For years, we have been witnessing the rise of the Plugin Vehicle around the world. Perhaps most of us have even heard the name Tesla that has been the catalyst of sorts for this PEV’s. In this blog, I will cover some great news about the EV infrastructure, EV Batteries and 7 best EV models.
Tesla now has 4,000 EV Supercharging Stations
Good News for Tesla owners! Tesla is rapidly expanding its infrastructure and is about to add 250 new EV Supercharging stations to its Supercharging network, bringing the total to 4000.
About Tesla Supercharger versions
The latest in the Tesla’s Supercharging network is the V4 Tesla Supercharging Station, anticipated to be released late this year or early 2023.
John Harris released drawings of the V4 Supercharging station on twitter.
The V4 Supercharger may slightly narrower than the V3 Supercharger and very similar to the Megachargers.
Tesla want in on the US funding to open up its Supercharging Stations to other EV’s
Tesla is all set to open up its US Supercharger EV network to other Electric Vehicles and is making efforts to grab some funding off the billion dollars that is up from grab by the Biden administration. Currently in the USA, non-Tesla owners can use Tesla’s Supercharger through a CHAdeMO or CCS adapter.
Recently in the UK, non-Tesla owners can pay about $13 per month to get access to lower kWh pricing at Tesla Superchargers. Its planning to open up in Europe as well mainly because all its Superchargers already have the CCS connectors.
EV infrastructure – Is there any traction on EV battery front?
Let’s talk EV batteries for a second. It’s great to know that there is a mass momentum by EV makers to ramp up its infrastructure. But there is the other half of the charging equation, i.e. EV Batteries. Fortunately, there has definitely been some development in this area as well. EV companies have been investing heavily on two main areas. How can they provide faster EV chargers and how can they recycle them?
For example, recently Volkswagen successfully tested a pilot battery energy storage unit with reused modules known as the power storage container (PSC) has been installed in Germany. The PSC has a capacity of 570 kWh backed up by 96 reused MEB cell.
Why are they doing this?
The core idea behind this research and pilot is to evaluate and see if used batteries can be given a second life before it goes into recycling. It’s their way of taking a stab into providing sustainable solutions for used batteries. I mean if there are ways to extend the battery before they pull the plug, why not right?
Volkswagen believes that if the pilot becomes successful, the PSC can be used in residential areas or public areas as part of the larger fast charging infrastructure, not to mention that it would also be cost effective.
According to Volkswagen
“As a large battery storage unit, the PSC offers a cost-effective alternative to a transformer station. It enables large quantities of energy to be provided in a short time without overburdening the electricity grid…”
This could be great news as this is a big step in ensuring that the EV infrastructure is more robust.
Carbon neutral EV Formula race?
For all formula one race fanatics, there might be some great news. For decades, racing cars have been a big contributor towards the carbon emissions and off late, it organizers have been getting some steam as well.
Come 2023, the EV Formula race could be getting a new home in St Petersburg, Florida. According to The Race, Formula E has had discussions with the organizers of the St Pete Grand Prix, an IndyCar race.
St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful and scenic sights including a wonderful waterfront location. Not to mention they have a long history of racing as well.
Although personally I think the location is too hot and they might face some serious challenges on the battery efficiency aspect.
Round up of 7 best EV models around the world this year so far (2022)
So far the Tesla Model Y is leading the EV race with an all-time record with 98,000 deliveries this year. In second place, we have the Tesla Model 3, with over 53,000 registrations.
We have a new kid on the block, the BYD Armada, from the Shenzhen automaker with their four models sweeping positions from 4th place to the 7th place straight. At No.4, there is the Song Plus (30K) followed by ‘Han’ (25K), then the Yuan Plus (17K)