Connect with us

Published

on

Jaguar Land Rover revealed its new program Wednesday called the “future skills programme,” aimed at retraining 29,000 of its workforce to acquire the skills to develop, manufacture, and service modern luxury electric vehicles. The British luxury automaker has significant plans to introduce all Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in EV form by 2030, making it critical that its employees are on board for the transition.

In February 2021, Jaguar Land Rover announced a major initiative called “Reimagine,” revealing the automaker’s next chapter in its rich history.

The Reimagine strategy involves converting Jaguar to an all-electric brand by 2025, while Land Rover follows with a mostly electric lineup by the end of the decade. Jaguar introduced its first fully electric vehicle, the I-PACE, in 2018, a beautifully designed SUV that drives more like a car, featuring decent range and charging capacity.

The I-PACE won several awards in 2019, including World Car of the Year, World Green Award, and World Car Design of the Year.

On the other hand, Land Rover plans to release six pure EVs by the end of the decade, with the first fully electric Range Rover coming in 2024.

The luxury automaker has taken several steps this year to ease the transition to EVs as it phases out gas-powered vehicles. In August, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled plans for a “next-generation” EV testing facility featuring an electronic rolling road to test vehicle performance at speed.

More recently, on September 21, a report from Autocar UK revealed Jaguar Land Rover began converting its Halewood facility to speed up its EV transition. The plant is home to iconic models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, both due for an electric upgrade, though it’s not clear if they will continue being manufactured here.

To ease the transition to EVs, Jaguar Land Rover is introducing a global “upskilling drive” to retrain 29,000 of its employees.

Jaguar-Land-Rover-EV-transition-1
Jaguar I-Pace Source: JLR

Jaguar Land Rover retraining workers for an all-out EV transition

Jaguar Land Rover unveiled its “future skills programme” Wednesday to prepare its technicians and dealers for a rapid transition to EVs.

The automaker says over 60% of JLR and its global franchised retailer technicians, about 29,000 total, will receive training to design, manufacture, and service electric vehicles over the next few years.

The majority will be retrained this year to support the automaker EV push over the coming years. Over 9,500 apprentices are in training as JLR plans to hire another 1,200 in 2023.

Jaguar Land Rover’s industrial operations executive director, Barbara Bergmeier, talks about the automaker’s EV ambitions and how the new program can help, stating:

Our plans to electrify our product portfolio are running at pace, and we are rapidly scaling up our future skills training programme to ensure we have the right talent to deliver the world’s most desirable modern luxury electric vehicles.

Before adding:

Developing the skilled global workforces needed to design, build and maintain the vehicles of the future is foundational. I’m proud to say we are committing to help plug the electric and digital skills gap with a comprehensive, global training programme, which will power charge electrification both here in the UK and abroad.

On top of its technicians, Jaguar Land Rover plans to train thousands of engineers, production employees, and others currently working on gas-powered vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover strives to achieve net carbon zero across its supply chain and operations by 2039, with an extensive roadmap for getting there. The automaker claims electrification is the focal point of its climate initiatives.

Electrek’s Take

With effective plans over the next several years to introduce new fully electric models and become a leader in the industry, Jaguar Land Rover is approaching it strategically.

Retraining employees is the first step. Then, when the time comes, the transition to electric vehicles will be much smoother.

Electric vehicles are much more sophisticated than their gas-powered counterparts, making it crucial for automakers to train their employees on the differences.

JLR is not the only automaker doing so. Luxury rival Mercedes-Benz also launched an employee EV training program in August to support its own transition, though the initiative is more aimed at the selling experience than the manufacturing process.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.

Continue Reading

Environment

Everrati rebrands B2B EV conversion arm to ‘Powered by Everrati’ amid clientele increase

Published

on

By

Everrati rebrands B2B EV conversion arm to 'Powered by Everrati' amid clientele increase

EV conversion specialist Everrati announced reshuffling its business-to-business (B2B) strategy, rebranding the division as “Powered by Everrati.” The branding partially results from increased customers to the B2B division, which is reporting encouraging year-over-year growth.

Everrati Automotive Ltd. is a UK-based restoration company that has expanded its business to the US. It specializes in EV conversions of timeless classics like Porsche 911s and Land Rovers. Most of our previous coverage of Everrati has focused on said conversions, including an all-electric Mercedes SL “Pagoda” and a Land Rover Defender designed to be stored on a yacht.

However, in addition to its own EV revamps, Everrati shares its proprietary technology to help other businesses go all-electric. In July 2022, we reported that the company had established a new B2B division called Everrati Advanced Technologies (EAT). The goal at the time was to provide high-tech consultancy services to clients, from initial concept and feasibility studies, through scalable low-volume production of EV conversions.

Everrati said EAT would initially focus on low-volume luxury vehicle conversions, aiding in every step of the process from design, development, engineering, and production consulting to help its customers create any bespoke powertrain design they want.

Nearly two years later, Everrati is reporting increased interest in its B2B EV conversions and is now pivoting that division to support said growth.

Everrati conversion
Source: Everrati

Businesses can utilize “Powered by Everrati” conversions

Similar to its predecessor, the newly branded “Powered by Everrati” division utilizes the conversion specialist’s electric powertrain and software technology to offer clients a turnkey solution that comes with support throughout the entire process.

At this point, in its development of EV conversion technology, Everrati is confident that its powertrains will reduce development and launch timelines, risks, and overall costs. The company explained that clients also gain access to Everrati’s in-house-developed Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) architecture, which can reduce the cost of new electric vehicle programs by up to 70%.

Such technology and savings have piqued the interest of new clients all around the globe, as Everrati states its contract signings have increased 200% year-over-year. Everrati founder and CEO Justin Lunny spoke to the expanded EV conversion division and what it means for the company’s overall strategy in the future:

I’m proud to announce the new name for our B2B division: Powered by Everrati. Our pipeline is brimming with opportunities as specialist and luxury brands, Low Volume Manufacturers, and OEM ‘classic divisions’ wishing to bring their heritage into the future, seek to swiftly create new, or electrify existing vehicles. With 70% of all new cars in Europe expected to be pure electric by 2030, momentum is really accelerating. Our ability to deliver bespoke EV projects efficiently positions us as the go-to partner for businesses aiming to transition to zero-emission solutions. Everrati continues to grow from solid foundations, driven by our commitment to providing customers with complete, turnkey cutting-edge EV solutions.

Our unique business proposition empowers clients to swiftly embrace zero-emission technology, while our B2C business flourishes globally in response to increasing demand. Indeed, with so many redefined customer commissions from our Porsche, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz based product portfolio having been delivered worldwide, these completed OEM-grade vehicles visibly demonstrate to our B2B clients the boundaries we are pushing and the unparalleled results that can be achieved.

Everrati is not sharing specifically who any of its B2B clients are at this time.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Hyundai to add hybrids at EV-only plant as rising demand throws a curveball

Published

on

By

Hyundai to add hybrids at EV-only plant as rising demand throws a curveball

Following similar announcements from rivals, Hyundai is adding more hybrids to its lineup as a bridge to its next-gen EVs. Hyundai will add hybrid production lines at its dedicated EV plant in Georgia as demand rises.

Hyundai adds hybrids at its new dedicated EV plant

Hyundai is shaking things up after initially announcing plans to build a $5.5B EV assembly and battery plant in Bryan County, GA.

After hybrids accounted for a larger share of sales in the first quarter, Hyundai plans to add hybrid production at the facility. “It is because we need to cope with sharply rising hybrid demand,” A Hyundai executive said on the company’s Q1 earnings call (via Nikkei Asia).

Hyundai’s EV sales share fell in all major markets in the first three months of 2024 compared to last year, including Korea (4.4% vs. 9%), the US (5.5% vs. 6.6%), and Europe (10.7% vs. 15.9%).

Meanwhile, hybrids accounted for a larger portion of sales in Korea (21% vs. 14.7%), the US (10.9% vs. 10.4%), and Europe (15.7% vs. 15.2%).

Hyundai-hybrids
Hyundai Q1 2024 sales by region (Source: Hyundai)

Overall, EVs accounted for 4.5% (vs 6.5% in Q1 2023) of the brand’s sales, while hybrids held 9.7% of the share (vs 8.2%). Hyundai’s total auto sales fell 1.5% to 1 million in Q1.

Hyundai is expected to begin production at its GA plant in Q4. The automaker believes electric models, like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, will qualify for the federal EV tax credit, which should help boost demand.

Hyundai-hybrids
Hyundai IONIQ 5 (left) and IONIQ 6 (right) at Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)

Once up and running, Hyundai’s Metaplant will be able to build 300,000 EVs annually, which can be expanded to 500,000 if needed.

Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, will debut soon. It’s expected to be introduced later this year as Hyundai looks to boost sales in key segments.

Electrek’s Take

The news comes as several automakers, like Ford, GM, and even sister company Kia, announced similar plans to introduce more hybrids to their lineups.

Despite this, Hyundai’s EV sales are still climbing in key markets. Hyundai’s EV sales doubled in March in the US, its most important market, with Q1 sales up 62%, also a record.

Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker assured, “Demand for our vehicles, especially EVs, remains high.” The Korean automaker looks to satisfy the growing demand for hybrids with added production in GA.

Hyundai already has some of the cheapest EVs in the US, with the Hyundai Kona Electric (starting under $33,00), the IONIQ 6 (starting at $37,500), and IONIQ 5 (starting at $41,800).

To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a massive $7,500 cash offer that can bring prices down to nearly nothing. If you’re in the market for a new EV, now may be the best time to get started. You can use our links below to find deals on Hyundai EVs at a dealer near you.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Middle East escalation could trigger oil price shock that fuels inflation, World Bank warns

Published

on

By

Middle East escalation could trigger oil price shock that fuels inflation, World Bank warns

A general view of Isfahan Refinery, one of the largest refineries in Iran and is considered as the first refinery in the country in terms of diversity of petroleum products in Isfahan, Iran on November 08, 2023. 

Fatemeh Bahrami | Anadolu | Getty Images

The outbreak of a major conflict in the Middle East could trigger an energy shock that pushes oil prices above $100 a barrel, fuels inflation and results in higher interest rates for longer, the World Bank warned Thursday.

Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point earlier this month as Israel and OPEC member Iran appeared on the brink of war, raising fears that crude oil supplies could be disrupted as a consequence.

The governments in Jerusalem and Tehran appear to have decided against escalation after exchanging direct strikes on each other’s territory for the first time. Oil prices have pulled back nearly 4% from recent highs as investors have discounted the probability of a wider war in the region.

The World Bank, however, cautioned that the situation remains uncertain.

“The world is at a vulnerable moment: A major energy shock could undermine much of the progress in reducing inflation over the past two years,” said World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill.

Oil Prices, Energy News and Analysis

Oil prices could average $102 per barrel if a conflict involving one or more oil producers in the Middle East results in a supply disruption of 3 million barrels per day, according to the World Bank’s latest commodity markets outlook report. An price shock of this magnitude could stall the fight against inflation almost entirely, according to the report.

Global inflation cooled by 2% between 2022 and 2023 largely due to commodity prices plunging nearly 40%, according to the World Bank. Commodity prices are now plateauing with the global financial institution forecasting modest declines of 3% this year and 4% in 2025.

“Global inflation remains undefeated,” Gill said. “A key force for disinflation — falling commodity prices — has essentially hit a wall. That means interest rates could remain higher than currently expected this year and next.”

While the conflict in the Middle East presents upside pricing risks, the world could see relief if OPEC+ decides to start unwinding its production cuts this year. Oil prices would fall to an average $81 a barrel if the cartel brings 1 million barrels per day back onto the market in the second half of the year, according to the World Bank.

Don’t miss these stories from CNBC PRO:

Continue Reading

Trending