EV Transition - News from several manufacturers - Mercedes Electric RV

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Mercedes Plans One Electric Van Platform To Rule Them All

Excerpt:

"Mercedes-Benz Vans has developed an electric platform for its van customers that will go into production in 2026.

The Mercedes VAN.EA Platform

This week, Mercedes announced that, starting in 2026, all its newly developed vans will be based on just one single innovative, modular, and scalable architecture called VAN.EA, which is short for Van Electric Architecture, an all-new purpose-built platform developed from scratch for its future electric vans.

All future midsize and large vans will be built on it, both commercial and private, the company says. Those vans will focus on added value for the customers and their individual needs, whether for a commercial application as a versatile premium all-rounder or as a private luxury van. Notice the emphasis on high-end products. Mercedes-Benz will not get down and grovel with the likes of Nissan and Peugeot, which are lucky if they break even on their electric vans. That is not the market Mercedes is aiming for.

The VAN.EA architecture strategy will reduce the complexity of the company’s purpose-built electric van portfolio, which is expected to result in significant economies of scale. The number of variants will be reduced by more than 50% compared to the company’s current van lineup.

“Starting 2026, we will introduce our purpose-built EV architecture VAN.EA. This enables us to consolidate our midsize and large vans down to only one architecture and significantly reduce the complexity of our product portfolio. Maximum added value for customers with sustainable profitability at the same time — VAN.EA clearly underscores our aspiration to ‘Lead in Electric’,” said Mathias Geisen, the head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The VAN.EA products will focus on efficiency and performance in every aspect of the vehicle — including aerodynamics, drivetrain, tires, and chassis. The goal is to achieve a high range with an optimal battery capacity, which is directly related to vehicle weight and costs.

An Electric Van Platform With Three Parts

Image courtesy of Mercedes Benz Vans

The VAN.EA platform will have three distinct components. The front portion contains the front axle and electric powertrain, which will be identical in all variants built on the platform, which is part of the plan to focus on using the same parts as the basis for multiple models.

The central section can scale to accommodate the length of various models and provide a place to mount batteries of varying sizes. The rear module provides space for the rear axle and will also be standardized, with one exception. It can be fitted with a second electric motor for customers who want all-wheel drive capability.

Variations On VAN.EA

The platform for private luxury will be known as VAN.EA-P and will be oriented toward customers with the highest standards. It will be suitable for a VIP shuttle, an emissions-free mobile office, or for active families who want the ultimate in leisure travel. It will have a range of more than 500 km, which is ideal for travelers. SAE Level 2 automated driving is planned for market launch, while SAE Level 3 is planned to be available by the end of the decade.

VAN.EA-C denotes the electric van platform intended for premium commercial vans in the midsize and large segments. Mercedes claims it will be the ideal base for customers who value functionality, range, payload, and cargo space. With its modular and scalable design, the architecture is tailored for different configurations, from last mile delivery vehicles to ambulances to recreational vehicles, almost everything is conceivable. Mercedes plans to offer Level 4 autonomy for commercial customers who are able to operate in geofenced areas by the end of this decade.

Mercedes is the sales leader in vans in the European market and sees the potential for substantial growth in the United States for premium commercial large vans that are based on the VAN.EA architecture. The company expects its new vans to cater to the expectations of its sophisticated customers more strongly by offering a privately positioned midsize luxury van in the United States. It foresees annual sales growth of 6% to 8% annually.

It also will expand its portfolio of RV vans ”built from factory” with a new line of fully electric midsize and large camper vans based on VAN.EA chassis. The division aims to define the new industry standard with its international RV business partners around the world.

Source:

https://cleantechnica.com/2023/05/19/mercedes-plans-one-electric-van-platform-to-rule-them-all/

 

Edited May 21, 2023 by RV_

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Tesla Stops Short of Committing to India Plant in Renewed Talks

"A delegation of Tesla Inc. executives to India discussed the possible local sourcing of components and incentives but stopped short of proposing to build vehicles in the country, people familiar with the matter said, after the electric carmaker reopened dialog with the government after a year-long impasse.

While the automaker will eventually look to establish a domestic factory to tap India’s vast consumer market, it hasn’t yet presented a formal plan, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. The executives reiterated their concern about India’s high tariffs on imported cars during this week’s meeting, but the government doesn’t plan to change its tax regime to accommodate one automaker, one of the people said.

Tesla didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside of normal US hours. A representative for the ministry of road transport and highways also didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rising geopolitical tensions between China and the US mean global companies are increasingly seeking an alternative base for manufacturing and supply chains. India is emerging as an attractive bet for international companies amid growing demand for products ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles in the world’s most-populous nation.

Discussions between Tesla and India reached a stalemate last year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration insisted it sell locally-made cars, while the automaker wanted to first import them at lower taxes to gauge demand. India didn’t want Tesla to bring cars into the country from its Shanghai factory."

Source:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-stops-short-committing-india-083646410.html?utm_source=pocket_saves

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GM's new Silverado EV work truck will have industry-best 450-mile range, company says

Excerpt:

"General Motors (GM) is throwing down the gauntlet in the burgeoning EV pickup wars, with a range-topping figure for its upcoming Silverado EV Work Truck (WT).

The company's Silverado EV WT for fleet customers now has an EPA-estimated range of 450 miles on a full charge, uprated from a prior estimate of 400 miles.

The work truck series is meant for GM's commercial fleet customers and will not be sold to regular consumers initially. The Silverado EV WT will arrive this spring with the 450-mile version costing $79,800, including shipping.

Another Silverado WT model with an estimated 350-mile range will follow at a price of $74,800, with a base version WT starting as low as $41,595 with delivery. The first consumer version of the Silverado EV, the high-trim RST First Edition, arrives in the fall with a starting price of $106,695 including delivery."

Much more in the article here:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gms-new-silverado-ev-work-truck-will-have-industry-best-450-mile-range-company-says-151328048.html?utm_source=pocket_saves

Edited May 21, 2023 by RV_