Weekly News

Porsche Macan EV Coming Soon…

Porsche’s top-selling vehicle, the Macan, is going electric. The Macan EV is set to play a significant role in Porsche’s electrification strategy, even as its first electric model, the Taycan, was hampered by semiconductor shortages earlier this year.

The Macan has its eyes set on the competition, including the Tesla Model Y, Polestar 3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC. Under the hood, the Macan EV is powered by Porsche’s PPE platform, shared with the Audi Q6 E-Tron, boasting an 800V architecture, next-generation electric motors, and state-of-the-art battery and charging management. This platform enables up to 603 hp (450 kW) power with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery and offers fast charge capabilities - from 5% to 80% in under 25 minutes.

The release of the electric Macan is scheduled for 2024.

Chevy Blazer EV Roll Out

Chevrolet has recently provided key details about their upcoming Blazer EV, an addition to their growing electric SUV lineup. Leaving the production lines soon, the Blazer EV boasts prices starting at $57,000 and offers a maximum range of up to 320 miles.

The Blazer EV was first showcased at CES 2022. With four different trims planned: 1LT, 2LT, RS, SS, and a police pursuit vehicle (PPV) version, Chevrolet initially anticipated prices would range between $45K and $70K but will be rolling out the 2LT trim as the least expensive Blazer model, priced at $56,715. The RS AWD and RS RWD versions are tagged at $60,215 (279 mile range) and $61,790 (320 mile range), respectively.

The RS AWD is set to be the first model available this summer, with RS RWD and 2LT versions entering production this fall. The SS trim's production has been delayed to Spring 2024, with a PPV version scheduled for early next year.

Chevy’s EV lineup continues to make news as this comes on the back of the Bolt comeback announced last month.

Subaru Increases Focus on EVs

Subaru, the Japanese automaker, has announced an ambitious plan to double its electrification efforts. Subaru has lagged behind competitors in the EV market, with the 2023 Solterra crossover marking its first foray into EVs.

During its recent quarterly earnings report, Subaru presented a forward-looking vision for its EV plans. The automaker now aims to sell 600,000 EVs per year by 2030, a figure that would represent approximately half of the company's global sales.

Further highlighting its commitment to electrification, Subaru plans to expand its battery-electric lineup to eight models. Earlier this year, the company announced a goal to offer four electric vehicles by 2026, but this target has now been doubled with an extended deadline of 2028. The lineup is expected to include a three-row electric SUV, which will be built by Toyota in Kentucky starting in 2025.

Subaru aims to fund these efforts with an investment of approximately $10.5 billion (1.5 trillion yen) towards its electrification plans by around 2030. This significant commitment reflects the automaker's push to catch up in the increasingly competitive EV market.

A Record 1 in 4 New Cars Sold in California Were EVs

A milestone was achieved in California in the last quarter, with one out of every four new cars sold being zero-emission vehicles, according to an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom. This marks the highest rate of EV sales in the state's history. California has long prioritized the transition to electric vehicles.

To meet its environmental goals, California mandated that all new vehicles sold be hybrid or electric by 2035 (a mandate that states like Virginia have also adopted). The California Air Resources Board requires that at least 35% of all passenger cars and trucks sold in 2026 must be zero-emission vehicles, with the rate increasing each year until it reaches 100% by 2035.

In April, California surpassed its target of selling 1.5 million EVs, nearly two years ahead of schedule. Over the last quarter, more than 25% of all new vehicles sold were EVs, totaling 125,939 units. To date, the state has sold over 1.6 million electric vehicles, accounting for 34% of all EV sales in the U.S.

Fisker Reduces Production Guidance but Showcases New EV Models

California-based EV startup, Fisker lowered its production guidance for 2023 due to supplier constraints. However, the highlight of the company's week was its Product Vision Day, where it unveiled a lineup of new products.

Fisker delivered its first Ocean electric SUV in May and had planned to produce between 1,400 and 1,700 vehicles in Q2, but fell short of its target, delivering 1,022 Ocean EVs. Despite the production slowdown, Fisker demonstrated promising production capabilities, hitting a peak production rate of 140 units per day in July, marking a 75% improvement from the previous month.

During its Product Vision Day this week, Fisker unveiled several new products, including the Fisker Ronin, Alaska small EV pickup, and the upcoming $30K PEAR small SUV. After tax credits, the PEAR could be as low as $22k and one of the lowest priced SUVs on the market. The target still seems far from reality, so we will have to wait to see if Fisker can actually deliver.

Fisker also revealed it has drawn up an agreement to use Tesla's NACS connector and is awaiting Tesla's signature.