Piston.my

EV

Tesla has agreed to a $1.5 million (RM7,140,000) settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed by 25 California counties accusing the electric vehicle manufacturer of mishandling hazardous waste at its facilities across the state. The settlement, approved by Judge Jayne Lee in San Joaquin County state court, comes just days after the counties alleged that Tesla improperly labelled and disposed of waste materials, including paint materials, used batteries, and diesel fuel.

While Tesla did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement, it has agreed to pay a $1.3 million (RM6,188,000) civil penalty and $200,000 (RM952,000) to reimburse the counties for the costs of the investigation. The company has also committed to taking measures to properly handle waste and will hire a third-party auditor to examine its waste practices over the next five years.

Despite the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, the manufacturing and servicing of these vehicles generate harmful waste streams. The lawsuit claimed that Tesla violated state unfair business and hazardous waste management laws at up to 101 facilities, including its manufacturing plant in Fremont, California.

Tesla had previously settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019 over alleged federal hazardous waste violations at its Fremont plant. The 2019 agreement required Tesla to implement proper waste management practices and pay a $31,000 (RM147,575) fine. In 2022, Tesla reached another settlement with the EPA, agreeing to pay a $275,000 (RM1,309,137) penalty for failing to maintain records and implement plans to minimise air pollutants from painting operations at the Fremont plant.

The long-awaited revival of the overlooked Lancia brand has officially commenced with the debut of the automaker’s inaugural electric vehicle, the 2024 Lancia Ypsilon. The grand unveiling, set for February 14 in Milan, provides a sneak peek into the EV-exclusive Limited Edition Cassina trim, where Lancia plans to produce 1,906 uniquely numbered units, paying homage to the brand’s founding year.

While this marks the first comprehensive glimpse of the Ypsilon, its appearance is not entirely unfamiliar, having been previously leaked. Serving as the pioneer model for Lancia’s fresh design language, the Ypsilon features an illuminated calice grille and iconic round taillights reminiscent of the Lancia Stratos.

The exterior showcases polygonal headlights positioned lower on the front bumper and glossy black accents. Despite these new elements, the Ypsilon shares some similarities with its counterparts, the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa, retaining familiar proportions and greenhouse design.

Inside, the emphasis on high-quality materials and distinctive design elements aims to evoke the ambience of an Italian living room. Collaborating with Cassina, a premium Italian furniture brand, Lancia introduces velvet-upholstered seats with a nostalgic “cannelloni” motif and a circular centre console resembling a coffee table.

The Ypsilon debuts Lancia’s SALA (Sound Air Light Augmentation) infotainment system with a dual-screen layout and an illuminated orb, likely serving as an AI-enhanced virtual assistant.

Technical specifications remain undisclosed, with the focus on exterior and interior design. The only confirmed figure is the WLTP range of 403km on a single charge, suggesting the use of a 54kWh battery pack shared with similar-sized Stellantis EVs.

Sharing its platform with several Stellantis models, the Ypsilon will later be joined by a hybrid version featuring a mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine.

Post the February 14 debut, the Lancia Ypsilon Limited Edition Cassina will tour Italian showrooms and be available for immediate orders and will expand its reach across multiple European markets.

The post-pandemic automotive market has seen a significant stir in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with many automotive giants trying to make a mark in Malaysia. From affordable prices to eye-watering ones, but do any of them stand out from the crowd?

There are models from Europe and China, with the latter having made significant inroads with models that don’t only impress with their tech but also design. 

In fact, we have had some opportunities to test drive a specific model and jumped at every chance we had. The model in topic is none other than the smart #1 (hashtag one). A collaboration between Geely and Mercedes-Benz that was launched in Malaysia by Pro-Net, a subsidiary of Proton. 

We were in love from the moment we laid eyes on it. It has a funky-looking body that caters to every audience. No matter how old you may be, when you step inside it, you will feel a lot younger. Why do we say this? Because the smart #1 has many unique features and a very youthful personality. It has an amazing sound system with speakers by Beats, a grille that lights up which definitely stands out at night, a responsive voice command system and there is an array of body colours to choose from, including an outlandish yellow. 

Apart from that, the smart #1 is also offered in a Brabus trim. Yes, the German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company. Besides that trim, there is the Pro and Premium variants for those who prefer to take things slow with minimal charging times. Not to say that the 286hp, 343Nm of torque Premium variant is slow, but for a more thrilling drive and heart-stopping 0-100km/h time, the 422hp, 543Nm of torque Brabus is the way to go. 

Speaking of 0-100km/h time, we had the chance to test it out at the Pinnacle Kart USJ track. The Premium did it in 6.8 seconds but the Brabus on the other hand, did it in 3.9 seconds. The instant torque and launch are the best this writer has experienced in an EV (yet). We also got to test the handling, auto park feature, and evasive manoeuvre assist. 

The handling was exceptional for the Brabus, we felt confident when tackling corners and launching out of corners thanks to its sportier suspension setting. The Premium, however, has a little oversteer to it, making it feel a little hesitant to take corners at high speeds. 

The evasive manoeuvre assist on the other hand was responsive as it gave the driver an amplified push to the steering wheel when avoiding a collision.

The auto park feature, however, was a little challenging as it takes time for the car to detect an empty parking space, but we could speed this by manually choosing a spot by dragging a green box on the touchscreen. After this, the car attempts to park autonomously in that pre-specified green box, and we must say, is pretty impressive but can be time-consuming.

 

It would be faster to park the car on your own. However, we understand that this feature is still being improved and will take time to make it perfect. 

Now, with all that power, what is the driving range like? The Premium has a range of 440km while the Brabus has a range of 400km. So, to test if the smart #1 is “Long Drive” worthy, we were invited to do so during a media drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. 

After a short briefing, the smart team announced that there would be an optional challenge and the winner would get a prize. It was an energy efficiency challenge. The team that reaches Penang with the lowest battery consumption of kWh/100km will be crowned the winner. There were two categories, one for the Premium variant and one for the Brabus variant. 

To start the journey, we were all put in teams of three and our team was given the Brabus variant. This variant was not meant to be driven slowly. So, we decided to have our little challenge instead, to see who would reach Penang the fastest, just for giggles.

Some teams made only one stop to recharge but because we were flooring it half the time, following speed limits of course, we had to charge up twice. The smart app and integrated navigation system played a huge role in this journey. It was easy to use, and it assisted us in planning routes that had charging stations. 

We of course tried our best to choose the ones with a higher kW to reduce our charging time. We made our first stop at Behrang for a quick 25-minute charge with a 75kW which brought our car from 50% to 80%. 

During the drive, we were entertained by the sound system and enjoyed the instant torque. The Brabus trim allows the driver to turn on the virtual engine sound. It was fun for a while, but it is not recommended for long drives as it gets a little annoying due to the fact that it has a constant note playing on loop, unlike the sound of an ICE engine where it changes according to the flex of the right foot.

We were messing around with the infotainment system and voice commands and learnt that if you are not tech savvy, it might take some time to figure out how things work. The infotainment system is a learning curve and as the saying goes, you learn something new every day. 

Our second stop was at Sg Perak and we managed to charge the car from 14% to 80% in 30 minutes thanks to the 180kW charger. From there on, it was a straight road to Penang. 

Now, we have also heard many people say that the battery percentage decreases when an EV is stuck in traffic and that the range might drop. We are here to deny that because we were stuck in Penang traffic, Georgetown to be exact, and we managed to reach our destination at Hotel Angsana with a remaining travel range of 111km. While we were stuck in a standstill jam, we noticed that the battery percentage and range did not reduce. The range only reduces when the car is moving. 

We were the first ones to reach the destination with a 25kWh/100km energy usage. Not exactly energy efficient, but it managed to get us there just in time to take a quick nap and head down for dinner. The team with the lowest energy usage for the Brabus category had 16kWh/100km and for the Premium category, 14kWh/100km. They however, arrived just in time for dinner. 

Before we headed back to Kuala Lumpur, we made a stop at the smart Penang showroom for lunch and the prize-giving ceremony for the winners. 

We had the Brabus for the first day, and then hopped into the Premium for the drive back. We started off with only 127km of travel range because we were sightseeing and enjoying a drive around town with the car, which meant we had to make a stop at Gantang for a charge. 

It took 25 minutes for the 50kW charger to charge up from 40% to 80%. Since there was no challenge, we decided to indulge in the performance of the Premium variant as well. The instant torque in this was not disappointing and it has more than enough power to get you from point A to point B fast. Just that the Brabus does it faster. 

With all that fun we were having, the smart system actually notified us via a voice notification, that we had to charge up. Again, with the help of the Hello smart app, we were directed to the nearest charging station which was at Petronas Ulu Bernam which had a 150kW charger. In 25 minutes, we were at 80% and it was more than enough to bring us back to Kuala Lumpur with 110km remaining when we arrived at our final destination. 

We stopped to charge the cars four times and each charging session only cost us RM70 to RM80. So, is the smart #1 a worthy car for long travelling distances? Yes, it is. The car is fun to drive, it notifies you when it needs to be charged, and it detects if the driver is fatigued, which is helpful during long drives. The Hello smart app is extremely useful for route planning, which reduces range anxiety. 

The single-motor Premium variant goes for RM219,000 and the dual-motor Brabus variant goes for RM249,000. The pricing is decent when you consider everything that you get and we understand why it is as such. For a car that was styled by Mercedes and developed by Geely, and one that offers outstanding performance, we think the smart #1 is worth considering for those in the market for an EV. 

Premium Variant Specifications

Motor: Single motor

Power: 268hp

Torque: 343Nm

Range: 440km

AC Charging: 22kW; 10-80% in 3 hours

DC Charging: 150kW, 10-80% in 30 minutes

 

Brabus Variant Specifications

Motor: Dual motor

Power: 422hp

Torque: 543Nm

Range: 400km

AC Charging: 22kW; 10-80% in 3 hours

DC Charging: 150kW, 10-80% in 30 minutes

 

We like: Voice command, performance, looks and ventilated front seats

We don’t like: Steep learning curve for the infotainment system

Maserati telah mengumumkan kemunculan versi elektrik kereta sport MC20-nya, yang diberi nama MC20 Folgore, sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha jenama tersebut ke arah elektrifikasi. Walaupun asalnya dirancang untuk dilancarkan pada tahun 2022, varian elektrik ini kini akan muncul di pasaran pada tahun 2025. Walaupun ada kelewatan, Maserati bertujuan untuk memberi impak yang ketara dengan EV sporty ini, menunjukkan dedikasi mereka terhadap kenderaan elektrik yang berprestasi tinggi.

Walaupun gambar-gambar MC20 Folgore belum lagi didedahkan, dijangkakan ia akan menyerupai versi petrol dengan perbezaan yang mencolok seperti port caj dan ketiadaan ekzos di bahagian belakang. Penyesuaian aerodinamik juga mungkin akan dimasukkan untuk meningkatkan prestasinya.

Transformasi utama terletak pada kuasanya, menampilkan susunan tiga motor yang mampu menghasilkan lebih daripada 700hp. Kuasa elektrik ini dijangka memecut kereta dari 0-100km/j dalam masa dua saat sahaja, peningkatan yang ketara berbanding enjin petrol twin-turbo 3.0 liter Nettuno V-6 dalam MC20 semasa ini. Maserati merancang untuk menambah hanya 99kg kepada berat kereta walaupun peningkatan kuasa.

MC20 Folgore merupakan sebahagian daripada strategi elektrifikasi yang lebih luas oleh Maserati, yang merangkumi model GranCabrio Folgore yang akan dilancarkan pada akhir tahun ini. Selain itu, model crossover elektrik baru dijadualkan untuk tahun 2027, dengan versi elektrik Quattroporte dijangkakan pada tahun 2028.

Pada Oktober tahun lalu, Maserati memperkenalkan MC20 Cielo ke pasaran Malaysia. MC20 Cielo membuat penampilan global pada tahun 2022 dan berharga RM1,228,000.00 sebelum cukai tempatan dan duti, pilihan penyesuaian, dan insurans.

In a dramatic turn of events, Tesla witnessed a staggering 12% plunge in its stock value on Thursday, January 25, following CEO Elon Musk’s cautionary statements about an anticipated slowdown in sales growth for the electric vehicle (EV) giant. Musk’s remarks, delivered on Wednesday, included a warning that growth would be “notably lower” as Tesla shifts focus towards a more affordable next-generation electric vehicle slated for production at its Texas factory in the latter half of 2025.

While the promise of a cost-effective EV has the potential to boost deliveries in the future, Musk acknowledged the challenges in ramping up production due to the integration of cutting-edge technologies into the new model.

Tesla’s stock decline marked its most significant intraday percentage loss in over a year, resulting in a staggering loss of $80 billion in market value on Thursday alone. For the month, the company’s market capitalisation saw a substantial dip of approximately $210 billion.

The impact of Tesla’s decline reverberated through the EV sector, affecting shares of other electric vehicle manufacturers such as Rivian Automotive Inc, Lucid Group, and Fisker, which experienced drops between 4.7% and 8.8%.

(more…)

In a milestone development a decade after its inception, the Porsche Macan is set to embark on its second model generation, this time in an all-electric incarnation. The latest Macan 4 and Macan Turbo models aim to meet the diverse needs of Porsche enthusiasts seeking an SUV, combining progressive design, iconic Porsche performance, extended range and heightened everyday practicality.

Porsche’s commitment to cutting-edge technology is evident in the exclusive use of the latest generation of permanently-excited PSM electric motors on both the front and rear axles. This not only ensures outstanding efficiency but also facilitates precise reproducibility of power output. The electric prowess of these models is exemplified by their impressive numbers – the Macan 4, when combined with Launch Control, delivers up to 408PS of over-boost power, while the Macan Turbo reaches an astounding 639PS. Torque figures are equally impressive at 650 and 1,130Nm, respectively, translating into exceptional driving performance. The Macan 4 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, while the Macan Turbo achieves this feat in just 3.3 seconds, with top speeds of 220km/h and 260km/h, respectively.

Key to the electric prowess is a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 100kWh, utilising Porsche’s newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with an 800-volt architecture. This innovation enables rapid charging capabilities, with a DC charging output of up to 270 kW, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in approximately 21 minutes. The Macan also introduces an Integrated Power Box (IPB), enhancing efficiency, reducing weight, and optimising space.

Aesthetically, the new Macan boasts sharper proportions and the unmistakable Porsche Design DNA. With a longer wheelbase at 2,893mm which is 86mm longer than the previous model, shorter overhangs, and up to 22-inch wheels, the Macan exudes a dynamic and dominant presence. The distinctive headlights, divided into two parts, and the frameless doors contribute to the sleek and sporty design.

Porsche combines its design DNA with advanced aerodynamics through Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA), resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.25. This, coupled with features like an adaptive rear spoiler and active cooling flaps, makes the Macan one of the most streamlined SUVs on the market, positively impacting range and power consumption.

Beyond performance and design, the new Macan prioritises practicality. Electrification has led to increased luggage space, with the rear seat bench offering up to 540 liters in cargo mode. The ‘frunk,’ a second luggage compartment under the bonnet, adds an additional 84 liters. Fold down the rear seat backrest, and the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to an impressive 1,348 liters. The Macan also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg.

Inside, the Macan features the latest-generation display and operating concept with up to three screens, including a 12.6-inch curved-design instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch central display. For the first time, the Porsche Driver Experience also includes a head-up display with augmented reality technology. Virtual elements such as navigation arrows are visually integrated seamlessly into the real world. The image appears to the driver at a distance of 10 metres and corresponds to the size of an 87-inch display.

Porsche’s commitment to driving dynamics is evident with the Macan’s all-wheel-drive system, electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. The optional rear-axle steering, a first for the Macan, contributes to a compact turning circle in urban traffic and exceptional stability at higher speeds.

The launch of the all-electric Macan underscores Porsche’s dedication to combining performance, style, and sustainability in its quest to redefine the future of mobility.

Mini, renowned for its blend of efficiency and driving pleasure, introduces the fully-electric fifth-generation Mini Cooper SE, promising an unparalleled driving experience in all weather conditions. This electric marvel, built on the iconic Mini Cooper platform, combines a classic go-kart feeling with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a thrilling drive regardless of the elements.

Featuring a slightly larger track width and extended wheelbase, the new Cooper SE delivers enhanced dynamism, especially on snow and ice. The 218hp electric motor provides instantaneous power, seamlessly channelled to the high-quality chassis technology. The car’s direct steering behaviour ensures agility, while the integrated braking system guarantees optimal safety even on slippery surfaces.

Navigating frozen inclines or downhill stretches is made safer with Active Slip Regulation, optimising traction and delivering up to 330Nm of maximum torque in a controlled manner. The high-voltage battery, boasting a 54.2 kWh capacity and a range of up to 402km in the WLTP test cycle, is strategically positioned in the vehicle floor, contributing to a well-balanced weight distribution. This design choice results in a low centre of gravity, coupled with superior suspension and damping properties, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.

Reflecting on the brand’s 60-year history of innovation and reinvention, Mini stays true to its roots while embracing modern advancements. The classic Mini’s success on snow-covered roads during the 1960s Monte Carlo Rally inspires the contemporary Mini Cooper SE to master winter conditions confidently.

In terms of design, the reduced exterior of the Mini Cooper SE maintains a confident expression, staying true to the brand’s iconic style. This electric vehicle redefines the essence of the classic 3-door car, embodying the spirit of Mini’s journey over six decades. As an homage to the legendary classic Mini’s triumph on snow-covered roads, the fifth-generation promises an exhilarating driving experience with cutting-edge electric technology.

 

Hyundai and Kia have introduced an innovative technology called the Active Air Skirt (AAS) to optimise the efficiency of their electric vehicles (EVs). Focused on minimising aerodynamic resistance during high-speed driving, AAS aims to enhance the driving range and stability of battery-powered cars.

AAS operates by strategically managing the airflow entering through the lower part of the bumper. It adjusts turbulence around the vehicle wheels based on variable settings corresponding to the vehicle’s speed during high-speed driving. The system remains concealed during normal operation but becomes active at speeds exceeding 80km/h, precisely targeting aerodynamic resistance surpassing rolling resistance. AAS reverts to its stowed position at around 69km/h to avoid unnecessary operation within specific speed ranges.

Unlike fully concealing the entire front, AAS selectively covers only the front part of the tires. This tailored approach is designed to be more effective in improving aerodynamic performance, especially on the flat platform floor of the E-GMP platform. Additionally, the partial coverage contributes to increased downforce, enhancing vehicle traction and high-speed stability.

AAS is engineered to operate at speeds exceeding 199km/h, utilising rubber material on the lower part for durability and protection against external objects. Tests conducted with the Genesis GV60 showed a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008, translating to a 2.8 percent improvement in drag. This improvement is estimated to provide an additional range enhancement of approximately 5km.

Hyundai dan Kia telah memperkenalkan teknologi inovatif yang dikenali sebagai Active Air Skirt (AAS) untuk mengoptimakan kecekapan kenderaan elektrik (EV) mereka. Memberi tumpuan pada pengurangan rintangan aerodinamik semasa memandu dengan kelajuan tinggi, AAS bertujuan untuk meningkatkan julat pemanduan dan kestabilan kereta bertenaga bateri.

AAS beroperasi dengan menguruskan aliran udara yang masuk melalui bahagian bawah bumper. Ia menyesuaikan kekacauan sekitar tayar kereta berdasarkan tetapan yang berubah mengikut kelajuan kenderaan semasa memandu dengan kelajuan tinggi. Sistem ini kekal tersembunyi semasa operasi normal tetapi menjadi aktif pada kelajuan melebihi 80km/jam, menyesuaikan rintangan aerodinamik yang melebihi rintangan gelung. AAS kembali ke posisi tersembunyi pada kira-kira 69km/jam untuk mengelakkan operasi yang tidak perlu dalam julat kelajuan tertentu.

Berbeza dengan menyelubungi sepenuhnya bahagian depan, AAS hanya menutup bahagian depan tayar sahaja. Pendekatan yang disesuaikan ini direka untuk menjadi lebih berkesan dalam meningkatkan prestasi aerodinamik, terutamanya pada platform lantai rata platform E-GMP. Selain itu, penutupan separa menyumbang kepada peningkatan daya tekanan ke bawah, meningkatkan daya cengkaman kenderaan dan kestabilan pada kelajuan tinggi.

AAS direka untuk beroperasi pada kelajuan melebihi 199km/jam, menggunakan bahan getah pada bahagian bawah untuk kebolehan tahan lama dan perlindungan daripada objek luaran. Ujian yang dijalankan dengan Genesis GV60 menunjukkan pengurangan dalam pekali seret (Cd) sebanyak 0.008, bermaksud peningkatan sebanyak 2.8 peratus dalam pekali seret. Peningkatan ini dianggarkan memberikan peningkatan julat tambahan kira-kira 5 km.

Porsche is generating unprecedented excitement as it teases the forthcoming debut of the next-generation Macan EV, scheduled for January 25. The latest design sketches accompany previously released interior images, providing a comprehensive preview of the highly anticipated electric crossover.

Contrary to its gas-powered predecessor, the new Macan sits on a dedicated EV platform developed exclusively for electric vehicles. Porsche has revealed initial specifications, indicating that the top-tier version will boast over 600hp and an impressive 1,000Nm of torque from a dual-motor setup. Power will be supplied by a substantial 100.0-kilowatt-hour battery capable of handling 270-kilowatt charging.

Described by Porsche as a sporty crossover with a striking design, the 2025 Macan will feature all-wheel steering, a rear electronic locking differential, and an advanced air suspension equipped with two-valve dampers. The official debut is set for Wednesday, with sales expected to commence later this year. Simultaneously, Audi will launch its counterpart, the Q6 E-Tron.

Rumours suggest that the Macan EV will eventually replace the gasoline version in the European Union. Upcoming cybersecurity regulations are expected to restrict the sale of the current Macan in EU countries, prompting Porsche to transition to the electric variant.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube