VW ID.4 review, Audi Q6 E-Tron preview, Lexus RX PHEV, Trump EV tariff: The Week in Reverse

Which automaker recalled practically 150,000 U.S. EVs?

Which technology buys probably the most EVs?

That is our look again on the Week In Reverse—proper right here at Inexperienced Automobile Studies—for the week ending March 22, 2024.

A first drive of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, with a vastly higher infotainment interface and slightly extra acceleration punch complementing an in any other case already nice set of attributes, confirmed us that the ID.4 is now the opening act for trendier VW EVs that it was initially alleged to be. 

2025 Audi SQ6 E-Tron

In a preview drive of the 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron, we noticed the promise in Audi’s first absolutely conceived, finest executed EV—thanks partly to the brand new PPE platform it shares with the Porsche Macan EV.

Inexperienced Automobile Studies additionally drove the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ and located it to have a usable electric-only vary and comfy journey however quite costly and unimpressive in its infotainment interface. 

BMW Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse X idea

BMW supplied a primary have a look at one other idea previewing its subsequent technology of EVs. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X is an electrical SUV anticipated for manufacturing as quickly as 2025 and constructed on an 800-volt structure, offering super-fast charging and a bidirectional charging toolkit. 

DOE and EPA guidelines finalized this week give automakers slightly extra flexibility in complying with pending guidelines for mannequin years 2027 to  2032. The EPA estimates it will take about 56% EVs by 2032, together with a minimum of 13% plug-in hybrids.  

Rivian NACS adapter

Rivian has confirmed that in April it can begin transport the NACS adapters that may, with interface updates, enable homeowners to plan road trips with Tesla Supercharger stations as waypoints. It additionally practically doubles the variety of fast-chargers Rivian drivers can entry by way of the interface. 

Because it seeks to promote down a list of about 4,700 autos, Fisker has paused production of its Ocean EV. In the meantime, it confirmed “a financing dedication” of as much as $150 million, stated it continues to barter with one other automaker—reportedly Nissan—over a strategic partnership, and is pursuing a franchised-dealership mannequin.

Fisker Ocean

Shell introduced this week that it’s planning to shed some gas stations in favor of EV charging. It additionally introduced that it plans to broaden the variety of EV chargers it operates from 54,000 right this moment to 200,000 by 2030.

A lately filed GM patent software means that the automaker is contemplating battery cells with Lego-like shapes which may enable simpler cooling in battery-pack configurations. It’s unclear whether or not or not such an concept is critical, as GM is within the midst of ramping up large-format pouch cells for its Ultium EV household and has dedicated to cylindrical cells for some future EVs. 

2024 Genesis GV60

Almost 150,000 EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis were recalled within the U.S. earlier this week over an electronics situation that might trigger 12-volt batteries to fail whereas driving. It follows a global recall and is over the identical element that might end in a sudden lack of drive energy. 

Former President Donald Trump stated that he’ll apply a tariff of 100% to cars made in Mexico by Chinese companies for U.S.-market sale, he stated in a marketing campaign speech Saturday. Trump additionally appeared once more to deride electrical autos as quick on vary and too costly. 

Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient EQXX desert run

In a brand new Saudi Arabian desert EV range and efficiency run of its EQXX design and engineering idea, Mercedes-Benz has proven substantial beneficial properties not simply from the usage of a next-generation warmth pump but in addition from a photo voltaic roof—an indication there could also be hope in any case for the characteristic in future fashions from the luxurious model. 

And is there a generational hole in EV curiosity? As new knowledge from Experian has proven, Gen X and Millennials buy the most EVs—at a time when Child Boomers dominate coverage.

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