Tag Archives: Electric vehicles

The government is investigating why Tesla drivers can play solitaire at the wheel

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is officially looking into the “driver distraction potential” of Tesla’s “Passenger Play” system, which drivers say allows them to play games while on the road. 

A spokesperson for NHTSA told Popular Science Wednesday it has now opened a “Preliminary Evaluation” to “evaluate the scenarios” in which Tesla drivers can interact with the gaming offerings available on the dashboard screen. The vehicles included in this investigation are Tesla Models 3, S, X, and Y from years 2017 through 2022. The Associated Press, which first reported on the NHTSA evaluation, says this equates to about 580,000 cars. 

According to a report from the New York Times on December 7, three new games were added to Tesla’s dashboard screens in a virtual update this summer, including solitaire, a “jet fighter game,” and a “conquest strategy game.” While more than a dozen games were previously available while the car was in park, this update also made games accessible when the vehicle was in drive. Before launching, the games ask for confirmation that the player is a passenger, not the driver, The Verge found, but the driver could still tap the confirmation button to proceed. 

The Times report cited Vince Patton, a Tesla owner who filed a complaint to NHTSA after discovering the feature and had safety concerns, as well as videos on YouTube that show how the system works. NHTSA confirmed to Popular Science that it received one owner complaint about the games. In the report from the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, there are no recorded incidents of crashes or injuries related to the game system’s use.

“NHTSA based its decision on reports that Tesla’s gameplay functionality is visible from the driver’s seat and can be enabled while driving the vehicle,” the NHTSA spokesperson said to Popular Science in an emailed statement about the agency’s choice to formally look into the issue. Previously, NHTSA told the Times it was “discussing the feature with the manufacturer.”

This probe comes less than two weeks after NHTSA told CNBC it was in communication with Tesla over an Autopilot glitch and as the agency continues to investigate multiple serious accidents involving Teslas hitting emergency vehicles while in Autopilot mode. The NHTSA spokesperson said that, as a reminder, there are no commercially available vehicles today that can totally drive themselves.

“Every available vehicle requires the human driver to be in control at all times, and all State laws hold the human driver responsible for the operation of their vehicles,” the spokesperson added. 

Ford Partners with CARB to Secure Green EV Charging

Charging is key to the transition to electric vehicles and while more chargers are one the way, Ford Motor Co. is launching a new program to ensure the juice needed to run an EV does not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases. 

Ford debuts 2020 Escape PHEV
Ford’s program can be used by current owners of the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and Escape PHEV.

With help of one auto industry’s traditional foes, the California Air Resource Board, Ford is beginning what it describes as a “sustainable charging program,” which allows owners of plug-in electric vehicles in California to opt for only carbon-neutral charging at home.  

“Ford’s electric vehicle customers are beginning to realize all the possibilities associated with their vehicles and sustainable energy management,” said Matt Stover, director of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Co.

“By working with regulators, utilities and customers for home integration services, we’re enabling EV drivers to lower their carbon footprints, potentially save money and help protect the grid, all through their smartphones.” 

California-based owners of all current Ford all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E, the E-Transit and the Escape PHEV, plus the F-150 Lightning coming in 2022, are eligible for the program. 

Ford green charging California graphic

Only green energy wanted 

The idea is to only use electricity made with renewable sources rather than oil, gas or coal, reducing the carbon footprint of the energy used to power the vehicles.  

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, recently noted the ability of electric vehicles to limit emissions of greenhouse gases is blunted if the energy powering them comes from fossil fuels, such as oil. Other critics of EVs note EVs cannot deter climate change if they are dependent on electric grid powered by fossil fuels.  

Ford plans to participate in CARB’s “Low Carbon Fuel Standard,” which will offer customers a new way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change by matching the use of electricity used to charge plug-in electric vehicles at home with 100% local renewable energy, the automaker said. 

CARB, which has control of air quality standards throughout California, has long warred with automakers about emissions. Significant health concerns, created by automotive-related air pollution in Southern California, have given CARB enormous influence over emission standards not only across California but also across the United States. 

Ford Sustainable Charging web page

Program uses a phone app to find green energy 

Under the program, owners of eligible plug-in electric vehicles connect to the program through the FordPass app. 

Once enrolled, the FordPass app automatically tracks the amount of electricity used while charging at home. Ford generates, or buys, an equivalent amount of California-sourced Renewable Energy Certificates, an EPA-recognized program that records the generation and usage of green energy. 

Ford then sends evidence of the matching amounts to CARB, ensuring that all home plug-in charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity. 

Ford is investing more than $30 billion in electric vehicles and batteries through 2025. The push supports the company’s longer-term goal of creating a sustainable American manufacturing ecosystem, and to accelerate its progress towards achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050. Overall, Ford expects 40% to 50% of its global vehicle volume to be fully electric by 2030.

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Toyota is finally charging ahead with its electric vehicle plans

Electric cars are resculpting the world. While gasoline still reigns supreme, vehicles propelled by battery power are quickly becoming the way forward for many automakers—including Toyota, which finally revealed its overwhelming support for electrification with 15 brand new battery-powered concept cars.

On Tuesday, CEO Akio Toyoda took to the stage at a media briefing in Tokyo to reveal the automaker’s future EV strategies across the Toyota and Lexus brands. During the CEO’s time in the spotlight, he revealed plans to electrify a whopping 30 new and existing models over the next decade. And while the name of the game is green energy and electric efficiency, the company is also pledging not to forget about vehicles for work and play.

Toyota’s literal curtain-dropping event resulted in the automaker showing off 15 new concept vehicles, all of which will be underpinned by Toyota’s much-needed commitment to electrification. Despite being the purveyor of the Prius, the company hasn’t necessarily been so keen on full electrification in the past. The automaker previously placed its bet on hydrogen power over battery-electric vehicles, which gave competitors like Volkswagen a bit of a head start in electric vehicle technology.

Leading the pack will be Toyota’s flagship brand, Lexus, which will offer an electrified version of every vehicle it sells in North America, Europe, and China by 2030. It will also axe the combustion engine completely in these markets by 2035. This begins with the launch of the Lexus RZ crossover in 2022, which is built on the same platform shared by the upcoming Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra.

[Related: Toyota and Subaru are teaming up for this spacious electric SUV concept]

Lexus will also launch electrified vehicles in at least three other segments, including a full-size SUV, a sedan, and a supercar that supposedly inherits some of the best driving characteristics from the legendary Lexus LFA—only with electric motors powering the wheels instead of a gas-gulping V10. Toyota didn’t reveal much about its electric supercar, but did hint that it would have more than 430 miles of range, a zero to 60 MPH time in the low-two-second neighborhood, and the possibility of solid-state battery tech.

The company will also launch a number of vehicles under the Toyota nameplate, including a number of crossovers and SUVs in all sizes (full-size, standard, and compact), plus an ultra-efficient small urban crossover, as well as a midsize sedan.

Toyota also previewed three niche concepts that feel like lifestyle vehicles. A sports coupe similar in styling to the Supra, a pickup truck, and a new take on the iconic off-road capable FJ Cruiser called the Compact Cruiser all made appearances on stage.

Presently, Toyota offers two pickups, the midsize Tacoma and full-size Tunda. The concept shown at the event likely previews a midsize pickup, given the Tacoma’s status as a top-seller in Toyota’s lineup. This would represent one of the first electrified pickups in the segment, as the currently-announced offerings from other automakers (like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T) are all full-size. It’s not yet clear if Toyota will have an offering in both segments as it transitions to battery power.

Finally, Toyota also showed off two futuristic van concepts that it calls the Micro Box and Mid Box. The names refer to the size, with the Micro Box the smaller of the two. The automaker didn’t reveal exactly how these two concepts might slot into its lineup, but it may possibly target commercial markets (like the Toyota e-Palette) or last-mile deliveries.

[Related: Toyota’s GR Yaris experiments with a hydrogen combustion engine]

Earlier this month, the automaker announced its plans to build a battery plant in North Carolina, a move which comes after a $3.4 billion pledge towards “automotive batteries” in the US throughout 2030. Toyota believes its gambit will help the company sell as many as 1.8 million electrified vehicles stateside (and 3.5 million globally) over the next decade.

And while these vehicles were all just concepts, the first modern and totally battery-powered car from Toyota we know about will be the 2022 Toyota bZ4X, which is expected to go on sale in the spring.

Watch the event, below:

[embedded content]

Hyundai Pony Heritage Becomes Design Studio Centerpiece

<img data-attachment-id=”1758876″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/hyundai-pony-heritage-ev-grille/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-10.png” data-orig-size=”980,553″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Hyundai Pony Heritage EV grille” data-image-description=”

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While automotive enthusiasts have mixed opinions on the cultural clout of electric vehicles, there’s one aspect of electrification that’s undeniably cool — the resto-mod potential. Despite the historic appeal of driving around in vintage automobiles, they’re often painfully slow with ridiculously long braking distances and a lack of standard features many people living today would deem unacceptable. If you don’t believe me, select a random friend and ask them to parallel park a car without power steering or automatic transmission. Chuck in maintenance costs that are often well above average and it’s little wonder why so many Baby Boomers have been spending their retirement years outfitting the classic-era (or older) cars they grew up with with modern conveniences and components.

But we’ve also started seeing manufacturers (and even some intrepid entrepreneurs) taking the foundational concepts of resto-modding and adding electric propulsion. Some executions even seem to be pushing the boundaries of what we could effectively call automotive restoration, like Hyundai’s Pony Heritage EV. 

<img data-attachment-id=”1758872″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/hyundai-pony-heritage-ev-profile/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-15.png” data-orig-size=”980,474″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Hyundai Pony Heritage EV profile” data-image-description=”

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Based on a first-generation Hyundai Pony hatchback (which the United States never saw), the Heritage utilizes a mystery electric powertrain and some new hardware without mucking up the Giorgetto Giugiaro/Italdesign bodywork. The car itself is supposed to be a tribute to Mr. Giugiaro and the brand’s first official product as much as it is a chance to show off what the current Hyundai design department can do — and it appears to be successful on all fronts.

Sadly, this makes it more of an art car (technically from the “Reflections in Motion” collection) than a conceptual design the manufacturer is mulling over for future production. The car has been completely gutted to make way for modern embellishments, with the interior getting a nearly complete overhaul. Rather than the traditional dashboard, Hyundai lead designer Hak Soo Ha directed staffers to install nixie tubes. While impractical, cathode displays could have made into production vehicles from the 1970s, assuming the manufacturer was unhinged enough to ignore their delicate nature.

<img data-attachment-id=”1758878″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/hyundai-pony-heritage-ev-front/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-21.png” data-orig-size=”980,553″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Hyundai Pony Heritage EV front” data-image-description=”

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Other upgrades include revamped upholstery and trim pieces, LED tail and headlamps, fender-mounted cameras (instead of mirrors), and some new bumpers, door pulls, and wheels.

According to Car & Driver, the Heritage EV has been serving as a focal point at one of Hyundai’s new design facilities in Busan, South Korea, and does double duty as a promotional tool for the Ioniq 5 — which was heavily inspired by the original Pony design that debuted at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. Despite the heavily doctored nature of the photographs, it’s a physical vehicle that can allegedly move under its own power.

<img data-attachment-id=”1758870″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/hyundai-pony-heritage-ev-interior/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-26.png” data-orig-size=”974,781″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Hyundai Pony Heritage EV interior” data-image-description=”

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Hyundai has made it clear that there’s no plan to put this thing into production, noting that the Ioniq 5 is already filling the space that a modern, regulations-compliant Pony EV would occupy. But we hope it serves to inform future automobiles, as this seems like the natural evolution of the modern-retro aesthetic that’s been catering to baby boomers (and those with an affinity for the classics) for over two decades.

While malaise era remakes don’t sound all that appetizing on paper, there’s a growing number of shoppers who grew up with (and now fetishize) digital displays and Speak & Spell vehicle notifications that are nearing their peak buying power. This old-meets-new, cyber vintage vehicle aesthetic could turn out to be wildly lucrative once more manufacturers realize there’s already a market for it.

<img data-attachment-id=”1758868″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/hyundai-pony-heritage-ev-lights-on/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-31.png” data-orig-size=”980,509″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Hyundai Pony Heritage EV lights on” data-image-description=”

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<img data-attachment-id=”1758880″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece/1975-hyundai-pony/” data-orig-file=”http://offroadtrucksxtreme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hyundai-pony-heritage-becomes-design-studio-centerpiece-5.jpg” data-orig-size=”957,656″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”1975 Hyundai Pony” data-image-description=”

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[Image: Hyundai]

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Harley-Davidson Hardwires Five-Year Growth Plan

HarleyThe bikes that made Milwaukee famous, Harley-Davidson, have rolled out Hardwire, their ambitious five-year plan to restore profitability and desirability to The Motor Company.

HarleyNot to set the bar too high, Harley-Davidson is hoping to increase profits and low double-digit earnings per share (EPS) by 2025. How do they plan to do this, given the graying of their audience, much like that for ’32 roadsters and ’55 Chevrolets?

Going at it a different way, according to Harley’s marketers, means using enhanced digital touch points to reach customers, including non-riders, through multiple channels. Well, they’re not straying to far from what they’ve done practically forever, investing in touring, large cruiser bike, and trike segments, but now they’re expanding into adventure touring and cruisers to augment their prior positioning.

So far, it’s not looking too promising, but the launch of Harley-Davidson Certified, a pre-owned Harley program much like that of almost every carmaker, is a good move. Many of their dealers were already selling used Harleys for nearly the price of a new bike, and in the case of some of the more desirable models, for more than the going price in either Kelly Blue Book or NADAguides. This might provide buyers of used Harleys with an extended warranty and a little peace of mind, beyond the dealer’s sleight of hand.

Global dominance is a lofty goal, and having been there before, Harley-Davidson is keen to make a return as a lifestyle brand and icon. Not only will the company push bikes worldwide, they’re going to use bike parts, accessories, and soft goods to springboard their renaissance. Redefining their footprint, Harley will tread in ten markets deemed most important to their success, although they didn’t define what those markets were during the press conference. E-motorcycles were deemed important to Harley’s future, and their commitment was restated, along with declaring that their LiveWire e-motorbike is the leader among plug-ins worldwide, likely a point of contention in India or China.

Spreading out the wealth, or perhaps the risk, Harley-Davidson is offering equity grants to its 4,500 employees, giving each of them an opportunity to own a bit of the bar and shield. In calling it a new approach to inclusive stakeholder management, this action was taken to recognize workers who  create and deliver their signature products.

Harley

Jochen Zeitz, Harley’s chairman, president, and CEO, said, “Harley-Davidson is the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world, backed by leading positions in the most profitable segments and a reinvigorated culture of performance, efficiency, focus and speed.”  In the hot seat only since May 7th, Zeitz was chairman and CEO of Puma, the German athletic shoe company from 1993 to 2011, remaining chairman of Puma after being appointed CEO of the sport and lifestyle division of Kering, the luxury goods firm. Without a doubt, Zeitz has the Powersports industry background needed to regain Harley-Davidson’s footing, not only as a motorcycle manufacturer, but as a much larger cultural icon.

[Images: Harley-Davidson]

Hyundai Ends Kona EV Sales in South Korea

Hyundai Kona EV

Hyundai Motor Company will end sales of its best-selling electric vehicle, the Kona EV, after a series of fires and faulty braking systems prompted mass recalls in South Korea.

According to Reuters, Hyundai was reviewing the end of Kona EV sales in South Korea, while an unidentified source said sales would continue in Europe. The Kona EV ranks among Europe’s best-selling EVs. Sales of the model outside its home market account for over three-quarters of the total.

Hyundai Kona EV

Hyundai declined to confirm the reports but told Reuters it is reviewing various options as it prepares to launch the Ioniq 5 mid-size crossover EV. In October, Hyundai recalled Kona EVs in South Korea due to the risk of short circuits possibly caused by faulty manufacturing of its high-voltage battery cells.

Hyundai Kona EV

On the Hyundai USA website, the Kona is touted as having an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles with zero emissions out of its 150-KW, 201 HP electric motor, hawked as the highest of any all-electric subcompact SUV. Loaded with intuitive tech like wireless device charging and head-up display, what the Kona EV apparently cannot do is put out the fires, nor warn you in advance if the regenerative brakes are going south.

Hyundai Kona EV

Here in the U.S., you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, and if you happen to reside in California, you may get a Clean Vehicle rebate of $2,000 if you own a Kona EV.

Hyundai Kona EV

The recall, which includes software updates and battery replacements after inspections, involves 25,564 Kona EVs built during September 2017 to March 2020. Hyundai has also recalled 50,864 Kona EV and Nexo fuel-cell vehicles in South Korea due to faulty electronic braking systems. Does this mean that Kona EVs will vanish from the U.S., or will the automaker continue selling them until that proposition goes up in smoke?

[Images: Hyundai]