Motorists in Europe who own electric vehicles can drive across the continent, confident that they will be able to recharge their vehicles in different countries. On the Asian continent, that same capability may take a while to realise but a start has been made by Shell and Porsche Asia Pacific in the Malaysian Peninsular. The two companies have partnered to make road trips in electric vehicles (EVs) between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang a possibility.
This initiative is the first cross-border high-performance charging (HPC) network in Southeast Asia which will drive the future of electric mobility in the region starting from one of the world’s busiest international land border crossings at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Woodlands Checkpoint at the southern tip of the peninsular. While it is not possible to do so with current travel restrictions between the two countries, the two companies are gearing up for the time when the borders will reopen, and motorists will be able to travel again across the Causeway and Second Link.
Through this partnership, 6 Shell stations will be equipped with 180 kW direct-current (DC) chargers, offering the highest charging capacity currently available in Singapore and Malaysia. The first 4 stations will be ready during the second half of 2021 and the remaining two by the first half of 2022.
The chargers come with two CCS Type 2 charging connectors, allowing a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180 kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90 kW each. The sites will be integrated in the existing Shell charging networks, comprising 18 Shell Recharge 50 kW fast charge points at Shell stations and 87 Greenlots public charge points in Singapore, as well as 18 ‘Reserve + Shell Recharge’ charge points in Malaysia. Furthermore, they will complement the established 175 kW high-performance chargers available at all Porsche Centres in Malaysia, as well as the growing ‘Porsche Destination Charging’ network at selected hotels, airports, sports clubs, and other lifestyle venues.
As electric mobility starts gaining momentum in Singapore and Malaysia, the network will enable smooth, convenient, and reliable electric road trips between the two countries. Once launched, the chargers will be available for all EVs that utilise the CCS Type 2 charging connector, which is widely used across both countries, with Porsche customers enjoying special rates at Shell Recharge.
Shell’s new 180kW high performance chargers are equipped to charge EV’s such as the Porsche Taycan from zero to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes, providing up to 390 kms of extra travel distance. The petroleum company is also offering additional benefits to Porsche customers such as reserving the HPC points in Malaysia in advance using their mobile app, and preferential prices for food and beverages at the Shell Select shops.
“Customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, Cluster Managing Director, Mobility Malaysia and Singapore, Shell. “We have been investing in building EV charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety for our customers and this initiative is one of many examples of Shell providing solutions catered to our customers’ need for cleaner energy solutions. In 2019, we introduced EV charging in Singapore and in 2020, we introduced solar-powered retail stations in Malaysia. Now EV customers across the borders can experience Shell Recharge, and also recharge themselves with drinks and snacks at our Shell Select shops.”
The charging network complements the locations and retail formats for current and future Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia, such as the newest Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, which are designed to foster brand experience and exclusivity.
The ASEAN markets hold strong potential for Porsche to unlock and we see an opportunity to shape electric mobility in the region. Our high-performance network across Singapore and Malaysia will serve as a lighthouse project for other countries to follow,” said Matthias Becker, Vice-President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets of Porsche AG.
Click here to know more about Taycan and other Porsche models and services in Malaysia.
Porsche’s all-electric Taycan fully revealed, priced from RM632,000
At first, it was hard to believe but because it was not April 1st, it did not occur to anyone that this might be a joke that car companies have been known to make on the day. Furthermore, it was a German company and surely the Germans do not have that sort of humorous behaviour – especially when it comes to a company name that has been in use for over 80 years and is very recognizable throughout the world? The logo can change with the times, and it did last year, but the name is something sacred.
But in the absence of any clarification, the name ‘Voltswagen’ as a replacement for ‘Volkswagen’ was widely believed and reported by the media. The reason given was to amplify the change to a new era of electrification for the company with the introduction of the ID.4 all-electric SUV. It was ‘a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility’, according to the statement issued. The ‘partial’ release (which was at first thought to have been accidentally posted on the media website) said that the new name would come into use from May this year.
To make it more credible, an image of the ‘VOLTSWAGEN’ badge on a car was also shown while also suggesting that the models with combustion engines would continue to use the ‘VOLKSWAGEN’ brand name, which in German means ‘People’s Car’.
It was an exercise by the US subsidiary of Volkswagen and perhaps the bosses in Germany did not find it amusing as a statement came from Wolfsburg yesterday to clarify that it was indeed an early April Fools’ Day joke. The company had planned to ‘correct’ the matter by today (Wednesday), but things may have become too serious and before getting out of hand, a new statement issued confirmed that there will be no change of name. The fake press release has also been deleted so that a former US President won’t be able to use it to further attack the ‘fake media’ he hates.
The new ID.4 to be launched in the US market in the US is the first of a family of all-electric models to come from Voltswagen… sorry, Volkswagen. By 2025, the company expects to sell a million all-electric vehicles worldwide and by the end of this decade, the group line-up (which includes Audi, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti) will have over 70 zero-emission models.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen products and services available in Malaysia.
Kia’s big push into the EV market and the first part of its transition to the new era of electrification starts this year with the launch of the EV6, the Korean carmaker’s first model that uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). To go on sale from the middle of the year (bookings accepted online in certain markets from today), the EV6 has a crossover SUV style (though it doesn’t really look like one) which is what today’s car-buyers want.
Key to acceptance of BEVs is a long cruising range and short charging times, both of which Kia has addressed. The 800V charging capability enables the EV6 to go from 10% to 80% charge in the battery pack in just 18 minutes. As for range, up to 510 kms is claimed on a full battery pack.
Multiple powertrain configurations
The EV6 will be offered in multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4 kWh) and standard-range (58.0 kWh) high-voltage battery packs. This is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with 2WD) or AWD options, the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability in even the most challenging conditions.
The 2WD 77.4 kWh EV6 can travel over 510 kms on a single charge and with maximum torque of 605 Nm torque available on the AWD version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds. The 77.4 kWh battery pack powers a 168 kW (229 ps) electric motor powering the rear wheels; for AWD models, a 239 kW (325 ps) electric motor powers the front and rear wheels. The 58.0 kWh battery pack is paired with a 125 kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models a 173 kW electric motor powers the front and rear wheels.
“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sportscar. With our dedicated EV platform, there is no need for compromise between inspiring spaciousness and performance,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.
800V ultra-Fast Charging
The EV6 has 800V and 400V charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on all variations or a top-up charge for 100 kms of driving range in less than 4.5 minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.
The car’s charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs, thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power and is capable, as an example, of operating a 55-inch television and air conditioner simultaneously for more than 24 hours. The system is also able to charge another EV, if needed.
With more than 35% charge left in the battery, the EV6 can still tow items weighing up to 1,600 kgs. Together with the V2L function, EV6 owners can take everything they need on an outdoor adventure with friends and family and do it all with zero emissions.
Energy recuperation
With energy-recuperation technologies driving range can be maximized. This includes Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. This ensures that at 7 degrees C., the car can achieve 80% of the range that would be possible at 25 degrees C.
To accompany the EV6 into the new era is new design language which is guided by the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’. This takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the centre of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future,” explained Karim Habib, the Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design Centre who was previously with BMW and Infiniti.
At the front, Kia’s familiar ‘tiger face’ has been re-interpreted for the digital era. Forming part of this ‘Digital Tiger Face’, daytime running lights display a sleek, modern appearance and include a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern. Below this, a low air intake visually widens the front of the car, accentuating its high-tech image.
The side profile displays a crossover-inspired silhouette, which is modern, sleek and aerodynamic. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheelarches to visually elongate the profile of the car. Designed in part to realize ultimate aerodynamic performance, the rear displays a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert which appears to extend the window glass.
Above this sits a prominent wing-type roof spoiler that channels air downwards towards a raised lower spoiler, which sits atop the car’s unique rear light cluster.
Versatile and spacious cabin
The interior design benefits greatly from the dedicated E-GMP platform. Despite the EV6’s compact exterior dimensions, its 2900 mm wheelbase allows a cabin space similar to many midsize SUVs. One of the most striking elements is a seamless high-tech curved infotainment screen. The simple form language of the wide screen and dashboard give the interior an open feel. Relaxation seats are slim, lightweight and contemporary, and clad in modern, visually interesting and robust fabrics created using recycled plastics – equivalent to 111 plastic water bottles.
The EV6 has intelligent and flexible interior packaging and an abundance of cabin storage areas, including 520 litres of boot space with the second-row seats in place, or approximately 1,300 litres when the seats are folded down. This being an EV, there is also a front boot which offers and additional 52 litres of stowage space for 2WD models and 20 litres for AWD models.
The EV6 also features an augmented reality (AR) head-up display system, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
The latest version of Kia’s innovative connected car system ‘Kia Connect’, previously named UVO, is included, featuring a range of Kia real time services and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Accessible through the touchscreen, Kia Connect allows users to find locations and pricing of EV charging points, view their vehicle’s charging status, plan smart charging schedules and check the range radius based on the remaining charge.
“EV6 also represents the beginning of Kia’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, accelerating the transition not only to clean transportation, but also products, materials and manufacturing,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO.
Over the next 4 years, Lexus will step up its electrification program and introduce up to 20 new models, with fully electric as well hybrid powertrains. As a preview of what is to come, Toyota’s luxury brand today presented to the world its LF-Z Electrified concept car. The conceptual BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) incorporates driving performance, styling, and technologies envisioned for realization by 2025.
The LF-Z Electrified has a BEV-dedicated platform which features a new 4-wheel driving force control technology known as DIRECT4. This uses the instant responsiveness of an electric motor’s driving force to freely control a vehicle’s four wheels for superior and highly flexible driving performance that sets it apart from conventional vehicles. The system controls the distribution of driving force through the seamless orchestration and calculation of accelerator pedal application and steering wheel operation, resulting in powerful acceleration and cornering performance that aligns near-perfectly to the driver’s will.
The use of steer-by-wire eliminates the need for a mechanical connection through the steering shaft, resulting in a more direct response between steering operation and driving force. This enables the vehicle to turn with less steering angle―and more precision―in response to driving conditions.
Lexus Driving Signature
Although the LF-Z Electrified marks the move away from conventional combustion engines, future BEV models will still have the Lexus Driving Signature, a unique Lexus driving experience that aims for a linear response that is faithful to the driver’s intentions, including the feeling of seamlessly connecting deceleration, steering and acceleration in all driving situations.
The LF-Z Electrified achieves an ideal balance and inertia by optimally positioning the battery and motors. The electrification technology allows for innovative packaging and design, and raises the Lexus Driving Signature to an even higher level by significantly evolving the basic performance of the vehicle.
By orienting the battery assembly longitudinally under the floor of the vehicle, the chassis becomes more rigid and the car’s centre of gravity is lowered for improved dynamics. In addition, this layout helps mitigate vibrations and unpleasant noises from penetrating the passenger cabin upholding the Lexus DNA of quietness and ride comfort.
With a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the LF-Z Electrified, which is said to weigh 2,100 kgs, is expected to have a range of up to 600 kms. The total system output of 400 kW/700 Nm will be able to accelerate it from 0 to 100 km/h in a projected 3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Styling continues to evolve
Measuring 4880 mm in overall length and 1960 mm in overall width, the LF-Z Electrified’s sculpted and emotional exterior strongly accentuates the uniqueness of Lexus design. It suggests the direction of the evolution of Lexus styling where the overall form, which starts low in the front and peaks toward the rear, is composed of a continuous silhouette centered on a smooth cabin.
Large-diameter wheels that transmit the power of the high-power electric motors to the road surface are situated as much as possible at the vehicle’s four corners for a wide stance with a low centre of gravity.
Lexus designers took up the challenge of evolving the Lexus design icon of the spindle shape into a spindle body as the overall body architecture in a new form of expression. The aim was to create a 3-dimensional design that transforms the form of the body itself into the icon of the Lexus brand and to continuously develop functional expressions and styling that keep abreast with the evolution of technology.
The use of DIRECT4, which freely controls the driving force of the four wheels, enabled styling that evokes the image of dynamic driving in which the distribution of driving force is linearly shifted. The accentuation of the doors fluently transitions from the front wheels to the rear wheels, which are surrounded by shiny, projecting, flare-shaped molding.
In the rear, a clean and simple horizontal design combines with the molding that emphasizes the projecting wheels to express a powerful stance in support of a torque-strong driving force. Also, horizontally displaying ‘LEXUS’ in the continuous slender rear combination lamp contributes to styling that, along with the front of the vehicle, symbolizes the next generation of Lexus.
Tazuna cockpit with true Omotenashi
To provide a uniquely BEV driving experience, the interior is equipped with a ‘Tazuna’ cockpit and features an open and minimalist design. ‘Tazuna’ (Japanese for ‘rein’) refers to the relationship between horse and rider, who communicate through a single rein. While the cockpit is a key focal point, the low positioning of the instrument panel relative to the vehicle occupants and other measures are used to express a refreshing minimalism and a space that offers true Omotenashi (hospitality).
The entire interior has been made a clean and high-quality space by a form that seamlessly connects the cowl to the front doors and on to the rear doors. Also, a panoramic roof uses long plates of glass that bring about a feeling of openness, emphasizing the minimalist environment.
In the LF-Z Electrified, Artificial Intelligence (AI), which learns the driver’s preferences and behavioural characteristics, provides constant support to the driver. Voice communication contributes to improved operability while driving. The voice recognition system uses the latest AI to recognize, learn, and adapt to a driver’s habits and preferences, supporting with tasks such as determining driving routes and even making restaurant reservations. Ultimately, it becomes the driver’s ‘concierge’ and partner for every journey.
Lexus is also working with Mark Levinson, its long-time partner in the audio field, to develop a system which can reproduce a concert hall-like audio experience. With the next-generation sound management function, active noise cancellation facilitates interaction or privacy amongst passengers, providing a quiet and comfortable interior space.
The Alfa Romeo Duetto enjoyed the longest ever lifetime of any Alfa Romeo model, seeing four generations and more than 124,000 examples produced over 28 years. And though it was the product of a famous Italian brand, the model actually had its roots in America, where it also seduced the Hollywood set.
Max Edwin Hoffman, an ex-racing driver who had fled to America during World War II, was the American importer for European car manufacturers in the 1950s. He was much more than a simple car trader; he gave advice to carmakers on commercial policies, asking for specific models, suggesting style variations and contributing to the creation of some of the most passionately admired sports cars ever made – one of which was the Giulietta Spider.
Getting the ‘perfect’ car for the Pacific Coast
In 1954, immediately after the launch of the Giulietta Sprint, he began to ask Alfa Romeo for a car that would be ‘perfect’ for the trendy Pacific Coast, convinced that everyone in Hollywood would want one. Hoffman managed to convince Francesco Quaroni, the head of Alfa Romeo, and Rudolf Hruska, the company’s engineer, to undertake the project. So confident was he of its success that he said he was willing to buy several hundred, even before he had seen the final designs.
Pinin Farina’s ‘beautiful young lady’
A style competition was set up between the two designers of the era: Bertone and Pinin Farina. From Bertone came an extreme vision, the daughter of Franco Scaglione’s 2000 Sportiva concept with a pointed front, streamlined headlights and rear fins. Pinin Farina’s proposal was designed by Franco Martinengo and was chosen on account of the elegance and classic balance of its shapes.
‘The beautiful young lady’, as Pinin Farina described it, began with a panoramic windscreen and sliding side windows. It had no handle inside the door; instead, a cable activated the door opening. Only later would a traditional windscreen appear, plus descending side windows, equipped door panels, folding roof, external handles and new interiors.
It was to be a pure sports concept, and Hruska adopted the Giulietta engine. This was a 1290 cc 4-cylinder unit which produced 65 bhp and could take the car up to 155 km/h. In subsequent versions, the power output became higher, and performance was escalated.
Finding a name for the model was a story in itself. A competition was organised in collaboration with all the European dealers. ‘Duetto’ won, but a problem with rights emerged due to a chocolate biscuit with the same name. This required the car to be launched as ‘Alfa Romeo Spider 1600’.
When it was time to launch the car to the American market, Alfa Romeo wanted something massive. It organised a transatlantic luxury cruiseliner, inviting the most exclusive celebrities from show business, sport and fashion. There were 1,300 of them on board when the Italian cruiseliner sailed from Genoa in Italy to New York, with a stopover in Cannes for the Film Festival. During the entire cruise, three examples of the new model were displayed on the ship’s bridge. By repeatedly highlighting the Italian nature of its product, Alfa Romeo anticipated the ‘Made in Italy’ communication drive by over a decade.
Steve McQueen’s opinion
Sports Illustrated magazine invited the legendary Steve McQueen (along with other ‘fast friends’) to drive the car and offer his impressions which were “It is a very forgiving car. Very pretty, too.” Besides being a well known filmstar, McQueen was a supercar collector and a skilful driver and rider (a nightmare for his insurance companies) so he knew what he was talking about. In those few words, McQueen’s judgment summed up the essence of Duetto and the uniqueness of Alfa Romeo: driving pleasure and pure beauty.
A year later, a young Dustin Hoffman was driving a Duetto at full speed to the music of Simon & Garfunkel in ‘The Graduate’. Iconic images of that car became sculpted in film history, launching a whole series of quotations where the Duetto was seen in hundreds of films and TV stories, going on to be a cult car in its own right. It quickly became a car which Hollywood stars loved, especially as it was an open top so they could enjoy the California sunshine and breezes of the Pacific.
When he was World Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali had a Duetto which referenced his famous motto ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’ – his numberplate was customized to read “Ali Bee”. The Duetto name remained in the background but was consolidated in the memory of fans and became the nickname of all the car’s generations.
The 1966 Spider, the first of the series and the last masterpiece by Battista Pinin Farina, was called ‘Cuttlefish Bone’ due to its ellipsoidal shape, with rounded front and rear, convex sides and very low beltline. The second was the 1969 ‘Coda Tronca’, or ‘Short Rear’, eye-catching for the aerodynamic cut of its rear.
The third generation was the ‘Aerodinamica’ of 1983, named after its lengthy trials in the wind tunnel. In 1989, the last generation appeared in showrooms as the ‘IV Series’, a car with a clean and streamlined body, almost a return to its origins.
© Copyright – Piston.my 2024 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
