Tag Archives: batteries

ToyotaUk

Toyota and Redwood Materials Agree to Battery Recycling, Materials Procurement

  • Expands on previous recycling agreement to create end-of-life pathways for Toyota batteries used in hybrid and battery electric vehicles
  • Plans include agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for its supply chain
  • Creates North American circularity by recycling and reintroducing recovered metals back into battery supply chain

PLANO, Texas and CARSON CITY, Nev. (Nov. 16, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Redwood Materials have announced an expanded recycling agreement that aims to create pathways for automotive batteries used in Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their life. The plan also includes an agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for Toyota’s future, new automotive battery production. The agreement builds on the collaboration with Redwood announced last year for battery collection and recycling of Toyota’s hybrid and battery electric vehicle batteries.

Christopher Yang, Group Vice President, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America, stated, “Working with Redwood Materials, we are creating a circular supply chain to optimize logistics, expand refining, and ensure that the valuable metals recovered can be reintroduced into our future vehicles. Accelerating our recycling efforts and domestic component procurement gets us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem that will become increasingly important as we add more vehicles with batteries to roads across North America.”

Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future. They’re not only working to ensure responsible end-of-life management for their electric vehicles but also planning to build their next generation of EVs, in part, by using sustainable and domestically manufactured battery components.”

Toyota’s automotive battery recycling needs are expected to grow substantially in the coming years as more of its electrified vehicles, such as first-generation Prius models introduced more than 20 years ago, reach the end of their lifecycle. With a large amount of Toyota’s retiring fleet of electrified vehicles being in California, Redwood’s Nevada recycling facility will support Toyota’s North American supply chain, which will improve sustainability, and help to enhance operational improvements across the TMNA enterprise for a closed-loop battery ecosystem. Toyota’s battery lifecycle ecosystem is forecast to include the recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing of the nearly five million operating units, building toward Toyota’s ultimate goals of carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and carbon neutrality for its vehicles by 2050.

Toyota has agreed to develop a closed-loop framework that also includes plans to procure Cathode Active Material (CAM) and copper foil from Redwood as part of a long-term agreement. Based on the parameters of the agreement, Cathode Active material recovered and produced from Redwood’s recycling activities are expected to feed recycled material into future new battery production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). The use of recycled materials is anticipated to help increase the focus and relevance of domestic supply chains versus the extensive, carbon-intensive current supply chain of procuring outside of the United States. Toyota plans to bring its nearly $14 billion TBMNC automotive battery manufacturing facility online in 2025.

Sean Suggs, TBMNC President, said, “Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina’s start of production is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be procuring critical battery components and materials to filter into our battery ecosystem. We’ll continue to work toward the sourcing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States to maximize these precious resources and reduce our carbon footprint in the process.”

Redwood is making major investments to scale their technology and facilities to supply U.S. battery cell manufacturers and automakers with strategic battery materials produced domestically, for the first time. Redwood continues to expand its Northern Nevada facility and will break ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina, later this year. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. Based on this agreement, Redwood will provide materials that include a minimum of 20 percent recycled nickel, 20 percent recycled lithium, and 50 percent recycled cobalt, in their cathode and targeting recycled copper in their anode copper foil.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

For Toyota customer inquiries, please call 800-331-4331.

About Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials is creating a circular supply chain to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage systems they power. Founded by JB Straubel, the Nevada-based company is offering large-scale sources of anode and cathode materials produced at scale in the U.S. for the first time, from recycled batteries. Redwood is ramping its Northern Nevada facility and is breaking ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. More information is available at redwoodmaterials.com.

Motorsport

Nissan Aims for Solid-State Batteries to Power Electric GT-R

Nissan has confirmed its plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle equipped with all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) by 2028. These innovative batteries, which are being developed in-house, are expected to revolutionize the industry by doubling the energy density compared to current liquid lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, charging times could be reduced to a third of what they are now. The Japanese automaker intends to incorporate ASSBs in various types of vehicles, including high-performance cars.

This development also extends to the iconic GT-R, which has been in production since late 2007, specifically referring to the current R35 generation. In an interview with Top Gear magazine, Ivan Espinosa, the global product boss of Nissan, emphasized that weight is a significant challenge for supercars. To address this issue, Nissan plans to wait for the availability of ASSBs to fully electrify the GT-R. By doubling the energy density, engineers will be able to install a smaller battery that reduces weight while still maintaining the car’s 2+2 seating arrangement.


Drones

5 Tips And Tricks To Maximize Your Drone’s Battery Life

In addition to proper battery care, there are several ways you can enhance your drone’s battery life. One often overlooked method is simply becoming a better pilot. By carefully planning your routes, you can minimize unnecessary changes in altitude, speed, or direction during your flights. Although it may not seem significant, these wasted minutes can accumulate and have a negative impact on your battery life.

By saving time through effective route planning, you reduce the strain on your drone’s battery. This results in fewer charge cycles, less stress on the battery, and ultimately a longer lifespan for your battery.

Another effective technique is reducing the weight of your drone. A lighter load requires less power to keep the drone airborne, allowing for longer flight times. If you don’t need all the accessories that came with your drone, leaving them behind can significantly maximize your battery life.

Technology

Don’t Let Corrosion Kill Your Gadgets: How To Clean And Protect Your Device’s Batteries

Battery corrosion is a direct result of a battery acid leak. Assuming the batteries you’re using were manufactured properly, a leak generally arises from damage or mishandling. Obviously, if you crack a battery against a solid kitchen counter, it will probably start leaking, but batteries can also be damaged in quieter, subtler ways.

One of a battery’s mortal enemies is extreme hot and cold temperatures. A battery’s casing is designed to withstand both modest hot and cold, but prolonged exposure to high levels of either can warp the casing and allow the acid to leak out. For both the batteries and the gadgets you use them in, keep them in an even-temperature location, out of direct sunlight or vent exposure. Additionally, if you have a toy or gadget that you’re not actively using and won’t be for a while, you should take the batteries out of it. It’s bad enough when a battery starts leaking on its own, but if it leaks in a gadget, the gadget will also be in trouble.

In the specific case of toys, try not to keep them all in a bin if possible, as it’s much harder to monitor for corrosion until it’s already too late.

News

Stellantis Aims to Reduce Battery Weight by Half for Electric Vehicles by 2030

Stellantis, the multinational automotive company, is working towards a 50% reduction in battery weight by 2030. This goal is aimed at making electric vehicles (EVs) lighter and closer in weight to their traditional combustion-engine counterparts.

Ned Curic, head of engineering and technology at Stellantis, expressed the need to address the issue of heavy batteries in EVs. He stated, “The battery today is just too heavy; the vehicle is too heavy. We shouldn’t be going backwards.”

To achieve this weight reduction, Stellantis plans to introduce new lightweight battery technologies and improve cell packaging efficiency.

Earlier this year, Stellantis made an investment in Lytten, a Silicon Valley company focused on developing lighter lithium-sulphur batteries. These batteries not only reduce weight but also cut costs and carbon emissions by using less exotic materials than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Curic also mentioned sodium-ion batteries as a potential alternative. This technology, being developed by Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL, offers a much cheaper option.

A recent report by UBS, which included a teardown of the BYD Seal saloon, revealed the weight of current EV batteries. The lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack in the standard 62kWh Seal accounted for 470kg of the car’s total weight of 1941kg. Similarly, the 60kWh battery pack in the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric weighed 394kg out of the car’s overall weight of 1783kg.

To support their battery development efforts, Stellantis has established the Mirafiori battery technology center in Turin, Italy. This facility will be utilized for designing, developing, and testing battery packs, high-voltage cells, modules, and software for upcoming models from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and more. The company has invested €40 million (£34.3m) in repurposing a section of a former Fiat factory to create this facility. It features 32 climatic test chambers, enabling the simultaneous testing of up to 47 battery packs.

Electric Vehicles

Why Electric Car Batteries Are Expensive to Build and Replace

One of the main obstacles with electric vehicle (EV) batteries is the gradual loss of capacity that occurs with each charge and discharge cycle. This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which can suffer damage due to the heat generated during rapid charging or experience a reduction in capacity when drained too low.

To extend the lifespan of your EV battery, it is advisable to charge them slowly and maintain a charge level between 20% and 80% whenever possible. By keeping your EV battery in this optimal range, you can prevent overheating and ultimately preserve its ability to hold a charge over time. This can help avoid the costly replacement of battery packs.

The high cost of replacing EV batteries, which can reach $20,000 or more, often makes it financially unfeasible for many owners. However, there are ongoing efforts by EV and battery manufacturers like Tesla and BYD to address this issue. These companies are working on innovations aimed at minimizing wasted space within EV batteries and integrating fuel cells into the vehicle structure itself. This approach seeks to reduce heat generation and slow down battery degradation over time.

News

What Nobody Is Telling You About Solid-State Batteries

Summary

  • Solid-state batteries hold promise for longer lifespan, increased range, and faster charging times, making EV ownership more appealing for consumers.
  • The challenges faced by solid-state batteries, such as poor stability and high surface resistance, are being addressed through research and development efforts by various institutions and companies.
  • While solid-state batteries have the potential to be a game-changer, improvements to current battery technology and the development of sodium-ion batteries could impact their widespread adoption.

Solid-state batteries have been promised by major car manufacturers for quite some time now. Toyota, one such carmaker that invests in developing this technology, intends to launch a hybrid car with solid-state batteries by 2025. Solid-state batteries are the foremost in terms of battery technology for the EV future coming to fruition faster than many legacy automakers expected.

This battery technology should deliver a longer life span than currently used lithium-ion batteries, more range, and faster charging times, among other benefits. Since legacy automakers are banking on this technology to hit mass markets by 2025, people waiting for some nuances of owning an EV to be addressed to pull the trigger on buying one should be excited. But why wait until 2025? What are the challenges preventing the widespread use of solid-state batteries right now? Is the advancement toward this technology noticeable, or is it stuck in time? Here’s what’s been going on with solid-state batteries.

Updated on August 5, 2023: As 2025 approaches, the thought of solid-state batteries taking over the EV industry has many people watching the market. Waiting to see how everything unfolds, including those of us reporting on the process. For now, we must all contend with reading about the updates as things progress, so keep coming back for the latest information as it becomes available.

Related: 10 Ways Solid State Batteries Will Change EVs Forever

There Are Still Tricky Issues For A Viable EV Solid-State Battery

Many challenges are posed by using solid electrolytes versus the current liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The stability of these batteries is usually poor, and their high surface resistance limits their output and, concurrently, their applications. But advancements are, in fact, happening on more than one front.

From companies like battery manufacturer QuantumScape to renowned universities all over the world, such as Harvard in the States, as well as Tokyo University of Science, among others, from legacy and BEV carmakers to even NASA, many institutions are working on improving the technology, fix its issues and make the leap toward mass-market application.

Solid-State Battery Use Will Depend On Figuring Out The EDL

Nissan Solid State battery creation
Nissan

The widespread commercial application of solid-state batteries is currently faced with a still unknown challenge. Exactly how the surface resistance shown by these batteries happen continues to be something that evades researchers’ knowledge and is linked by them to a phenom called the Electric Double Layer (EDL). This EDL effect happens at the solid/solid electrolyte interface, an issue that, for obvious reasons, doesn’t happen with liquid-chemistry batteries such as the ones used in BEVs and hybrids today.

This unpredictable EDL effect is one of the main reasons solid-state batteries aren’t available on present-day EVs. But as researchers’ optimism remains resilient and more resources are put into it, it seems reasonable to believe the needed breakthroughs for solid-state batteries will happen in the coming years, if not sooner. All this research and development is, after all, highly fueled by the gigantic EV market in the world today. As the saying goes, ‒ money talks ‒, and there is a lot of it to be made with suitable solid-state batteries.

Related: 10 Electric Vehicles That Need Solid-State Batteries ASAP!

Solid-State Can Be A Game-Changer, But Others Are Trying To Improve Current Battery Technology Instead

An illustration of a Lithium-ion battery and a Solid-state battery
QuantumScape

Different approaches to building a solid-state battery are being tested, and the EDL effect is being reduced to the point where it is becoming more predictable. But solid-state technology faces other problems, like the further development of current liquid-chemistry batteries. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, as well as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has experimented with sodium-ion batteries,

Sodium has some advantages over lithium-ion batteries, one of them being the high availability of the material over lithium, but it also has some trade-offs. A hybrid battery pack that uses sodium and lithium-ion is also being tested by CATL and could make batteries more affordable and better overall for current BEVs. This solution could put solid-state batteries in check should their cost be prohibitive.

Solid-State Batteries Could Virtually Eliminate Range Anxiety

Nissan Solid-state battery
Nissan

The current average range for an EV is around 300 miles now, with every year that passes raising the distances even more. But, take a step back for a moment and look at what the people at NASA have been able to accomplish with their solid-state battery research. Granted, the people at NASA have some of the best minds on the planet, but they are more than willing to share their knowledge and findings with the rest of the world.

What they have found, last year no less, is that by using the technology that they currently use in aircraft, they can produce automobile batteries that can double, or even triple, the range of any current EV on the market. Not to mention, cut the charging times down to hours rather than days. Since one of the leaders in space technology, QuantumSpace, has joined forces with Volkswagen to prove the point by 2025, time will show if the numbers can be formed into fact.

Related: Will Solid-State Batteries Make Tesla’s EV Batteries Redundant?

Conventional Battery Technology Still Has Room For Improvement

An illustration of BYD's Blade Battery
BYD

Battery technology has improved tremendously since the beginning of the current BEV revolution, and their cost, which accounts for a large portion of a BEV’s price, has decreased proportionally. BYD, the largest EV automaker in China, far ahead of Tesla in sales in that market, has plans to tackle the EV market Stateside, and that promises to bring EV prices further down, much closer to current ICE vehicles, making the transition towards a BEV easier for customers.

BYD already supplies a few cities in the U.S. with electric buses made in a factory built several years ago in Lancaster, California. They’ve been analyzing the American market for some time now, and when they come with all their resources, they’ll do so with a sound strategy that could really shake things up in the EV market in the US.

Solid-State Batteries Are Not As Explosive As Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nissan Solid State battery creation
Nissan

There are a ton of news write-ups online and on paper about the dangers of EVs and the battery fires that will surely happen if you own one. The facts are not quite that straightforward, though, because, for the most part, the findings are that an EV is just as safe to own as an ICE vehicle when it comes to the chance of it spontaneously erupting into flames due to an explosive battery.

That is not to say that lithium-ion batteries are not explosive because they are. They actually have an explosive flash point of 18 to 145 degrees Celsius, with the most dangerous point being right around room temperature. Of course, safeguards are built into the battery, so the occurrence of an explosion is far less than you would imagine, but it does happen. On the other hand, solid-state batteries are not flammable, so a blast due to a battery will never happen.

Related: 10 Things To Know About Toyota’s 745-mile Solid-state Battery

Saving The Environment Until It Is Time To Replace The Solid-State Battery

Recycling a Toyota Hybrid battery
Toyota

Reducing your carbon footprint on the Earth is one big reason to invest in an EV, so it goes without saying that you will recycle and reuse everything you can. After all, there is no point in trying to reduce the harm you do to the environment in one way without taking steps in other areas of your life to do the same. The problem with that line of thinking is that if you purchase an EV with a solid-state battery installed, when it comes time to replace it, you will not have any way to safely discard or recycle it.

As of yet, there is no good way to recycle a solid-state battery. The only way to get rid of them is to toss them out. Doing this will cause irreparable harm to the planet because of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process to make the battery in the first place, including lithium. Hopefully, by the time the batteries need to be replaced, a solution will be found for this dilemma. If not, a warehouse somewhere in the world will be tasked to hold these used-up batteries safely until some type of solution can be found.

Solid-State Batteries: Cost-Effectiveness And Viability For The Long Haul

Solid-State Battery Concept
JLStock | Shutterstock

For a full ICE to BEV transition to take place as fast as possible, something that interests society as a whole, particularly due to environmental and health concerns, EVs need to be affordable, and that’s why batteries are so important. They’re expensive, and making them cheaper, either by scaling production, or finding ways to make them more energy dense, enabling the use of smaller battery packs without compromising range, or even by transitioning to a whole new technology such as solid-state batteries, is critical for a sustainable future.

Considering the advancements that have been shown so far, along with the expectations and plans of companies and research institutions for the near future, solid-state batteries should indeed become viable in the next couple of years. What remains to be seen is how feasible they will be compared to already existing batteries, which will also improve over time. The technology will be there, but which one will win the mainstream is still anybody’s guess.

News

Tata: Somerset batteries not exclusive to Jaguar Land Rover

Tata Sons’ battery company, Agratas, has announced that it will own the intellectual property for batteries produced at its new plant in Somerset. The company intends to offer these batteries to other companies, in addition to Jaguar and Land Rover

JLR, the owner of Agratas, recently announced its plan to invest £4 billion in building a 40GWh plant in the West Country, with production expected to commence in 2026.

The main concern surrounding this investment, apart from the location, was the ownership of the cell chemistry. However, Tata has clarified that the formula will be owned by Agratas itself. Agratas is a newly established Tata battery company, responsible for manufacturing batteries in Somerset as well as in a previously announced plant in Gujarat, India.

“Agratas is an IP-heavy and capital-heavy company,” explained Pathamadai Balaji, the chief financial officer of Tata Motors, during the company’s investor day held at JLR’s headquarters in Gaydon in June.

News

10 Electric Crossovers That Are Perfect For The Environment

Electric crossovers are powered by batteries that emit zero harmful emissions or pollutants. These battery packs are specifically designed to allow for a spacious and comfortable cabin and excellent cargo space for families, making these crossovers perfect for daily commutes, as well as long drives, and weekend adventures. In addition, they have numerous benefits for the environment like significantly reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants that can harm the environment due to their zero-emission capabilities, making them very eco-friendly.

The recent massive shift towards electric vehicles has made several automakers launch electric crossovers to combat the growing demand. These electric crossovers also contribute significantly towards reducing noise pollution in addition to reducing emissions. The electric motors that power them are virtually silent, thereby significantly reducing noise levels in the vicinity. When you factor in the cost of ownership, you realize that although the initial cost of purchasing an electric crossover may be higher than a conventional vehicle, the long-term cost savings make it a more affordable option. Electric crossovers eliminate drivers’ worries about fuel costs. They are more efficient because they consume less energy. The absence of regular mechanical rotating parts that need routine maintenance means they have lower maintenance costs than traditional cars.

Related: 10 Electric Crossovers That Are Fun To Drive

10 Tesla Model X – 102 MPGe

Tesla Model X in action
Tesla
Front-end action shot of the Tesla Model X finished in white

With a combined EPA estimated energy-efficiency rating of 102 MPGe, the Tesla Model X produces up to 348 miles on a full charge, making it the ideal choice for reducing carbon footprint and long drives. The regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy and converts it to usable electricity, thereby maximizing energy usage and improving efficiency.

Tesla Model X Specs

Motor setup

Dual-motor

Power output

670 hp

Total driving range

348 miles

Battery capacity

95 kWh

Combined EPA energy efficiency

102 MPGe

Charging speed

250 kW

Starting MSRP

$98,490

Its overall construction also contributes to the environment through lightweight materials such as aluminum, which reduce the amount of energy required to power it. Its electric drivetrain eliminates the need for frequent oil changes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions thereby also requiring less maintenance. A HEPA filtration system eliminates pollutants like pollen and bacteria from the cabin’s air for healthier air quality to help mitigate allergies or respiratory problems, and also significantly improve the overall environmental health.

9 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 103 MPGe

A blue 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford
Front end shot of a blue 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E driving

The Ford Mustang Mach-E combines stylish and powerful with energy-efficient and eco-friendly in a sustainable option that has a range of over 300 miles on a full charge and can recharge up to 80 percent in just 45 minutes using its fast-charging capability. Its energy regenerative braking system converts the energy lost during braking into usable electricity, which is stored in the battery pack further emphasizing its 103 MPGe efficiency.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Motor setup

Single-motor

Power output

266 hp

Total driving range

250 miles

Battery capacity

72 kWh

Combined EPA energy efficiency

103 MPGe

Charging speed

150 kW

Starting MSRP

$42,995

The Mach-E also maximizes energy efficiency through a mode that reduces power to non-essential systems, such as air conditioning and heating. It is also designed with sustainable materials which include the recycled materials the seats are made from while the vehicle itself is built using responsibly-sourced aluminum. Sustainable materials like recycled plastics and fabrics from recycled plastic bottles are incorporated into the entire production process.

Related: 10 Electric Crossovers That Offer Long Range

8 Nissan Ariya – 103 MPGe

2023 Nissan Ariya
Nissan USA
Front three-quarters shot of a parked Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya is an environmentally conscious vehicle, bringing together energy efficiency, and sustainability, with cutting-edge technology into the sleek and stylish design Nissan is known for. It’s one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in the world with a combined energy efficiency rating of 103 MPGe from the combination of its electric motors and sleek, aerodynamic design, into a clean and green machine that helps reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

Nissan Ariya Specs

Motor setup

Single-motor

Power output

389 hp

Total driving range

304 miles

Battery capacity

87 kWh

Combined EPA energy efficiency

103 MPGe

Charging speed

130 kW

Starting MSRP

$43,190

This electric crossover has a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for long-distance commutes due to its long-range eliminating the need for frequent charging. It also enjoys its regenerative braking and eco-conscious driving modes, which further optimize energy efficiency. The interior of the vehicle is also formed from sustainable recycled plastic bottles and plant-based resins.

7 Volkswagen ID.4 – 107 MPGe

Gray 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen
An action shot of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 driving

The Volkswagen ID.4 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge and an energy efficiency rating of 107 MPGe. A fast charging station can charge the battery to 80 percent in 38 minutes. Manufactured using sustainable materials, including natural, renewable, and recycled materials, like recycled plastics and natural fibers, the ID.4 offers a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Volkswagen ID.4 Specs

Motor setup

Single-motor

Power output

201 hp

Total driving range

250 miles

Battery capacity

77 kWh

Combined EPA energy efficiency

107 MPGe

Charging speed

125 kW

Starting MSRP

$38,995

Volkswagen minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle during the entire production process. Its regenerative braking technology further reinforces its sustainability and energy efficiency, which converts the energy that should’ve been lost during braking into usable electricity and in turn, extends the vehicle’s range. With less energy wasted, there’s less need to recharge and in turn, less stress placed on the grid.

Related: 10 Best High-Performance Electric Midsize SUVs

6 Kia Niro EV – 113 MPGe

2023 Kia Niro in Cityscape Green
Kia
Side shot of a 2023 Kia Niro PHEV model in Cityscape Green

The Kia Niro EV has a range of up to 253 miles, courtesy of a 64-kWh battery capacity. According to the EPA, the Kia Niro Electric is rated to have a combined energy efficiency rating of 113 MPGe. It can be charged to 80 percent in about 30 minutes with a 100 kW fast charging station. The regenerative braking system of the Niro Electric makes it more energy-efficient.

Kia Niro Electric

Motor setup

Single-motor

Power output

201 hp

Total driving range

253 miles

Battery capacity

64 kWh

Combined EPA energy efficiency

113 MPGe

Charging speed

100 kW

Starting MSRP

$40,875

It has further advantages as its lightweight construction, aerodynamic design, and low rolling resistance tires also facilitate its impressive energy efficiency. Kia also ensures that Niro Electric is manufactured using eco-friendly materials like bio-based plastic, recycled plastics, and other sustainable materials. The end-of-life of the vehicle is also put into consideration with Kia making sure every aspect of it is easily recyclable, reducing the carbon footprint.

5 Chevrolet Bolt EUV – 115 MPGe

BMW

Ready for the Electric Future: Groundbreaking on New BMW Group High Voltage Battery Assembly Factory in South Carolina, USA

  • New BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce high-voltage batteries for fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg.
  • Investments of $700 million in the construction of the new Plant Woodruff and $1 billion in Plant Spartanburg in preparation for electric vehicle production
  • Local for Local: short distances between cell supplier, battery assembly, and vehicle production plant

Woodruff, S.C., U.S.A. – The BMW Group broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, signaling a major step towards building electric vehicles in the United States. The BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. The plant is expected to create over 300 jobs and has potential for further growth.

According to Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate, the new battery assembly plant in Woodruff will play a vital role in the company’s electric future in the USA. The expansion is not just about increasing the company’s footprint in South Carolina, but also about preparing the associates for future electric vehicle production through the new Technical Training Center at the Spartanburg plant.

Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for Plant Spartanburg, which will now produce fully electric BMW X models for the global market. The Woodruff plant is expected to be state-of-the-art, focusing on sustainability, flexibility, and digitalization.

Extensive Investments in Plants Spartanburg and Woodruff

In October 2022, the BMW Group announced a significant $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations. This includes $1 billion for preparing Plant Spartanburg for the production of fully electric vehicles and $700 million to construct a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff. The Woodruff facility will occupy approximately 100 acres of land and will house various buildings such as a technology building, cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.

Local for Local: Short Distances between Battery and Vehicle Production.

To promote localization, the BMW Group will source battery cells for its electric vehicles from partner AESC’s new battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina. The cells will be specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, offering increased energy density, faster charging speed, and extended range. The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint in battery cell production by up to 60 percent by utilizing cobalt, lithium, and nickel that include secondary material and by using green power from renewable energy sources.

High Ecological Standards: Binding CO2 when pouring concrete

The BMW Group Plant Woodruff, known as the next BMW iFACTORY, will meet high ecological standards. The plant will operate without fossil fuels, relying solely on 100% green electricity. The BMW Group has set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions in its global production network by 80 percent by 2030 compared to 2019. The plant will have photovoltaic systems installed on its roofs, use intelligent LED lighting with motion detectors and efficient dimming strategies, and collect rainwater for non-production purposes. Furthermore, an innovative technology that injects captured CO2 into the fresh concrete during the mixing process will be used, enhancing both carbon sequestration and concrete strength.

BMW Group in South Carolina

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested around $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant globally, producing over 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is crucial for meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and international markets. Approximately 60 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 came from Plant Spartanburg, showcasing its significance. The plant has a production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles annually and employs over 11,000 people.

Ongoing Commitment in the U.S.

Aside from sales and marketing operations, the BMW Group has a strong presence in the U.S., with nearly 30 locations in 12 states and a wide dealer network. The company’s operations, both directly and indirectly, provide and support more than 120,000 jobs in the U.S. and have contributed $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy. The BMW Group aims to continue making significant contributions to the country’s automotive industry.