Google Maps has a new filter to identify plug types at EV charging stations

The latest useful feature added to Google Maps will let users know what plug type is available at electric vehicle charging stations. With different charging connectors used by car manufacturers being able to identify what EV charging station has will be useful. To access the new feature, head to Google Maps > Settings > Electric Vehicle Settings >Your Plugs > Choose and save. And so when you search for an EV station, it will only show you ones that are compatible with the car you are using.

Source: GizmoChina

Toyota accelerates plans for electric vehicles

Toyota has been known for its hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but now it wants to get into battery EVs, too. The company announced its intent to have half of its global sales in 2025 to be from electrified vehicles. The goal is to sell 4.5 million hybrids, with one million EVs either battery- or hydrogen fuel cell-powered. To make sure it hits its target, starting next year, the automaker plans to introduce at least 10 new BEVs. Six of those will be based on the electrified version of its TNGA platform, which is being called e-TNGA. The vehicles will be sold globally. There will also be different electric vehicles that range from SUVs, crossovers, sedans, to MPVs. To make sure they have a steady supply of batteries, Toyota is partnering with China’s CATL and electric car manufacturer BYD.

Source: Autoblog

Aston Martin to launch Heritage EV program to make its old cars electric

With more and more cities shunning internal combustion engines, Aston Martin is hoping its classic cars stay relevant and legal. The company is launching a Heritage EV program where classic Aston Martins can be converted to have all-electric powertrains. If you want to drive around in your classic Aston Martin, this will be the way to go. The company is using “key components” of the technology it’s using to develop the Rapide E, a limited edition all-electric sports car the car maker plans to launch late next year.

According to Aston Martin, the first car to get a conversion plan would be the 1970 DB6 MkII Volante. They will be making Rapide E-inspired “cassettes” that can be slipped in place of the original engine and gearbox and will even be attached using the same mountings. A new screen will also be fitted inside the car’s interior, but otherwise everything else will remain the same. This means, if the owner decides to change back, that’s possible, too.

Source: The Verge

The 1,000-horsepower EV from Lucid Motors is up for preorder

California-based luxury automotive company Lucid Motors is gearing up to release its new 1,000-horsepower, 400-mile range electric vehicle and it wants interested buyers to know the car is now up for preorder. The Lucid Air, which is seen as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S P100DL, has 100kWh and 130kWh battery packs and have long-range radar, cameras, LIDAR, and even an app and over-the-air updates. Pricing is expected to run over US$100,000 but no specific amount has been announced yet.

If getting a Lucid Air is something that interests you, you can hand over a US$2,500 deposit to reserve a “standard” production model. If you want something special, prepare to shell out US$25,500 for a “launch edition” that will be one of the first 255 cars of the production line. It might not be the best idea to buy one of the first cars off a production line, if you think about reliability. But Lucid Motors seems to be confident enough that the deposits on the car are refundable. If you’re curious about who’s behind the company. Its CTO is Peter Rawlinson, the former lead engineer for the Tesla Model S, and its chief designer is Derek Jenkins, who used to be the design head at Mazda.

Source: The Verge