The Shelby Mustang started manufacturing in January 1965, because the Shelby GT350. It was the brainchild of the acclaimed Carroll Shelby, who by this time triumphed within the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 and created his model, Shelby American, in 1962. The firm developed the formidable racing machine the Cobra, which might snatch victory on the World Manufacturers’ GT Championship months after the GT350 arrived. With the racing legend’s cachet behind it and GT within the identify, the Shelby Mustang made a transparent assertion: this mannequin was supposed to be quick — very quick.
The common Ford Mustang had definitely had few points establishing itself when it arrived the earlier yr. A household four-seater providing as much as 271 hp in its 289 efficiency guise for June 1964 (leaps and bounds above the unique base Mustang’s 101 hp), it was a mix of practicality and energy that may go on to ring a bell certainly.
With the may of mid-Nineteen Sixties TV commercials behind it, CBS News stories, 263,434 drivers would snap up the car earlier than the yr was out. Nevertheless, as any firm will inform you, there’s all the time extra money to be made. To that finish, in line with the company, Shelby was approached by Ford Division General Manager Lee Iacocca to assist develop a brand new kind of Mustang: A real efficiency mannequin.
According to the Scottish Science Hall of Fame, his affect started whereas repairing a mannequin Newcomen steam engine in 1764, at which level he could not assist however discover how a lot steam it wasted within the course of, with the cylinder needing to often be reheated, in the end utilizing up loads of coal. Watt figured a separate steam condenser might make sure the cylinder remained sizzling, and partnered with inventor John Roebuck, producing a prototype in 1768. The extremely environment friendly patent was given the non-efficient identify “A New Invented Method of Lessening the Consumption of Steam and Fuel in Fire Engines.”
As this redesign started to garner consideration from copper, tin, coal, and iron mines round England, two additional developments helped crystallize his influence on engine effectivity. First was the rotary engine, an innovation which used rotary motion to exchange the reciprocating, up-and-down piston motion of the unique. It helped modernize corn, malt, and cotton mills, amongst others, and was used to exchange “animal and water power and mechanized industries like weaving and spinning.”
It’s widely believed that Triumph started plotting its transition into the bike market way back to 1895 after Muaritz Schulte bought a have a look at a motorized bike designed by Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. Reportedly, Schulte was so taken with the bike that he satisfied Siegfried Bettman to think about manufacturing them below license from Hildebrand and Wolfmuller.
As attractive because the prospect was, the Triumph mind belief opted to place the concept on ice, believing such a automobile would not fare nicely within the English markets. They had been probably smart to imagine so, as motorized autos had been closely restricted in Great Britain on the time because of the notorious Red Flag Act. Backed closely by stagecoach and locomotive firm leaders who feared private motorized autos may change them, the Red Flag Act restricted the velocity of a “horseless vehicle” to 2 mph in a metropolis and 4 mph within the nation.
These legal guidelines additionally required at the very least three people per motorcar, together with one to stroll forward, carrying a crimson flag to alert the general public of oncoming visitors. Believing such restrictions restricted the industrial attraction of a motorbike, Triumph saved out of the market till the Red Flag legal guidelines had been repealed.
When GMC started manufacturing in 2021 on the Hummer EV Pickup after which introduced manufacturing of its SUV cousin would begin in 2023, it showed just how much the auto industry was changing. A flurry of EV start-ups and family-friendly manufacturers like Subaru or Volvo popping out with a line of all-electric autos is one factor. A automobile with a repute for inefficiency handing over its gas-guzzling methods for a 100% electrical powertrain is one other.
But, does the Hummer’s 11,500 pound-feet of torque make up for the lofty price ticket? Stick round to study simply how precisely the 100% electrical Hummer Pickup compares to the top-ranked and rated electrical pickup vehicles at present available on the market.
The GMC Hummer EV SUV is a beast on wheels with as much as 830 horsepower, 314 miles of vary, and a 0-60 mph time of below 4 seconds!
In order to provide the newest and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Hummer, Tesla, and Rivian.
The 2024 Hummer EV Starts At $96,550
If you might have a tough time selecting, Hummer has a spread of trim types to select from with various worth tags hooked up. From the beginning worth of $96,550 for the bottom mannequin to the Hummer EV 3X’s $106,945 max worth, the trim types include quite a lot of efficiency and energy specs.
The automobile affords a spotlight reel of specs together with as much as 1,000 horsepower, Super Cruise with hands-free autonomous driving, acceleration charges that rival supercars, and a crabwalk function for off-roading that permits the pickup and SUV fashions to drive diagonally.
All fashions additionally embrace a five-foot truck mattress and a detachable roof. Special options embrace a “First Man On The Moon” fashion moon boot print pedal and a 13.4-inch infotainment middle. Unlike the Rivian R1T, the Hummer comes with Apple CarPlay and different appropriate expertise perks.
Hummer EV 2X
GMC
The 2024 Hummer EV 2X includes two motors with a $96,550 beginning worth with a spread of 311 miles. While the 2X is the least highly effective of all of the trim types, the all-electric automobile nonetheless packs a punch with 570 ponies and seven,400 pound-feet of torque.
The mannequin comes with normal options like onboard charging, quick charging as much as 300 kilowatts, on-demand steering wheel management and regenerative braking, adaptive air journey suspension, digital four-wheel steer, and an infinity roof.
Hummer EV Edition 1
The Hummer EV Edition 1 is the second worth variant within the trio of trim types. The $104,000 mannequin consists of an additional motor, totaling three, which means an additional enhance of energy. The trim fashion affords additional ponies amounting to 1,000 horsepower and a whopping 11,500 pound-feet of torque. Despite an additional motor, most power appears to seep into horsepower and torque for the reason that automobile’s electrical vary solely reaches 20 extra miles in comparison with the bottom mannequin.
Hummer EV 3X
GMC
The 2024 Hummer EV 3X tops all three trim types when it comes to worth, beginning at $104,650. While the horsepower, torque, and tri-motor identification stay the identical because the Edition 1, the value reaches upwards of $115,140. The distinction comes within the type of 381 miles in vary. The 3X also offers a 3.4-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration price.
The speedy acceleration price for a tank that dimension is a part of the Watts to Freedom function normal with the 3X mannequin. The addition lowers the automobile by two inches by means of the air suspension and features a g-force meter that pops up on the 12.3-inch gauge middle. The elevated aerodynamics enable for fast acceleration.
Compare Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer SUV. Luxury electrical SUV face-off with energy, vary, and cutting-edge tech.
How Does It Stack Up Against The Rivian R1T
Starts At: $85,800
Both the Rivian and the Hummer EV include steep worth tags hooked up that stretch excessive when particular options, packages, and trim types are included. However, the 2 present fairly a powerful competitors for one another in terms of performance, power, and range.
Technical Specifications: Rivian R1T
Dual-Motor AWD
Performance Dual-Motor AWD
Quad-Motor AWD
Layout
Dual-Motor
Dual-Motor
Quad-Motor
Horsepower
533 horsepower
665 horsepower
835 horsepower
Torque
610 pound-feet
839 pound-feet
908 pound-feet
Range
270-410 miles
352-410 miles
328 miles
Price
$80,800
$90,800-$100,800
$93,800
(Data sourced from Rivian)
An Extra Motor
Compared to essentially the most highly effective and costly Hummer EV trim fashions, the Rivian affords an additional motor for a cheaper price level. Starting at $80,800 for the bottom mannequin and going as much as an $88,800 beginning worth for the Adventure Quad-Motor Large Pack and $95,800 for the Dual-Motor Max Pack trim types, the Rivian offers a range of two to four motors.
While the automobile’s quad-motor identification stands out from different pickups within the electrical automobile market, its torque falls short. The 2024 R1T Adventure Dual-Motor Large Pack hits 533 ponies and 610 pound-feet of torque whereas the Adventure Quad-Motor Edition reaches 835 ponies and 908 pound-feet of torque. The Rivian does, nevertheless, greatest Hummer in vary. The base mannequin could solely provide 270 miles in driving vary, however the pricier trim types include 350 to 410 miles.
Better Efficiency Than The Hummer EV
Rivian
The Hummer received a foul rap again in its gas-powered days due to the automobile’s poor gas effectivity rankings. While the boxy pickup has made strides because it took on a 100% electrical powertrain, it still has been the subject of headlines like “GMC Hummer EV official EPA ratings show lowest MPGe of any EV” and “The electric Hummer isn’t as great for the environment as you might think — and it proves not all EVs are created equal.”
It is probably not as highly effective or environment friendly because the truck, however the GMC Hummer EV continues to be a really spectacular electrical SUV
How Does It Stack Up Against The Tesla Cybertruck
Starts At: $81,000
It’s tough to put the Hummer EV Pickup subsequent to the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck and picture they could park subsequent to one another on the road, not to mention be in the identical market. However, the 2 all-electric pickups are set to be one another’s competitors as soon as the Cybertruck formally hits the market.
The Truck From Mars
Tesla
It’s fairly becoming that the Tesla Cybertruck promo was filmed in a crimson clay desert. The angular and boxy reflective pickup truck seems prefer it belongs in outer area. However, regardless of its other-worldly persona, it truly does pack some energy that rises to the event compared to the Hummer EV. The Tesla Cybertruck offers between two and three motors, much like Hummer, with the added energy of 845 horsepower on high of the bottom mannequin’s 600 ponies.
The automobile additionally rises above the Hummer when it comes to vary, hitting as much as 340 miles. The Hummer, nevertheless, may outdrive the Cybertruck if the 24-module battery is hooked up that permits the Hummer EV Pickup to achieve 381 miles in vary or the Extreme Off-Road add-ons stretch the vary to 359 miles. While the Hummer reaches 60 MPH in 3.4 seconds with the Watts to Freedom add-on, Tesla claims the Cybertruck takes simply 2.6 seconds to gear as much as 60 MPH.
While the Hummer EV connects to DC quick chargers, Car and Driver reported that it took two hours for the EV pickup to go from 10 to 90 p.c in cost. Hummer says that solely 10 minutes is required to cost 100 miles into the automobile. Tesla makes comparable claims. The automaker and tech startup claims that it takes just 15 minutes of supercharging for the Cybertruck so as to add 136 miles of vary.
Technical Specifications: Tesla Cybertruck
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Cyberbeast
Motor
Single-motor
Dual-motor
Tri-motor
Horsepower
N/A
600 horses
845 horses
Torque
N/A
7,435 pound-feet
10,296 pound-feet
Range
250 miles
340 miles (470 miles+ miles with range extender)
320 miles (440+ miles with range extender)
0-60 mph
6.5 seconds
4.1 seconds
2.6 seconds
Top Speed
112 mph
112 mph
130 mph
Charging Speed
N/A
136 miles in 15 minutes @250 kW
128 miles in 15 minutes @250 kW
Towing Capacity
7,500 pounds
11,000 pounds
11,000 pounds
(Specs sourced from Tesla)
The more powerful of the two, the Cyberbeast, sits below the Hummer EV Pickup Truck’s top price at $101,000. “Built for any planet,” the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck also matches both the Hummer EV and the Rivian R1T’s reputation for off-roading.
According to Tesla, the Cybertruck is “durable and rugged enough to go anywhere. Tackle anything with electronically adaptive air suspension that offers 12 inches of travel and 17 inches of clearance.” The automobile additionally claims to be shatter-resistance and impossible to chip for the reason that exterior is stainless-steel somewhat than paint.
The Cybertruck additionally seems into the way forward for an uneasy local weather and rising concern over assets. Tesla closely promotes the flexibility of the Cybertruck to behave as a microgrid. “Operate your tools or charge any EV with integrated 120-Volt and 240-Volt bed and cabin outlets,” Tesla stated. “During a grid outage, provide up to 11.5 kilowatts of power directly to your home to help keep the lights on.” With some data nonetheless below lock and key, specifics about gas financial system are nonetheless but to be disclosed.
The luxurious carmaker started domestically assembling automobiles at its Bengaluru facility again in 2017, beginning with the XC90
Volvo India has simply reached a major milestone, after rolling out 10,000 items from its native facility. The milestone-achieving mannequin was the Volvo XC40 Recharge electrical SUV.
Volvo’s History In India
The Swedish luxurious carmaker started assembling its fashions at its Bengaluru facility in 2017, beginning with the Volvo XC90. That mentioned, the Volvo XC60 has been essentially the most produced mannequin at its Indian manufacturing facility with over 4,000 items rolled out until date. It is essential to notice that these fashions should not solely manufactured in India, however solely assembled right here.
What Models Does Volvo Presently Produce Here?
Volvo presently assembles its complete India lineup on the Hoskote-based facility. This contains Volvo’s inside combustion engines (ICE) in addition to EV vary, comprising the XC60 and XC90 SUVs, S90 sedan, XC40 Recharge and the newly launched C40 Recharge.
Volvo’s India Plans Ahead
The carmaker has prior to now expressed its need to realize half of its gross sales from its EV portfolio in India by 2025. Its current India lineup consists of solely two EVs, particularly the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. We count on it to widen quickly with the attainable inclusions of the brand new flagship EX90 and the all-new entry-level EX30 electrical SUVs.
For now, Volvo’s complete Indian lineup is priced between Rs 57.90 lakh and Rs 1.01 crore (ex-showroom pan-India).
It started with a easy query: is there a option to verify seat belt security for pregnant bellies?
A Toyota group of 4 ladies and one man introduced an concept in late 2022 that was easy however highly effective: pregnant clients don’t at all times really feel they’re protected and safe when utilizing seat belts present in automobiles at present resulting from seat belts becoming in another way on pregnant our bodies. Could Toyota assist change that?
“The common misperception that seat belts aren’t safe for pregnant women surprised me,” mentioned Juliana Said, a physique design engineer at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D. “Some people were even avoiding using them. The idea was: can we help show that the designs are safe, while investigating areas for further enhancement?”
When Said and her colleagues began to have a look at the problem, they encountered surprising challenges. There was restricted analysis concerning the effectiveness of seat belts with expectant moms or their infants. Additionally, the aftermarket was stuffed with untested, unverified security units.
But the most important problem to beat is a widespread (and faulty) perception amongst pregnant ladies and their households that seat belts are unsafe for a fetus throughout a crash – and that perception is so entrenched that some expectant moms drive unbelted.
In reality, at present’s seat belts are protected for pregnant ladies. When correctly worn, statistics present that belted pregnant ladies are a lot safer in crashes than people who don’t put on them. But a false narrative has developed that they will hurt unborn infants in crashes.
Said and her group began to work with the corporate’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CSRC contracted with the University of British Columbia, which has entry to a specialised magnetic resonance imaging machine designed to map anatomies of all kinds of physique shapes in a seating place.
While pregnant ladies correctly sporting seat belts have higher outcomes than no seat belts, there are alternatives by new analysis to additional discover seat belt match for pregnant ladies, in accordance with Jason Hallman, senior analysis supervisor for CSRC. The heart and its analysis collaborators set concerning the activity of making the info that engineers can use to probably give you future designs.
“We design seat belts using standardized dummies and processes,” Hallman mentioned. “There’s no standardized dummy, no standardized tools available specifically for assessing pregnant occupant safety. Therefore, the industry doesn’t have a clear understanding of how future seat belts could better protect pregnant women or fetuses during a crash.”
Working with the info generated at UBC, CSRC will create a computerized, three-dimensional mannequin of pregnant our bodies. And not only one physique, however how totally different styles and sizes look, with detailed illustration of bones, the backbone, inside organs, and numerous physique tissues in several phases of being pregnant.
In the long run, the analysis venture might assist improve one among Toyota’s analysis achievements, the THUMS digital crash damage mannequin. THUMS is sort of a digital crash-test dummy, constructed from painstaking analysis on totally different sorts of human tissue and the way they react to crash forces.
The University of British Columbia analysis group is utilizing a novel type of MRI machine to create the digital, three-dimensional representations of pregnant drivers, mentioned Peter Cripton, director of the Orthopedic and Injury Biomechanics Group at UBC.
The analysis group devised a technique to scan individuals seated in a automobile place. There are two large plates three to 4 toes aside. The take a look at topic sits in an automotive seat. A smaller MRI system is moved a number of instances to sew collectively totally different views till there’s a whole physique picture. Researchers are taking a look at how seat belts work together with bones and inside organs.
Cripton mentioned that one of many nice strengths of working with Toyota is that it’s a safety-minded producer with substantial information about constructing protected merchandise for patrons.
“It’s really exciting to me about working directly with an automotive manufacturer,” Cripton mentioned. “We will publish this data together, and make it available to other injury biomechanics researchers, too. Toyota will do the work, but it won’t just be Toyota that gets the benefit.”
The pregnant-body analysis and fashions could make clear one other high matter amongst dad and mom: whether or not third-party units designed for pregnant ladies add a security profit. There are big pads to placed on high of the seat cushion, a specialised lap belt, and a type of metallic defend, for instance. These varieties of units could seem logical, however they’re not topic to the type of rigorous testing used for seats, belts, airbags, and different elements of the automobile’s inside. With higher info sooner or later, reminiscent of digital pregnant crash-test dummies, researchers will be capable to draw higher conclusions.
“That product may seem obvious to you, but it may not be compatible with the way your car works,” in accordance with Said.
*picture credit score: UBC Upright Open MRI Research
Before McLaren began producing its own road cars, it worked with Mercedes on the SLR. Not many were made during the model’s eight years of production, but a roadster version was introduced in the middle of its run. One such example, believed to be the only convertible with Special Order Yellow from the factory, is currently available for sale in the UK.
The SLR is in excellent condition, with just 61 miles (98 kilometers) on the odometer, which is quite remarkable for a car that’s over a decade old. The vehicle features a bright yellow body with a Panama Red-Black fabric soft top, and an interior with carbon-fiber bucket seats, a two-tone steering wheel, and black trim. The seats, finished in Classic 300 SL Red and Silver Arrow leather, have SLR embossing and black contrast stitching.
“With the new BMW R 12 nineT as a Classic Roadster and the R 12 as a Classic Cruiser, we are seamlessly continuing what began in 2013 with the R nineT. Thanks in particular to the new frame concept, we have achieved an even more classic and purist design. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with new airbox, which has its roots in the legendary sport boxer of the HP 2 Sport from 2007, ensures confident propulsion. With its four radially arranged valves, it is one of BMW’s absolute engine icons.” Josef Miritsch, Head of Air-Cooled Boxer Series BMW Motorrad.
The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12: a classic roadster for dynamic riding on country roads and a classic cruiser for cool, relaxed biking.
With the R nineT, BMW Motorrad presented more than just a classic-style roadster in 2013. From the very beginning, it combined classic motorcycle design and modern technology with high craftsmanship and diverse customization options. Shortly afterwards, the R nineT was enriched with attractive derivatives, giving rise to a whole model family for the BMW Motorrad Heritage world.
That is why, for the new BMW R 12 nineT, the guiding principle during development was “The Spirit of nineT”, with the goal of seamlessly following in the footsteps of the successful R nineT and carrying forward its archetypal look, timelessness, and high customization qualities. While the new R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments as well as provide dynamic riding fun on winding country roads, the new BMW R 12 comes under the motto “The Spirit of Easy” – perfectly embodying a classic cruiser for cool and relaxed biking.
Great freedom of choice when it comes to design, model diversity and customizing. The new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 are classic roadsters and cruisers that combine the authentic and beefy character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and a modular concept that offers the rider maximum customization options. Reduction to the essentials and attention to detail were key priorities in the development of the design, resulting in a strong emotional appeal.
Authentic and beefy boxer engine featuring redesigned airbox and twin-flow rear silencer. For the past 100 years, the two-cylinder boxer engine and the use of a propeller shaft drive have been synonymous with BMW motorcycles. In line with this legacy, the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12 models, presented in the “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary year, further emphasize this distinctive powertrain configuration, following the recent unveiling of the new BMW R 1300 GS. The air/oil-cooled boxer engine with a capacity of 1,170 cc already familiar from numerous BMW Motorrad models, delivers 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm in the R 12 nineT and 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm in the R 12. As part of the complete redesign of the chassis, the new R 12 models also feature a new airbox. This is now fully integrated under the seat. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed, sporty roadster, and a cruiser.
New, one-piece tubular bridge steel spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame. The centerpiece of the new BMW R 12 models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe. This frame differs from the previous R nineT series, which had a front and rear main frame. As a result, the new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame.
New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket as standard equipment. Digital display available as optional equipment ex works. The new R 12 nineT comes equipped with two analog round instruments for speed and rpms, a USB-C port on the left side, and a 12V socket on the right side for the onboard network. The round instruments continue to support customization by communicating via a LIN-Bus and separating the control and display units. The standard instrumentation for the new R 12 is limited to the speedometer, but the rev counter can be retrofitted with genuine BMW Motorcycle accessories.
The new R 12 nineT and R 12 are available as a roadster and cruiser, each offering a classic design and optimal ergonomics. On the R 12 nineT, the aluminum tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels, the seat, and the tail-hump create a rising, dynamic line. The improved ergonomics compared to its predecessor are mainly due to the 30 mm shorter and narrower fuel tank in the rear area. The rider is closer to the handlebars, benefits from improved knee contact, and has a more front-oriented seating position on the motorcycle overall.
On the new BMW R 12, the steel tank, reminiscent of the so-called “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 models, emphasizes the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape and forms a descending line in combination with the standard solo seat and the curved, low-mounted rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement this harmoniously. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars.
Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as a Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser. Each bike, the BMW R 12 nineT and R 12, comes in three attractive colored options.
R 12 nineT:Base paint finish Blackstorm metallic. Surcharge color San Remo Green metallic. Option 719 “Aluminum” in brushed aluminum / Night Black solid paint.
R 12: Base paint finish Blackstorm metallic. Surcharge color Aventurine Red metallic. Option 719 “Thorium” in Avus Silver metallic.
Highlights of the new BMW R 12 nineT and R 12:
Classic, purist design as a roadster and cruiser.
Beefy air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine.
Workmanship with great attention to detail.
Designed for customizing.
R 12 nineT with 80 kW (109 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
R 12 with 70 kW (95 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Left-side exhaust system with double silencer and conical end pieces.
New airbox, now integrated under the seat.
One-piece tubular spaceframe with bolted-on rear frame.
Upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swinging arm with rear spring strut now arranged at an angle with revised travel-dependent damping. The USD telescopic fork is fully adjustable on the R 12 nineT.
Radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake callipers, steel flex brake lines and floating 310 mm brake discs.
Powerful braking system in conjunction with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro for safe braking even when cornering.
Tailored customization options available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.
Standard riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic” in the R 12 nineT and “Roll” and “Rock” in the R 12.
DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and engine drag torque control as standard.
New classic round instruments as well as USB-C and 12 V socket. Digital display available as optional equipment ex-works.
Powerful LED light units as standard and adaptive Headlight Pro as optional equipment ex-works.
Keyless Ride is standard.
Three attractive paintwork options for making stylish appearances as a Classic Roadster and Classic Cruiser.
Tailored range of ex-works customization optional equipment available through the genuine BMW Motorrad accessories, known for their premium quality.
The BMW Group has begun producing battery cell samples at its new Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf. These samples, measuring 95 millimetres tall and 46 millimetres in diameter, will be used in the models of the Neue Klasse from 2025 onwards. The CMCC in Parsdorf will enable the BMW Group to streamline electromobility and demonstrate its leadership in battery cell technology.
The Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre strengthens Germany’s capacity for innovation and contributes to the technological advancements in the Neue Klasse. The production of battery cell samples in Parsdorf is a logical step in the BMW Group’s battery cell strategy, complementing their existing Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich. The company is focused on developing the best product in Munich and scaling it up for mass production in Parsdorf, thanks to cross-divisional collaboration that connects product and process.
The CMCC in Parsdorf allows the BMW Group to cover the entire cell value creation process and set benchmarks for production, quality, performance, costs, and environmental standards. The company is implementing these benchmarks in collaboration with its partners to ensure the standard production of battery cells. The BMW Group is also working towards future milestones at its battery cell competence centres, such as the ramp-up of the sixth generation of BMW electric drive trains and the development of all-solid-state batteries.
The German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy are supporting the CMCC project as a part of the European funding process IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest). The CMCC employs around 80 people and occupies a 15,000-square-metre facility, with a total investment of approximately 170 million euros.
The CMCC in Parsdorf focuses on efficient and responsible use of raw and carrier materials for cell production. Residual materials from the production process will be collected, sorted, and reused in the cell production cycle. The BMW Group’s experts are not only working on the cell manufacturing process but also researching ways to reuse materials and components from the entire battery after its initial use in the vehicle.
The production steps for sample manufacturing at the CMCC involve electrode production, where materials like graphite, nickel oxides, binders, and solvents are mixed to create a “slurry.” This slurry is used to coat wafer-thin metal foils, which are then compressed and wound into jelly rolls. These rolls are inserted into the cell housing, filled with electrolyte, charged, and finally checked for functionality and quality.
The CMCC in Parsdorf is built to high environmental standards, complying with all requirements and guidelines. It operates fossil-free, relying on electricity produced using renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic systems on the building’s roof. The building is also supplied with regenerative heat from state-of-the-art groundwater and air heat pumps.
The sixth-generation BMW battery technology features a new round cell design specifically tailored for the electric architecture of the Neue Klasse models. These cells will significantly increase the range of the top model by up to 30 percent. The nickel content on the cathode side of the sixth-generation cells will be higher, while the cobalt content will be reduced. The silicon content on the anode side will be increased to improve the cell’s volumetric energy density by over 20 percent. The Neue Klasse will also have a higher voltage of 800 volts, optimizing energy supply to high-power charging stations and reducing charging time by up to 30 percent.
The BMW Group is committed to reducing the carbon footprint and resource consumption of battery cell production. They use cobalt, lithium, and nickel containing secondary materials in battery cell production. Additionally, their cell suppliers use only green power from renewable energies, further reducing the carbon footprint by up to 60 percent compared to the current generation of battery cells.
In October 2023, motovlogger Itchy Boots embarked on a special series where she had the opportunity to ride a pre-production 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (or 452) in the Himalayan mountain range. Although she has shared glimpses of the bike, including its new dash, she hasn’t yet revealed her full riding impressions.
Instead, viewers have been treated to the sounds of the new, more powerful engine in the next generation Himalayan. In this episode, stunning views of the Ladakh region in India are also showcased.
Ladakh, located in the northern part of India, shares borders with China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The region’s elevation ranges from 9,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level, requiring time for adjustment.
The roads in Ladakh are beautiful, but scarce. Despite the lower population density compared to major cities, local people can still be found on the roads. While riding the pre-production Himalayan, Noraly is invited to a Buddhist wedding in the Zanskar valley.
The wedding takes place in a Buddhist monastery and the video showcases the beautiful clothing and festivities. Watching Noraly and other travelers on their bikes, one can witness the kindness and hospitality of people from all over the world.
In a different video, a closer look at the new Himalayan’s dash reveals a digital version of an analog dial. The screen features a digital needle gauge sweeping from left to right, with the digital speedometer displayed prominently in the center. The clean and uncluttered design, along with the integration of navigation into the main screen, has received positive feedback.
What are your thoughts on the new gauge? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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