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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 21st 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.

From tomorrow (Monday, January 3, 2022), payments for all public parking spaces in Selangor will be cashless and accepted only via online apps under Selangor Smart Parking (SSP) scheme. The SSP mobile app was introduced in 2018 and with around 1.7 million users, the Selangor government is going ahead with full implementation as planned.

Paper coupons can be used till March 31,2022
While parking payment machines will no longer be operating, there will be motorists who have paper parking coupons left. These can still be used until March 31, 2022. There will also be a mechanism to credit the remaining value of the paper parking coupons into the SSP app, in the event that the paper coupons cannot be used up by the deadline.

For added convenience, two other mobile apps can also be used to make payments – the Touch ‘n Go eWallet and Flexi Parking.

If you don’t have a smartphone
Understanding that there may be some people without smartphones or who do not use mobile banking services, there is also the option of making payments to obtain SSP eKupons. These will be available at agents such as 7-Eleven, 99Speedmart and MyPOSPay. They can be identified by signs with the SSP logo and ‘eKupon Parkir DiJualDiSini’.

The SSP app, available for iOS and Android smartphones and devices, can also be used for paying compound fines issued by all town and city councils within Selangor.

Skateboarding, which appeared in the 1950s, is a popular sport today. They are like surfboards except that instead of skimming over water, they have wheels to do the same on land. However, to the auto industry, skateboard means a different thing and is a new idea being used for electric vehicle (EV) platforms to streamline development. An EV skateboard serves as a common modular chassis which can be applicable to different types of vehicles.

A number of carmakers have already developed EVs on skateboards and they have been able to speed up development since the skateboard is an integrated package. It can be developed by the carmaker or supplied by a specialist in such technology.

Open-source mobility model
Citroen’s Skate concept explores a greater spectrum of uses for the platform, referring to it as ‘open source’ so it can be configured to be more than just a passenger car or light commercial vehicle. This is a revolutionary open-source mobility model that is collective and shared, offering autonomous mobility which adapts to demand. The model relies on a fleet of Citroen Skate transport robots which move around cities non-stop, paired with Pods that can offer unique experiences. The Citroen Skate is the medium and the conveyor of mobility; the Pod, attached to it, allows its users to enjoy their preferred service, whenever and wherever they wish.

This technological solution offers a multitude of possible uses and is claimed to be able to improve traffic fluidity by at least 35%. To achieve this, The Citroen Skates are designed to travel in dedicated lanes, and are fitted to integrate into the urban environment in the most efficient and economical way.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

Proposing an autonomous vehicle on public roads for private customers, beyond the technological challenge, would be extremely expensive. The Citroen Autonomous Mobility Vision is based on the perfect adequacy between the Pods, The Citroën Skate and the infrastructure. Therefore, with the use of dedicated lanes, the overall solution cost is optimized. Moreover, its use is maximized through an on demand smart fleet management.

The Urban Collectif demonstrates the concept
To demonstrate the concept, Citroen has partnered Accor and JCDecaux, the former a hotel and hospitality group and the latter an advertising firm. Accor has designed two Pods that can complement its hospitality services – one serves as luxury transportation and the other is a gym on wheels. JCDecaux’s proposal is a form of mobile urban transport, possibly for use by tourists as it can be parked anywhere when they wish to admire a landmark or surroundings. The three Pods form what is known as The Urban Collectif.

“Each Pod is a bold and modern interpretation of interior and automotive design. They are designed beyond the conventions and standards that the industry is using today, with precision engineering, high-end materials, refined aesthetics and revamped functions and applications. Thanks to this unprecedented partnership, which is highly innovative both in form and substance, we are creating endless opportunities for the future,” said Damien Perrot, Global Senior Vice-President Design at Accor.

Accor’s first Pod is known as the ‘Sofitel En Voyage’, an architectural enclosure with glass and marquetry, creating an intimate atmosphere while being fully open to the outside. Featuring automatic glazed sliding doors, the Pod would allow 2 to 3 passengers to sit comfortably on board together, with their luggage in a dedicated compartment. An interior scrolling LED strip would display information in real-time, such as personal messages, news, weather, arrival and travel times.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

Everything is designed to deliver the personalized Sofitel service, with a bar that opens like a flower to the touch to offer drinks and snacks, a sound system, induction chargers and a configurable mood lighting. The occupants could even use a touchscreen tablet to make a video call to a Sofitel concierge to arrange a restaurant or theatre reservation.

Exercising while travelling
The Pullman Power Fitness Pod is the second Pod which illustrates a modern vision of transportation that makes commuting times more useful to optimize peak fitness performance. The occupant could exercise independently and immersively, with the rower on one side and the bike on the other, while travelling through the city.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

This Pod is characterized by an unusual glass bubble incorporating dichroic patterns in the form of blinds, echoing Pullman’s graphic and colour conventions, along with iridescent shades of blue, purple, pink and green. The occupant’s privacy is therefore protected, while maintaining a view of the outside.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

True to Pullman’s hyperconnected spirit, a digital coach, appearing on a holographic screen, would encourage the user, as well as provide route information and entertainment during a next-level cardio session. Exercising within the Pod will would also be useful for charging the Citroen Skate’s batteries.

Tourist transporter with a difference
The third pod designed in partnership with JCDecaux is called City Provider. Easy to board by passengers with luggage, a pushchair, using a wheelchair, alone or with other people, this Pod offers mobility in the city with more freedom and choice. The Pod uses smart autonomous technology which optimizes time and distance while ensuring a pleasant and peaceful experience in the heart of the city.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

Citroen has designed and engineered its Skate to be autonomous, electric and chargeable via induction. It can operate almost continuously, every day, charging itself automatically when necessary at dedicated charging bases. Used in conjunction with the Pods, it can be positioned below specific units on request when the service is activated.

2021 Citroen Skate autonomous EV concept

The wheels, which are revolutionary in their concept and design, were devised and developed by Goodyear. They are specially developed omnidirectional Eagle 360 wheels, fitted with spherical tyres. Incorporating small electric motors, they give the robot complete 360° freedom of movement so that it can travel in any direction, just like a computer mouse, turn on the spot and slot into the smallest spaces.

“At Citroen, we examine medium and long-term trends to anticipate consumer expectations and needs. We believe that this new concept can redefine the framework of urban mobility: shared, electric and autonomous. With the solution we are presenting in partnership with Accor and JCDecaux, we are inventing autonomous mobility for all,” said Vincent Cobee, Citroen General Manager.

US-based Magna, a mobility technology company, is supporting the accelerated shift towards electrification by carmakers with its all-electric connected powertrain, EtelligentReach. This latest innovation will be used for a new model that will debut this year. The complete system comprises 2 electric motors, inverters and gearboxes, and uses advanced software to maximize vehicle range and driving dynamics.

eDrive technology advancements and the holistic vehicle development approach of the EtelligentReach achieve a range increase that is said to be up to 145 kms, or 30% compared to certain production BEVs (battery electric vehicles) in this segment which is a key differentiator in the growing electrification space.

Magna’s intelligent operating strategy controls the two eDrives: the eDS Mid+ with next-gen eDrive technologies and decoupling on the front, and another eDS Mid+ with torque vectoring on the rear. This powertrain solution is said to set a new standard in range, driving dynamics and safety.

The next-gen innovations include Decoupling+, inverters with silicon carbide technology, and a boost function for a short-time increase of drive power (eg overtaking maneuvers). Magna’s Decoupling+ function on the front drive is unique in its competitive field and helps increase range without compromising driving dynamics and safety. Increased efficiency also reduces CO2 emissions, while the torque vectoring function can improve the safety margin by up to 10% by controlling each axle individually in all road conditions, as well as significantly reduce steering effort during dynamic cornering.

“This is definitely a story where the sum is greater than the parts,” said Tom Rucker, President, Magna Powertrain. “The EtelligentReach reduces range anxiety and improves driving dynamics, providing automakers with a complete all-electric powertrain system with AWD that is exciting and efficient. We can create maximum efficiency by precisely orchestrating how every component works in concert to achieve the best possible performance.”

Besides EtelligentReach for passenger cars, Magna also has EtelligentForce technology for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) like pick-up trucks. Also using the eDS Mid+ DCU at the front drive, there is a game-changing eBeam electrified beam axle at the rear, with an electric locking differential.

This eBeam technology is a direct replacement for traditional beam axles, requiring no restructuring to existing architectures. It utilizes existing suspension and brake systems designs, resulting in no compromise of payload or towing capacities. It is thus a structure-oriented design for high-payload vehicles with continuous-duty usage, a requirement of LCV operators.

With the shift to electrified vehicles speeding up in the industry’s pursuit of cleaner and more efficient mobility, Magna is enabling global automakers to electrify their vehicle platforms with a full range of hybrid and fully electric powertrain solutions.

Magna’s powertrain expertise is supplying power to the wheels, regardless of the power source. The company is able to supply traditional products as well as electrified components and systems to automakers as they migrate their vehicle offerings toward hybrid and electric vehicles.

Magna HDT

The company will also supply a Hybrid Dual-Clutch Transmission (HDT) to Mercedes-Benz for its next generation compact and mid-size vehicles, another example of Magna’s continuing transformation in the electrification of mobility. Two other HDT programs will launch soon with other global carmakers as the company further extends its foothold into powertrain electrification.

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

A total of 112 units of the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 will be produced. The car, shown at Pebble Beach in California in August this year, is a tribute to the original Countach’s 50th anniversary.

Maurizio Reggiani, the company’s Chief Technical Officer, remembers the huge impact the Countach LP 500 had on him and his professional growth. In his view, the new Countach LPI 800-4 has all the necessary characteristics to become part of the collective imagination.

The 21st century Countach LPI 800-4.

“The technical formula of the LP 500, with its V12 engine in a longitudinal position at the rear and the gearbox positioned in front behind the cockpit, led to a new way of imagining super sports cars in terms of both design and performance. The vertically opening doors, which debuted on the LP 500, and the mechanical layout remained unchanged, confirming the original choice. The Countach LPI 800-4 adds modern technology, including composite materials, improved aerodynamic features, and a 12-cylinder hybrid engine equipped with a supercapacitor and four-wheel drive. All elements that have not changed the extraordinary spirit of the original Countach,” he said.

Every single unit of the Countach LPI 800-4 has already been sold (in fact, customers placed their booking even before the official unveiling to the public). Most of the customers are enthusiasts who already own an original Countach model and couldn’t resist the temptation to configure their new Countach with the same colours as the classic one. They will be getting their cars during 2022.

1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Cannonball Run
The 1979 Countach LP 400S in ‘The Cannonball Run’ movie is considered historically significant enough that it is entered in the National Historic Vehicle Register of the United States Library of Congress.

From 1974 to 1990, 1,999 Countachs in 5 different series were produced, representing a model that, in addition to ending up displayed on the bedroom walls of an entire generation and being used in dozens of films, allowed Lamborghini to survive the most difficult years of its history and to enter permanently into the halls of legend.

Posters of the Countach have been among the most popular in the world and when the organisers of the 2021 British Motor Show polled visitors, the Lamborghini supercar launched 50 years ago was the top choice. Now, a series of official new Countach LPI 800-4 posters has been completed and are available online at lamborghinistore.com.

Omar Aqil, a Pakistani 3D illustrator and CGI artist, places the Countach in the centre of the incredible technological evolution of the last 50 years.
Yegor Zhuldybin, a young Russian creator specializing in surreal digital collages, explores the integration of the new Countach into today’s world, balancing between the modern incarnation of the iconic model and the celebration of Lamborghini’s history.
Shy.Studio, an independent motion graphics studio specializing in 3D animations and still life, is inspired by the influence of the vintage 1980s posters, reproducing the legendary Countach design in a modern setting mixed with abstract, tactile elements and objects that seem to come from another world.
Andreas Wannerstedt, a Swedish artist known for his 3D works featuring hypnotic looped animations, proposes a reinterpretation that stages the encounter between nature and the most advanced human technology: the delicate shades of an imaginary sunset meet the clean lines of the Countach LPI 800-4.
LRNZ (Lorenzo Ceccotti): graphic designer, motion graphics creator, animator and illustrator, highlights the extraordinary graphic qualities of the new Countach, focusing on extreme minimalism and high-tech vibrations.

Ken Block is well known for his thrilling, heart-stopping gymkhana series of videos where he has pushed Fords and then Subarus to extreme limits to entertain viewers. Earlier this year, he parted company with Ford and teamed up with a new carmaker – Audi. So he can now say he’s worked with American, Japanese and now German carmakers… maybe one day with Chinese or Korean too?

A new Hoonitron
His move to Audi is going to see him drive not just another specially prepared car with a powerful engine. In fact, it will be a major change for him as he will be doing his driving sideways using electric power. Audi has developed a special S1 e-tron quattro ‘Hoonitron’ for the American drift specialist and with this car, a new video (the working title is ‘Elektrikana’)will be produced which we will see sometime in the first quarter of 2022.

Audi S1 e-ron quattro Hoonitron and Ken Block

New interpretation of Pikes Peak car
The entire development, including the technology, of the S1 Hoonitron was conducted by Audi Sport at its own facility. Audi Design was responsible for the styling, which has been anything but a run-of-the-mill job for the design team. The challenges were tremendous as they aimed to create a modern, all-electric interpretation of the legendary quattro S1 Pikes Peak car. This car, evolved from the successful World Rally Championship-dominating cars, raced to the summit in the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in America, boosting the level of performance in the event much higher.

The S1 Hoonitron has two powerful electric motors and all-wheel drive, a carbonfibre chassis, and the full safety standards as prescribed by the FIA. How Audi Sport has boosted output from the motors to give Block the kind of power he will need for his tyre-smoking stunts remains a secret.

Audi S1 e-ron quattro Hoonitron and Ken Block

A new experience going electric
Last month, he got to know the car for the first time. “Audi gave me the opportunity to test it for a few days in Germany,” he revealed. “I’m familiar with a wide variety of cars using internal combustion engines and transmissions, but there were a lot of new things for me to learn here. Spinning into a donut at 150 km/h directly from standstill – just using my right foot – is an all-new experience for me! Our work was focused on getting the car and I used to each other. My thanks go to the whole Audi Sport squad for their outstanding teamwork.”

“The S1 Hoonitron combines a lot of what Audi was already famous for in the 1980s,” added Block. “For instance, the car’s spectacular aerodynamics have now been translated into a totally modern form. I think it’s cool that the Audi designers have been inspired by their own past and uniquely transferred the car’s technologies and appearance into the present.”

“The collaboration with Audi is a very special partnership for me. The brand and its passion for motorsport motivated me to get into rallying,” Block revealed. “That Audi has now developed this car for me and my team, and has joined us in our next project, has made a dream come true for me. The Hoonitron is writing the next chapter in our history and taking our Gymkhana story into the future.”

The Audi S1 quattro racing up Pikes Peak in 1987 with Michele Mouton at the wheel.

We’re certainly looking forward to seeing the new video and wonder if Audi will be able to convince the German authorities to allow him to do his spectacular driving in the carmaker’s home city of Ingolstadt. With his Fords, he’s burnt rubber on the streets of cities like London and Detroit, right in front of the police (who blocked off roads just for him).

Insane action from Ken Block’s Gymkhana series of videos with Ford (above) and Subaru (below).

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