In addition to layoffs, Electrek claims through unnamed sources that Tesla has additionally pulled out of not less than 4 Supercharger lease contracts in New York, spurring each hypothesis and issues. The automaker’s CEO Elon Musk weighed in on the matter quickly after, stating, “Tesla still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations and more focus on 100% uptime and expansion of existing locations.”
Tesla nonetheless plans to develop the Supercharger community, simply at a slower tempo for brand new areas and extra deal with 100% uptime and enlargement of present areas
Partners additionally expressed optimism that the layoffs may simply be a brief inside reshuffle. “It may be possible Mr. Musk will reconstitute the EV charger team in bigger, badder, more Muskian way,” Andres Pinter, head of one among Tesla’s charging companions, was quoted as saying by Reuters, additionally noting that the layoffs had been “a sharp kick in the pants this morning.” GM and Ford informed the outlet that they will not be making any fast plan modifications. On the intense aspect, Tesla’s Q1 2024 monetary report mentions the variety of Supercharger connectors it has put in to date has gone up by 27% on a year-on-year foundation whereas including over 6,000 Supercharger stations globally.
There’s a brand new BMW M4 CS on the best way, in keeping with a brand new report from BMW Blog, citing unnamed sources. The high-powered coupe that’ll be primarily based on the just lately up to date M4 will allegedly debut someday in May.
All the proof factors to BMW utilizing its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine within the coupe. It’ll supposedly produce the identical energy because the M4 CSL—543 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque—and pack the model’s eight-speed computerized transmission. Unlike its predecessor, the brand new CS may have xDrive all-wheel drive.
If the M4 CS follows the identical growth path as its M3 equivalent, we count on BMW to shave a number of kilos from the coupe’s curb weight. The firm used carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the roof, hood, rear diffuser, and different bits to chop 75 kilos from the sedan. We hope the coupe sees an analogous weight discount.
Previous spy photographs captured the warmer coupe out testing in public, including at the Nürburgring. BMW has hidden the up to date fascias, which included a distinguished entrance splitter and a small trunk-lid spoiler. According to BMW Blog, it’ll be primarily based on the up to date M4 that the corporate revealed earlier this yr, gaining a bunch of mid-cycle updates resembling upgraded headlights, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and new screens.
The most costly new M4 coupe, the M4 Competition xDrive, begins at $89,295, whereas the M3 CS prices practically $120,000. We count on the M4 CS to be as costly as its four-door singling. BMW will kick off manufacturing of the brand new variant in July, limiting manufacturing of the automobile to only a few thousand items.
Ultimately, sources counsel, providing an electrical Clio alongside the 5 is extra about offering clients with larger selection than filling each hole within the line-up.
In any case, Renault bosses don’t see the 5 as a alternative for the Clio. Indeed, product efficiency boss Bruno Vanel has beforehand informed Autocar that “Clio is a brand in itself”, hinting on the significance of retaining the well-known identify for one more technology.
Renault is dedicated to holding prices down for its small electrical vehicles, so any electrical Clio would little question command only a small premium over the 5, which is being launched subsequent 12 months at round £25,000. A beginning value of slightly below £30,000 would neatly fill the hole between the 5 and the Mégane, which is presently out there from £34,995.
However, Renault engineering boss Gilles Le Borgne prompt providing an electrical Clio shouldn’t be an instantaneous precedence for the new-generation automobile’s launch in 2026 as a result of, in concept, “you can have a whole life of ICE, hybrid Clio before the ICE ban” in 2035.
Nonetheless, he stays a vocal proponent of providing ‘multi-energy’ powertrain choices on the identical platform, as long as it’s reasonably priced – and worthwhile – to take action.
“It’s like religion. We always fight over multi-energy. Perhaps you know my background,” mentioned Le Borgne, referring to a 30-year tenure on the PSA Group, throughout which he oversaw the event of electrified powertrains for Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall-Opel. “I used to be the one combating for multi-energy on the opposite facet of the river – and I’ve no faith.
“I’m very practical. When I can use multi-energy, I do.”
Toyota is one in all only a few international producers presently invested in a number of gasoline and power sources for its vehicles. Gasoline and electrification are two of its largest initiatives, but it surely has additionally proven a strong dedication to developing hydrogen. The Toyota Mirai is one in all few hydrogen fuel-cell autos bought within the U.S., all of that are bought to the Californian market, as that is the one space with a complete hydrogen fueling community.
The Mirai is likely one of the most area of interest vehicles you may think about in case you’re within the market for a zero emissions option. The four-door liftback sedan has many professionals and cons hooked up to it, however the large query is whether or not it’s a cost-effective possibility. Hydrogen is a reasonably pricey gasoline possibility, due to its intricate manufacturing and demanding storage, however it might translate to noteworthy financial savings in the long term.
In order to provide the latest and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Toyota and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver, Edmunds, and The Department of Energy.
In eight years, the Mirai solely bought 14,000 examples. However, Toyota is retaining it alive, and pushing for extra hydrogen autos, here is why.
The 2024 Toyota Mirai Starts At $50,190
The 2024 Toyota Mirai begins at $50,190. The base trim is a highly specified XLE, so it’s filled with consolation, comfort, leisure, and security options. At this worth, it does make the hydrogen possibility a really inaccessible product, as there are numerous similar-sized EVs boasting decrease beginning costs.
True Zero is presently the lead hydrogen provider in California, and currently charges $36 for a kilogram. The Mirai accommodates 5.6 kg of hydrogen in its 142.2-liter tank, that means you will need to spend $201.60 to refuel. This is an obscene quantity that each fossil fuels and electrical energy drastically outprice.
The Toyota Mirai Covers 402 Miles On A Full Tank
You would suppose that you just’d be able to travel a fair distance on this tank, however Toyota claims the Mirai will solely cowl 402 miles in XLE guise, and 357 miles in Limited specification with the larger wheel choices. The EPA has not examined the Mirai, however Toyota claims the XLE returns 76/71/74 MPGe on the town/freeway/mixed cycle. The Limited returns a 67/64/65 MPG declare.
Toyota Mirai Energy Consumption
Range
Fuel economic system score
Hydrogen tank capability
XSE
402 miles
76/71/74 MPGe
11.9 gallons
Premium
357 miles
67/64/65 MPGe
11.9 gallons
Unfortunately, the Mirai proved to barely crest 300 miles in testing, additional hurting its worth issue. At the time of this check, hydrogen was solely $17 per kg, reflecting a drastic improve in worth over the past yr. Based on this examined vary, you may anticipate Toyota’s complementary hydrogen to cowl you for a complete of twenty-two,500 miles, which ought to be sufficient for the typical Californian.
The Toyota Mirai has capabilities that can depart you speechless. Here’s one necessary characteristic that it has however not Tesla EVs, besides the Cybertruck.
The Toyota Mirai Doesn’t Produce Tailpipe Emissions
Toyota
The advantage of hydrogen is that there are no tailpipe emissions, whatsoever, so in case you are an eco-conscious client, that is going to be one of many extra fulfilling vehicles you may think about. As a end result, you get entry to the HOV carpool sticker. The Mirai additionally wants simply 5 minutes to refuel, which is considerably sooner than a traditional EV.
Toyota Mirai’s Hydrogen Emissions
Toyota’s hydrogen gasoline cell autos emit solely water vapor as a byproduct, making them zero-emission autos.
The water vapor produced from Toyota’s hydrogen autos is clear and doesn’t contribute to air air pollution.
Hydrogen gasoline cell autos provide an answer to lowering greenhouse fuel emissions, as they don’t emit CO2 throughout operation.
Toyota’s dedication to hydrogen expertise aligns with its imaginative and prescient for sustainable mobility and lowering environmental influence.
The absence of conventional tailpipe emissions in Toyota’s hydrogen autos contributes to improved air high quality and public well being.
Toyota continues to put money into hydrogen gasoline cell expertise to increase its lineup of zero-emission autos and promote widespread adoption.
The Mirai converts hydrogen into electrical energy by mixing it with air sourced from the consumption system. This chemical response ends in electrical energy, a few of which is stored in the car’s 1.2 kWh battery pack. The solely byproduct of this chemical response is water. Hydrogen is a extremely flamable aspect, so Toyota has gone out of its means to make sure the tank is as secure as may be. It is roofed with leak-detecting sensors, which routinely set off the valves to shut if any hazard turns into current.
The Toyota Mirai Has A 0.29 Drag Coefficient
Toyota
The Mirai is an interesting bundle, however its drastic refueling prices and substandard efficiency do not paint a optimistic and cost-effective image. The single permanent-magnet motor generates a mere 182 horsepower, resulting in a tested 9.1-second 0-60 MPH time and 106 MPH high velocity. Tests additionally point out a meager 17-second quarter-mile time.
Toyota Mirai Exterior Dimensions
Length
195.8 inches
Width
74.2 inches
Height
57.9 inches
Wheelbase
114.9 inches
Front Track
63.3 inches
Rear Track
63.1 inches
Curb Weight
4,225-4,335 kilos
(Specifications sourced from Toyota
Toyota handed design tasks to its Lexus division, which is why it bears so many similarities to the current-generation Lexus ES. The Mirai is criticized for a lot of issues, however its exterior aesthetics is one space the place individuals agree it excels. The modern design additionally advantages from 0.29 drag coefficient score, aiding its general effectivity.
Toyota is working with PACCAR, one of many largest firms within the trucking trade, to make hydrogen-powered vans.
The Cost Of Hydrogen In The U.S.
Toyota
Hydrogen manufacturing prices within the U.S. differ extensively relying on the tactic, with electrolysis being one of the costly.
Renewable power sources like photo voltaic and wind are driving down the price of inexperienced hydrogen manufacturing.
Infrastructure prices for hydrogen refueling stations stay excessive however are reducing as adoption grows.
Incentives and subsidies play a big function in offsetting hydrogen manufacturing and infrastructure prices.
Scaling up manufacturing and implementing cost-efficient distribution methods are essential for lowering hydrogen prices.
Research and growth efforts purpose to innovate applied sciences and processes to additional lower the price of hydrogen within the USA.
These costs could seem a bit excessive, however you will be elated to be taught that Toyota covers the price of gasoline for the primary six years of possession. If you lease the automobile, you solely get three years value of gasoline. In each instances, refueling is restricted to a complete of $15,000.
The U.S. Has Just Over 50 Hydrogen Fueling Stations
Rob Crandall / Shutterstock
There are currently 59 hydrogen stations you may entry within the U.S., all of that are situated in California, however solely in the most well-liked areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. You will discover two stations in Sacramento and one simply exterior Truckee. But, what comes as a giant blow is Shell shutting down seven hydrogen stations just lately. The already low variety of hydrogen stations additional took successful that not simply impacts the house owners, but additionally automakers that are deeply invested in hydrogen tech.
Hydrogen Stations In The U.S.
The variety of hydrogen refueling stations within the USA is rising steadily, primarily in California but additionally increasing to different states.
California leads the nation in hydrogen station deployment, with plans to construct a complete community to assist gasoline cell car adoption.
Public and personal partnerships play an important function in funding and creating hydrogen refueling infrastructure throughout the nation.
Hydrogen station areas are strategically chosen to assist key transportation corridors and concrete facilities.
The availability of hydrogen stations influences client confidence and adoption of gasoline cell autos.
Continued funding in hydrogen infrastructure is important to assist the expansion of the hydrogen economic system and decarbonize transportation within the USA.
The Department of Energy confirms that suppliers are busy working on 50 additional hydrogen stations for FCEV house owners. Five of those shall be situated in northeastern states, additional enhancing the viability of hydrogen vehicles for American street customers. The DoE is presently running an H2USA campaign, which entails federal businesses, automakers, hydrogen suppliers, gasoline cell builders, nationwide laboratories, and extra stakeholders to advance hydrogen provide throughout the nation. While admirable, it is clear that the uptake is just not as pressing as electrical automobile charging stations, of which there are already properly over 160,000.
The quest for various gas sources has captivated the automotive trade, and Toyota‘s current patent for a water-cooled hydrogen combustion engine throws open a brand new chapter on this dynamic narrative. This innovation signifies a daring departure from the dominant electric vehicle (EV) narrative, venturing into the uncharted territory of high-performance, clean-burning hydrogen engines.
Unlike its fossil gas counterparts, hydrogen burns cleanly, producing solely water vapor as a byproduct. However, hydrogen’s attraction extends past its environmental credentials. Compared to batteries, hydrogen boasts a considerably greater vitality density, translating to prolonged driving ranges and fast refueling instances.
Yet, harnessing the potential of hydrogen is not with out its challenges. Building a robust hydrogen infrastructure remains a daunting task, with hydrogen refueling stations lagging far behind their gasoline and EV counterparts. Against this backdrop, Toyota’s new expertise emerges as a beacon of hope. The key options of this innovation – strategically positioned water injection valves, twin injection timing, and evaporation administration – characterize a big leap ahead in tackling the inherent warmth challenges of hydrogen combustion.
By dynamically regulating engine temperature by means of exact water injection, this expertise unlocks the potential for high-performance hydrogen engines.
AVL’s Hydrogen Racing Engine breaks efficiency limitations, paving the best way for hydrogen-powered motorsport to change into a actuality.
In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Toyota, and different dependable sources.
Toyota’s Patent Ignites A Path To High-Performance Alternatives To Electric Vehicles
Toyota’s not too long ago filed patent for a water-cooled hydrogen combustion engine marks a big step of their exploration of different powertrains past full electrification. This innovation addresses the problem of upper working temperatures inherent in hydrogen engines in comparison with conventional gasoline ones, doubtlessly paving the best way for high-performance hydrogen autos.
Key Features:
Water injection valves: Each cylinder is supplied with two valves strategically positioned on the consumption ports. These valves exactly management the timing and amount of water injected, making certain optimum cylinder cooling.
Dual injection timing: Water will be injected both when the consumption valve opens or closes, maximizing its effectiveness primarily based on the engine’s working circumstances. This flexibility permits for exact temperature management underneath completely different driving eventualities.
Evaporation administration: The patent details a system for injecting small water droplets that readily evaporate inside the cylinder. This minimizes their impression on combustion and lubrication, making certain engine effectivity.
ECU management: The engine’s digital management unit (ECU) acts because the mind of the operation. It dynamically displays working parameters like temperature and adjusts water injection accordingly, guaranteeing exact and environment friendly cooling.
These options, working in tandem, create a dynamic and adaptive system for managing the upper temperatures of hydrogen combustion engines. This opens up the likelihood for growing highly effective and environment friendly hydrogen vehicles, doubtlessly rivalling the efficiency of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
It’s necessary to notice that this patent continues to be in its early levels, and the expertise could endure additional refinement earlier than reaching manufacturing. However, it represents a big development within the subject of hydrogen engine improvement and will pave the best way for a future the place clear, high-performance autos are powered by hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen excels with fast refueling and prolonged vary, surpassing EVs in some ways regardless of among the challenges this gas imposes.
Hydrogen Is A Rising Star
Toyota
Within the burgeoning panorama of different propulsion programs, hydrogen combustion engines (HCEs) occupy a singular and intriguing place. While not as ubiquitous as conventional inside combustion engines (ICEs) or as prevalent as electrical autos (EVs), HCEs provide a definite set of benefits and challenges that warrant nearer examination.
How Hydrogen Combustion Engines Work
Toyota
At their core, HCEs operate equally to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Both make the most of pistons inside cylinders to transform thermal vitality into mechanical energy. However, the gas and combustion processes differ considerably. HCEs burn hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapor as a byproduct when mixed with oxygen. This eliminates the dangerous tailpipe emissions of conventional ICEs.
Step-by-step:
Air consumption: Air is drawn into the engine cylinders.
Fuel injection: Hydrogen is exactly injected into the cylinders, typically immediately or by means of a port close to the consumption valve.
Mixing and compression: The air and hydrogen combination is compressed by the rising piston.
Ignition: A spark plug ignites the compressed combination, inflicting a managed explosion that pushes the piston again down.
Power technology: This downward motion of the piston converts thermal vitality into mechanical energy, powering the car or equipment.
Exhaust: The water vapor and remaining gases are expelled by means of the exhaust system.
Hydrogen Combustion Engines vs. Traditional Internal Combustion Engines
AVL
Emissions: HCEs produce zero tailpipe emissions, in contrast to ICEs which emit CO2, NOx, and different pollution. This considerably reduces their environmental impression.
Efficiency: HCEs provide comparable effectivity to fashionable ICEs, with some attaining related and even barely greater ranges. However, their effectivity nonetheless lags behind the perfect EVs.
Hydrogen Combustion Engine expertise presents a compelling various to each conventional ICEs and EVs. Their zero emissions, comparable effectivity, and potential for fast refueling provide clear benefits.
However, challenges stay when it comes to infrastructure improvement, gas value, and engine optimization. As additional analysis and improvement progresses, HCEs could properly carve out a big area of interest inside the numerous panorama of future transportation options.
Hydrogen can energy future electrical autos and, with a comparatively easy conversion can cut back emissions of our present inside combustion autos
The Allure Of Hydrogen
Toyota
Amidst the rising refrain of voices calling for cleaner vitality options, hydrogen gas has emerged as a contender with the potential to revolutionize numerous sectors. Its distinctive properties and flexibility provide a plethora of advantages, making it a beacon of hope within the battle in opposition to local weather change and air pollution.
Zero Emissions For A Greener Future
Toyota
Perhaps probably the most heralded advantage of hydrogen gas is its squeaky-clean nature. When utilized in a gas cell, hydrogen’s chemical response with oxygen produces solely water vapor and warmth, forsaking no dangerous emissions just like the greenhouse gases plaguing conventional fossil fuels. This translates to cleaner air, improved public health, and a big stride in the direction of mitigating local weather change.
High Efficiency And Storage Potential
Toyota
Hydrogen boasts a formidable vitality density, packing extra punch per unit mass than most different fuels. This interprets to elevated effectivity in autos and different purposes, requiring much less gas to attain the identical output. Additionally, hydrogen’s versatility extends to its storage potential. Excess renewable vitality will be transformed into hydrogen and saved for later use, smoothing out the intermittent nature of sources like photo voltaic and wind energy.
A Path to Energy Independence
Unlike petroleum assets concentrated in particular areas, hydrogen can be produced from various sources like water, biomass, and even renewable electrical energy. This decentralization empowers nations to scale back their dependence on imported fossil fuels and fosters larger vitality safety. Furthermore, hydrogen manufacturing generally is a useful driver of financial development, creating new jobs and industries within the clear vitality sector.
Hydrogen Production and Cost: Currently, hydrogen manufacturing comes with numerous challenges, together with reliance on fossil fuels and excessive prices. Significant developments in clear and reasonably priced hydrogen manufacturing are essential for long-term financial viability.
Infrastructure And Fuel Considerations
Government Policy: Government incentives and infrastructure funding will play a important function in fostering hydrogen adoption. Supportive insurance policies can speed up station improvement, hydrogen manufacturing initiatives, and client uptake.
Diversification of Hydrogen Sources: Moving past fossil fuel-based manufacturing is essential for sustainability. Exploring renewable vitality sources like electrolysis and bio-hydrogen can guarantee a clear and environmentally pleasant provide chain.
Hydrogen could seem to be a pipe dream, however Toyota actually believes in it and isn’t slowing down regardless of its progress in EVs.
In conclusion, Toyota’s hydrogen combustion engine patent holds promise for the way forward for transportation, however its impression stays unsure. Wider adoption hinges on resolving infrastructure challenges, technological developments, and making certain a clear and reasonably priced hydrogen provide chain.
While the way forward for hydrogen engines continues to be being written, Toyota’s initiative sparks mandatory conversations and technological developments that might pave the best way for a cleaner and extra sustainable automotive future.
Earlier this month, there were rumors suggesting that the V8 engine would make a comeback in the C63 and E63 models. However, these rumors have been denied by an AMG engineer, calling them “pure nonsense.” Unfortunately, it has now been confirmed by the AMG CEO, Michael Schiebe, that the V8 engine will not be returning.
In an interview during the Monterey Car Week, Schiebe definitively denied the rumors and stated that the decision to downsize and electrify the engines was the right move. He mentioned that other competitors are also introducing sporty hybrid models with smaller engines, making this a strategic decision for AMG.
AJP has unveiled its off-road bike for 2024 and has a new importer for the U.S. AJP motorcycles are manufactured in Portugal and source parts from various locations worldwide. The smaller motors are produced in Asia, while the larger ones originate from Italy. For more information, visit AJP-usa.com.
The AJP PR7 Rally bike will sell for $11,299. The AJP SPR510R will sell for $8799 The AJP SPR310R will sell for $8399. The AJP SPR250 will sell for $7199. There will be two versions of the air-cooled 240. The standard model will sell for $5999 and the upgraded 240X will be $6499. The AJP SPR125 will sell for $4999.
According to a report from Car and Driver, future models of the Mercedes-AMG C63 and E63 are slated to reintroduce V8 engines. The information comes from two independent sources who claim that these vehicles will adopt a modified version of the M177 twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine by 2026.
Senior engineers working on the project have revealed that the C-Class and E-Class will undergo minor modifications to accommodate the V8 engine. This particular version of the engine is expected to meet EU7 emissions regulations and may also feature hybrid assistance, as suggested by the sources. When Motor1.com approached Mercedes for comment, the automaker declined to provide any confirmation or additional information regarding future products.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
