Good morning and welcome to our daily digest of automotive news from around the globe, starting with…
StoreDot Announces “4680” Cylindrical Battery Cell That Charges In Just 10 Minutes
In news that could prove hugely significant to electric vehicles, Israel’s StoreDot announced the world’s first 4680 battery that can be fully charged in just 10 minutes. The company, which is already working with automakers such as Daimler and Vinfast, plans to start production in 2024.
2022 Ford Ranger Splash Is A 1990s-Inspired Pick-Me-Up
The Ranger Splash is back, a name that anyone who remembers trucks of the 90s will relate to. While it lacks some of the cooler elements of the original (such as those “Splash” graphics), the new appearance package does a decent job of making this pick-up stand out. Priced at $1495, the regular Splash package includes orange and black body side graphics and special matte black 18-inch, 12-spoke wheels. There’s orange detailing on the exterior and interior, and it can be combined with the FX2 or FX4 packages.
Land Rover Drops New Defender V8 Bond Edition Limited To 300 Units
Although Bond and Aston Martin are probably the go-to pairings, Land Rovers are often featured extensively throughout the films too. To celebrate, the British off-road brand is offering a special edition Defender V8 limited to just 300 examples. The Bond Edition combines the Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers, a “Defender 007” badge, illuminated treadplates, unique 007 puddle lamp graphics, and a specially developed touchscreen startup animation.
Electrify America Announces Single Largest Infrastructure Project In America For Freight Trucks
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the target of Electrify America’s latest project, which promises to be the single largest infrastructure project in America for freight trucks. The project aims to create 34 DC fast chargers to support the development of a 60-strong fleet of electric heavy-duty freight trucks.
Genesis To Become EV-Only Brand From 2025, Carbon Neutral By 2035
Genesis has announced that it will become a 100 percent zero-emissions company by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2035. The transition will start from 2025 and will begin with establishing a range of eight EVs. Genesis is also developing new fuel cell systems with higher power outputs.
No, it’s not the latest playable entry to a Hot Wheels video game. Instead, this concept from Cupra is previewing a new small EV the brand will bring to market in 2025. Cupra says the concept’s unspecified electric powertrain produces a constant 335 hp but has the ability to kick out as much as 429 hp for a limited period of time. That’s enough for a zero to 62mph in 3.2 seconds. Come 2025 though, the production version will make less than half that power, and take more than twice as long to get to 60mph, at least in standard trim.
What Else Is Making The News?
Kimi Räikkönen Retiring From Formula 1 At The End Of The 2021 Season
A stalwart of Formula One, Kimi Räikkönen has announced that he will be leaving the sport at the end of the season. At 41 years of age, Räikkönen, who won the Driver’s Championship in 2007, is the most experienced driver on the grid. His announcement is expected to trigger a series of moves that may see Valtteri Bottas or Mick Schumacker replace him at Alfa Romeo and, in turn, could see a new teammate for defending current World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air To Return
Will Smith has revealed the casting of who will play Will on the upcoming NBC Peacock reboot of “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.” The role will be played by newcomer Jabari Banks. The reboot was inspired by a viral video in 2019 that reimagined the show as a modern-day drama.