Tesla’s new affordable model inspired by Hot Wheels, Asda’s commitment to Tesla’s ultra-fast charging units, crucial safety warnings for EV chargers, and Toyota’s cutting-edge battery innovations. Stay informed about the future of EV technology.
Teslas’ cheaper EV
Tesla has a much anticipated £21,700 model in the pipeline which may well have drawn on inspiration from the much-loved Hot Wheels cars.
GBNews reports Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk hinted at the introduction of an affordable EV for some time, citing advancements in technology and reductions in production costs as key enablers.
Innovations in manufacturing, such as the capability to die-cast almost the entire underbody of the vehicle in one piece, are expected to drive down costs significantly. This approach reflects Tesla’s pioneering spirit and underscores its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
The electric car titan aims to hit the milestone of 20 million vehicles by 2030. The production of this budget-friendly EV is reportedly planned for the European Union, with Tesla’s new German Gigafactory, Giga Berlin, cited as the manufacturing hub. This facility has already made its mark by achieving a production rate of 5,000 Model Y units per week as of March 2023.
Asda Electric Car charging plan
Asda’s owners are committing to a greener future by purchasing Tesla’s ultra-fast electric charging units, aiming to expand their zero-emission vehicle charging network. EG Group, led by Asda’s owners Mohsin and Zuber Issa, plans to introduce these chargers under the “EVpoint” brand, accessible to all-electric car drivers.
The petrol station leader, EG Group, has expressed its excitement about incorporating Tesla Superchargers, known for their rapid charging capabilities. With over 50,000 units worldwide, these chargers are a significant step in enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure.
EG Group is looking to grow its current network of over 600 chargers to more than 20,000.
This deal, a first of its kind in Europe, signifies a major leap in the availability and convenience of EV charging. Their commitment to transparency in fuel pricing and now, their investment in electric vehicle charging, shows a significant shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.
Be careful of unsafe chargers
What Car?‘s investigation into aftermarket EV charging cables uncovered alarming risks. Three cables, designed for domestic use, failed crucial safety tests, presenting shock hazards and overheating issues, especially with prolonged use.
The products, sourced from online platforms, have led to calls for tighter regulation of electrical goods sold on such marketplaces, with Amazon pulling the products for further investigation. This probe emphasises the critical need for stringent safety compliance for EV accessories sold online.
The cables in question are:
EVCARS Mode 2 EV Charger (via Amazon)
Oasser Mode 2 Electric Vehicle Charger (via Amazon)
Portable EV Charger (via componentauthority.com)
Toyota battery innovations
Toyota, the renowned car manufacturer, is advancing in the development of groundbreaking electric car batteries, with plans to introduce a new series of innovative lithium-ion batteries by 2026, promising not only a 20% reduction in cost but also a considerable leap to approx 500 miles in driving range. Plus their lithium iron phosphate batteries are anticipated to be 40% more cost-effective than those used in their current bZ4X model.
Yet, the real game-changer lies in the development of their all-solid-state batteries, set to make their grand entrance around 2027/28.
These all-solid-state batteries employ a solid electrolyte, which enhances the movement of ions and offers greater resilience against high voltages and temperatures. This advancement paves the way for faster charging and discharging cycles and more compact battery designs.
The first iteration of Toyota’s solid-state battery is expected to deliver an extraordinary range of 621 miles and can be charged in less than 10 minutes and Toyota is now gearing up for mass production.
But that is not all, as Toyota is exploring an even more advanced Li-Ion solid-state battery capable of a staggering 1,000 miles.
So, in the future, charging your electric car could be as easy as charging your phone, and you might even earn points for a free snack while you wait. Cool, right?
