BMW iX3 conceptHandout / BMW BMWs upcoming ix3 electric crossover will offer 286 horsepower and an estimated 354 km of battery range per charge when it goes on sale in Canada in 2020, the automaker said mid-December.The SUV will be the first in a long line of new EVs launched by the brand next decade, and will essentially be an electric version of its X3 crossover.Powering the iX3 will be BMWs fifth-generation electric powertrain technology, fed by a 74-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; the electric motors should deliver about 286 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.The battery, transmission and motor are all built into one housing to keep the unit compact. The motor powers the rear wheels only, but an all-wheel-drive variant will likely drop later on. Range will likely be rated by the EPA at about 220 miles per charge (354 km). BMW says it will purchase the lithium and cobalt for the batteries directly from mining companies instead of third parties, and that the components that power the iX3 will be produced in-house as well. The motors will also be produced without the use of rare-earth metals.While BMW has been experimenting with grille designs, the iX3 will feature a classic double-kidney-bean grille befitting of a traditional BMW, even if thats what it aint. The brand even developed sensors that can see through chrome just so it could throw the trademark-style grille on the fascia. The iX3 will begin production in 2020 in China, where it will be assembled under contract by state-owned automaker Brilliance; thisll make it the first North-American-market BMW to wear a made in China label.That launch date also puts it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQC in making it to market in North
Origin: BMW’s 2021 electric ix3 will boast 286 hp and 354-km range
electric
Despite federal rebate, Ontario’s electric car sales still haven’t recovered
Alexis Georgeson demonstrates how to charge a Tesla model S electric car during a ribbon-cutting for Teslas first Ontario supercharger stations in Toronto , Ontario, Thursday,September 4, 2014.Postmedia Sales of electric vehicles in Ontario have plummeted since the Progressive Conservative government cancelled a rebate last year, hampering progress toward a national target.In the first six months of this year, sales in Ontario were down more than 55 per cent from the same period in 2018, according to data from Electric Mobility Canada.In the second quarter of this year 2,933 electric vehicles were sold in the province, down from 7,110 in the same period last year.Ontario is the only province not seeing increases in sales, year over year.Quebec and British Columbia, which have their own provincial rebates, have long been leading in total sales. Ontarios figures had been increasing on par with theirs until the provinces financial incentive disappeared.Under the previous Liberal government, Ontario had offered up to $14,000 back for buyers of electric vehicles, but Premier Doug Fords government cancelled it after winning the June 2018 election, saying it was going to people who could already afford expensive cars.Shortly after that, Ontarios sales sharply dropped and national sales did, too.They rebounded after the introduction this spring of a $5,000 federal rebate, but national sales of electric vehicles are still only at 3.5 per cent, which is a far cry from the federal governments target of 10 per cent in 2025. Its going to be challenging for the federal government to meet that target then even more by 2030 (when Ottawa hopes the number rises to 30 per cent), said Al Cormier of Electric Mobility Canada.If Ontario was in the game again it would make the whole thing a lot easier.B.C. is now at 10 per cent of sales, with Quebec close behind at seven per cent. In Ontario, electric vehicles made up around three per cent of total passenger vehicle sales at its highest point, then dropped to below one per cent after the cancellation of the provincial rebate, then climbed to sit under two per cent after the introduction of the federal rebate.Experts say rebates are key because the up-front cost of an electric vehicle can be anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 more than a similar gas-powered car. Rebates take away some of that initial price shock, said Cara Clairman, the CEO of Plugn Drive, a not-for-profit devoted to electric vehicles.The total cost of ownership, when you take into account that youre not going to be paying for gas and theres less maintenance, she said. The total cost of ownership today is actually lower for an EV than for most gas cars.Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroneys office refused to make her available for an interview.A spokesman for Environment Minister Jeff Yurek later said the auto industry is giving people more options on electric vehicles than ever before.People have an individual choice and responsibility when they are purchasing their next vehicle and as charging infrastructure expands, we are confident there will be an increase in the uptake of electric vehicles, Andrew Buttigieg wrote in a statement.Clairman said a 2017 survey of about 1,200 drivers in the Greater Toronto Area found that price was a larger barrier to people purchasing electric vehicles than range anxiety peoples worry their electric vehicle will run out of power before reaching their destination.It helps that vehicle manufacturers are now coming out with models with a battery range of 400 kilometres, Clairman said, but more public charging infrastructure is still needed.In Ontario, the former government had put $20 million toward installing a network of 500 charging stations across the province. Nearly 350 of them were ultimately put into service, and the current government has not built any more. Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, actually removed some earlier this year.Private companies such as Petro-Canada are stepping in to build charging stations and there are now roughly 1,400 public chargers in Ontario, according to federal and provincial data. Experts say more are needed.It would help, Cormier said, if the government put in place requirements for charging stations in new public buildings and garages. Earlier this year, the Ontario government removed a requirement for new homes to include the wiring for potential electric vehicle charging stations.Its not just that they havent supported building these things up, theyve actually got in the way of what we were already doing, said Dianne Saxe, Ontarios former environmental commissioner whose job was axed by the Ford government.Building denser communities that reduce the need for vehicle travel is the best bang for the buck, Saxe said, followed by public transit, followed by electric vehicles for transportation needs that cant be met the first two ways.Clairman believes the pace of electric vehicle sales will one day pick up in
Origin: Despite federal rebate, Ontario’s electric car sales still haven’t recovered
New Fiat 500e: electric city car seen inside and out in new shots
Fiat’s all-new, all-electric Fiat 500 city car has been caught testing again ahead of its expected 2020 Geneva motor show debut. The new prototypes, clearly based on the outgoing model, don’t reveal much about the new car’s exterior. They do, however, offer the briefest of glimpses into the car’s cabin. We can see the Mini Electric rival’s dashboard has been completely overhauled, with new instruments and a large central infotainment screen visible. A new rotary gear selector also features, mounted on a plinth below the centre console and surrounded by buttons. Earlier this year Fiat said it would invest 700 million Euros on the electric city car, to include a new production line in Mirafiori, Italy. Fiat hopes to produce 80,000 examples of the new 500e. The car will be sold alongside the existing 500, which will continue to be powered by conventional petrol engines as well as receiving styling and technical updates. The all-new electric 500 will sit on a bespoke electric car platform, according to Fiat boss Olivier Francois, with the same platform potentially earmarked for use if the the new Panda-inspired Centoventi concept makes production. The electric 500 will be a key part of Fiat’s transformation in Europe into a brand focusing on small electrified city cars. “The car will stay true to everything you know about the 500, but will be entirely new,” said Francois. “Under the skin it will be radically different, but otherwise you will recognise the size and proportions. “But it is a big statement, starting our electric path with the 500. We are doing it with that car for reasons of pricing. It is clear that we cannot sell an electric 500 for the same entry price of today’s 500, but what’s clear is that more than half of our 500 customers today do not buy entry-level models. In fact, for them a 24,000 euro price is normal today. “If you look at our electric competition, they are priced around 32,000 euros. The leap then from 24,000 to 32,000 is not so much, especially if you factor in government grants for electric vehicles. Francois refused to be drawn on whether the electric 500 could be rear-wheel drive like the original, but said he would be open to the idea. He also said that an electric Abarth model could hold appeal. The electric car platform that the 500e will sit on will be FCA Group developed. Francois said he would personally be open to sharing the technology with partners – the 500 platform has previously been shared with the Ford Ka, for instance, but he stressed that any such decision would have to be made at a Group level. Fiat also confirmed the 500 lineup will be expanded with a 500 Giardiniera estate, although the firm didn’t say if that version would also appear at next year’s Geneva show. The aim is to consolidate the brand’s dominance of the city car segment – the 500 and Panda hold a third of this market – while developing technologies that allow these models to satisfy emission regulations. The 500 Giardiniera, which references the tiny wagon of 1960, will offer the best space efficiency in its class, says Fiat, and “unmistakable design”. It too will get electric and mild hybrid variants. The 500’s new platform architecture can also cope with a mild hybrid system. That unit consists of a belt driven, 12V starter-generator, although little detail has been provided on the electric drivetrain to be used in the 500. Lower-emissions petrol engines will also be offered in the 500 and Panda. Francois conceded that the decision to develop the electric cars was driven “both by the desire to create a profitable electric car for our future, and to ensure we avoid the pressures of potential fines if we don’t hit CO2 targets.” Given the limited space for batteries and the 500’s urban appeal, range of the 500e is likely to be less than EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, which offers around 250 miles. The 500e will be a rival to a growing number of small EVs – Mini’s first series-production electric car is due in 2019, at the same time as the Honda Urban EV. The 500e will be one of four electric powertrains offered by FCA. It will sit use a ‘City Car’ powertrain, while a ‘Mainstream’ powertrain will be launched in the Jeep Grand Commander. A ‘Performance’ powertrain will feature in the 2020 Maserati Alfieri and a ‘Premium’ EV powertrain will power the 2022 Maserati Quattroporte. The push for electrification comes amid Fiat Chrysler’s abandonment of diesel; by 2022, there will be no diesel options in the FCA catalogue. These will be replaced by numerous hybrids, both full and plug-in, the first of which will be the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, landing in 2020. The production capacity released by the deletion of the Punto and other unspecified Fiat models – such as Tipo – will be used to build more Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, whose premium prices can withstand the electrification costs. Some Italian capacity will be used to build some plug-in hybrid models, including
Origin: New Fiat 500e: electric city car seen inside and out in new shots
Ferrari confirms it’ll build an electric car, but not until after 2025
Ferraris chief executive confirmed mid-December that an electric vehicle will wear the brands Prancing Horse, but only after 2025, when itll slot into the GT lineup alongside the companys V12s.My sense is the electric will come out after 2025. The battery technology is not where it should be yet, said CEO Louis Camilleri during an embargoed lunch this week in the Centro Stile at Ferraris Maranello factory.The car would become part of the GT lineup of vehicles, rather than attempt to slot into the performance lineup populated by mid-engined supercars. Since a GT car must go long distances at high speed, electric vehicle technology still has some catching up to do in order to appease Maranello.There are still significant issues in terms of autonomy, in terms of speed of recharging. So eventually we will come out with one. But its post-2025. Not in the short term, said Camilleri. The fully electric vehicle will be a major departure for Ferrari, which has wn multiple awards for its internal-combustion engine designs. Founder Enzo Ferrari was from the start very proud of his companys powerplants, saying aerodynamics are for those who cant build engines.But it seems that times are changing, and so must the most stubborn brand in history. Luckily, we still have five-plus more years of solid Ferrari V12s before the EV trend threatens their security.LISTEN: What do you get when you combine a cross-country electric vehicle road trip with a poignant love story? Mary Ann’s Electric Drive, that’s what. In this week’s episode of Plugged In, we chat with Harvey Soicher, a Vancouver man who tragically lost his soul mate 18 months ago but found some semblance of healing by embracing what he calls a ‘pioneer spirit’ to drive his Audi e-tron from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and back.
Origin: Ferrari confirms it’ll build an electric car, but not until after 2025
Vauxhall begins testing Corsa-e electric cutomer rally car
Vauxhall has begun testing a rally variant of the new Corsa-e electric hatchback, making it the first manufacturer to offer customers an electric rally car. Called the Corsa-e Rally, the model will be available to buy from sister-brand Opel’s motorsport division, with the German manufacturer claiming a sub-£46,000 price tag. The cost represents a near-£20,000 increase over the £26,490 starting price of the standard Corsa-e, with the rally model retaining the 50kWh battery and 134bhp, 192lb ft electric motor of the production variant. “We have two objectives”, said Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott. “Both cars are covering as many miles as possible, in order to gather the maximum amount of data at an early stage. There is no experience of an electric rally car that we could turn to, so initially we had to rely on calculations and simulations. “These are being gradually replaced with real data. Other focuses are on loads and temperature management of the battery, as well as adapting the software. I am pleased to report that our programme is going smoothly.” Rally-spec suspension has been fitted and the body made slightly wider and higher, with a 2mm-longer wheelbase. Few technical details have been revealed, but it’s also expected to be significantly lighter than the standard car. In terms of design, the Corsa-e Rally bears a strong resemblance to its production counterpart, differentiated only by FIA-mandated towing straps, lightweight performance alloy wheels and a prominent decal package. The Corsa-e Rally will compete in the 2020 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, a one-make electric race series that will host 15 young rally
Origin: Vauxhall begins testing Corsa-e electric cutomer rally car
These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
New EVs are ugly. Its a fact, deal with it. Another fact is most new cars are ugly, but thats another story altogether.Whatever it is about electric cars, theres something about their design and save the world mission statement that automakers interpret as futuristic.This leads them to deduce the vehicles must look like theyre straight out of Star Trek.Unfortunately, theyre wrong, and when you have the technology to make a vehicle look like anything, you should make it look old.These vehicles imagine what would have happened if the electric cars of the 19th century received half as much attention as gasoline-powered vehicles, and shaped the world into the electric future we dare to call retro.In short, here are five retro EVs.Morris Commercial JEMade to resemble the brands J-Type van of the 1940s, the Morris JE is a modern interpretation of the classic panel van, with little to no styling updates. Good.With a range of 200 miles (320 km) and a price tag of $75,000, the JE isnt going to win over any Tesla buyers, but that doesnt matter, because its already won our hearts. Its also available in a few different configurations, including cargo, passenger and pickup.Microlino microcarConventional wisdom suggests it aint a good idea, locking yourself in a fridge, but we immediately decided to make an exception to that rule when we took one look at the Microlino, styled after the BMW Isetta microcar of the 1950s.When the BMW Isetta was introduced in the 1950s, BMW was a struggling car brand, crippled by the woes of post-war Germany. The small, affordable vehicle brought some much needed money back to the brand, and saved it from ruin.The new version costs $18,000, and is good for 125 miles (200 km) on a charge. Hopefully the Isetta moves on from saving companies to saving the planet.Nobe 100How many wheels do you need? Three is plenty, especially when you look as good as this retro EV. We mean, cmon, the Nobe 100 looks like it was ripped straight out of Raymond Loewys sketchbook.This car could be made available, and by that, we mean its development is being crowdfunded, so whether it makes production will depend on demand from consumers which we hope will be massive. After all, 136 miles (220 km) per charge and an MSRP of $45,000 should guarantee brisk sales.Renault e-Plein AirIs a Fiat Jolly too mainstream to you? Consider this French alternative! Putting the passengers right out in the open, the Renault e-Plein Air is an open-top version of the Renault 4 of the 1960s. Under the stylish skin is the tech from the brands Twizy vehicle.No pricing as of yet, as its still just a concept, but hopefully this one becomes a reality. Were sure the Pope would love one as a gift.Honda EOK, so maybe this one is not as retro as the others the Honda E’s looks are based on a car thats not too old to begin with, the Honda Civic. But do we care? Not one bit.The fabulous styling of the Honda E makes some of us remember our high school days, or maybe your dads high school days. We think 136 miles (220 km) of range should be perfect to get you around the city and back, and for just $42,000.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing Evs, where does that leave these clubs? In this weeks episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more.
Origin: These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
Plugged In: The changing face of electric vehicle clubs
Bruce Stout with the Steam Whistle restored truck at Electrafest, a green mobility movement display of electric transportion options on Pacific Blvd at Carrall St. in Vancouver.Les Bazso/PNG Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing Evs, where does that leave these clubs? In this week’s episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Plugged In: The changing face of electric vehicle clubs
Report: Most British drivers could feasibly swap to an electric car
Most UK drivers could make the switch to an electric car with no impact on their motoring lifestyle, according to the results of a new survey carried out by Peugeot. Research found that British drivers will travel an average of 79 miles over the Christmas period (often one of the longest drives of the year) – a distance well within the capabilities of the majority of mainstream electric vehicles. Peugeot said that more than a third of respondents said they would be “comfortable doing all of their Christmas travels between 23 December and 2 January” in an electric vehicle, despite the fact that EVs currently make up just 1.4% of the UK car market. The results also show that two thirds of drivers will make at least one stop during their Christmas journeys, during which an EV’s battery could be considerably topped up by a motorway rapid charge point – with which most new electric vehicles are compatible. Aside from the feasibility of ownership, Peugeot said that swapping into an electric vehicle would save the average motorist from emitting nearly 1.6 tonnes of CO2 over Christmas. The manufacturer has just launched its e-208 electric supermini in the UK; it offers a claimed range of 217 miles and is available to order from
Origin: Report: Most British drivers could feasibly swap to an electric car
An electric Mustang coupe is inevitable, says Ford engineer
The electric Ford Mustang is coming, but nobody knows when, Motoring reports.According to Ron Heiser, chief engineer behind the new Mustang Mach-E utility, a non-SUV Mustang with battery power is an inevitability.I think if you look out in the future who knows what timeframe that is the market is eventually going to roll over to EVs, Heiser told Australias Motoring.The next-generation Mustang is rumoured to sit atop a modified Explorer SUV chassis, which will set up the vehicle with a hybrid option for the first time.While an electric Mustang is likely already in the works, it wont share that same platform. Luckily, Ford already has a new EV-capable platform in the form of the Mach-E. The Mustang Mach-E debuted riding on a modular platform set to underpin a few different electric vehicles of various sizes, with either front- or rear-wheel-drive. Its likely a modified version of this platform will underpin the future electric pony.The Mach-E took the name of the classic muscle car, but not all vehicles that ride on the platform will wear the Mustang badge.It doesnt need to have a Mustang name on it, but we chose the first vehicle on this platform to be a Mustang, said Heiser. We dont give them names any more, he laughed.The Mach-E is not based on Volkswagens MEB EV platform, but Ford will use that platform for two new Ford models for Europe.LISTEN: In this week’s episode, we talk about all the electrifying news coming out of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show with Postmedia Driving senior writer David Booth, including Ford’s bold Mustang Mach-e SUV. And, of course, we get Booth’s take on Tesla’s Cybertruck. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: An electric Mustang coupe is inevitable, says Ford engineer
Mazda mulls over making the MX-5 electric
2019 Mazda MX-5 MiataNick Tragianis / Driving The rumour mill is churning out Mazda news the next-gen MX-5 could get electrified, either partially as a hybrid or fully as a battery powered EV, in the near future. Autocar in the UK reports that sources within the brand, including research and development head Ichiro Hirose and brand and design chief Ikuo Maeda, are aware drivers of the sporty little MX-5 are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives. And apparently the brand is willing to play along. “The preference of people who enjoy driving sports cars might be changing, so we need to think about what direction society is going,” Maeda told Autocar. “We want to look at the best powertrain to keep the vehicle lightweight, but because of the diversifying requirements and preference, we need to explore various options. “I don’t have the answer now but we need to make a vehicle that people can own without worrying that they are not being eco-friendly.”So, regardless of whether or how the little drop-top sports car is given the “e” prefix, Mazda promises to keep it true to its lightweight motoring roots, reiterating to Autocar that “The lightweighting and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle.”The latest Mazda Miata MX-5 got a healthy jolt of power, and any electrification is likely to do more of the same. We’re open to the idea, but will certainly be holding Mazda to its word on keeping the car light on its feet.LISTEN: In this week’s episode, we talk about all the electrifying news coming out of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show with Postmedia Driving senior writer David Booth, including Ford’s bold Mustang Mach-e SUV. And, of course, we get Booth’s take on Tesla’s Cybertruck. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Mazda mulls over making the MX-5 electric
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