Tag: General Motors

  • Canada Stops EV Incentives as Funding Runs Out

    Canada Stops EV Incentives as Funding Runs Out

    Automobile buyers and sellers in Canada are feeling the impact of the unexpected termination of the federal EV rebate program. As reported by Transport Canada, the Incentives for Zero Emissions Vehicles (iZEV) initiative is closing down because it has run out of allocated funds.

    Details of the iZEV Program

    The iZEV program provided EV purchasers with a $5,000 rebate when they bought or leased eligible vehicles. This program was distinct from provincial incentives and supported 546,000 vehicles throughout its duration.

    Initially, Canada’s EV incentive plan was scheduled to continue until March 31, 2025. However, Transport Canada has indicated that the allocated funds were exhausted more quickly than anticipated, largely due to a rapid increase in EV adoption. As of now, there is no word on whether the program might be reinstated in the future.

    Help from Automakers

    In response to this surprising news, several EV manufacturers are stepping in to assist buyers. Companies like Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, and Nissan are providing a $5,000 discount, though this offer is only temporary.

    Canada has set a goal that 20 percent of new passenger vehicle sales must be ZEVs by 2030, increasing to a full 100 percent by 2035. For perspective, approximately 1.86 million new cars were sold in the country in 2024.

    Source:
    Link

  • $9.63 Billion Loan to Enhance US Battery Production

    $9.63 Billion Loan to Enhance US Battery Production

    The loan discussed by Notebookcheck in the middle of 2023 is finally starting to take form. This comes as part of a wider effort by the Biden administration to encourage electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in light of the upcoming presidential change.

    Importance of Domestic Production

    Jigar Shah, who leads the DOE Loan Programs office, pointed out how crucial this initiative is. He mentioned the competitive threats from China in the global manufacturing scene, stressing the need to boost production capabilities within the U.S.:

    “This program is vital for making people prefer the United States of America.”

    BlueOval SK’s Ambitious Plans

    The BlueOval SK partnership has set ambitious targets, which include constructing three massive plants in the continental U.S., each covering an area of 4 million square feet.

    Additional Funding for EV Growth

    In a similar move to enhance EV manufacturing, the DOE plans to offer up to $7.54 billion in affordable financing to Stellantis and Samsung SDI. This funding will support the establishment of two lithium-ion battery factories in Indiana. This new effort adds to previous financial arrangements, including a $2.5 billion loan provided to General Motors and LG Energy Solution for battery production across various states.

    Source: Link

  • DOE Invests $670M in EV Battery Safety; Aspen Aerogels Expands

    DOE Invests $670M in EV Battery Safety; Aspen Aerogels Expands

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing a significant loan of $670.6 million to Aspen Aerogels, a firm recognized for its fire-resistant materials designed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This considerable funding is aimed at finalizing Aspen’s new manufacturing plant in Georgia, where they create insulating materials specifically for EV batteries.

    Tackling Battery Fires

    Aspen Aerogels is addressing one of the more complicated challenges in the EV sector: the risk of battery fires. Though fires are less common compared to traditional gasoline cars, they present unique difficulties in electric vehicles because they can reignite even after being extinguished. The company’s heat-resistant materials, when integrated into battery packs, can help to slow or halt the spread of heat and flames, potentially averting catastrophic incidents.

    Focusing on Safety

    Jigar Shah, the leader of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, emphasized the need to achieve the industry’s "critical battery safety goals." This funding initiative aligns with a broader effort to enhance the safety of EVs as more drivers choose these vehicles.

    The primary objective of Aspen’s aerogel technology is to prevent thermal runaway, a dangerous cycle where heat and chemical reactions perpetuate one another, resulting in fires or explosions. By incorporating these thermal barriers between battery cells, automakers may contain issues to smaller sections of the battery, thereby diminishing the likelihood of a full vehicle fire.

    Growing Demand

    Major automotive brands like General Motors, Toyota, and Audi have already adopted Aspen’s materials in their electric vehicles. Aspen’s revenue in this sector has soared, increasing from $7 million in 2021 to an impressive $110 million by 2023, with projections indicating it could double once again in 2024.

    The DOE loan will also facilitate the establishment of Aspen’s Georgia facility, with production slated to commence in early 2027. Once fully operational, the plant has the potential to supply materials for over two million EVs annually, significantly boosting the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

    While these materials enhance safety, there is a slight drawback as they may reduce the energy density of batteries. However, due to the lightweight nature of aerogels, this downsides is less impactful compared to alternative solutions. Depending on how they are implemented, adding these thermal barriers could range in cost from $300 to $1,000 per vehicle.

  • iOS 17.1 Update Causes Wireless Charging Issues for GM Vehicle iPhone Users

    iOS 17.1 Update Causes Wireless Charging Issues for GM Vehicle iPhone Users

    iOS 17.1 Update Causes Charging Issues for iPhone Users in GM Vehicles

    Apple has recently released the iOS 17.1 update for eligible iPhones, which aims to address existing issues rather than introducing new features. However, it seems that this update has caused a problem specifically for iPhone users in General Motors (GM) vehicles, resulting in charging issues.

    Charging Problem and Troubleshooting

    After updating to iOS 17.1, iPhone users have reported that their phones stop charging and freeze after a few seconds when using wireless charging in GM vehicles. Despite attempting various troubleshooting methods, such as restarting their phones, the issue persists.

    Difference between BMW and GM Models

    While a similar issue was previously encountered by BMW users, there is a slight difference. In BMW models, the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature is also disrupted along with the charging problem. However, in GM vehicles, the NFC technology remains unaffected. Users who have experienced this issue have expressed frustration, stating that they have tried everything to resolve it to no avail.

    User Complaints and Apple's Response

    Users have taken to online forums to share their experiences, with one user mentioning that their iPhone 12 Pro Max worked perfectly in their '23 Chevy Traverse before updating to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have since encountered the charging issue described by other users. Some users have even taken their GM vehicles to service centers, suspecting a problem with their cars, but no issues were found. Complaints have also been submitted to Apple, although the company has not yet made any official statements regarding the matter.

    Expectation for iOS 17.2 Update

    Despite the current lack of official response from Apple, it is anticipated that the charging issue will be resolved with the upcoming iOS 17.2 update. Users are hopeful that this update will provide a solution to the problem they are facing when wirelessly charging their iPhones in GM vehicles.