue to get better.

Many countries have subsidies for EV buyers and the nature of the subsidy varies. Typically, there is a fixed sum provided based on the price although in Malaysia, from this year, the government has decided to exempt battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from duties and other taxes and even the annual roadtax will not be charged. It’s a bold move but it does not necessarily bring prices down below RM100,000 so a large segment of the population will still not find it easy to buy one. And there is no point using the argument of ‘saving the planet’ because many Malaysians today have to save themselves and their families from financial difficulties, so they certainly won’t care to pay more for their car.

China, as the world’s largest car market, has had an incentive program since 2009 when it introduced subsidies for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), ie BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). The NEV program actually began in the 1980s but the incentive policy only began in 2009, with nationwide adoption from 2013. To qualify for subsidies, the vehicles must meet minimum technical and performance requirements, and the size of the subsidy is indexed to a variety of vehicle specifications and utility parameters. Every few years, the qualification criteria have been tightened, forcing manufacturers to push their technology further.

*As qualification criteria for subsidies tightened during the past decade, the manufacturers had to keep improving their EV technologies.*

By the end of 2020, the NEV push had resulted in 4.92 million NEVs being put on China’s roads, or 1.75% of the vehicle population. The number almost meets the 5 million target set in 2013 and having reached this level, the government now believes that acceptance has been achieved and NEVs are in the mainstream of the car market. This year NEVs are expected to account for 18% of all vehicle sales in China (13% greater than in 2019) and add another 5 million NEVs according to industry forecasts.

*With this year being the final year that EVs will be subsidised, there should be increased interest and higher sales in China.*

And with that target achieved, it has now decided that subsidies can be phased out completely. In fact, in April 2020, there was already an indication of this when it was announced that subsidies would be reduced by 20% in 2021. This year, the cut will be 30%, after which there will be no more subsidies provided from January 1, 2023.

The subsidies have typically applied to vehicles costing less than RMB300,000 (about RM197,130). A typical subsidy has been around RMB18,000 (about RM11,800), and in 2022, it will fall to around RMB14,400 (about RM9,500).

*Tesla Model 3 was among the best-selling NEVs in China last year.*

The domestic carmakers have already reached large volumes that allow them to have economies of scale. BYD, an early EV manufacturer, was already doing over 753,000 EVs in 2019, second after world leader Tesla which sold 900,000 EVs.

Toyota to step up investment and development of fully electric vehicles during this decade

Nissan Newbird – body of a Bluebird, heart of a LEAF EV

During the 1980s, Nissan was among the early Japanese carmakers to begin setting up overseas plants – not plants merely assembling cars but full-fledged factories that carried out the almost all the manufacturing processes. As the brand was very popular in Europe, the company decided to establish a factory there and after considering a few countries, it settled on Britain.

At a former airbase in Sunderland, in the north-eastern corner of England, was chosen for the factory site and operations began from 1986. It has assembled both Nissan and Infiniti models (Q30 and QX30) as well as the LEAF EV since 2012.

Combining past, present and future
Celebrating 35 years of production at the Sunderland plant, Nissan commissioned a very special project which would combine a major past product with the technology of today and tomorrow. Called the ‘Newbird, it is a conversion of the Bluebird model – the first car off the factory’s production line in 1986 – which has its combustion engine replaced by the fully electric drivetrain of a LEAF.

The project was managed by Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, a family-run company based in Durham, just 24 kms from the Nissan factory. Kinghorn EV specialises in the conversion of classic cars to full electric using second-life Nissan LEAF motors, inverters & batteries so they are very familiar with the powertrain.

“Electric vehicles are not just the future, they’re the now! Converting older vehicles to electric gives you everyday use of these iconic vintage models, but they’re just as enjoyable to drive. They’re more reliable and, importantly, don’t produce harmful emissions when driving. With this project, we think we’ve created a car that captures the soul of the Nissan Bluebird, with the heart of a Nissan LEAF, said George Kinghorn, owner of the company.

Change of heart
The Bluebird was extensively modified to integrate the LEAF’s electric drivetrain. The original petrol combustion engine and gearbox were removed and a LEAF motor, inverter and 40 kWh battery pack installed, with the battery modules split between the engine bay and boot for optimised weight distribution.

Updates and modifications were made to the power steering, braking and heating systems to enable them to be electrically powered. A custom suspension was also installed to support the additional weight from the battery packs. To match the car’s electric updates, the original Nissan bonnet badge received a LED backlight (for when the vehicle is static).

For the exterior of the 5-door hatchback car, Nissan Design Europe created a new graphic motif inspired by design cues of 1980s consumer technology, combined with a 21st century aesthetic.

The car is recharged through the original fuel flap on the left side which provides access to the charging port. The battery can be recharged at up to 6.6 kW and the original driver instrument panel has been connected to the EV system to enable the fuel gauge to show the charge level in the battery pack.

2021 Nissan Newbird EV — *As the Bluebird was not originally designed to carry a battery pack, it has to be installed in the boot.*

The car’s range from a single charge is estimated to be up to 210 kms and should be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 15 seconds. Given the high torque from start that is characteristic of an electric motor, the performance should be zippier than the original. However, the Newbird is not homologated so it cannot be used on public roads.

Production time halved
In 1986, it took over 22 hours for the first Bluebird to be completed. Today, modern manufacturing processes and technologies have halved that time to 10 hours. To date, after 35 years, the number of vehicles produced by the factory has exceeded 10.5 million. Although some scenarios which suggested manpower would drop with more automation, the number of staff employed at the Nissan factory has grown from 430 in 1986 to 6,000 today.

*Nissan Manufacturing UK began operations 35 years ago.*

Incidentally, for those who recall the Bluebird being sold in Malaysia, the one in the UK was different. In fact, in the 1980s, Nissan had two Bluebirds produced in different parts of the world and one had front-wheel drive, while the other had rear-wheel drive. So when discussing the model with Nissan executives, one had to first clarify which market was being referred to. The one sold in Malaysia in 1986 was the older one with rear-wheel drive whereas the one built in the UK had switched to the newer front-wheel drive model and was produced in sedan, hatchback and stationwagon bodystyles.

The last Bluebird sold in Malaysia by Edaran Tan Chong Motor was the Bluebird Altima in the 1990s. Nissan officially ended the Bluebird line in 2001 although it did continue with a smaller model called the Sylphy that also carried the Bluebird name.

To know more about current Nissan models available in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Nissan to invest £1 billion in establishing Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem

Nissan Ambition 2030 – a long-term vision towards sustainability for Japanese carmaker

Nissan will be stepping up its electrification strategy as it aims to be carbon-neutral across the lifecycle of its products by its fiscal year 2050. With its new long-term vision – Nissan Ambition 2030 – announced today, the carmaker will advance technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities and become a sustainable company.

Having been a strong promoter of electric vehicles (EVs), starting with the LEAF, Nissan will continue to place electrification at the core of the company’s long-term strategy. In this respect, it aims to accelerate the electrification of its vehicle line-up and rate of technology innovation with investments of 2 trillion yen (about RM76.2 billion) over the next 5 years.

23 new electrified models to come
By fiscal 2030, the Nissan range will see 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, to achieve an electrification mix of more than 50% globally across the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Within the next 5 years, 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models will be launched and with these new models, more than 75% of sales in Europe will be electrified models by 2026. In Japan, the mix is expected to be more than 55% of sales, while in China, it will be more than 40% of sales.

“We are proud of our long track record of innovation, and of our role in delivering the EV revolution. With our new ambition, we continue to take the lead in accelerating the natural shift to EVs by creating customer pull through an attractive proposition by driving excitement, enabling adoption and creating a cleaner world,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.

Representing the next stage of Nissan’s electrified future, the company today also unveiled three new concept cars that offer enhanced experiences through sophisticated technology packaging. These concept cars are being developed under Nissan EV Technology Vision, a technology study that looks beyond the Ariya and next-generation crossover EV. The technology considers the direction of future EVs, and how advancements in battery technology, hardware and packaging can offer customers a wide variety of mobility solutions to match their needs and lifestyles.

All solid-state battery (ASSB) technology
At the core of Nissan EV Technology Vision is the integration of all solid-state battery (ASSB) technology that integrates with optimized components into a skateboard-like structure that allows for a variety of vehicle types. The optimum hardware structure will bring out the full potential of future complex software configurations and further realize the precision, performance, efficiency and versatility of EV offerings. Recharging time will be reduced to one-third, it is claimed.

ASSB, which offers innovative integration of the body, chassis and battery pack, has ideal geometry with electric drive. Motors are located at the front and rear and together with a very low centre of gravity and ultra light weight, optimal mass distribution can be achieved. To efficiently manage and operate the vehicle precisely, AI (artificial intelligence) will also be integrated and this includes technologies such as Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT.

Nissan will also continue to advance its lithium-ion battery technologies and introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost by 65% by fiscal year 2028. The proprietary ASSB will be installed in EV models by fiscal year 2028.

In addition to technology upgrades, Nissan will localize manufacturing and sourcing to make EVs more competitive. The carmaker will expand its unique EV Hub concept, EV36Zero, which was launched in the UK, to core markets including Japan, China and the USA. EV36Zero is a fully integrated manufacturing and service ecosystem connecting mobility and energy management with the aim of realizing carbon neutrality.

Preview of future models
For those who worry that electrification will mean the end of sportscars from Nissan, this seems unlikely to happen. Even in the EV age, there will be sportscars although they may have a different sort of feel from today’s musclecars with combustion engines. They will still offer impressive performance, thanks to the high torque characteristics of electric motors.

The Max-Out concept (above) is one idea which Nissan designers are looking at and it is a convertible. Technical details are not available at this time but there is the promise of ‘a new driving experience with superlative stability and comfort’. The low centre of gravity will provide dynamic cornering and steering response with limited body roll and the occupants will feel united with the car. The 2-seater has a unique ability to morph the seating, flattening into the floor for more interior space when needed. This would be ideal when the driver is out on the road alone.

The Max-Out will have Advanced e-4ORCE which offers powerful, smooth and high output, ride comfort, and independent brake control. This electric-drive 4-wheel-control technology integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance on par with the latest sportscars.

The Surf-Out concept (above), as the name suggests, is more of an adventure concept with the bodystyle being that of a compact pick-up. It is all-terrain capable and could have a variety of power outputs to suit different conditions. The low and flat cargo space will make stowing gear convenient, while the vehicle can also supply electric power for other devices or equipment. Like the Max-Out, this concept vehicle is also engineered with Advanced e-4ORCE.

With the Hang-Out concept (above), the designers are exploring new ideas for interior layouts. This is possible as the floor is completely flat from front to rear. Thus, the cabin can be a mobile living room which travels off the highway. Theatre-style seating will make viewing movies on the built-in display enjoyable for everyone. Special effort is made to suppress vibrations and jolts so that the occupants are less likely to experience motion sickness.

The driver will have the support of Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT to make journeys safer and more comfortable. ProPILOT technology is already available in some Nissan models as the carmaker was the first to introduce a combination of steering, accelerator and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode. This technology enables autonomous operation during highway driving in single-lane traffic.

Nissan aims to expand ProPILOT technology to over 2.5 million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles by fiscal year 2026. The company will also further develop its autonomous vehicle technologies, aiming to incorporate next generation LIDAR systems on virtually every new model by fiscal year 2030.

Besides the three models, a more advanced concept model is the Chill-Out (above), which shows some of the design language that we might see in future Nissan vehicles. It sits on the modular CMF-EV platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Designed specifically for electric vehicles, the CMF-EV platform is exceptional in its modularity. For example, it allows for the installation of batteries of different heights which means it can be used for low sedans as well as SUVs which have more ground clearance. The platform is variable in its length, making it applicable for more different types of vehicles.

Nissan to invest £1 billion in establishing Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem

Tevva Truck to help immediate commercial vehicle industry need to electrify

Commercial vehicles (CVs), like passenger cars, will also have to follow the electrification route during this decade. This is especially so in Europe where there is a commitment by industries and governments to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, alongside a proposed ban on the sale of all polluting vehicles by 2035. With less than 15 years to go, there is now increased activity in developing electrically-powered trucks and there are already some in the market from leading manufacturers.

With demand for CVs therefore growing, there are other players coming into the market as well. One of them is Tevva Motors Limited, a UK-based company that describes itself as being ‘at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emissions commercial vehicles’. The team at Tevva is led by Ken Scott, formerly Engineering Director at both Bentley and Alexander Dennis, with styling handled by Dale Grewer, former Chief Designer at Jaguar Land Rover.

Fully built in Britain from 2022
The company recently unveiled its new truck – simply called the Tevva Truck – which will be fully built in Britain on a high-volume basis from mid-2022. It is the culmination of 7 years of engineering development and the learning gathered from over 320,000 kms of in-fleet trials. Tevva expects to be building 3,000 trucks a month from 2023.

The 7.5-tonne (GVW) electric truck is the first of a series of electrically-powered vehicles that will extend to 19.5 tonnes for the UK, European, and Middle Eastern markets. Using a rechargeable battery pack, the claimed range is 250 kms while having patented range extender technology (REX) now upgraded to use hydrogen fuel cells, can provide a range of up to 500 kms.

Tevva says its new truck offers a best-in-class combination of capability and cost efficiency from a zero emissions medium-duty truck, while offering the ruggedness and resilience of traditional trucks.

Ownership cost comparable to diesel truck
Range is obviously a concern to fleet managers who want the furthest distance at the lowest cost. The total cost of ownership is said to be comparable to a diesel truck; parity is achieved at approximately 3,000 kms or when 500 litres of diesel are consumed per month. The REX solution using compact hydrogen fuel cells can recharge the battery on the move, allowing longer duty cycles and transporting heavier loads even further.

Future technical developments already being tested will enable the Tevva Truck to be fully charged in just one hour – facilitating double shift operations, to help reduce the total cost of ownership. The time spent recharging will also be important to operators and as technology continues to advance, the times should keep shortening. Eventually, the driver won’t have time to have a cup of coffee and a meal at the recharging station.

Meeting the immediate industry need
The Tevva Truck will help the immediate industry need to electrify with transformative battery electric vehicles for the real world. “Technology is transforming the commercial vehicle sector at pace, making it safer, greener, and entirely more efficient. But meaningful change is a gradual process, it must happen one step at a time, even if those changes are needed in fast succession. The Tevva Truck provides a natural transition into electrification for fleet managers, providing total peace of mind and a compelling total cost of ownership proposition, with no compromise on range and reliability and minimised compromise on payload,” said Asher Bennett, Founder and CEO of Tevva.

Hino, Isuzu and Toyota to form new partnership in Commercial Vehicle Development

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BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Although the Malaysian government has not provided a ‘roadmap’ or formulated a policy that is appealing enough to investors, BMW Group Malaysia has gone ahead with its own electrification program, albeit in a limited manner. To date, it has introduced a fully electric BMW model (the i3) and also the MINI Electric, as well as a number of models with hybrid powertrains.

Now, the company which brought us EfficientDynamics is pushing ahead with electric vehicles by offering a new-generation of fully electric models which are under the BMW i brand. The upcoming EV portfolio will consist of the iX xDrive40, the iX xDrive40 Sport, iX xDrive50 Sport, iX3 and i4 eDrive40.

Milestone for BMW Group Malaysia
“The incoming fleet of electric vehicles from BMW i will present all the best possibilities of Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to loyal BMW customers and EV enthusiasts alike in Malaysia, with no compromise. More importantly, it will also drive the All-New Sustainability Strategy for the BMW Group in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia. “This is a milestone for the BMW Group, even more so for us at BMW Group Malaysia. We have been in the driver’s seat in accelerating innovation, awareness on new and sustainable technology for the automotive industry, shaping the infrastructure for premium electrified vehicles in Malaysia since 2015.”

The iX pioneers ‘Shy Tech’ which is a design principle used by BMW designers that has advanced technology integrated but out of sight, available when needed or explicitly desired. Additionally, the iX will also feature BMW IconicSounds Electric that adds the unmistakable sounds of BMW and BMW M models to the driving experience (bearing in mind that EVs run quietly).

BMW eDrive technology
The cars use BMW eDrive technology for the powertrains and are claimed to have up to 630 kms of range from a fully-charged battery pack. While that’s an impressive range, BMW Group Malaysia has also been working on expanding the recharging network around the country. It is rapidly expanding the BMW i dealer network to key cities across the country and DC Fast Chargers will also be installed at all BMW i dealers for public use to further accelerate the availability of charging infrastructures in Malaysia. Rapid-charging DC Chargers will be made available for quick on-the-go charging at selected dealerships nationwide.

The i4 is said to be epitome of the sustainable sports 4-door Gran Coupe, built with specific focus on electric driving dynamics from the outset. In keeping with its powertrain of the future, the i4 also has advanced styling. Its power output is equivalent to 340 ps which can propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds, while covering up to 590 kms before the battery pack is empty. Of course, like an internal combustion engine, how fast the ‘fuel’ is used up is dependent on various factors while driving.

Pre-booking now open
Pre-booking for the new BMW i models can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform with a fee of RM5,000. Registration of interest for the iX xDrive50, iX3 and i4 eDrive40 are also open on the official BMW Malaysia website.

Customers who purchase BMW i models will enjoy a battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kms, whichever comes first. Owners of the any new iX models opt to have a BMW 5-Year Extended Warranty and 6-Year Service package at a special rate of RM16,170.

Extras for first 50 customers
Additionally, the first 50 customers to pre-book the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport will receive an exclusive pre-booking advantage. This consists of a complimentary Charging Installation and complimentary 1-year Public Charging Access. This offer will be available until September 22, 2021 (terms and conditions apply).

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,888 and RM5,478, respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

“We look forward to reigniting local interest and uptake for electromobility, in foresight of the much-discussed upcoming Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. We have partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the very beginning to grow the local charging infrastructure network as part of our key strategies to shift Malaysia towards a low carbon mobility future. Moving forward, we aim to give Malaysians the confidence to choose electric for their next – or even first – drive. In fact, there are more plans set to activate in the upcoming months that will encourage a positive reception of this future-focused way of mobility, of which we hope will also be strengthened by the upcoming revision of government policies towards electromobility,” Mr. de Visser added.

When will the Malaysian government start to get serious about moving the industry to electric vehicles?

Malaysia has long had national automotive policies which are intended to provide a ‘roadmap’ for the development and growth of the auto industry. Updated periodically, it is supposed to give a ‘roadmap’ for companies, especially carmakers, to plan ahead. Investments are often planned many years in advance so policies must be sufficiently long and more importantly, consistent.

In recent times, interest has been on how the government intends to phase in electric vehicles (EVs), in line with the global trend. With Europe, China and Japan putting pressure on electrification, some manufacturers have already declared that they will not only step up development of electrified models but will also stop selling vehicles with combustion engines by the end of this decade.

‘EV roadmaps’ already out in neighbouring countries
Neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have already provided their ‘roadmaps’ to the industry. The policies announced have provided sufficient information for the carmakers to plan their investments which will be considerable.

Malaysia has said it has an EV policy and will announce it in due course, so the industry waits. A clear policy coupled with incentives will certainly attract investments to supercharge EV adoption by the masses, according to industry players speaking at Maybank Kim Eng’s ‘The Rise of ASEAN EV’ webinar recently.

Clear timeliness will bring investments
Having clear timelines for EV adoption and phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), incentives for EVs and also introducing disincentives for ICEVs will increase the demand for EVs. Investments will follow suit, including those for building the charging infrastructure and stability of power supply.

Car companies like Edaran Tan Chong Motor have used their own money to try to create more awareness of EVs. In 2012, when the government allowed short-term duty-exemption on electrifed vehicles, the company introduced the LEAF EV. But without incentives to offset the high prices of the EVs, there was little interest when the exemption ended.

Citing Norway’s experience, Eirik Barclay, Group Executive Vice-President, New Ventures and Technology, Yinson Holdings, said that there was never a subsidy for EVs. Instead, the government increased taxes on ICEVs and fuel. This also meant that the government did not lose revenue. He believes that these measures, and the removal of fuel subsidies, will result in consumers choosing EVs over ICEVs due to cost of ownership.

Comprehensive charging infrastructure needed
Range anxiety remains a concern among consumers, this referring to the distance that can be travelled on a fully charged battery pack before it needs to be recharged. However, studies have found that most do not usually drive more than 100 kms on a typical day and most of today’s mass-produced EVs can already provide that range and more. This concern can be mitigated with a charging infrastructure that is well planned and comprehensive.

*A comprehensive and widespread network of charging stations is necessary to make Malaysian comfortable owning electric vehicles.*

Lee Yuen How, Director, EV Connection Sdn Bhd said that all stakeholders such as automakers, oil and gas companies, utility companies, chargepoint operators, and the government should work together to build the infrastructure.

“If you leave it to the private sector, they will only build the charging infrastructure where there are high concentrations of EV users, leaving the semi-urban and rural areas to become an ‘EV-charging desert’. Therefore, the government plays an important role in ensuring investment across all areas,” he added.

Responsibility for used batteries
Jinsi Lee, Founder & CEO of Oyika, advocates a separation between the battery pack and the electric vehicle for environmental and regulatory benefits. “The party that sells the vehicle must be responsible for the battery across its entire lifecycle, instead of transferring ownership to the vehicle buyer. The seller will be required to take the battery pack back, recycle it and reuse it as second-life storage, decommission it and so on,” he said.

“From a consumer’s point of view, if the battery pack is leased, then one can buy a second-hand EV and still get the latest battery technology. We are doing this for motorbikes and I don’t see why we can’t do it for vans, trucks and cars,” he added.

Maybank Kim Eng Research predicts that sales of EVs will reach parity with ICEVs by 2030, driven by the global carbon neutrality agenda and millennial consumer preferences, among others. Malaysia and the Philippines are the slow ones in the EV race in ASEAN. Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint is an important catalyst; however more focus should be on battery EVs (running only on electricity) instead of plug-in or hybrid EVs to be fully on the carbon neutrality agenda.

During the webinar, it was also suggested that ASEAN should look at China and pure-EV companies for partnerships and investment, and pursue green technology such as hydrogen at the same time.

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Nissan to invest £1 billion in establishing Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem

The auto industry is accelerating towards electrification of products, ultimately leaving behind the combustion engine that has been blamed for causing pollution of the environment and bringing on climate change. However, unlike previous transitions, this one is a radical one that calls for a change in the ecosystem of the industry. The existing ecosystem has evolved over 100 years around the combustion engine and now, with electrification, manufacturing processes and supply chains need to be changed.

Different carmakers are taking different approaches and Nissan will make a total investment of £1 billion (about RM5.82 billion) in establishing a flagship Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem. To be known as Nissan EV36Zero, the core of this hub will be at its 35-year old manufacturing complex at Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

The transformational project has Envision AESC, a global player in world-leading battery technology, and the Sunderland City Council as partners. Made up of three interconnected initiatives, Nissan EV36Zero brings together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production, setting a blueprint for the future of the automotive industry.

“This project comes as part of Nissan’s pioneering efforts to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire lifecycle of our products. Our comprehensive approach includes not only the development and production of EVs, but also the use of on-board batteries as energy storage and their reuse for secondary purposes,” said Nissan President & CEO, Makoto Uchida. “The experience and know-how gained through the project will be shared globally, enhancing Nissan’s global competitiveness.”

Building on Nissan’s historic presence in Sunderland, the projects represent 6,200 jobs at Nissan and its UK suppliers, including more than 900 new Nissan jobs and 750 new Envision AESC jobs at its new smart, low-carbon battery plant. Longer-term, the transformational project modernises and expands Nissan’s EV production capability in the UK.

Envision AESC will deploy integrated AIoT smart technology to monitor and optimize energy consumption, manufacturing and maintenance at its new gigafactory, enabling it to rapidly increase production and provide batteries to power up to 100,000 Nissan electric vehicles a year.

New-generation electric crossover
As part of the investment, Nissan will invest up to £423 million to produce a new-generation EV in the UK. Utilising the Alliance CMF-EV platform, it will be designed for global markets with forecasted production capacity of up to 100,000 units to be installed.

Next-generation EV batteries
Envision AESC already owns and operates Europe’s first battery plant in Sunderland, established in 2012 for the localisation of Nissan LEAF battery production. The factory’s UK team therefore has 9 years’ expertise of supplying batteries to the Nissan LEAF and eNV200, having produced enough cells, modules and packs to power over 180,000 electric vehicles in 44 countries, meeting global benchmark levels of quality, performance, safety, reliability and cost.

Supporting this new model allocation, Envision AESC will invest £450 million (about RM2.62 billion) to build the UK’s first gigafactory on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, adjacent to the Nissan plant, powered by renewable energy and pioneering next-generation battery technology. This new plant will increase the cost-competitiveness of EV batteries produced in the UK, including through a new Gen5 battery cell with 30% more energy density which improves range and efficiency. It will also make batteries cheaper and EVs more accessible to a growing number of customers in the future.

Used battery packs have second life
There are also plans for a 1MW battery storage system using second-life Nissan EV/Envision AESC batteries, which will also allow for excess energy generated during daylight hours to be captured and used at another time, helping to balance demand on the grid.

Nissan EVs as mobile power supply units in disaster areas (w/VIDEO)

Croatian carmaker Rimac Automobili takes control of Bugatti from Volkswagen Group

While the Volkswagen Group is unwilling to sell off Lamborghini (which is in the group via Audi), it has divested its stake in Bugatti and Croatian carmaker Rimac Automobili is taking a controlling stake in the French supercar company. However, rather than referring to it as an acquisition, it is described as ‘combining forces’ since the move will see the creation of a new company known as Bugatti Rimac.

Porsche and Hyundai shareholders as well
As part of the deal, the restructured Rimac Group will be the major shareholder with a 55% stake. Mate Rimac, the founder, will retain his original 37% shareholding in the Rimac Group with Porsche holding 24%, the Hyundai Motor Group having 12% and the remainder of 27% held by other investors.

Rimac’s business of development, production and supply of battery systems, drivetrains and other electric vehicle (EV) components will be handled by Rimac Technology, a newly formed company which will be fully owned by the Rimac Group. Rimac Technology will remain an independent company working with other global carmakers.

*Some of Rimac’s clients which draw on its expertise in electric vehicle technology and component production.*

Founded in 2009 as one-man garage
Rimac Automobili is a rather young company in the industry, having started in 2009 from a one-man garage. In that short period, his company has grown at ever-increasing speed, specializing in EVs and becoming a consultant for some companies wanting to develop such vehicles but preferring to let a more focussed outfit handle the work.

*Bugatti was established in 1909, a hundred years earlier than Rimac.*

As CEO of the Rimac Group, 33-year old Mate Rimac will lead the new company and run both Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Technology. Bugatti and Rimac will both continue as separate respective brands, retaining existing production facilities and distribution channels. Bugatti Rimac will develop the future of both Bugatti and Rimac vehicles by joining resources and expertise in R&D, production and other areas.

*During the 2015 season of the all-electric single-seater Formula E series, Rimac provided its Concept One prototype (right) for use as the Race Director’s Car.*

Going to a new level
Commenting on the development, Rimac said: “This is a truly exciting moment in the short, yet rapidly expanding history of Rimac Automobili. We have gone through so much in such a short space of time, but this new venture takes things to a completely new level. Rimac and Bugatti are a perfect match in terms of what we each bring to the table. As a young, agile and fast-paced automotive and technology company, we have established ourselves as an industry pioneer in electric technologies.”

“We have just launched our latest hypercar – the Nevera – to universal global acclaim. So I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am by the potential of these two incredible brands combining knowledge, technologies and values to create some truly special projects in the future,” he added.

2021 Rimac Nevera – the 412 km/h hypercar from Croatia

PROLOGUE SUV will start new electric era for Honda in North America in 2024

In April this year, Honda announced that by 2040, it will sell only fully electric vehicles (not even hybrids), a bold move that will end its relationship with the internal combustion engine much loved by Soichiro Honda.

While different regions may move at different speeds along the road to electrification of their vehicles on a national basis, advanced markets like North America are likely to start having a higher proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years.

New BEV series for North America
Honda will therefore be focussing on products for that market and has announced that it is working on a new series of high-volume battery electric vehicles (BEV) to introduce in North America in early 2024. The range will be known as PROLOGUE and will be led by an all-new SUV and herald the new electrified era for the company.

The carmaker already has a range of electrified vehicles on sale, but these are mostly with hybrid powertrains, apart from the Clarity which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for powering the car.

In addition to the Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric model under the Acura brand as well. Acura currently has hybrid models as well, including the 573-bhp NSX and the new all-electric model will be a SUV as well.

*GM Ultium platform and battery pack (below).*

GM’s Ultium platform for EVs to be used
Both the Honda and Acura vehicles will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries developed within the strategic partnership with General Motors. The platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character. As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into its new SUVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink.

Production of the SUVs will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. In the second half of the decade, Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by the Japanese carmaker. These new models will be launched in North America first, followed by other regions.

Honda’s EV History
Though EVs have grown in prominence in recent times, Honda has been involved in developing and producing such vehicles for almost 25 years. In 1997, it introduced the EV Plus, a small electrically-powered hatchback which was the first BEV from a major automaker to use nickel-metal hydride batteries instead of heavy lead-acid batteries.

Honda EV Plus 1997 — *EV Plus was produced between 1997 and 1999.*

After the limited production of the EV Plus, Honda came out with the Insight in 1999. This was one of the first volume-produced hybrids in the market. The FCX came out in 2002 and it was the industry’s first commercialised vehicle using fuel cell technology that was originally developed for the space program. The FCX was succeeded by the Clarity in 2017.

*First generation of the Insight, one of the early volume-produced hybrids. This unit was driven from Thailand to Singapore in January 2001 to demonstrate the high fuel efficiency.*

*FCX – the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) which was commercialised.*

“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future,” said Dave Gardner, Executive Vice-President of American Honda. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda PROLOGUE.”

Honda will stop selling models with combustion engines from 2040, range to be fully electric

All-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning revealed

It’s not surprising that Ford will start selling an electrically-powered truck from early 2022, the new version of the F-150 range which is to be called the Lightning. After all, it’s been making pick-up trucks since 1917 and over more than 100 years of making such vehicles, it has built up vast experience. Now, it is using all that experience plus new EV technology to continue the journey forward.

“For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company. “F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 44 years, the backbone of work across the country, and a trusted icon for generations of customers. Now we are revolutionizing it for a new generation.”

The F-150 Lightning is one of the outcomes from the company’s more than US$22 billion global electric vehicle plan to lead electrification in areas of strength. Other fully electrified models developed in recent times have been the Mustang and Transit.

Pricing for the new electric truck will start from US$39,974 (about RM165,550) before any incentives (in the USA) and can rise to US$52,974 (about RM220,000) in versions equipped with the extensive range of features, technology and accessories.

Most aerodynamic F-150
The F-150 Lightning is the most aerodynamic F-150 ever developed. While it started from the current F-150, it has improvements like newly shaped running boards, a sculpted bonnet to reduce drag, and grilles that replace air intake holes with a smoother, textured surface. Even more functional design delivers optional enhanced 360-degree Zone Lighting, which can light up a specific zone or the entire area around the vehicle.

The electric platform unlocks new capabilities as well – such as being a mobile power generation that can supply electricity to power an entire home. Besides providing electrical power when camping, it can also be valuable when in disaster-struck area where emergency power supplies are needed. The added advantage is that the F-150 Lightning will also have the capability to travel through all kinds of terrain, just like other Ford trucks.

The powertrain has dual in-board motors expected to generate the equivalent of 563 hp with up to 1,050 Nm of torque available from almost standstill. That’s more torque than any F-150 have ever offered and will give a claimed 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) time in the mid 4-second range.

Two battery pack choices
There will be two choices of next-generation lithium-ion battery packs for the F-150 Lightning: a standard-range pack targeting 370 kms and an extended-range pack 480 kms. As with other EVs, charging time depends on the type of charging equipment used. Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80A charge station as standard equipment, allowing owners to recharge easily at home. This system takes advantage of the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry for even faster home charging.

With this approach, the F-150 Lightning adds an average range of about 50 kms per charging hour, fully charging an extended-range pack from 15% to 100% in about 8 hours. With a 150-kW DC fast-charger, up to 87 kms of range can be available in 10 minutes and from 15% to 80% will take about 41 minutes, it is claimed.

Considering the sort of conditions that the aluminium-bodied F-150 Lightning will be used in, ‘Built Ford Tough’ has never been more important as the battery pack cannot be damaged. Rugged underbody protection keeps it safe, with metal skid plates shielding both the battery pack and inboard motors from. The battery pack itself is secured inside waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection and has been tested at temperatures as extreme as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Huge front storage area
Just as front-wheel drive with transverse engine orientation liberated space that could be allocated to the cabin, the electric powertrain allows for a versatile, high-tech mega power dedicated storage space that’s secure, lockable and easily accessible by a powered open and close system. This spacious area under the bonnet will have 400 litres of volume and can take 180 kgs of payload. It is water-resistant and has 4 electrical outlets, 2 USB chargers and a drainable floor that can double as a food and beverage container. With 2.4 kW of power, there’s enough capability to plug in power tools, TVs, laptops, speakers, crockpots and more.

Talking of payload, a feature called Onboard Scales uses the front boot space sensors to estimate payload and tell customers how much they’re hauling. And since payload can impact range, Onboard Scales is integrated with Intelligent Range to help ensure an accurate estimate.

Smart and connected
Like the Ranger, the F-150 Lightning is packed with intelligent features, combining advanced digital technologies with proven engineering know-how. As part of the optional Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on more than 160,000 kms of pre-qualified divided highways in North America, – with more Hands-Free Blue Zones to come in the future.

Owners will find that, like their smartphone, the software running certain systems can be updated without going to the service centre. Ford Power-Up software updates will come over the air and improve performance, update existing features or even add all-new functions and capabilities. The majority of updates will be completed in under 2 minutes and whenever the owner chooses.

SYNC gets more advanced
Making its truck debut on F-150 Lightning is SYNC 4A – the latest version of Ford’s interface supported by a 15.5-inch touchscreen and designed to adapt to driver behaviour. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation and wireless access to favourite services with connectivity that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

“It really is the smartest F-150 we’ve ever made,” said Darren Palmer, General Manager, Battery Electric Vehicles, Ford Motor Company. “F-150 Lightning offers an immersive touchscreen, giving our customers all the info they want in an instant – a real-time view of where they’re going, what they’re hauling or how much real-world range they’ve got banked. And with Ford Power-Up software updates, the experience is only going to get better.”

Ford wins both 2021 Green Car of the Year and Green Truck of the Year Awards

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