All posts by M.K.

EV, News

Ford Puma Hybrid WRC

Although the current season is underway, the participants of the World Rally Championship (WRC) are continuously preparing for the next season. From Ford comes a new crossover, the Puma, which will replace the previous hatchback Fiesta.

According to the new regulations, Ford has built a 1.6 turbo petrol hybrid with a 136 hp electric motor. The car uses a 3.9kWh battery whose 25 minute charge is enough for the vehicle to cover the section.

Speaking about electrification, Ford Performance Director Mark Rushbrook reaffirmed Ford’s commitment to an electrified future and innovation in the automotive industry.

According to M-Sport boss Malcom Wilson, the introduction of hybrids in the WRC is the greatest achievement to date.

It is not known who will make up the driving team, considering that M-Sport has not yet chosen the drivers.

M-Sport has signed a three-year contract under the new rules, and the WRC hopes to attract more manufacturers. Hyundai has already started testing its hybrid car based on the i20N model.

EV, News

Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric

At the Munich Motor Show, which will take place from 6 to 12 September, major players in the automotive industry will have the premieres of their new models. One year after the Mégane eVision, Renault will introduce a new all-electric model, the Mégane E-Tech Electric.

The Mégane E-Tech Electric is a new generation of Renault electric vehicles and the first model to be fully electric. The E-Tech is based on the CMF-EV platform. Between the floor and the ground lies a new electric motor that develops 218 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be powered by a 60 kWh battery sufficient to provide a range of 280 miles (450 km).

The car kept the same intake cups on the front bumper and headlights, while the suspension was raised and the large wheels were replaced with smaller ones.

There are 30 pre-production prototypes in the final testing, and the first models produced can be expected in the middle of next year.

Source: Renault

News

A $ 1 billion fine for BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche

German carmakers BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have received a “gift” from the European Union in the form of a $ 1 billion fine.

According to the EU, they avoided competing in the development of technology that would limit pollution from cars with petrol and diesel engines. It is the first fine that the EU has imposed on holding back the use of technical developments.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said: “Manufacturers deliberately avoided to compete on cleaning better than what was required by EU emission standards. And they did so despite the relevant technology being available. ”

Volkswagen believes that the investigation has shown that certain forms of cooperation do not violate the antitrust law. The EU’s decision violates the existing legal basis because it sanctioned cooperation in the development of technology as a violation of antitrust rules, according to VW.

EU rules allow companies to cooperate in the introduction of new technologies to increase efficiency. Reportedly, the companies agreed on the production of smaller tanks and the driving range that could be expected before the tank needs to be filled.

BMW claims that the talks did not affect decision-making and that it will reduce allocations for lawsuits due to unsustainable allegations, although they have prepared $ 1.7 billion for that purpose.

The penalty was not imposed on Daimler, because they revealed the alleged agreements of other manufacturers.

Source: Associated Press