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eVX – The Suzuki Vitara Of The Future

To show what its future direction is like, Suzuki is presenting its eVX concept model at India’s Auto Expo 2023 in Delhi this week. The eVX is the carmaker’s first global strategic electric vehicle (EV) which will be the basis of an all-new SUV model to be launched in 2025.

The design of the eVX draws on models like the Grand Vitara and S-Cross while moving the brand forward with new elements that brings its 4×4 legacy into the electric era. With no need for air to cool the radiator, the front end is closed off and a large Suzuki badge is mounted in the centre. The futuristic lights are likely to be just for the showcar as they would unlikely be able to meet regulations.

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Mercedes-Benz To Develop Global High-Power Charging Network

In order for electric vehicles (EVs) to be more readily adopted, not only do they need to cost less but the issue of the charging network has to be addressed. The liquid fuel network around the planet where you can find somewhere to refuel – in the desert or in the jungle – is the product of 100 years of development but charging stations are very recent. In fact, it’s only during this decade that the charging network has accelerated as more EVs began appearing on roads.

Ideally, governments should build the infrastructure but it is a costly exercise, so they are leaving it to the industry players to make the investments. On their part, governments typically offer incentives (like tax exemptions) to buyers to reduce the cost of purchasing an EV. So it is up to the carmakers to either build a network themselves or partner companies in the power supply business.

At CES 2023, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will launch a high-power charging network in key markets that include North America, Europe and China, starting with the USA and Canada this year. The aim is to have the full network in place before the end of the decade, when Mercedes-Benz intends to go all-electric wherever market conditions allow.

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Peugeot Inception Concept Begins New Era Of Electrification For The Brand

Concept cars used to be fanciful models created by carmakers to dazzle visitors at motorshows. They had amazing technologies and features but a lot was also for show as it was either to complex or too expensive to put into production models. These days though, concept cars serve to preview the next generation of models and much of the technology shown is already under development.

With the Inception Concept presented by Peugeot at CES 2023 (the Consumer Electronics Show), the French carmaker is giving a preview of what its future models in the electric era will be like, and what advanced features they will have.

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BMW i Vision Dee Previews Technologies And Features Of NEUE KLASSE Models

In the 1950s, carmakers displayed futuristic concept cars with amazing features that were expected to be available eventually – and many of those features are commonplace today. With the BMW i Vision Dee concept, the German carmaker is also showing the sort of technological features that can be expected in its cars – as early as 2025 in the NEUE KLASSE models.

NEUE KLASSE is a brand new platform for fully electric models which will appear from 2025. It represents the third phase of the carmaker’s electrification strategy. The platform’s name is inspired by the ‘Neue Klasse’ of the 1960s, when a new range of models was introduced between 1962 and 1977. The 21^st century NEUE KLASSE is, however, more than a vehicle platform as it encompasses new software architecture and promotes sustainability.

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Afeela – The EV Jointly Developed By Sony And Honda

Back in 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony displayed a concept car which was assumed to be just for the purpose of showing off its latest technologies. There was no indication the company wanted to start making cars as well and after the event, nothing more was heard. But during the 12 months until the next show – and it should be remembered the world was going through the COVID-19 pandemic – Sony actually had a running prototype and by CES 2021, it showed a short video of a car – known as Vision-S – being tested on public roads and on a test track in Austria.

At CES 2022, Sony revealed a SUV prototype as a second model and it became clear that the company, better known for its electronic devices, was moving into the mobility business. However, it sought a partner with automotive experience and that partner was Honda. The companies announced a joint-venture company called Sony Honda Mobility Inc (SHM) which would ‘engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services’.

“SHM strives to become a Mobility Tech Company that will pursue innovation in mobility by combining cutting-edge technology and passion along with people who pioneer the future with their creativity, based on our corporate purpose ‘Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations’,” said Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility (incidentally, Mr. Mizuno was a former Managing Director/CEO of Honda Malaysia 12 years ago).

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First Look At The Volkswagen ID.7… But It’s Still Camouflaged (w/VIDEO)

Although Volkswagen began selling its ID. range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2020 and 5 models to date, none of them is a sedan. The first was a hatchback (ID.3), followed by three crossover SUVs (ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6) and one MPV/minivan (ID.Buzz). During the second quarter of this year, the range will get its first sedan which is designated the ID.7. The sedan will be offered in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America.

The model is being previewed this week at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, USA, but like the ID.4 and ID.Buzz when they were first previewed before launch, the ID.7 also has camouflage that is somewhat unique.

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Season 3 Of Extreme E To Have New Locations In Scotland And The USA Or Brazil

Extreme E enters its third season in 2023, with the series heading to new locations for the first time and revisiting some of the 2022 favourites. Uniquely, this motorsport event is not just about competition over rough terrain but also aims to drive awareness of climate change issues. It promotes sustainability and competing vehicles run only on electricity.

The extent to which sustainability and minimal impact on the environment are pursued can be seen in the way the logistical aspects. Instead of using aircraft, a ship was specially converted for the purpose to carry the vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure to each location.

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Alpha Motor’s Montage Electric Coupe To Have 3,335 Nm Of Torque!

At many motorshows, there are the major carmakers who display their production and concept models and usually occupy the biggest floor spaces. And there are smaller companies which may have one model – often with a unique design – on display. Some of these small companies may have big plans and are hoping to draw interest from investors so they can commercialize their ideas, or they are hoping to get advance orders (and money) from customers so they have funding to proceed.

While many fade away, some are lucky to be able to get funding and move forward. They are the ‘start-ups’ which often have some new and innovative ideas or ‘disruptive’ strategies which they believe will ‘transform’ the market. And these days, the focus is on electric vehicles (EVs), which can use business models that differ from the traditional auto industry models.

One such company which appeared two years ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show was Alpha Motor Corporation which displayed interesting designs. The company had plans though they were vague and had a few concept models to show but no specific time-lines to provide. Their answers to media queries were also vague but that’s not unusual for start-ups which are just well, getting started. Furthermore, they would also want to keep things secret so rivals don’t know what they are really working on.

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Nissan Conducts More Stringent Testing For EVs (w/VIDEO)

Crash tests have long been an important part of vehicle development. Apart from regulatory requirements which have become more stringent over the years, the carmakers themselves have also been improving the protection occupants are provided with as new technologies have become available.

Now, with the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs), the manufacturers have also to take into consideration the presence of a high-voltage battery pack and many electrical systems. These too must be protected from damage in an accident.

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I-TYPE 6 – The Most Advanced And Efficient Electrically-Powered Jaguar Racing Car

The 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship sees an entirely new generation of all-electric single-seater racing cars, dubbed ‘Gen3’. This third generation of racing cars for the series, which has completed 8 seasons, will be the fastest and most advanced ever, designed and optimised specifically for street racing.

Among the entrants is the Jaguar TCS Racing team which will enter its new Jaguar I-TYPE 6, the most advanced and most efficient electrically-powered Jaguar racing car ever. Lighter, more powerful and faster than the Gen2 racing car used by the team in earlier seasons, the I-TYPE 6 will set new performance benchmarks for an all-electric racing car with a top speed of 322 km/h.

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