As I was working on this newsletter at 5 am yesterday morning, I heard a very unfamiliar sound and I immediately ceased what I was doing.  It was a chirping sound.  Was it birds perhaps?  Is it almost springtime?  Nah, can’t be.

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“Just stopping off for a quick breather, kid. Old Mack needs a rest.”

-Mack from Cars

EV Headlines

Mack Trucks launched its Mack MD Electric, its first electric vehicle in the medium-duty segment, during the National Truck Equipment Association 2023 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The MD Electric, which will be produced at Roanoke Valley Operations in Virginia,  will be produced in both Class 6 and Class 7 ratings and both will be exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax.

The MD Electric’s three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor and all on-board accessories are powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries sized at 150 kWh or 240 kWh and can be charged through AC or DC charging units.

In Other EV News

  • How about a Fisker with over 300 miles of range?  How about a Fisker with over 300 miles of range and a starting price of $29,900.  This might become a reality with the Fisker Pear.
  • Clear your calendar in March, it’s almost here.  Kia has released teaser video clips of the exterior design of its upcoming electric SUV, the Kia EV9. The videos showcase the vehicle’s sleek silhouette with the EV9 set to be revealed in mid-March, with product information to be disclosed during the Kia EV9 World Premiere in late March.
  • Despite grappling with production challenges that caused a temporary halt in the production of its Endurance electric pickup – only six vehicles have been produced – Lordstown Motors had over $220 million in cash reserves by the end of 2022.  Lordstown has begun a pivot to a new EV program that will incorporate Foxconn, which invested $52 million.
  • Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that could lead to more powerful, longer-lasting, and less expensive lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The new material conducts both electrons and ions, enhancing battery life, stability, and high charge/discharge rates.

Autonomous Snapshots

Ever had a car repossessed?  I haven’t and I hope you haven’t either.  In the hopefully unlikely event you are in that position, Ford may have a new way of repossessing cars with a new patent they’ve been granted.

Essentially, the patent outlines a system that would allow a car to be repossessed remotely if the owner has defaulted on payments. The system would start with disabling the air conditioning and radio, followed by audio being activated to emit an unpleasant sound, and eventually escalating to vehicle lockouts and repossession. Oh, and the repossession may involve the car driving itself to a designated location.

However, it’s important to note that while the patent was granted earlier this year, there is no indication that Ford is actively pursuing the development of this technology at this time.

More News

For more Electric Vehicle News and Autonomous Vehicle News, check out the rest of the free newsletter.

Peak EV Solutions is the only company in Colorado that is 100% focused on electric vehicle charger installation, replacement, and maintenance. We service all of the greater Denver area and front range.