01/12/24 - Porsche Reveals More Macan EV Details Ahead of Debut 🚗, Biden admin allocates $632M for EV charging 🏭, Lamborghini unveils new tech for virtual track-driving guidance 🤖

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: 

  • Porsche Reveals More Macan EV Details Ahead of Debut

  • 2025 Polestar 4 Up Close: New ‘SUV Coupe’ Looks

  • 2024 Nissan Rogue Priced Starting at $28,320

• 🏭 Industry trend: Biden admin allocates $632M for EV charging in latest funding round, Lucid Motors sold just 6,001 cars in 2023

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Lamborghini unveils Telemetry X at CES 2024 for virtual track-driving guidance, Hydrogen is back. At least, CES 2024 suggests it is, Finn Raises $109M at $658M Valuation for Car Subscription Platform

Porsche Shares More Macan EV Details As 603-HP Crossover Approaches Debut (3 mins read)

Porsche's new Macan EV combines sleek design and advanced aerodynamics (Cd 0.25) for a 311+ mile range. With over 603 hp, rear-biased all-wheel drive, and a 95 kWh battery with 800V architecture, it offers a thrilling, high-performance driving experience. The model features active aerodynamics, a rear spoiler, and fast charging capabilities (10%-80% in under 22 minutes). Porsche plans to unveil the Macan EV later this year. Read more.

2025 Polestar 4 Up Close: New ‘SUV Coupe’ Looks (Only) Ahead (4 mins read)

Polestar unveils the all-electric 4, a "performance SUV coupe" with a distinctive design featuring a solid rear panel. Despite the unique look, it maintains ample cargo space and front headroom. The interior boasts a 15.4-inch touchscreen and comfortable seating. With a 544-horsepower all-wheel-drive version, it accelerates 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds. Expected to launch in 2024, the Polestar 4's starting price is around $60,000. Read more.

2024 Nissan Rogue Priced Starting at $28,320 (2 mins read)

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, starting at $28,320, prioritizes safety with Nissan Safety Shield® 360. It introduces Google built-in on a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and features aesthetic updates. Advanced driver assistance includes ProPILOT Assist and ProPILOT Assist 1.1. Launching soon, with destination and handling costing $1,365. Read more.

Biden administration awards $632M for EV charging in new funding round (3 mins read)

The U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation allocates $632 million in grants for clean vehicle infrastructure. This funding, part of the $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program, will benefit 22 states and Puerto Rico. The focus is on expanding EV charging, with over 7,500 new charging ports planned in 47 projects, prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The federal initiative aims to advance clean and equitable transportation options nationwide. Read more.

Lucid Motors sold just 6,001 cars in 2023 (2 mins read)

Lucid Motors faces challenges as it delivered 6,001 of the 8,428 cars built in 2023. The Q4 production and deliveries dropped 31% and 10% from 2022. Despite launching the Lucid Air Pure at $74,900, sales remain disappointing. In late 2023, 800 cars were shipped to Saudi Arabia, but it's unclear if they're included in the figures. Lucid's 2023 performance only marginally improved from 2022, with the company banking on the Air Pure model for a successful 2024. Read more.

Lamborghini Reveals Telemetry X Concept at CES 2024 as Virtual Teacher for Track Driving (2 mins read)

Lamborghini debuts Telemetry X at CES 2024, an innovative track connectivity system for future super sports cars. Developed with Accenture, it includes Real Time Remote Garage for remote coaching, Biometric Data System for performance monitoring, and Digital Co-Pilot for on-track guidance. Telemetry X aims to elevate the track experience and provide an immersive driving experience for Lamborghini customers. Read more.

Hydrogen is back. At least, CES 2024 suggests it is (7 mins read)

CES 2024 features a hydrogen-powered vehicle resurgence. Nikola unveils U.S.-built hydrogen trucks, Croft Motors presents a rugged SUV with 1,000 miles range, and Hyundai emphasizes hydrogen's role in carbon neutrality. Bosch reveals a hydrogen engine, PACCAR receives 150 deposits for hydrogen trucks. SK Group explores hydrogen and AI. Federal investments support hydrogen initiatives. Challenges include infrastructure, efficiency, and corporate lobbying. Growing interest in hydrogen for trucking, medium-duty vehicles, and air travel despite hurdles. Read more.

Finn raises $109M on a $658M valuation, taking its car subscription platform up another gear (6 mins read)

Munich-based car subscription startup Finn raises $109-110 million in Series C, led by Planet First Partners. Valued at $658 million, Finn aims to have 80% electric car inventory by 2028. Despite challenges, Finn focuses on profitable unit economics and a seamless customer app experience. Expansion includes more electric vehicles and cloud tools. The U.S. market faces challenges in OEM relationships and scaling. Annualized recurring revenues reach €160 million. Read more.