Tesla promises 3 models by 2023!
While most of the big novelties of the Californian manufacturer continue to be delayed from year to year, Elon Musk officially announced the marketing of three highly anticipated models by 2023. It was during the inauguration of the Gigafactory in Texas that the CEO has confirmed the arrival of his Roadster supercar, his atypical Cybertruck pick-up but also his Semi truck. According to Musk, 2023 will indeed be the year of expansion of the manufacturer’s offer, after having experienced growth and production.
The GranTurismo Folgore, the electric sports car is unveiled
Expected in 2023, the Stellantis group has just unveiled the first real images of the prototype of its first electric vehicle. This is the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore (a denomination that will characterize all zero-emission vehicles of the brand with the trident). Despite a discreet camouflage, we guess it is very aerodynamic. Maserati confirms a power of up to 1200 horsepower and very good recharging capacities. Definitely, the car really resembles a trendy hypercar!
A very durable battery, up to 1200 recharges
The nerve of the war in terms of electric vehicles concerns the batteries (type of cells, architecture, etc.) and technology plays a crucial role. A major advance was made by the company StoreDot, which succeeded in carrying out 1200 recharging cycles, while maintaining a residual capacity of 80%! In other words, their silicon cells grant a very long lifespan and a capacity of resistance hitherto never seen. This promises enormous battery life under real conditions in an electric vehicle.
The automobile in the face of war, between shortages and inflation
War is always a human disaster, but also an economic one that impacts many sectors, including the automotive industry. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is already having many consequences on the electric car, with a general slowdown in production. In addition to the semiconductor crisis, many raw materials (such as nickel) are becoming rare or expensive, making supplies difficult, and forcing manufacturers to integrate these difficulties into their short-term strategy.
Reminder for the Mach-E. France concerned
As you already know, automotive recalls are commonplace, and spare no brand. The American manufacturer Ford is recalling 27,000 copies of its Mustang Mach-E electric SUV for a technical problem concerning the fixing of the glass roof. The mechanics of the SUV are therefore not affected, nor are its electrical components. Around 500 units are concerned in France (sold between February 2020 and June 2021), proof of the vehicle’s encouraging start.
Chargers in streetlights? The German solution
In terms of infrastructure, it will be up to whoever innovates the most! In this area, the German company Ubitricity hits hard by offering a very interesting solution: installing charging stations within streetlights. For now, the project is limited to certain cities, but allows owners of electric vehicles to benefit from a charging capacity of 3.7 kW. A perfect solution for city dwellers who do not have private parking, and which does not change the urban landscape too much.
Wiesmann electrifies. The Thunderball Project
The German manufacturer Wiesmann has experienced difficulties in recent years as a small manufacturer, but has been seeking to relaunch since 2020. Not benefiting from colossal resources, their transition to electrification is slower, more timid. This is how the Thunderball project (lightning ball) was born, in order to relaunch the brand in a new context, without any concessions in style. The manufacturer announces a half-word sports two-seater electrified, enough to delight fans of the lizard brand.
Mini: Hatch 3 confirmed. The electric version seen
The English manufacturer had already promised us the future generation of its 3-door Hatch by 2023 (and will cohabit for a time with the current thermal version). However, Mini is already revealing images of its camouflaged prototype and in the middle of an extreme test phase to make us salivate. We can see the car subjected to polar conditions, which are particularly trying for an electric vehicle. The car has a new platform specially developed for the electric, although the details are cleverly hidden.
