by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | batteries, battery electric vehicles, electric batteries, electric cars, lithium ion batteries
QuantumScape, a startup focused on battery ignition technology for electric vehicles, thinks eliminating the anode could lead to significant advancements in EVs; however, obstacles still remain.
While a lithium-ion battery has fewer components compared to a combustion engine, it remains equally sophisticated. This complexity arises from the delicate balance of materials affecting various aspects of an electric vehicle such as its driving range, recharge time, overall performance, and durability. Manufacturers are striving to enhance these factors through advanced chemical formulations aimed at reducing compromises. A notable advancement in this field is the development of anode-less solid-state lithium-metal batteries, which show significant promise.
At least one battery executive believes that this chemistry will enable the true “no compromises vehicle”, where driving range, charging times, safety and lifespan are all impressive. It sounds great on paper, but for the technology to truly come out of the lab and onto EVs that customers can buy, several challenges are yet to be solved.
“If you aim for a significant reduction in both cost and energy efficiency relative to mass and volume, the most substantial improvement would be achieved by removing the anode,” explained Tim Holt, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at battery startup QuantumScape.
InsideEVs
.
Photo by: QuantumScape
The key elements in a conventional lithium-ion battery consist of an anode, electrolyte, separator, and cathode. These parts collaborate to transfer electrons during an electric vehicle’s charging and discharging processes. Among these components, the anode stands out as particularly environmentally burdensome and challenging from a production standpoint.
It’s typically made from graphite—a stable, long-lasting material but one that limits fast charging and energy density. Processing graphite requires toxic solvents and China controls the vast majority of its supply chain.
We’re noticing an increase in silicon utilization within the anodes as well.
However, these options tend to be costly and their cycle life and stability aren’t optimal, as stated by QuantumScape. Businesses involved in this technology claim they are enhancing stability and ensuring better long-term durability.
The weightiness of EV batteries can be attributed partly to their anodes as well. According to Holme, the anode consists of a substantial amount of carbon and occupies significant space and mass within a cell. Additionally, both the manufacturing process and production consume large amounts of energy, leading to notable CO2 emissions.
Currently, QuantumScape is among multiple battery startups aiming to abandon conventional techniques for integrating anodes. Other companies like Factorial, Our Next Energy, and Ensurge Micropower are also working on their own variants of anode-free cells.
QuantumScape is working on a lithium-metal battery featuring an “in situ” formed anode, which is generated inside the battery itself instead of being added as a distinct part. This is noteworthy since conventional lithium-ion batteries typically employ a pre-manufactured anode, often crafted from materials like graphite and/or silicon. In contrast, lithium-metal batteries have the potential to begin solely with a cathode and an electrolyte.
In the initial charging process, lithium ions accumulate on the current collector, thereby constructing the lithium-metal anode. This approach streamlines production, cuts expenses, and enhances energy storage capacity. According to QuantumScape, an electric vehicle equipped with conventional cells offering a range of about 350 miles could achieve up to 400-500 miles when utilizing their solid-state lithium-metal cells. However, as will be explored further under battery density considerations, such comparisons do not appear to factor in the highest-density lithium-ion batteries available at present.
Photo by: QuantumScape
“Lithium metal outperforms both graphite and silicon as the ideal anode,” stated Holme. “A solid-state design combined with lithium metal creates superior batteries without compromising performance. However, this presents an engineering hurdle.” One key issue they face involves inhibiting the formation of dendrites—sharp metallic formations that can develop within the battery, causing damage.
Daniel Parr, a tech industry analyst working for a research company based in the U.K.,
IDTechEx
noted in a message that lithium metal batteries have traditionally faced difficulties in development because of this problem, with dendrite formation leading to premature battery deterioration and restricting the number of charge cycles they can undergo.
QuantumScape addresses this issue with a patented solid-state separator crafted from ceramics, claimed to inhibit dendrite formation. According to Holme, the electrolyte consists of an organic liquid, while the cathode can utilize either nickel, iron, or a combination of both.
Iron is certainly less costly, yet it has lower energy density whereas nickel boasts higher energy density, though it comes at a greater expense,” Holme stated. “We intend to provide both options for our clients so they can make their own selection.
The start-up’s
QSE-5 cell
uses this novel chemistry. The first two letters represent the company, “E” stands for energy and the number denotes five milliamp-hours of capacity, similar to the capacity of a Tesla 2170 cell that’s used in certain versions of the Model Y, among other products.
The QSE-5 cell boasts an energy density of 305 watt-hours per kilogram, appearing slightly superior to Tesla’s 4680 NMC cells utilized in the Cybertruck and the Model Y. The 4680 remains
estimated
with an energy density ranging from 272 to 296 watt-hours per kilogram. Factorial’s fully solid-state
Solstice
The battery reportedly offers an energy density of 450 Wh/kg. Therefore, as a solid-state, experimental battery, the QSE-5’s density falls at the lower end of the spectrum.
Nevertheless, the advantages are significant, according to the startup. The lifespan increases due to the elimination of “capacity fade,” which typically occurs as a result of chemical interactions between the anode and the electrolyte. Additionally, safety is enhanced since the ceramic separator is purportedly fireproof and remains stable even when exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.
In the event of a collision, an electric vehicle equipped with this type of battery has a lower chance of exploding. (Fires in EVs are
statistically rarer
then electric cars, but when these fires do happen, they are difficult to put out.)
Photo by: QuantumScape
QuantumScape has already shipped “B-samples” of its new battery to automakers for testing and plans to send more this year. B-samples are near-production battery prototype used for more advanced testing, such as performance validation, safety assessments and integration into EVs.
One of QuantumScape’s clients is PowerCo SE, which is a wholly owned battery division of the Volkswagen Group. “We have granted them access to our technology and are collaborating closely to bring this solution to market,” explained Holmes. “PowerCo SE is constructing large-scale factories known as ‘gigafactories’ in Spain, Germany, and Canada, and we will assist them in integrating this technology into their manufacturing processes.”
Under the non-exclusive
licensing agreement
PowerCo has the capability to generate as much as 40 gigawatt-hours of batteries utilizing QuantumScape’s technology, with the potential to scale this capacity up to 80 GWh. This expanded output could support the production of approximately 1 million electric vehicles each year.
When questioned regarding the expenses associated with solid-state batteries versus today’s lithium-ion alternatives, Holmes drew parallels between the advancement of solid-state cells and SpaceX’s revolutionary impact on the rocket sector.
If you compare the initial SpaceX rockets with what NASA had developed at that time, they weren’t as cost-effective,” he stated. “However, as SpaceX has advanced, their prices have dropped dramatically, reaching levels several times lower than those of NASA.
It will cost more initially compared to a conventional battery.
“If we climb the learning curve, increase our production volumes, and reduce our costs, we can become competitive and potentially surpass lithium-ion technology over time,” he said.
Got a tip? Reach out to the author:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | battery charging, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric vehicle charging stations, transportation
BYD amazed everyone with its rapid charging capabilities. A chief executive from an electric vehicle charging network commented, “Speed isn’t everything when it comes to charging.”
This month, the Chinese car manufacturer BYD stunned the global market when it
boasted extremely fast charging speeds for its upcoming electric vehicles
BYD claims these vehicles can handle up to 1,000 kilowatts of charging power—which is roughly four times the capacity of an average Tesla—resulting in charge times as brief as five minutes for approximately 250 miles of range.
For years, it has been evident that electric vehicle chargers must become quicker to attract more customers. However, according to Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, a charge time of merely five minutes might be excessive.
during an interview
on the
InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast
this week.
He remarked, ‘This represents an incredible advancement. The sector will undoubtedly follow.’ However, he added, ‘It’s important to remember that quicker isn’t necessarily preferable.’
Today,
Most popular electric vehicles require between 15 to 40 minutes for charging.
To accumulate a substantial level of charge at a sufficiently potent DC fast-charging station. This would provide enough power for several hundred miles of highway travel during a journey. Cornelia emphasizes that advancing quicker-charging vehicles is crucial; however, she believes the sector is nearer to achieving this ideal state than it might appear.
Should we aim to finish charging within five minutes? Likely not, as the typical duration spent refilling a gas tank usually ranges from 10 to 12 minutes,” he stated. “That’s essentially what we’re trying to determine.
Mercedes Fast-Charging Stations
It sounds reasonable. Filling a gas tank might only require three to five minutes, yet customers frequently end up purchasing coffee or lottery tickets as well. This often results in what I consider an unacceptable practice: leaving your vehicle at the fuel pump. However, that topic deserves its own discussion.
Moreover, he argues, people are thinking about charging times all wrong. It’s not about making charging as fast as possible all the time—but rather making the charging time fit the stop or activity you’re doing. After all, a big pro of EVs is that they can be plugged in and sucking up juice whenever they’re parked, whether that’s for five minutes or five hours.
He argues that 1,000 kilowatts of charging power wouldn’t be practical for a residential garage since you will invariably be stationary for multiple hours regardless.
He mentioned that when visiting a movie theater, you don’t require a 1,000-kilowatt charge; instead, you need a system suitable for a two-hour stay. If you’re at a café, perhaps you’d prefer quicker service, yet it typically involves just a brief 15-minute pause.
According to Cornelia, “five-minute charging is really practical for only a specific set of situations.”
The Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Certainly, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging remains dedicated to ensuring that charging stops are as swift and effortless as possible. They utilize 400-kW stations, providing ample energy for nearly every electric vehicle available in the United States.
Furthermore, as inferred from Cornelia’s point of view, the firm prioritizes installing charging points in spots where motorists can engage in activities during the refueling process. They’ve formed partnerships with establishments such as Starbucks and Buc-ee’s, known for their extensive service areas.
Nevertheless, Cornelia pointed out that BYD’s declaration serves as a powerful statement showcasing the promising future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“It’s crucial to convey that charging can theoretically provide power at this output and speed under specific conditions,” he stated. “However, such scenarios aren’t the most common.”
Have information regarding the electric vehicle industry? Reach out to the author:
Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
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by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | business, car companies, cars, electric cars, tesla
If you’ve been looking for a signal, here it is. It’s the moment to sell.
Whenever I mention to people that reviewing cars professionally is part of my job description, they often ask about Tesla. Over an extended period surpassing ten years now, Tesla has stood out as the unconventional newcomer captivating public interest beyond automotive circles. While traditional car manufacturers appeared conservative and uninteresting, Tesla emerged with a technology-driven approach and excitement. During the 2010s, their electric vehicles not only raised the standards but also led in design philosophy through user interfaces centered around screens.
As CEO and
majority shareholder
Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative has seemingly evolved into an unofficial extension of the right-wing Trump administration, but interest has significantly waned. Demonstrations against Tesla have emerged nationwide, with secondary-market prices plummeting. There has been growing pressure to exchange Teslas as well.
It’s time for me to conclusively address all those queries from unfamiliar people regarding Tesla: I believe they’re not a wise purchase, and I feel there’s a compelling argument to be made for selling anyTesla shares you currently hold.
The Argument Against a New Tesla Model
When Tesla initially released their first four mass-produced models – the full-sized luxurious sedan known as the Model S, the spacious Model X SUV with its distinctive gull-wing doors, the budget-friendly midsize sedan called the Model 3, and subsequently, the crossover model named the Model Y – these vehicles stood out prominently within the electric vehicle sector.
However, over the last five years, Tesla’s edge in competition has shrunk dramatically, going from an apparently insurmountable gap to barely noticeable. Upon the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2017, it became the all-time top-selling electric vehicle.
was the Nissan Leaf
That somewhat comical-looking, budget-friendly hatchback had an EPA-estimated range of 107 miles.
Then the Model
arrived
With an unprecedented maximum range of 310 miles, it stood out. For several years now, the Model Y has been the benchmark for crossovers in the worldwide electric vehicle market.
However, this lead has narrowed considerably today and now falls within the margin of error. To illustrate with a practical case, consider the farthest-reaching version of the
new 2025 Tesla Model Y
boasts an EPA-estimated range of 339 miles;
2025 Kia EV6
In its long-distance configuration, it should aim for 319 miles of range. Given that Tesla had, for several years, downplayed issues with its excessively optimistic in-car range estimates and employed unconventional testing methods,
raise its EPA estimates
, an additional 20 miles of range seems much less significant.
real-world tests by
Edmunds
, most Tesla vehicles did not achieve their EPA-estimated range, despite the fact that the majority of electric vehicles from other manufacturers met their estimates.
Edmunds
They surpassed their EPA estimates during testing.
Numerous other automotive companies are also ensuring the long-term viability of their electric vehicles—meanwhile, Tesla persists with largely unaltered designs. Every one of Tesla’s electric cars relies on 400-volt platforms, whereas competitors such as Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Audi, Porsche, and several others have shifted towards more advanced architectures.
800-volt system
This indicates that they are capable of managing higher electrical loads simultaneously and charging faster. Adopting a lower-voltage system reduces costs for the company initially; however, it implies that their components will be more limited.
reach higher temperatures
During rapid charging or aggressive use, this results in additional deterioration of the battery and reduced range over time.
Tesla also boasts a somewhat checkered past when it comes to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has
opened
several
probes
into Tesla, primarily because of its “Full Self-Driving” feature. The company’s associated “Autopilot” system has reportedly been connected to accidents resulting in 54 injuries and 14 fatalities, as stated.
one investigation
.
The firm’s latest offering, the Cybertruck, has encountered
several rounds of recalls
at figures significantly above the sector average. (The latest recall addressed a concern that the
Body panels would come loose while driving.
.) Furthermore, the difficulty in accessing physical door mechanisms on many Tesla models has also been cited as an issue.
in a variety
of high-profile
fatalities
Alarming as it may be, even with outstanding crash test scores, Teslas are part of deadly crashes more frequently than any other car brand,
approximately double the average rate
.
From a financial perspective, choosing between numerous other electric vehicles and Tesla still comes down to a toss-up. For instance, both the newly American-made Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y qualify for the complete $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. Despite significant uncertainty surrounding the continuation of this incentive, as we write, the similarly equipped long-range version of the Kia is anticipated to cost just marginally less than itsTesla counterpart.
less expensive
, approximately $2,000 less. For each car model that Tesla currently produces, there are comparable models with similar price points.
Given the presence of U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturers like Lucid and Rivian, along with entries from established brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge into theEV market, consumers have numerous domestically produced options for going electric without resorting to gasoline vehicles. From my perspective as an auto evaluator, it’s important to highlight that I’ve observed
Most electric vehicles on the market tend to be superior automobiles.
They provide a smoother ride, are more intuitive, and offer greater specialization across all levels of the market. In fact, I often recommend the EV6 to newcomers shopping for an affordably priced crossover.
Using the Tesla Supercharger network
more receptive to electric vehicles from brands other than Tesla
Indeed, it has never been simpler to bypass the Tesla dealership and explore other options.
What if there’s one in your garage at this very moment? Should you consider selling it?
The Practical Argument for Selling Your Tesla
The primary rationale for selling now is that Tesla vehicles are losing value rapidly, and their maintenance expenses may soon become exorbitantly high. Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally face weak resale values; however, this issue seems particularly pronounced with Teslas.
outpaced that trend
Over the last eighteen months, up until the inauguration, this was primarily due to the company employing robust discount strategies to clear new stock, along with significant utilization of large rental fleets.
Hertz is getting rid of tens of thousands of vehicles.
immediately available on the market.
The circumstances have deteriorated further following President Donald Trump’s victory in the re-election. Musk’s contribution of $290 million to Republican campaigns and his advisory position with the president have turned him into a focal point for backlash. Consequently, this has had a devastating impact on Tesla.
For many years, Tesla refrained from advertising its vehicles. Instead, they depended on recommendations, press attention, and Elon Musk’s extensive public profile, which positioned him as the face of Tesla in a manner unlike how Mary Barra is perceived at General Motors. Given that Musk holds the largest stake in Tesla and about one-third of his estimated $303 billion fortune comes from Tesla shares, the company has become inseparably linked with the tycoon. (This vast collection of
“I Purchased It Before He Lost His Mind” stickers
is evidence of that.)
Even though Musk holds right-wing beliefs, Tesla and electric vehicle owners
skew more Democratic
And they are more progressive than drivers of any other brand, which makes them more susceptible to abandoning their vehicles due to political pressure.
Edmunds
discovering that potential car purchasers are turning away from Tesla models more frequently these days—with only 1.8% of respondents currently considering a Tesla purchase versus 3.3% back in November. Even though Elon Musk may be gaining popularity amongst Republican voters, it is improbable that this shift will result in a significant influx of conservative buyers compensating for the declining interest; particularly since many Republicans remain disengaged from such trends.
vastly less likely
To purchase an electric vehicle as their next car.
Concerningly for current owners, as values collapse further, new Teslas will become comparatively worse deals. Due to Tesla’s direct-sales model, it has a much stronger incentive to move inventory than most other automakers, which makes further fire sale incentives likely—and risks creating a negative feedback loop.
Furthermore, for present owners, holding onto a Tesla that is losing value quickly might not turn out to be a sound financial decision.Tesla’s insurance costs have consistently been
well above average
, with premium payments amounting to approximately
Between a typical Aston Martin insurance policy and a standard Porsche insurance policy
This can be attributed to inadequate spare part availability, a scarcity of skilled technicians, and
complex repairs
.
As symbols of the Trump administration, Musk and Tesla have attracted significant attention, turning Teslas into frequent targets for vandalism. Insurers caution that this trend might lead to increased insurance premiums. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has warned that vandals targeting Teslas could face serious consequences.
domestic terrorism charges
It is still uncertain whether she possesses the legal authority to take such action and if it would effectively curb vandalism. This is particularly true if Musk becomes involved with issues that deeply affect American politics, touching what could be referred to as the “third rail.”
He has threatened to cut Social Security.
.
If you intend to push your Tesla to its limits, even under such circumstances, maintaining it could prove harder compared to most other vehicles. Unlike many car manufacturers, Tesla has a high degree of vertical integration, producing numerous key components in-house. This reduces the availability of third-party replacement parts significantly.
The company’s direct-sales approach implies that if cost-cutting measures become necessary, there are no third-party dealerships representing multiple brands available to share the financial strain. The company must ensure sufficient car sales to maintain its owned outlets and service centers; otherwise, these facilities may have to be shut down. Continuous supply of parts and maintenance services relies heavily on the overall well-being of the business. Despite potential recovery in U.S. market sales, Tesla presently confronts significant challenges globally.
China
and
Europe
.
If this has persuaded you to sell, several competitors are actively encouraging Tesla owners to switch to their brands at present. Polestar is one such competitor.
offering $20,000 in discounts
For Tesla trade-ins with Polestar 3 lease agreements.
Lucid
is providing a $4,000 incentive to Tesla vehicle owners.
Nonetheless, I must acknowledge this: if you decide to trade in your Tesla at present, you’ll probably face significant depreciation loss due to how quickly these vehicles lose value. The situation seems poised to deteriorate further over time. Thus, it might be wiser to address the issue promptly rather than delay.
If this hasn’t persuaded you yet, though, there’s still my key point to consider.
The Ethical Argument for Switching to a Tesla
It seems Musk is an
aspiring oligarch
He bought one of the biggest social media platforms on the planet and transformed it into a
right-wing propaganda outlet
He subsequently invested $290 million in backing Republican candidates during the 2024 elections. This move probably doesn’t align with the typical political views of most Tesla owners, and the evident corruption occurring at the same time ought to be worrisome for everyone involved.
Since then, he has been awarded with
unprecedented direct support
For Tesla from the federal government, including an outrageously unscrupulous car sales pitch conducted by
Trump on the White House lawn
along with an FBI unit specifically focused on
securing Tesla vehicles against vandalism
.
He has turned his influence and riches into an advantage
unprecedented amount of access
, through his specialized advisory position to the president and “DOGE,” access has been granted to sensitive government information and funds. The unpredictable nature of DOGE is currently having an active adverse effect.
public employees’ experiences more taxing
. DOGE overstepped
any constitutional justification
to shut down the
humanitarian USAID organization
, potentially affecting tens of thousands of individuals and severely undermining America’s reputation internationally. The proposed reductions in IRS funding directed towards DOGE are anticipated to result in
amounts to a loss of $500 billion in revenue for the federal government
, rather than cost savings, this year alone. Musk has often spoken about the necessity of reducing welfare benefits, which he refers to as ”
the big one.
”
Musk has consistently promoted variations of
the Great Replacement Theory
, a
discredited extremist
He presents an outlook that recasts white supremacist ideas, portraying immigration as part of a scheme to undermine Western society. He thinks that contraception and abortion might lead to “the downfall of civilization.” He has shared posts online claiming that ”
Hitler didn’t murder millions
“. During Trump’s inaugural ceremony, he
performed a gesture
it appeared similar to a Nazi salute, and upon being questioned about it,
joked about Nazis
.
Many of his opinions are detestable to most Americans, and
He personally is extremely disliked.
Although some adjustments might potentially be achieved in the 2026 and 2028 elections, Musk and DOGE have progressed swiftly, making it probable that the federal government has already taken action.
permanently damaged
The quickest method to minimize the damage is by halting his actions swiftly. Given his status as an unelected and unanswerable “adviser,” the American public has limited options for redress.
Apart from Tesla, Musk’s impact primarily extends
stemmed from his wealth
About a third of Elon Musk’s $300 billion fortune comes directly from his holdings in Tesla stock. As a company that sells goods directly to consumers and controls both its distribution channels and service network, Tesla is particularly susceptible to broad-based product boycotts across both new and pre-owned vehicle markets. In fact, during the fourth quarter of 2024, one of the only segments within Tesla’s operations showing increased revenues was their servicing division. Consequently, avoiding purchases of new Teslas, discouraging others from buying them, and ceasing trade-ins can significantly affect the company’s immediate financial outlook as well as diminish Musk’s wealth considerably.
It is feasible that continuous pressure could severely harm the company and diminish Musk’s wealth and influence. Given the presence of other eco-friendly vehicles now available on the market, this situation could be exacerbated.
expanding market for electric vehicle reuse and recycling
For Teslas that ultimately become completely valueless, there are scarcely any drawbacks to swapping out your Tesla at this moment. By doing so, you can cease funding the globe’s wealthiest individual and his mission to reshape governance according to his vision. In turn, you may even halt his ambitions altogether.
If you’ve been looking for a signal, here it is. Now’s the time to sell.
Victoria Scott is an author, photographer, and automotive journalist who has contributed articles to various publications.
Motor1
,
Road & Track
,
Insider
,
The Drive
and other publications
She resides in Seattle with her spouse and their cat, Burt. She can often be found on
Bluesky
,
Patreon
, and her
personal website
.
More Tesla Coverage
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by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | battery charging, battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, technology
Is Mercedes-Benz equipped with the perfect formula for the rapid charging experience you desire? Additionally, consider Hyundai’s EV facility along with Rivian’s approach.
Despite a year filled with various uncertainties, the U.S. electric vehicle industry continues to grow.
continues to grow rapidly
But what’s hindering that expansion isn’t primarily the vehicles; it’s the process of charging them.
A substantial part of the electrical realm revolves around infrastructure, ensuring that consumers have
good home charging options
for managing road trips and exploring lesser-known routes with reliable DC fast charging. The former typically works smoothly and excellently; the latter
can really be hit or miss
.
Enter Mercedes-Benz, which is taking some of the boldest steps among traditional automakers to ensure that DC public fast charging doesn’t just magically get better on its own. On this week’s episode of the
Plugged-In Podcast
, my co-host Tim Levin and I are excited to have a conversation with Andrew Cornelia, who is the CEO of
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging
.
We have discussed this aspect of Mercedes frequently before. They are striving to create an extensive system of reliable, top-notch public charging stations throughout the United States. These will include facilities such as restrooms, snack options, and powerful 400-kilowatt chargers that function flawlessly each time.
Cornelia has deep knowledge in this area since he spent nearly half a decade working with Tesla’s charging infrastructure. His aim is to make sure everyone can have access to a top-notch charging experience soon. Similarly, Mercedes’ quick-charging station network is accessible to all electric vehicles, regardless of the brand. However, Mercedes vehicle owners receive exclusive benefits and priority service.
Tune in to hear Cornelia’s ideas about how to make charging better, plus what he really thinks of BYD’s new five-minute fast-charging breakthrough.
Additionally, in today’s podcast episode, we discuss
Rivian’s newly launched Micro-Mobility Brand
I’ll share my thoughts on
Hyundai’s bold new facility in Savannah, Georgia
That’s where the American-built Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 reside. And of course, we can’t ignore tariffs; after all, this is the Plugged-In Podcast.
Our podcast can be found on
InsideEVs YouTube
Channel later today, along with all prominent audio platforms:
Apple Podcasts
,
Spotify
, and
iHeart Radio
New episodes become available every Friday.
If you haven’t done so yet, kindly subscribe and drop us a review. Thank you for listening!
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
Previously On The Pod
-
We’re Addressing Your Electric Vehicle Queries on Our Podcast
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BYD’s Game-Changing 5-Minute Electric Vehicle Fast Charge, Decoded
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Is Toyota Now Genuine About Electric Vehicles?
-
Tesla Sales Continue to Plunge in Europe. What’s Next?
-
How to Rescue Electric Vehicles from Political Influence
-
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Has Improved Significantly
-
Will Hybrids Be the Next Big Thing in Electric Vehicles?
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | batteries, battery electric vehicles, cars, electric batteries, electric cars
Even with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer, this Tesla shows more significant range degradation compared to most others.
-
This Tesla Model Y has slightly less than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
-
Even with the fairly low mileage, the battery pack shows more than usual wear and tear.
These days, electric vehicle batteries are quite durable, featuring numerous
studies
demonstrating that the high-voltage systems energizing contemporary electric vehicles are expected to endure far beyond initial projections. Nonetheless, occasionally, anomalies will emerge.
That’s precisely how things were in the year 2022.
Tesla Model Y
Long Range showcased by renowned YouTube electric vehicle tester
Bjorn Nyland
In the video below, even though it’s only three years old and has less than 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers) on the odometer, the electric crossover’s battery shows more deterioration than average.
Usually,
Tesla
For EVs with identical age and mileage, the battery degradation typically ranges from 5% to 7%. However, this specific Model Y shows a computed degradation of 11.5%.
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Here’s How You Can Check Your Tesla’s Battery Degradation
The reason for this excessive degradation isn’t clear. Some studies say fast charging accelerates degradation, while others say there’s no clear indication that this will happen. This car had roughly a third of charging done at DC stalls and two-thirds from AC sources. So even if fast charging does have negative side effects, it likely wouldn’t be a major factor here.
Nyland filled the car’s battery to full charge and proceeded onto the expressway driving around 62 mph (100 kph). He halted his journey once the battery dropped down to 2%, covering a distance of 171 miles (276 km), with the surrounding air temperature being approximately 34°F (1°C).
![]()
Apart from providing reduced mileage compared to its brand-new state, the LG-produced battery pack in this Model Y seems to struggle with fully absorbing up to 250 kilowatts during rapid charging. In Nyland’s tests, despite pre-conditioning the battery and employing two individual chargers able to supply over 500 amps each, including a V4 Tesla Supercharger, the vehicle only managed to exceed slightly past 200 kW. Consequently, drivers can expect more frequent and longer breaks for charging sessions.
Every electric vehicle battery deteriorates with time; however, it’s important to recognize that this decline tends to be more significant during the initial years. Following this period, the decrease slows down considerably. Many electric vehicles continue to retain above 85% of their original capacity even after a decade of use.
hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of miles
As a general guideline, most electric vehicle owners shouldn’t consider battery degradation a significant issue. However, exceptions do occur, and this specific Model Y appears to fall into that category.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | autos, cars, driving, electric cars, product recalls
Certainly, floor mats. Not vehicles.
-
Lucid is initiating a recall of more than 4,000 floor mats.
-
The initial version of the company’s All-Weather mats had the issue of sliding over the accelerator pedal of the Air EV.
Lucid
, the creator of the
Air
and
Gravity
Luxury electric vehicle maker is recalling 4,294 floor mats as they could shift within the footwell and potentially obstruct the accelerator pedal. As stated, you read that right, the
floor mats
are being recalled, rather than the cars they were installed in.
According to
documents
As per the report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Air EV floor mats manufactured by Lucid up until February 2025 are responsible for the issue. These mats feature raised sections at the bottom but lack a cut-out where an anchoring mechanism could be attached.
Sadly, there isn’t much vehicle owners can do apart from removing the mat from the driver’s footwell. Lucid stated they will refund customers who purchased the risky all-season floor mats. Additionally, a newer version featuring a cut-out section is available. The design allows it to securely attach to the underlying carpet, preventing movement.
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Lucid’s revised all-weather mats feature perforations for attaching to the integrated anchor points on the flooring. In contrast, the mats subject to recall lack these perforations.
Photo by: Lucid Motors
“A Lucid representative stated in an emailed statement that the safety of our customers and their families is paramount,”
Automotive News
Lucid has started reaching out to the owners of cars for which these floor mats were initially intended, informing them about the recall and offering additional details.
The problem was initially identified in August of last year by a sales representative operating a Lucid Air in Europe. According to the electric vehicle manufacturer, there were 13 cases where the all-weather floor mat showed some displacement; however, no obstruction affecting the accelerator pedal occurred. Although Lucid has not recorded any accidents resulting from this matter, the company has opted for a recall due to the potential hazard posed by the moving mats, which could hinder the accelerator’s ability to return to its default position.
In 2021, the Lucid Air was introduced as a high-end four-door electric vehicle featuring exceptional driving range and rapid charging capabilities. Boasting an estimated maximum range of 512 miles per full charge, this model stands out as the most extended-range EV available for purchase within the U.S. market at present. Additionally, thanks to its advanced 900-volt battery setup, the car offers swift recharge times provided access to compatible DC quick chargers; specifically, Lucid claims that under ideal conditions, the Air can add approximately 200 miles worth of range after just twelve minutes of charging.
