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Saturday, November 6, 2021
Friday, November 5, 2021
Ford F-100 Eluminator shows off Mach-E GT crate motor
If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. Toyota shows off its own yoke-style steering, Audi e-tron gets more range via a software update, and Tesla starts opening its Superchargers to other EVs. But first: There is no shortage of small companies that will turn your classic into an EV, often for a six-figure sum, but folks who wish to go the DIY route will soon get some help from Ford itself. At SEMA this week the automaker showed off the Ford F-100 Eluminator concept based on a 1978 pickup, powered by Ford's electric crate motor and battery borrowed from the Mach-E GT. Ford turned this 1978 truck into an EV, but whether restomod builders will be able to do the same pretty easily is a separate question. It might help to think of this as an Expert Level model kit from the hobby shop, and not one of those SnapTite kits from the toy aisle of a grocery store. An electrical engineering degree is perhaps just one of the helpful prerequisites. This portable EV charger, which will travel like a suitcase, will be offered in 4-kWh and 8-kWh capacities. Speaking of batteries, a portable charger that was shown during this week's COP26 climate summit in Scotland certainly seems like it would be a handy companion on any EV road trip. The ZipCharge Go is essentially a suitcase-style battery, one that will be offered in 4- and 8-kWh capacities, capable of juicing up an EV with up to 40 miles of range at 7.2-kW speeds. This week Mini confirmed it will produce an electric premium compact vehicle that will sit alongside the next-generation Mini Countryman, positioned in a space that Mini has not addressed to date. What such a vehicle could look like was previewed earlier this year with the Mini Urbanaut concept. After three years in production, the Audi e-tron SUV is getting a range increase thanks to a software update. The automaker has been able to squeeze out 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of range in the WLTP cycle by optimizing thermal management and electric motor behavior. The result is a usable 86-kWh capacity, up from 83 kWh. 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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