AD #3520 – EV Pickup Owners Use Trucks Differently; GM’s Ultra Cruise Requires 15 Sensors; Lambo Upgrades Its Hybrid
March 7th, 2023 at 12:03pm
Listen to “AD #3520 – EV Pickup Owners Use Trucks Differently; GM's Ultra Cruise Requires 15 Sensors; Lambo Upgrades Its Hybrid” on Spreaker.
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Runtime: 10:58
0:00 Tesla Mexico Progressing at Lightning Speed
0:44 EV Pickup Owners Use Trucks Differently
1:32 GM’s Ultra Cruise Requires 15 Sensors
3:15 New Kona EV Has 300 Miles of Range
4:32 Hyundai Introducing Automatic Suspension System
5:41 Audi Wants To Recycle Old Cars Into New Ones
6:37 Mercedes Opens New Battery Recycling Plant
7:53 Honda AV Helps Make Work Easier
8:54 Lambo Upgrades Hybrid to 1,000HP
10:03 New Renault Espace Claims Largest Glass Roof
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TESLA’S NEW MEXICO PLANT PROGRESSING AT LIGHTNING PACE
Tesla announced plans to build a plant in Mexico last week and it might not be too long before cars are rolling down the assembly line. Reuters reports that Tesla is close to receiving the permits it needs to break ground on the plant, which will be located near Monterrey, and it could start as early as this month. And according to a Mexican government official Tesla could start building vehicles at the plant as early as next year. Tesla is investing $5 billion to open the plant and in the future the site may also produce chips and batteries.
EV PICKUP OWNERS USE TRUCKS DIFFERENTLY
Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning is attracting a different buyer than the traditional ICE version of the truck. And they’re also using the pickup differently too. According to customer survey data collected by Ford, Lightning owners are more likely to use the bed than an ICE owner. 74% of Lightning owners say they use the truck for home projects at least once a month, compared to 50% of regular F-150 owners. Nearly half of Lightning owners go camping once a month, while 40% of ICE owners do so. And finally, more than half of Lightning buyers are coming from a non-pickup vehicle, compared to just a third of F-150 buyers.
GM’s ULTRA CRUISE REQUIRES 15 SENSORS
General Motors revealed more details of its Ultra Cruise hands-free driving system that debuts on the Cadillac Celestiq. It will provide destination-to-destination driving and GM says it will do 95% of the driving. For that last 5%, driver’s will have to get onto the street or when arriving at the destination, say the entrance to where you work or the parking entrance to a shopping mall, the driver has to take over again. The system should handle the rest. GM says that over time Ultra Cruise will work on almost every paved road in the U.S. and Canada, including city streets, subdivisions and rural roads, as well as highways. And it will deal with traffic signs and signals. The system is bristling with sensors, including seven cameras, four short range radars, three long-range radars, and a LiDAR located behind the windshield. Ultra Cruise is hands-free but not eyes-off. So we think it is still classified as a Level 2 system.
NEW KONA EV HAS 300 MILES OF RANGE
Hyundai pulled the wraps off the new Kona back in December, which we think took styling inspiration from the Seven Concept, and now we’re starting to get some specs on the crossover. It’s longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model and it’s available with an ICE, hybrid or pure electric setup. All the details we’re getting today are on the EV. It’s based on a 400 volt architecture and comes in either standard or long-range variants. Standard range comes with a 48.4 kWh battery pack, while the long range is 65.4 kWh and provides an estimated 490 kilometers or 304 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. Both are single motor 2-wheel drive setups. Now let’s shift to the interior, which features a layered dashboard and a surprising amount of knobs and buttons for a modern vehicle. It also comes with dual 12.3 inch displays and the shift selector has been moved from the center console to behind the steering wheel, which was done to clear up space. Production of the new Kona will kick off before the end of the year.
HYUNDAI INTRODUCING AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Speaking of Hyundai, it’s coming out with a new suspension system that will automatically adjust itself. Unlike air suspension systems, Hyundai’s Electronic Leveling Control system uses an electric hydraulic pump to control the height of the vehicle from all four wheels up to 6 cm or about 2.3 inches. So, it sounds more like Citroen’s old hydro-pneumatic system, but we’re not sure if each wheel can be controlled individually. It works by detecting changes to ride height as well as vehicle speed and weight to properly set the level. Owners can also manually adjust the height. Hyundai says this could help protect batteries under EVs, lower ride height for better aerodynamics and performance or to make entering or exiting a vehicle easier. It doesn’t say when the system will be out, only that it will be available soon. And in the future it could be tied into the front facing camera and navigation so it can make adjustments to the suspension before the vehicle ever encounters what’s in front of it.
AUDI WANTS TO RECYCLE OLD CARS INTO NEW ONES
More and more automakers are working to improve sustainability in order to reduce their environmental impact. Currently, most new vehicles don’t use materials recycled from old cars but Audi wants to change that. It’s participating in a pilot project to reuse steel, aluminum, plastic and glass from vehicles at the end of their lifecycle. The goal is to recycle those materials, so they can be used to produce new vehicles, without sacrificing quality. It’s now putting some of the things it learned from the test into practice. It was able to successfully create steel coils from recycled steel, which will be used to create 15,000 inner door parts for the A4. And Audi will now design parts and components, so they can be sorted more easily during end-of-life recycling.
MERCEDES OPENS NEW BATTERY RECYCLING PLANT
And in other recycling news, Mercedes-Benz broke ground on a battery recycling facility in Germany. The first stage of the plant will start by the end of this year and once it’s all up and running, the site will be able to dismantle batteries at the module level as well as shred, dry and process battery materials. It will use a hydrometallurgy recycling process, which is able to recover more than 96% of the materials. The plant will have an annual capacity of 2,500 metric tons and recover enough materials to produce more than 50,000 battery modules for Mercedes’ EQ models.
HONDA AV HELPS MAKE WORK EASIER
Honda continues to develop its Autonomous Work Vehicle or AWV that it first showed off several years ago. It’s now in its third-generation and is designed to move materials and supplies at construction worksites to help improve productivity. The AWV uses GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and cameras for remote monitoring. Or it can also be operated with a remote control. New features for the third-gen include increased bed size to two pallets and larger maximum loading capacity of 2,000 pounds. It can now travel up to 10 MPH autonomously and it features a larger battery, which increased its operating time up to 10 hours. That’s roughly the equivalent of 28 miles of range depending on how it’s being used. Honda plans to commercialize the AWV but it still needs improvement, which requires more real-world tests.
LAMBO UPGRADES HYBRID TO 1,000HP
Lamborghini plans to come out with its first EV in 2028, but is upgrading its hybrids in the meantime. Its first hybrid, the Sian, debuted several years ago and features a V12 engine paired to a 48-volt electric motor, which combined for over 800 horsepower. But its new version is a plug-in hybrid setup that pairs its V12 with 3 electric motors that combine for about 1,000 horsepower of all-wheel drive fun. The 6.5L V12 is bolted to a new 8-speed dual clutch transmission that features an integrated electric motor, which can drive the rear wheels. The other two motors are in the front of the car and can drive the front wheels independently. A small 3.8 kWh battery with pouch cells is mounted in the transmission tunnel and can be charged directly by the V12 engine. It almost sounds like an Acura NSX on steroids. Lambo is only revealing the codename of the vehicle right now, LB744, but it’s likely to be a version of the Aventador or Huracan.
NEW RENAULT ESPACE CLAIMS BIGGEST GLASS ROOF
Renault has started teasing its all-new Espace, which will debut on March 28th, but it showed a teaser image that reveals the largest paneless glass roof that will be on the market. It’s 1.3 meters long by 84 cm wide or 4.3 feet by 2.7 feet. Renault says now every passenger will have a brighter interior and therefore a more pleasurable driving experience.
But that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thanks for tuning in.
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Comments (18)
March 7th, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Sean; When will you be back into your studio? Its been a while.
The Ford Lightning stats were surprising on the surface. Cause I could see the DIYer wanting one for home projects where they can plug a circular saw or Mitersaw into the bed of the truck and keep the mess outside. The camping stat of 10% more going camping though leaves out some very important parts. 1) Are they tent camping and taking everything in the bed. 2) Are they camping at a seasonal site where the trailer is parked all summer? 3) Are they actually towing anything? 4) How far away are they camping from home? Answer those 4 questions and I doubt the Lightning stats are still as impressive.
March 7th, 2023 at 12:47 pm
I hope you get more information on the Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle. It sounds good in theory, but I am curious how they determine where it needs to go. On a construction site with no real roads or paths the route could be quite complicated. They get pretty rutted and muddy and that didn’t look very off-road capable. Not to mention the route could change throughout the day/week. Plus on most construction sites material is dropped typically in the best location for point of use so just trying to think of what would be moved around a site. Best use I could envision is brick layers typically have the sand mortar and mixer in one location and brick or blocks set around the building. So delivering mix could be a good use. I just wonder if it requires a set path to be put in place or if this AWV will find its way around obstacles. Or maybe they are thinking construction of like a factory and this traveling on a large concrete slab. Interesting either way.
March 7th, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Interesting that Renault is showing off that huge sunroof in the Espace, just as Tesla announces that they will no longer offer sunroofs because customers don’t use them.
March 7th, 2023 at 1:00 pm
The new Kona is a nice styling execution, inside and out. Two nits though: No idea what is on the center of the steering wheel, but its not a Hyundai logo. Also, very disappointing that they could not find a better way to integrate the charging door on the front of the vehicle. It looks like a total afterthought and kinda ruins the otherwise sleek and modern front appearance.
March 7th, 2023 at 1:00 pm
The stats on pickup trucks confirms what we all suspected; many if not most people drive pickups because they want to, not because they have to. No problem in making the choice, just no need to be defensive. I bought it because I want it.
The concept of Personal Carbon Footprint was invented by BP to take the pressure off them.
March 7th, 2023 at 1:32 pm
5 Actually the reason why people buy trucks would require a survey with their answers answering that question. Rather than a quick survey asking do you regularly tow or haul. That only answers the obvious reason to buy a truck. As mentioned here many times some people that own campers or boats and may only tow them 8-10 times a year. But they need a truck or large SUV to do that. Its hard to justify buying a 50K truck to park it and only use those 10 times a year. So yes the other 355 days of the year they tow and haul nothing. Its still hauls the family around and gets them to work and when they want to leave for a week with the boat they can.
Just saying I dont think its as simple as they make it sound when they do these surveys. Rather than ask how often they haul or tow. Ask why they bought a truck and results will be very clear. I would bet less than 10% buy a truck just because they wanted one. They are too expensive to not have a need, even if they need is only 10 times a year.
March 7th, 2023 at 1:58 pm
6 I realize that it’s a sample of only 10 or so, but the vast majority of pickup truck owners I know bought them “because they like trucks.” They never tow. A van would work much better for what they haul, because they wouldn’t need aftermarket covers, toppers, lids, etc. to create closed space. I think it’s partly, or maybe largely the “image” with many of them. They are too macho to be seen driving a minivan, or a midsize CUV.
I know a couple in Florida that have two vehicles, a Tahoe and a Silverado. They never haul or tow anything, and they only rarely have more than two people in the vehicles. They just “like” big trucks.
As far as the Lightning, those that use them for camping must either tent camp, or if they use a big trailer, either they camp close to home, or they don’t mind making frequent, extended stops, and in most cases, unhitching the trailer to charge.
Yes, I buy sports cars because I like them, not because the make sense.
March 7th, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Regarding yesterday’s discussion about Tesla going to 48 volts for their low voltage power, does anyone here know how they will do it? Will they have a 48 volt battery? Will they regulate down to 48 volts from the big battery? Will they “tap into” part of the big battery?
March 7th, 2023 at 2:10 pm
The lightning is a toy truck worse than a 70s mini truck was. Do yourselves a favor and watch the Fast Lane Truck on youtube . The Lightning’s lack of range is stunning for the price. I looked at one Sunday on the lot while searching for a maverick to look at. They had a Anti-Matter Blue lariat for the low low bargain price of $91,484 . With that price you get a advertised range of 240 miles providing it’s 75F with a tail wind. Load this thing down and the range absolutely falls into the abyss. FLT did a test with a Lightning and gas F150 with the same appointments towing identical empty enclosed toy hauler trailers . They struggled to get 80 miles of range between charges . meanwhile the gasser has double the range on a tank and can be refiled in minutes not hour(s). They are perfect for people who don’t really go that far , 90K + yeah no thanks . I’ll stick with my 98 F150
March 7th, 2023 at 2:22 pm
So what happens when that Ultra cruise tries to take you down a closed road due to construction or will it be like idiots that follow GPS into rivers ?
March 7th, 2023 at 2:32 pm
I would imagine tent camping with a lightning would be great! Especially if you’re off the beaten path. Having a 120V outlet to run a fan, lights and maybe even a hotplate. That feature would certainly be useful. I just question how big the market is for people that can buy afford a Lightning and still tent camp. The portable power packs are pretty popular which is sorta what you’re getting. (wow that was a lot of “P”s)
March 7th, 2023 at 2:41 pm
I’m not surprised by the results of the truck survey based on the way the questions were asked. Of course 1st time truck owners will explore their new-found functionality… whereas repeat truck owners may have already done some of the projects claimed by the newbies.
March 7th, 2023 at 3:25 pm
4 ++
7 I think as people age they want to feel safer and safer and big vehicles give you that feeling of being safe out on the road, whether that is true or not.
March 7th, 2023 at 3:30 pm
A number of my friends trailer camp at the same place each year. They tow the trailer to their seasonal spot and it stays till they tow it to the storage shed. Camping doesn’t always mean you’re peripatetic.
March 7th, 2023 at 4:37 pm
9 The Lightning will tow a big trailer, but not very far. Time will tell how the market sorts out when BEV pickups are widely available and competition brings prices down. I can see them being used by contractors who make short trips towing equipment to local jobs, and charge overnight. Then, there is the majority of pickup buyers who tow and haul nothing. They would work for their commutes, but until prices come down, I don’t see a big market. Those who do extended trips towing anything will want ICErs for some time to come. A friend works in the motor home business, and they aren’t seeing much interest in BEVs.
March 7th, 2023 at 7:01 pm
How many individuals would spend $75-90K for a pickup or SUV to do serious heavy construction type work and it not be a heavy duty work truck? Not many! The Lightning at that price is in most cases a recreation/personal use vehicle. As has been mentioned, while the ICE F-150 can be refueled in minutes, the BEV can be charged at home. And while the range of the Lightning is not as great as the F-150, it doesn’t matter how quickly you can refuel the ICE version, if your on ‘E’ and out in the boondocks, miles away from a gas station, you will still have range anxiety! That’s the thing that doesn’t make since to me, people act like no one has ever ran out of fuel with an ICE vehicle! Whether you drive a BEV or ICE vehicle, planning your trips around how much fuel you have or will consume is a must! I drive a 2020 single cab F-150 at work, which when fueled up, said that it can travel 400 miles on a tank, but it only gets according to its onboard mileage tracker, 14 miles to the gallon. I drive about 50 miles a day, never tow and the equipment that’s kept in the bed, is only light work for the truck. Our division has two other F-150’s and there about 50 other like vehicles in different divisions of the department we are in. If all of those vehicles were replaced by Lightnings, Rivians, Silverado EVs or Ram 1500 REVs, no one would skip a beat and be none the wiser! We could all go about three or four days without recharging and charge over night with a few chargers, if we rotated our vehicles time a charging stations.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:49 am
16 I think it does matter how quickly you can recharge vs refuel. If the Lightning is designed around personal light duty use. (obviously since its a 150 and not a HD or work truck 250+) If you are in say Middle Ohio (Columbus) and you want to go camping in Mackinaw city Michigan towing your camper. Thats about 465 miles one way.
Towing with your ICE you only get 10 mpg so you need to get gas @ every 225 miles. That takes 10 minutes. Its a 6 hour 44 min drive plus 20 min for gas = 7 hours 4 min. You can leave Friday morning at 8am and be there by 3:00 in the afternoon.
Towing with a Lightning you get 90 miles of range and need to stop 6 times to recharge. Each charge assuming you can find on your trip and are quick chargers you can fill in one hour then you just added 6 hours to your 6:44 min drive =12 hours and 44 minutes. You leave at 8am and arrive at almost 9pm you get to set up camp in the dark.
Plus on your little weekend getaway you have wasted 12 hours charging instead of vacationing at your location. You arrive late on Friday and will need to leave early on Sunday to be home at a decent time Sunday night. Thats where it makes a difference. Yes the daily short range use would be perfect for the Lightning but if you have any chance of traveling I would think using it would be miserable.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:28 am
16) I have driven all over the USA in every single direction and in every single state. Not once have I planned my trips around fuel station locations. Not even once. It is simply not a concern. There are areas where gas stations are few and far between; but for most trips that is not the case. On the road to Alaska there is a spot that you better bring gas cans as there are zero gas stations for several hundred miles. Note though, you can bring gas cans. You cannot, for example, bring a spare battery to make it to the destination on that road.