🔋 What We Know about the Volkswagen ID.3
The ID.3 is VW’s latest venture into the EV market. It is said that the term “ID.3” was influenced by the company’s biggest idea list, first the Beetle, second the Golf, and third according to VW will be the ID series. The ID.3 is not built for Euro markets, however VW plans to release an ID.4 to the US in 2021 and also transfer production to a plant in Chattanooga, TN in 2022. Check out the ID.4 concept here: VW ID.4
The ID.3 is a small hatchback that weighs around 3814 pounds, and a max speed 120mph but governed at 120MPH. It is powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor with an output of 201 HP and 229 lb-ft of torque, it’s source of energy is offered in either a 58.0-kWh or a 77.kWh lithium-ion battery back, and is driven by a single speed transmission.
🚙 Uber, 0 Emissions by 2040?
Last week Uber announced their mission to implement a strategy surrounding the EV market dubbing it Uber Green. Uber plans to launch this service in 15 US and Canadian cities and have plans to have it available in over 65 cities worldwide by the end of 2020. There does seem to be some controversy over the fact that Uber is charging riders $1 extra surcharge for those interested riding in an EV and rewarding them with 3 times the amount of Uber Rewards Points. As for the drivers Uber will incentivize drivers with a $1.50 more per trip for each ride completed.
Uber is not planning to only rely on driver/rider incentives but also partnerships with big car manufactures looking to stake their claim in the EV market. GM is planning to partner with Uber in the US and Canada, and Renault and Nissan linking up in European countries. Uber is also working to build an extensive line of EV charging stations partnering up with companies like BP and EVgo, not to mention, their idea of swapping out car batteries with robots. Another area they are targeting is the micro-mobility sector, electric bikes, and scooters in cities around the US. From my perspective it looks like Uber is trying to take over the whole EV ride-sharing market, will they succeed in the process?
🤝 A Major Partnership Between Nikola and GM
On September 8th Nikola partnered with GM in a contract through 2025 for building the Nikola Badger. The deal is GM will provide Nikola with their Ultium battery technology and Hyrdo fuel cells in return for $2 billion stake in Nikola, the equivalent of 11% ownership in the company. This deal also allows GM to keep 80% of EV regulatory credits from Badger sales. Nikola expects to begin production in late 2022.
Only two days later, the internet was swept with Tweets and comments accusing the company of fraudulent advertising, such as a truck being pushed down a hill for a video commercial because it didn’t run, and accusations of lies from CEO Trevor Milton. Approaching the weekend, with all the havoc online, Nikola saw a fall in share prices. See more from Hindenburg Research here.
☀️ Lightyear One’s Solar Car
A group of former engineering students from Eindhoven and winners of the World Solar Challenge Race decided it was time to bring a solar car to consumers. With their experience in building cars, they implemented solar car principles such as reduced weight, low dynamic range, and of course, included solar panels on the roof and hood of the car. The car is driven by four independent motors, one on each wheel, with the intent to eliminate energy commonly lost between engine and transmission.
Although the car can be charged via a charging station, Lightyear One’s goal is to build a car that will never require a charging station. The interior is set up like a land-yacht, (think Audi A7 or BMW 7 series sedans) seats 5 adults comfortably, has a nice amount of luggage room and includes modern tech features such as: online software updates, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and a few other bells and whistles. The Lightyear One has a battery life that allows the driver to drive a total of 450 miles per complete charge and can charge up to 570 Kw within an hour’s time. Even though it has a longer range then most other EV competitors it crawls at take off, with a 0-60mph of a little under 10 seconds.
Lightyear One did a sweet job with their website, take a look at the specs and more specifically the solar charging calculator. If you really have to have one, they are taking 500 pre-orders with a starting price of $135,000. Check them out here Lightyear One to see more details including their manufacturing strategy.
That’s a wrap for this week! I’d love to hear from you, drop me a line at josh@localwebmaker.com just to say “hi” or to leave some feedback.