Volkswagen launches a new brand in the US, and Bosch releases an 800-volt electric drive system | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Volkswagen's New Brand Scout Motors Unveils Its First SUV and Pickup Electric Vehicles
Key Points:
Scout Motors, an independent brand of Volkswagen in the United States, has just released its first two models, currently referred to as "production-intent concept vehicles". They are the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup. The design of these two models is inspired by the original Scout models produced in the 1960s and 1970s, giving them a very retro appearance. Both models feature a robust non-load-bearing body chassis, equipped with a solid rear axle and front and rear differential locks. Scout indicates that its electric motor will generate 1000 pound-feet of torque, which is transmitted through a four-wheel drive system, helping the Traveler and Terra complete a 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 3.5 seconds. Although the battery capacity is not yet clear, Scout expects the range of the Traveler and Terra to reach 350 miles. These two models will be built based on an 800V electrical architecture and will support fast charging of up to 350kW. They will also have a two-way charging function.
Scout, a new brand under Volkswagen (Source: TopGear)
Opinions:
As a new brand under Volkswagen, the debut of Scout Motors' first batch of electric SUV and pickup models marks Volkswagen Group's in-depth layout in electrification and dedicated brands for the US market. The retro design of these two models not only pays tribute to the classics but also shows the brand's exploration of the future design concept of electric vehicles. The 1000 pound-feet of torque and the 0-60 mph acceleration performance of 3.5 seconds reflect Scout Motors' pursuit of performance, while the 350-mile range and the fast charging capacity of up to 350kW demonstrate its ambition in electric vehicle technology. The plan for extended-range variants and the strong towing and payload capabilities make these two models not only suitable for daily use but also capable of meeting the needs of off-roading and adventure. Scout Motors' pricing strategy also shows its competitiveness in the market, especially considering the US ban on Chinese connected cars, which may provide Scout Motors with an opportunity to enter the market and build brand loyalty.
Tesla's Energy Storage Business Is Thriving, But Solar Energy Has Disappeared
Key Points:
Tesla's energy storage business is booming, and the growth is just beginning. Tesla's annual growth rate of energy storage deployment has reached 75%. Tesla's Lathrop Megafactory is currently producing Megapacks at a full planned capacity of 40 GWh per year, while the annual production capacity of Powerwall has reached 700,000 units, which can contribute more than 2 GWh of energy storage deployment for each quarter. In addition, Tesla also revealed that its Shanghai Gigafactory plans to start the first shipment of Megapacks in the first quarter of 2025. Tesla's Megapack is a large-scale stationary battery energy storage system that uses lithium iron phosphate battery technology, which is more durable and can be charged to 100% without significant loss. The maximum energy capacity of a Megapack unit is 3 megawatt-hours (MWh), equivalent to 3,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Tesla Megapack Battery Pack (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Tesla's energy storage business is expected to deploy approximately 60 GWh in the next year, which will be an impressive achievement. Meanwhile, Tesla's solar energy business seems to be coming to an end. Tesla acquired the solar energy business through the controversial SolarCity acquisition, which was founded by Musk's cousin and funded by Musk himself. Although solar energy deployment has declined since Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity, Musk has defended that the solar energy business is still an important part of the company. However, after he won the lawsuit, Tesla began to stop reporting solar energy deployment and gradually phased out this business. Although Tesla is no longer heavily engaged in the solar energy business, there are still other companies in the market that provide solar energy services, which is an effective way for North American users to reduce electricity bills.
The UK Conducts Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Trials Using Low-Cost Technology
Key Points:
The UK is currently conducting a project called V2VNY, aiming to test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) workplace charging for electric vehicles using new, lower-cost technologies. The V2VNY project explores the effectiveness of using alternating current (AC) V2G chargers to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, which are more cost-effective than direct current (DC) chargers used in workplaces and homes.
The UK V2VNY Project (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Opinions:
The first batch of chargers for the V2VNY trial has been installed, and the goal of the project is to demonstrate a commercially viable way for fleet owners, businesses, and electric vehicle drivers to save money while helping the UK reduce the grid load during peak hours. Vehicle-to-grid charging means that electric vehicles can draw power from the grid and also send power back to the grid. If electric vehicles charge when electricity prices are low and then send power back to the grid when electricity prices are high during peak hours, fleet/building owners can save on electricity bills. The V2VNY project is also testing the sending of energy from electric vehicles to buildings and other vehicles as part of vehicle-to-everything (V2X). The V2VNY project is led by Hangar 19 in collaboration with CrowdCharge and DriveElectric. CrowdCharge has been operating V2G in homes for more than three years with effective results. Other project partners include Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, Grid Beyond, and JLR. JLR provides prototype electric vehicles for the trial.
"Big Events"
Hyundai N Series New Concept Vehicle
Hyundai RN24 Concept Vehicle (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Hyundai's high-performance N division has launched the RN24 at the annual "N Day" event - a next-generation "Rolling Lab" that showcases the possibilities of future high-performance electric vehicles. The event highlights Hyundai N's continuous innovation and commitment to high-performance, race-proven technologies, especially for electric models. The RN24 is the latest evolution in Hyundai N's series of test vehicles that bridge the gap between racing technology and N series production models. Starting with the RM (Racing Midship) series in 2012, including electric models such as the RN22e and N Vision 74, the Rolling Lab has been a testing ground for high-performance technologies.
Tesla Model Y Mid-Term Facelift Camouflaged Vehicle Appears in China
The new model of Tesla Model Y has recently been photographed in China, and these camouflaged vehicles indicate the upcoming design update. Following the update of the Model 3 last year, the market has been expecting an update of the Model Y. Last year, Reuters reported that Tesla plans to launch the Model Y update called Juniper in 2024. Subsequently, Bloomberg added that Tesla plans to release the Model Y update in the middle of 2024. Although Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have both stated that there are no plans to update the Model Y this year, this statement does not rule out the possibility of early next year.
Tesla Model Y Facelift Camouflaged Vehicle Appears in China (Source: Electrek)
Earlier this summer in California, camouflaged Model Y prototypes began to appear, and recently, some leaked information has revealed some new design elements of the upcoming Model Y update. The latest reports indicate that Tesla may start trial production this week. In China, several new Tesla Model Y camouflaged vehicles have been discovered this week, and the camouflage suggests that the new Model Y will have a new front and rear design. The interior is expected to be similar to the new Model 3, including a new ambient light strip, which has been confirmed through leaked information. The leaked information also shows that there will be a red light strip between the taillights with the "Tesla" logo. In addition, Tesla is also expected to release a new 7-seat version of the Model Y in China. In recent years, Tesla's new models are usually first produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory, and this Model Y update seems to be no exception, but it is expected to be a global project.
Bosch Launches 800-Volt Electric Drive System
Bosch Engineering has recently launched a high-performance electrification solution developed for electrical systems with voltages up to 800 volts, further expanding the potential use cases of electric drives in marine applications and improving system efficiency. The new electric motor SMG 230 is designed for system voltages of 400 to 800 volts. Within the ideal voltage and temperature range, it can provide a continuous power output of up to 200 kilowatts and a torque of approximately 250 Newton meters. Thanks to the 800-volt technology, the power density has also been significantly improved. The SMG 230 provides 80 kilowatts more power than a 400-volt counterpart of the same weight or has a more compact size and lighter weight at the same performance level.
Bosch 800-Volt Electrical Voltage Platform (Source: Bosch)
This inverter designed for electrical voltages up to 800 volts uses silicon carbide semiconductors and has an efficiency of over 99%. The silicon carbide semiconductors in the power module enable faster switching operations, which means that the energy lost as heat is significantly reduced. Bosch provides a complete set of components for the electrification of marine drive systems, including electronic control units, inverters, electric motors, and transmissions, suitable for 400-volt and 800-volt applications. This provides shipyards and system integrators with maximum flexibility in adapting to their respective electrification strategies and allows them to quickly and easily integrate the relevant components into their vessels. The system components are based on modern automotive technology, combining high robustness and extremely high reliability. Through its comprehensive electrification kit for marine drive systems, Bosch is making a key contribution to the continuous reduction of greenhouse gas and noise emissions.
Ford and LG Will Move Electric Vehicle Battery Production from Poland to Michigan
Ford Mach-E Electric Vehicle (Source: Electrek)
Ford and LG have reached a new agreement to move the production of electric vehicle batteries for the Ford Mustang Mach-E from Poland to a factory in Michigan in 2025. This move is related to the US IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) and tax credits. The new agreement will transfer Ford Mach-E battery production to the United States so that these batteries can take advantage of various incentives in the United States. In Europe, LG plans to take advantage of the incentives there by supplying a total of 109 GWh of batteries for Ford's electric commercial vans, starting in 2026.
"Cool Products"
Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger Special Edition
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1964 film "Goldfinger", two automotive giants - Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin - have launched models paying tribute to this classic 007 film. Following the Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition, Rolls-Royce has also introduced the Phantom Goldfinger Edition, a special edition model that adopts the same specifications as the 1937 Phantom II used by Auric Goldfinger in the film.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger Special Edition (Source: TopGear)
The Phantom Goldfinger Special Edition adopts the black and gold color scheme of the iconic vehicle in the film. The 2024 model is equipped with 21-inch wheels, and its smooth disc-shaped appearance pays tribute to the classic design in the film. In addition, this tribute model features an 18-carat gold plating and a silver coating, echoing the classic gold-colored vehicle in the film.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger Special Edition (Source: TopGear)
The interior decoration is extremely exquisite. Rolls-Royce has embedded an 18-carat gold Phantom vehicle-shaped decorative strip on the front center console, and both the front and rear center consoles are decorated with gold borders. The glove box is engraved with the classic line from the film, "This is gold, Mr. Bond. I"