Weekly News

Honda Previews Prologue, Its First Electric SUV

Honda provided a sneak peek of its all-electric SUV, the Prologue, scheduled to hit the market in 2024. Jointly developed with General Motors, the Prologue is set to play a central role in Honda's EV rollout in the U.S. and is priced in the upper $40K bracket. The SUV boasts a promising EPA range of around 300 miles.

Built on GM’s Ultium platform, the Prologue features a distinct Honda aesthetic. With its low and wide stance, optional 21" wheels, and a lengthier wheelbase than the CR-V, it offers spacious interiors, blending features found in Honda's existing lineup.

Honda's Prologue will provide both single-motor (FWD) and dual-motor (AWD) configurations across three trims. The dual-motor setup, standard for the Elite trim, is estimated to deliver 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. An 85 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the SUV, offering a rapid charge.

Honda intends to kickstart pre-sales of the Prologue later this year, with a full price list and details to be shared as the launch date approaches in Q1 2024.

Ford-UAW Labor Agreement Stalls

Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, disclosed that the company is nearing a historic labor agreement with the United Auto Workers. However, he expressed concerns that the union is stalling the deal due to Ford’s EV battery factories.

EV Shift Impact on Labor: The transition to EVs has been a longstanding topic in labor discussions with U.S. auto manufacturers, especially in terms of its potential implications for unionized auto workers as there are concerns revolving around job security in the emerging EV landscape.

Negotiation Progress: The UAW initially demanded a 40% wage hike over four years, while Ford proposed a 20% increase. The parties seem to be approaching a consensus but it is unclear when a deal will be reached. Farley emphasized Ford's commitment to investing in EVs, with a projected $50 billion allocation. However, he also stated, "We believe the UAW is holding the deal hostage over battery plants."

Battery Plant Construction: Earlier this week, Ford halted the construction of a $3.5 billion EV battery facility in Michigan. This move elicited criticism from UAW President Shawn Fain, who viewed it as a job cut threat by Ford. The UAW is pushing for equal wages for battery plant workers as those working in engine and transmission construction.

This ongoing negotiation underscores the complexities surrounding the shift to EVs, especially as it intersects with labor dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz to Launch Drive Pilot in the US

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce its Level 3 drive assistance feature, Drive Pilot, to the S-Class and EQS luxury sedans in the US. The launch is planned for the end of 2023.

Introduction and Availability: Initially launched Drive Pilot in Germany and will soon bring it to California and Nevada. By late 2023, a select fleet of EQS models will come equipped with this feature. Wider distribution for both the S-Class and EQS is expected in early 2024.

Pricing: The Drive Pilot option is priced at $2,500 initially. Comprehensive pricing details will be disclosed in the future.

Operational Areas: Mercedes-Benz has revealed that Drive Pilot will be functional in major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas, including the freeways connecting them.

Drive Pilot vs. Tesla FSD: Mercedes' Drive Pilot has been certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as a Level 3 autonomous system, surpassing Tesla's Autopilot (Level 2) and Full-Self Driving Beta (Level 2+). Level 3 denotes "conditional autonomy," meaning the car manages itself under the right conditions, but drivers should be ready to assume control promptly when alerted.

Volvo and StoreDot Join Forces for Advanced EV Battery Tech

Volvo inked a multi-year partnership with StoreDot, renowned for its extreme fast charging (XFC) EV batteries, signaling a push towards enhancing EV battery charging capabilities. Together, the duo aims to tailor XFC cells specifically for Volvo's upcoming EV lineups. Samples of this collaborative endeavor are set to be road-tested by 2024.

StoreDot, with its robust backing from industry giants like Polestar, Daimler, Samsung, VinFast, and TDK, is making waves in the fast-charging domain. Notably, VinFast has already pledged to integrate StoreDot’s first-gen XFC battery cell into their EVs, eyeing a 2025 commercial rollout.

StoreDot’s global expansion is evident, with a recent announcement about a new research facility in Irvine, California—marking their inaugural presence in the U.S. This establishment will foster research in semi-solid battery tech. StoreDot, originally based in Herzliya, Israel, also operates manufacturing units in China and Korea.

A significant milestone on their horizon, StoreDot aims to mass-produce their “100in5” cells by 2025. This ambitious tech promises to recharge EVs with a 100-mile range in a mere five minutes, potentially revolutionizing the EV charging landscape.