Everything Electric: EVs Broaden Horizons & Access
Top stories of the week include an increase in charging stations, Fiat and Ford coming in strong, and electric vehicles with major capability.
It was a busy week in electric vehicle news. Fiat addressed their future in e-mobility, while Ford introduced another major electrified truck. 7-Eleven will make charging rides easier, while Jaguar and Audi show off hardcore chops and style.
Fiat & The Future
To mark World Environment Day, Olivier François, CEO of Fiat & CMO at Stellantis was featured in a conversation to discuss cities of the future. A panel addressed themes of urban mobility and sustainable architecture to make cities healthier and easier to live in.
During the chat, François announced that the Fiat product lineup will gradually become electric-only by 2025 to 2030. He calls the move Fiat’s greatest project.
Other topics under discussion included the need to improve access to electric cars; including lower costs. Additionally, they addressed the need to increase the number of charge points in cities and increase the penetration of fast-charging stations. Excellent news and forward momentum.
2022 Ford Maverick Arrives
The Blue Oval introduced the all-new Ford Maverick this week. As the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America, the 2022 Maverick boasts a clean, potent design and F-Series DNA. We’ve been wanting Ford to bring back a compact pickup for years, and the Maverick seems well worth the wait.
Not only does the Maverick comes as a standard five-passenger, four-door pickup, with a full-hybrid powertrain; it has a projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city fuel economy and 500 miles of range on a single tank of gas. Oh, and did we mention Ford Maverick a starting MSRP of $19,995? This could be huge. Read more details at Ford-Trucks.
We’ll Also Take a Slurpee
Charging your ride is getting easier thanks to 7-Eleven. The company plans to install 500 fast-charge ports at select stores by the end of 2022. Drivers can always use more options to charge up, and convenient access is key.
“Adding 500 charging ports at 250 7‑Eleven stores will make EV charging more convenient and help accelerate broader adoption of EVs and alternative fuels,” said CEO Joe DePinto. “We are committed to the communities we serve and to working toward a more sustainable future.”
7-Eleven says that their ports will offer “the largest and most compatible” system of any US retailer.
Audi e-Tron GT Stuns
A new video by Auditography captures the 2022 Audi e-Tron GT in the Swiss Alps. Mechanical magnificence meets natural beauty in remarkable fusion. Enjoy the ride.
Jaguar I-Pace Slays “Everesting Challenge”
All-electric Jaguar I-Pace completed the “Everesting Challenge” recently by climbing 29,028 feet – the height of Mount Everest – on a single charge. If anyone questioned the capability of EVs, this might change minds. The Jaguar handled steep inclines, twisting tarmac, and near-freezing temperatures on UK’s highest paved road in Cumbria, all on a single charge of its 90kWh battery.
Photos: Audi; Ford; Fiat/Stellantis; 7-Eleven