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Kia’s roadmap through the rest of the decade, with ambitious targets for EV production and sales by 2030

Like all carmakers, Kia Corporation has formulated strategic plans for the rest of this decade, not just with respect to electrification but also for the bigger picture of mobility. The company aims to be more than just a car manufacturer and be a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. To achieve this vision, its roadmap builds on the successful ‘Plan S’ strategy first announced in 2020. This corporate vision is supported by three key pillars – people, planet and profit.

The company has set 4 key business targets to reach by 2030. These core business aims are: accelerating electrification and achieving annual sales of 1.2 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the end of the decade; reaching 4 million annual vehicle sales by 2030s; expanding the application of connected car features and autonomous driving technologies to all new vehicles; and of course, become the No. 1 brand in the global purpose-built vehicle (PBV) market.

During a recent CEO Investor Day event, Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, said: “Kia has been undergoing a full-scale transformation which has included changes in corporate vision, logo, product and design, and strategy. To achieve the company’s vision of becoming a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, we will focus on accelerating the transition to future business models. We will become even more customer-centric in our approach and pursue a dynamic transformation while maintaining sound business operations.”

During the 2 years since first revealing its Plan S strategy, Kia has recorded its highest ever gross revenue and operating profit (in 2021). It aims to continue this positive momentum to create further value in both qualitative and quantitative aspects from 2022 onwards.

How to reach 4 million units?
Starting with an annual global sales goal of 3.15 million units in 2022, Kia will progressively increase annual volumes to 4 million units, which will be a 27% increase from its target for 2022. As part of this quantitative growth, the company will also expand sales of eco-friendly vehicles such as BEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In coming years, the proportion of eco-friendly cars will go from 17% of global sales in 2022 to 52 per cent in 2030.

2021 Kia EV6 — *The EV6, launched last year and voted 2022 European Car of the Year, is just the beginning of Kia’s EV offensive.*

The increase in proportion will be more evident in major markets with strong environmental regulations and a growing demand for EVs. These are markets such as Korea, North America, Europe and China, and the proportion will go up to 78% by 2030.

14 BEV models by 2027
Kia aims to solidify its position as the world’s leading EV maker and to achieve this, it will expand its BEV product line-up. The present line-up is limited but from next year, there will be at least 2 BEVs per year, with a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027. Compared to its previous plan to release 11 models by 2026, Kia will also add 2 electric pick-up trucks – a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets – and an entry-level BEV model.

Its EV range will be topped by a flagship model, the EV9, set for launch in 2023. Although the EV9 will be a large SUV with a total length of around 5 metres, it will have a claimed acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h of 5 seconds, and range of approximately 540 kms. Advanced technologies will allow for 100 kms of driving range on just a 6-minute charge.

A first for Kia, the EV9 will also feature OTA (Over the Air) and FoD (Feature on Demand) services that will allow customers to selectively purchase software functions. In addition, it will be the first model to be equipped with Kia’s advanced AutoMode autonomous driving technology.

*Prototype of the EV9 which will be the flagship of Kia’s EV range when it is launched next year.*

1.2 million BEV sales in 2030
New models like the EV9 will help Kia increase sales of its BEVs from the 160,000 units planned for this year to 807,000 units in 2026, and 1.2 million in 2030. That’s a 36% increase from the 2030 EV target announced during last year’s CEO Investor Day, indicating that the company is going to take a more aggressive approach. Kia projects that over 80% of its BEV sales in 2030 will come from Korea, North America, Europe and China, and a 45 per cent share of total Kia sales will come from these major markets.

To meet the demands of the expanding volume of EVs each year, the roles of individual production sites will evolve. Korea will serve as a global hub for R&D, production and supply of EVs, while other global production sites will produce strategic EVs for each market.

In Europe, for example, small and medium-sized EVs will be produced starting from 2025. In the USA, where mid-sized SUVs and pick-ups are popular, electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024. In China, Kia plans to introduce mid-size EV models from next year, and for India, there will be entry and mid-size EV models from 2025 produced there.

*Kia EVs will use the Hyundai Group E-GMP specially developed for Battery Electric Vehicles.*

Batteries are a crucial item for BEVs as they supply energy to power the motors so Kia is planning to upgrade its battery technology, and establish a battery supply and demand strategy. While establishing a stable battery supply and demand system by outsourcing to global battery companies, Kia also plans to get batteries from the Indonesian battery cell joint venture. As crucial a factor as supply will also be cost, and Kia is working towards reducing system costs by 40%t, thereby enhancing price competitiveness.

Autonomous driving technology
Autonomous vehicles will come in future and Kia is actively developing the technologies which will be branded ‘AutoMode’. This will include a Highway Driving Pilot feature which would enable driving without driver intervention on highway sections. It will make its first appearance in the EV9 next year, and by 2026, all new models launched in major markets will be available with AutoMode. The adoption rate is expected to surpass 80% and in the long term, the company plans to further upgrade AutoMode technology and implement fully autonomous driving technology.

Honda and Sony to form new company to develop and sell EVs from 2025

Since being established 73 years ago, Honda Motor has been able to remain independent instead of becoming part of a bigger group. On its own, it has been able to successfully manage its business and endure even the most challenging periods without having to surrender its independence. However, the 21^st century sees the auto industry changing and with the move towards electric vehicles (EVs), the cost of developing entirely new technologies is very high. In April, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to declare its intention will stop selling combustion-engines vehicles by 2040.

So even though Honda has preferred to be a ‘lone ranger’, it has been forming strategic alliances with some companies in the area of EVs because it is crucial to remain competitive in the new field, and sharing resources is more realistic. Honda has already agreed with General Motors to jointly develop two all-new EVs for Honda’s range, based on GM’s global EV platform. The EVs will be manufactured at GM plants in North America with sales expected to begin in 2024 for that market.

New joint-venture company
On another front, Honda will be working with Sony Group Corporation to develop EVs as well. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines their intent to form a joint venture company through which they plan to engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services. The new company is expected to be established before the end of this year.

*The Honda e, a fully electric EV model, is already on sale in Europe.*

This alliance aims to bring together Honda’s mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and aftersales service management experience, while Sony has expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies.

Sony has already developed EVs
Honda has already developed a few EV models for sale, with the Honda e having received a good response in Europe. Sony has also been developing its own EVs, with two prototypes displayed earlier this year at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. The prototypes appear to have reached quite an advanced stage and have been shown in real-world road-testing.

*Sony’s two EVs which were shown at CES 2022 earlier this year.*

While Sony announced in January that it would start a new unit called Sony Mobility which would handle commercialization of EVs, this move may well have been too challenging for the company which does not have experience in making cars. Honda, on the other hand, has been producing many fine cars with its decades of experience. As Sony would have vast experience in electronics, which are dominant in EVs, its expertise will be very useful.

So it remains to be seen whether Honda will adopt Sony’s concepts – called VISION-S – or come out with a new design. If they want to do a new design, they have less than 3 years to do so as the plan is to start sales of the first model from the new company in 2025.

A new brand name?
There is also a possibility that the new EVs will have separate branding rather than be sold as Honda or Sony products. This is because the agreement is for the new company ‘to plan, design, develop, and sell the EVs’. It is agreed that Honda will be responsible for manufacturing the first EV model at its own factory.

*Honda has had many decades of experience manufacturing cars. not only in Japan but also in other countries.*

“The New Company will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility around the world, by taking a broad and ambitious approach to creating value that exceeds the expectations and imagination of customers. We will do so by leveraging Honda’s cutting-edge technology and know-how in relation to the environment and safety, while aligning the technological assets of both companies. Although Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our areas of technological expertise are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance which brings together the strengths of our two companies offers great possibilities for the future of mobility,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, Representative Executive Officer & CEO of Honda Motor.

First units of Faraday Future FF 91 e-SUV produced, to go on sale before end of 2022

Over the past decade, the auto industry has probably seen more new companies starting up than at any other time except in the earliest years over 100 years ago. And where those early companies saw new business opportunities with the motorized carriage invented by Karl Benz in 1886, the new companies of the 21^st century see great opportunities in electrically-powered ‘carriages’ – electric vehicles (EVs). And not having the legacy of decades of investment in vehicles with combustion engines, these new companies can be on the starting line alongside the established players in the new race.

More than just cars
But it’s not just transport vehicles which these newcomers are developing as they also look at providing mobility in a broader sense and as a service, rather than just selling the product. One such company is Faraday Future (FF), an American company originally founded by a Chinese businessman in 2014, which describes itself as a ‘shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company’. After some financial difficulties, the company was able to get substantial funding and went public on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York City and proceeded to set up its manufacturing facility in California.

Its first concept car was the futuristic FF ZERO 1 which was shown in 2016 at CES and some other events, more to draw attention to the new company than as a preview of the EV it would build. That came a year later in the form of the FF 91 which remains as the designation for the production model.

SUV bodystyle for flagship
The FF 91, to be the flagship model, is designed to be highly modular. It is built with the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA) that includes the FF Echelon Inverter, the first patent of Faraday Future. It’s a large car – overall length of 5255 mm and width of 1986 mm – sitting on a wheelbase of 3.2 metres, which is comparable to a BMW X7.

The mono-volume is a SUV bodystyle which has design features not constrained by traditional engineering approaches. Unlike early EVs which used architecture based on vehicles with combustion engines and mechanical drivetrains, the new generation of EVs are essentially clean-sheet designs that are optimized for electrical components, systems and layouts. Everything is incorporated on a skateboard platform for ease of manufacturing and simplicity.

3 motors, 1,050 ps, AWD
While details of the powertrain are not given at this time, FF does provide some performance claims. There will be 3 electric motors powered by a 120 kWh battery pack with patented submerged liquid cooling technology. The system output will be 1,050 ps and the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time is claimed to be less than 2.4 seconds. A fully charged lithium-ion battery pack is expected to provide up to 700 kms of range.

All four wheels will be powered with AWD and there will also be all-wheel steer with rear-wheel torque-vectoring. Before full-scale production starts, real-world testing will be carried out in America and most likely in China as well.

It’s not been mentioned what level of autonomous capability the FF 91 will have though it would surely be above Level 2. It will be fitted with a LiDAR sensor and use cameras for the door mirrors and inside rearview mirror.

High-tech interior
The FF 91 will have the ability to memorize different user profiles in FFIDs so each driver’s preferences and even content choices can be set upon entry. Information and entertainment will be displayed on 11 different displays around the cabin with a total of over 2.5 metres of high-resolution viewing area. The rear occupants will also get a state-of-the-art Mobile Movie Theatre screen on the ceiling which can be used for entertainment or even video conferencing.

The rear seats have a zero-gravity concept inspired by NASA and we’re not sure if this is similar to those which are found in some Nissan models (also called Zero-Gravity seats) but it sounds similar. In zero gravity, the human body naturally assumes what NASA scientists call the ‘Neutral Body Posture’ and using the posture data, the rear seats are designed to enable the ideal distribution of the body’s weight. The seats can also recline up to 60 degrees, which is industry-leading.

First 300 units booked
FF began accepting orders last July for two versions of the FF 91 – the Futurist Alliance and the Futurist. The Futurist Alliance will be a limited edition of only 300 units and exclusive colours and wheels. Apparently, all 300 units have already been booked by customers who received special invitations.

The first pre-production unit left the factory earlier this week and with volume production starting from the middle of this year, deliveries are expected to start during the final quarter of the year.

The iconic Volkswagen Kombi van returns next month

Over 70 years ago, a Volkswagen importer in Holland by the name of Ben Pons saw an opportunity to offer customers a versatile vehicle which could be adapted from the platform of the Beetle, then still a young product. He sketched a box like body on top of the Beetle platform and suggested it to Volkswagen which agreed to build prototypes. When the public saw the model, simply referred to as ‘T1’, there was great demand and so was born a vehicle that would become an icon in the decades that followed.

*The I.D. BUZZ concept in 2017 with the original Microbus Kombi T1.*

The original multi-purpose vehicle
It came to have various names – Kombi, Transporter, Caravelle, among them – and found use in numerous roles from people-carrier to goods transporter. In America, it was a ‘Microbus’ and became one of the symbols of the counter-culture movement there. 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.

The original rounded form evolved into a more cubic shape with the third generation in 1979 and in 1983, the air-cooled engine was replaced by a water-cooled unit. The current generation is the T6 which was introduced in 2015 and continues to be a popular model in the midsize van segment.

Part of ID. family of EVs
However, with the trend towards electrification, Volkswagen has had to think of how to continue this iconic model with a zero emission powerplant. Its answer is a model known as the Buzz, which will be part of the ID. family of battery electric vehicles BEVs. The model, to be unveiled early next month, was shown in 2017 as the BUZZ concept and it received sufficient positive feedback that it was approved for production.

*Prototypes have been driven on public roads for many months as part of the final phase of the development program before unveiling next month.*

Volkswagen will have two versions of the electrically-powered model – the Buzz (a 5-seater) and Buzz Cargo (a van). The designers have transferred the styling of the 2017 concept car to the production version, and it has the design elements of the legendary T1. Those elements include extremely short body overhangs, maximum utilization of space on a minimal footprint, the classic division of the vehicle body design into an upper and lower level, and the V-shaped face. And just like the original, the Buzz also has rear-wheel drive.

*The Volkswagen Group MEB platform for battery electric vehicles uses a new generation of battery packs (below).*

VW Group MEB platform
The new model line is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This uses a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh, supplying 150 kW to the electric motor integrated in and driving the rear axle. The top speed is electronically limited at 145 km/h but official figures for range are not yet available. Unlike its combustion engine predecessor, the Buzz will be more agile with maximum torque of 310 Nm available when moving off.

Maximum space utilization
The MEB architecture has been designed to be variable and Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a versatile structure that facilitates a wide spectrum of roles – as a 5-seater leisure vehicle as well as a 3-seater cargo transporter. The range will be extended when another variant with a longer wheelbase and more possibilities of interior configurations debuts in 2023.

The standard wheelbase versions (2988 mm) of the Buzz and Buzz Cargo are just 4712 mm long. By way of comparison, the wheelbase of the Buzz is only 2 mm different to that of the current T6, which is 4904 mm long. The Buzz thus offers a similar internal length but is able to use smaller parking spaces. The passenger Buzz, which has a generous greenhouse, is 1937 mm high, which is lower than the T6, and is also 81 mm wider.

*The original T1 van was developed from the same platform as the Beetle and was Volkswagen’s second model.*

Thanks to the space-saving MEB concept, the two electric vans can offer good space utilization. The Buzz can take up to 1,121 litres of luggage even with all 5 seats occupied. For the Buzz Cargo, there‘s a volume of 3.9 cubic metres behind a partition that separates the front seats.

‘Plug & Charge’ and bi-directional charging
Using the latest ID. software, the model line will in future offer convenient charging methods such as the ‘Plug & Charge’ function. Using this function, the Buzz authenticates itself at many providers’ quick-charging (DC) stations via the charging connector, exchanging all necessary data with it in this way. And there is also the possibility of bi-directional charging which is available in some markets. This technology opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities, such as the ability to store excess power from a home’s solar panels in the vehicle’s battery pack and to feed it back into the home in the evening.

Like other ID. models, the Buzz can receive software updates over the air (provided there is a connection). These include both updates for the infotainment system and updates relating to charging or driver assist functions. The spectrum of driver-assist systems available across various markets includes innovatively interconnected technologies such as the new ‘Trained Parking’ function (automatic maneuvering into and out of parking spaces); ‘Car2X’ (warnings and hazard alerts in the local vicinity); and the latest version of ‘Travel Assist’ that features crowd=sourced data to facilitate forward and lateral guidance on a partly automated basis across the full speed range.

*The model was assembled and sold in Malaysia and used in many roles. Some units are still in use today, their owners turning them into mobile food trucks (below)*.

Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars

Hydrogen is in the air all the time but lately, the gas that is the lightest element has been ‘in the air’, so to speak, with companies like Toyota running a hydrogen-fuelled engine in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan, Renault teasing a hydrogen-powered concept car, and Toyota and Yamaha having a project to adapt a Lexus V8 to run on the gas instead of petrol.

Now Extreme E, the all-electric off-road series, has revealed also plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. To be called ‘Extreme H’, it will run alongside Extreme E, currently in its second season, and will be a world-first for motorsport. Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023.

*Extreme H cars will use same powertrain and chassis as those for the current Extreme E cars; however, instead of a battery pack, a hydrogen fuel cell will be used which can generate electricity.*

Evolution of Extreme E
“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issue,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E.

“Together with the current Extreme E Teams, we will decide in the coming months the best way to integrate the hydrogen-powered cars into the racing weekend. Two separate categories, full transition to hydrogen or joint racing are all options on the table,” he added.

Elaborating further, Agag said: “Extreme E is an FIA International Series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H. Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation and, by using the existing Extreme E platform, we can also utilise our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process. This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact.”

Fuel cell for electric power
The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source. This propulsion concept has already been commercialized with models such as the Mirai by Toyota and Insight by Honda.

Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

Extreme E’s operations at each event in remote locations utilise various methods to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. To power equipment and recharge the electric rallycars, the organisers provide a combination of battery and green hydrogen power sources in the paddock..

“It is fitting to launch the concept of Extreme H here in NEOM, Saudi Arabia (where the first round of the 2022 season is being held], a place with huge ambition around clean energy solutions, and the perfect example of a location which can and will become home to large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution,” Agag added.

Commenting on the new initiative, Jenson Button, Team Owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, said: “For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series. To see racing of this calibre powered by Hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.”

DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE – a very high-performance mobile laboratory

While the extreme design of the E-TENSE PERFORMANCE may make it seem like just a showcar, it is actually intended for use as a high-performance laboratory by DS Automobiles, the spin-off brand from Citroen which became a standalone brand.

The prototype has been conceived to accelerate the development of technology for the future of DS Automobiles design. It has been devised, developed and created by DS Performance, which has been successfully participating in the single-seater electric Formula E series.

*DS Performance has been participating in single-seater electric Formula E series with the French-Chinese TECHEETAH team since 2016.*

“Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E and the expertise that we’ve taken from our international titles to a project which predicts the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a laboratory that we will use to analyse the behaviour of components and to develop them with a view to future manufacturing. The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make them easier to manufacture and explore implementations in production models. The next generations of the E-TENSE range will benefit from these developments,” said Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS PERFORMANCE, the brand’s motorsports division.

Up to 8,000 Nm
The powertrain is made up of two electric motors giving a combined power of 600 kW (250 kW at the front, 350 kW at the back) corresponding to 815 hp and torque of 8,000 Nm at the wheels. Taken straight from DS PERFORMANCE developments for Formula E, these two electric motors prioritise the use of energy in the most effective way. If, physically, the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE keeps a braking system with discs and pads for safety, only the regeneration system is used for braking.

The battery pack is one of the fundamental parts of the very high-performance mobile laboratory. It is compact and housed in a carbonfibre-aluminium composite envelope. This is situated in a central rear position for optimum weight distribution. The battery pack, using experience from electric car racing, is developed jointly with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft. It uses innovative chemistry and an immersive cooling system for cells – at odds with current technology – thanks to a bespoke design of Quartz EV Fluid solution. This battery permits phases of acceleration and regeneration of up to 600 kW, enabling the exploration of new avenues for future generations of production vehicles.

The design language
The DS Design Studio Paris was responsible for the extreme form with a frontal appearance that has a new surface for expression in place of the grille. Already suggested by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE, this treatment combines the DS Automobiles logo with a 3-dimensional effect that displays a special welcome sequence.

On either side, new daytime lights combine technology and design with unprecedented thinness to give a wide span of light (made up of 800 LEDs). Two cameras are used instead of headlamps, providing a visual identity while enabling useful data to be collected while on the move.

To go with the aerodynamic lines, the bodywork introduces a ‘beetle-effect’ interference colour. Depending on exterior conditions and the viewing angle, the perception of the colour changes and gives a striking contrast against the gloss black surfaces stretching to the bonnet.

The cockpit has been conceived to gather data. Bucket seats and a Formula E steering wheel create an ambience devoted to high performance but there is also comfort and attention to detail. An in-car FOCAL Utopia sound system with a pair of exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers give a unique signature sound.

EdisonFuture’s electric pick-up truck aims to grab a slice of future market

Pick-up trucks are big business in the US market and have been top-sellers for decades. Their popularity made the Ford F-Series the bestselling vehicles on the planet (though almost entirely sold in North America). While the Big Three – GM, Ford and Chrysler – have long dominated this segment of the market, newcomers from foreign brands like Toyota and Nissan have also made inroads but the American trucks are still firmly entrenched.

Now comes the next wave of competitors in the segment and they are not only entirely new players like Tesla, EdisonFuture, Canoo and Rivian but they are also starting off with electrically-powered trucks so they are positioning themselves for the future. Ford and GM are already on the starting line as well with their own fully electric pick-ups that have seen soaring orders – to the extent that Ford had to stop taking orders for its new F-150 Lightning.

Most of the products of the new players are not in the market yet but have been shown at motorshows and drawn tremendous response. Orders are flooding in for vehicles that will begin to reach customers later this year and in coming years. Clearly, American buyers are receptive to the idea of electrically powered trucks even though, traditionally, such vehicles have had huge engines to give them their workhorse capabilities.

As EV technology is still developing and evolving, there are many approaches being taken and some are innovations too. One of the innovative new trucks is from a start-up called EdisonFuture. It’s a 2-year old company established and based in California but if you follow the ownership trail, it will lead back across the Pacific to China’s SPI Energy.

The Chinese company also owns Phoenix Motorcars, which has specialised in developing medium-duty electric vehicles for commercial markets over the past two decades. So EdisonFuture is already starting off with access to substantial technological resources for developing its products which are trucks.

EdisonFuture is working on at least two models, both of which have been shown in concept form. The first is the EF1-T which has a solar charging capability which will provide up to 55 kms of range per day. The integrated solar panel over the vehicle can be pulled out over the rear bed and locked into place to protect the contents. The unique panel is called ‘Armadillo Armour’ and presumably has a tough construction.

Utilizing the same chassis and platform of EF1-T, the EF1-V Delivery Van is a robust and modern multi-purpose van. It can be used for work as well as travel or personal use in varying road and environment conditions from city streets to off-road.

As it functions as a delivery van, the EF1-V is given an enclosed body with sliding side doors and varying cargo volumes within a space-efficient container that is almost 2 metres long. The entire top of the cargo box is covered with solar panels so the battery pack can be recharged while parked.

EdisonFuture will offer three different powertrains to suit different requirements with either one, two or three motors. Power and torque outputs have not been revealed yet but there is a claim of up to 725 kms on a fully charged battery pack for the tri-motor version. There will also be a choice of battery packs up to 180 kWh.

Since appearing at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, EdisonFuture has seen encouraging response though most of it has been for the pick-up rather than the delivery van. Perhaps there are also proven and cost-effective electric vans already in the market and fleet operators are satisfied with them, and expect to keep them in use for a while longer.

The designs that were shown are still conceptual and works in progress. Icona Design, an Italian group, has been brought on board to collaborate on the exterior design of the two vehicles. As the production models won’t be on sale till 2025, there will still be time to get feedback at motorshows and from fleet operators to get the design right.

“Our vision for EdisonFuture and Phoenix Motorcars is to be leaders in sustainable transportation with focus on energy efficiency and innovative design,” said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman & CEO of SPI Energy earlier this year.

Remodelling the iconic Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy for the fully electric Spectre in 2023

Next year, Rolls-Royce will unveil Spectre, its fully electric limousine that will go on sale in 2024. The final form that the car will have would have been approved so much work would have been done in the wind tunnel to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible. For electric cars, this is vital to minimise the power used to overcome wind resistance and achieve high performance.

Wind tunnel studies cover every centimetre of the bodywork and even the tiniest details need to be shaped correctly for minimum wind resistance. This includes the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine that stands on the edge of the bonnet. She will also grace the bonnet of the Spectre and after 111 years since being registered as intellectual property of Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy is being remodelled again.

The figurine has been remodelled with a lower, more dynamic stance that brings her much closer to the drawings made by her original creator, the illustrator and sculptor Charles Sykes, in the early years of the 20^th century. It also sees her physical form represent ‘The Expression’, a visual device that forms part of the marque’s new visual language.

The new Spirit of Ecstasy stands 82.73 mm tall, compared to her predecessor’s 100.01 mm. Her robes, which flow behind her in the slipstream (often but incorrectly characterised as ‘wings’) have been subtly reshaped to make them more aerodynamic and realistic.

The most visible change is her stance. Previously, she has stood with her feet together, legs straight and tilting at the waist. Now, she is a true goddess of speed, braced for the wind, one leg forward, body tucked low, her eyes focused eagerly ahead.

*The new stance of the Spirit of Ecstasy and the one (inset) seen on current Rolls-Royce models.*

These changes have both practical and stylistic benefits, contributing to the Spectre’s aerodynamic properties which Rolls-Royce says will be remarkable. The earliest Spectre prototypes have already shown a drag coefficient of just 0.26 Cd, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the product’s exhaustive testing protocols undertaken in the course of this year.

This new expression captures the essence of Charles Sykes’ original drawings, but rather than simply being ‘redrawn’ or ‘redesigned’, her new shape has been digitally sculpted by a computer modeller working at the Rolls-Royce, who has a passion for life drawing and sculpture. Their experience in this field was invaluable in developing the figurine’s elegant lifelike facial features as well as her expression, which deftly combines focus and serenity.

The designers also consulted stylists at Roll-Royce for their perspective on her hair, clothes, posture, and expression, adding an authentically contemporary aura to her dynamism and commanding presence.

While all figurines are made using one of the oldest known casting techniques, named ‘lost wax casting’ or ‘cire-perdue’, each is individually finished by hand, so will be minutely different from figurine to figurine. As well as continuing a long Rolls-Royce tradition – until 1939, the mascots were made and polished by Charles Sykes himself – this subtle, ephemeral human element creates an intriguing contrast to the precise, highly engineered motor car she sits atop.

Though relatively rare in the modern era, changes to the Spirit of Ecstasy have been made throughout her 111-year lifespan. She has been rendered in various sizes and materials and, briefly, in a kneeling position. The new version created for the Spectre will appear on all future models. The current design will still be used on Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan and their Black Badge alter egos where applicable.

*The fully electric Spectre will make its debut in 2023 and it will be the most aerodynamic Roll-Royce ever designed for sale.*

“The Spirit of Ecstasy is the most famous and desirable automotive mascot in the world. More than just a symbol, she is the embodiment of our brand, and a constant source of inspiration and pride for the marque and its clients. Like our brand, she has always moved with the times while staying true to her nature and character. In her new form she is more streamlined and graceful than ever before – the perfect emblem for the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, and for gracing the prow of our bold electric future,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Pushing prototypes to the limits – and having fun as well

The engineers who have to test prototypes go all over the world to places with extreme environments. Their job is to see how the future model will perform in the toughest conditions on the planet and collect data that will help them ensure reliability and durability. Much of the time, the work can be monotonous as it’s not a joy-ride and the vehicles must be driven in specific ways… and not always at high speeds.

For Polestar’s engineers, there are occasions when they must enjoy their work, especially when within the Arctic Circle where the company’s intense winter testing programme runs for 15 weeks from December to March every year. Teams of engineers pushing prototypes to the limits in harsh conditions that can be as low as -35 degrees C.

It’s not just components that are tested but also the prototype’s driving dynamics. “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer who has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme environment.

“With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyse the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favourite place to develop cars,” he revealed.

To exhibit this expertise, and being a rally driver in his spare time with numerous trophies to his name, Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version that brings winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time.

The base car, a Polestar 2 Long-range Dual motor with Performance Pack, has several specific modifications. The ride height is higher (+30 mm), with increased power and torque output (350 kW and 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tyres, each having 4 mm metal studs (490 per tyre). These give the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the mechanical credentials to be quick and agile on snow and ice.

In combination with springs that are 30% softer, the 3-way performance Ohlin’s dampers, specially designed and tuned for this car together with Ohlins, are set to 9 clicks front and rear and feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. The standard 4-piston Brembo front brakes are good enough, so they are retained without changes.

The front bumper has a carbonfibre skid plate for additional under-body protection. The front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. A new prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. And just in case the drivers get stuck in snow far away, a carbonfibre snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car as well.

Visually, rally inspiration has seen the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, there are custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal with Swedish gold branding.

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said a happy Rydholm, adding that the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a one-time-only showpiece there are no production plans.

For GWM’s customers, a L.E.M.O.N. vehicle is a good to have

It’s not explained how or why Great Wall Motors (GWM) chose to name its technology platform L.E.M.O.N, a name which has a negative meaning when associated with cars. But since it appeared in the third generation of the Chinese company’s Haval H6 SUV in 2020, the platform has been widely publicised in positive terms.

The platform has been developed in-house by GWM and light weight (that could be what the ‘L’ stands for in L.E.M.O.N.) is one of its strong points. In addition to having an all-aluminium body to reduce vehicle weight, there is also a hot-stamped one-piece door ring solution to further cut the kilograms. More significantly, some new models used more than 75% of high-strength steel as well.

The lightweight aspect cannot be understated and to achieve it, GWM engineers made structural improvements, adjusting the material arrangement path and fully improving the torsion resistance and roof crush strength.

At the inception phase of the project, GWM took advantage of simulation topology and MDO (multidisciplinary design) to identify the most effective material arrangement path that meets performance needs like safety and rigidity. After fully improving the body structure, the L.E.M.O.N. Platform was strengthened by using different materials according to the load conditions at different places.

*Instead of traditional spot welding of separate parts, the door structure is an integrated hot stamped part.*

Traditional spot-welding spliced door ring is replaced by integrated hot stamping door ring, which helps remove the centralized collision stress at the joint position along the force transferring path, reduce the body intrusion in the collision, and improve the passenger safety in 25% small overlapping collision conditions.

This obviously has significant benefits in terms of safety and the L.E.M.O.N. Platform has been engineered with this as one of the objectives. GWM engineers have made sure it will be suitable for global application, in Germany where there are no speed limits as well as in the Middle East where the environment is extremely hot.

It can also achieve NCAP 5-star ratings and meet the highest rating of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in North America. The 360° panoramic image system is used to protect drivers’ safety that can provide a high-definition display without blind areas to users, helping them observe surrounding road conditions and ensure all-around driving safety.

The platform can be used with four types of powertrains – Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Hybrid, Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric. The hybrid electric powertrain is available in both DHT and P2/P2+P4 architectures. The DHT architecture is more suitable for urban commuting because of longer endurance mileage and low energy consumption. For example, the HAVAL H6 Hybrid with this architecture has a fuel-saving rate of 48 – 50%, with a pure electric endurance mileage of 200 kms, it is claimed.

*Latest Haval H6 SUV is one of the models sold globally which sits on the L.E.M.O.N. platform.*

Regardless of the powertrain used, a lighter vehicle will definitely provide benefits in terms of fuel efficiency. GWM’s extensive tests show that if a car’s kerb weight is decreased by 100 kgs, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometres can decrease by 0.3 litre – 0.6 litre. Additionally, the studies also found that carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by about 5 gms per kilometre.

This has been proven with the latest Haval H6 which has had a 100-kg drop in weight compared to the previous generation. Its fuel economy has improved by 14.5%, with fuel consumption per 100 kilometres down to 6.6 litres. If a driver travels 30,000 kms a year, fuel-savings could be 180 litres.

Needless to say, a light vehicle will have better straightline performance and a weight reduction of 10% can see acceleration improving by 8%, while the braking distance can decrease by 5%.

*Ora Goodcat also rides on the L.E.M.O.N. platform.*

Currently, the models built on the L.E.M.O.N. Platform are latest Haval H6, Dargo, Jolion and ORA Goodcat, all of which are being sold globally.

Piston.my

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