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By NAPA
NAPA News: The Hottest Electric Vehicles Coming In 2023
The idea of a world where roads are dominated by all-electric or hybrid vehicles isn’t too far off. As consumer demand for alternative-fuel, emission-free vehicles continues to grow, manufacturers are ramping up production. Industry titans are shifting their focus to create EV spinoff models to join in on the competition.
link hidden, please login to view This upcoming year, the NAPA experts expect to see a wide selection of high-tech EVs from traditional manufacturers like GMC, Subaru, Chevrolet and Nissan, who plan on redesigning well-loved models for the electric market space. Now, more than ever, EV models are being designed for the average commuter, car enthusiast and amateur DIY mechanic. Today’s EVs are versatile, advanced and soon becoming the norm for new-car shoppers. Get ready for 2023, when many mainstream manufacturers plan to launch a variety of EVs that fit multiple lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a high-end, deluxe sportscar or a family-oriented crossover with trusted brand reliability, there is something in this lineup to pique your interest. If you’re on the hunt for an electric vehicle or just entertaining some EV curiosity, keep reading as we guide you through some of the coolest models hitting car shows and highways in the near future.
The Electrifying Future Of Automobiles
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With a whopping 312 miles of range, the Cadillac LYRIQ doesn’t miss a beat. The 33-inch diagonal dash display incorporates advanced LEDs to provide an in-cabin experience that’s pleasurable to your senses. With seamless adaptability in all weather or road conditions, the Ultium Battery Platform and Driver Mode Selector achieves a seamless, silky and harmonious driving experience.
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For a classic-looking ride with some trusted towing prowess, the Chevrolet Blazer EV triumphs in all expectations. Get up to 320 miles on a full charge, haul up to 1,500 pounds secure over 59.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This Blazer goes from 0 to 60 mph with Wide Open Watts, making it the perfect ‘everyday’ or ‘getaway’ vehicle for those who value vehicle comfort and adaptability.
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The all-new electric Chevrolet Equinox isn’t your average Equinox. It fully embraces futuristic style without losing that compact, SUV-feel and affordability. Get up to 290 horsepower with intense towing strength, along with Super Cruise — a hands-free driving mode. With new safety technology (like Reverse Automatic Braking) and a great selection of color options, the Chevy Equinox is shaping up to be a versatile EV, suitable for a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
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With sleek design and cutting-edge technology, the Genesis GV60 presents a first-class EV ‘crossback’ experience that’s stunning in terms of visuals and potential. The illuminated Crystal Sphere shifter and eco-friendly, deluxe interior upholstery bring a unique look to the Genesis GV60 cabin, while the intense horsepower, fast throttle response and charging capability extends the range of your road time.
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For the adventure-hungry pioneers who want modern off-road machines, keep an eye on the GMC Hummer EV SUV! This electrifying take on the Hummer will help you establish off-road dominance with multiple driving modes, HD Surround Vision and UltraVision, high clearance tires and a revolutionary design engineered to crawl, climb and claw your way through the toughest obstacles.
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Hyped as ‘the EV of your Dreams,’ GMC has pushed the limits of what an all-electric truck can truly be. The Sierra EV harnesses intense horsepower, torque and mileage along with advanced technology (like Super Cruise) for an exhilarating off-road experience. Charge up in less than 10 minutes to drive 100 miles. Get ready for GMC’s EV power, that’ll allow you to trek mountains and lakes in total luxury.
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Lexus’ all-electric RX 450e is a stunning vision of what luxury crossovers can be. With an intense powertrain featuring dual-motor setup, Lexus brings advanced handling and acceleration with its all-wheel drive. While the maximized motor power increases speed and driving finesse, Lexus takes interior comfort and style to the next level with a large 14-inch touchscreen display, an aerodynamic Spindle Body, Ultrasuede-trimmed upholstery and patterned cabin illumination for an other-worldly driving experience.
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With a state-of-the-art interior featuring active ambient lighting, a customized 3D sound system, and Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation, Mercedes-Benz brings futuristic comfort and design to the next level. Add on the speedy charging times, high horsepower and 90 kWh battery capacity, and you’ve got a deluxe ride that checks all the boxes.
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The Nissan Ariya, inspired by ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism,’ boasts comfort, magnificence and incredible range. The simplistic design pays homage to Japanese elements, while the advanced safety technology minimizes operator error. Certain models like the VENTURE+ carry an estimated range of up to 304 miles. That, coupled with the 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space and foldable seats, means the Ariya comfortably fit five passengers.
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Subaru’s all-electric lineup beings with the Subaru Solterra — a lean, outdoors-ready machine with all-terrain capability, zero-emissions powertrain and advanced safety and assist technology. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance provide unmatched stability for better off-road adventures. If you love the trusted reliability and longevity of a Subaru, keep an eye on the 2023 Solterra for next-level features that’ll bring you into the electric age.
The EV Age Has Arrived
There are plenty more EV models worth honorable mentions, like the
link hidden, please login to view 3 & 4, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but just a few of the exciting developments in the electric vehicle world to help our loyal customers embrace the new age. As you consider EVs and hybrids for your next ride, lean on The NAPA Network to provide key information on caring for your EV, like
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and more. Whether or not you’re ready to take the leap into EV ownership, know that the friendly experts at NAPA are keeping up with the times to continue providing modernized parts, services and advice for all your automotive needs.
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By Counterman
Lumileds is launching a new line of powerful LED-upgrade retrofits for fog light and powersports headlights.
With automotive-grade LEDs that produce a cool-color temperature of up to 6,000 K, Philips UltinonSport LEDs provide “incredibly bright white light” and durable, long-lasting performance for snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs and other off-road vehicles, according to the company.
These LED solutions allow users to better illuminate the path ahead, detect obstacles faster and deliver a safer driving and riding experience. The new Philips UltinonSport LED line includes 12 SKUs and is compatible with both 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems.
“Our new UltinonSport LED line helps drivers and riders find their next adventure,” said Aubry Baugh, Lumileds product manager. “These bulbs feature the latest in LED technology and are backed by the quality, safety, and reliability that Philips bulbs have been built on for over 100 years. They deliver brilliant illumination for roadways, trails, beaches, and backroads. Their advanced technology provides exceptional service lifetime, and their extremely compact size allows for an easy installation.”
To ensure long lifetime and optimal performance, the UltinonSport LED bulbs feature Philips “AirCool” technology with two types of heat dissipation. A built-in fan helps to actively cool the LED and electronics, while an aluminum heat sink further dissipates heat and maximizes airflow around the components. The durable construction and improved heat transfer means that UltinonSport LED bulbs deliver a lifetime of up to 2000 hours.
The Philips UltinonSport LED-upgrade retrofit bulbs are available for 9003, 9005/9006, 9007, 9008, 9145, H1, H3, H7, H8/H16, H11 and PS24W for off-road and fog-light applications. Each Philips UltinonSport LED package contains two bulbs.
For more information, email [email protected].
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By Counterman
It’s no secret that the heart of an electric vehicle is its high-voltage (HV) battery.
There are a number of electrical circuits and protection devices found within an HV battery assembly. These circuits work in conjunction with the vehicle’s battery-management system (BMS) to ensure safety and battery longevity.
It’s not uncommon to have several hundred lithium cells in an EV and more than 25 cells in a hybrid vehicle. These cells must be properly balanced to one another, while their temperature and the packs’ overall voltage and amperage must be closely monitored by the BMS.
Often, when a battery has been properly tested and is found to be bad, a remanufactured battery may be the best option due to the price.
Typically, remanufactured batteries include a number of improvements, such as nickel-plated terminals (to avoid corrosion); optimized cell mounting to eliminate the risk of case cracking due to vibrations; individual cell testing and balancing of the pack; and other comprehensive testing to ensure long life.
For example, Dorman’s remanufactured hybrid battery pack for the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius features “nickel-plated bus bars and corrosion-resistant terminals for increased reliability,” according to the Dorman website, while “proprietary software uses [a] multi-dimensional grading process to select battery cells that will perform ideally together.” The battery packs are subjected to “multiple stringent validation gateways, including on-vehicle tests using EPA performance standards,” according to the company.
Remanufactured batteries should be an attractive option for your customers – especially those who own hybrid vehicles, as they’re likely seeking a cost-effective solution. Dorman’s remanufactured hybrid battery packs come with a two-year warranty, according to a recent sales flyer, compared to the eight- to 10-year warranty for most OE batteries. Generally speaking, however, remanufactured batteries should have the same life expectancy as a new one.
It’s important to note that when a remanufactured battery is sent to the warehouse, there’s an expiration tag applied to the outside of the shipping container. Make sure you’re not installing a battery that’s due to return to the manufacturer to receive an updated charge and testing procedure.
A word about handling HV batteries, whether they’re new or remanufactured: These batteries are heavy! They’re packaged in clamshell cases to minimize the risk of electrical shock. Because of their weight, HV batteries should be stored low to the ground, and counter pros (and customers) should take great care when lifting them, to avoid injury.
Let’s discuss a few add-on sales opportunities. I firmly believe that all shops working on electric vehicles need high-voltage gloves, insulated handtool sets and a Level 2 charger. Remember, all EVs use electrons the entire time they’re in a shop – as opposed to ICE vehicles, which only use gasoline when the engine is running.
Advanced diagnostic tools represent another great sales opportunity. When it comes to diagnosing EVs and their batteries, the current level of diagnostics only allows a technician to see what’s transmitted over the data bus lines of communication. This is because a traditional diagnostic scan tool gets its information from the OBD II connector located under the dash. Autel has addressed this challenge with its MaxiSYS MS909EV platform.
With the MaxiSys MS909EV system, technicians can analyze an EV battery by plugging into the OBD II port or connecting directly to the battery. By connecting to the BMS, technicians now have full insight into battery state of health and individual battery-cell state of charge; access to all the thermistors; and visibility into the “handshake” that occurs between a charger and the vehicle. The MS909EV screen displays detailed graphics and in-depth connection guidance to provide safe and secure testing, as well as comprehensive diagrams of high-voltage system blocks, components and sockets. In addition to providing rapid analysis of high-voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles, the MS909EV’s intelligent diagnostic capabilities extend to U.S., European and Asian gasoline and diesel vehicles.
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By Counterman
As the automotive industry grapples with ongoing inventory shortages, consumers continue their shift to used vehicles.
According to Experian’s “State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2022,” 61.78% of all vehicle financing was for used vehicles, up from 58.48% in Q2 2021.
The shift to used vehicles was present across all credit tiers, though near-prime saw the largest increase, going from 72.3% in Q2 2021 to 77.69% in Q2 2022.
Subprime consumers saw the percentage of used-vehicle loans grow from 86.28% in Q2 2021 to 89.29% in Q2 2022, while prime consumers saw growth from 61.02% to 63.59% in the same time frame, according to Experian.
“Between the inventory shortage and rising vehicle costs, consumers are looking to make the most cost-effective decision, which is often a used vehicle,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian’s senior director of automotive financial solutions. “The benefit of higher vehicle values is that consumers are able to get more for their trade-ins, which can help offset the increased cost of their next vehicle.”
The shift to used comes amid rising average vehicle-loan amounts and monthly payments for both new and used vehicles. The average new-vehicle loan amount increased 13.21% year-over-year to reach $40,290 in Q2 2022, with a monthly payment of $667 compared to $582 in Q2 2021. Average used-vehicle loan amounts saw a sharper increase of 18.66% year-over-year, clocking in at $28,534, with an average monthly payment of $515, an increase from $440 in Q2 2021.
As consumers financed more used vehicles, credit unions experienced significant growth. Credit unions saw a jump in overall market share, reaching 25.81% in Q1 2022, up from 18.32% in Q1 2021, coming in second only to banks (27.94%) and surpassing captive lenders (22.64%), according to Experian.
Credit unions achieved growth in both new- and used-vehicle financing, though the growth was more pronounced in the used-vehicle space.
Though captives still led new-vehicle financing at 46.14% in Q2 2021, credit unions increased to 21.35%, up from 11.15% last year. For used-vehicle financing, credit unions comprised 28.62% in Q1 2022, up from 23.49% in Q1 2021. The growth places credit unions just behind banks, which held 29.19% of used-vehicle financing in Q1 2022.
“With the market dynamics we’re seeing right now, the shift in lender market share makes sense, as credit unions often offer two things that consumers are seeking: lower interest rates and longer terms,” Zabritski continued. “This helps to manage their monthly payment, which is often what consumers prioritize when looking at financing options. Understanding these trends will ensure lenders and dealers can help consumers make the most informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle.”
Additional findings for Q2 2022:
Leasing decreased to 19.65% of new vehicles in Q2 2022, down from 27.82% in Q2 2021. The market continues to move more prime with prime (45.74%) and super prime (19.57%) comprising more than 63% of all originations in Q2 2022. SUVs surpassed 60% of total financing in Q2 2022 at 60.43%, up from 58.57% in Q2 2021. The average difference between a new-vehicle loan and lease payment was $127 in Q2 2022. The average loan term for new-vehicle loans remained flat going from 69.45 to 69.46 months from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022; average used-vehicle loan terms grew from 66.14 months to 68.01 months, year-over-year. To learn more, watch the entire
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By Counterman
Electric vehicles, specifically those that are 100% battery powered (BEVs) have everyone “amped up” and anxious to get the most “current” projections on sales, share of the car parc and long-term impact on the aftermarket parts and service business. The impact of BEVs will be felt slowly over a very long time. But the time to get educated and prepared is now.
Beginning with the joint industry report at AAPEX from the Auto Care Association and AASA and continuing with presentations at the AASA Technology Council and Vision conference this spring, forecasts about BEV sales and their trajectory of market share have fascinated and frightened those who grew up with and depend upon the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) for their livelihood. The consensus I heard is that the demise of the internal combustion engine has been exaggerated and the growth forecasts of BEV market share are optimistic considering the limits of current battery technology, tepid consumer demand resulting from the high cost, and shortcomings in charging infrastructure and the electric grid.
There is no secret that CO2 emissions are responsible for changing the chemistry of our atmosphere and warming the planet, and vehicle tailpipe emissions are a major contributor to the problem. So, every alternative form of vehicle propulsion has been thoroughly explored in the last decade and Lithium-Ion batteries are the leading technology for the time being. Tailpipe emissions from the vehicle are eliminated, there’s instant and plentiful torque and the new models are even starting to look cool.
But, BEV adoption has lagged below the projections of futurists and will continue to face a number of challenges and headwinds. To put this in perspective, BEVs in the U.S. account for barely 1% of the fleet in 2021. That market share will double to 2% in 2025. By the end of this decade, BEVs will account for 6% of the domestic parc — and the vast majority of those will still be under factory warranty. It won’t be until 2035 that the BEV share rises to double digits. These numbers are from the joint industry report issued at AAPEX and represent the Base Adoption scenario. The numbers could be lower if development and investment lag, or they could be higher under the rosiest of assumptions.
A few inconvenient truths about battery-powered vehicles have jumped out at me from my research:
1) Consumers have expressed reluctance to invest in a BEV unless their range-anxiety is satisfactorily addressed, and they can confidently head out on a road trip without the need to plan their itinerary around rest stops at the charging station. Derek Kaufman from Schwartz Advisors told the AASA Vision Conference audience that the government has a goal of investing $5 billion on an additional 500,000 charging stations. That’s great, but the need is for 4X that number. Until the number of charging stations is dramatically increased, depending on a BEV will require changes to driving and consumer behavior.
2) Current battery technology can be charged with standard household current. But, it takes all night, and the full range potential is not achieved. Fast-charging DC stations typically cost 3 to 4 times as much per KWh limiting their use unless absolutely necessary. Brian Daugherty, chief technology officer at MEMA, explained that a typical home consumes 1.2 kilowatts (KW) per hour on average. A direct current (DC) fast charger on the side of the interstate uses 300 KW or the equivalent demand on the grid of 250 homes. Imagine your favorite rest stop equipped with a couple dozen charging stations on Memorial Day weekend with everyone plugged in for a fast charge to get them to the beach. The entire East Coast will go dim.
3) Just as concerning as the infrastructure is the source of the minerals that go into modern batteries. China controls 70-80% of the lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and graphite use in electrodes and Russia produces more than 20% of battery-grade nickel. Half of the cobalt is supplied from the Republic of the Congo, with a dismal record of child-labor abuses. But, battery technology is rapidly advancing and professor and inventor John Goodenough, who is credited with inventing the current state-of-the-science Lithium-Ion battery, recently co-developed a rapid-charging, high-cycle, non-flammable glass battery. Years of testing and development are needed to prove the viability of this tech in automotive applications. But, apparently, the 2019 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry did not think Lithium-Ion battery technology was … Good Enough.
4) Finally, it is worth remembering that switching from a gasoline ICE to a BEV that plugs into the electric grid is simply a trade off from tailpipe emissions to smokestack emissions until we have a much higher portion of our electricity supplied from renewable sources (solar, hydro and wind). Even in our current position, battery electric cars generate only 50% of the emissions of a comparable gasoline vehicle, even when battery manufacturing is included in the calculation, according to Cultura.org.
With all that said, battery electric vehicles are here to stay, and their share of the market will slowly increase. Costs will come down, range and performance will go up, and the investment of the OEMs and the government will ensure that electrics command a significant share of our transportation system in the future. Internal combustion engines are not facing extinction and will remain relevant to hybrid vehicles, heavy equipment and large SUVs and trucks for many decades. As Kaufman explained, electrics will be the preferred solution for small package delivery fleets, autonomous urban vehicles and fleet-shared transportation solutions. The best thing for an aftermarket parts or service business with an eye on the long game is to take your local Avis, Uber or Waymo executive out to lunch and talk about their need to eliminate underperformed maintenance and deliver 100% up-time with a reliable supply of aftermarket parts.
The aftermarket should do what we’ve always done when faced with something new and uncertain, adapt and pay attention. Change is coming faster than ever, but we are Essential — regardless of the propulsion technology.
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