01/03/24 - New Porsche Taycan smokes Tesla Model S Plaid record | The QUANTiNO is an electric sports car you fill up at a pump | EV Hypercar Maker Rimac Plans Robot Taxi Service For 2026

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • The QUANTiNO is an electric sports car you fill up at a pump

  • 2024 Genesis GV60 Has Something No Other EV Has... Yet

  • Xpeng X9: Redefining Family Mobility with Smart, Spacious Luxury

• 🏭 Industry trend: New Porsche Taycan smokes Tesla Model S Plaid record

• 🤖 Auto Tech: EV Hypercar Maker Rimac Plans Robot Taxi Service For 2026 | The shift to software-defined vehicles | Rivian Files Patent for Unique Spare Tire Design With Accessories

• ⚡ EV: Here’s how the EPA calculates how far an EV can go on a full charge

The QUANTiNO is an electric sports car you fill up at a pump (2 mins read)

nanoFlowcell plans a U.S.-built emissions-free electric roadster, QUANTino, using a flow battery. The QUANTino uses a flow battery with an anolyte and catholyte, providing an alternative to traditional EV lithium-ion cells. The company designed two sports cars: the powerful QUANT with 760 hp and a 0-62 mph time of 2.4 seconds, and the more approachable QUANTiNO with 108 hp, reaching 62 mph in five seconds and a range of over 600 miles on electrolyte fuel. Read more.

2024 Genesis GV60 Has Something No Other EV Has... Yet (3 mins read)

The 2024 Genesis GV60, part of Hyundai Motor Group, features Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), simulating gear shifts for an ICE-like driving experience. Activated manually with paddle shifters, it introduces gaps in acceleration, mimicking traditional transmission behavior. While novel, VGS may have limited practicality, interrupting smooth EV performance. The feature doesn't work in Eco Mode and is deactivated during the boost for maximum acceleration. Read more.

Xpeng X9: Redefining Family Mobility with Smart, Spacious Luxury (2 mins read)

XPeng unveils the X9, a 7-seater EV MPV in China priced at RMB 359,800 ($50k). Featuring advanced XNGP ADAS, XOS Tianji OS, and a spacious interior, the X9 has a 702 km CLTC range, 5.4m turning radius, and 10-min 300 km range gain. Safety highlights include an integrated aluminum body structure. XPeng expands XNGP ADAS coverage to 243 cities in China from January 2024. Read more.

New Porsche Taycan smokes Tesla Model S Plaid record (3 mins read)

A pre-series Porsche Taycan, likely the Turbo GT, laps the Nurburgring in 7:07:55, 26s faster than the 2022 Taycan Turbo S and 18s quicker than Tesla Model S Plaid. The new model, ahead of its official unveiling, is expected to have around 1,000 hp. The onboard lap video will be released in mid-March. Read more.

EV Hypercar Maker Rimac Plans Robot Taxi Service For 2026 (3 mins read)

Rimac, renowned for the Nevera hypercar, plans an autonomous taxi fleet by 2026 under Project 3 Mobility. The $2 million Nevera serves as a flagship, spotlighting the robotaxi initiative. Rimac, focusing on infrastructure, aims to revolutionize urban mobility. The robotaxi, lacking detailed specs, will debut in early 2024, with a 2026 commercial rollout. Read more.

The shift to software-defined vehicles (8 mins read)

This article discusses the profound impact of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) on the automotive industry, exploring the separation of software and hardware development, the shift to centralized architecture, and its implications for autonomous driving and connectivity. Leading supplier Harman discusses architectural transformations and strategies to address safety-related software crashes and cyber threats. Read more.

Rivian Files Patent for Unique Spare Tire Design With Accessories (5 mins read)

Rivian files a patent for a full-size spare wheel mount on the R1S SUV, designed for added components. Critics fear it may complicate simplicity as seen with past features. The patent suggests Rivian is working on an accessories package, but its marketability remains uncertain. The wheel mount, while potentially enhancing utility, could face criticism for diverting focus from fundamental production targets. Read more.

Here’s how the EPA calculates how far an EV can go on a full charge (5 mins read)

This article explores the intricate methods employed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine electric vehicle range, tracing its evolution from 1971 to present testing complexities. From early real-road measurements to contemporary dynamometer simulations, the article delves into how automakers navigate these evaluations and adapt them for realistic electric vehicle performance metrics. Read more.