With winter here, initiatives like the Ford Motor Company Power Promise are helping customers have peace of mind with home charging, so that they can travel with confidence. As some states witness below freezing temperatures, here are some tips from our Ford experts on how you can best prepare your electric vehicle to maximize range and performance during cold weather.
1. Park your electric vehicle in a garage, if possible: Garage storage helps to ensure that harsh weather conditions outside do not affect your vehicle and maintaining a warmer storage temperature than outdoors will aid in vehicle and battery performance. And with zero tailpipe emissions, you can safely warm up the vehicle's cabin while garaged.
2. Remove all snow from the vehicle before driving: This is important to reduce weight and reduce air resistance when driving, but it's also important for visibility and your own safety. Several of Ford's driver assistance technologies make use of sensors and cameras that must be free of snow to function properly.
3. Plug in your electric vehicle when parked for extended periods of time: Keeping the vehicle plugged while parked for extended periods of time, such as while you’re away on a trip or even while parked at home overnight works to maintain battery health and helps to prevent range loss. When the vehicle is plugged in, the vehicle’s battery temperature is kept above freezing temperatures to help optimize battery performance; this occurs regardless of whether or not the vehicle is actively charging while plugged in.
4. Set daily Departure Times to precondition both the vehicle’s battery and cabin while plugged-in: If you have a regular reoccurring driving schedule, such as a daily commute, preconditioning the battery using Ford’s Departure Times feature allows it to warm to optimum temperature before use, positively affecting range and power. For Ford electric vehicle owners, Departure Times can be scheduled using the vehicle’s SYNC touch
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe brings sportiness and elegance to the premium compact segment. And now, the second generation emphasizes these qualities even more intensely. The standard M Sport exterior design delivers a clear increase in presence and gives the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe a sportier and more dynamic appearance. Revised powertrains, standard Adaptive M Suspension, and innovative systems for automated driving and parking ensure driving pleasure. The progressive character of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is evident in the area of digitalization, too. The user experience in the redesigned interior is defined by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and a wide range of digital services based on BMW Operating System 9.
Production of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will begin at BMW’s plant in Leipzig in the fourth quarter of 2024. The market launch is set to start in March 2025.
At launch, two models will be available in the US. The 241-hp 228 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $41,600 plus $1,175 destination and handling, and the high-performance, 312-hp M235 xDrive Gran Coupe will start at $49,500 plus $1,175 destination and handling.
Coming in mid-2025, the two-wheel drive, 241-hp 228 sDrive Gran Coupe will start at just $39,600 plus $1,175 destination and handling. #newvehicles #bmw
At the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, in the city known as a global leader and trendsetter in electric vehicles and fashion, the Fiat brand revealed the new 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition, the perfect balance of elegance, style and sustainability.
An embodiment of made-in-Italy design, the Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition is a statement piece, reflecting Giorgio Armani's expertise and the refined artistry of FIAT's Centro Stile design studio in Turin, Italy.
“The Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition represents the finest expression of Italian design, bringing together two legendary icons in the Fiat Cinquecento and Giorgio Armani,” said Aamir Ahmed, head of FIAT brand North America. “Featuring Armani’s unparalleled design influence, including two bespoke color combinations and high-end touches befitting an Armani fashion collection, not to mention the artistry instilled by the FIAT Centro Stile design team, the 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition epitomizes the exceptionality of Italian design and craftsmanship.”
Produced at the FIAT Mirafiori plant in Turin, the Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition is the result of an immersive collaboration between the Italian designer and the FIAT design team: a vehicle crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality expected in a fashion collection.
The 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition will be available in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing will be announced at a later date. #newvehicles #fiat #laautoshow
Kia America has unveiled the high-performance 2026 Kia EV9 GT SUV3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With an estimated 501 horsepower propelled through dual electric motors mounted front and rear, the EV9 GT is targeted to hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and represents the most powerful three-row SUV Kia has ever produced. An electronically controlled suspension, a first for a Kia SUV, sets shock damping based on the selected drive mode or through the GT button mounted on the steering wheel, while larger front brakes are designed to bring the angular SUV to a reassuring halt. Unique design elements inside and out set the EV9 GT apart from the rest of the award-winning EV9 model range.
“The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “And EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You can have your cake and eat it too!"
Assembled in South Korea and expected to arrive in the latter half of 2025, the Kia EV9 GT follows on the heels of the hot-blooded EV6 GT but with more room for passengers and their gear. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date. #newvehicles #kia #laautoshow
Honda has unveiled the demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries, which is being developed independently by Honda toward mass production. The line was constructed on the property of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Sakura), located in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. While conducting technical verification to establish a mass production process on this demonstration line, Honda will determine the basic specifications of the battery cells, with an aim to begin applying its all-solid-state batteries to electrified models that will be introduced to market in the second half of the 2020s.
For the purpose of establishing the mass production process for its all-solid-state batteries, Honda built this demonstration line that replicates processes required for the mass production. The demonstration line has a total floor area of approximately 27,400 m2 (295,000 ft2), and is equipped with facilities and equipment that enable verification of each production process, including weighing and mixing of electrode materials, coating and roll pressing of electrode assembly and the formation of cells, and assembly of the module. The construction of the facility building was completed in spring of this year, with almost all of the key equipment necessary for the verification now installed. Honda is planning to begin battery production on this demonstration line in January 2025 and will conduct verification of mass production technologies and costs for each process, while also developing battery cell specifications.
Based on the conventional production process for liquid lithium-ion batteries, the Honda all-solid-state battery production process adopts a roll-pressing technique which will contribute to an increase in the density of the solid electrolyte layers, a process unique only to the production of all-solid-state batteries, and makes continuous pressing possible. With the adoption of the roll-pressing technique, Honda will strive to increase the degree of interfacia
Mopar puts a serious charge into the 2024 SEMA Association Show, Nov. 5 – Nov. 8 in Las Vegas, with new, head-turning concept vehicles – combined to showcase a wide range of distinctly different appearance and performance modifications to enthusiasts.
“Our new Mopar concept vehicles showcase different ends of the performance spectrum, bringing innovative design and engineering expertise with a zero-emissions muscle car concept and the latest ideas for the Ram Sport truck lineup,” said Mike Koval Jr., head of Mopar North America. “Whether it’s envisioning an electrified propulsion system or outfitting the most capable production off-road pickups, Mopar is ready to enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories.”
The Ram Trucks 2500 Power Wagon Concept builds upon the most capable production off-road pickup with an array of available Mopar and custom accessories. The result: a rugged HEMI®-powered full-size truck that performs flawlessly as a daily workhorse or weekend warrior.
The bold Satin Stealth Sand exterior stands out with a contrasting Matte Deep Black box with 3-D topographical map pattern, accented by bright Header Orange accents including tow hooks front and rear and much more.
The aggressive stance is achieved with 20-by-10-inch black and Anthracite Grey Rhino Alpha wheels rolling with 35-inch Goodyear tires riding on a stock suspension.
A Mopar sport performance hood covers the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 powerplant and adds to the muscular exterior look. Blacked out trailer-tow mirrors provide a full view for every towing task while up front an integrated factory Warn winch is perfect for any job at the worksite or on the trails.
Above the cabin, an aluminum platform securely holds extra gear with custom designed mounting brackets and unique Header Orange four-corner utility brackets. At the front of the roof rack, three 12-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights provide exceptional accessory lighting.
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Mopar puts a serious charge into the 2024 SEMA Association Show, Nov. 5 – Nov. 8 in Las Vegas, with new, head-turning concept vehicles – combined to showcase a wide range of distinctly different appearance and performance modifications to enthusiasts.
The 1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod Concept offers a peek into the future of possible battery-electric vehicle (BEV) conversion kit applications by showing a potential future Mopar e-Crate propulsion system for enthusiasts to build or convert classic and current cars and trucks into BEVs.
At first glance, the striking Frostbite Blue exterior paint and lowered stance begin to show what makes this zero-emission muscle car concept so special. The Mopar design team widened the rear-wheel openings for an aggressive and modern look. Like any proper restomod, the custom-shaved, body-color bumpers are tucked in and trimmed to the fenders. To keep the sneaky modern appearance,
the exterior trim (grille, window trim, dual-side mirrors and tail panel) is painted Satin Black.
The GTX Electromod Concept has a one-off, custom carbon-fiber hood with dual functional air extractors, accented with dual Satin Black stripes, tipping its hat to the original Plymouth GTX.
Noticeable exterior enhancements include a carbon-fiber front splitter and custom low-profile rear spoiler. No classic Mopar restomod would be complete without paying homage to the flip-top fuel caps of the 1960s-70s, which has been updated to function as a charge-port door.
The GTX Electromod Concept rides on a lowered three-link suspension with 18-by-9-inch BTG Vintage Bronze forged magnesium wheels and Pirelli P-ZERO (PZ4) tires. Stopping power comes from Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners.
The carbon-fiber hood covers a scalable 400-volt, 250-kilowatt electric drive module (EDM) that attaches to the frame with custom-designed isolated motor mounts. All mounts are designed with ease of manufacturing in mind, with each brace or bracket designed to be water-je
Honda is building on its "Safety For Everyone" approach by expanding its focus beyond advanced safety and driver assistive technologies to include efforts to augment driver awareness, modify driver behavior and improve the traffic safety ecosystem by working with government, industry and community partners. The company's goal is to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities involving its automobiles and motorcycles by 2050, including older models still on the road.
Already an industry leader in the development of crashworthiness and crash prevention technologies with two of the most advanced safety centers in the world, Honda will continue its innovation in those areas. However, Honda believes that technology alone cannot fully prevent future traffic fatalities in older models that will lack the latest safety features, necessitating a collaborative approach aimed at augmenting driver and rider abilities along with supporting improvements in the traffic ecosystem.
"Advancements in safety technology have saved countless lives and Honda will strive to continue leading in safety innovation with its new vehicles, but getting to zero fatalities in all Honda products on the road by 2050 is impossible without a collaborative effort," said Brian Bautsch, director of North American safety strategy at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is committed to safety in all of its forms, to rapidly advance technology, education, advocacy and collaboration with like-minded people and organizations. In short, our path forward is Safety for Everyone, with everyone."
Honda Safety Driven: A "Crash Course" for Young Drivers
Honda Safety Driven is a multi-year safety initiative in partnership with Discovery Education to help address the nearly one-third of annual traffic fatalities in the U.S. involving drivers under the age of 25. The STEM-focused educational initiative launched in Oct. 2023 with a virtual field trip for students in grades 3-12, bringing them inside Honda's one-of-a-kin
The original muscle-car era was all about performance. The modern muscle-car era stepped that up a few notches. How high can the future muscle-car era go is a good question. An answer from Mopar is coming to SEMA Association 2024. #features #mopar #sema
Desner Auto is ready to launch the new LoJo W300. The first batch of cars has been imported into Italy, ready to be distributed to customers and the sales network. The first electric that truly meets, with a double chain, the needs of urban movement and the age-old ecological issue of the automotive sector. There is great interest from dealers and automotive groups in Italy, awaiting the presence of EICMA 2024, press tests and test drive tours in dealers scheduled for the end of October.
W300 enters the market at a time of extreme crisis for manufacturers and dealerships, in which the end customer (private and corporate) is stumbling in the dark when faced with the process of selecting and purchasing compact and city cars. The model solves with concreteness and technological insights all the problems that slow down the growth of automotive assets. #newvehicles #desnerauto
In this edition of Stellantis Spotlight, the Chrysler Voyager returns to the brand’s retail lineup, Jeep is back to compete in the Rebelle Rally for the ninth year, and Ram Trucks gives a sneak peek at the 2025 Heavy Duty. #features #stellantis #chrysler #ramtrucks #jeep
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, building on a rich heritage of tough, dependable Jeep pickup trucks with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility.
Available in Sport, Sport S, Willys, Trail Rated Rubicon and the brand’s only Desert Rated model, Mojave, Jeep Gladiator features a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and a versatile cargo box. The 2025 Jeep Gladiator delivers unmatched capability with unsurpassed 4x4 max towing of up to 7,700 pounds and best-in-class payload of up to 1,725 pounds.
Jeep Gladiator’s refined interior features standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard adaptive cruise control with stop (Sport S and above), standard Uconnect 5 system with best-in-class standard 12.3-inch touchscreen radio and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In calendar year 2025, Jeep Gladiator will add an electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid model as part of the Jeep brand’s mission to offer an electrified variant of all Jeep vehicles sold in North America by the end of 2025. #newvehicles #jeep
