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Runtime: 12:29
0:00 Ford Dealers Fight EV Mandate
0:43 ONE Lays Off 25% of Workforce
1:22 Toyota Shrinks Its Keiretsu
2:10 NLRB Rules in Favor & Against Tesla
3:06 Sweden Backs Tesla Lawsuit
4:00 New EV Benchmark: 5 Mi/kWh
5:41 Toyota Unleashes New Tacoma
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This is Autoline Daily, the show dedicated to enthusiasts of the global automotive industry.
FORD DEALERS FIGHT EV MANDATE
Some dealers are ripping up their tickets to join Ford on its EV journey. About a year ago it said over two thirds or 1,920 dealers had opted into its EV program that included mandatory chargers and training. But since that time Ford has lost about 400 of those dealers. Last week the automaker cut back on its requirements for that EV program, which it said was due to changes in the market. And maybe more dealers backing out is one of the changes it was talking about?
ONE LAYS OFF 25% OF WORKFORCE
We keep hearing about battery plants getting delayed or scaled back and now Our Next Energy, or ONE, is feeling the pain of trying to scale up its battery making operations. It announced that it was forced to lay off a quarter of its workforce due to market conditions, but said that it was necessary for its future growth. ONE continues to establish its battery factory in Michigan, which just started production at the beginning this month. It’s eventually supposed to make 20 GWh of LFP battery cells that are suited for energy storage systems and commercial trucks.
TOYOTA SHRINKS ITS KEIRETSU
To help fund its transition to EVs, Reuters reports that Toyota and other companies’ part of the Toyota Group plan to sell a 10% stake in supplier Denso by the end of the year, which is estimated to be worth $4.7 billion. Denso is the second largest automotive supplier in the world. Toyota, which has a 24% stake in Denso, is expected to remain the number one shareholder even after the sale. This move seems to be a push from the Japanese government to have companies use capital more efficiently because Toyota certainly doesn’t need the money. As of September, it had $76 billion in cash on hand and cash equivalents.
NLRB RULES IN FAVOR, AGAINST TESLA
Tesla got good and bad news from the National Labor Relations Board. The board dismissed claims from the Workers United union that the company illegally fired workers over organizing efforts. The union said Tesla fired Autopilot workers at its Gigafactory in New York, just days after the union announced an organizing campaign. But Tesla said it fired the workers due to performance. The NLRB agreed with Tesla on that claim, however it found merit to two other complaints that the company maintained an unlawful rule on the acceptable use of technology in the workplace and that it tried to obtain grievances from workers to try and block support for the union. If Tesla doesn’t settle those claims, the NLRB will issue a complaint against it that will be heard by a judge.
SWEDEN BACKS TESLA LAWSUIT
Meanwhile, over in Sweden, a court ruled that the country’s transit authority must deliver license plates to Tesla that are being blocked by postal workers. Tesla sued the agency and the state-run PostNord because the workers stopped delivering the plates for its new cars. The court said the agency must deliver the plates in the next seven days or it will be fined $95,000. The postal workers are backing Tesla mechanics that are trying to get the company to sign a collective bargaining agreement. The mechanics, which are part of the IF Metall union, went on strike at the end of October and are refusing to service Tesla vehicles until it signs a deal. And members of other unions in Sweden, including the postal workers, are backing the mechanics in their fight.
NEW EV BENCHMARK: 5MI/KWH
We’re about to see another jump in EV efficiency. Right now the best EVs get about 4 miles per kWh or roughly 15 kWh per 100 kilometers. The two best are the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Lucid Air, which are both rated at 4.17 miles per kWh or 14.3 kWh per 100 kilometers. But Luxeed, a division of Chinese tech giant Huawei, launched a new sedan called the S7 that sets a new standard at just over 5 miles per kWh or 12.4 kWh per 100 kilometers. And the one thing that all three of these EVs have in common is a higher voltage electronic architecture. Many EVs today use a 400 volt architecture, but Hyundai and Luxeed use an 800 volt system and Lucid’s is over 900 volts. These systems have less resistance and smaller wires and components, which boosts efficiency and lowers weight.
TOYOTA UNLEASHES NEW TACOMA
Toyota dominates the mid-size pickup segment in the U.S. market and its all-new redesign of the Tacoma is sure to keep it at the top of the sales charts. It now sits on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, the same one that’s used for the Tundra full-size pickup as well as the Sequoia and Land Cruiser SUVs. And for the first time ever, the Tacoma gets an optional hybrid powertrain. The standard engine is a turbo-2.4 liter four. It comes in four versions. The base SR version with an 8-speed automatic delivers 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. When equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, it delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. By the way, if you stall the engine on steep grades or technical off-road sections, you can start the engine while it’s still in gear without using the clutch. But most versions of the truck will get a version of the engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. And then there’s the hybrid, which Toyota calls the i-Force Max. It adds a 48-horsepower electric motor in the 8-speed transmission powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. That brings the total power output to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft., which is double the torque of the outgoing V6. Even more impressively, full-time all-wheel-drive is available with the hybrid. The frame is completely boxed and for the first time, rear coil springs are available on most trim levels. Maximum towing is 6,500 pounds, while maximum payload is 1,710 pounds. And a wireless trailer camera is sold as an accessory. The truck bed comes in 5 or 6-foot lengths, it provides 7% more volume, it’s deeper and made from SMC, or sheet molding compound, while the tailgate is aluminum, and can be raised automatically just by pushing up on it with your knee. There’s an optional 400W AC inverter outlet in the bed and on the rear of the center console. The hybrid comes standard with a 2400W AC inverter. This truck was designed with off-roading in mind. Besides the TRD Pre-runner version, there’s a TRD off-road, a TRD Pro and an all-new trim line called the Trailhunter. The TRD off-road model comes with monotube Bilstein shocks that have remote reservoirs to prevent them from overheating. The TRD Pro takes that to another level. It comes with FOX QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs. And hard-core off-roaders will love that the front stabilizer bar can be quickly disconnected at the push of a button for more articulation in the front suspension. Disc brakes are now standard at all four wheels and skid plates are available for the engine, transfer case, fuel tank and rear differential. Inside, the chunky interior comes with a standard 8-inch screen or an optional 14-inch one. Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard. And you don’t get a key or a key fob. Instead, you can use your phone or a smart card, like Tesla pioneered years ago. To ensure that the Tacoma continues to dominate the mid-size pickup segment, Toyota offers an amazing model line. The truck comes in 2-door and 4-door versions and there seems to be a trim line for just about any truck customer. There’s the SR, the SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. That’s a lot! And this overview is just a small sampling of all the features on the Tacoma. We’ve also posted three videos that show some of the coolest features. Check out the crazy, off-road seat that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in any vehicle. This was a top secret development project. Then take a look at the removable Blue-tooth speaker that’s mounted on the top of the instrument panel. And check out all the features that went into the Trailhunter model. (Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter pictured)
But that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thanks for tuning in.
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Most of the new trucks come with inverters now, something I would have really liked years ago but now…. with so many battery tools I don’t know what I would use an inverter for.
Buzzard: You use the inverter to charge your rechargeable batteries. 🙂
The whole retracting from EVs is happening way sooner than I thought it would. I still think they have great opportunities to be used in certain applications, but I think it’s become more obvious they cannot fully replace the ICE by 2035. A more reasonable approach needs to be taken. Seems like everything is being given a pause until the European parliament election in June and the US election in November. Good or bad that could really change the efforts toward EV adoption.
I never buy battery tools. They are something you throw away after a few years, but I have 75 year old plug-in drill that still works fine.
Is there any word on what gas those Tacoma’s will use? A friend’s Lexus NX with a 275 hp version of the 2.4 turbo is supposed to get premium. I’d think that would be a turn off to Tacoma buyers if it needs premium. Of course, a lot of cars that “recommend” premium don’t need it in normal driving. I never use premium in my Mini with a 189 hp 2.0 turbo, and it works fine, but it is much more mildly tuned, and boosted than most of today’s turbos. Still, they recommend premium.
No more rear drum brakes for the Taco?
Wow the Tacoma is impressive.
Kit, better rethink using regular in your mini. A Independant shop I know had a customer tow in a Mecedes Benz S class car with 60,000 miles and 2 pistons with a hole blown into them. He had been using regular instead of premium.
“Premium Recommended” means the engine is tuned to be more efficient with premium, but the driver may use regular fuel. Peak horsepower may be compromised, but the driver will save $0.40-1.00 per gallon when using regular fuel.
“Premium Required” means the manufacturer has only tuned the engine for the higher octane fuel. Knock sensors won’t help prevent engine damage if regular (low octane) fuel is used in warm climates and/or high load conditions.
The European Parliament is just about irrelevant. The idea that there’s some ‘pause’ in EV adoption has only been peddled in the US.
There’s certainly less choice and availability than in either Europe or China, while XL-sized vehicles aren’t ready for prime time yet, at least when it comes to private use. Something that doesn’t apply to other markets.
I’m looking forward to Rivian’s smaller SUV, and expect it to potentially have global appeal.
George Ricci, what engine in the S-Class, and how was it driven? I drive the Mini “normally” most of the time, and rarely floor it. I use premium in the 300 hp 2.0 turbo in my Cayman, but figure the much “milder,” lower boost 189 hp 2.0 turbo in the mini shouldn’t need it.
Sean, I don’t think you should be comparing efficiency with vehicles NOT made for the US market to ones that are made for the US market. Vehicles for the US market have to meet a long list of safety and crash standards which add a lot of weight to the vehicle and are not required in China.
Kit, I don’t have all the details, but remember the old Frame oil filter commercial, “pay me now or pay me later”.
Drew, it is “premium recommended” for the Mini. I’d use premium if I was going to autocross it, but in my normal driving, I doubt if it makes any difference. I might try a tank of premium on a higher speed highway trip and see if it makes a noticeable difference in mpg.
My $.02 on the new Taco: Disappointing to see Toyota hanging onto the rear leaf springs for certain Taco models, only baby buggies deserve those antiquated things. Glad to see they went to a true 2 door model but disappointed to see that you can’t get the mini seats as an option, they are good for little kids and emergency or short distance use. Glad too that they stuck with the SMC bed, won’t need a bedliner or spray in with that. Wish they would have integrated the infotainment screens into the dash instead of sprouting them out of the top, they just look too vulnerable to damage when they are stuck on that way. Looking forward to test driving some of the lower trims, I’m sure I won’t want to pay what they are asking for the upper trims.
Sean Wagner,
Are you sure that is only being peddled in the USA?
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/electric-car-demand-set-stall-europes-valley-death-2023-11-13/
Kit,swapped out all my gas power yard tools 3 years ago. No longer have gas on property. Dude next door has chain saw and is willing to saw anything I might need. I really like them.
Recharge your power tools on site from your rig. Thanks Lambo2015 for that.,never had occurred to me,not being in the trades.
@Merkur, Reuters article on EV adoption. Lambo has predicted that this would happen many times.
I built a house a few years ago and most battery tools will go all day and the ones that don’t you just pop in another battery. I don’t know what tools have to be thrown out after a few years other than cheap stuff.I have friends who build houses professionally and they used to bring a generator to charge the odd battery and run a corded something but between the passload tools and battery stuff there’s no need.
I also go camping and still don’t have a use for an inverter, battery in the trailer will run the fridge for almost a week.
Merv, electric drills and sabre saws is what I was thinking of as power tools. I’d probably have a battery mower if I had a smaller lawn in IN, and mowed it with a walk behind mower. When I got a new rider a few years ago, the only electric ones still used lead acid batteries, and would have taken multiple charge to mow the lawn. I suspect there are now machines available that would do it on a charge.
IMissTheGridGirls, except for Dodge, er Ram, the big pickups still have leaf springs, in many, if not most versions.
Buzzerd, people I know end up throwing away battery drills, etc. after a few years, because the batteries have died, and it’s not easy to even get replacements in the same configuration. Maybe things have gotten better in that regard, though, and the new tools have brushless motors which should work better and last longer.
Thanks MERKUR DRIVER! There’s one piece of very relevant data in that article, quote: ‘with Volkswagen’s EV order intake half what it was last year.’
Here in Switzerland, which is of course a particular market, but also considered something of a bellwether, the Top 15 look different than say year ago. Only two EVs now, with the Tesla Model Y still way on top of all vehicle sales, and the Skoda Enyaq (VW ID.4 version) in third place.
But yes, as expected, more competitive EVs don’t just appear out of the blue. On the other, hand one just has to look towards China to see them coming. This does seem a bit like commenting on short-term share price swings.
Kit, you are right of course, and it really surprises me that they do, considering how much all the reviewers of those vehicles say how much more they like the RAM set-up for ride comfort and reduced NVH. I know why the OEMs use the leaf spring system, it is cheaper since it doesn’t require positioning arms like a coil set-up does and uses the leaves to position the rear axle and hold it in place in addition to its cushioning duties, but the friction of the leaves against each other over time changes and gives you a different spring rate that usually increases the harshness of the system. It just surprises me that anyone uses leaf springs these days unless you are regularly hauling very heavy loads that leaf springs seem to excel at durability wise.
Not only will we all see a stabilization of EV purchases over the next couple of years but automakers are already realizing that no one ever asked for an EV truck. EV trucks were only built because of a few key reasons. 1) They fit in that 50-60K price range. 2) They have been selling well in the US market. 3) They have lots of available space to easily package batteries without much change to the overall design. 4) The Cybertruck introduction received a huge amount of hype and perceived interest. For those reasons automakers thought an EV truck is a no-brainer. What they failed to understand was that no one was actually interested in buying one. The Cybertruck received all this interest because of its radical design and the already huge following by Tesla fanboys.
No matter how you feel about Elon he has been very smart with this reservation ordering that has been used for nothing more than a marketing gimmick to help inflate stock prices. Why not? it works!
Placing a small refundable deposit on something that doesn’t come to market for 3 or 4 more years means nothing in reality. Lots of people probably figured if the interest was that great, I’ll get on the list early buy it and just flip it for a profit. Thinking they could get it for the proposed price of $39,999 and the demand would drive it up much further. However, as the years passed and competition came out with trucks, and the cybertruck price rose, I doubt if a fraction those reservations will result in actual sales. That still may be a lot of vehicles, but Tesla says they plan to build over 200k a year and with over a million reservations that means they have the first 4-5 years locked up in reservations. But I’m willing to bet you’ll be able to order and get one within the second year of production just like the Model 3. Even at that rate the Cybertruck could end up being the best-selling EV truck on the market. Personally, I’ll be surprised if its sales don’t tank into the third year of production. Or Tesla will (should) offer an SUV platform on that chassis to help off-set the tooling costs for the truck.
IMissTheGridGirls,
If you are viewing driving a truck from the perspective of going to the mall and ride comfort is the sole purpose, then a coil spring is the best choice. If you view the truck from the perspective of a rugged go anywhere off roading/overlanding vehicle, the coil spring with its limited travel is not the solution. The leaf springs excel at allowing for maximum axle articulation which is key in the off road world. The fewer the number of wheels touching the ground, the more difficult it is to go. So max axle articulation is a primary focus. It is why most off roaders do not like GM products with IFS and prefer the RAM/Jeeps with their beam set ups and the inherent higher articulation. They understand that if they take their jeep to the mall it will ride a little rougher than a GM product, but the trade off is that they will not be stuck in some remote area during the times that they are off roading.
Kit, from another review site: the new Taco requires 87 octane.
Thanks for info, Chuck.
Regarding coil vs leaf springs, the bottom line is that most pickup trucks in the US are used for going to the mall, going to soccer practice, commuting, family vacations, etc., where coil springs give a better ride and NVH. For the handful who use them for hard core off-roading, yeah, leaves are probably better. Independent rear suspension would be better for typical pickup truck use too, but most still have solid axles because it is simple, durable, and cheap.