This is our review of 2023, where we recapture the most popular articles month by month.
January
Mazda MX-30 to gain rotary engine range-extender
The year started with the news that Mazda is set to debut a new version of the MX-30 electric crossover at the Brussels Motor Show, featuring an electric generator powered by a newly-developed rotary engine.
Mazda has described the newly-developed rotary engine as “reborn for the electric age” that will produce energy for the vehicle’s electric motor instead of providing power directly to the wheels.
February
2024 BMW X5 PHEV gets more power and EV range
The drive system for the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid variant has been completely reworked, and the updated model carries the designation BMW X5 xDrive50e. A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a similarly new electric motor team up to develop system output of 360 kW/490 hp (including temporary boost effect) – an increase of 70 kW/96 hp over the outgoing model – and combined torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), which is a rise of 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). The petrol engine’s nominal output of 230 kW/313 hp represents an increase of 20 kW/27 hp on the unit it replaces. The compact electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission produces a nominal output of 145 kW/197 hp (+62 kW/84 hp). In addition, an innovative pre-gearing stage – used to increase the effective torque produced by the electric motor to a maximum 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at the transmission input for the motor – helps to provide even sharper power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive50e accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds.
The amount of usable energy that can be stored by the high-voltage battery integrated into the underbody area has been increased by almost 25 per cent over the preceding generation, to 25.7 kWh. A new Combined Charging Unit doubles the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The electric range of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e is 94 – 110 kilometres (58 – 68 miles) in the WLTP cycle.
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March
Fisker Ocean Extreme achieves a combined WLTP range of up to 707 km/440 miles
The all-electric Fisker Ocean Extreme achieved a combined WLTP range of up to 707 km/440 UK miles, the longest range of any battery electric SUV sold in Europe today, exceeding Fisker’s estimates and providing Fisker Ocean owners with range assurance, comfort, and convenience.
April
The All-New Prius Prime
The 2023 Prius Prime is the multitalented plug-in hybrid that’s made for life on the go. With a full charge, it can easily handle most daily commutes, with a manufacturer-estimated all electric range of up to 44 miles.
The new Prius Prime also leaps forward in the horsepower category. With a larger 150-hp 2.0L engine and bigger 161-hp electric motor generator too, its 220-system-net-horsepower is around 100-hp more than the prior generation. The higher output also adds 32-percent more torque, climbing from 105 to 139 lb.-ft. providing a 35-percent faster 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds.
May
Daimler Truck launches Freightliner eM2 electric truck in the US
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) unveiled the series production of the all new, fully electric Freightliner eM2 for urban delivery applications. The eM2 has a typical range of 180 miles (290 km) for the Class 6 version and 250 miles (400 km) for Class 7, and represents a reliable, efficient and sustainable solution for a battery electric truck. The eM2 features a fully integrated, proprietary battery electric Detroit ePowertrain, including Detroit eAxles and batteries.
The vehicle minimizes energy cost per mile by removing the drivetrain and other mechanical components in favor of a lighter, simpler design, which packages the electric motors and 2-speed transmission directly onto the drive axles.
June
Ark Zero Electric Quadricycle Is The Cheapest EV You Can Buy In The UK
Ark Motors, a British electric vehicle start-up, has introduced an affordable electric quadricycle named the Ark Zero. Priced at £5995, it is touted as the most cost-effective electric car in the UK. The Zero is now available for ordering exclusively through Ark’s website.
Weighing 489kg, this two-seater EV from the London-based company offers a top speed of 28mph and a range of 50.3 miles from an 80-Ah LiIon battery that powers a 3 HP electric motor. It comfortably accommodates two adults and even has space for a dog.
July
Kia EV9 UK Pricing And Specification Revealed
Kia UK has revealed pricing and specifications for the all-new Kia EV9, with pre-orders opening from 6 July for the brand’s new flagship three-row electric SUV.
Kia will offer three grades to EV9 buyers in the UK: ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’, each with a three-row, seven-seat layout as standard. All three models offer a 99.8 kWh long-range battery pack with heat pump, and with it the ability to drive up to more than 300 miles from a single charge. Kia’s 800V ultra-fast charging technology means every version of the EV9 can be recharged from 10-to-80 per cent in as little as 25 minutes when plugged into a 350kW high-powered charger.
August
Video: Rimac Nevera Beats Formula One Car And Mcmurtry Spéirling In Carwow Drag Race
The all-electric Rimac Nevera now once again holds the crown as the fastest car ever to compete in a carwow drag race, a regular feature on the world’s largest automotive YouTube channel, focusing on head-to-head races over the quarter-mile and beyond.
Competing against a version of the Red Bull Racing RB8 – winner of both the Formula One Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships in 2012 – and the McMurtry Spéirling – the fan-assisted single seater that holds the outright record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – the Nevera won two out of the three standing-start races.
September
IAA Mobility 2023: The all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric
The all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, set to be unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2023 Motor Show in Munich, is designed around families and their need to travel freely and safely, with an increasing awareness of sustainability.
Today, the new latest generation version can be specified with an all-electric powertrain that features a compact 87kWh battery and a 160kW (220hp) motor, capable of delivering a 379-mile range (pending WLTP certification). The 2.78m wheelbase ensures a spacious cabin, including a 278mm knee radius at the back and a 545-litre boot. Its pioneering Solarbay opacifying glass roof and ingenious rear armrest are just some of the comfort-enhancing touches.
October
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid Introduced With 544 Horsepower
With the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ as an SUV and as Coupé the performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach is supplementing the model portfolio with a plug-in hybrid with a high level of everyday use and long electric range.
The system output of 400 kW (544 hp) and the maximum system torque of 750 Nm enable impressive driving performance: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 4.7 seconds. The propulsion only ends at an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. Up to 140 km/h are possible purely electrically. With an electric range of 80‑86 kilometres (SUV) and 82‑87 kilometres (Coupé) according to WLTP, most everyday distances can be covered purely electrically. A charger with 11 kW charging power is on board for charging with alternating current. In addition, a 60 kW DC fast charger for direct current is available upon request. This allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% charge within 20 minutes.
November
ZEEKR debuts its first sedan – the ZEEKR 007
The ZEEKR 007 is the first ZEEKR model under the brand’s new design language and comes with ZEEKR in-house Advanced Driver-Assistant System (ADAS) features developed in collaboration with NVIDIA.
The ZEEKR 007’s e-powertrain system supports ultra-fast charging with ZEEKR’s in-house 800V technology and enables the ZEEKR 007 to charge 10 to 80% in just 15 minutes. According to Chinese EV maker, the long-range variant will get up to 870km (CLTC) of range.
December
Nio ET7 with 150 kWh battery pack goes over 1,000 km on a single charge
NIO Founder, Chairman and CEO William Li marked a new milestone for the company by driving a NIO ET7 over 1,000km on a single battery charge.
After a short stopover and driver swap, the NIO ET7 reached Xiamen having used 97% of its battery life during the 1,044-km trip, despite the particularly cold temperatures – a factor usually associated with reduced electric vehicle battery performance and range.
