Author: E.Wilson

BYD’s New Motor Boosts Power, Cuts Weight in Mainstream Models
12Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

BYD’s New Motor Boosts Power, Cuts Weight in Mainstream Models

Chinese automaker BYD is shaking up the electric vehicle market by rolling out a new 240 kW (322 hp) motor across its mainstream models. The TZ200XYAT motor will be used for rear-wheel-drive vehicles with an 800V architecture, adding more power while reducing weight.Key TakeawaysThe Seal 06 GT and Qin Max EV receive the new TZ200XYAT motor.New models are lighter by up to 419 lbs compared to their predecessors.Motors in entry-level versions have seen smaller power gains, but still offer better performance.The Seal 06 GT now features a top model with the new motor, boosting its output from 165 kW to 240 kW. The base version also gets an upgrade to a 200 kW motor and loses weight, dropping from 1940 kg to 1750 kg.The Qin Max EV is another model getting the new TZ200XYAT motor in its top-end v...
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Cold Weather Battery Blunders to Avoid
12Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

Cold Weather Battery Blunders to Avoid

Winter mornings can turn into nightmares when your car won't start due to a dead battery. Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, warns that freezing temperatures significantly strain batteries.Key TakeawaysCold weather can reduce a car battery's power output by up to 50%Heated seats and defrosters draw extra amps from the battery, especially when idling or on short tripsMaintaining your battery’s health year-round is key to avoiding cold-weather woesCold weather slows down chemical reactions in batteries. At 0°C, a car's battery can lose up to 20% of its power; at -17°C, it drops by as much as 50%. Imagine your battery trying to run through molasses—it just doesn't have the oomph.Heated seats and defrosters are lifesavers on cold mornings but are major drains on batterie...
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ONVO Exec Criticizes Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
12Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News, Pickup Trucks

ONVO Exec Criticizes Extended-Range Electric Vehicles

Shen Fei, the president of ONVO, a family-oriented sub-brand under NIO, has slammed extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) during an interview with The Paper. He argues that EREVs are wasteful and costly compared to fully-electric models.Key TakeawaysONVO's president Shen Fei criticizes extended-range electric vehicles for being resource-intensive.The extra battery space reduces interior room, impacting family usability.Add-on costs of range extenders increase both manufacturer and consumer expenses.Shen Fei believes that EREVs are inefficient due to the added complexity of maintaining two power systems. He points out that they take up valuable storage space inside cars designed for families, making it less practical than fully electric models.The costs associated with range extenders ca...
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Kia PV5 Cargo Earns Top Safety Rating in Euro NCAP Assessment
12Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

Kia PV5 Cargo Earns Top Safety Rating in Euro NCAP Assessment

The Kia PV5 Cargo has earned a top five-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) for commercial vans, solidifying its reputation as one of Europe's safest electric workhives.Key TakeawaysThe PV5 Cargo received a perfect score in occupant protection and safety assist categoriesStandard ADAS technologies like AEB, Lane Support System, and Speed Assistance System performed exceptionally wellThis recognition follows other accolades for the model, including International Van of the Year and Top Gear AwardsThe PV5 Cargo's advanced safety features don't just look good on paper; they work in real-world situations. Euro NCAP praised its standard Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists.With a generous cargo space of 7 cu...
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JAC Joins Flying Car Race with New Lab in Hefei
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

JAC Joins Flying Car Race with New Lab in Hefei

Chinese automaker JAC has joined the growing flying car industry by setting up a new lab to explore these futuristic vehicles. The company is partnering with Beijing Institute of Technology and IAT Automobile Technology for this ambitious venture.Key TakeawaysJAC opens a joint laboratory in Hefei, Anhui province, to develop flying cars.The collaboration includes expertise from Beijing Institute of Technology and IAT Automobile Technology.Flying cars have broad applications but face technological challenges that need coordinated solutions across the supply chain.With low-altitude economy becoming a national-level emerging industry in China, flying cars are entering what JAC calls 'a golden period' of development. The company sees potential for these vehicles to be used in emergency rescue a...
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2025 Models That Don’t Deliver on Their Promises
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

2025 Models That Don’t Deliver on Their Promises

Car manufacturers are always promising big improvements, but sometimes the reality falls short of expectations. In this article, we'll look at five vehicles from 2025 that don't live up to their hefty price tags.Key TakeawaysThe Jeep Grand Cherokee's high cost doesn't match its performance or features.Chevrolet Blazer offers a striking look but lacks substance inside the cabin and under the hood.Alfa Romeo Stelvio is visually appealing, yet it struggles with practical issues like build quality and reliability.The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee promises luxury and off-road prowess. But buyers are left disappointed by its high price tag compared to what's inside the cabin. The materials aren't as premium as expected, the infotainment system is slow, and fuel economy falls short for a vehicle in th...
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SuperPanther Teams Up with ELMI Power for European Expansion
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
Industry & Business, News

SuperPanther Teams Up with ELMI Power for European Expansion

Chinese electric truck maker SuperPanther is partnering up with German-Chinese charging specialist ELMI Power to offer a tailored charging infrastructure solution. This collaboration aims at providing high-performance chargers without the need for extensive grid upgrades.Key TakeawaysSuperPanther and ELMI Power are collaborating on pilot projects in Europe starting next year.The partnership will focus on integrating charging systems into SuperPanther's electric truck ecosystem, followed by depot solutions for logistics centers.This collaboration aims to accelerate the electrification of large fleets while reducing strain on power grids.SuperPanther plans to roll out its first pilot projects in Europe next year. They're partnering with ELMI Power to develop a battery-buffered charging syste...
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How Virtual Testing Speeds Up Electric Car Development
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

How Virtual Testing Speeds Up Electric Car Development

Electric vehicle developers are turning to software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing as a way to speed up innovation and reduce costs. This virtual validation method lets engineers test new features without physical hardware, making the development process faster.Key TakeawaysSIL allows early validation of control algorithms for energy management, charging, and thermal systems in BEVs.The testing method supports parallel processes, automated regression tests, and integration into CI/CT pipelines.New E/E architectures can be integrated more easily with SIL testing compared to traditional methods.Imagine you're working on a new electric car model. You want to test how the battery management system works when charging at home or in public stations. With SIL, it's like having a digital twin of your v...
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Hot Rod Power Tour Returns in 2026: Dates, Locations Announced!
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
Industry & Business, News

Hot Rod Power Tour Returns in 2026: Dates, Locations Announced!

The Hot Rod Power Tour is back for its 32nd year and it's a big one! Fans of classic cars can mark their calendars now as the event will celebrate Route 66’s centennial by driving along this iconic American road. Starting June 8, 2026 in Joliet, Illinois, car enthusiasts won't want to miss out.Key TakeawaysThe Power Tour runs from June 8–12, following Route 66’s historic route through Illinois and Oklahoma.Celebrate the centennial of America's most famous road with fellow car lovers at five different stops along the way.Registration details are available now for those who want to join this once-in-a-lifetime event.The 2026 Power Tour kicks off in Joliet, Illinois and winds its way through small towns like Rantoul before reaching St. Louis on day three. Each leg of the journey offers a uniq...
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Why Automakers Love MacPherson Struts in Cars
11Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

Why Automakers Love MacPherson Struts in Cars

Ever wonder why your car's front end seems to handle bumps so smoothly? It all comes down to a simple yet effective suspension design called the MacPherson strut. Developed by Earle S. MacPherson, this technology has become ubiquitous due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.Key TakeawaysSimplicity: The MacPherson strut is easy to manufacture and maintain.Economy: It's cheaper for automakers, which can translate into savings for you.Performance: Despite its simplicity, it offers reliable handling and comfort.The story of the MacPherson strut starts with Earle S. MacPherson at General Motors in the 1940s. He designed this suspension system as part of a project to create an economical small car for Chevrolet called the Cadet.But GM didn't see it fit, so MacPherson left and joined Ford. T...
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