#564 - 💧🤔🔋 Batteries Out, Hydrogen In?

TOGETHER WITH

Between swapping batteries, hydrogen cells, and union cards.

One thing is sure about the future: It’s gonna be different than the now.

Check out the news we gathered from around the automotive world, and take a little time to learn about hydrogen cars in a deep dive by our writing team.

Stay curious, get information, and as always…

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, Chris & Kristi

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BUSINESS

New News

Stellantis Leads in EV Profitability

• In the Black: CEO Carlos Tavares announces Stellantis's profitability in EVs in the U.S. and Europe, a standout achievement amidst widespread struggles in EV profitability.

• European Success & U.S. Expansion: Stellantis surpasses Tesla in European EV sales; plans to launch over 75 electric models globally by 2030.

• Battery Swapping Breakthrough: Stellantis and Ample's battery swapping initiative in Spain may revolutionize EV charging, targeting reductions in wait times and potential expansion to personal vehicles.

Ford's EV Developments

• Uncertain Tax Credits for Mach-E: New battery sourcing rules may disqualify Mustang Mach-E from U.S. federal tax credits starting January; eligibility of F-150 Lightning EV under review.

• Production and Investment Adjustments: Despite a sales increase, Ford scales back Mach-E production and delays investments due to supply chain challenges.

• Urgent Buying Incentive: Ford motivates buyers to purchase before year-end for tax credit benefits and extends incentives for 2023 Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models.

• V2H Savings Program: Ford and Resideo Technologies collaborate on a vehicle-to-home program for the F-150 Lightning, aiming to cut electricity costs using smart tech.

GM's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Venture

• Zero Emissions Solution: GM's Hydrotec unit will provide hydrogen fuel cells for Autocar's heavy-duty vehicles.

• Power Cubes for Heavy Vehicles: Offering 77 kilowatts of power, ideal for applications with less effective BEVs.

• Advantages Over BEVs: Hydrogen fuel cells offer faster refueling and longer range, countering issues with heavy batteries and charging times.

Ferrari's Purosangue: Beyond an SUV

• Not Your Average SUV: Ferrari unveils the Purosangue, a unique $400,000+ four-door, four-seater, with sales extended to 2026.

• Performance and Design: The vehicle features a V-12 engine and balanced weight distribution, offering an unmatched driving experience.

• Luxury and Practicality: Despite a more spartan interior, the Purosangue combines luxury with functionality, broadening Ferrari's customer base.

UAW's Nationwide Unionization Efforts

• Unionization at VW's Chattanooga Plant: Over 1,000 workers sign union cards, part of UAW's broader strategy to organize nonunion auto sector workers.

• Expanding UAW's Reach: Targeting major automakers like Tesla, Toyota, and BMW following successful agreements with Detroit's Big Three.

• Volkswagen's Proactive Measures: Pay increases at VW and other foreign automakers, potentially a strategy to discourage unionization.

• VW's V2G Tech: Introducing bidirectional charging for EVs like the ID.4, enabling energy storage for home and grid support, with up to 10 kW discharge capacity.

TOGETHER WITH UPSTART

Collaboration!

We love collaboration! 

Recently, Buckeye Honda, in collaboration with Upstart Auto Retail, transformed their customer experience into a seamless digital journey. 

The innovative approach merges online browsing with in-store engagement and streamlined financing, resulting in remarkable sales efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

This partnership sets a new benchmark in automotive retail. Intrigued?

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• Innovative Approach: Blending online convenience with in-store authenticity.

• Efficient Sales: Enhanced sales process leading to increased profitability.

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• Industry Standard: Setting a new benchmark in automotive retail.

Get started on your success story now with Upstart! 

DATA & INSIGHT

Hydrogen Cars: Craze or Phase?

We love it when our community reaches out to ask us something they wanna know more about! Like here:

Thanks to Melissa Boyer for the kudos and the question! 🤩

So, let’s get into it – hydrogen cars.

What The Heck Are They?

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are an innovative class of vehicles that operate using a fuel-cell that converts hydrogen gas into electricity, which then powers an electric motor. The most unique aspect? Their only emission is water vapor, making them an environmentally friendly alternative.

How Do They Work?

At the core of a hydrogen car is its fuel-cell system. Hydrogen gas enters the fuel-cell, and through a chemical reaction, it splits into protons and electrons. The electrons flow through a circuit to produce electricity, powering the car's motor. Simultaneously, the protons move through a membrane and combine with oxygen, resulting in water vapor – the vehicle's only emission.

Advantages Over EVs:

• Quick Refueling: HFCVs can be refueled in about five minutes, a significant advantage over EVs, which can take hours to charge.

• Longer Range: Fuel-cell vehicles can travel 300-400 miles on a full tank, often exceeding the range of many EVs.

• Consistent Power Delivery: Unlike EVs, which may experience reduced performance as the battery depletes, HFCVs maintain consistent power output.

Challenges & Limitations:

• Infrastructure Shortcomings: The hydrogen refueling infrastructure is notably sparse. As of late 2023, California had just 55 retail hydrogen stations.

• Vehicle Cost: They are considerably more expensive than many ICE or EVs, primarily due to the advanced technology and materials required for their fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems.

• Fuel Costs: In California, the price of hydrogen reached $36/kg in 2023, making the cost per mile higher than that of many EVs. For example, filling a Toyota Mirai’s 5.6kg tank would cost $201.60 for about 400 miles.

Industry Developments:

• Sales Increase: HFCV sales in the U.S. in Q3 2023 spiked with a 531% rise compared to the previous year.

• Limited Model Availability: The Hyundai Nexo, Toyota Mirai, and the now discontinued Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are the only available options in the U.S. (for now).

• Toyota Is All-In: Toyota has been a major proponent of hydrogen technology, selling nearly 22K Mirai since 2014. The company has plans to manufacture hydrogen drivetrains in Kentucky for heavy-duty trucks and produce 200K hydrogen vehicles by 2030.

With a lack of adequate infrastructure, affordability, and options, most consumers likely won’t be rushing to snatch one up anytime soon. But, as far as environmental impacts are concerned? These babies fit snuggly in the S-tier.

👉 Check out the full write-up on our website here. 👈

Got a burning inquiry of your own? Just hit reply to this email, or leave us a comment on the poll. 

TIE CUTTERS

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee: Ben Keating

Ben Keating, a nominee for the 55th annual TIME Dealer of the Year Award, is a true testament to dedication and community contribution.

A third-generation car dealer and Texas A&M graduate, Keating revitalized his family business into the thriving Keating Auto Group, now spanning 28 dealerships.

From supporting educational programs and helping out local youth initiatives, it's clear he's passionate about making a difference wherever he can.

Congratulations and best of luck, Ben! 👏

AROUND THE ASOTU-VERSE

Coming Soon

• Wednesday, DECEMBER 13 @ 2:00 PM EST
  ASOTU Edge Webinar with Upstart
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• JANUARY + FEBRUARY
  More Than Cars Episodes 3 + 4
  Tired of waiting for new episodes of retail auto’s only docu-series, More Than Cars? Us too. So, we’re dropping new episodes in January and February. Let’s start the new year right!
   👀 Watch episodes 1 and 2 👀

   

• FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2024
  NADA 2024 in Las Vegas
  Are you going to NADA and itching for some eye-catching media coverage? We're your dream team for content creation.

  🎥 Let’s link up 🎥 
   

• MAY 14 - 17, 2024

  ASOTU CON 2024 in Baltimore

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Quick Hits

• McDonalds is opening a new chain - CosMc’s. Hooray? 🍟

• Godzilla Minus One gets praise from all over the internet, including a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. 🍅

• An experiment had 22 sets of twins eat half plant-based diets and half meat diets, to see the results. Plant-based is better for several things, including heart health, but way less fun. 🥗

History

• 1941: US President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his famous "Day of Infamy" speech to a joint session of Congress a day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 🎙️

• 1956: The Ford Ranchero debuts. 🥇

• 2010: With the second launch of the SpaceX Dragon, SpaceX becomes the first privately held company to successfully launch, orbit, and recover a spacecraft. 🐉