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Will Solid-State Batteries Power Your Next EV?
Lithium-ion batteries have reigned supreme for two decades now. They’re easily rechargeable, versatile and long-lasting. They even made cell phones and laptops possible. As early electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt began production, the use of Li-ion batteries skyrocketed. But in the world of technology and engineering, there’s always something newer and better. While Li-ion batteries have been driving electrification, engineers have been hard at work in the background, eagerly trying to bring its likely successor, the solid-state battery, to mass production.
Solid-state batteries have been called the next frontier in electric mobility. Could EVs with 500-mile ranges and 10-minute charge times be right around the corner? Automakers are funneling billions of dollars into the research and development of these game-changing batteries and the challenge of manufacturing them at scale. Whether or not consumers will ever see the benefits of EVs powered by solid-state batteries remains to be seen, but OEMs are closer than ever before to the ‘holy grail’ of electrification.
How Are Solid-State Batteries Different Than the Status Quo?
First, battery basics. Batteries contain two electrodes, a cathode and an anode. Connecting the electrodes is an electrolyte, which is a material that conducts electricity between the two electrodes. Lithium-ion, alkaline and most other existing battery types use a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, replace the liquid electrolyte found in other batteries with a solid electrolyte. Some labs are toying with inorganic ceramics for their electrolyte, others are trying it out with polymers. In essence, most of today’s batteries are ‘wet batteries.’ Solid-state batteries are ‘dry’, and with that comes many benefits, but also some new challenges.
Why are automakers so intent on revamping their battery packs?
It comes down to 4 things: safety, efficiency, durability and cost savings.
Safer EVs
Rigorous analyses show that EVs are less prone to vehicle fires than combustion vehicles, with notable exceptions. Still, Li-ion batteries are susceptible to short-circuiting when abused, a big problem that can lead to fires. Moving beyond liquid electrolytes to solids could reduce the risk of battery-related vehicle fires.
In the World of EVs, Efficiency is King
While battery density is decent in Li-ion batteries, laboratory research shows that solid-state batteries are far superior (up to 10x greater in experimental cells). Should solid-state batteries make it to mass production, OEMs will be faced with deciding whether to produce cars with massive ranges (400-500 miles), or producing cars with decent range (250-350 miles) that require smaller battery packs than today’s EV models. Smaller packs would save money, but larger ranges would likely boost sales.
Durability = Sustainability and Savings for Consumers
Today’s EV batteries degrade slowly with mileage. Anyone who has owned an early Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model S knows that well. It’s common for an EV to retain 80% of its original EPA-rated range after driving 100,000 miles, but some models fare worse. Solid-state batteries could change that. Any technology that boosts reliability and durability will be a welcome addition for consumers on the market for an EV.
Affordability Is the Only Thing That Will Bring EVs to the Masses
Back in 2015, Tesla was achieving battery production costs of about $150 per kilowatt-hour. That translated to a 100 kWh battery pack that cost $15,000 for the Model S. At the time, Elon Musk knew that battery production would have to become far more affordable before EVs could approach cost-parity with combustion vehicles. He and others in the emerging EV industry set the ambitious goal of $100 per kWh. Today, that goal has been reached for some automakers, including Tesla.
Even with this monumental accomplishment, EVs are still a bit expensive. With affordability and engineering achievements in mind, the US Department of Energy thinks that $60 kWh batteries are within reach. A part of reaching that goal in this decade will be the mass production of a far more efficient battery. Solid-state technology could be the key.
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Which OEMs Are Developing Solid-State Batteries?
Despite the promising headlines, not everyone is convinced that tomorrow’s EVs will be powered by solid-state batteries. For those that are, partnerships and startup acquisitions have been central to their strategies. Here’s where major automakers stand in future battery research and development:
Toyota Solid State Battery
Toyota is investing $13.5 billion in new battery tech, including solid-state batteries. They’ve been working hard to bring solid-state to mass production for several years. Toyota’s battery engineers cite ongoing issues with limited service life as a remaining obstacle, but a working prototype may hit the test track in 2023. Unlike some, Toyota is not taking a sharp turn towards an EV-only lineup. Leadership has indicated that they’re playing the long game, and they are confident that their investments will pay off in the long run.
General Motors Solid State Battery
General Motors has a stated goal of 60% lower battery costs for the second generation of its new Ultium EV platform. On top of GM’s massive EV investment, the General recently announced a new $5 billion battery development facility in Michigan. GM says the new facility will “allow GM to accelerate new technologies like lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries, along with production methods that can quickly be deployed at battery cell manufacturing plants.” It sounds like GM is playing it safe and would rather not put all of its battery ‘eggs’ in one basket.
Ford Solid State Battery
Ford is laser-focused on solid-state. Ford’s engineers say that solid-state batteries “can be made on today’s lithium-ion battery lines, allowing Ford to reuse about 70 percent of its capital investment in lithium-ion manufacturing lines.” They’re taking the partnership route, teaming up with both SK Innovation and Solid Power to bring solid-state batteries to their EVs in the latter half of the 2020s. Ford recently announced plans to build a $11.4 billion battery production facility with international battery R&D leader SK Innovation. At about the same time, Ford also announced that it is boosting its investment in Solid Power, another promising solid-state battery developer. “By simplifying the design of solid-state versus lithium-ion batteries, we’ll be able to increase vehicle range, improve interior space and cargo volume and ultimately deliver lower costs and better value for customers,” shared Ted Miller, Ford’s manager of electrification subsystems and power supply research.
Volkswagen Solid State Battery
In 2019, Volkswagen Group launched a partnership with QuantumScape, a Stanford University startup that is a leader of solid-state development. QuantumScape claims to be close to a scalable solid-state battery, and VW hopes to bring it to production in late 2024 or so. VW opted to increase its investment in QuantumScape by an additional $200 million in 2020 for a total investment of $300 million, so it looks like the world’s largest automaker is sure of its footing in battery development.
Partnerships with Factorial Energy
Hyundai-Kia, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz have all entered into separate partnerships with Factorial Energy, a Massachuesetts-based battery tech startup with promising solid-state battery development. Stellantis wants to roll out solid-state technology in 2026, but some industry experts are skeptical of such a quick timeline.
Why Are Solid-State Batteries So Hard to Make?
If this technology has been in the works since 1978, why aren’t solid-state batteries already in cars? Partly, it’s because Li-ion batteries work just fine for most applications. The mass adoption of EVs is accelerating, and the limitations of Li-ion battery charging speed, durability and thermal management are driving the latest push to find something better.
There have been major achievements in battery technology over the years. Decades of research went into the creation of a stable solid-state electrolyte, and many great options have been developed. Now, improving durability and manufacturing techniques are the main challenges.
Early prototypes have been plagued with problems like damage after repeated charging. Some of the damage is due to dendritic growth that can short-circuit the battery, leading to thermal runaway (a fire!). Dendritic growth is a risk with current liquid electrolyte batteries, but it was long thought that solid electrolytes wouldn’t be susceptible. Solid electrolytes transmit battery stress more than liquid electrolytes do, and research indicates that this can further contribute to shortened battery life with repeated charging and discharging. Bringing solid-state batteries to the masses will depend on finding solutions to these engineering challenges.
Ford says it can build solid-state batteries using 70% of the existing Li-ion manufacturing process. If this is true, that could be a huge leap forward. The battery-powered arms race is underway among OEMs. Whoever can unlock the extended range, quicker charging and (hopefully) greater durability of this technology will hold the key to electric dominance. But what about the elephant in the room? Tesla is on a different trajectory altogether.
Tesla’s New Battery Is an Alternative
Tesla is notably NOT interested in solid-state batteries. Their engineers even call solid-state a ‘false promise’ and a distraction. Instead, at Tesla’s Battery Day event the company shared details about their all-new battery, the 4680 lithium-ion cylindrical battery engineered with Panasonic.
The 4680 is not unlike a household D battery in size, but the engineering inside is unique. The batteries are tabless, more energy dense and far easier to make. They are cobalt-free and feature a silicon anode, two industry firsts. Tesla claims the new battery manufacturing process will enable a 100-fold increase in battery production capacity by 2030. The larger cylindrical cells fit more active battery material into the casing for a 5× improvement in energy storage and a 6× increase in power. Tesla hasn’t achieved this alone; they’ve acquired Maxwell Technologies, Grohmann, and other battery startups as they’ve partnered with Panasonic and Chinese battery leader CATL.
Will Tesla ever pivot towards solid-state batteries? As of now, it’s not in their plan.
CarEdge’s Take On Solid-State Batteries
It looks like industry experts don’t think the first mass production of solid-state batteries will happen before 2025. This technology has huge potential to disrupt the automotive industry. Imagine EVs with 500-mile ranges, excellent safety and reliability, and charging times equal to that of refueling at a gas station. But hurdles remain for automakers and the various battery startups they’ve built strategic partnerships with.
The era of EVs is already here. We’ve seen it firsthand at the 2021 LA Auto Show, and OEMs are showing how serious they are about electrification by spending lots of money on engineering and manufacturing. Today’s EVs rely on existing lithium-ion batteries. It’s all but certain that 2023-2024 models will continue to use the latest iterations of Li-ion batteries. However, once manufacturers figure out how to produce durable solid-state batteries at scale, it may turn out to be the last nail in the coffin for combustion powertrains. What do you think? Is Tesla right about the ‘false promise’ of solid-state batteries, or will Toyota and others change the game with their own new battery technology?
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Popular Electric Crossover Faces a Recall and Stop-Sale
When Ford announced that it intended to bestow the Mustang name upon its first dedicated EV, it was a polarizing moment for auto enthusiasts. Now that the dust has settled, many Mach-E drivers feel that the car lives up to the name. After making a debut as a 2021 model, the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E is receiving some noteworthy upgrades. Ford is even welcoming a spicy GT variant to the lineup.
October 2021 was a great month for Ford EV sales. Sales reached an all-time high of 14,062 EVs and plug-in hybrids in October, a 195% increase year-over-year. Nearly 3,000 of those sales are attributed to the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s flagship electric vehicle. Mach-E owners love their cars, and over 90% say they would recommend the model to others. Let’s explore why the Mustang Mach-E is making a name for itself among performance enthusiasts and families alike, and what planned updates are in store for the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ford Says the Mustang Mach-E Embodies the Mustang Spirit
For the first time in the Mustang’s 56 year history, there’s an all-new member of the family. The Mach-E is a muscular SUV with a sleek and undeniably Mustang-inspired design. It combines a spacious compact crossover cabin, a touch of performance, and an EPA-estimated range of up to 300 miles. Following the popularity of Tesla’s giant infotainment screen and panoramic glass room, the Mustang Mach-E features these and much more. The ride is firm but tight in the corners. It’s a very heavy car with a low center of gravity, and that’s felt in the handling.
The Mach-E is available with standard and extended-range battery options, and each can be paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. The more family-oriented extended-range all-wheel-drive configuration targets 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, which is on par with the best of the segment. Unlike some EVs, early testing shows the Mach-E getting the mileage that is advertised. InsideEVs testing found that the extended-range rear-wheel drive Mach-E can go 282 miles at constant 70 mph highway speeds, which even beats the 276 miles Tesla’s Model Y achieved in the real-world test.
Mustang fans were thrilled to learn that a GT Performance Mach-E is hitting the roads in 2022. This Model Y Performance competitor “brings the thrills Mustang is famous for” as Ford puts it, targeting 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque with the Performance package.
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Updates: More Range, Quicker Charging and Better Tech
2022 brings a few updates to the Mach-E’s battery and infotainment. One of the only complaints about the car has been the inconvenient charging curve at DC fast chargers. Once the 2021 Mach-E is over 80% state of charge, the charging rate plummets, meaning that drivers sit around waiting for it to trickle electrons into the battery pack. The 2022 model will fix that, and existing 2021 cars will receive an over-the-air update that will improve charging times for current owners. But for now, the 2021 Mach-E can add 59 miles in ten minutes, and charging from 10%-80% takes about 45 minutes. If you’re new to EVs, this may sound disappointing, but keep in mind that fast charging usually only happens on road trips, where you can take advantage of Ford’s new FordPass charging network partners. The vast majority of charging is done at home overnight.
Every EV battery includes a buffer of unusable capacity. In 2022, the Mach-E will have a slightly reduced buffer, which translates to a bump in range. A reduced buffer isn’t a bad thing, it simply means that Ford’s engineers have seen enough data to feel confident in how the battery is performing under a range of conditions. The updated range figures haven’t been announced yet, but each trim will likely add at least ten miles.
The 2022 Mach-E’s 15.5” portrait-oriented infotainment screen receives a few tweaks to improve functionality. CarPlay is now more customizable, and Ford’s navigation system is more useful. Most importantly, the car’s estimation of the state of charge when arriving at a destination is getting more accurate and intelligent. The system can now direct the driver towards alternative charging stations if the intended destination is out of working order.
Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology will be available as a monthly subscription beginning in 2022. New cars come with a free trial period. BlueCruise allows for hands-free driving on over 100,000 miles of highways, so long that eyes remain on the road.
Pricing and Incentives
*The 2022 model year receives a $1,000 MSRP increase. Be aware that many dealers are charging well over MSRP. Shop around, take online dealer listings with a large scoop of salt. It’s best to call the dealer to find out what true pricing is.
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at a base price of $43,895 for the standard range rear-wheel drive variant. Adding AWD to the standard battery pack brings the price up to $46,595 while dropping range to 211 miles. The Premium trim includes a panoramic glass roof, premium interior features, and more. The optional extended range battery lists for $54,100 with RWD and $56,800 with AWD. The fully-loaded GT performance lists for $61,995, which makes for a compelling buy now that the Tesla Model Y dual-motor base version costs roughly the same.
These MSRP’s are before taxes and fees, and the ongoing supply shortage has had numerous Ford dealerships implementing massive markups on their Mach-E’s. Some buyers are paying dealer markups of over $10,000 to get their hands on one. Consider yourself lucky if you can find one at MSRP.
All Ford EV’s continue to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit for the purchase of an electric vehicle. However, there are likely to be major changes to federal incentives in 2022, the details of which are still being worked out in congress. Ford currently builds the Mach-E in Mexico, but that’s expected to change with Ford’s new dedicated EV production facilities in Tennessee and Kentucky. If the Mach-E becomes an American made EV, additional incentives may apply. Several states offer incentives too. In California, New York and others, combined state and federal incentives can bring the effective price of the Mach-E below $35,000.
CarEdge’s Take On the Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E has turned out to be a compelling electric crossover for a large segment of buyers. Whether you’re drawn to sporty handling and excellent build quality or the idea of a family-sized Mustang, this car is worth a test drive (if you can find one). One thing that strengthens the case for the Mach-E is the capability for over-the-air updates. Tesla introduced OTA to the industry, and Ford was the quickest to see the game-changing benefits it brings. If you buy an electric Ford today, there’s a good chance your car will have more range, better performance and even more features a year from now. Plus, with $22 billion in planned EV investment through 2025, there’s no need to worry about EV tech becoming a passing fad.
Ford’s continued eligibility for the federal EV tax credit is another reason to keep this car high on your shopping list. The Mach-E’s most obvious competitor, the Tesla Model Y, no longer qualifies after the automaker exceeded the 200,000 sale limit. Changes to federal incentives are more than likely on the way, and Ford EV’s may end up qualifying for additional federal incentives. But don’t get too excited about adding the Mach-E to your driveway anytime soon. As of December 2021, shortages and delays are pushing delivery times out to 28+ weeks. That’s at least seven months of waiting!
What’s your impression of the Ford Mustang Mach-E? Does it live up to the legendary name, or is this a different car altogether? Regardless, Ford is proud of this performance-minded electric crossover. The team at CarEdge will keep you updated as automakers increasingly go electric. Check out the latest Ford Mustang Mach-E listings on our new listing service that features info and insights that empower you to negotiate the best deal every time.
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Updated: The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric Crossover – VW’s Shot at Redemption Is Built to Impress
Spring 2022 Update: Volkswagen of America has announced upcoming updates for the 2022 model year
- Prices are up by $765 across the board
- DC fast charging speeds will get a bump up to 135 kW and an improved charging curve
- Range will increase, but VW hasn’t shared specifics
- Auto-hold, a popular EV feature, will arrive via software updates
- Plug-and-charge will make plugging in at Electrify America easier
- There will be a cheaper $35,000 base model later this year
- Production will begin in Tennessee in fall of 2022
Back in 2015, I don’t think anyone would have guessed that Volkswagen would be a leader in electric transportation just five years into the future. VW had been knowingly installing emissions testing defeat devices in cars for years before they were caught red-handed. The dieselgate scandal was a make-or-break moment for the largest automaker in the world. At times, it appeared that consumers were angry enough to turn their backs on VW after its 87-year history.
How did VW make it out alive? After sharing a new path forward, a shuffle in leadership, and an abundance of apologies, Volkswagen announced plans to invest in the production of electric vehicles with the goal of having 25% of annual sales being electric by 2025. With VW leadership drawing parallels between the classic Beetle and this ‘electric vehicle for the masses’, the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is the chosen symbol of the automaker’s new era.
Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.4 crossover represents second chances, a corporate gamble and five years of intensive engineering. At least $48 billion dollars have been funneled into the development of the all-new MEB battery electric platform that the ID.4 sits on. VW says that ID stands for Intelligent Design. Will the ID.4’s tech, powertrain and comfort appeal to car buyers looking for the smart choice for their next vehicle?
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Specs: Capable RWD, but AWD Is Where the Fun’s At
Volkswagen likes to point out that the ID.4 is their first rear-wheel drive car since the Beetle. The ID.4’s single-motor option features a rear-mounted motor that produces 201 horsepower, 229 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds. It’s not fast, but acceleration is smooth and steadily supplied. It’s a different kind of spaceship feel than what you get in a Tesla, but the ease of gliding to highway speeds in near silence is satisfying in its own right. The RWD variant can tow up to 2,200 pounds, but only the First Edition came with an included tow hitch.
The all-wheel drive version of the ID.4 is where this crossover really shines. Adding another motor to the front axle increases horsepower to 295 with 339 lb-ft of torque and a very satisfying 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds. However, it’s not quite a car you’d take to the track. The handling is well-tuned for attacking winding roads in inclement weather, although it maintains a more family-oriented demeanor. At the front is an induction motor that only engages when extra power or traction is needed. The additional power enables 2,700 pounds of towing. A few off-roading tests have shown that it isn’t equipped for rugged overlanding, at least not without some modification.
The 2021 ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rigorous crash testing.
The Interior Isn’t Typical Volkswagen
Stepping inside the ID.4 is a blend of the familiar and next-generation minimalism. There’s no front trunk (or frunk), but there are plenty of other reminders that this is an electric car. Kind of like a Tesla, nearly all controls are accessed via the 10 to 12 inch infotainment screen, with size depending on the trim. There’s something here that even a Model Y doesn’t have: a second screen for the gauge cluster, mounted right behind the steering wheel. It displays speed, remaining range and navigation guidance in an easy-to-see location. This extra screen makes driving the ID.4 feel much more comfortable and carefree.
Overuse of haptic controls on the steering wheel and beneath the infotainment screen may be an issue for some drivers, but in my experience, the rest of the interior’s design more than makes up for the occasional inconvenience. The cavernous cabin has 101 cubic feet of passenger volume, which puts it on par with the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V. Backseat passengers have more than enough leg and headroom, even those who are well over six feet in height. The 30.3 cubic feet of cargo room provides ample space for groceries and such, and that expands to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
All ID.4’s include Travel Assist, Volkswagen’s new driver assistance technology. It’s essentially a combination of lane centering and adaptive cruise control, and drivers love it so far. VW plans to improve Travel Assist and other tech features in all of its upcoming EVs via over-the-air updates.
Trim Options Offer Great Value at the Price Point
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is available in Pro, Pro S and Gradient trim levels. The base Pro starts at $41,190 including destination charges. The Pro interior features gray and black cloth seating, a 10” infotainment screen, and heated front seats. For an additional $3,680, the AWD Pro adds a heated windshield and steering wheel, a tow hitch and an extra 0.6” of ground clearance. One of the most lauded interior features is the interior accent lighting. The driver or passenger can choose out of 10 colors to illuminate the front dash and doors, creating a very personalized feel.
The exterior is largely the same among ID.4 trims. The Pro gets LED headlights and taillights, but not the sci-fi-inspired projector LEDs of higher trims. 19” alloy wheels on the base trim is quite the treat. The ID.4 has more ground clearance than most competitors. RWD versions have 8.2 inches of clearance, and AWD cars are lifted up to 8.7 inches. That’s far above the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, and matched that of the popular Subaru Forester.
The Pro S package is an additional $4,500. For the money, a panoramic glass roof (with an electric sunshade), 12” infotainment screen and a choice of lunar gray or black and brown vegan leather perforated (but not ventilated) seats. The Pro S trim gets 8-way power-adjusting seats with 4-way lumbar support that also has a massage setting. A power liftgate is included with the Pro S too. Taken together, the interior of the ID.4 Pro S feels a class above the price point.
At the top of the ID.4’s trim options is the Gradient package that can be added to the Pro S for an extra $1,500. The Gradient package adds silver accents, a black roof, 20 inch rims and unlocks the Kings Red paint option.
Range and Charging Speeds Are Acceptable, but Likely to Increase
The range of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is just enough to make it great for road trips, however it’s a notch below the best of the best. On the EPA test cycle, the 2021 model is rated for 260 miles in the RWD Pro trim, and 250 miles in the RWD Pro S. For AWD variants, there’s a 10 mile penalty. Real-world highway testing shows that the ID.4 can go 220-240 miles at 70 mph with ease, and nearly 300 miles on a charge in the city. VW has hinted at a minor range increase for the 2022 model year. Unlike most other EVs, drivers can opt in or out of full regenerative braking. ‘D’ mode lets the vehicle coast to a stop much like a combustion vehicle. ‘B’ mode turns up regenerative braking to the max, and returns more power to the battery during every time your foot lets off the accelerator pedal. It’s nice to have options.
Over 80% of EV charging is done at home, and the ID.4 gets it done without a hassle. The car comes with a 120 volt ‘level 1’ charger that is only meant to be used for overnight charging. If quicker speeds are necessary, a level 2 charger can be installed on a 240 Volt dryer outlet to charge the car from empty to full in about seven hours. On road trips, the 2021 ID.4 can charge at speeds of up to 125 kW. That comes out to about 38 minutes to charge from 0% to 80% (adding about 200 miles of range). All electric vehicles charge slowly over 80% state of charge, so it would make sense to hop from charger to charger and unplug each time the car reaches 80%. Stopping every 200 miles or so to charge and take a travel break would work well for most drivers.
Volkswagen recently teased increases to both range and charging speed for the upcoming 2022 ID.4. Charging speeds will likely be increased to either 150 or 175 kW. That would save drivers several minutes at each charging stop. Over-the-air updates might even push these upgrades to 2021 models already on the road. They also confirmed the continuation of one of the Volkswagen ID.4’s most compelling selling points: three years of free fast-charging at Electrify America stations. All current ID.4 owners have this incentive with unlimited mileage, but there are some indications that mileage limits may apply for 2022 buyers. Still, three years of free fast-charging could save drivers a lot of money.
How Does It Stack Up to the Competition?
In simplest terms, think of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 as a sleek, futuristic and minimalist Tiguan. Interior dimensions are similar, but the ID.4 packs more power. Just about the only thing the Tiguan does better is go more miles between refueling stops. Still, electricity is far more affordable than gas. When charging isn’t free, a full ‘tank’ of electrons rarely costs more than $20.
As of December 2021, the two direct competitors to the ID.4 are the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y. The electric crossover family is about to grow rapidly in 2022 as more automakers bring models to market. Volkswagen says it’s not trying to compete with Tesla It’s an unavoidable comparison to make when the Model Y is the top-selling electric SUV in America. It’s true that the Tesla has more power, more range and better tech, but it’s also nearly twice the price of the ID.4 once federal EV incentives are taken into consideration. If EV incentives get revised in 2022, the two could end up being closer in overall price.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has more in common with the Model Y than it does with the ID.4. The handling, size and range of the Mach-E are about midway between the ID.4 and Model Y. The Mach-E is a sporty crossover, and can be a downright track beast in the GT Performance trim. It features a tad more interior space, plus a frunk for added cargo room. The 15.5” infotainment screen is more akin to Tesla, and so is the firmness of the ride. Reviewers note that fit and finish is far better (as it should be) with the ID.4 and Mustang Mach-E than you’re likely to find on any Model Y. As Elon Musk likes to say, making cars is hard.
In 2022, the Subaru Solterra will make an entry into the market. This AWD electric crossover will compete with the all-wheel drive versions of the ID.4. From Subaru’s recent unveiling at the 2021 LA Auto Show, we can already see that the ID.4 has the upperhand. The ID.4 has more power, more interior room and far more range than the estimates Subaru has shared. We won’t know how the prices of the two compare for a few more months.
CarEdge’s Take On the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a great fit for most driving lifestyles. It’s a particularly compelling car in the base Pro trim with rear-wheel drive. Volkswagen’s EVs still qualify for the $7500 federal EV tax credit in the US, which can turn the entry-level ID.4 into a $34,000 purchase. That’s an amazing value in today’s market.
A combination of high demand and the ongoing chip shortage have pushed delivery wait times out to six months or more when you order from VW’s website and arrange to pick up from your chosen dealer. Some have had luck finding an ID.4 to purchase on a dealer lot.
There’s a lot of competition on the way, and that’s something that buyers in today’s market should bear in mind. The Subaru Solterra, Nissan Ariya, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are just some of the amazing EVs arriving by the end of 2022. Nevertheless, the ID.4 is an excellent car, and 2022 updates could strengthen this EV’s appeal even further. Stay tuned for the latest EV updates here on CarEdge. Which electric crossover appeals to you?
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OEM EV Investments and Roadmaps to Electrification
This year’s LA Auto Show marks a turning point for the auto industry. What seemed unlikely a decade ago is now very real: like it or not, OEMs are committed to electrification. There are a whole host of reasons for the shift, from international climate initiatives and clean transport incentives, to simply responding to Tesla overtaking market share. Every automaker has its own strategy. Some are going it alone, while many are laying the groundwork for new partnerships with competitors. And as 2021 comes to a close, all OEMs have at least this in common: they’re planning to electrify and they’re spending a LOT of money doing it. Here are the latest updates on the major players in the North American auto market.
Nissan, an Early EV Pioneer, Is Now Playing Catch Up
The 2011 Nissan Leaf changed the world and spurred interest in electrified transportation. The Leaf led EV sales for several years before falling behind the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla lineup. The turmoil of Nissan’s leadership surely didn’t do electrification any favors. But here we are, a decade after they brought EVs to the masses, and Nissan has unveiled the successor to the Leaf, the 2023 Nissan Ariya. This compact crossover is the start of something bigger.
The Japanese OEM just announced ‘Ambition 2030’, a roadmap for electrification. In just five years time, Nissan says it will spend at least $17.6 billion in EVs and battery tech. That includes the engineering and production of its own solid-state battery by 2028, which would be a major feat for any automaker. Another part of the investment is a new $1.3 billion electric vehicle hub in England where it will build an all-electric crossover. By 2030, Nissan says that half of their lineup will be EVs. Will it be enough to reclaim EV dominance?
Ford Keeps Upping Its Commitment to Electrification….and Teasing Us with Retro Concept EVs
Ford is determined to catch up to Tesla, and they’re not afraid to say that publicly. Having acknowledged their status as an EV underdog, Ford isn’t making any excuses. Instead, they’re writing checks. The Detroit giant is spending $22 billion through 2025 to electrify its lineup, starting with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, a controversially-named top seller and Tesla Model Y competitor.
Next up, the F-150 Lightning. Ford is so confident in its electrification strategy that it’s giving its best-selling model the EV treatment. With over 200,000 reservations in the books, it looks like Ford has their work laid out for them. Ford says that F-150 Lightning reservations placed today may not be delivered until 2024 due to order backlogs.
In an even greater leap towards an EV future, Ford announced BlueOval City, which they call Ford’s “largest, most advanced, most efficient auto production complex.” The massive facility will be constructed on a nearly 6-square-mile site in Tennessee. It will produce F-series electric trucks and Ford’s future battery platforms. Moreover, a new BlueOval SK Battery Park is to be built in Kentucky with the goal of powering a new lineup of Ford and Lincoln EVs.
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GM Is Spending Big Money, but Where Are the Cars?
GM plans to stop selling combustion vehicles by 2035, so that means one of two things: GM is either going all-in with EVs, or they plan to go out of business. Jokes aside, the General is playing the long game. GM has been investing heavily in the development of its proprietary Ultium battery technology as it prepares to launch a slew of EVs.
Unless you’ve been living under an automotive rock for the past year, you probably know that the Chevy Bolt has been going through some rough times to say the least. Battery fires have been traced to problems with how LG Energy Solutions engineered the battery pack for GM. There’s a stop-sale on new Bolt’s, and all Bolt owners are advised to park away from buildings and limit charging to 80%. The automaker has to spend $1.8 billion fixing the Bolt recall, so I’m sure they will want to avoid similar problems going forward. GM’s Bolt blunder is certainly going to turn a lot of folks away from EVs, so here’s hoping that their new Ultium platform can convince the public that their EVs are worth a test drive.
2021 has arguably been the turning point for the automotive industry. Now that the future points towards electrification, OEMs like GM are increasing their planned investments in EVs and their infrastructure ecosystem. For example, GM recently announced that they are increasing their commitment to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles by $8 billion additional dollars by 2025, amounting to a total commitment of $35 billion. In a recent press release, GM shared that they intend for combustion-powered sales to fuel their growth strategy. The roadmap includes working with partners to build new battery facilities, creating a charging network, and converting the entire Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly center into ‘Factory Zero’, an all-EV production center with over 4 million square feet.
The Cadillac brand will be exclusively electric by 2030, and the highly-praised Cadillac Lyric EV is almost here. And of course there’s the $100,000+ GMC Hummer EV coming out next year. But we’ll know Chevrolet is serious about EVs when there’s an electric Silverado, which is scheduled to arrive in 2023-2024. The automaker is relying on the new Ultium batteries to produce a desirable electric truck with a range of up to 400 miles on a charge at a compelling price point.
Stellantis: It’s Complicated
Now that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group (European brands Peugeot, Citroen and more) have merged to create Stellantis, the conglomerate is trying to agree on a path forward towards electrification. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently complained to Reuters about the added costs of engineering and building EVs, which isn’t surprising considering that subsidiary Ferrari publicly says they aren’t very interested in electrification.
Despite the dread of some of the leadership, Stellantis is far more committed to EVs than FCA was on its own. At ‘Stellantis EV Day 2021’, the group announced $35.5 billion in EV investment through 2025. Every Jeep will have an electrified option by 2025, and an electric Ram 1500 pickup truck and Dodge performance EV will hit the roads by the same year. Their target for North America is 40% electrification (including plug-in hybrids) in 2025.
The Korean OEM’s are On a Roll
Not only is Hyundai-Kia on a roll, they are investing heavily in American manufacturing for their rapidly electrifying lineup. They recently shared a $7.4 billion investment in America between now and 2025, with the goal of producing American-made battery electric vehicles. Hyundai-Kia is also investing heavily in autonomous vehicle development and urban air mobility. You know, as in flying cars. By 2025, they plan to have 23 EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the market, with more to follow. So there’s a lot to look forward to from the group.
Hyundai’s retro-inspired yet very futuristic IONIQ 5 has garnered attention at the 2021 LA Auto Show along with its sibling, the Kia EV6. Hyundai’s Kona EV has sold well, but it doesn’t turn any heads. The next generation of electric Hyundai’s and Kia’s are sure to change that if the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 7 are any indication of what’s to come.
Honda, Mazda and Subaru are Making Incremental Changes
Honda doesn’t have a single dedicated EV in the North American market, but has had success with its funky Honda ‘e’ in Europe. Nevertheless, Honda has big plans. CEO Toshihiro Mibe recently shared that the automaker is aiming for 2040 vehicle sales to be 100% EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. They expect that figure to reach 40% by 2030. As far as investment goes, Honda is putting their money where their mouth is and investing $46.3 billion in research and development initiatives, including electrification, over the next six years. But there’s a long way to go. In 2020, Honda sold 4.46 million cars globally, but only 14,000 were electric.
When will Honda begin to make a splash in the American EV market? Well, no sooner than late 2023. Honda’s pride and joy is the upcoming 2024 Prologue EV, a SUV that will use GM’s Ultium battery platform. You read that right. Honda is depending on GM to deliver the most important part of their most important car of the decade. The EVs in development will surely have Acura-branded counterparts too.
In 2025, Mazda plans to introduce a unique EV platform, ‘SkyActive EV Scalable Architecture.’ For now, Mazda only intends to bring three full EVs to the American market by 2025. The company’s first, the MX-30, is out now in California and includes a very insufficient estimated range of 100 miles. For perspective, a 2013 Nissan Leaf got better miles than that. We’ll see if Mazda gets serious about EVs with an accelerated timeline.
Subaru has been receiving plenty of attention as of late for its fruitful collaboration with Toyota to produce a new EV platform that both automakers will use for the time being. The 2021 LA Auto Show has featured the unveiling of the first all-electric all-wheel drive Subaru, the 2023 Subaru Solterra. It’s the sister to Toyota’s new bZ4X EV. Subaru is playing a bit of catch up in the electrified all-wheel drive space, but they have a plan. They recently announced plans for a new $272 million dollar R&D center in Tokyo that will employ some 2,800 people with the goal of facilitating the push to EVs.
And Then There’s Toyota, Slowly Moving From Hybrids to EVs
In 1995, Toyota made headlines when it unveiled a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show that was powered by both combustion and electric motors. This concept would go on to become the first mass-produced hybrid, the 1997 Toyota Prius. 25 years later, the hybrid pioneer is lagging behind other automakers in the push to further electrify. As recently as this year, Toyota and Lexus have frequently trash talked EVs. From claiming that they prefer “self-charging hybrids” (there’s no such thing!!!), to investing heavily in the incredibly inconvenient hydrogen-powered Mirai, Toyota has kicked the ball down the road for the last decade when it comes to electrification. But things started to accelerate in 2019 when Toyota expanded its existing partnership with Subaru to include the development of a battery electric vehicle.
At the 2021 LA Auto Show, we got our first look at the fruits of the Toyota-Subaru collab. On Toyota’s side, the result is a compelling EV with an eye-rolling name: the 2022 Toyota bZ4X. Apparently bZ stands for beyond zero, as in zero emissions. Subaru simultaneously unveiled its first all-electric all-wheel drive vehicle, the Solterra.
So Toyota is off to the races. What’s next in their roadmap to electrification? In October, Toyota announced plans to invest $3.4 billion in US-built batteries through 2030. Globally, Toyota says it’s investing $13.5 billion in battery development, with the headline goal of reducing battery costs by 50% by 2030. They’ve also established a partnership with Panasonic for battery R&D. Toyota plans to expand the Beyond Zero line of cars into seven different models by 2025, and an additional eight EVs will be introduced into other Toyota segments. If all goes as planned, Toyota’s lineup will be hardly recognizable five years from now.
German Automakers Are Leading the Way in Europe, Is America Next?
In Europe, German EVs are arguably the face of electrification. While it’s true that Tesla and Asian EVs are quickly making inroads, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche are doing very well in the European EV market. The irony? Volkswagen Group’s electric leadership came directly out of the dieselgate emissions scandal. Following the debacle, VW intended to rebrand itself as an automaker committed to righting wrongs and going green once and for all. And to a large extent, the rebranding has been a success.
VW Group has allocated over $86 billion for technology development between now and 2025. CEO Herbert Diess says that nearly all of it will be spent on electrification initiatives. In fact, he recently shared with CNBC that VW aims to have at least 50% of total vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Here in the US, VW has already started converting a large portion of its Chattanooga, Tennessee factory into a production facility for American-made ID.4 electric crossovers. The conversion will cost about $800 million. The Chattanooga factory recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and over 3,800 people are employed there.
The Porsche Taycan has seen immense success and rave reviews. It’s the top-selling non-SUV Porsche of 2021, despite a sticker price that stretches from $94,000 to $188,000. Porsche, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, has led the electrification of luxury performance in Europe. They’re also investing in a network of public fast-chargers and destination chargers. At least 7,500 charging points are going to be available worldwide by 2025. This is all part of Porsche’s plan to spend about $17 billion on electrification through 2025.
BMW has been a bit of an internal combustion holdout. Not long ago, CEO Oliver Zipse declared that gas engine development will continue and that demand for internal combustion “will remain robust for many years to come.” However, even Zipse says that he expects BMW’s EV sales to grow by at least 50% year-over-year for at least the next few years. By 2025, they expect 25% of BMW’s sales to be EVs. What about investment? The latest tally shows BMW has plans to invest $23.8 billion in battery technology and EVs. They seem to be dabbling in hydrogen fuel cells too, a technology that has yet to show scalable promise.
Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler announced in July that it intends to invest $47 billion in electrification by 2030, with the explicit goal of taking on Tesla. Daimler says that the overhaul of operations could result in job cuts. Most notably, the transition will result in an 80% drop in combustion engine investments by 2026, just five years from now. In essence, Mercedes-Benz is going all in for EVs. Daimler recently purchased British electric motor engineering firm YASA Limited, and is making strides towards battery development.
Is It Enough to Catch Up to Tesla?
Legacy OEM’s have a solid shot at catching up to Tesla, but there’s also the possibility that we’re witnessing a great realigning of sorts in the North American auto industry. As it stands today, Ford, Volkswagen Group, GM and Hyundai-Kia are best positioned to dominate the EV industry alongside Tesla, but all OEM’s are throwing money and infrastructure at electrification. What do you think the outcome will be? Will the big three and German giants be as powerful in a decade as they are now? Only time, money and a battery-powered arms race will tell.
5 Myths About At-Home Charging
One of the greatest benefits of owning an electric vehicle is the affordability and convenience of plugging in. Charging shouldn’t be a hassle. In fact, waking up every morning with a full ‘tank’ of electrons is an added convenience that saves time and money. But EVs are a new way of doing things, and adapting may involve a learning curve. We’ll address five common myths about charging at home while exploring a range of options for today’s EVs.
Myth #1: I have to wait around for my car to charge
This myth confuses EV road tripping with day-to-day ownership. Ready to have your mind blown? With an EV, you wake up with a full battery every single morning. Just charge your car while you sleep! How often do you go on road trips? On the interstate, it’s true that you can expect to spend roughly 20-40 minutes plugged in at a fast charger every 200 miles or so. For most drivers, road trips are few and far between, making the public charging inconvenience worth it in exchange for the many benefits of the EV lifestyle.
Myth #2: Charging is expensive
Once again, this myth confuses long-distance travel with how 90% of EV charging is done: at home. Not only is electricity far cheaper than gasoline, electric vehicles are also much more efficient than vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Smart home chargers can even schedule charging for the off-peak times when electricity is cheapest, which is usually in the dead of night.
Public fast charging sessions CAN be as costly as a tank of gas. But bear in mind that you’ll only use these fast chargers when you’re traveling long distances away from home. Want to avoid the most expensive charging stations? Simply do a little trip planning ahead of time using tools like PlugShare. Volkswagen, Hyundai and others have offered a period of free charging for new car buyers. Free charging incentives are something to consider when shopping for a new EV.
Real-world charging cost examples: America’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model 3, has a usable battery capacity of about 77 kilowatt-hours, which will power about 350 miles of driving in the city, or 310 miles on the highway. The average residential electric rate in the US is $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Say you return home after a long day of driving and plug in. A full charge from empty to 100% will only cost $12.32 at $0.16 per kWh. But say you’re on the road, and you need to stop at EVgo or a Tesla Supercharger. At $0.50/kWh, public chargers can be more than twice the price of home charging. A full charge at one of these ‘expensive’ stations might cost you $30-40. Not bad comparable to today’s gas prices.
Myth #3: I have to buy an expensive home charger
All EVs come with a free ‘trickle charger’, also known as a ‘level 1’ charger. This is the kind of charger you simply plug into a regular 120 volt wall outlet. These chargers provide about 3-4 miles of charge per hour, but if you leave your car plugged in at home overnight, 12 hours will get you over 36 miles of added range. The average American drives just 25 miles per day. For the typical driver, a level 1 charger is enough to wake up to a full battery every morning.
If you regularly drive more than 50 miles a day and don’t want to stop by a public fast charger to top off your battery, then installing a faster ‘level 2’ home charger may be worth the expense. A level 2 charger requires a 240 volt outlet, the same kind that’s used for large home appliances like washers and dryers. Installing a 240 V outlet and buying a level 2 charger is not cheap. Parts and labor will set you back between $850-$2,000 in most cases. However, if you have a 240 V outlet already within reach of where you’ll charge your car, all you need to do is buy the level 2 charger. A decent level 2 charger sells for $300-$600. Many electric utility companies offer big rebates for EV charger installation, so be sure to check before you write it off as too expensive.
If your 240 V outlet is already supplying an appliance with power, you can purchase a splitter from NeoCharge, Splitvolt, or another maker. A splitter plugs in directly to the 240 V outlet. You then plug both the appliance and EV charger into the splitter. The appliance will always receive priority. When not in use, the splitter sends energy to the car charger. Splitters are often on sale for less than $350.
Myth #4: I’ll have to re-do my home’s electrical wiring
If, like most American drivers, you can manage just fine with the level 1 trickle charger, you won’t need to update any of your home’s electrical wiring. If you drive more than 50 miles each day frequently, you can either visit public fast chargers or opt to install a level 2 charger at your home. If you need to install a level 2 charger, there’s a chance that you’ll need an electrician to do some work, and possibly even upgrade your home to a modern circuit breaker box. If that’s required, you may need to spend somewhere between $1000-$2,000 for electrical upgrades. But in most cases, you won’t need to spend a dime on upgrades.
Myth #5: I need a garage
A garage is just a matter of convenience. Sure, garages are great, but there’s nothing wrong with charging in your driveway. EVs were engineered to safely charge in any weather conditions. No one would buy them if you had to worry about electrocution on a daily basis! If you live in an apartment, townhome or condo, check with the property managers to see if there’s a dedicated spot for EV charging. Many communities now encourage EV charging and provide residents with access to complimentary level 2 chargers. Perhaps your inquiry will be the motivation they need to install some EV chargers.
The CarEdge Takeaway
Charging an EV is not the hassle it’s worked up to be. It is a big shift in the automotive lifestyle, but it brings benefits and cost savings that combustion vehicles can’t offer. You’ll most likely be able to fill up your battery every night with no additional expenses needed, but that can change for drivers who regularly go the distance. Hopefully this myth-busting resource will help you decide if EVs are right for you.
