Weekly 5: Lamborghini, Peugeot, Volvo Trucks, Porsche, Archer and more

In 2023, Germany ranked as the second-largest producer of electric passenger cars, trailing only behind China and ahead of the USA. According to statistics from the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) which have been released during the annual press conference this week, Germany produced 1.2 million electric cars in the last year. Electric vehicles accounted for 29.6% of the 4.1 million cars, produced in Germany. VDA expects a further 19% increase in domestic production of electric cars in 2024. However, domestic sales of electric cars are expected to decrease by 9% altogether. While sales of plug-in hybrids are anticipated to rise by 5%, sales of battery-electric vehicles are expected to drop by 14%. 

The German automotive industry remains committed to vigorously pursuing the path to carbon neutrality, as stated by the VDA during the press conference. Manufacturers and suppliers of the German automotive industry are planning to invest approximately 280 billion Euros in global research and development from 2024 to 2028. This investment focuses on transformation, particularly in electric mobility including battery technology, autonomous driving, and digitalization, with an annual investment of 56 billion Euros worldwide in research and development within this period. 

The EU has approved a planned joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and BMW to establish a fast-charging network in China. The joint venture, equally owned by Mercedes-Benz Group China and BMW Brilliance Automotive, endeavors to set up a charging network with at least 1,000 locations and around 7,000 fast-charging points by the end of 2026. The first locations of the network are anticipated to be operational within this year. Designed to be accessible to all vehicle brands, the network will offer exclusive features specifically for Mercedes-Benz and BMW customers. 

Under the "Direzione Cor Tauri" agenda, Lamborghini has announced plans for an electric future and to extend its decarbonization program across the entire value chain, aiming to reduce the company's total emissions per car across the value chain by 40% in 2030 (compared to 2021). The strategy will encompass the entire company, from production to supply chain, logistics, and product use phase, covering the entire product lifecycle. 

The "Direzione Cor Tauri" program, first announced in 2021, aims facilitating comprehensive and ongoing research into the opportunities and challenges of electrification. The hybridization phase began in 2023 with the introduction of the Revuelto, the first HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle) hybrid super sports car. In 2024, the electrification process will expand to include the first hybrid version of the Urus Super SUV and the second HPEV in the lineup, replacing the Huracán. The launch of the first fully electric model, introduced by the concept car ‘Lanzador’ last year at Monterey Car Week, is planned for 2028, followed by Lamborghini's first fully electric Super SUV in 2029. This strategy aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions for the fleet on the road compared to 2021, with a goal of a 50% reduction by 2025 and 80% by 2030. Lamborghini aims to be completely climate-neutral by 2050. 

On E-Lion Day, Peugeot unveiled its ambitious plans for a more sustainable future. The range of 100% electric Peugeot vehicles will be expanded with two new models: the Peugeot E-408 and the Peugeot E-5008, increasing the lineup to a total of 9 passenger cars and 3 light commercial vehicles. The goal is to reach complete CO2-neutrality by the end of 2024Peugeot plans to expand its eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, which previously covered only the battery, to include the entire powertrain. This includes the motors, charger, and main electrical and mechanical components, contingent upon regular vehicle inspections at a Peugeot workshop. Peugeot also announced the integration of ChatGPT technology into the i-Cockpit of all passenger and light commercial vehicles, starting in the second half of 2024. Furthermore, Peugeot is committing to a circular economy, pledging to use fewer and more sustainable materials, increase their durability, and ensure their recyclability at the end of their life cycle. For example, the new Peugeot E-3008 is already made of 23% recycled materials, including steel and polymers. 

In the USA, an alliance named Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT) has formed, with founding members including Daimler Truck North America, Volvo Group North America, and Navistar. The goal of the alliance is to improve national climate policy and address the infrastructure needs for medium and heavy electric commercial vehicles. PACT emphasizes the need to expand the charging infrastructure to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Nearly 700,000 charging stations will be required by 2030 to serve one million electric vehicles in US classes 4 – 8. 

Daimler Truck has signed a memorandum of understanding with Masdar, a clean energy company from Abu Dhabi, to assess the possibilities of supplying green liquid hydrogen to Europe. The initiative aims to enable the supply of green liquid hydrogen in Europe and reduce CO2 emissions in road freight transport. Masdar has set a goal to become one of the leading players in the development of green hydrogen worldwide and plans to reach a total capacity of 100 gigawatts by 2030. 

Hyundai Motor Company and Iveco Group have signed an agreement for the supply of a fully electric light commercial vehicle for Europe, based on Hyundai's Global-eLCV platformThe new light commercial vehicle, featuring a chassis and a permissible total weight ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 tons, is set to be unveiled at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. This event will take place from September 16 to 22, 2024, in Hanover. The vehicle is designed to compete in the same class as Iveco Group's Daily. 

Volvo Trucks introduced the FM Low-Entry, its first truck model available exclusively with a battery-electric powertrain. Designed for urban traffic, the truck offers excellent all-around visibility and safety thanks to its low-entry cab. With a range of up to 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles) and a charging capacity of 360 kWh, the electric powertrain delivers 330 kW / 449 HP. Sales are set to begin in the first quarter of 2024. Production process will commence in the second quarter. 

Volvo also unveiled the new FH Aero series, which is distinguished by its aerodynamics. The electric version is expected to benefit from improved aerodynamics through lower electricity consumption and increased energy regeneration during braking and downhill driving. 

The California-based eVTOL startup Archer is working with NASA to test the battery cell and battery system design of its all-electric air taxi, Midnight. The air taxi has a range of up to 32 kilometers (19.8 miles) and a payload of more than 400 kilograms (882 pounds). Archer has received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA and plans full certification for commercial flight operations by 2025. The collaboration with NASA aims to advance the entire Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry. 

Porsche is expanding its portfolio by entering the electric boat market. In collaboration with the Austrian boatyard Frauscher, Porsche has developed an electric sports boat. This move marks a significant expansion of the sports car manufacturer's business field and reflects the growing interest in electric mobility across diverse sectors of transportation. However, details on the technical specifications, performance, and design of the electric boat are not disclosed yet. 

Alfa Romeo aims to become an all-electric brand by 2027 and will celebrate the world premiere of the Milano in Milan on April 10. The first images have shortly been released. 

Maserati has provided an official update on its electric car plans, announcing that the BEV models GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgor are now available in several EU countries. This year, the GranCabrio Folgore is also expected to be launched, with the Italian manufacturer planning the MC20 Folgore for 2025. A new electric SUV is set to follow in 2027, and the Quattroporte Folgore in 2028. 

Jeep has given a preview of its new electric flagship, the Wagoneer S, set to hit the market this fall. The brand's first fully electric SUV offers 600 HP and rapid acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3.5 seconds, with a focus on luxury and high-quality materials in the interior. 

Stellantis has started serial production of medium and large vans driven by hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cell versions are expected to offer ranges of up to 400 kilometers (approximately 248.55 miles) for medium sized vans and up to 500 kilometers (approximately 310.69 miles) for large vans. Stellantis plans to produce eight hydrogen fuel cell versions of vans, including models from Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel/Vauxhall, and Peugeot.