Now that the UAW-Big Three strikes have settled down, we’re looking ahead to what’s going on in the automotive world that may impact our industry now and in the future. Here's a roundup of the latest info we're hearing about.
Cadillac Optiq
Cadillac Is Expanding Its EV Lineup: The Escalade IQ and Lyriq EVs (and the Celestiq, but how many of you are purchasing $300K cars?) are getting a new baby brother in 2024. The OEM has announced that the Optiq—which is somewhere between an SUV and a crossover—will be available next year as a 2025 model year. Although Cadillac is tight-lipped on the details for now, they have announced that this will be their most affordable EV yet. Cadillac, via its parent company GM, has stated that it intends for its lineup to be fully electric by 2035. There’s not much to it, but you can read the full release here.
Lexus debuts a new 3-row SUV, the TX
Lexus Debuts TX 3-Row Seater: Announced last year, Lexus’ first US-assembled SUV is now making its way to showrooms (at least by the end of the month). The 7-seater TX is available in both gas and hybrid options, has 20.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the last row, and is the smallest of the company’s 3-row SUVs, just behind the GX and LX. As it’s expected to feature prominently in Lexus’ annual ‘December to Remember’ commercials, you’ll be seeing a lot of this vehicle during the holidays. See more details about the vehicle here.
Volvo Looks to Total Energy Solutions: Could your Volvo EV act as an oversized power bank? Not satisfied with the goal of being an EV-only manufacturer by 2030, the Swedish automaker is now seeing the potential for those batteries to power more than their metal. Volvo recently launched Volvo Cars Energy Solutions to explore the possibilities of how that stored energy might be used to power appliances and homes as well using bi-directional charging, which they define as “a technology that allows customers to repurpose energy stored in the battery of their electric Volvo at a later stage.” Volvo is in the testing phases now in Europe. Read the full release here. Shameless plug: We’re in the process of test-driving the S90 and XC90, so look for those reviews in our upcoming ‘First Drive’ section of the magazine in the next few months.
Mercedes-Benz launches its first charging hub in GA
Mercedes-Benz Debuts Its First-Ever Charging Network in Georgia: The German automaker has partnered with MN8 Energy to launch its first premium EV charging station, initially at its Sandy Springs, Georgia, headquarters, with additional locations expected throughout the Southeast at the popular Buc-ee’s travel stops by the end of the year. According to a press release from the companies, the hub uses ‘clean’ energy sources—which they say are renewable and carbon neutral. Offering some of the fastest chargers on the market, Mercedes says that all EV types are welcome to use the centers, which feature a lounge with restrooms and refreshments. The hub also has spaces for electric vans or EVs towing trailers up to 26 feet. Further, the companies aim to build more than 400 charging hubs (with up to 2,500 individual charging stations, cumulatively) by the end of the decade. Read the full release here.
[11.21.23]