Briefly | 24 May 2023 - a podcast by EV News Daily

It’s EV News Briefly for Wednesday 24th May. I’ll be back as usual at 5pm UK time, that’s Midday Eastern, for the full podcast.  Patreon supporters get the episodes as soon as they’re ready AND ad free. You can be like them by clicking here. 

BMW i5, the next-generation 5 Series electric variant, is set for its 2023 reveal after being tested extensively in Northern Sweden. BMW plans for the i5 to be instrumental in their electric transition and expects 15% of total sales to come from EVs this year. 

Ford is developing an electric three-row SUV likened to a 'personal bullet train', with a projected release in 2025. The Explorer-sized EV, which could boost the company's sales, promises an impressive 350-mile range. 

Tata Motors, the owner of Jaguar Land Rover, is reportedly choosing the UK over Spain to build a large electric car battery plant. The plant, which could create up to 9,000 jobs, signifies a significant investment in the UK's automotive sector. 

Tesla is strongly considering building its next gigafactory in England, potentially bringing a large number of jobs to the region. This may spark competition between countries eager to secure this investment. 

BYD, China's largest new energy vehicle maker, contemplates building a passenger vehicle manufacturing plant in Europe. The automaker, also looking to expand into Southeast Asia, has been successful in Thailand with its bestselling electric vehicle, the Atto 3. 

Italian EV charger company alpitronic Americas LLC plans to open its U.S. headquarters in North Carolina, contributing to the state's growing EV industry. The company anticipates creating 300 jobs by 2027 and investing more than $18.3 million in the region. 

Skoda has unveiled the Enyaq L&K, a final addition to its electric SUV series, with an impressive system output of 210 kW. The model also includes an array of new software and design features, promising enhanced technical performance. 

SAIC Group is working on solid-state battery cells, with the first production model expected in 2025. Partnering with startup QingTao Energy Development, SAIC aims for the safe large-scale application of these batteries. 

A Munro Live video revealed concerns about the GMC Hummer EV battery's efficiency. The cost-intensive manufacturing process, including the battery cradle's assembly from 139 steel components and 3500 welds, could make it less competitive. 

A US study by Recurrent suggests that EV batteries should last as long as the vehicle itself. It also found that battery replacement under warranty could be beneficial for owners, potentially contradicting concerns about battery lifespan. 

France achieved its goal of 100,000 public EV charging stations, setting a new target of 400,000 by 2030. The country's push for EV infrastructure has sparked significant investment in local startups focusing on charging solutions. 

BMW's 2024 lineup will feature the i4 xDrive40, an AWD model with an additional electric motor, promising quicker acceleration and 307 miles per charge. BMW's 7-series will also see new additions, including the i7 eDrive50 and a hybrid variant, the 750e. 

Caterham plans to showcase two electric prototypes of its Seven sports car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The company aims to be prepared for future legislation changes or parts availability issues that may necessitate an electric vehicle launch. 

Tesla is extending its virtual power plant in South Australia to an additional 3,000 homes to aid low-income households. The solar arrays and Powerwalls supplied by Tesla are part of the company's larger plan to provide affordable residential electricity and grid services. 

Solar car parks are gaining popularity as businesses aim to generate renewable energy on-site. The combination of energy production, car shade and shelter, as demonstrated in the UK, has potential for a massive increase in the deployment of solar car parks. 

Octopus Energy's Electroverse has launched a product aimed at businesses, seeking to revolutionize the public EV charging experience. The platform includes a comprehensive dashboard with charging history and data access. Electroverse provides access to over 430,000 public charge points across 470 global brands. 

Ample, a US-based startup, has unveiled its second-generation battery-swap station designs. The stations can swap a battery in just five minutes and can be set up in three days. The modular design caters to vehicles ranging from small cars to large trucks. Notably, Ample’s technology is intended to work across manufacturers. 

Helsinki Airport in Finland has opened a new parking hall equipped with nearly 350 charging stations for electric vehicles. The charging points are strategically located in the parking halls and are dedicated solely to charging vehicles.