How electric microcars wound up on Bora Bora’s front line against climate change
Electric microcars are often touted for their superior urban performance, wiggling through crowded cities without taking up more space than they need. But you can find them much farther flung than just the narrow alleyways of European cities. In fact, you just might see them on the beachfronts of your next vacation.
When picturing French Polynesia in your mind, you’re more likely to conjure up images of the white sands around Bora Bora or Tahiti’s mountaintop jungles towering over the beautiful crystal-clear waters below.
What probably doesn’t come to mind first is the climate emergency faced by those South Pacific Islands, whose low-lying population centers could soon be devastated by rising ocean levels.
And that’s why radically reducing the carbon emissions that are warming our planet and increasing ocean levels is such a keenly important issue on coastlines around the world. In French Polynesia, one solution is to start with alternatives to unnecessarily large and inefficient cars and trucks.
Eli’s ZERO electric microcar, which I’m more used to seeing cruise the streets in Italy and the Netherlands, is getting some much more tropical weather after the French Polynesian government adopted the vehicles as part of its new fleet of eco-focused transportation.
It wasn’t enough to simply go electric, but rather the government sought a smaller form factor that provided just enough enclosed vehicle without being wastefully large.
For Pacific islands known for intense rainy seasons, the vehicles work well all year round yet are much more efficient than full-sized electric cars.
As the company explained, “Eli Electric Vehicles is at the heart of French Polynesia’s radical transport decarbonization program. Amidst climate emergencies, the government is making a bold move – overhauling their fleet with our eco-conscious vehicles, based on their actual usage. Eli ZERO, our compact, two-seater, zero-emission vehicle, is the perfect solution for government officials’ commuting needs, leading to an optimized balance of vehicle capacity and energy use.”
The vehicles, which are brought to French Polynesia by local Tahiti-based distributor E-Motors Pacific, were chosen to closely meet the needs of government workers.
As the distributor added, “Faced with climate emergencies, the government is turning to an eco-responsible modernization of its vehicle fleet, based on a careful analysis of their actual use. Thus emerges our Eli ZERO by Eli Electric Vehicles, a compact two-seater vehicle, specifically adapted to urban needs. Designed to meet the requirements of either individual or two-seater use, common among government agents, the Eli ZERO is an eco-efficient solution that emits no carbon emissions and consumes little energy. Its choice was motivated by a desire to optimize not only energy consumption but also vehicle capacity, in perfect alignment with the real needs of users.”
In addition to the government fleet, E-Motors Pacific has also made the Eli ZERO electric microcars available for purchase by locals as well as for rent by tourists via a partnership with Avis.
This isn’t E-Motors Pacific’s first electric rodeo, either. The company has already brought other leading light electric vehicles to the island nation, including Pickman electric mini-trucks, Yadea electric scooters, Evoke electric motorcycles, and Frey electric bikes, among many others.
The company has also focused efforts on installing dozens of solar canopies for parking light electric vehicles in the shade while using the solar energy to charge from a 100% renewable source.
Electrek’s Take
Sure, I’m used to spotting electric microcars around Europe and have also long enjoyed the lonely job of trying to convince Americans that they can be useful in the US as well. So this is a fun chance to see electric microcars in a new environment that is no less ideal for them than the narrow winding alleyways of European cities or the crowded streets of New York City.
And of course a few electric microcars is mere water vapor coming off a drop in the bucket of global transportation emissions. But the whole point is to send a message. These are the locations that will suffer first from rising sea levels. And not just the beautiful beaches of Bora Bora, but also the hundreds of millions of people living along less affluent Asian coast lines in areas that don’t get postcards made of their villages.
And yes, even you in California and New York and Florida, it’s coming for you too. Without creative solutions like these to address the damaging climate impacts of oversized and inefficient vehicles, your kids are doomed. We need fewer Cybertrucks and more cyberbikes. We need fewer driverless cars and more carless drivers. We need our transportation solutions to meet what we actually need, not the maximum of what we think we might need twice a year. And that’s exactly what microcars, e-scooters, e-bikes. and other energy-conscious solutions are designed to do.
Well that’s depressing. To end on a happier note, here’s a short video of me testing out an Eli Zero last year. Or for a longer test ride on a pre-production unit, check that one out here.
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A more affordable Polestar electric SUV is set to launch by the end of the year. Polestar (PSNY) will unveil a cheaper, entry-level Polestar 3 model to compete with Tesla and Porsche. Here’s what we know so far.
Meet the Polestar’s new electric SUV
With the Polestar 3 expected to begin rolling out in the US in the coming months, the automaker is already planning to launch a cheaper option for buyers.
Polestar 3 production began in April in Chengdu, China, a few months ago, with additional production in South Carolina expected to start in mid-2024. Polestar has already successfully completed early production tests in the US.
The Polestar 3 will be the company’s first EV built on two continents as the brand looks to expand in major markets globally.
The entry-level Long Range Dual Motor was expected to start at $83,900 with up to 300 miles EPA range. However, in March, Polestar announced a new starting MSRP of $73,400 with Pilot Pack included as standard on all trims.
Polestar expects deliveries of the standard Long Range Dual Motor to begin in the second quarter of 2024.
| 2025 Polestar 3 trim | Estimated EPA range (Combined) | Power | Torque | Price |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack | 315 miles | 489 hp | 620 lb-ft | $73,400 |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack and Plus Pack | 315 miles | 489 hp | 620 lb-ft | $78,900 |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot and Performance Pack | 279 miles | 517 hp | 671 lb-ft | $79,400 |
| Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot, Plus, and Performance Pack | 279 miles | 517 hp | 671 lb-ft | $84,900 |
The company also revealed that the Polestar 3 is eligible for its $7,500 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive on leases, potentially bringing prices as low as $65,900.
The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with standard Pilot Pack and optional Plus Pack starts at $78,900. Polestar’s Plus Pack includes a 1,610-watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system, 21″ wheels, bio-attributed MicroTech, and heated rear seats.
Polestar’s Long Rang Dual Motor model boasts up to 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque with 315 EPA estimated miles range.
For added performance, the Polestar 3 with Performance Pack is available for $79,400. This boosts output to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mpg sprint in 4.6 seconds. It also includes “Swedish Gold” accents, 22″ performance wheels, and Polestar-engineered chassis tuning.
Polestar to launch cheaper Polestar 3 variant
Polestar confirmed a cheaper Polestar 3 will join the lineup by the end of the year as the new base model.
Speaking with the media, Polestar’s global head of communications, Brent Ellis, said, “Later this year, the single-motor version of the Polestar 3 will be available.”
Ellis added, “It will be rear-wheel drive, and we will have more details a few months from now when the time comes to launch.”
Although details and pricing are yet to be revealed, Polestar’s product manager told Drive the RWD model will use the same rear electric motor as the AWD Long Range Dual Motor model with 180 kW (241 hp).
Like the other trims, the RWD model will feature a 111 kWh battery pack, which should see increased range.
Polestar 3 deliveries are expected to kick off in Australia in June 2024. However, it will be a true electric five-seater. Ellis confirmed, “There’s not going to be a seven-seater at any point.”
The cheaper model will likely launch in the US and other global markets. More details are expected closer to its official debut. Check back for more info soon.
Electrek’s Take
Although Polestar claims Tesla is not the competition (more like Porsche’s new Macan EV), a cheaper electric SUV could help it keep pace with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y.
Tesla’s RWD Model Y starts at $44,990 with up to 320 miles range. The Long Range AWD model costs $47,990 with up to 310 miles range. Meanwhile, the Performance variant starts at $51,490 with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds. With the $7,500 EV tax credit, Tesla Model Y prices start at as low as $37,490.
Which one would you buy? The Tesla Model Y or the Polestar 3 (or Porsche Macan EV)? Drop us a comment below.
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EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) will begin to deploy North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors on its DC fast charging network this year.
The Los Angeles-based charging provider said the stations included in the rollout will serve both CCS and NACS electric vehicles. EVgo will first deploy NACS connectors in markets with “high NACS vehicle penetration” – or, in other words, areas with a lot of Tesla drivers.
The plan is, of course, to maximize charger utilization. EVgo reports that overall utilization on its network in Q1 2024 was approximately 19%, up from approximately 9% year-over-year.
Badar Khan, CEO of EVgo, said, “EVgo had previously identified more than 100,000 potential stalls with strategic site host partners, and with recent industry changes, we welcome further dialogue with our current and potential partners on how we can collaborate to deploy more fast charging infrastructure in convenient locations for drivers.”
Both Tesla and future non-Tesla NACS EVs can use EVgo’s plug-and-charge feature, Autocharge+. It’s available to over 50 EV models, including all Teslas compatible with the Tesla-made CCS adapter.
EVgo says its NACS roll-out will be “unique given the network’s proliferation of high-power 350kW chargers that require liquid-cooled cable technology.” Nearly 40% of EVgo’s stalls are currently powered by a 350kW charger – almost double the percentage a year ago.
Read more: California now has 1 EV fast charging station for every 5 gas stations
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A new all-electric luxury SUV is set to hit the market next year to compete with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y. Volvo is joining the luxury electric SUV market with its new EX60 launching next year. The new EX60 will rival premium models from Tesla, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
As one of the first legacy automakers to commit to an all-electric future, Volvo is seeing the results.
After launching its most affordable EV, the EX30, last year, Volvo’s compact electric SUV is already making a significant impact on the company.
Volvo set a new sales record in the first three months of the year with growing demand for its electric models. Fully electric vehicles accounted for over 40% of sales in 19 markets. That’s up from 13 in Q4 2023.
According to Volvo Cars’ chief commercial officer and deputy CEO, the EX30 is helping boost sales. Volvo’s EV sales share hit a record 21% in Q1, with 14,500 EX30 models sold. This was enough to top the EC60 (6,000) while inching closer to the EX40 (17,400).
Volvo also began production of its first electric minivan, the EM90, for China. Deliveries began in March. Meanwhile, Volvo is preparing to launch its larger EX90, which is already attracting Ferrari-like wait times.
Volvo EX60 to launch as the latest luxury electric SUV
Volvo looks to keep the momentum rolling next year with its new EX60 expected to debut as an all-electric replacement to the hybrid XC60 Recharge.
The new EV will compete against premium SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan EV, and Mercedes-Benz EQC. It will sit between the EX40 and EX90 in Volvo’s expanding EV lineup.
According to Auto Express, the new Volvo electric SUV will be based on the larger EX90’s platform, which could pack up to 100 kWh of battery power. Erik Severinson, chief product and strategy officer at Volvo Cars, calls it an “evolution of the Volvo-developed platform.”
Volvo’s EX60 is expected to maintain the brand’s new design elements, such as its Thor Hammer LED headlights, closed grille, and alloy wheels.
At least one thing remains a mystery. Volvo did not confirm if the EX60 would include advanced LIDAR like the EX90. However, Severinson said the brand is exploring “different kinds of sensors going forward.”
The EX60 will feature a new “structural” battery pack, similar to BYD and Tesla. The design leads to “improved energy density” and “great driveability.”
According to the report, the EX60 could feature up to 400 miles WLTP range. The EX90, with a 107 kWh battery pack, offers up to 364 miles. However, the EX60 is expected to feature a smaller, lighter battery with improved energy density.
Volvo is moving to use a megacasted rear underfloor for the EX60, a concept used by Tesla, NIO, XPeng, and others. According to Volvo, the new floor design weighs 15 to 20% less than a traditional stamped equivalent.
The method will also increase storage space while speeding up production times. Volvo is expected to launch the EX60 when megacasting production begins next year.
We could see the Volvo EX60 unveiled by the end of the year, with prices and specs arriving at a later date. Check back for more details soon.
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