This is a quick roundup of what’s happened in automotive for the week of July 14 – July 20, 2024.
All-New MINI Cooper and Cooper S Debut in North America
At the MINI Takes the States owners rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, MINI debuted its new Cooper and Cooper S models. The next-generation vehicles unveiled on July 13.
Stellantis Offering At-Home Charging Station or Credits With BEV Purchases
New battery-electric vehicle buyers from Stellantis brands (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, etc.) can choose between an at-home charging station or charging credits as part of their purchase.
Petersen Automotive Museum Unveils Four New Exhibits
The Petersen Automotive Museum will open four new exhibits in August, its largest simultaneous exhibit launch to-date. The exhibits are:
- Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles
- Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past
- Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles
- Driven by Possibility: Waymo’s Road to Autonomous Transport
DOE Has a Plan To Integrate EVs Into the Grid
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a paper titled The Future of Vehicle Grid Integration: Harnessing the Flexibility of EV Charging as part of its EVGrid Assist initiative. The document was developed with broad stakeholder input and outlines a shared vision for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration (VGI).
New Coating Made From Biowaste Offers Near Friction-Free Lubrication
A new “superlubricious” coating, detailed in a study by New York’s SUNY Polytechnic Institute, could reduce friction dramatically. The idea of “superlubricity” is not new, but has only been observed at the nanoscale. The SUNY researchers think they’ve figured out how to scale it up to the macroscale.
Porsche Launches New Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and Panamera GTS
As the most powerful of the Porsche Panamera models, the Turbo S E-Hybrid combines a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor for a combined system output of 771 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. The GTS model includes a high-performance chassis and 20 more horsepower than the previous GTS.
Ford Pro Offering Complimentary EV Chargers to California Businesses
California-based businesses can get the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle, which includes complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 EV chargers to businesses subscribed to the Ford Pro Charging software.
Bentley Shows New Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain for Flying Spur
The upcoming new Flying Spur sedan from Bentley will use the company’s new 792 PS “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain. The same powertrain behind the Continental GT Speed. The V8-hybrid powertrain will make the new Flying Spur the most powerful and efficient four-door Bentley in the company’s 105-year history.
Ford Converting EV Plant to F-Series Super Duty Production
Ford is spending $3B to expand F-Series Super Duty production, including the retooling of a plant in Canada to convert electric vehicle production to Super Duty production.
SwRI Evaluates Cybersecurity Risks with EV Fast Charging Equipment
Southwest Research Institute engineers have identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities in electric vehicles and current fast charging systems. The team exploited vulnerabilities in the power line communications layer, gaining access to network keys and digital addresses in both charger and vehicle.
