Tesla offers a free Model 3 to anyone who can hack its system

Cars are becoming computers, and Tesla has always been at the forefront of that trend. For years, the company has worked with the “white hat” hacker community to pro-actively identify and fix security flaws in its vehicle software. Electrek reports that, over the past few years, Tesla’s bug bounty program has paid out serious money in rewards to hackers who exposed vulnerabilities – as much as $15,000 per reported bug.

Now the Savants of Silicon Valley have upped the ante in a big way, offering a free Model 3 as a prize for cracking the vehicle’s software system.

Tesla will be the first automaker to participate in the annual Pwn2Own computer hacking contest, which is run by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative. At the event in Vancouver this March, Tesla will give away a Model 3 to the winner of the hacking contest.

That’s not all: There will be $900,000 worth of prizes available for hackers who expose flaws in Tesla software. The biggest prize will be $250,000 for hacks that execute code on the car’s gateway, Autopilot, or Vehicle Controller Secondary (VCSEC) systems. (The gateway interconnects the car’s powertrain, chassis, and other components and processes the data they send. The VCSEC is responsible for security functions, including the alarm.)

“We develop our cars with the highest standards of safety in every respect, and our work with the security research community is invaluable to us,” said Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Software David Lau. “Since launching our bug bounty program in 2014 – the first to include a connected consumer vehicle – we have continuously increased our investments into partnerships with security researchers to ensure that all Tesla owners constantly benefit from the brightest minds in the community.”

 

Sources: Electrek, Ars Technica


Source: Electric Vehicles Magazine

Rivian CEO: R1T & R1S Are Best Driving Truck & SUV In The World

The hardest part of being a carmaker awaits Rivian. Actually making automobiles

For Rivian, it’s been an exciting year. After all, the automotive startup revealed two rather interesting models: a battery-electric concept pickup and full-size SUV. However, with orders on the books, Rivian is now faced with the hardest part of becoming a full-fledged car maker. That would be actually building the ordered vehicles.

However, according to Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe, this shouldn’t be a problem for this carmaker. After all, his 10-year old company features management sourced from the more experienced parts of the industry. Additionally, there’s a well-capitalized plan, complete with a dedicated factory in Normal, Illinois, ready to kick ass.

Furthermore, Scaring is determined that Rivian will be careful to avoid some of the problems that were faced by other carmakers. Naturally, this mostly concerns Tesla and everything the Fremont-based carmaker went through. Most notably, these items revolve around the production and delivery hells experienced by the carmaker. And those are what Rivian aims to avoid altogether.

In The Words Of Rivian CEO

“We do recognize the complexity of assembling and putting vehicles together, of managing a very complex supply chain and logistics network, and we’re very [cognizant] of the nuts and bolts, and of the need to follow a proper process to ensure that, when we launch the vehicle, it can be launched with as few problems, errors and challenges as possible,” Scaringe said during a fireside chat at the Automotive News World Congress.

Rivian, according to its CEO, plans to begin delivering copies of its R1T electric pickup and R1S electric SUV beginning in 2020. Furthermore, the carmaker also aims to produce four other vehicles. Each are slated to share the same battery and powertrain “skateboard” as the R1T and R1S. All four will be part of the pickup and SUV vehicle segments.

“I think any great brand … to build a brand that customers are going to be excited about and that customers are going to want to be part of, it has to fundamentally reset expectations. It has to disprove untruths,” Scaringe said. Tesla took the untruth that electric cars were boring and slow — that they were glorified golf carts — and they disproved that. They showed people that an electric car can be exciting and fun.”

For the most part, Rivian aims to focus on trucks and off-road-capable SUV. The market for rather capable electric offroaders and heavy-duty trucks is lucrative.

Best In The World Because It Has To Be

“What we need to disprove is that an electric vehicle [can’t] get dirty, and that an electric vehicle [can’t] be rugged, and an electric vehicle [can’t] go off-road and take your family places, and that an off-road vehicle [can’t] be good on-road.We want to get the guy who already has a Range Rover sitting next to a Tesla [in the garage], or the [Jeep] Wrangler sitting next to the [BMW] i3, and grab them with something that was just completely different than what they thought was possible. It will be the best-driving truck or SUV in the world. It must be, because if it’s not, why would somebody pick us over a Ford or over a BMW?”

If Rivian manages to deliver on their promises, they could become a force to be reckoned with in the automotive world rather fast. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Source: Autonews


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Daimler delivers first Freightliner electric commercial truck to Penske

Daimler Trucks North America has delivered the first vehicle in its Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet – a Freightliner eM2 – to Penske Truck Leasing.

Next year, Penske will put an additional 9 medium-duty electric eM2 trucks and 10 heavy-duty eCascadia electric trucks into service in California and the Pacific Northwest. Penske will place the EVs within its logistics, truck leasing and truck rental fleets.

The Freightliner eM2 truck is designed for local distribution, pickup and delivery, and last-mile logistics applications. The Freightliner eCascadia is a Class 8 tractor designed for local and regional distribution and drayage. Both trucks will enter production in 2021. The Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are part of Daimler Trucks’ global electrified truck initiative, joining the company’s Thomas Built Buses all-electric Saf-T-Liner eC2 school bus, the FUSO eCanter, and the Mercedes-Benz eActros.

Daimler’s Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet is partially funded with a nearly $16-million grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), as well as contributions from the EPA and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Earlier this year, Daimler Trucks formed the Freightliner Electric Vehicle Council, composed of 30 customers with strong use cases for electric trucks, including Penske Truck Leasing. Members of the customer council benefit from co-development of deployment strategies for EVs, including applicable use cases, current legislation and requirements for facilities, charging infrastructure and service support.

As the first step in its infrastructure deployment, Penske Truck Leasing will install 20 high-power charging stations across five of its California locations starting this month.

“With increased hauling demands and regulatory pressures, it is more important than ever that Daimler Trucks continues to rigorously test and research electric vehicle solutions together with our customers,” said Daimler Trucks CEO Roger Nielsen.

 

Source: Daimler


Source: Electric Vehicles Magazine

Tesla White Interior Blue Jean Transfer Fix: Video

Plus, how to keep that from happening.

We love the ultra-white seats that come as an option in Tesla vehicles. They really give a premium look to the interior, especially in Model 3, which is somewhat starker than Model S or Model X. But, like many others, we worry about ticking that box because of the risk of staining. Sure, the California automaker may say “Black and White Interior is our most durable option available, made with easy-to-clean, stain-resistant material,” but we still worry. And for good reason.

Sure, we’ve seen red wine spills get cleaned up with no damage, but we’ve also seen examples of indigo dye transfer from blue jeans. This, it seems, is a more difficult situation. As we can see in the video above from the Marc Benton YouTube channel, though, it is possible to remove. Apparently, all it takes is some Orange Degreaser, maybe some 70-percent isopropyl alcohol, and some elbow grease with a nylon brush. Whew!

Besides demonstrating how to fix the problem, the video also addresses how to prevent it in the first place. Besides the common-sense step of using wet wipes on the regular,  the key seems to be ceramics. Or, at least, specially formulated ceramic-based coatings for automotive interiors. There are lots of different formulations for this application out there, and this video doesn’t make a specific recommendation. So, if you’ve had good luck with a particular product, let us know in Comments.

Video description:

We have had our Tesla Model X since June 2018 and ever since, it has had some blue jean transfer on the white leather (vegan leather.. or plastic) seats. I have tried everything to get it out! I asked my detailer, Eric, about getting it out and said he could get it out. I had my doubts but had him come see if he could do it and the results surprised me.

Source: YouTube


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Cadillac Obsessively Benchmarking Tesla For Upcoming Electric SUV

General Motors is putting Cadillac as its front runner in the EV race

Clearly, when GM decided to put Cadillac at the forefront of the EV race, it was a smart move. After all, this legendary brand is synonymous with the American dream and the luxury it brings to the table. And judging by the images revealed last week, their entry into the EV world is going to be a big one.

Featuring stylish looks and a rather imposing figure, Cadillac’s first EV will utilize GM’s “BEV3” next-generation electric vehicle platform. The platform is designed to allow flexibility for use in many different vehicle types. In turn, this will allow the carmaker to utilize it in front, rear wheel drive and all-wheel-drive models. Furthermore, unlike some other carmakers that are developing a platform that will be able to utilize both ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and fully electric powertrains, the GM platform is designed from the ground up to accommodate electric vehicles only.

However, the electrification path that will be used by GM, where Cadillac will be their front runner in the electric vehicle race, is being heavily compared to Tesla. And somewhat surprisingly, Cadillac doesn’t shy away from that fact at all. While Cadillac once ruled the world of comfy, luxurious cruisers that were adored by everyone from businessmen, mobsters, movie stars and presidents, right now, it’s kinda behind everyone in the EV game. And taking notes from Tesla – if they produce a viable Tesla killer – is nothing to be ashamed of.

While some automotive execs would never admit something like that, we applaud the Cadillac president President Steve Carlisle for coming out with that publicly. This was revealed in an interview that Carlisle did for CNBC, where he said that they are doing it “obsessively”. Furthermore, Cadillac’s president also added some interesting tidbits about the way he and others gauge Tesla’s success, and why he isn’t convinced on it just yet.

“I think they have done a lot to popularize electric vehicles and to get into the minds of consumers. I think that has been very valuable. They’ve pushed the envelope in terms of that process and that made everybody a little sharper and on their game. I think we have to wait a while to rate the whole story because we don’t know what happens when EVs really start to scale from a distribution and customer experience perspective and from a profitability perspective. I think we have to wait a little while before we rate the whole story.”

In true fairness, it’s hard to bash on any manufacturer looking at Tesla when developing their own EV programs. After all, it’s hard to argue against Tesla’s success in various fields of electric vehicle production, ranging from batteries, electric motors to the autonomous driving software used. However, we can all (at least somewhat) disagree with the latter statement, as Tesla is clearly making strides in the automotive world and soon enough, will have to be valued as an equal to legacy car makers like GM. Overall, it’s interesting to see various legacy carmakers, shedding away their old skin and joining in on the electric vehicle fun. After all, it is us, the consumers, that will benefit the most out of these battles.

You can watch the complete interview above.

Source: Electrek


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Three Upcoming Electric Cars That Might Not Be On Your EV Radar

Don’t look now. But Mazda, Jeep, and Subaru have EVs in the works.

We know which companies are leading the electric car revolution. Yadda, yadda. But if you want to know when the EV tipping point is approaching, keep your eyes on the EV laggards. It’ll indeed be a new day for vehicle emissions when every single dealership showroom in America has a pure EV model for sale.

With that in mind, ponder a future in which even Mazda, Jeep, and Subaru offer electric vehicles. These lively automotive brands are mostly quiet  these days about EVs. But based on recent evidence, that’s changing slowly but surely.

An All-Electric Mazda

Mazda’s European chief Jeff Guyton told Automotive News in December that “a battery-electric vehicle will come in 2020 and a plug-in hybrid will arrive in 2021.”

He explained that the EV launching in 2020 would use Mazda’s own technology. Mazda also has a partnership with Toyota to develop electric platforms. That tie-up will result in additional Mazda EVs “a couple of years later,” according to Guyton.

At the recent 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s design chief, said that the upcoming all-electric model would have a unique aesthetic. In other words, it won’t be based on an existing model.

Thankfully, Maeda said it would not be geeky or weird. “I hate that direction, and I won’t aim for that.” Other reports suggest the model would be a crossover and not a sports car. (Sorry, no electric Miata derivative.) Regardless, there’s something in the works at Mazda, despite disparaging remarks from Mazda president Akira Marumoto. At the LA show, he said, “I prefer the smell of gasoline.”

Four Electric Jeeps on the Way

It’s known that Jeep is planning a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler for 2020—and a Renegade plug-in hybrid by about 2022.

But Mike Manley, chief executive of Fiat Chrysler, let this line slip at the 2018 LA Auto Show: “In addition to the all-new mild hybrid Wrangler, a full plug-in electric Jeep Wrangler will be available in 2020.”

Manley’s statement left if vague if the Wrangler would be a pure EV or the previously announced plug-in hybrid. But it’s clear that Manley, who replaced the late Sergio Marchionne as CEO last July, is more open to EVs than his predecessor.

Manley’s veiled EV announcement is backed by Jeep’s five-year electrification plan, which was unveiled in June 2018. The planned roadmap includes 10 plug-in hybrids and four battery-electric cars. Maserati, another Fiat Chrysler brand, similarly said it plans to make four pure EVs by about 2022. And the 2020 all-electric Fiat 500e is due for a redesign and a much bigger battery.

Mr. Manley, how about a fun and funky off-road EV?

A Crunchy Subaru EV, Eventually

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru unveiled the 2019 Crosstrek SUV plug-in hybrid in Los Angeles. It will offer a modest 17 miles of all-electric range.

Okay, so the outdoorsy auto brand is only dipping its toes in the water. But that doesn’t mean it’s not working on pure EVs. Last year, Colin Christie, Subaru Australia’s managing director explained, “We’re not talking 10 years, and we’re not talking two years. But in somewhere around five years we’ll potentially have fully-electric vehicles.” He suggested that the first EV would use an existing SUV platform.

That statement from down under is timid, but sources in Japan have been reporting since 2016 that a Subaru all-wheel-drive electric crossover is due in the US by 2021. Moreover, those same reports indicate that Subaru’s new global platform will accommodate gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric drivetrains.


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Tesla is giving away over 80 new Roadsters for free, which might have killed the referral program

Elon Musk announced that Tesla is killing its referral program due to cost concerns and new information about the latest prizes show that they are going to have to give away over 80 new Roadsters for free.

The program might have gotten away from them. more…

The post Tesla is giving away over 80 new Roadsters for free, which might have killed the referral program appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward

Watch All-New 2020 Kia Soul EV Get Fully Charged

How the paddles affect regen is especially interesting.

With all the attention the Kia Niro EV (also known as the e-Niro in some markets) and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona Electric,  have been getting, it’s easy to forget there’s a third compelling electric vehicle coming soon from South Korea: the 2020 Kia Soul EV. Well, it recently spent a bit of time in the spotlight at the LA Auto Show. Happily, Fully Charged was there and now reminds us about this awesome electric option.

Host Jonny Smith takes us around the completely updated compact box. Despite being totally refreshed — it will share the same platform as the Niro and Kona — the new design keeps the soul of the Soul. It may sport an updated look and is slightly larger, but it is still easily identifiable.

The driving experience too, in the electric variant at least, should be a huge leap over the version that has sold more than 100,000 copies in each of the last eight years of its ten-year run. With the same 201-horsepower motor as its larger Niro EV stablemate, it will be especially competitive in the traffic light Gran Prix. And, compared with the original Soul EV, its range will be massively improved. That electrified Soul has a 30 kWh battery and is EPA-range rated for 111 miles, while the 2020 edition will sport a 64-kWh pack (a 39-kWh battery option will be available outside of North America) and likely go over 250 miles on a charge. Comfortably!

If you haven’t already, go ahead and hit play on the video above. There are lots of cool details mentioned in the report, which may help you with future buying decisions. Enjoy!

Video description:

Often overlooked, the Kia Soul was always an impressive electric car. It looks like this is set to change. The 2019 version with an estimated 280+ (WLTP) range is a massive step change. We’re looking forward to seeing the official WLTP stats from KIA as soon as possible.

Source: YouTube


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Watch This Kia Niro EV Test Drive Review

Next-gen long-range are fantastic … in most ways.

My Electric Earth seems to love EVs and the whole concept surrounding the segment. He recently test drove the Hyundai Kona Electric, so it only made sense to check out the Kia Niro EV (e-Niro). Of course, we all know it’s a Robert De Niro favorite, but why?

The Kia Niro EV is a bit larger than the Hyundai Kona Electric, so it’s better for a big family. It also has a lengthy range. Not to mention a luxury-grade cabin and plenty of features.

So, what’s the negative kicker here?

As My Electric Earth points out, there’s nothing that’s actually wrong with the Kia itself. Instead, he believes that the lone issue is inadequate charging infrastructure, as well as charging speed. For those families that frequently set off on long road trips, this car just won’t do. Keep in mind, this YouTuber is not just discounting the Niro EV, but all long-range EVs at this point.

Furthermore, it’s even more important to understand that it’s not these electric cars that are the problem, but instead, the charging infrastructure constraints and the obvious lack of public locations.

Video Description via My Electric Earth on YouTube:

Test drive of Kia e-Niro

KIA E-Niro is the second car that I try that is the new generation longer range EV.s. This is an important step forward in the electrification of passengers cars. This car is bigger, and it can very vel be used as a family car. It has three types of diving moods, eco, normal and sport. But will this car and the Hyundai Kona be practical on long distance trip, when most of the fast chargers out there is only 50 kW? The time to recharge will be unacceptable.


Source: Electric Vehicle News