Weekly News

Rivian's Adventure Network Extends Through the Appalachian Mountains

Rivian broadened its Adventure Network into the Appalachian Mountains, unveiling new charging stations along the storied Blue Ridge Parkway. This recent push covers a significant 468-mile stretch of the Appalachian expanse, with stations sited in Virginia and North Carolina.

While continuing its charging infrastructure momentum in the eastern US, Rivian's latest move signals its intent to empower more remote and rural areas, aligning with its strategic focus on the truck market.

Adding to its commitment to comprehensive charging solutions, Rivian announced in June that it would integrate with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), offering R1 owners the ability to use Tesla Superchargers by 2024. This synergy between Rivian's Adventure Network and Tesla's Supercharger Network ensures that R1 drivers are well-prepared, whether embarking on backcountry adventures or navigating their daily routines.

ChargeScape: A Unified Platform by BMW, Ford, and Honda for EV Grid Integration

BMW, Ford, and Honda jointly announced the creation of ChargeScape, a venture that aims to revolutionize the way EVs integrate with the electric grid.

Overview:

• Unified Platform: ChargeScape aims to establish a single, cost-effective platform connecting electric utilities, automakers, and EV enthusiasts. This eliminates the need for separate integrations between each car brand and utility, simplifying the process.

• Grid-Friendly Charging: The platform encourages EV users to charge their vehicles during off-peak times. By doing so, users can potentially earn financial incentives.

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Energy Sharing: Beyond just charging, the platform allows EVs to give back. V2G applications let EV users share energy stored in their batteries back to the grid during high-demand periods.

The ChargeScape initiative represents a significant advancement in collaboration between automakers as it promises to strengthen grid resilience, provide financial benefits to users, and further environmental objectives.

Toyota Unveils Advanced Batteries with Extended Ranges

Toyota shed light on the innovative battery technology set to power its future EVs, with production slated to start in 2026.

Highlights:

• Diverse Battery Lineup: Utilizing four distinct next-generation batteries: a solid-state battery and three variants of liquid electrolyte batteries.

• Coverage: Batteries are anticipated to drive 1.7 million out of the 3.5 million BEVs that Toyota projects to sell globally by 2030.

• Liquid Electrolyte Improvements: Toyota is focusing on refining the existing liquid electrolyte technology, aiming for higher energy density, better cost-efficiency, and swifter charging times.

Battery Types:

• Performance: Harnessing lithium-ion chemistry, coupled with enhanced aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight, this battery can deliver a 497-mile range.

• Popularization: Utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, this budget-friendly battery will likely be introduced between 2026 and 2027.

• High-Performance: By amalgamating lithium-ion chemistry with a high nickel cathode, this battery is set to offer a whopping 621-mile range.

Toyota's solid-state lithium-ion batteries employ a novel solid electrolyte. This allows for swift ion motion, accommodating quick charging and discharging. Originally, a diminished battery lifespan was a concern for solid-state batteries, but Toyota believes they've now navigated this challenge, paving the way for expedited production.

This move by Toyota indicates its ambition to cater to a broader audience with diverse needs in the EV market, and the advanced range on offer could be a game-changer in the industry.

Tesla Removes Base Model Y Trim

In a recent update to its US online configurator, Tesla has discontinued its base Model Y trim, often referred to as the Model Y AWD. It is unclear whether the change is permanent, but it is no longer available for order through Tesla.

This version of Model Y utilized 4680 cells at the Gigafactory in Texas. Speculations suggest this move might be due to Tesla reallocating resources, including the 4680 cells, towards the Cybertruck's production start, potentially for extensive testing or the assembly of actual production units.

The long range and performance trims are still available.