Ricky Brabec has received the 2024 Dakar Rally. He ran a strategically flawless race all through the 14 days and 12 phases to protect an 11-minute lead over Ross Branch. His solely stage win got here two days in the past, and that was adopted by a superb stage 11, the place he began in entrance and completed in entrance. On that stage, Ross Branch had the perfect adjusted time, which meant that Ricky solely needed to comply with Ross right this moment. Kevin Benavides had the quickest time on the ultimate day for his third stage win this yr. In the top, the rostrum was Brabec, Branch, Adrien Van Beveren and Benavides.

Ricky Brabec and the Monster Energy Honda Team through the Final Podium of the Dakar 2024 on January 19, 2024 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. ASO F. Gooden DPPI

Ricky Brabec: “This time was a little bit different. I feel like this one was more earned. This time was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. It’s been tight. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard for me, but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.”

Ross Branch: “Finally finished the Dakar!! It was a really tough Dakar 2024, and I’m so thrilled to be here! Finishing on the podium was always the goal, and today it’s a dream come true. I’m really over the moon to achieve this goal for Hero. And a big thank you to the team for developing a highly competitive machine, for the sleepless 3 weeks here, and for everything they’ve sacrificed to reach to this point. I’m really proud of my team. We’ve got some more work to do to be on the next step, so we’ll look forward to that in the next year. A big thank you to everyone for your continued support from all around the world!”

Kyle McCoy: “That feeling!!! Finished the final stage today (which even then they didn’t let up on difficulty). I had an amazing journey and proud to be the 3rd American to finish Malle moto class for the Dakar Rally in the 44 year history. We started with 30 in our class of “Original by Motul” (Ironman), 20 completed and I got here in tenth (proper the place I belong mid-pack). But for me it was principally about getting down to end what I began final yr. This race is extremely tough, and the fellas on this group of 30 are extremely powerful and are available from all corners of the globe. They all have my utmost respect. I had some excessive highs and lows. Day 7 within the dunes when my mechanical concern practically introduced me to an finish was 30 min of my life I’ll always remember. I’m not naturally something approaching a mechanic however I’ve gained confidence in my talents all through the race. I lined virtually 5,000 miles and spent 18 days sleeping in a tent within the desert. There are a lifetime value of recollections on every particular person day. It’s tough to course of. This race requires excessive focus. It’s my type of meditation. I like the way it brings the world collectively. I spent probably the most time with my good buddy @dakar_stu and his band of South Africans welcomed me every single day. The machine I rode (KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica) is among the many most superb creations on planet earth I’m satisfied. There are 85 goal constructed for this occasion annually. If I had one car to decide on for the world’s most excessive terrain this is able to be it. I do know it inside out now. And she took nice care of me. Most vital of all I’m grateful @mccoy.kc places up with all my nonsense and understands me greater than anybody else. I feel I’ll go dwelling now and return to my desk jockey life. Thanks to everybody for the superb assist and messages.”

Jacob Argubright: “A tough final stage of the 2024 Dakar for me. Busted the front fuel pump connector, leaked out all my gas from my front tanks then ran out using only my rear tank. I found some gas but I killed my trying to get it going so took a bit to get it bump started. I did finish the stage thoough, so that’s a plus. Definitely not how I wanted my second Dakar to go but that’s how it goes sometimes just need to learn from it on move forward. Regardless of how things went I still cherish the experience and am grateful for everyone’s help to get me here and love the sport of rally.”

STAGE 12
1. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 01′ 00”
3. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 01′ 14” 00H 01′ 00”
4. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 01′ 25”
5. DIEGO GAMALIEL LLANOS, XRAIDS EXPERIENCE + 00H 03′ 14”
6. ROMAIN DUMONTIER, TEAM DUMONTIER RACING + 00H 03′ 23”
7. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 03′ 31”
8. MATHIEU DOVEZE, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM+ 00H 03′ 36”
9. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 04′ 02”
10. BRADLEY COX, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM + 00H 04′ 19”
72. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 00H 50′ 03”
87. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 01H 01′ 16”
96. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 01H 10′ 19”

PROVISIONAL STANDINGS, 2024 DAKAR RALLY
1. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 00H 01′ 00”
2. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 10′ 53” 00H 01′ 00”
3. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 12′ 25”
4. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 38′ 48”
5. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 45′ 28”
6. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 46′ 38”
7. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 53′ 31”
8. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING + 01H 14′ 32”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 01H 56′ 28”
10. MARTIN MICHEK, ORION – MOTO RACING GROUP + 02H 48′ 49”
63. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 26H 39′ 26”
76. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 30H 32′ 38”
90. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 55H 25′ 10”

In 2016, Toyota strategically positioned the Prius Prime as a solution to fill the gap between traditional hybrid and fully battery-electric vehicles, providing consumers with a flexible and eco-friendly choice. The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime starts at $32,675 for the SE trim, $35,925 for the XSE trim, and $39,370 for the XSE Premium trim.

The Prius Prime is known and proven to be a one-of-a-kind vehicle that is a harmonious blend of power, safety, sustainability, and unmatched fuel efficiency as a plug-in hybrid hatchback vehicle. But with the rise of the culture of electric vehicles, a lot of automakers are pumping out reliable and efficient vehicles like hotcakes. Some of these vehicles may or may not prove to be a compelling choice, depending on your choice, taste, and preference.

This list presents 10 all-electric alternatives for the Prius Prime, if you’re wondering you’d rather skip hybrids and take the plunge with EVs in an increasingly all-electric world.

All the information regarding performance, fuel economy, and dimensions of all cars have been taken from the automakers’ sites, EPA, Edmunds, and other reputable sources.

1 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Price Range: $33,550-$41,500

The 2023 Kona EV sets the standard for sleek, contemporary design and cutting-edge technology that puts it in the crosshairs of discerning drivers. With its standard Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor that powers the front wheels, the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric produces a power output of 201 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque.

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Specs And Performance

Battery	64 kWh Lithium-ion
Horsepower	201 horsepower
Torque	291 pound-feet
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Transmission	Single-speed reduction gear
Fuel Economy – City	134 MPGe
Fuel Economy – Highway	106 MPGe
Fuel Economy – Combined	120 MPGe
All-Electric Range	258 miles

(Specs and figures sourced from Hyundai and EPA)

Starting at an affordable $33,550, the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV is offered in three trims: the SE which starts at $33,550, the SEL which starts at $37,300, and the Limited which starts at $41,550. The interior has a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with 45.8 cubic-feet of total cargo volume, and a conventional sunroof which comes standard with the SEL and Limited trims.

Eliminating your need to stop at the gas station, the 2023 Kona Electric utilizes 100 kW charging, jumping from 10-percent to 80-percent in as little as 47 minutes.

2 Volvo EX30 EV

Starts At $34,950

The Volvo EX30 stands proud as Volvo’s smallest SUV, but don’t be fooled by its small stature, because it packs a punch. The Volvo EX30 is released in single (RWD) and dual motor (AWD) drivetrains. With the power being distributed across the wheels with Direct Drive Automatic Transmission, the Volvo EX30 is as quick as 3.4 seconds to make the 0-60 miles-per-hour dash.

Volvo EX30 Specs And Performance

	Single Motor (RWD)	Twin Motor (AWD)
Battery	69 kWh Lithium-Ion	69 kWh Lithium-Ion
Horsepower	268 horsepower	422 horsepower
Torque	253 pound-feet	400 pound-feet
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Direct Drive Automatic	Direct Drive Automatic
0-60 Miles-Per-Hour	TBA	3.4 seconds
Fuel Economy – City/Highway/Combined	TBA	TBA
All-Electric Range	Up to 275 miles	Up to 265 miles

(Specs sourced from Volvo And Car and Driver)

With up to 31.9 cubic-feet of cargo capacity, the 2025 Volvo EX30 will utilize DC fast charging time to reach 80-percent charge in as little as 27 minutes. Both the RWD and AWD drivetrain options assure ample range on a single charge, with the Rear-Wheel Drivetrain offering up to 275 miles and the All-Wheel Drivetrain offering up to 265 miles.

10 Electric Trucks With The Best Range

3 Tesla Model 3

Price Range: $38,990-$45,990

The Tesla Model 3 is currently the cheapest Tesla available, with a starting price of $38,990, for the base model with Rear-Wheel Drive configuration. With its automatic transmission, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is as quick as 3.1 seconds to cross the 0-60 miles-per-hour mark, while the Tesla Model 3 RWD and Long Range take 5.8 and 4.2 seconds respectively. It can make up to 455 horsepower with 487 pound-feet of torque.

Tesla Model 3 Specs And Performance

Tesla Model 3 RWD

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Reports Strong H1 Results and Expands Presence in China

July 28, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Volkswagen Group has announced solid results for the first half of the year, demonstrating its strategic realignment and restructuring efforts. With a focus on long-term, sustainable growth, the Group delivered reliable performance and strong financial results. Sales in North America are showing improvement, while the Group is also strengthening its position in China through technological partnerships and capitalizing on the growing trend of fully electric vehicles.

Financial Performance

In H1 2023, the Volkswagen Group achieved an operating profit of EUR 13.9 billion, an increase of around 13 percent compared to the previous year. The corresponding margin was 8.9 percent, surpassing the guidance range of 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. Operating profit stood at EUR 11.3 billion, primarily due to non-cash hedging effects mainly from commodity hedging.

In terms of revenue, the Group experienced an 18 percent growth to EUR 156.3 billion in H1, driven by a recovery in volume, solid mix, and pricing. Although vehicle deliveries in China declined by 1 percent, signs of recovery were observed towards the end of the reporting period.

The Group’s electrification strategy continued to gain momentum, with battery electric vehicles (BEV) representing a 7.4 percent share of total deliveries in H1. The Group also aimed to reach a BEV share of 8-10% of total deliveries in FY 2023. Despite challenges in the market environment, Volkswagen managed to increase its market share in Europe and remains the market leader in the BEV segment.

The Group’s net cash flow in H1 was influenced by logistics chain bottlenecks, resulting in a muted net cash flow of EUR 2.5 billion. However, Volkswagen Group aims to achieve a full-year net cash flow of EUR 6-8 billion, taking measures to ensure the lower end of this range is met.

China Expansion

Volkswagen Group is accelerating its strategic transformation in China, aiming to maintain its position as the most successful international OEM and one of the top 3 players in the market. Despite an initial challenging period in the first two months of the year, the Group’s delivery figures in China showed significant improvement from March to May compared to the previous year. A decline in June was attributed to non-recurring effects. The Group delivered a total of 1,451,900 vehicles in China in H1 2023.

In order to expand its product range and address promising customer and market segments in China, Volkswagen Group has entered into two partnerships in the region: a strategic partnership with Xpeng and an expansion of an existing cooperation between Audi and FAW/SAIC. These collaborations align with the Group’s “in China for China” strategy, allowing it to capitalize on market-defining trends and leverage the growth momentum of the Chinese market.

Brand Performance Programs

Each brand within the Volkswagen Group is launching its own Performance Program to enhance profitability and resilience. These programs set ambitious targets across the brands, focusing on improving margins, product mix, and vehicle equipment. The programs also explore emerging business models, such as mobility solutions, to generate additional profit. The Group aims to achieve efficiency through economies of scale and cost optimization in areas including development, materials, production, distribution, and fixed costs.

Realignment of Platforms

The Group is realigning its technology platforms to drive innovation and achieve economies of scale. Key advancements include the establishment of the group-wide SSP platform by 2024, followed by the introduction of the second-generation MEB+ platform from 2025. The Group’s battery strategy and ramp-up will be supported by the Unified Cell developed by PowerCo. The CARIAD organization is also being realigned to accelerate the execution of the E³ platforms and further develop software-defined vehicles.

Financial Outlook

Volkswagen Group confirms its financial outlook for FY 2023, with a slight adjustment in the delivery forecast to 9 to 9.5 million vehicles. The Group remains on track to achieve its sales revenue target. Supply chain disruptions have been easing, with pressure shifting from semiconductor shortages to transportation and logistics delays. Lower raw material costs and an improving logistics situation in H2 are expected to support the Group’s performance programs and strengthen its competitive position in an increasingly challenging market environment.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Group has delivered solid financial results in H1 2023, driven by its strategic realignment and focus on sustainable growth. By expanding its presence in China, accelerating electrification efforts, and implementing brand performance programs, the Group aims to enhance its competitiveness and strengthen its position in key markets. With a clear plan, measurable milestones, and a commitment to value-driven production, Volkswagen Group is well-positioned for long-term success.

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