Everything Electric: GM Developing Third Full-sized Pickup EV
The truck wars are heating up again–and we love it. Plus the latest from Volvo and Lightyear.
Every week we round up the top stories about electric vehicles, hybrids and e-mobility. And every week it is still amazing to see how much electrification progress is being made–and so quickly. Not that long ago, many found the idea of Ford building an all electric pickup truck unlikely and even laughable. Today, almost every automaker already has–or plans to include–hybrid and electric rides to their lineup. Which means that Ford and GM seem destined to reignite their ongoing truck wars. Historically that competitive spirit inspired some epic and bold rides and features. Plus, competitive pricing.
Other rides that caught our eye and made headlines are the Volvo C40 recharge and the solar-powered Lightyear One.
GM: Coming in Hot
When General Motors committed to embracing electrification, they did so wholeheartedly. The company has put a lot into all aspects of ev development and zero-emission solutions. But mainly, they are focused on delivering quality cars and trucks. To that end the company recently announced that they will be adding a full-sized electric truck to the GMC lineup. It would be the third electric truck for GM. This follows the upcoming GMC Hummer EV–hitting showrooms later this year, and the recently announced Chevrolet Silverado-E.
It is expected that GM will start production of the Silverado in November of 2022 and the GMC pickup in September 2023, says Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast.
If Chevy really wants to take a bite out of the Ford F-Series (and of course they do), they have to go in bullish but shrewd. And so far it seems they have done so very well. Either way, we can expect to see the storied Ford vs. Chevy rivalry firing up again; and yielding awesome results.
Volvo (Re)Charged
The all-electric 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge has been given an MSRP of $58,750. This new addition to the Volvo electric line-up has all the benefits of an SUV but with a lower and sleeker design. It is the first Volvo model in the company’s history designed as pure electric only, and it is also the first to feature a leather-free interior.
The C40 Recharge–along with the 2022 XC40 Recharge–introduces new specification level nomenclature: “Plus” and “Ultimate.” Volvo made sure the C40 Recharge came with all the toys in the Ultimate spec. Which means it includes almost every available feature; such as Android Operating System with Google imbedded, oversized fixed Panoramic Moonroof, Pixel LED lighting, Pilot Assist, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, 360° Surround View Camera, and Unique 20” wheels.
Complimentary charging is an especially interesting feature offered on all 2022 Volvo EVs in America. Volvo partnered with Electrify America to allow more accessibility. EV drivers can get 250 kWh of free charging to be used within the first 3 years. Once the complimentary charging has been used, customers will be eligible for Electrify America’s Pass+, with Volvo paying all membership fees for one year.
With Electrify America’s network 635 public fast-charging stations, it is a great incentive for those going electric. The collaboration, combined with Volvo Car USA’s existing ChargePoint affiliation, ensures Volvo EV drivers easy access to thousands of public charging stations.
Volvo has an appealing ride in the slick C40 Recharge. However, introducing the sporty SUV with the very useful charging plan is a stroke of genius. Not only will the C40 get more attention, but giving drivers easy access to a charge will help some take the leap to e-mobility.
Lightyear Ahead
Lightyear One is of the most captivating cars in the e-mobility scene. The Lightyear One is a long-range, solar powered car that recently broke records (and blew minds) by running 450 miles on on a single charge of a 60 kWh battery. With four independent in-wheel motors providing power when and where it is needed, it also provides improved traction control and maximizes energy efficiency on all types of surfaces.
With all the attention surrounding Lightyear, the Finnish company had several potential production partners to consider. So Lightyear took a year to conduct an extensive selection process to find the right match. This week they announced that Valmet Automotive will be the production partner for the Lightyear One car.
Valmet Automotive is a car manufacturer with over 50 years of experience and around 1.7 million built cars. Next to working with well-established brands, Valmet Automotive has developed experience in working with start-ups and has been involved in the production of electric cars for over more than 10 years already.
With their interest in moving from combustion to clean and efficient vehicles, Valmet and Lightyear are well matched. Both are dedicated to fostering flexibility and innovation; and in leading the pack in EV developments.
“Our focus on electric mobility and battery systems make us predestined for processes in which mobility must be redefined.” said Olaf Bongwald, CEO of Valmet Automotive. “We are pleased that Lightyear has selected us as their production partner.”
Photos: GM; Volvo; Lightyear