HONDA EV, CATAMARAN & A-HA | FULLY CHARGED NEWS

EV Channels Review

This 'Fully Charged News' episode covers several key developments in the EV space. The hosts express significant excitement for the upcoming Honda Urban EV, praising its design and the company's return to full electric vehicles after a period of quiet. They note the anticipated early 2019 release in Europe, though details on range, battery size, and price remain unknown, with a current estimated range of 101 miles for a previous concept. The discussion then shifts to the critical issue of cobalt in batteries, highlighting concerns about mining in the DRC and Elon Musk's stated intention to reduce cobalt usage. The Faraday Fund's £250 million investment in battery research is also mentioned, focusing on cost and material availability. The segment on electric RVs, specifically Winnebago's partnership with Motive Power Systems, suggests a new market for electric conversions. Volkswagen's substantial investment of $48 billion in battery production and its 'roadmap E' plan to produce 3 million EVs annually by 2025 is presented as significant news, alongside similar large investments from Mercedes-Benz. The innovative electric catamaran ferry, 'The Future of the Fjords,' is showcased as an example of electrification in larger transport, with impressive charging capabilities. Finally, the hosts touch upon the shortage of batteries impacting Hyundai's IONIQ and the long waiting lists for popular EVs, attributing it to a victim of success. Audi's ambitious goal of selling 800,000 EVs and plug-ins by 2025 is also highlighted.