CleanMPG

An additional 650 MWs of Solar will be added to supply Ford with renewable production capability.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 10, 2022


Through a new clean energy agreement with DTE Energy, Ford will soon be able to attribute ALL OF ITS ELECTRICITY SUPPLY in Michigan to clean energy, a major step toward Ford’s goal to reach carbon neutrality. As part of the new agreement announced today, DTE will add 650 MWs of new solar energy capacity in Michigan for Ford by 2025. The purchase is a strategic investment in Michigan through DTE’s MIGreenPower program and is the largest renewable energy purchase ever made in the U.S. from a utility. According to data collected by the Solar Energy...

IKEA will quadruple the number of DCFCers, a big step toward the IKEA global circular and climate positive goals.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 11, 2022


For IKEA to be a climate positive business by 2030, it needs to move beyond the stores, the inventory, and logistics chain to supply its stored worldwide. In that light, the company has begun to implement DCFCing to reduce its customers carbon footprint. How cool is that!

This morning, IKEA U.S. announced a collaboration with Electrify America and Electrify Commercial to bring ultra-fast DCFC stations and delivery fleet electric vehicle (EV) charging to over 25 IKEA retail locations throughout the...

A great idea for hit Reality TV shows transfers to your garage and the EV within.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 10, 2022


What a fantastic idea!

Garage makeover showcases how EV drivers can still enjoy chips, footlongs and pizza while their vehicle sits silently absorbing its next drives energy.

Chevrolet unveiled a complete garage makeover inspired by a Bolt EV owner who realized she was missing out on her favorite gas station impulse buys since she charges her car at home and skips the gas station altogether.

After years of hearing stories from Bolt EV owners who love living the EV lifestyle — especially the perk of not having to buy or pump gas thanks to charging at home — there were a few things many EV drivers said they missed. Namely, they miss the guilty pleasure snacks found at the gas station mini mart. Not...

Lightning reservations have reopened with higher prices.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 9, 2022


This coming Thursday, Ford will be reopening its reservation list for the next wave of Lightning purchasers.

Starting in the fall, vehicles built with the standard range battery, available on Pro, XLT and Lariat trims, will have a targeted EPA-estimated range of 240 miles – up from 230 miles.

F-150 Lightning customers can choose two new colors among the 10 available options – Avalanche Gray and Azure Gray metallic tri-coat. Those colors replace Atlas Blue, Ice Blue Silver and Smoked Quartz Metallic, which are not available on models built starting this fall.

The new...

LG Chem’s Cathode Active Material and Livent’s battery-grade lithium hydroxide can support production of 5 million EVs over the next 5 to 8 years.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 6, 2022


GM and LG Chem

LG Chem and GM announced a binding agreement for the supply of Cathode Active Material (CAM) from LG Chem to GM. The supply agreement will help GM meet its fast-growing EV production needs. CAM is a key battery material consisting of components like processed nickel, lithium and other materials representing about 40% of the cost of a battery cell.

Through the long-term supply arrangement, LG Chem plans to supply more than 950,000 tons of CAM to GM beginning the second half of 2022 through 2030, enough for approximately 5 million units of EV production. The CAM secured by GM will...

Seven German companies are placing 27 XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks into fleet service with government-backed funding.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 5, 2022


Hyundai announced that it is exporting its XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks to Germany, the biggest commercial vehicle market in Europe.

Seven German companies in logistics, manufacturing and retail will put 27 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks into fleet service with funding for eco-friendly commercial vehicles from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).

In August 2021, BMDV rolled out its funding guidelines for commercial vehicles with alternative drive systems upon approval by the European Commission. The funding is available for battery, fuel cell and (overhead...

The latest Nissan sustainability report details its actions toward goals.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 1, 2022


But first, the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya, Nissan's first all-electric crossover SUV, offers up to 304 miles for the Venture+ trim and is the brands centerpiece for their near future sustainability goals.

There are numerous highlights including its flat, open floor and one of the best “Zero Gravity” shaped seats in the industry. The EV drivetrain and generous use of sound-absorbing materials result in a quiet cabin.

Built on an all-new Alliance-developed EV platform, Ariya is the beginning of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility with both FWD and AWD models and a...

For 2023, the ID.4 receives an updated exterior and interior with all new colors and trim, new wheels on all trims, and added comfort with a new center console.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Aug. 3, 2022


IMHO, the fact the ID.4 is now assembled in the U.S. at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga factory is the biggest news of all. The 2023 VW ID.4 joins the Tesla Model 3, S, and X in Fremont, CA, the Model Y in Austin TX, the Ford F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Bolt in Lake Orion, Michigan, Rivian in Normal, Illinois, and Lucid in Tucson, Arizona in being built in the US. This is now the eighth full EV manufactured in the U.S. thanks to VWs additional $800 million investment at its manufacturing center in Chattanooga, TN.

Earlier today,...

A minivan that can replace just about anything.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – August 1, 2022


The Sienna carry’s on as one of my favorite Toyota’s after it received the excellent Camry Hybrid 2.5L I4 Drivetrain in 2021. That means it provides owners with an unbelievable 36/36/36 mpgUS (city/highway/combined) EPA rating which is incredible for a 7/8 passenger minivan that tips the scales at over 4,600 lbs. and can tow up to 3,500 lbs! The AWD variants provide a 35/35/36 mpgUS (city/highway/combined) EPA rating.

While I have only driven the 4th gen Sienna for short distances at a multitude of Toyota events in California and Texas, the efficiency, comfort, and interior volume are the real deal while not feeling like you are driving a...

Subaru's first full electric is certainly capable but includes a few standard first misses.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 26, 2022


Subaru’s first all-electric SUV is called “Solterra”.

Solterra Design

Solterra uses Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille outline but without an opening through to the lower front fascia. Thin and wide LED headlights complement this design while a low hood line also contributes to the SUV’s aerodynamic performance and excellent forward visibility. Missing is a “Frunk” to carry cargo as seen in small form factors in the Ioniq 5 and EV6 and larger cargo capacity within the Mach-E and Model Y....

The AWD brands Solterra BEV is just weeks away from reaching showrooms and should help backstop the AWD OEMs sliding sales results in these tough economic times.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 1, 2022


Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 263,795, a 17.9 percent decrease compared with the 321,250 sold through the same period in 2021. Subaru, like the rest of the industry, continues to face inventory challenges as the result of microchip and supply chain issues.

In June, Ascent was the only positive with YTD sales of 30,931, up 9.0% over the 28,373 sold through the same period of 2021.

The Solterra release is imminent but with the bZ4X stop driving recall still in force, it could be a...

EV6 and Sportage were the July 2022 sales standouts.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 1, 2022


For the first half of 2022, Kia sold 333,340 vehicles, down 11.9% below the 378,511 sold through the first half of 2021. Like Hyundai, Kia’s June results easily beat the industry’s negative double-digit results as sales were down just 4.5% at the hard charging Korean OEM.

The all-new Sportage SUV posted record monthly sales of 14,153 units. June also marked the third consecutive month that sales of the Sportage SUV exceeded 10,000 units. In addition, Kia captured its largest share of market ever beating the previous high achieved in July 2021.

Adding to the accolade list for the sharp looking and extremely efficient...

Ioniq 5 is a highlight while its namesake throws snake eyes.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 1, 2022


Hyundai sold 343,867 vehicles in the first half of 2022, down 15.6% below the 407,135 sold through the same period of 2021.

Adding, Hyundai’s June monthly sales results were down just 13% which was slightly better than the industry's 15.8% forecasted decline.

Hyundai established a new retail sales record in June for Santa Fe and set new total sales records for Tucson HEV.

Hyundai Model Q2 Highlights

New all-time best Q2 records were set for Tucson HEV, Veloster N, and Palisade with SUVs representing 76% of the total retail mix. Hyundai Green sales of 7,886 represented 12.5% of retail, up 6%. Hyundai had no fleet sales in...

The Altima shows surprising strength in a market that is anything but robust.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 1, 2022


The Altima receives a comprehensive refresh for the 2023 MY with new front end styling, new wheel designs, more standard safety features, and two new exterior colors.

The Altima can be equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, ProPILOT Assist plus Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard.

Altima offers two engines, FWD or AWD, and four trims including S, S, SV, SR, and SL.

The 2023 Altima interior includes revised instrument panel finishing's and a new dual-stitch interior fabric design for SR models.

Altima Tech Upgrades

The 2023 adds a new 12.3” HD color display, Navigation, Android Auto, wireless Apple...

The new CR-V Hybrid should help turn this sales slide around in the future.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 1, 2022


The CR-V hybrid is positioned at the top of the CR-V lineup and should represent approximately 50 percent of sales for this 6th generation. The 2023 CR-V is launching this summer with the Hybrid model launching later this year.

For 2023, the CR-V is more spacious than ever with a notably larger front-to-rear-seat couple distance and more rear seat legroom (+0.6 inches). The rear seats now feature eight angles of recline for increased comfort.

The top of the instrument panel has been designed to reduce windshield reflections and other potential visual distractions. A metal honeycomb mesh spanning the dash serves both form and function, concealing the air vents that would otherwise mar the uncluttered and...