01/30/24 - Volvo Trucks Unveils FH Aero 🚗, Rivian patents roof rail lighting system 🤖, Can Battery Swapping Work For EVs?⚡

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 Volvo FH Aero is here – a new benchmark for energy efficient heavy-duty trucks

  • This expandable RV turns off-grid camping into 5-star travel

  • 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ages with grace

• 🏭 Industry trend: Toyota most searched auto brand in 2023, Tesla dominates EVs

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Rivian patents roof rail lighting system

• ⚡ EV: It Works For Scooters: Can Battery Swapping Work For Electric Cars?

The Volvo FH Aero is here – a new benchmark for energy efficient heavy-duty trucks (3 mins read)

Volvo Trucks introduces the FH Aero, expanding its iconic FH truck range with enhanced energy efficiency. The Aero, in four variants including biofuel and an award-winning electric version, features improved aerodynamics and Volvo’s Camera Monitor System, reducing energy consumption and emissions by up to 5%. Set to roll out gradually in 2024-2025, the FH Aero prioritizes safety, fuel efficiency, and innovative technologies for long-haul tasks. Read more.

High-drama expandable RV turns off-grid camping into five-star travel (4 mins read)

Silicon Valley startup AC Future, in collaboration with design firm Pininfarina, unveils the Electric Transformer House (eTH), a futuristic off-grid RV showcased at CES 2024. The 20-foot eTH transforms at the push of a button, expanding into a two-bedroom apartment with 400 sq ft of space. It features solar panels for a week's worth of power autonomy, a water generator, and a multifunctional interior. AC Future aims to present a prototype in Q2 2024, with production slated for late 2025. Read more.

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ages with grace (5 mins read)

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a small luxury SUV, maintains its striking design and agile driving dynamics. Despite minor updates, it lacks tech finesse and suffers from a brake feedback issue. Front seats offer comfort and a commanding view, but the rear is cramped. Priced at $47,545 base, tested at $59,870, it features a 280-hp turbo-4 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD. EPA rates it at 22/28/24 mpg. Read more.

Toyota most searched auto brand in 2023, Tesla dominates EVs (4 mins read)

In 2023, Google Trends data shows Toyota as the most searched auto brand in the US, despite limited EVs. Tesla ranks second overall but dominates EV searches. Toyota's only fully electric model is the bZ4X. Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 lead EV searches. The study covers September 2022 to September 2023. Tesla is the most searched in Nevada but least associated in 11 states. The list of most searched EVs is led by Tesla models, predating the Cybertruck's launch. The evolving EV landscape prompts anticipation for future search data comparisons. Read more.

Rivian patents roof rail lighting system (2 mins read)

Rivian files patents for integrated roof rail lighting in electric trucks and SUVs. The designs include conventional cross bars with lights for various functions and spotlights illuminating incline bottoms. It's uncertain if these features will be in production, but they may be considered for future updates or the upcoming R2 series, set to be unveiled in 2023 with production starting in 2026. Read more.

It Works For Scooters: Can Battery Swapping Work For Electric Cars? (11 mins read)

Battery swap stations are gaining traction in Asia, particularly for electric scooters, addressing challenges like limited range and long charging times. While successful for scooters, implementing this system for larger electric vehicles in the U.S. and EU faces hurdles due to battery standardization issues. The existing robust home charging infrastructure in these regions also impacts the potential adoption of battery swap stations for electric cars. Comparatively, China has embraced battery swap technology for TVs, with companies like Nio operating thousands of swap stations and millions of transactions taking place. Read more.