Adam's Autos

Friday, May 10, 2024

We Are Losing Two More Sedans

Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Subaru Legacy will be driving into the sunset soon. Both
vehicles are two of the longer running nameplates in the midsize sedan class - Malibu being one of the originals.

The sedan battle is still cooling off, and as a result we’re losing two more. Subaru has announced that the Legacy will come to an end after the 2025 model year while Chevrolet has also announced that the Malibu will end production in November 2024. The Legacy will not be replaced. I’m surprised that the Malibu will be discontinued, however, as its sales figures actually INCREASED vs. last year. Currently, Malibu is actually the third best selling Chevrolet model behind the Silverado and Equinox, respectively – moving over 130,000 units per year.

Legacy's Story

The Subaru Legacy’s… well, ‘legacy’… Dates back to 1989 in the United States. It was largely responsible for putting Subaru on the map vs. competing brands back in the 90s. However, nowadays the Legacy appears to be more of an afterthought in the minds of buyers, as only just over 25,000 units were moved last year. These days, Subaru is committing themselves to SUVs and electric vehicles, meaning that low sellers such as the Legacy cannot stick around. The Impreza compact sedan and WRX seem to be safe right now. The Legacy’s primary selling point, being the only non-rally/outdoorsy themed vehicle in Subaru’s lineup besides the Impreza, is the fact that it came with standard AWD vs. other vehicles. However, we see now that even standard AWD can’t save you from the “sedanapocolypse”… In the past, you were able to get some pretty sporty versions of the Legacy, however. Modern Legacy play the role of a traditional sedan more than anything else.

Malibu's Story

Malibu has a much longer history. The nameplate was first introduced back in the 1960s as an upscale version of the Chevelle, then became its own standalone model later. After being originally discontinued in 1983, the Malibu name returned in 1997 as a replacement for the Corsica and was sold alongside the Lumina until the 2001 model year, shortly after the Impala was reborn to replace the Lumina for the 2000 model year. Most recently, the Malibu was redesigned for the ninth-generation in 2016 and received a refresh in 2019. An often forgotten about hybrid Malibu was sold until the 2019 model year. You could also get a pretty potent 2.0T engine up until 2022, but now the Malibu only gets a 1.5T engine with 163 HP and a CVT vs. a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu has been produced at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, alongside the Cadillac XT4. However, the plant will be retooled to build the Ultium-platform based Chevrolet Bolt in 2025.

I’m not terribly surprised the Legacy is going away, given Subrau’s brand focus and its sales numbers. Its also not a particulary interesting car vs. even many SUVs, if we’re being honest. The Malibu, is a surprise and I’m finding myself rather sad actually. I used to dislike the Malibu when I was a kid, growing up in the 90s and 2000s. It just always looked so “basic” to me… My first car before my Aura was actually a 2005 Malibu Classic, that was actually pretty quick. But to think that the Malibu is the last mainstream American sedan standing and now it’s going away is sad. I suspect it’s because manufacturers make bigger profits on SUVs and trucks, so it of course makes more sense to invest in something that’s going to turn a profit vs. something that will take longer to pay off the development costs. I think a “Gen. 10” Malibu SS with AWD and the GM 2.7 Turbo Max engine would’ve been interesting.

Nonetheless, will you miss the Legacy or Malibu? The sedanapocolypse rolls on…

Good Car Bad Car sales figures for midsize sedans: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2023-us-midsize-car-sales-figures/

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Total Eclipse 2024!

Eclipse - but not of the Mitsubishi variety. #eclipse2024

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is Coming!

We’re getting an all-new 4Runner - FINALLY! Toyota has already shown the vehicle to employees. Tune in at 10:15 P.M. ET tonight to see on Toyota’s social media pages.

Other New Toyotas

Toyota has been on an offensive lately with their product. We just got a new Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, Prius, the Crown and upcoming Crown Signia wagon, and a new Sequoia not long ago. I worked in electrified powertrain research at Toyota before the pandemic, and all of these vehicles feature electrified powertrains. Now comes big changes for the 4Runner. But let’s not forget the ever-popular Camry!

The 2025 Camry has been shown and it features a hybrid-only powertrain line up - gone are the days of the V6. A 2.5L inline-4 cylinder engine paired with electric motors makes 225 HP on front-wheel drive 2025 Camrys and 232 HP on all-wheel drive models. Speaking of AWD, for the new Camry the system used will be Toyota’s “Electronic on Demand” system, with an electric motor at the rear. Expect to see this vehicle hitting lots soon.

I mention these other vehicles because Toyota is on a mission to become a carbon neutral company in manufacturing and in their product line. They already have some of the most efficient production and supply chain methods and were a pioneer in this aspect in the auto industry. I’m interested to see if the new 4Runner remains totally true to its rugged roots, has a V6 or turbocharged I4 and electrified engine, and what other changes Toyota will make to keep it relevant.

Update 10:15 pm 4/9/24:

Here it is! The official 2025 Toyota 4Runner! The design seems to me more of an evolution vs. a revolutionary change. But still, a change that was needed.

For 2025, the 4Runner will be available with Toyota's i-FORCE Hybrid Max System - I figured given the current trend with Toyota the we'd see an electrified 4Runner sooner or later. In the Tacoma Hybrid, the i-FORCE Max powertrain is a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder making 326 HP and 465 lb.-ft. of torque paired with an electric motor between the engine and transmission. This setup is different from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in older models, such as the Corolla Hybrid. Note that the hybrid powertrain will be optional in the 4Runner. Among other more comfort-oriented changes include a revised suspension that promises to maintain the 4Runner's off-road abilities while providing more comfort on-road. There will be a new "Trailhunter" off-road trim for the enthusiasts in addition to the more conventional and luxury-themed Limited and Platinum trims. A 3rd row seat will also be offered! Pricing isn't known, but I'm willing to bet that the new 4Runner will start in the $40,000 range and top out in the high $60,000 range.

Do you like it? Was the 2025 4Runner worth the wait?

Thursday, February 1, 2024

2025 Jeep Wagoneer S - Here It Is

The Wagoneer S will be Jeep's first full EV model for the 2025 model year.

Last year, Jeep teased that it would be putting the Wagoneer name on an electric SUV. Now, we get our first official look at the upcoming Wagoneer S.

What Is It?

The Jeep Wagoneer name continues a large luxury SUV legacy for Jeep while simultaneously ushering in a modern era in Jeep’s mission to become an “American Range Rover” competitor. Looking ahead to 2025, the Wagoneer S will be the brand’s first full EV and have an estimated driving range of around 400 miles. While most specs and supplier data aren’t known yet, Jeep expects the Wagoneer S to make around 600 HP and have a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.

We do know now that the Wagoneer S will ride on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, which supports an 800V architecture. This is a Jeep, so I would expect to see an adjustable air suspension allowing for some off-road use, additional underbody protection for battery components, and e-all-wheel drive (eAWD) courtesy of a dual electric motor set up. A “Trail Rated” badge is also possible on the Wagoneer S, but then again, the regular gas-powered Wagoneer lacks a Trail Rated badge because Jeep themselves says it’s “too big and heavy to be trail rated”. While the Wagoneer S looks smaller than the gas variant, weight will definitely be a factor - pointing to the idea that having a right sized off-roader certainly matters. Other brands, such as Rivian or the upcoming/returning Scout brand, may want to take note of this.

Design

In terms of the design, you can see some familiar Jeep traits as well as some Range Rover Velar-inspired styling on the exterior. On the inside, it’s all screens, all day. Some features on the interior of the Wagoneer S include a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, mood lighting and heated/cooled/massaging seats. Pricing is unknown, but I expect this vehicle to crest $100,000 just like the gas models.

Would you consider a Wagoneer S? Or a gas Wagoneer? I like modern Jeeps, but I fear that they may be going too far against the grain with their pricing strategy to be an “American Range Rover”. We’ll see how this model fares in the market against existing and upcoming rugged luxury EVs.

Jeep's design language is very present in the Wagoneer S. I like the rugged looks of
the ICE Wagoneer, but the sleek sportiness of the Wagoneer S.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Ford F-150 Lightning Production Will Be Cut

Demand for the F-150 Lightning has been cooling off, alongside EV sales in general in recent months.
Ford is now forced to make adjustments.

EV demand has been cooling some in recent months in the United States. Last year, EV sales made up around 7.5% of all U.S. new car sales. However, in 2022, year-over-year EV sales saw around a 90% overall increase - this number was not matched in 2023. Now, several automakers, such as Ford, are adjusting their pricing, production targets and new release timelines to align with declining sales. One such example is the F-150 Lightning.

Ford has announced that they will cut F-150 Lightning production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. This is due to falling demand of Lightning - there will be only one shift starting on April 1st. About 1,400 workers will be affected and some will transfer to other Ford facilities while others will be offered an early retirement plan. For good measure, let’s remember that the gas-powered F-Series has been the best selling vehicle in America for decades.

Why the Decline?

From the Detroit Auto Show 2022 - Lightning Ride Along Experience

So what’s leading to this decline in sales for EVs? There’s a few factors I can think of. The first is the high cost of many EVs, even with the availability of the tax credit. It’s hard to ignore that while electric vehicles have many advantages in lowering emissions while improving performance, it’s hard to justify the high cost of entry many times. I recently went to look at an F-150 Lightning at my local Ford dealer and it cost $95,000! Even with a sizable down payment and the max $7,500 tax credit, you’d still be looking at an $80,000+ truck! Well out of the average consumer’s budget.

Other factors would be a still-developing charging infrastructure. Now to combat this, Ford announced last year that it was adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) on all 2025 EV models. Existing customers will receive an adapter starting in 2024 that would allow them access to the Tesla Supercharger network, in addition to the 10,000 DC fast chargers already in the Blue Oval network. Until this shift is fully in place, charging stations could still be a little tricky to navigate, especially in colder weather as we’ve seen.

Finally, we have a situation where all of the early adopters could likely have gotten what they’ve wanted. So the pinned up demand is now tapering off. This actually doesn’t just apply to the F-150 Lightning, either. If you’ve been paying attention, inventory levels for the new Bronco have risen drastically in recent months after there being a waitlist to get one. Now, Ford is offering incentives for the first time, especially to Jeep owners, to move Broncos. I won’t be surprised if we see steeper incentives on the Lightning to move them off lots. Every automaker needs to access current market conditions along with customer needs in order to not end up with excess inventory and achieve profitability. Especially in a rapidly advancing EV world, with new ones announced every day it seems.

Would you ever consider an F-150 Lightning? I might. I rode in one at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show and thought it was a cool truck and a blast to experience. Let’s keep an eye on inventory and sales numbers to see how this scenario plays out for Ford and the wider budding EV truck market. There may be opportunities for niche players, such as Rivian, to capitalize on the Lightning’s slower sales if analyzed and targeted correctly.

F-150 Lightning Ride Along at the 2022 NAIAS: https://youtube.com/shorts/88cAQg9LFAU?si=epjNub3pBFtwyY4u

Ford Global Sales Figures, Good Car Bad Car link: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/sales-by-automaker/ford-motor-company-global-sales-data-reports/

I've had several chances to get up close with the F-150 Lightning, as well as the
other EV truck competitors. Its nice in person! The frunk is one of the largest I've seen.

Exploring the HUMMER EV at Motor Bella 2021

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Gone With the Wind: Kia Rio Discontinued in N.A.

The Rio represents what Kia initially stood for - affordable transportation. Nowadays, Kia is trending more upmarket.

It has been officially announced by Kia that the subcompact Rio sedan and hatchback line will not return for the 2024 model year. The also-small, but slightly larger Kia Forte will soldier on as the brand’s lone compact sedan offering (it may be called the Kia K4). The Kia Soul also appears to be safe as the brand’s other entry-level offering.

I figured this news was coming soon, as the Rio’s sibling vehicle, the Hyundai Accent, was discontinued last year. I also remember hearing talks while I worked at Hyundai/Kia about dropping the subcompact sedans to focus on electrifying the lineups and on SUVs. The compact sedan segment in particular has shrunk significantly in the last several years.

While not necessarily the saddest loss in the automotive world, this is noteworthy, as “inexpensive cars” are essentially what put Kia on the map back in the 90s. Now granted, those were not particularly good cars in those days vs. today… The current Rio is a solid, affordable entry level car. However, it really highlights a change in consumer tastes and that Kia feels it’s ok to now walk away from their “old bread and butter” to embrace what’s coming. Unfortunately for consumers, what’s coming is more expensive cars…

Like I mentioned previously, if you’ve been paying attention, the compact sedan segment has virtually disappeared in recent years in favor of SUVs. Some have taken the Hyundai route and converted their least expensive offerings into crossovers/SUVs (Venue). There are fewer and fewer new cars that can be had for around $20,000. Couple that with a tough used car market and high interest rates, and buying a car could be a tough task right now…

My advice is to always do your research. Know which dealers are doing markups and what your needs in are. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Especially on cars that might be ending production or slow-sellers, like the Rio.

Farewell Rio - hopefully we won’t have to say goodbye to all affordable cars too soon.

Here's probably one of the last new Kia Rios you'll see on a car lot!

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Mileage Milestones

Well, as of recently I can officially say I’ve put 40,000 miles on my 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada! I got it in April 2019 when it had 88,000 miles even on it - it’s now just over 98,000 four years later. Keep in mind, we went thru a pandemic that stopped all driving and office working for awhile. Plus, I have other cars to drive too.

Speaking of other cars: I have just over 110,000 on my 2008 Saturn Aura now 12 1/2 years after I got it! When I first got it, there were 66,249 miles on the clock. You do the math lol.

Monday, August 14, 2023

How to Change the Wiper Blades on the 2022 Kia K5

If you can change your own wiper blades, you’ll save yourself time and money in the long run. The process varies by car, but overall it’s pretty simple. I’m going to show you in this YouTube video how to do just that on the Kia K5. This should also work on the Hyundai Sonata, it’s sibling vehicle. It’s simply a matter of sliding a clip into the new blade and making sure each side is correctly aligned length-wise. Don’t let the complicated instructions fool you!

Like, comment and subscribe! Thanks as always.

Link below:

Kia K5 Wiper Blade YouTube Vid

Friday, August 11, 2023

Big, Bold, Electric: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Here’s *quite literally* one of the biggest new car reveals as of late: the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ! Riding on GM’s Ultium battery platform shared with the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC HUMMER EV, the Escalade IQ boldly reimagines what “Escalade” means for the EV era. Advanced features such as vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging connectivity and a 55-inch total pillar-to-pillar LED display for the driver and front passenger will be on offer. Rear seat passengers will be able to access the internet and various streaming apps via a rear seat entertainment system, and a 40-speaker AKG premium sound system is available.

All the Right Appointments

As for the EV side of the equation, the Escalade IQ has it covered there too. The frunk (or E-trunk as Cadillac calls it) measures a large 12.2 cubic feet. Driving range from the 24-module 200 kWh Ultium battery packs is expected to be around 450 miles at a full charge. And eAWD will be standard as well as four-wheel steering and “Arrival Mode” (Cadillac’s version of the HUMMER EV’s Crab Walk). 0-60 MPH will take 5 seconds and 800V DC fast charging is possible. At a public fast charging station, you should be able to charge up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Of course, this all won’t come cheap… The Escalade IQ will START at $130,000. But hey, look at it this way: that’s roughly $20,000 less than what the current Escalade V starts at, plus since it’ll be built in Detroit, you’ll get an EV discount. So perhaps it’s a luxury EV “bargain” in that regard! I must say, I do like the way it looks. I can’t wait to sit in one when the get to auto shows and dealers.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Say Goodbye to the Mercedes CLS

Production of the CLS will officially end on August 31st, 2023.

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the CLS will end production after the 2023 model year. There’s only one CLS model you can choose from in the lineup: the CLS450, which has a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine making 362 HP. If you’re wondering why the CLS is going away, just ask yourself, “when is the last time I’ve seen one of these on the road?” Mercedes is clearly taking this opportunity to focus more on their SUV line and EQ electric vehicles.

I remember when the CLS came out originally back in the 2000s. The styling was very aggressive and elegant - personally, I believe it inspired all of the “coupe SUVs” we see rolling around these days, as well. This car won’t be replaced once it ends production in late August, so if you have the spare change, snag one while you can.

Friday, March 31, 2023

Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know: The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Hummer EV SUT. This is because the SUV’s wheelbase 8.9-inches shorter (126.7 inches total), which also reduces cargo and packaging space – but not passenger space, interestingly. So, while the truck has 24 Ultium battery modules, the SUV has 20. As a result, we can expect that its max driving range will be slightly less than the truck and its 0-60 MPH time will also likely be a little slower – though still crazy fast at just over 3 seconds. Additionally, the Hummer EV truck can have a max of 1000 HP, but the SUV will have a max of 830 HP.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

2024 Lamborghini Revuelto: Super Power Super Hybrid!

The Aventador is on its way out, but in its place, we’re getting the Lamborghini Revuelto! This new generation of Lambo is embracing electrification, while also keeping ties to the past. Powering this new super car is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 6.5L V12 engine and triple electric motors paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined power output will be 1001 HP. A 3.8 m-kWh battery pack is positioned between the front seats and makes a max 187 HP, but this output can be sent to the three previously mentioned electric motors as needed.

To recharge, you’ll have to access the port from the frunk - or the “front trunk” for those of you that are unfamiliar with this term. Keeping things inside, Lambo has designed the Revuelto with more passenger space and storage space. Also, there’s three digital displays, which includes the 12.3-inch display that houses the vehicle’s gauges. You can choose from 4 different drive modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and new Cittá mode, which keeps the car in EV mode. Corsa mode unleashes all 1,001 HP while the calmer Cittá mode limits the car to 178 HP. When in full-power mode, Lambo estimates that 0-60 MPH will happen in about 2.5 seconds.

How do you like the Revuelto? I say I’m adding it to my “Dream Car Highlights” list! A PHEV Lambo in my favorite color (blue) with 1000+ HO just rocks - now I just need a small loan of a million dollars hahaha.

Monday, March 27, 2023

2024 Hyundai Sonata - One Last Hail Mary

Sedan sales continue to circle the drain vs. SUVs... But Hyundai is preparing one final push for
relevance with the 2024 Sonata.

Sedans sales are still sliding, and rumors are swirling that Hyundai and Kia might discontinue the Sonata and K5, respectively, after the 2025 model year. This would leave only the Japanese sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima, Legacy) as the sole competitors in the midsized segment. Although the Malibu could get a surprise 10th generation as well…

Until these answers all become clearer, what we do have some certainty on is that there is going to be a refresh for the 2024 Sonata, and it draws inspiration from the redesigned Kona with a full width light bar up front as part of its lighting signature. The overall look for me seems like something out of a Star Wars cartoon/movie now – I worked in product planning a Hyundai/Kia when the current Sonata generation launched and I remember how the LED running lights running up the fender was so dynamic looking the first time I saw it on the pre-facelift. On the inside, there’s now a new steering wheel design complimented by a curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens, as we’ve seen gradually creeping its way into other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The powertrain lineup is expected to remain the same: that consists of a base 2.5L inline four-cylinder, a 1.6L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and a 2.5L turbo inline four-cylinder in the N-Line trims. The hybrid models will also likely carryover, but no PHEV.

First Impressions Matter

How do you like the refreshed Sonata? It looks like they left everything that matters most intact (powertrain, comfort, etc.), while changing the bits that will enhance style the most. I believe I like the non-N-Line look the best this time around (the silver car in the middle picture), it’s very sharp. I see some Lucid Air influence! Also, I think it would be great if Hyundai went ahead and offered AWD on the Sonata like its sibling, the Kia K5. As many of you are aware, I have a Kia K5 AWD with the 1.6T engine and I find it to be a great car – the 1.6T from Hyundai/Kia is one of my favorite powertrains. Pair it with the corporate hybrid system and AWD, like in the Tucson SUV, and I feel like you would have something special for a midsize sedan.

While I doubt that this refresh will move the bar overall for the Sonata in terms of its popularity vs. its SUV counterparts, I do hope it inspires Hyundai to stay in the sedan market a little longer. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the Kia K5 refresh looks like. Although Kia’s refreshes have been a little less endearing to me, as I think their vehicles are as aesthetically perfect as they can get right now.

Here's a look at the front of the pre-refresh Sonata.

And a look at the facelifted rear end - I like the "racing flag" matrix pattern in the taillights, where the outgoing model just had a continuous LED lightbar without any sort of pattern.

#sedanapocolypse

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Used Cars to Avoid?

I’ve been seeing this list of “Used Cars to Avoid” circulating on social media the last several days, and I just wanted to provide some commentary of my own. This list is put out each year by Consumer Reports, which I generally consider reliable, as I have been reading their publications and formulating my analysis of various models off of their reports (along with a few others) since I was a kid. That said:

Its always important to perform a test drive before you buy ANY vehicle, new or used, so you know if there are any imperfections that need to be addressed and if it fits your personal lifestyle. One thing that has saved me in my car buying experience is I’ve never bought a car I didn’t want and that I couldn’t afford. So don’t be afraid to “wheel and deal” with your dealer based on what you experience on your drive.

Its equally as important to do your research on the models you’re interested in. This is where publications such as Consumer Reports, but also sites such as Car Complaints can provide useful info on problematic model years of vehicles. It’s also important to remember that just because a particular model has a lot of issues, doesn’t mean you necessarily will. Your quality results will vary largely due to the fact that how well you maintain your car will determine its longevity. Make sure you check your owner’s manual for recommended tune up cycles.

Some of these models on the list I’m actually quite aware DO have particular issues. For example, you’re going to want to avoid early-to-mid 2010 Hyundai and Kia vehicles with a “Theta” four-cylinder engine. Or if you do get one, make sure that you take it to your local dealer and make sure the recalls are addressed for engine failure and fires. Also, any Chrysler/Dodge vehicle with the 2.7L V6 engine, which was used through the early 2010s in some vehicles, are prone to engine knock and sludge issues – do avoid these. European vehicles are known for having higher maintenance than Asian branded vehicles, for example, so if you’re trying to get a durable and long-lasting vehicle, I would steer clear of older BMWs and Mercedes models, since while they may be cheap to purchase, any saving will be wiped out in fuel and repair costs.

For as much smack as people talk about Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep Compasses, there are few to none of those cars on this list. This is likely because very few Fiats and Alfas are sold in the U.S., and also because quality DOES actually improve over time. I had my 2018 Compass and while it wasn’t the fastest car on the road, it was far, far and away from unreliable or a lemon like the 2011 Chevy Equinox we had years ago. I quite enjoyed having it. So again, it pays to have your own experience with a car and do your own research, as I’ve mentioned.

There are no Toyota, Lexus or Acura vehicles on this list. This is a testimony to their durability I say – its very hard to deny that Toyota and Lexus in particular have built a reputation for building a reliable car!

Do your research and happy shopping – roll on!

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

EV Battery Manufacturing - U.S. States That Will Be EV Leaders

As EVs grow in popularity, batteries will need to be manufactured to meet demand. Some states are already gearing up to become leaders.

Battery manufacturing is going to be key to EV adoption, especially since the revised requirements for EV tax credits stipulate that in order to qualify, an EV must have its components and materials for batteries sourced from within North America. Because of that, you can expect several states within the United States to strive to become a leader in the EV business, in particular battery production. All that said, let’s discuss briefly which states are projected to become leaders in the EV space.

Georgia, Kentucky and Michigan are all projected to dominate EV battery manufacturing by 2030. The reason these states in particular are projected to be production leaders because they will be able to manufacture between 97 and 136 gigawatt hours of EV batteries. Additionally, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee will also be able to manufacture EV batteries according to outlined plans – between 46- and 97-gigawatt hours’ worth of EV batteries to be specific. Ford has already invested over $11 billion in Tennessee and Kentucky for its “BlueOval City” manufacturing facilities, where both batteries and EV trucks will be built. VW is also planning to now invest in a battery cell factory in North America instead of Europe due to the potential incentives it could bring – over $10.6 billion. Unlike Ford, however, the German automaker has not decided on a location for its factory.

Going Green

By 2030, its predicted that U.S. battery manufacturing capacity will be able to support the production of 10 to 13 million EVs per year, which puts the country in line to meet the Biden Administration’s goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 as well. While this goal might sound slightly lofty to some, its very plausible that states such as Michigan could be come poised to be leaders in the EV race. Automakers such as GM already have some manufacturing sites in the state, i.e., Factory Zero, and Michigan is part of a Midwest state alliance to expand EV charging infrastructure. Personally, I feel like if you have strong desires to “go green” right now, your best bets are to check into a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle, which offers a reduced fuel consumption driving experience without the worries of range anxiety that EVs have.

Are you following the EV revolution? Let’s see where things go. See the links below for more information on this topic.