BEV Archives

Sono Motors to start selling Sion solar energy vehicle from 2023, priced from 28,500 euros (about RM132,000)

Most of today’s motor vehicles are powered by engines which run on fossil fuels – petrol, diesel, natural gas – and apart from causing pollution from the exhaust gases that are by-products of combustion, there is also the problem of diminishing fuel supplies. The fuels come from deep underground and were formed millions of years ago from dead plants, dinosaurs and other living creatures. So there is a specific quantity of these fuels underground and while there are varying predictions on how long they will last, the fact is they will eventually be finished.

The auto industry has understood this for a long time and has searched for alternative fuels to use, preferably those which can be renewable. At this time, some approaches using electricity and hydrogen are already in use in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles and while they are not necessarily the answers, they are helping to slow down the rate of consumption of fossil fuels so that new technologies can be developed that do not need such fuels.

Sunshine has energy too and technologies have already been developed to collect sunshine and convert to electricity which can be used for various purposes, like water heaters in the home or powering machinery at factories. It used to also be a dream to be able to use solar energy to power cars but the technology has been slow to advance, and it takes a huge amount of conversion to generate enough electricity for such a purpose as propulsion.

Nevertheless, the technology has reached a stage today where it is possible to at least use sunshine for cars though not necessarily directly powering the electric motors. The electricity that is converted from sunshine can go into a storage battery which then provides electricity for the motors to run. There are a number of manufacturers which have already developed prototypes and some are on the verge of commercializing them for sale to the public.

Sono Motors, based in Germany, is one of the companies with a solar energy vehicle (SEV) almost ready to be delivered to customers. In fact, its SEV known as Sion has entered the validation stage this month with over 30 units to undergo real-world testing in Europe and the USA. The company plans to start producing 43,000 cars a year and the total production volume is expected to be 257,000 units over a 7-year period. The former SAAB factory in Sweden will be used as the production facility.

The Sion has been a dream of the Sono Motors founders for at least 10 years, but they only started crowdfunding to implement a project in 2016 and 2017 where they collected over 2 million euros (about RM9.25 million). By January 2021, they presented their first prototype of the Sion with the design that will be used for the production model.

While the design is fairly conventional, key to the technical aspect (as with any electric vehicle) is the battery pack to power the 120 kW electric motor. Sono Motors has opted for a more powerful 54 kWh battery for the Sion which is a lithium iron phosphate type (pictured above) considered to be one of the safest on the market, and also does not use cobalt, nickel and manganese. It is expected to have a lifespan of up to 3,000 cycles, or up to 900,000 kms. The battery can be recharged quickly at outlets of up to 75 kW.

A total range of up to 305 kms is claimed, with additional range provided by the solar panels which is a weekly average of 112 kms (245 kms per week at peak). There are 248 solar cells on the roof which can generate peak power of up to 1.2 kW.

“The growing EV market is generating enormous demand for longer-lasting, more sustainable batteries. This enhanced battery enables Sion drivers to extend the time between charges, whilst reducing the charging time itself. This effectively optimizes the Sion to deliver easy and affordable sustainable mobility for everyone,” said Markus Volmer, Chief Technology Officer at Sono Motors.

The company has also developed its own wall charging station or Wallbox which will be affordably priced. Being bi-directional, it can be used for home charging of the Sion as well as for supplying electricity from the car for use in the home or even to transfer to the local power grid. The Sion is thus a mobile powerplant that can not only reduce costs for home-owners but can also provide power during emergencies when supply is cut.

Older motorists will recall the days when they used to carry out simple maintenance tasks themselves. Today, however, there is less to do and most of the time, maintenance is done at service centres. Sono Motors intends to bring back the ‘DIY culture’ with the Sion to keep running and repair costs as low as possible. Standard replacement parts can be changed by the owner but for work involving high-voltage parts (which can have some risk), owners will be advised to send their car to authorized service centres.

The interior has a simple functional layout like any of today’s hatchbacks. Two tablet-style displays provide information on the car’s operation as well as the infotainment system. A unique design feature on the dashboard is the insertion of Icelandic moss, said to offer certain health benefits. The owner can connect to the car via Apple Carplay or Android Auto, and the Sono app allows remote control of the air-conditioning system or to check the battery status.

If everything goes according to plan, the first customers will get their cars sometime in 2023. To date, the company says over 15,000 orders have been received (along with downpayments) for the car which is to be priced from 28,500 euros (about RM132,000).

Free sunshine helps Proton save up to RM5.85 million on electricity costs

Malaysians understand merits of EVs but misconceptions remain, BMW survey finds

With the public transport system yet to be efficient, reliable and appealing enough to attract more users, Malaysians remain car-dependent, resulting in one of the highest car ownership rates in Southeast Asia. A new survey conducted by the BMW Group in Southeast Asia reveals just how car-dependent Malaysian drivers are, with 85% of respondents indicating that they drive every one to three days – either commuting to and from the office (74%), run daily errands (65%), or travel on the weekends (36%).

Encouragingly, 8 out of 10 of Malaysian drivers also wish to see more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, with the hope of contributing to a more environmentally conscious world – not to mention save on fuel costs. Reduced carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (49%) and a more premium experience (40%) are just some of the key benefits cited by drivers who see the merits of electrification of motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, misconceptions on EVs remain and, at this time, more than half of the Malaysian drivers surveyed say that they will still likely choose a petrol vehicle (59%) for their next purchase. Some common concerns raised were the electric range of EVs, the maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in keeping their EVs charged. Specifically, 33% of respondents believe that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before requiring a recharge; another 41% expect EVs to be more expensive to service or maintain over a period of 10 years; while 29% believe that charging EVs would be ‘difficult’.

Valid as they are for any prospective EV owner, these are the concerns of yesterday. As exemplified by BMW i’s pioneering progress in electrified mobility over the years, the technology surrounding EVs and the ecosystem developed to support them have come a long way. With the arrival of the latest BMW i fleet, as well as the expansion of the BMW i public charging network, Malaysians can be more confident switching to EVs.

“It is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience. Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it – all of which we have been actively working to alleviate,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

He added: “In addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles. With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think. In the end, it is about helping Malaysians realise that they now have a greater Power of Choice to adopt a more sustainable way of mobility.”

The latest EVs from BMW i tackle many of the past and current concerns Malaysians have towards adopting EVs. According to the survey, a significant number of them (39%) have the perception that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before needing to recharge. That’s an out-of-date number and with BMW i models, the maximum range can be as much as 425 kms. With the premise that most Malaysians travel up to 20 km daily at most, recharging would thus be only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks. That range would also make it possible to go from the Klang Valley to Johor Bahru too, without recharging.

Another perception is around the difficulty of charging EVs – with 29% of Malaysians surveyed believing that the process of charging an EV can prove troublesome. However, in many ways, charging a BMW i vehicle would not be disruptive, partly due to its sufficient electric range allowing for less frequent charging. Additionally, a BMW i Wallbox can be installed at home for overnight charging.

The latest BMW i vehicles are also compatible with DC fast-charging, which BMW Group Malaysia has begun to deploy across its dealership network, public spaces and on the highways, in collaboration with its premium partners. Fast-charging shortens recharging time, so the wait is shorter.

On the misconception that EVs are more expensive to service and maintain – a view held by 41% of survey respondents – EVs actually cost less in this regard, due to having fewer components in the vehicle that require servicing. Components and elements, such as engine oil, sparkplugs and air filters, are absent in an EV.

Aside from this, the woes of battery replacements are also mitigated due to the modular nature of the lithium-ion battery packs at the heart of every electrified BMW. With multiple modules making up the battery pack, the cost of replacement is greatly reduced as owners need to replace only the faulty module, not the entire battery pack.

Further peace of mind is also ensured courtesy of substantial warranty programmes, such as the BMW 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, and the BMW 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty. In fact, the survey revealed battery warranty as a motivation to adopt EVs for 39% of Malaysian drivers, while good aftersales support makes up 35%.

Another key motivator is the level of support Malaysians have from the government, as expressed by 45% of respondents. The Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentive in the Malaysian automotive policy has encouraged BMW to assemble plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models locally and this year, full duty exemption for EVs is a very welcome development that will narrow the gap in pricing between EVs and traditional vehicles.

“Increased support and confidence from key players in the industry will play a significant role in getting Malaysian drivers comfortable with making the switch over the next few years. As a market leader and pioneer in the Electric Vehicle space, we are committed to delivering innovation that will truly make a change in the Malaysian automotive landscape, while continuing to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure,” Mr. de Visser said.

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

Intelligent Park Pilot – the next step in self-parking car technology (w/VIDEO)

For those who do not like the bother of having to park their cars in a carpark, hotels usually have valets to do the job. But valets may no longer have to do it either as cars will be able to park themselves after the owner has exited. Perhaps the first cars to be able to do so will be from Mercedes-Benz which has developed and begun to demonstrate the capability.

Working with a technology supplier, the German carmaker has developed automated valet parking technology which it calls INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT. The technology is available in the EQS BEV sedan as well as the latest S-Class sold in European markets. In order to enable the car to drive and park itself, it also requires an intelligent infrastructure installed in the parking area.

Sensors installed at the building communicate with the car and guide its manoeuvring through the parking area. This will allow the car to operate in highly automated mode and without a driver, and has the possibility of additional capabilities such as automated EV charging, car wash and vehicle servicing or maintenance where vehicles move in and out of service areas on their own

The automated parking process makes use of a smartphone app and the driver has to first position the car in a designated drop-off area. When activated, the sensor system in the carpark checks whether a suitable space is available or was already reserved for the vehicle. If so, the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure confirms the hand-over of the vehicle for the driver in the app, and the car will depart on its own. It will then be guided with the help of the infrastructure to the designated space.

When the driver requires the car, a request can be sent with the app and the car will be guided to the pick-up area. This will certainly be convenient for owners as it will be unnecessary to walk around the carpark and, for those who may be forgetful, waste time searching for the place where they parked it.

Automated parking technology, which could one day be as common as cruise control, benefits drivers by easing the burden of the parking experience. It may even be possible for carpark operators to cram more cars onto a floor as the spaces can be narrower since there is no need to allow wide gaps for doors to be opened.

“Low-speed manoeuvres are part of the holistic opportunity for automated technology,” said Dr. Kay Stepper, Senior Vice-President of automated driving and driver assistance for Bosch in North America. “Automated technology in the specific use case automated valet parking gets consumers comfortable with how automated technology works and how it can benefit them.”

Engineering teams have been working over the past few years to further develop automated valet parking and support specific testing and deployments around the world. The technology was recently demonstrated at a hotel in Los Angeles, California.

“The demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown showcases how automated valet parking will operate in a working hotel environment where both automated and non-automated vehicles operate alongside pedestrian traffic,” said Dr. Stepper. “This allows us to dive into the dynamics of local deployments with the use of a highly-connected EQS from Mercedes-EQ to demonstrate how automated technology continues to move forward.”

“Our vision is that getting time back is a key component of the luxury experience our customers are looking for. The EQS gives you time back by driving itself in traffic jams on highways, but with INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, it may also be able to park itself,” added Dr. Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America. “INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT is a feature that together with the required infrastructure enables an automated valet service that gives customers even more comfort and relief in everyday life.”

Long-term Development Cooperation for Automated Driving between Daimler-AG and BMW Group

The Electric Mustang by Charge

‘Electrification’ is the probably the most heavily-used word in the auto industry today. Increasingly stringent emission regulations as well as commitments to become carbon-neutral to address climate change have forced carmakers to accelerate development and production of electric vehicles. Ford is even creating a specific business unit just for electric vehicles. The aim is to fully electrify their product lines by the end of the decade and for some, sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines will cease.

In tandem with this trend, there is also a growing industry where old models are being ‘electrified’. Classic models are having ‘heart transplants’ with their original engines being replaced by electric powertrains. It’s a slowly growing industry which will help preserve classic models of special value and allow them to be driven even in the new era of electrification.

We’ve already written about companies like Everrati and Lunaz carrying out such conversions and another British company called Charge Cars is also getting into the business. The company has an experienced engineering team with members who have contributed to various projects for McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover and F1 racing teams.

The company has announced its latest ‘restomod’ project to build EVs which is a 499-unit production run of the iconic 1960s Ford Mustang. While some other companies require an existing body and chassis to convert, Charge Cars takes an officially licensed body with the design of the legendary Mustang. The bodyshell (in the fastback style of 1967) is made of composite material but has the necessary engineering to ensure that it is safe and can meet safety requirements for road use.

It’s something like what ACE (a subsidiary of EON) used to do with the TD2000, a model which had the looks of a 1950s MG sportscar but a modern powertrain and chassis. The powertrain was not electric and was a 2-litre petrol engine sourced from Toyota similar to that found in the early RAV4.

So Charge Car basically builds a new Mustang with the 1960s design and fits an electric powertrain into it. It gets two electric motors which presumably are installed at the front and rear as all-wheel drive is mentioned, something which the Mustang has never had. The total system output is 500 kW (equivalent to 680 ps) and up to 1,500 Nm, so it should easily get from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) within the claimed 3.9 seconds. The battery pack, which can be fast-charged, has a capacity of 64 kWh which is said to be good for up to 320 kms.

Charge Car will personalize the 2-person interior to customers’ requirements and there are various options and accessories to choose from. While the original Mustang had classic meters, the Mustang EV has digital instruments and a tablet-like centre panel which looks like the same idea as in the latest Mustang Mach-E e-SUV.

Each unit, which would be handbuilt, will cost upwards of £350,000 (about RM1.94 million) ex-factory. Orders are now being taken and the first customers will get their cars by the end of this year or early in 2023.

All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E debuts in Los Angeles, priced from around RM183,000

A6 Avant e-tron concept previews Audi’s future electric stationwagon

Like many other carmakers, Audi too has firm plans on electrifying its range and within this decade, it will have a range of models running only on electric power. The models will come under the ‘e-tron’ umbrella which is the name Audi uses for its battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Some are already in the market, the first having been launched in 2018, and more are on the way.

Not just a design exercise
The A6 Avant e-tron concept shows what a future BEV stationwagon will be like and Audi says it is not just a simple design exercise. Its lines and proportions preview future Audi production models which Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform developed jointly with Porsche. The lines are a consistent development in Audi’s contemporary formal language, and significant elements like the closed Singleframe and the continuous strip of lights in the rear link it to the other e-tron Audis.

The concept car appears monolithic, as if from a single mould – particularly when viewed from the side. The gently backward sloping roof arch with the slanted D-pillar is a typical feature of Avant window design; the D-pillar rises from the stable base of the vehicle’s back end in an especially streamlined manner. The eye-catching quattro wheel arches effectively accentuate the width of the body and are simultaneously integrated organically into the side surfaces.

The wheel arches are connected by the specially sculpted battery area above the rocker panel, which is highlighted with a black inlay – a design element that is now a hallmark of the Audi’s fleet of BEVs. Also typical of e-tron models are the sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors at the base of the A-pillar.

Advanced lighting units
The lighting units at the front and rear are technologically advanced. Digital Matrix LED and digital OLED technology make it possible to achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of features even with a minimal surface area while, at the same time, offering customizable light signatures.

Three small, high-resolution LED projectors are built into each side of the body, transforming the ground beneath them into a stage when the doors are opened – small, extended, dynamic lighting effects greet the occupants with messages in their own language. The projectors also display warning symbols on the ground to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open, for example.

Another four high-resolution LED projectors – inconspicuously integrated into the corners of the vehicle – generate turn signal projections. The design of these projections can be modified to address different markets and approval regions as required.

The Digital Matrix LED front headlights deliver almost cinematic quality. If, for example, the car is parked in front of a wall during a break to recharge the battery, the driver and passengers can pass the time playing a video game projected onto it. Instead of on a small screen in the cockpit, they’ll see their current game’s virtual landscapes projected onto the wall in XXL format – and all this via the Digital Matrix LED headlights.

The rear end of the concept car features a new generation of digital OLED elements that, as a continuous strip of lights, act as a display for various digital light signatures and even dynamic lighting displays. The 3-dimensional architecture of the digital OLED elements – adapted to the shape of the body – makes it possible to perfectly integrate the night design into the overall look. This makes it possible to experience the dynamic light show not only in two dimensions – as was previously the case – but with an impressive, 3D spatial effect.

Cd of 0.22
Aerodynamics have always played a key role in Audi’s designs. The cd value of the 100 (C3) sedan at 0.30 was the lowest in its day back in the early 1980s. Now the electrically-powered Avant e-tron concept has a value of 0.22, said to be unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. This means greatly lowered aerodynamic drag, which initially translates into lower energy consumption to help extend range.

As this is a concept car, performance numbers quoted can be taken as targets: 700 kms of range with an 800V system, with 2 electric motors are capable of delivering 350 kW (469 ps) of total output and 800 Nm of torque to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

High degree of variability inside
The Avant concept has the high degree of variability that has been a hallmark of this line of models since 1977. ‘Avant’ is a term derived from avant-garde and a 1995 Audi ad slogan. Measuring almost 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, the A6 Avant e-tron is certainly a large and long car. It will not only provide comfortable accommodation but also take lots of cargo, just like the other Avant models past and present.

Audi grandsphere concept shows Audi’s future electric flagship and technology

Volvo is a pioneer again with the first locally-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Volvo was the first company to assemble its cars in Malaysia in 1967 when the government began its localisation policy to accelerate industrialisation. 55 years later, the Swedish carmaker (part of China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group like Proton) is again a pioneer by being the first company to assemble a pure electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia at the same plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.

*The first car assembled in Malaysia in 1967 was a Volvo (above), and 55 years later, the first electric vehicle assembled in the country is also a Volvo (below).*

Although it may seem like this move has come about because the government is allowing duty-free import and sale of BEVs now (and for the next few years), it is not the case. To plan for local assembly takes many years and it’s not as if Volvo Car Malaysia could send a message to Sweden to ask for CKD (completely knocked down) kits for assembly in 2022 when they can be imported duty-free. Furthermore, the plant would also have to be set up, especially with safety measures to handle the high-voltage systems of BEVs. Of course, Volvo Cars Manufacturing Malaysia (originally known as Swedish Motor Assemblies) already has experience with electrified vehicles since it has been assembling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models for some time.

Regional production hub
In line with Volvo’s plan to have 50% of its global sales volume to be made up of BEVs by 2025, it has been quickly switching focus to BEVs around the world. Malaysia, being its production hub in ASEAN, is naturally a part of this plan which will see the brand being fully electric by 2030. From the plant in Selangor, BEVs will be exported to other countries in the region and because they are assembled in Malaysia, they can also be imported duty-free (provided they have a minimum of 40% ASEAN-sourced content) as part of the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.

The first model, which will be officially launched on April 4, is the XC40 Recharge which was also the first Volvo BEV when it made its debut in 2019. Recharge is the umbrella name given to models which are electrified and in the coming 5 years, Volvo Car Malaysia will be launching one new BEV each year.

*The XC40 Recharge has a similar appearance as the XC40 with a combustion engine (below) but the grille is different. With no need for radiator cooling, the space can be closed off.*

While the price has not been announced yet, the technical details are already known since it would be the same model as sold elsewhere. It has two electric motors that draw power from a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned between the front and rear axles. The system output is 300 kW (equivalent to 408 ps) with 660 Nm of torque, which gives a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. A maximum range of 418 kms is claimed for a fully charged battery pack.

As with other BEVs, the XC40 Recharge can be recharged in various ways although DC fast-charging would have the shortest time. From one report we have read, the battery pack can be recharged to 80% of its capacity within 33 minutes when a fast-charger is used. Of course, this assumes that the level is very low and in practice, it may be that people recharge whenever they can and ‘top up’ so the time spent charging might not be as long.

Similar appearance to XC40
The external appearance of the XC40 Recharge is similar to that of the XC40 SUV but you can immediately tell that the model is the BEV version from the front end. With no need to cool a radiator, there is no real need for the traditional grille so that space is closed off. That’s better for aerodynamics too, which need to be as efficient as possible to minimise wind resistance.

The equipment for the locally-assembled model may differ a bit from those sold in other countries but would still be high as Volvo wants to position itself as a premium luxury brand. With the emphasis on sustainability and recycling, a large percentage of materials would also be eco-friendly.

Android-powered?
The Volvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android so it is likely that this will be available. The infotainment system is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, the company’s digital connected services platform, and includes Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store built-in. The new system also offers full integration of Android Automotive OS, Google’s open-source Android platform, with real-time updates to services and automotive apps created by the global developer community.

New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
This being a Volvo, it does without saying that safety has a very high priority in every area. In terms of active safety systems, the XC40 Recharge has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) platform with an array of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This gives it a broad range of capabilities to scan its surroundings and identify potential hazards, enabling a degree of autonomous motoring.

To help keep passengers safe and the battery intact in the event of a collision, there is a new and unique safety structure for passengers and battery alike in the XC40 Recharge. The battery is protected by a safety cage which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and is embedded in the middle of the car’s body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around the battery. The battery’s placement in the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity of the car, for better protection against roll-overs.

Additionally, the car’s body structure has not just been reinforced in the front but also at the rear. Here, the electric powertrain has been integrated in the body structure for better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin and reduce the strain on people inside the car.

First deliveries will start towards the end of April and buyers will get a charging cable, service package, 5-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, 8-year battery pack warranty and 5 years of complimentary Roadside assistance.

Volvo is preparing infotainment systems for the future when the driver doesn’t have to drive

Hyundai to use new Integrated Modular Architecture for all future BEV models

By the end of this decade, Hyundai Motor, like other major carmakers, aims to capture a sizable share of the global market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Of the 9.5 trillion Korean won it plans to spend during the decade, 20% will be spent on R&D in electrification of its products and related facilities.

It has set a target of selling 1.87 million BEVs annually by 2030 and to do this, it will offer a broad line-up that will consist of 17 new models (11 for the Hyundai brand and 6 for the Genesis brand). The new Hyundai BEV models will include 3 sedan models, 6 SUVs, a light commercial vehicle as well as a model of a new type. Genesis, its luxury brand, will get 2 new passenger cars and 4 SUVs; from 2025, all newly launched models from Genesis will be electrified.

Integrated Modular Architecture
In order to achieve the sales targets, the products will have to be priced competitively, which means that production costs will have to be brought down as much as possible. Key to this will be the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA), a new platform evolved from the electric global modular platform (E-GMP) that is currently used for models such as the IONIQ 5 and GV60.

The IMA, revealed recently, will be utilized not only to as Hyundai’s passenger BEV platform but also as its exclusive purpose-built vehicle (PBV) platform, helping to streamline production processes and reduce cost. It will standardize not only the chassis but also the battery system and motor. In this way, economies of scale can be higher with many parts being shared by a larger volume of models.

Standardisation of battery packs
Hyundai also aims to standardize battery packs which can be attached to any models, also improving cost efficiency. This differs from the existing BEV development system which has different types of battery packs for each model. Through the cell-to-pack system, the new architecture can secure sufficient energy density and shorten charging time.

5 types of electric motors
The same approach of standardisation will be applied to electric motors, with no more than 5 types being used, depending on the model. This modular motor system will help achieve competitiveness in terms of cost and weight as well as motor efficiency.

Details of the powertrains shown in a presentation indicate that four of them will have 800V systems with a fifth one having 400V system, possibly for use in more specialised vehicles operating in demanding conditions (perhaps light commercial vehicles).

Comprehensive battery strategy
Batteries are, of course, a vital part of BEVs and as more BEVs are sold, demand will increase rapidly. In anticipation of this, Hyundai is trying to increase the local procurement rate of batteries through strategic alliances with battery companies in major regions to ensure sufficient battery supply. Through these alliances, the company expects to obtain more than 50% of its next-generation lithium-ion batteries for BEVs starting in 2025.

In addition, Hyundai will also diversify battery sourcing to consolidate the competitiveness of future BEVs. The company has secured sufficient battery supply to meet its sales targets by 2023. With a comprehensive battery strategy, Hyundai plans to continue cooperation with various battery companies with an aim of securing 170 GWh of batteries for its models. For the next-generation batteries, such as solid-state types, Hyundai is cooperating with various global partners to improve energy density and cost efficiency

*Hyundai factory in the Czech Republic.*

Expanding manufacturing footprint
To meet the growing demand for BEVs, Hyundai aims to establish a high efficiency manufacturing process to accelerate its transition into electrification. A human-centered manufacturing innovation platform is expected to bring dramatic innovation in production efficiency through a flexible production system, advanced level automation and digital twin technology. The innovation will be expanded to global plants in the future.

The existing BEV production facilities in Korea and the Czech Republic will be complemented by additional factories in other locations. One of them is in Indonesia which will start BEV production and contribute to the global volume.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to take lead in technology for future hydrogen society

ID.Buzz & ID.Buzz Cargo – another Volkswagen icon returns

Thhe Beetle was Volkswagen’s first car and the company brought it back in a modern form in 1997. Now it is doing the same thing with the brand’s second model which was the Type 1 Transporter produced from 1949 onwards. It was actually on an extended Beetle platform and like the iconic car, remained in production for a long time. However, the Transporter, unlike the original Beetle, evolved in its design right to the current 6^th generation.

With demand for MPVs in many countries, Volkswagen decided that one of the models in its all-electric ID. family would have to be such a vehicle, and for inspiration, the designers looked all the way back to the Type 2 which had various names in different markets (just like the Beetle). The original Transporter was especially popular in America and was one of the symbols of the 1960s counter-culture movement.

*Evolution of the Transporter from 1949.*

*The Transporter was Volkswagen’s second model and used the same platform as the Beetle.*

Its low cost and simplicity made it easily affordable by the hippies who would live in it and gave the vehicles a lot of character with creative paintwork. And with the same durability as a Beetle, it lasted a long time with minimal maintenance too.

In 2022, the Type 1 returns as the ID.Buzz and it is fully electric. Like other ID. models, the ID. Buzz used the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This is the world’s first scalable mass production platform for fully-electric vehicles that can be configured for different models and segments. Its architecture allows for an evolutionary further development of software and technology, which not only benefits new models such as the ID. Buzz, but also models that have already been delivered, by means of over-the-air updates.

The iconic design

The unique design of the ID. Buzz has proportions that create a direct link with the original classic vehicle. Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel, now flanked by charismatic LED headlights. The same goes for the optional 2- paintwork.

The ID. Buzz and commercially-oriented ID. Buzz Cargo have a long wheelbase of 2988 mm, roughly the same as that of the current 6^th generation Transporter. The length of both versions is 4712 mm which means that, in relation to the overall length, the wheelbase is unusually long. This has allowed for more flexible packaging within, complementing the cubic shape which is ideal for maximising available space.

Function should get a priority over design and in the case of the ID.Buzz, it’s the first MPV that has a drag coefficient comparable to a car’s – 0.285 to 0.29 (ID.Buzz Cargo). Good aerodynamics are important, especially for an electric vehicle so that the motor can work less hard to maintain a desired speed. Of course, it’s the same with cars with combustion engines too as less wind resistance means less energy consumed and more fuel saved.

And talking of energy, the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will have a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the Type 2 – drives the rear axle. The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. Both factors optimise the handling and agility.

The battery pack can be charged from wallboxes or public charging stations using 11 kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current), the charging power can be as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

For the ID.Buzz, the interior has been given a lounge-like, friendly ambience for 5 people to enjoy travelling. The spacious cabin maximizes utility and comfort, while dazzling with high-tech features and an interplay of colours and materials.

The cockpit is both high-tech and ergonomic with a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display and 10-inch or 12-inch infotainment/navigation system positioned centrally in the dashboard. Both the Digital Cockpit and infotainment system are connected with the instrument panel only at the bottom, looking like free-floating tablets. Beneath the infotainment system is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders.

A love for detail is reflected in the stylized vehicle silhouette that is embossed in the lower side seat trim, and the fold-down tables located in the backs of the front seats. Wholly practical, by contrast, is the optional height-adjustable cargo floor, which creates a level load space surface. The upward-opening rear hatch reveals 1,121 litres of luggage space and 2 side sliding doors are fitted as standard.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed an optional movable and removable centre console specifically for the ID. Buzz. The idea for this multifunction box was derived from the concept car shown earlier. In its upper section, it provides storage bins (in the case of the ID. Buzz Cargo, a cupholder), that can accommodate bottle, tablets or laptops.

As with other models of ID. family, the ID. Buzz comes with the interactive ‘ID. Light’. It stretches across in front of the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision above the instrument panel, and gives the driver intuitive information based on the colour and position of the light signal. For example, a signal in the right-hand area of the strip advises of obstructions in this area or corresponds with a navigation instruction to change lanes. When the ‘ID. Light’ goes red, it is signaling danger and the need to brake.

The hippies of the 1960s would love the ambient lighting feature – as standard, there are 10 colours and customers can also specify the 30-colour option. This option lights up a strip in the instrument panel, the decorative strips in the doors, the storage bins in the doors and the footwell. The Digital Cockpit and the infotainment system also take on the chosen base shade. In addition, two colours can be combined in each case for the different zones, and a ‘Mood Menu’ activates preconfigured lighting profiles.

Depending on the specifications chosen by importers in different markets, there is the possibility of a 6-seat configuration, with individual seats arranged in 3 rows of two. On the extended wheelbase version, there can be a 7-seat configuration in a 2/3/2 arrangement.

The ID. Buzz Cargo is what in Malaysia would be referred to as a ‘panel van’, strictly for commercial registration and use. In standard form, this version can accommodate 3 persons in front on a bench seat. An individual seat can also be installed for another passenger.

Behind the seats is a fixed partition, separating off the cargo space which has no windows. The cargo space has a volume of 3.9 cubic metres and has rings on the floor and bars on the walls for securing goods. Besides a wide-opening tailgate, the is one sliding door on the passenger side and customers can also specify a second sliding door on the other side as an option.

The ID.Buzz will go on sale in the third quarter of this year in some European markets. North America will see the extended wheelbase version in 2023 and deliveries will start in 2024. As for the rest of the world, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has not indicated when exports will start.

Mercedes-EQ EQA 250 AMG Line leads electric offensive for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia

Mercedes-EQ which started in 2016 as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz dedicated to fully electric vehicles (EVs) was introduced to Malaysians in mid-2019. But apart from previewing the first model the new brand, which was the EQC, not much happened and instead, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) focussed on the EQ-Power range which covered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

But the planning was going on behind the scenes and we were always told that EQ would be coming, and that day has arrived with the launch of the EQA 250 today. Although the EQC was the first model in the EQ range to be launched (in 2019), MBM has chosen to start off at the entry level with the EQA, the third EQ model which was launched in Europe last year.

*EQC was the first model of the Mercedes-EQ range and appeared in Malaysia in 2019 to introduce the new all-electric range.*

Decisions are made years ahead in the car industry and at the time MBM was planning, they would not have expected the government to offer full exemption of import duties and even roadtax for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). So the pricing of the EQA 250 would probably have been expected to be higher although incentives would have been expected.

So it must have been a pleasant surprise last October to be told that the EQA 250 could be sold duty-free in 2022 and for the next few years (longer if assembled locally). This has enabled the retail price, without insurance, to be RM278,201.25, and that also includes 50% exemption in sales tax allowed for CBU models. For now, the EQA 250 is offered with the AMG Line package that adds a sporty touch to the SUV.

2022 Mercedes-EQ EQA 250 EV — *The EQA 250 is related to the GLA (below) but its platform and architecture have been optimised for a BEV.*

The EQA is related to the GLA and in fact, shares the same MFA2 platform which has been adapted for a BEV layout. So it’s not fully optimized for BEVs and to give the EQA 250 the efficiency it needs to maximise performance, it has been given a large battery pack and much attention has been given to aerodynamics.

Lots of wind tunnel and simulation work brought the Cd value down to 0.28, and the bodywork has been made as smooth as possible. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section; the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons; a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underside; specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

The EQA shows that cars of the future will still look like the cars were drive today, rather than the bubbles or bullet-shaped vehicles that were imagined to be on the roads in the 21st century. As mentioned earlier, it is like a BEV derivative of the GLA (but is really more than that). Its front end has the EQ design elements with a black panel radiator grille and central star. With the AMG Line package, the EQA 250 gets the sporty genes of the Mercedes-AMG brand. It reinterprets the twin-blade design of the grille and features a diffuser-look AMG rear apron.

A design feature is the continuous fibreoptic light strip across the front and rear, providing a distinctive visual signature. Mercedes-Benz has chosen blue for as its ‘electric theme’ so the headlights have a blue colour within. At the back, the LED units merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip to emphasise width.

The doors reach over the sills, keeping the frames (and thus also the occupants’ trousers) free of dirt and improving impact protection in the event of a side collision. All-round protective cladding adds ruggedness and structure to the overall proportions, hinting at the SUV’s off-road character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.

The EQA 250 has a straightforward electric powertrain consisting of a single motor driving the front wheels. The electric motor, a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential, the cooling system and the electronics form a highly integrated, very compact powertrain (eATS).The motor, which has an output of 140 kW/190 ps and 370 Nm of torque, is powered by a ‘double-decker’ lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh.

The claimed acceleration time is 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h with a top speed of 160 km/h. The fuel consumption in petrol and diesel engines, the distance you can travel is dependent on many factors – even how you drive – and it’s the same for BEVs. Push the vehicle hard and you get less range but unlike combustion engines, low speeds are not necessarily inefficient. So MBM provides a range of 402 – 496 kms on a fully charged battery pack which would be good enough for regular motoring.

When it comes to recharging, there are various ways the owner can get it done and each one takes a different length of time. The shortest time is with a DC 100 kW fast-charger which can ‘refuel’ from 10% to 80% within around 30 minutes. The on-board charger can handle charging from AC power outlets at the home or in public locations but will take at last 5 hours 45 minutes from 10% to 100%. That pretty much means leaving the vehicle parked overnight so if you switch to a BEV, it will have to be part of your routine. Of course, if you ‘top up’ periodically, then you may not have to wait so long. Incidentally, if you want to charge at home, you will need a wallbox which will be additional cost for installation.

For the convenience of its customers, MBM is setting up 13 DC fast-chargers installed in strategic dealer locations around the country. With the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus network quite extensive, this means that EQA owners will be able to travel quite far and be assured of quick charging. Until the end of 2023, using the charging stations will be free of charge.

Additionally, EQ customers will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where they will enjoy unlimited charging at a 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations for the first 1,000 customers. The JomCharge locations are at Petronas stations and the petroleum company has said that it plans to install the fast-chargers along the North-South Expressway and part of the East-Coast Expressway.

Like most other companies selling BEVs, MBM offers a warranty of 8 years or up to 160,000 kms for the battery pack so first (and even second) owners should have no concerns about replacement cost. In time, there will be an increasing number of used battery packs and the issue of how to recycle them will become important. MBM is aware of this future issue and will prepare for it but says it is something that the industry will have to work together on as well.

The EQA 250 may be forerunner of the future of motoring but the cabin remains recognisable as other cars of today, albeit with a lot of digital technologies in the displays, including the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system with extended functions. The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display is used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The individual, transparent sections of the surface are illuminated from behind with the aid of fibreoptics. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a tachometer, with the upper section showing the percentage of power used and the lower section indicating the recuperation.

The left-side meter can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours change according to the driving situation: During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles and 64 ambient colours. There is also a head-up display projected on the windscreen.

The battery pack is situated underneath the middle section of the cabin, so it does not reduce the volume of the boot area, unlike earlier electrified vehicles which had battery packs in the boot. Thus there is a usable width of 1.3 metres and depth of up to 1.4 metres, for a volume of 340 litres. The 40:20:40 division of the rear backrest allows variability in the layout to accommodate longer or more items. Incidentally, the EQA 250 comes with an EASY-PACK tailgate which is just a fancy term for electrically-operated tailgate (which would be expected of a car costing this much) but doesn’t have the handsfree feature.

Electric vehicles are no different from other road vehicles where safety for the occupants is concerned. Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive safety, has used its long experience to ensure that the occupants of the EQA 250 will be well protected if an accident occurs and has also given thought to other road-users in view of the quietness of its running. It has an acoustic ambient protection alert so pedestrians and cyclists will be aware of its presence. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h and it differentiates between driving forward and reversing.

Due to the battery pack, the EQA is heavier than a GLA and more energy needs to be absorbed in the event of a crash. The supporting structures at the front and rear were adapted to accommodate this requirement by the use of thicker materials. And as it carries a battery pack and other high-voltage equipment, more stringent safety measures have to be incorporated.

An aluminium housing as well as the body structure of the vehicle itself protect the battery pack from potentially touching the ground and against loose chippings. The housing is part of the vehicle structure and thus an integral part of the crash concept. The ground clearance of more than 200 mm is a further advantage and the lowest point of the vehicle is not the battery pack but the side skirts.

If the EQA 250 crashes, the high-voltage system can automatically switch off, reversibly or irreversibly depending on the accident severity. This is particularly important for rescuers who may have to touch the vehicle in order to help the occupants to get out. Mercedes-Benz works with rescue services to train them to safely approach an electric vehicle and the EQA is fitted with a special disconnection point which can be used by the rescuers to switch off the high-voltage system. If an impact is detected while the vehicle is hit when it is being charged, the charging process will also be stopped immediately.

Piston.my

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Mercedes-EQ EQA 250 AMG Line leads electric offensive for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia

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Sono Motors to start selling Sion solar energy vehicle from 2023, priced from 28,500 euros (about RM132,000)

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Intelligent Park Pilot – the next step in self-parking car technology (w/VIDEO)

The Electric Mustang by Charge

A6 Avant e-tron concept previews Audi’s future electric stationwagon

Volvo is a pioneer again with the first locally-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV)

Hyundai to use new Integrated Modular Architecture for all future BEV models

ID.Buzz & ID.Buzz Cargo – another Volkswagen icon returns

Mercedes-EQ EQA 250 AMG Line leads electric offensive for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors launches second EV – the Hyundai IONIQ 5, priced from RM199,888

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