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Hyundai CEO touts new EV platform with mention of a pickup

A couple of years ago, one of the prominent concerns about a saturated EV auto-scape was how carmakers would accentuate brand differences among vehicles converging on a frightening sameness. The cars wouldn't make any noise, they would all emphasize aerodynamics, and they would all basically ride on a battery pancake. So far, the fears have been avoided; a Volvo XC40 Recharge won't be confused for a Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, and the Ford won't be confused for a Tesla Model Y. Not only that, but automakers are developing platform strategies that heighten the sameness among vehicle architectures because the architecture is where the expenditure and the profit are greatest. Hyundai's the latest to outline its plans for investors. And part of Hyundai's plan could include adding a full-size electric pickup to the range. The mid- to long-term roadmap is called the Hyundai Motor Way, recently revised with higher targets thanks to the swift uptick in EV sales globally. Business Korea wrote Hyundai Motor Group (HMG includes Kia and Genesis) sold 510,000 battery-electric vehicles in 2022. The conglomerate says it now plans to sell two million EVs annually by 2030, up from a previous estimate of 1.87 million.      The platform that will help make this possible is called eM, an evolution of the current Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) platform under HMG's current EVs. The eM architecture's been rumored to launch under a Kia sedan that might be a spiritual successor to the Stinger. So far, eM is planned for 13 models across the HMG portfolio, using the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) that can plug-and-play with more than 80 common modules serving different vehicle segments and sizes. HMG president and CEO Jaehoon Chang said, "In the second-generation platform, the scope of vehicle development extends beyond the mid-sized SUVs covered by the current E-GMP system. It encompasses nearly all vehicle classes, ranging from small and large SUVs to pickup trucks, along with the flagship models of the Genesis brand." Sure, Chang could have been merely noting the eM's potential use cases when he mentioned "pickup trucks." That's not how observers are reading the line. At Kia's investor day last year, the brand said it planned two electric pickups. There have already been reports that Kia's working on a body-on-frame pickup for the Australian market, perhaps called Tasman, utilizing gas and electric powertrains.

Hyundai Tucson Adventuremobile ready for camping at SEMA

A troop of customized 2016 Hyundai Tucsons will be making their way to the company's SEMA Show display in Las Vegas, NV, this year, and now there'll be one more in attendance, too. Joining hardcore offroad and high-horsepower takes on the crossover is the Adventuremobile from tuner John Pangilinan for those that love the outdoors but still need a vehicle to commute to work during the week. The Adventuremobile has everything for a camping excursion. There's no worry about where to rest in the wilderness thanks to a roof-mounted tent that sleeps two, and solar panels keep electronics topped up. An LED light bar should mean no problems finding the perfect spot, either. Even the cabin is a comfy place for a drive to the campsite with an upgraded stereo and Katzkin leather upholstery. The crossover looks rugged thanks to a coat of army green paint, but this tuned Tucson keeps the rest of the mods fairly realistic for the average adventurer. For a little added ability offroad, there's a 1.5-inch suspension lift and Toyo Open Country A/T II tires on some Rays wheels. The powertrain also gets some small tweaks with some new plumbing by AEM and a Magnaflow exhaust. The whole package seems like a great tool for spending a weekend in the woods. JOHN PANGILINAN CREATES TUCSON ADVENTUREMOBILE FOR SEMA FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 19, 2015 – John Pangilinan, the renowned Southern California tuner known for creating vehicles that blur the lines between lifestyle and automotive, has released details on his 2016 Tucson SEMA build. Dubbed the "Adventuremobile," the vehicle blends Hyundai's new crossover platform with a passion for the great outdoors, perfect for the weekend getaway. The car will be revealed at Hyundai's SEMA press conference on November 3 at 11:30 a.m. PT, in Las Vegas. The "Adventuremobile" is just as home on the daily commute as it is lugging gear up into the mountains for the weekend out of town. Most obvious is the addition of a Treeline Tamarack roof-top tent, with ample room to sleep two campers, and Goal Zero solar panels to power all of their accessories. The exterior has been beefed up with the addition of an Aries bull bar and side steps, Rigid Industries LED lights, and the vehicle has been finished in a BASF army green paint scheme by Strasse Sport. A custom 1.5-in.

Recharge Wrap-up: "E-Mobility Thought to the End" project, Tesla owner tracks stolen car

A Tesla owner helped police track her stolen Model S and catch the thief. Katya Pinkowski of Vancouver, BC found her car missing after a concert, and she was able to track the car's movements with the Tesla app. She relayed the information to the police, who surrounded the car and arrested the driver. "High tech definitely played a helping role," in arresting the suspect, says Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dennis Hwang. In what appears to be the first Tesla theft in Canada, Pinkowski accidentally left an electronic fob in the car, giving the thief easy access. Read more from The Province. Hyundai has delivered a shipment of 50 ix35 (Tucson) Fuel Cells for distribution in Europe. Europe's largest ever shipment of the hydrogen-powered vehicles puts the count at over 250 of the ix35 Fuel Cells shipped to Europe so far. "This latest landmark delivery enhances our leading position in the roll-out of fuel cell vehicles in Europe," says Hyundai Europe COO Thomas Schmid. "With our fuel cell distribution network growing to 13 European countries, we are enhancing our sales and customer service capabilities, making fuel cell electric vehicles more accessible for customers throughout Europe." Read more in the press release from Hyundai. Daimler, The Mobility House, Getec and Remondis are partnering to connect the world's largest second use battery storage unit to the grid. As part of their "E-Mobility Thought To The End" project, retired EV batteries are being used in the 13-MWh storage unit to help stabilize the grid and help manage energy fluctuations from renewable sources. It serves as another step in the life of the battery before recycling, where the materials from the lithium-ion batteries re-enter the production process. This helps reduce the environmental impact and the costs of electromobility. Read more in the press release below. E-mobility thought to the end: World's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit set to connect to the grid • Cooperation between Daimler, The Mobility House, GETEC and REMONDIS completes the battery value creation cycle • Re-use of electric vehicle batteries improves environmental performance and the lifecycle costs of e-mobility • 13-megawatt battery storage unit to connect to the grid in early 2016 • Levelling out fluctuations in the power grid as an active contribution towards the energy revolution The world's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit will soon go into operation in the Westphalian town of Lunen.