Maryland Becomes Latest State to Announce 2035 ICE Ban
Maryland is the latest state to announce the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II act, first adopted by California. Carbuzz reports, Governor Wes Moore announced that manufacturers must increase the share of electric vehicles they sell in the state over the next few years until a 100 percent figure is reached in 2035. The ICE ban will be in effect for all passenger cars and light trucks. "Today, we're talking about a major transformation that is going to define this administration-and that's how we turn Maryland from a state powered by oil and gas to a state powered by clean energy," said Governor Moore. "I am confident that the state of Maryland can and will lead the clean energy revolution." The Maryland Department of the Environment conducted an analysis stating that 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles would be sold under the new regulations by 2030. By 2035, the reduction will be 1.68 million vehicles. According to the Clean Cars II act, 35 percent of new cars must be 100 percent tailpipe emissions-free by 2026, increasing to 51 percent in 2028. By 2030, you're looking at 68 percent, and 100 percent by 2035. Click here for the full story.
Kia Helps Military Veterans Become Trained Technicians with New Program
Kia is lending a helping hand to army veterans, providing them with the chance to become a trained technician through the new Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program. Carscoops reports, the new program has been designed specifically for veterans and encompasses a comprehensive technical training schedule. It includes participation in a one-year competency-based apprenticeship that will lead to Kia Service Technician certification, as well as access to tools, equipment, vehicles, and all of the training required. The carmaker notes that eligible military veterans may also be able to apply for and receive a GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance during their apprenticeship, but notes this will require approval from the U.S. Government. Successful trainees may also be able to find full-time employment with a participating Kia retailer. “Kia is proud to provide highly specialized career opportunities to military Veterans in conjunction with ERS and our nationwide network of retailers,” vice president of service operations at Kia America, Greg Silvestri, described. “We thank our Veterans for their service and look forward to helping them leverage their skill set for civilian jobs.” Click here for the full story.
EV Home Charging Study Finds Owner Satisfaction Down
When J.D. Power quantified EV owner satisfaction with the public charging experience at Level 2 and DC fast chargers, it found owners unhappy about "finding the charging infrastructure inadequate and plagued with non-functioning stations." So, while there are more stations than ever, charging hurdles have made EV buyers less happy, reports Autoblog. It's a similar story with the latest study, the 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study. More homes have been fitted with Level 2 permanently mounted charging stations and more BEV and PHEV buyers own Level 2 portable stations. Despite the increased convenience, the study found owners less satisfied overall with the charging experience, the overall happiness with permanent home stations dropping from a score of 752 to 740 out of 1,000. The study queries owners on eight facets of the home charging experience for BEVs and PHEVs using Level 1 (household plug) and fixed and portable Level 2 chargers: Fairness of the charger's retail price; cord length; size of charger; ease of winding/storing cable; cost of charging; charging speed; ease of use; and reliability. Click here to learn about the study and its results.
BMW Expects to Hit 50% All-Electric Sales Target 'Well Ahead' of 2030
BMW said it expects more than 50 percent of its vehicle sales to be all-electric models well ahead of its 2030 target. By 2025, a fourth of sales will be all-electric, the automaker said, rising to a third by 2026 — an ambitious leap from the 1-in-11 ratio seen last year. After doubling sales of battery-only powered BMW and Mini brand cars last year, BMW said sales of full-electric vehicles will likely account for 15 percent of total deliveries this year, up from 9 percent. BMW expects full-electric models to account for at least 20 percent of total sales by 2024 and 50 percent "well ahead of 2030." Automotive News reports, BMW forecasts an 8 percent to 10 percent margin for its autos segment in 2023, up from last year's 7 percent to 9 percent target, as sales of its most expensive vehicles such as the 7 Series offset weaker pricing for entry-level luxury models. The company expects stable demand in premium markets in 2023 despite inflation and rising interest rates. Click here for the full story.
Audi To Bring Back Lower-Priced Models as Chip Shortages Ease After Bumper 2022
Volkswagen-owned Audi forecast sizeable revenue growth in 2023 to 69-72 billion euros ($149.53 billion) from 61.8 billion last year but expects a more conservative earnings margin as higher costs weigh on profits, it said on Thursday. Reuters reports, the premium brand had a bumper year in 2022 with earnings up 40 percent to 7.6 billion euros as it prioritized production of higher-priced products during the chip shortage. Now that chip shortages are easing, it will normalize its product mix and offer lower-priced models to customers as well, the company said, forecasting an earnings margin of 9-11 percent for the group consisting of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati, down from last year's 12.2 percent. The premium brand is widening its offering of battery-electric vehicles to catch up with rivals who are ahead on electric sales, bringing 10 new electric models to the market by 2025, Audi chief Markus Duesmann said. The carmaker is working on its final generation of combustion engine models and will bring only electric cars to market from 2026, with no combustion engine cars sold at all from 2033. Click here for the full story.
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Lamborghini Reveals Next Aventador's Carbon-Fiber 'Monofuselage' [Car and Driver]
Tesla Owner Unlocked and Drove Away Wrong Model 3 Using Smartphone App [Carscoops]
Hyundai Designs Sunroof That Can Add Shade and Light to Different Areas of the Interior [Carbuzz]
