The 2024 Geneva Motor Show kicks off at present, and whereas most worldwide manufacturers are lacking, there are a handful of European debuts. This D9 minivan marks the launch of Denza on the Old Continent. If the identify would not ring a bell, it is a model created by Chinese automaker BYD and Mercedes in 2010. Initially, the three way partnership was 50:50, however the German luxurious model diminished its share to 10 p.c in 2021 when Denza underwent restructuring.
BYD is paving the best way for Denza in Europe by bringing the D9, a big individuals mover with a high-end inside to rival one other posh minivan—the Lexus LM. It’s not a totally new mannequin because it initially went on sale in China in 2022. Much like within the People’s Republic, the Euro variant may be had as a plug-in hybrid or as a full EV.
The three-row household hauler has a boxy form, massive electrically operated sliding doorways, a beneficiant greenhouse, and two equally polarizing grille designs. The imposing entrance finish is simply as placing as different new minivans, together with the Volvo EM90 / Zeekr 009 and the Toyota Alphard / Vellfire twins. The boxy form with a virtually flat roofline maximizes inside house and there is a massive panoramic sunroof to make the cabin really feel extra ethereal.
Each yr, the worldwide motorbike present in Milan generally known as EICMA introduces each pleasure and anticipation for the brand new using yr but to return. Taking place in November helps, as a result of that is when the times are getting colder and drearier in a lot of the northern hemisphere. In addition, its placement simply earlier than the beginning of the busy vacation season in lots of cultures solely serves to intensify anticipation of the fashions revealed on the present.
It’s no coincidence that EICMA 2023 was the place each Moto Guzzi and Suzuki wheeled the Stelvio and the GSX-S1000GX into public view for the very first time.
Both bikes are supposed to lead the cost in demonstrating a formidable sport tourer for every OEM, however one which’s frivolously dusted with only a trace of ADV for seasoning. In Suzuki’s case, the model even sticks the bike into its personal particular “Crossover” class on its web site to additional differentiate it from the remainder of the vary.
Both bikes function the introductions of some severely spectacular technological developments for each manufacturers. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio options the very first occasion of the Piaggio Fast Forward Rider Assistance Solution digital radar-assisted rider aids package deal, whereas the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is the introduction of Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension to the world.
How do these two flagships examine on paper? Let’s discover out. Note: All specs supplied listed below are sourced from their respective producers.
6-speed gearbox with help and slipper clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter; chain closing drive
The Moto Guzzi Stelvio takes the 90-degree V-twin powerplant first used within the V100 Mandello and sticks it in a totally new chassis. According to Guzzi, this bike was developed in tandem with the V100 Mandello, and incorporates this engine into the Stelvio body in a confused member design.
How you are feeling about engine configurations is usually a private matter, and often has to do with how their traits make you are feeling within the saddle. Some of that has to do with how they sound, in addition to how they carry out. Power and torque do play a job, however they’re very not often the complete story.
The identical can be stated of ultimate drive selections. The Moto Guzzi Stelvio is shaft pushed, whereas the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is chain pushed. Rider emotions about each closing drive options are sometimes subjective, and never essentially quantifiable in any significant method.
Since the aim of a spec showdown is to stay to issues we are able to quantify, here is what we see. Although the Moto Guzzi Stelvio has barely bigger displacement than the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, the GSX-S1000GX produces considerably extra energy and a tiny bit extra torque. In each situations, peak energy and torque come increased within the rev vary, which is smart given the engine configurations concerned.
Round One Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Chassis
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Frame
Tubular metal trellis body
Aluminum twin spar body
Front Suspension
46mm upside-down Sachs entrance fork providing rebound and preload adjustability
Showa Separate Function Fork with digital adjustability
Rear Suspension
KYB monoshock with rebound and preload adjustability
Showa BFRC-lite rear monoshock; totally and electronically adjustable
Wheels and Tires
19-inch entrance and 17-inch rear spoked tubeless wheels shod in Michelin Anakee Adventure rubber
17-inch entrance and rear alloys shod in Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires
Brakes
Two Brembo four-piston entrance calipers paired with 320mm floating brake discs up entrance; a single Brembo two-piston rear caliper with a 280mm brake disc within the rear. ABS at each ends.
Two Brembo monobloc four-piston entrance calipers paired with 310mm brake discs up entrance; a single Nissin one-piston caliper and brake disc of undisclosed measurement within the rear. ABS at each ends.
The alternative of a metal body vs. an aluminum body usually entails weight issues. Aluminum may be each light-weight and powerful, that are fascinating traits when developing a brand new mannequin of bike. For riders, it is usually a matter of private choice, and one which can additionally change by bike. In most instances, the selection of metal or aluminum for a body is not going to be a dealbreaker by itself.
Suspension-wise, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX clearly takes the crown right here. Regarding wheels and tires, it is in all probability a draw right here. The Stelvio has a barely extra adventurous bent to its inventory wheel and tire choice, whereas the GSX-S1000GX has a extra on-road character within the wheel and tire division. Which one riders desire will possible rely on their intentions for both bike.
Brake-wise, the Stelvio has a slight edge over the GSX-S1000GX, however that is to not say that the GSX-S1000GX needs to be counted out.
Round Two Winner: On paper, it is tough to argue with that totally electronically adjustable suspension. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX wins this spherical as nicely.
Dimensions
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Wheelbase
59.8 inches
57.9 inches
Seat Height
32.7 inches
33.3 inches
Curb Weight
542 kilos
511 kilos, not together with aspect instances
Fuel tank capability
5.1 gallons
5.0 gallons
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX has a wheelbase that is almost two inches shorter than the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, which means that it ought to have faster steering. The proof of it will clearly be within the using, however that is what the figures indicate on paper.
Seat top on the Stelvio is barely extra accessible to shorter riders than the GSX-S1000GX, however not by a lot. For taller riders, clearly a taller seat top can be extra welcome. This is one other space the place the alternatives will largely be subjective (and also will rely on issues like how the seat feels, attain to controls, and so forth).
The distinction in gasoline tank capability is minimal, however the curb weight between the 2 bikes is extra important. The aspect instances on the GSX-S1000GX provide 25.7 liters of cupboard space and may deal with as much as 11 kilos of weight. Suzuki additionally particularly calls out that they need to match most full-face motorbike helmets, which is a particular plus when touring. The Stelvio, in contrast, doesn’t include aspect instances as customary. They could also be bought as equipment, although.
Round Three Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Electronics and Other Features
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Electronics suite
Five trip modes, traction management, ABS as customary. Two variations of the Stelvio can be found, and solely the highest of the road model comes with Moto Guzzi’s cool PFF radar-assisted rider support package deal for an extra cost.
Cornering ABS and traction management, low RPM help, digital suspension, trip modes, Suzuki slope-dependent management system,
Lighting
LED throughout, with Moto Guzzi’s “bending light” system that can assist you see higher round corners in low visibility situations
LED throughout
Display
5-inch TFT sprint with Piaggio MIA smartphone connectivity
6.5-inch TFT sprint with smartphone connectivity
How these two bikes stack up finally relies on which trim stage of Moto Guzzi Stelvio you are evaluating with the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX. Moto Guzzi plans to supply each a base and an up-spec model of the Stelvio to riders, and the cool radar-assisted Piaggio Fast Forward rider aids (radar-adaptive cruise management, blind spot detection, and so forth) will solely be obtainable on the up-spec variant. The base Stelvio doesn’t have these options.
While the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX has a barely bigger TFT show, it isn’t all the time measurement that issues in your sprint. How the knowledge is displayed, how straightforward it’s to navigate, and the way nicely it adapts to ambient lighting situations in order that it is simply seen to riders tends to matter extra.
Round Four Winner: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX if we’re evaluating it in opposition to the bottom Stelvio; Moto Guzzi Stelvio if we’re evaluating the top-spec model with all of the bells and whistles to the one model of the GSX-S1000GX.
Price
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
MSRP (US market; in the event you reside outdoors the US, examine along with your native Moto Guzzi and Suzuki sellers for probably the most correct info in your area.)
The base mannequin begins at $16,390; pricing for the up-spec model with radar-assisted rider aids is just not but obtainable on the time of writing.
$18,499
On the face of it, how keen riders are to justify a $2,000 value distinction between the bottom Moto Guzzi Stelvio and the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX relies on their emotions about options and preferences.
The Stelvio has a shaft drive. The GSX-S1000GX has a sequence drive.
The Stelvio does not include exhausting aspect instances. The GSX-S1000GX does.
The Stelvio does not include an digital suspension, and even one which’s totally adjustable. The GSX-S1000GX has each.
Is it price $2,000 extra to riders, although? It in all probability relies on the rider.
It can be attention-grabbing to see how Piaggio costs the up-spec model of the Stelvio, and the way that compares to the GSX-S1000GX as soon as that determine is accessible. For now, although, we are able to solely go together with the knowledge obtainable on the time of writing.
Round Five Winner: Draw. The Stelvio is $2,000 inexpensive than the GSX-S1000GX, however it additionally does not have baggage or an digital suspension included in that price. $2,000 does not look like an unreasonable value to pay for these upgrades in 2024.
Overall Winner:
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX wins our Spec Showdown this time round!
Suzuki got here out of the gate swinging with the GSX-S1000GX, touchdown physique blows in opposition to loads of its competitors. Other bikes may additionally provide digital suspensions, however the worth proposition on provide with this package deal is hard to disregard. There’s rather a lot to understand right here; at the very least, on paper.
Depending on the way it’s priced, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio with the radar-assisted tech will possible pose a much bigger problem. We definitely would not rely it out, particularly when you think about that issues like styling and ergonomics aren’t actually lined by spec sheets.
We Ride Bikes, Not Specs
That leads us neatly to our subsequent level, with which we all the time like to shut our Spec Showdowns. Riders are passionate individuals. We trip bikes; we do not trip spec sheets. Just as a result of one thing appears good on paper does not all the time imply that it is the proper alternative for you when you’re within the saddle.
Riders are additionally all completely different individuals. For instance, as I’ve mentioned right here previously, I’m not solely a rider who’s considerably vertically challenged (top round 5-foot-3.5 inches, give or take). I’m additionally a rider with a shorter inseam than most. Since that is the case, I’ve to work somewhat more durable to get my toes on the bottom generally.
Other riders are taller, or at the very least have longer legs; different riders may need shorter or longer arms, or bigger or smaller fingers. All of these items have an effect on how comfortably bikes match us, and thus, how a lot we every get pleasure from using particular person motorbike fashions.
Since we’re all constructed so in another way, the best possible factor you are able to do to seek out the precise bike for you is to check trip any and all bikes that you simply’re contemplating as your subsequent machine. While specs on paper would possibly provide help to begin to make a listing of bikes you need to cross-shop, specs alone cannot inform you how you may really feel a couple of bike when you trip it. Only using the bikes in query can do this.
Makita is really a global firm and operates 10 factories worldwide in Japan, China, Romania, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Around 90% of all the corporate’s instruments are produced outdoors of Japan, although they proceed to keep up their Okazaki Plant, initially established in 1970.
Though Makita is a Japanese firm at coronary heart, the character of the worldwide financial system makes its manufacturing origins advanced. Each of the model’s energy instruments receives parts and elements manufactured from varied locations, that are then shipped to meeting factories worldwide. The origin of the instrument’s manufacturing is basically decided by the place it is bought, but it surely’s essential to notice that Makita has two “Mother Plants” — one situated in Jiangsu, China, and the opposite is their Okazaki Plant. While the Japanese manufacturing facility primarily works on state-of-the-art manufacturing enhancements like improved robotics expertise, the Chinese plant concentrates on mass-production effectivity and is accountable for dealing with greater than 60% of Makita’s manufacturing.
Update 1/11/2024: It’s confirmed – The North American International Auto Show will return to its former January timeframe in 2025. The present will run from January 10 – 20. There will probably be no present for 2024.
Rod Alberts, govt director of the Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association issued the next assertion to Motor1:
“The Detroit Auto Show is pleased to announce the iconic show will return to its roots with a January 2025 debut. Our primary goal is to create an impactful auto show and showcase our great city and industry. After discussions with numerous partners, we believe a January date absolutely makes the most sense. In a constantly changing global automotive landscape, this update reflects our efforts to continue to reimagine the Detroit Auto Show while keeping an eye on what matters most – getting people excited about cars.”
Once upon a time within the automotive world, the brand new yr began with a give attention to Detroit for the most recent in new vehicles and tendencies. The North American International Show was a staple of the auto present circuit in January, and after just a few years of floundering in late summer time, it seems to be like a dose of winter is again on the desk beginning subsequent yr.
Fox2 Detroit cites “sources” saying a return to its authentic January timeslot is going on and that is been confirmed by present officers for 2025. As for 2024, Fox2 said the present will nonetheless happen in mid-September however the group has confirmed nothing is deliberate for this yr.
The small out of doors Motor Bella occasion in 2021 and the full-blown 2022 and 2023 reveals in Detroit did not garner a lot curiosity from automakers. Whereas pre-pandemic reveals usually had all types of idea and new-vehicle debuts, the large information over the course of those years was the seventh-generation Mustang for 2022 and a handful of mid-cycle facelifts for 2023.
Moving again to January might pose one other downside, nonetheless. CES in Las Vegas has change into a well-liked vacation spot for automakers to carry debuts, particularly when it includes some measure of technological development. It’s believed the shift to September was carried out to assist offset a few of this, however that timeslot additionally conflicts with IAA Munich, the large present in Germany held later within the month.
Back in October 2023, the United States International Trade Commission dominated that Apple had infringed upon a patent owned by Masimo, an organization concerned within the improvement and manufacturing of medical units. Masimo alleged that the expertise utilized by Apple’s newest smartwatches for detecting the blood oxygen stage used their patented expertise. While Apple denied this, the U.S. International Trade Commission discovered that Masimo’s declare had credence and handed over a ban in opposition to the import and gross sales of the latest Apple watch fashions — the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.
With the gross sales ban scheduled to go dwell in December, Apple was left with no possibility however to tug each the affected Apple Watch Models from all its official gross sales channels, together with bodily retail areas. As a end result, Apple first pulled each these watches from its on-line shops on December 21, then eliminated these fashions from Apple Stores on December 24. Another last-ditch try to halt the gross sales ban failed when President Joe Biden declined to veto the ban earlier this week.
There isn’t any denying that this latest improvement permitting Apple to renew gross sales of the affected Apple Watch fashions will supply the corporate a vital reprieve and supply the corporate with respiratory room to navigate the authorized proceedings and doubtlessly search a everlasting answer.
+++ Two-time Masters champion to tee off on the BMW International Open (third to seventh July 2024, GC München Eichenried) +++ German golf legend to make uncommon look in his house nation +++ Langer bids farewell to the DP World Tour in Munich +++ Tickets for the anniversary match out there with 10 p.c Christmas low cost +++
Munich. The BMW International Open is celebrating a milestone anniversary subsequent yr. The iconic German match will happen for the thirty fifth time, and a really particular sportsman has already confirmed he will likely be enjoying. Bernhard Langer, probably the most profitable German golfer, will tee off on the match that he, greater than most, has helped form up to now. The new date firstly of July gives German golf followers the chance to provide the two-time Masters champion a worthy send-off. Langer will likely be making his last look on the DP World Tour. Tickets for the thirty fifth BMW International Open can be found on-line now – with a ten p.c Christmas low cost till twenty fourth December 2023:www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets
“I am very much looking forward to the 35th BMW International Open, which is particularly important to me. I was there the first time it was held in 1989, and only missed two tournaments up to the 25th anniversary,” mentioned Langer. “Even though I have been playing on the PGA Tour Champions in the USA for years, I still find it hard to imagine a more atmospheric tournament to bid farewell to the DP World Tour than the BMW International Open. I grew up in Anhausen, near Augsburg, and worked as a golf instructor for three and a half years in Munich before turning pro on the Tour, so it is great to experience another fantastic tournament in my Bavarian home.”
The 66-year-old will play on the BMW International Open for the primary time since 2012. Even again then, Langer’s {golfing} CV was already extraordinary: two Masters wins, six Ryder Cup victories (5 as a participant and one as captain), the primary world primary when the world rating record was launched in 1986, and a member of the “World Golf Hall of Fame” – to call however just a few of his achievements.
In the meantime, Langer has added a number of data on the PGA Tour Champions to his spectacular record of successes. In 2017, he grew to become the primary golfer ever to win all 5 majors not less than as soon as. This July, on the age of 65 years, ten months and 5 days, he claimed his forty sixth match win and twelfth main title – two unrivalled achievements – on the US Senior Open. Langer not solely tops the record of oldest winners on the PGA Tour Champions, however occupies all the high 5 locations.
Given this – abridged – record of highlights in what has been an outstanding sporting profession, it’s a disgrace that he has by no means managed to win the BMW International Open in his house of Bavaria. However, Langer does maintain one file, particularly in 23 appearances, he has completed runner-up on no fewer than 5 events (1992, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2007). That is greater than some other participant within the lengthy historical past of the match – and a formidable effort in its personal proper.
The new date on the DP World Tour calendar means there’s a higher probability than ever that Langer will likely be joined by extra top-class contenders when the BMW International Open celebrates its large anniversary. Having at all times been held instantly after the US Open in recent times, the match has been moved to later within the yr. It now precedes the Scottish Open and The Open, which each happen in Europe within the two weeks following the BMW International Open. This new date makes it simpler and extra interesting for high gamers to include the match in their very own private schedules.
Munich/Sölden. To end the year, BMW is inviting international media to Sölden, to Innovation @Summit, on the Austrian glacier. The main attraction: along with the recent launch of the BMW 5 Series in October, there will be presentations of innovative developments in driverless@Developement, artificial intelligence, and highly automated driving. The smart business sedan and Driverless @Developement vehicles will showcase their dynamic driving qualities through intensive test drives under winter conditions.
Christophe Koenig, Head of BMW Group IT, Digital Driving Experience Communications BMW Group Design, Innovations and Digital Car Communications Telephone: +49-89-382-56097 Mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmwgroup.com
Despite France and Italy showing expertise in dealing with the dry conditions in Argentina, Team USA’s World Trophy Team maintains its lead in the 97th International Six Days Enduro. In the Junior Trophy Team competition, Sweden continues to dominate, while the U.S. is in a tight battle with France for third place. The Women’s Trophy is closely watched as Rachel Gutish, riding with injuries, aims to keep the U.S. in the lead. The Club competition sees the U.S. leading with the top five riders, including Josh Toth and Preston Campbell.
WORLD TROPHY TEAM (WT) Taylor Robert of FMF KTM Factory Racing led the U.S. team, securing third place overall and second in the E2 class on the fourth day. His teammate Johnny Girroir finished close behind in fifth place, with Dante Oliveira in sixth.
Taylor Robert
Taylor Robert commented on his performance, stating it was his best result so far. He was in a close battle with Samuele Bernardini and Johnny Girroir throughout the day, which resulted in a tight group from third to sixth place. Cole Martinez overcame a mechanical issue to continue the competition and is expected to bounce back in the upcoming days.
Johnny Girroir
Johnny Girroir expressed his satisfaction with his performance, achieving his best result yet and feeling much better physically. Dante Oliveira also contributed to the team’s success, acknowledging that it wasn’t his best day but remaining optimistic and ready to continue the fight.
Dante Oliveira
The U.S. team continues to demonstrate strong performances, with the lead expanding after Day 4. Mateo Oliveira achieved his best overall position, with Grant Davis and Kai Aiello also contributing to the team’s standings.
Cole Martinez now sits ninth overall.
JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY TEAM (JWT)
Mateo Oliveira’s improved performance on Day 4 contributed to the U.S. team’s substantial lead. Grant Davis and Kai Aiello also played essential roles in maintaining the team’s strong position in the competition.
WOMEN’S WORLD TROPHY TEAM The Women’s World Trophy Team from the U.S. extended its lead after Brandy Richards secured another victory. Meanwhile, Korie Steede and Rachel Gutish also delivered solid performances, ensuring the United States’ significant lead in the competition.
Korie Steede
Korie Steede emphasized the team’s steady progress and extended lead, expressing solidarity with the Australian team despite their setbacks. The U.S. is leading the World Trophy classification, while its Women’s World Trophy Team maintains a significant advantage in the competition.
World Trophy Classification (After Day 4 of 6) 1. USA, 11:53:51.32 2. France, +11:03.89 3. Great Britain, +11:14.02 4. Italy, +11:38.08 5. Spain, +13:00.38
Junior World Trophy Classification (After Day 4 of 6) 1. Sweden, 9:02:12.65 2. France, +18:05.52 3. USA, +21:29.88 4. Argentina, +51:49:10 5. Czech Republic, +1:04:13.02
Women’s World Trophy Classification (After Day 4 of 6) 1. USA, 10:34:18:19 2. Latin America, +2:15:15.56 3. Australia, +2:15:19.46 4. France, +7:04.17.03 5. Argentina, +9:37:08.06
In 2022, there were over 26 million electric vehicles according to the International Energy Agency. This number is set to grow exponentially in the years to come, as the world keeps shifting away from gas-powered vehicles. To pave the way for such events, many parties are working on optimizing EVs and making them more consumer-friendly, partly through the implementation of solid-state batteries (SSBs), which tout the potential to make EVs more efficient, more resilient, and notably safer. Hence, many prominent manufacturers, such as Toyota, Hyundai, Nio, and Nissan are investing enormous amounts of money in them.
In the battery world, safety is a measure of human injury risk, which has been a growing concern with current BEVs over the last few years. Today, most electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which consist of an anode, cathode, and a highly flammable liquid electrolyte. That liquid itself has played a huge role in limiting the range of current EVs and has led to numerous incidents which, although not so common, are significantly more dangerous, and harder to deal with.
On the other hand, SSBs present a few advantages with their solid electrolytes, which are deemed to be less dangerous. However, things are more complicated beneath the surface, so we’ve decided to explain the safety advantages of SSBs over li-ion batteries, while also highlighting the nuances that are often overlooked, by referring to various research papers from different sources.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Reuters, Science Daily, Car and Driver, and Research Gate.
Due to their solid nature, solid-state batteries can tolerate higher temperatures, as they generally have a wider operating temperature window, potentially making the occurrence of thermal runaway through cell overheating less likely. This is because they effectively rely on a non-flammable (or rather less flammable) solid-state electrolyte rather than a flammable liquid electrolyte, as is the case with lithium-ion batteries. This, by extension, also makes them more resilient under extreme weather conditions, meaning they don’t limit the range of your electric vehicle when roaming around warm areas.
Due to their resilience, and their unmatched efficiency levels, SSBs are likely to be implemented on large commercial and industrial fleets, particularly on electric semi trucks and larger heavy-duty vehicles. This means that their safety advantages can be more significant, as they would translate into safer work environments, particularly in sensitive factory areas where chemicals and liquids are abundant.
They Have The Potential To Be More Eco-Friendly
In a broader sense, SSBs could also be considered safer for the planet, as they’re touted to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs by 24 percent, and can limit their environmental impact by 39 percent, depending on the sustainability of their raw materials, according to Transport and Environment.
While solid-state batteries do pose some ecological problems of their own, such as their need for 35 percent more lithium and the extra mining that ensues, they do require less graphite and cobalt. The latter has been at the center of several mining malpractices, severe environmental concerns, and issues of unethical labor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A Sandia National Laboratories-led study, published in the scientific journal Joule, addressed the prevalent belief that liquid electrolytes would be detrimental to SSBs, and that their absence is better for safety. The study, which evaluated the safety of ASSBs, SSBs, and lithium-ion batteries through various scenarios, found out that a solid electrolyte can still fail under certain conditions, such as when the battery is crushed, perforated, or submitted to built-up pressure, which in turn causes a reaction between internal oxygen and lithium.
“One of the promises of solid-state batteries is that they are safe because the solid electrolyte is firm and unlikely to break. But if it does break, the temperature rise could be about as much as when lithium-ion batteries fail,” said Yulia Preger, Sandia reliability expert on the project, during an interview with Science Daily
Turns Out SSBs Just Need More Liquid
The research team also found out that solid-state cells are also prone to high interfacial resistance between solid-electrolytes and active cathode materials. Their final conclusion was that solid-state batteries would perform much closer to commercial standards with a partly liquid electrolyte, even when safety is considered.
“Having the clarity and the confidence that knowing a small amount of liquid electrolyte will not create huge safety issues may help the development of commercial solid-state batteries. Adding liquid electrolytes could fix one of their main problems, the solid electrolyte interface.” added Loraine Torres-Castro, who also participated in the project.
EVs Aren’t As Prone To Combustion As They Are Made To Be
Chevrolet
It is important to detail a few things about the risk of fire incidents regarding electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. First things first, it is not as common as you might believe. In the U.S., unfortunately, no government agency categorizes fires by drivetrain, so we have no way of pinpointing the percentage of EV-related fire incidents at a local level. However, we do have a diverse amount of data stretching across different countries to work with.
In Europe, The Statistics Reveal EVs Are Safer On Average
The Swedish authorities, for instance, kept track via the Myndigheten for Samhällsskydd och Beredskap (Authority for Social Protection and Preparedness.) and released a report in April 2023 detailing the number of EV fires in Sweden between 2018 and 2022.
The document indicates that only 16 BEVs catch fire in Sweden every year, while the country records an average of 3,400 passenger vehicle fires every year. Electric vehicles (hybrids included) thus only account for 0.4 percent of all fire incidents in Sweden, where they are abundantly rampant and reached a 60 percent market share in August 2023.
Electric vehicles (and lithium-ion batteries) are thus not the ticking time bombs that you might think, and are in fact less prone to disaster than the headlines might suggest. However, they do pose a particular set of risks.
However, Lithium-Ion Batteries Cause More Damaging Fires
Although the risk of EV fire has been misconstrued and blown out of proportion, it remains nonetheless a serious cause for concern. To put it simply, while electric vehicles don’t burn as often as people might think, their fire incidents can be significantly more disastrous than those of gas-powered vehicles. More precisely, lithium-ion battery fires can burn up to 1,000 degrees (F) hotter than an internal combustion engine.
This often results in more catastrophic scenarios that are harder to deal with for first-responders, who may not yet have received the specific training needed to handle them. Yet training isn’t everything. EV fires are also harder to extinguish, and often call for extreme measures. The most common approach taken is to use huge quantities of water to cool the highly flammable battery packs, combined with a fire blanket to suppress the flames.
All consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
TOYOTA CITY, Japan (Nov. 1, 2023) — Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced its financial results for the second quarter, which ended September 30, 2023.
Consolidated vehicle sales totaled approximately 4,744,000 units, an increase of approximately 585,000 units compared to the same period last fiscal year. On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the period totaled 21.981 trillion yen ($155.9 billion), an increase of 24.1%. Operating income increased from 1.141 trillion yen ($8.5 billion) to 2.559 trillion yen ($18.2 billion), while income before income taxes 1 was 3.521 trillion yen ($25.0 billion). Net income 2 increased from 1.171 trillion yen ($8.7 billion) to 2.589 trillion yen ($18.4 billion).
Regions
North America: Vehicle sales totaled approximately 1,385,000 units, an increase of 140,000 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 299.5 billion yen ($2.1 billion) to 362.5 billion yen ($2.5 billion).
Japan: Vehicle sales totaled approximately 1,072,000 units, an increase of 203,000 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 725.1 billion yen ($5.1 billion) to 1.584 trillion yen ($11.2 billion).
Europe: Vehicle sales totaled approximately 557,000 units, an increase of 78,000 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 245.8 billion yen ($1.7 billion) to 192.2 billion yen ($1.3 billion).
Asia: Vehicle sales totaled approximately 895,000 units, an increase of 78,000 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 30.2 billion yen ($214 million) to 411.4 billion yen ($2.9 billion).
Other regions (including Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East): Vehicle sales totaled approximately 835,000 units, an increase of 86,000 units. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 55.7 billion yen ($395 million) to 186.5 billion yen ($1.3 billion).
Financial Services
Financial services operating income decreased by 8.4 billion yen ($60 million) to 328.8 billion yen ($2.3 billion). Including valuation gains/losses, operating income increased by 46.0 billion yen ($326 million) to 244.9 billion yen ($1.7 billion).
(*FY24 currency translations above are approximate and based on an average 141-yen-to-dollar exchange rate; FY23 is 134-yen-to-dollar exchange rate)
Forecast
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, TMC estimates consolidated vehicles sales will be 9.60 million units. Based on an exchange rate assumption of 141 yen to the U.S. dollar, TMC forecasts consolidated net revenue of 43.0 trillion yen ($305.0 billion), operating income of 4.5 trillion yen ($31.9 billion), income before income taxes of 5.55 trillion yen ($39.4 billion), and net income of 3.95 trillion yen ($28.0 billion).
(*all currency translations above are approximate and based on an average 141-yen-to-dollar exchange rate.)
1 Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies
2 Net income attributable to Toyota Motor Corporation
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