| If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser.  This week Mini unveils its pod-like Urbanaut, Canada plans to ban gas cars, Hummer unleashes Watts to Freedom, and word is Tesla is working on a "Model 2." But first:  This week Volvo unveiled the Concept Recharge, calling it nothing short of "a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos." The concept embraces the long-roof look, in contrast to so many sport utes trying to emulate more of a coupe-like silhouette. Complete with vertical taillights (a subtle nod to the 850 station wagon?), the concept features an exceptionally long wheelbase and short overhangs, meant to give the underfloor battery plenty of space—a feature that's expected to become common in electric vehicles of its type. The interior has sustainable and natural materials and is considerably roomier. "Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling," said Robin Page, head of design. "Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room. We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring." The Recharge is not meant to be a direct preview of the next-gen XC90, which is due in 2022, but the design themes seen in the concept should make it into the big SUV's redesign, which will join the XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge in the automaker's electric lineup.  A rendering of what the Tesla Hatch ("Model 2") could look like. Speaking of new EVs, it appears that Tesla's next new model—and one that hasn't been discussed all that much since Elon Musk's direct mention of it during Battery Day 2020—will indeed be a hatchback positioned below the Model 3. This week Autocar confirmed Tesla is working on a hatchback aimed at Europe and China, carrying a starting price around $25,000 and offering around 250 miles of range. The "Model 2," as it has been called in EV circles, has been rumored for some time, but Tesla is now seen as being under pressure to strike back against a wave of small and inexpensive EVs coming to market in Europe and China, amid rapidly growing EV adoption rates in those regions. Such a model, expected to arrive in 2023, is seen as an imperative for Tesla given the fact that the Cybertruck will largely be a U.S.-aimed offering and the Roadster will be too small-volume (and pricey). The more affordable Model 3, on the other hand, has been the major seller in Europe and Asia over the past two years among EVs.    The Mini Urbanaut concept has been built into a real car, following its CGI debut last year. The electric MPV features a reconfigurable interior that takes into account upcoming autonomous tech. The question now is, will we see a production crossover like this to challenge the Volkswagen ID. Buzz?  Canada plans to phase out sales of new gas- and diesel-engined cars and light trucks by 2035, five years earlier than originally planned. The Canadian federal government also plans to develop interim targets for 2025 and 2030, ahead of the 2035 goal. The 2035 plan will include investment in charging infrastructure, and help for automakers to retool plants for EV production.   Spread the word: If you know someone interested in staying on top of the rapidly growing EV segment, feel free to pass this newsletter along.
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Friday, July 2, 2021
A peek at Volvo's stylish electric future
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