AD #3571 – Silverado EV Gets 450 Mile Range; Toyota Tacoma Gets Hybrid; Pitfalls with Battery Recycling
May 19th, 2023 at 12:00pm
Listen to “AD #3571 – Silverado EV Gets 450 Mile Range; Toyota Tacoma Gets Hybrid; Pitfalls with Battery Recycling” on Spreaker.
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Runtime: 11:21
0:00 Nio, Microsoft Invest in Nuclear Fusion
1:05 GM May Miss EV Sales Target
2:17 Hyundai-Kia Settle Class-Action Theft Lawsuit
3:15 Pitfalls with Battery Recycling
3:57 VW Wants PHEV For U.S. Market
5:16 Aston Martin to Launch 8 New Models
5:57 Silverado EV Gets 450 Mile Range
6:59 Toyota Tacoma Gets Hybrid
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This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
NIO, MICROSOFT INVEST IN NUCLEAR FUSION
Is nuclear fusion coming a lot sooner than we thought? Last week Microsoft committed to buying electricity from a US startup called Hel-ion, which is supposed to fire up a nuclear fusion reactor in 2028. And then earlier today, Chinese EV startup Nio announced it’s investing in a fusion company, also called Neo, though it’s spelled with an “e” not an “i.” That company is 50% owned by the provincial government in Anhui province in eastern China. Nio, the car company, and its investment arm, will own 30%. Nuclear fusion could go a long way to slashing carbon emissions. It produces carbon-free electricity with very little radioactivity with a half-life that’s measured in milliseconds. Contrast that to nuclear fission, which is what we use today. The waste from it is radioactive for millions of years.
GM MAY MISS EV SALES TARGET
Last year, General Motors said it secured the raw materials it needs to hit its goal of producing 1 million EVs in North America by 2025. But AutoForecast Solutions says GM is going to fall well short of that goal and will likely produce fewer than 600,000 EVs because it won’t be able to ramp up battery production in time to meet that target. GM is currently producing batteries in Ohio, next year it will open a second plant in Tennessee and in 2025 it will add a third battery plant in Lansing, Michigan. GM says those three facilities will have the capacity to produce 135 GWh, enough to build 1.35 million EVs a year. But AutoForecast says those plants will likely only reach 58-GWh by 2025, which is enough for 550,000 EVs. AutoForecast expects GM to produce 76,000 EVs in North America this year and 328,000 in 2024. Even so, GM says it’s still committed to its original target.
HYUNDAI-KIA SETTLE CLASS-ACTION THEFT LAWSUIT
Hyundai and Kia’s decision to not install engine immobilizers in millions of older models is going to be a costly one. The automakers are settling a consumer class action lawsuit that will cost them $200 million. The money will go towards owners who had their vehicles stolen and reimburse them for insurance increases related to the thefts. The automakers are also facing a lawsuit from insurance companies, who estimate that the thefts could cost them as much as $600 million. The companies were hit with a wave of thefts after videos on social media showed how to easily start cars without a key, since they lack the immobilizer. Nearly nine million older Hyundai and Kia’s do not have the device. The automakers issued a software fix earlier this year but it won’t cover all models. For those it can’t update, they’ll compensate owners who buy an anti-theft device.
PITFALLS WITH BATTERY RECYCLING
Uh-oh. Maybe LFP batteries aren’t such a good idea. Or even cell-to-pack battery packaging. Cell-to-pack makes it a lot harder to recycle batteries, and LFP isn’t nearly as profitable to recycle as batteries with nickel, manganese or cobalt. Those are some of the things we learned on yesterday’s Autoline After Hours with David Klanecky. He’s the CEO of Cirba Solutions, a company that’s already recycling EV batteries profitably. If you want to get up to speed quickly with what’s really going on with battery recycling, I highly recommend that you watch that show. You’ll learn more about battery recycling than most other people know.
VW WANTS PHEV FOR U.S. MARKET
While Volkswagen is committed to converting its lineup to electric vehicles, it’s considering adding a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. to help with the transition. The head of the VW Group in America, Pablo Di Si, told Automotive News that he’s considering bringing at least one PHEV to the American market because the charging network in the U.S. is still lagging. The VW Group already sells one plug-in in the U.S., the Audi Q5 e, which is built in Mexico. Di Si said that he would like to add a similar vehicle to the VW brand’s lineup. The Audi features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 17.9-kWh battery, which provides 23 miles of all-electric driving. Di Si did not say what vehicle could get the plug-in but Automotive News speculates that it would likely be the Tiguan or Atlas since crossovers account for 90% of VW’s sales in the U.S.
ASTON MARTIN TO LAUNCH 8 NEW MODELS
Yesterday we reported that Chinese automaker Geely is investing $300 million into Aston Martin. Today, Aston announced it will launch 8 new models over the next two years. That includes replacements for the DB11, Vantage and DBS and the convertible versions of those cars, as well as a new flagship for the brand. All those models will be front engined. But it will also launch a new mid-engine hybrid sports car with Formula One technology. Aston’s first EV will debut in 2025 and it’ll provide more details about it at the end of next month.
SILVERADO EV GETS 450 MILE RANGE
Chevy squeezed more range out of the commercial or Work Truck version of the upcoming all-electric Silverado. Engineers were originally targeting at least 400 miles of range, but it revealed the actual EPA-estimate is now set at 450 miles. Chevy didn’t reveal battery size, but it’s likely the same 200+ kWh pack that’s in the Hummer EV. The Silverado Work Truck will be capable of charging at 350 kW, which also suggests it will have the big battery because the Hummer EV is the only current Ulitum-based EV that has that charging capability. And that’s thanks to its two 400-volt battery packs, which bumps the system to 800 volts and allows for that charging speed. This version of the Silverado EV will launch this spring. Another Work Truck model with 350 miles of range will follow soon after that. But production of the first models for retail customers won’t start until the fall.
TOYOTA TACOMA GETS HYBRID
Speaking of new trucks, Toyota officially revealed the new Tacoma. And it shows the fan forum that was able to sleuth through Toyota’s website earlier this month and possibly get their hands on a picture of a new Tacoma, did get the real-deal. The exact same picture is used in the official press release. Anyway, now let’s get to the good stuff. It’s based on the same platform as the Tundra and Sequoia, which Toyota used as a chance to tie in some family resemblance. The frame is more rigid than the outgoing truck, which will help with off-road ability and allows for a new coil rear suspension setup for some models that helps with ride and handling. But there’s still leaf-springs available as well. The suspension has actually been tuned for each grade of the new Tacoma and buyers can get everything from slightly upgraded TRD-tuned shocks, to Bilsteins, to ARB and all the way up to FOX’s 3-way adjustable system with remote reservoirs. And there’s a sway bar disconnect, too. Now let’s move to the powertrain. Under the hood is a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In non-hybrid form, the standard output is 228 horsepower, but there’s also a version that makes 278 horsepower. These can be paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the higher output version also has a 6-speed manual option that makes 9 less horsepower. The hybrid integrates an electric motor into the 8-speed auto that boosts output to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Power can be sent to the rear wheels or all four. Rear drive models feature a limited-slip diff and 4-wheel drive tacks on a two-speed transfer case. There’s also a full-time 4WD system with a center locking diff available as well. And more off-road focused models switch out the auto locking diff for an electronic one. The Tacoma is capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds and max payload now comes in at 1,709 pounds. The interior looks pretty rugged with blocky elements that stack on top of each other to form a layered look. An 8-inch screen comes standard but most of the pictures show the new, larger 14-inch display. A couple other highlights that were kind of hard to work into the rest of the story include optional power outlets in the bed and upgraded 4-wheel disc brakes, which can also be upgraded themselves both front and rear. Non-hybrid versions of the new Tacoma go on sale in the U.S. later this year, while the hybrid arrives early next year.
But that brings us to the end of this show and the end of this week. Thanks for joining us and I hope you have a great weekend.
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Comments (28)
May 19th, 2023 at 12:22 pm
I watched the AAH with Cirba Solutions and found it fairly interesting. What I would have liked, if it wasn’t proprietary, would have been some of the process for recovering the minerals, when separating the materials out; do they use electrical separation, chemical separation, centrifugal separation, physical separation, etc.; inquiring minds want to know.
It was a pretty good synopsis of the new Toyota Tacoma p/u. One major omission was that it will be offered as an extended cab (six foot bed), front seat only with extra inside storage. And the four door version will be offered in 5 or 6 foot beds. (I’m mentioning these as I remember; I might be incorrect but I think I got it right).
May 19th, 2023 at 12:55 pm
I think its funny that Toyota (and other brands) brag about their off-road packages, super shock upgrades and disconnecting sway bars, but in their running footage they show the trucks driving on surfaces or dirt roads that any 15 year old Taurus could handle with ease.
May 19th, 2023 at 12:58 pm
200 Million might sound like a lot of money to settle, but you’re also talking about 11 models over 5 years which was how many vehicles? Maybe 2 million. So if installing the immobilizer was more than $100 Hyundai/Kia are still ahead of the game assuming the Insurance suit gets tossed. Which if they followed Fed guidelines, then I can’t see how the insurance institute would have a case.
So if you buy a Silverado EV and want the shortest charging times at home, I take it you will need to install two chargers?
May 19th, 2023 at 1:06 pm
3 – In the article, it mentioned 9 million units between Hyundai and Kia.
The 350 mile range version of the Silverado EV will certainly cost less and have a shorter charging time. It just depends on what your needs are.
May 19th, 2023 at 1:12 pm
4 Oh thanks I missed that. So 200 Million paid out to avoid installing immobilizer in 9 million vehicles. Thats $22.22 per vehicle. Doesnt seem so costly when you look at it that way.
May 19th, 2023 at 1:14 pm
I keep hearing about how a lack of charging infrastructure is holding back EV sales. I am calling BS on that. Here’s why.
The vast majority of EVs on the road in the US and being sold each year are Teslas. That will change, but that is the situation now. Tesla has its own charging network, so their owners don’t really factor into this. Since they currently have 60% of the EV sales, that means that around 250,000 non-Tesla EVs will be sold this year.
The vast majority of those sales will be to people that can charge in their garage. Most people will only want to use public charging when they absolutely have to because its so much more expensive than charging at home. As of now, there are plenty of charging stations available to meet that level of demand. And, more are being built all around the country at a furious pace. There are several public charging points in my town that are almost never used.
So, I think that the hype of the media constantly talking about the lack of charging and the plans for more chargers to be built in the next ten years puts people off and they don’t even bother to look into the reality, which is that there is plenty of capacity for non-Tesla drivers right now. And, it will only get better.
May 19th, 2023 at 1:22 pm
6 Even Tesla drivers do most of their charging at home. Few people, like me, without home charging buy EVs.
May 19th, 2023 at 2:23 pm
@GM Vet – I agree, but video of real rock crawling can be really boring to watch, especially for what we do. We tend to use shorter clips so you might only see the vehicle move a couple of inches.
May 19th, 2023 at 2:26 pm
@Lambo – Unless they get hit with another lawsuit from insurance companies who say they’ve lost $600 million. And then tack on all those customers who are probably not going back to the brand. And I’d say it’s pretty costly.
May 19th, 2023 at 3:19 pm
I hope Toyota does a better job with the hybrid version of the new Tacoma, than they did with the Tundra. The Tundra hybrid gets barely better combined mpg that a non-hybrid 2.7t F150, and worse highway mpg than the Ford.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=45873&id=46159
It’s nice that they will offer a manual transmission in the new Taco. I think it will be the only manual in any pickup in the U.S. market, except the Gladiator.
There must be a lot of money in making all of these off-road trucks, most of which will never go farther off-road than a Prius or Corvette is capable of going.
May 19th, 2023 at 3:20 pm
Kudos for reporting on fusion. Of the three leading plasma technologies, Tokamak, laser confinement, and plasma-pinch, I hope pinch gets there first. Smaller size leads to faster, distributed generators. But also look at liquid salt, thorium fueled reactors.
They too scale to smaller, safer reactors but also can solved our existing nuclear waste inventory. They can ‘burn up’ the leftover fuel rods in water storage tanks and casks.
May 19th, 2023 at 3:50 pm
11 I remember talk 50 years
ago of soon-to-arrive fusion reactors. Could that time now be near?
May 19th, 2023 at 4:16 pm
I wonder if Chevy will stick to the original price the quoted for the WT Silverado BEV? While I can imagine them doing so with the 350 range version, but the 450 range might not be the $41K version they initially quoted. It is a good looking SUT, though!
May 19th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
…the Tundra styling looks better on the new Taco to my eye! It looks a lot more substantial than the previous version, while still holding a family resemblance to the original.
May 19th, 2023 at 4:24 pm
3, 6, 7 – Silverado EV with 200KWh battery I think is a bad idea for a tradesman unless there’s regular access to fast charger. Common home chargers output is 4.8kW, so you could not charge it overnight at home on L2 (40+ hours). Assuming commercial use will buy the battery size they need for a day at the trade, they will also need to have fast chargers installed wherever they spend the night. For Hummer EV it works ok because people only use to go have an ice cream on the weekend, then they can charge in a garage for the rest of the week.
May 19th, 2023 at 4:54 pm
15 Commercial users who need faster charging can install faster charging, but yeah, I’d think most tradesmen would be ok with a ~100 kWh battery and L2 overnight charging.
I thought the Hummer EVs were used for going to bars on Saturday night, not for ice cream.
May 19th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
For you F1 fans hoping to see the Italian GP this Sunday I have some bad news, the race has been cancelled due to flooding in the region near the track and all F1 activity is a notta happenin.
May 19th, 2023 at 5:48 pm
GM will not reach it’s target this year. Really? I have to laugh when I read something like.Tesla is usually never on target and so little is ever said.
May 19th, 2023 at 6:32 pm
17 Yeah, they announced the cancellation a couple days ago. There is some really nasty flooding in the area. I haven’t heard if they are going to reschedule.
May 19th, 2023 at 11:16 pm
#12 – I forgot the mention the gravity fusion generator 93 million miles away. Solar cells, wind, and hydro electrical power is coming from that fusion source.
May 20th, 2023 at 5:37 am
Late thought about fusion, the web link is to a Youtube video that explains the problem of fusion generated neutrons versus the machine. Fusion creates enough neutrons to make parts of the machine radioactive to dangerous levels.
IMHO, molten salt, thorium fueled nuclear fission makes more sense. The higher fission temperatures means more efficient power generation with less waste heat. They can be smaller with passive, fail soft, safety and won’t make usable nuclear weapon material. Best of all, they can generate power while consuming the growing inventory of spent fuel rods that today are stored at nuclear power plants.
May 21st, 2023 at 7:29 am
…while the exterior styling of the Tundra may look better on the Taco, the interior of the Tacoma reminds me of Lego blocks. While not a bad thing and still good looking, it just seems that it would age quicker then some of its competitors.
May 21st, 2023 at 7:32 am
I hope Toyota sells a lot of two door Tacos. That might convince some of the competition to join them in making mid-size pickups for hauling stuff, not just people.
May 21st, 2023 at 8:53 am
You could get a Chevy S-10 with a 7 foot bed some, or most years of production.
May 22nd, 2023 at 7:45 am
24 Doubt you’ll ever see the return of some great vehicles from the past. The small pick-ups like original S-10 and Ranger was they were cheaper than a full sized truck but were also limited in their weight towing and hauling capacity. Too many guys bought them that really needed a full sized truck. They would get then and try and put 1500lbs in the bed and they were only rated at like 950lbs. So with each refresh they got bigger and more capable. Hell even today you can go buy the small Ford Mavrick truck and it has a load capacity of 1500lbs. They learned that people wanted smaller but not less capable.
The seatbelt laws have also played a part in the diminishing interest in 2 door vehicles. Back in the day you could pile 4-5 people into a regular cab pickup truck bench seat if needed. The toddler could sit on someone’s lap and often did. Today everyone has to be buckled in and kids in a car seat. So vehicles like a 2 door pick-up appeal to a much smaller audience. Even for the single guy or retired person it might be perfect for them but the resale is horrible and prevents anyone from buying them cause they wont be able to unload it without a huge loss.
So as nice as it would be to see a small regular cab pick-up released I dont think you’ll see one in the US in any volume. I dont know if any of the mid or small trucks even offer a front bench seat so they would become as practical as a 2 seater sportscar.
May 22nd, 2023 at 7:46 am
I will look into a 2024 Tacoma. I like the packages that they are offering but particularly the suspension seats. That is very unique in any non commercial vehicle and enough of a reason for me to take a look at it. It also has a reasonable towing capacity for what I need. Throw in the manual transmission and I am definitely interested. I expect that I will have to special order the manual as a dealer is unlikely to stock it. I would have preferred a diesel over the I4 Hyrbid as my primary use will be towing, but overall not a deal breaker.
May 22nd, 2023 at 8:55 am
From what I’ve read, the new Taco will not have a bench seat in the front, just two buckets. They should have a bench as an option. S-10s and early Rangers offered bench seats, and they are narrower than the Taco.
25 I never saw many people buy S-10s and Rangers when they needed full-size trucks, but I sure see a lot of people buying huge trucks, when they don’t need a truck at all.
In the ’90s, they had some great lease deals on S-10s, $99/month, as I remember. A co-worker with a fairly long commute leased them, 4 cylinder automatic, and they worked well for his commute. He probably got mid-high 20s mpg for the moderate speed commute, not bad for the time.
May 22nd, 2023 at 11:29 am
27 I just remember many guys in the trades that wanted to save money in gas and on the truck would buy an S-10 but then load em up and try and haul like they did with their full sized trucks. They were pretty hard on them and found out the limitations pretty quick. I knew a few that had them for a year or two and had to go back to a full sized truck. But again you think that way because you could tow quite a bit with even some sedans back in the day. Thats essentially gone. So anyone that has a camper or boat or wants to tow anything over 5000lbs and has kids they pretty much need a full sized SUV or a truck. And yes will drive around with nothing in the bed 90% of the time.