🚔6: Major automakers shift gears on EV plans
This Week in Auto
In a week that has sent ripples through the automotive industry, several major car manufacturers have announced significant changes to their electric vehicle (EV) strategies.
These shifts reflect a growing recognition of market realities, consumer preferences, and the challenges of transitioning to an all-electric future. Let's dive into the details of these announcements and their implications for the future of the automotive industry.
These shifts reflect a growing recognition of market realities, consumer preferences, and the challenges of transitioning to an all-electric future. Let's dive into the details of these announcements and their implications for the future of the automotive industry.
Volvo
Volvo Cars, long known for its commitment to safety and innovation, has made a notable adjustment to its electrification timeline. Previously, the Swedish automaker had boldly declared its intention to sell only fully electric vehicles by 2030. However, in a surprising move, Volvo has now revised this goal. The new target is for 90% to 100% of its sales to be electrified cars by 2030, a category that includes both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
PS: If you'd like to contribute to this conversation, I made a Tweet about it here
PS: If you'd like to contribute to this conversation, I made a Tweet about it here
Nikolaus Otto’s Four-Stroke Cycle Engine
We wrote four more deep dives on The Heart of the Machine series!
The late 19th century witnessed a surge in technological advancements in engine design, yet the concept of using engines to power vehicles was still in its infancy.
Driven by the need for more efficient and practical engines, Nikolaus Otto set out to improve upon existing designs. Otto’s aim was to address the limitations of earlier engines and develop a design that would significantly enhance performance and efficiency.
His relentless pursuit of this goal led to the creation of the four-stroke cycle engine, a breakthrough that would redefine internal combustion engine technology.
The late 19th century witnessed a surge in technological advancements in engine design, yet the concept of using engines to power vehicles was still in its infancy.
Driven by the need for more efficient and practical engines, Nikolaus Otto set out to improve upon existing designs. Otto’s aim was to address the limitations of earlier engines and develop a design that would significantly enhance performance and efficiency.
His relentless pursuit of this goal led to the creation of the four-stroke cycle engine, a breakthrough that would redefine internal combustion engine technology.
Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach's High-Speed Engine
Gottlieb Daimler was born on March 17, 1834, in Schorndorf, Germany, into a modest family. His father, a master craftsman, and his mother, a homemaker, introduced him to mechanical work from an early age.
Wilhelm Maybach, on the other hand, was born on February 9, 1846, in Heilbronn, Germany. He studied at the Polytechnic School in Stuttgart, with his talent nurtured by a local industrialist.
Daimler and Maybach first came together through their association with Nikolaus Otto, who was pioneering the development of the four-stroke internal combustion engine. Daimler had been working with Otto and had become deeply involved in the development of the four-stroke engine, which was a groundbreaking advancement in engine technology.
Wilhelm Maybach, on the other hand, was born on February 9, 1846, in Heilbronn, Germany. He studied at the Polytechnic School in Stuttgart, with his talent nurtured by a local industrialist.
Daimler and Maybach first came together through their association with Nikolaus Otto, who was pioneering the development of the four-stroke internal combustion engine. Daimler had been working with Otto and had become deeply involved in the development of the four-stroke engine, which was a groundbreaking advancement in engine technology.
Karl Benz's Two-Stroke Engine and Later Four-Stroke
Karl Benz was born on November 25, 1844, in Mühlburg, Germany, into a family of modest means.
His father, Johann Georg Benz, passed away when Karl was only two years old, leaving his mother, Josephine Vaillant, to support the family. Despite financial hardships, Benz showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering.
He pursued his studies at the Karlsruhe Polytechnic School, where he honed his skills in mechanical engineering. After completing his education, Benz embarked on a career in engineering and began experimenting with various engine designs.
His father, Johann Georg Benz, passed away when Karl was only two years old, leaving his mother, Josephine Vaillant, to support the family. Despite financial hardships, Benz showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering.
He pursued his studies at the Karlsruhe Polytechnic School, where he honed his skills in mechanical engineering. After completing his education, Benz embarked on a career in engineering and began experimenting with various engine designs.
Rudolf Diesel's Compression-Ignition Engine
You have heard of diesel, I can bet.
Rudolf Diesel was born on March 18, 1858, in Paris, France, to a German family. His father, Theodor Diesel, was a successful merchant, while his mother, Louise, was an artist who supported the family through her own creative pursuits.
From a young age, Diesel exhibited a keen interest in engineering and mechanics, which guided him to study at the Royal Bavarian Polytechnic in Munich.
Rudolf Diesel was born on March 18, 1858, in Paris, France, to a German family. His father, Theodor Diesel, was a successful merchant, while his mother, Louise, was an artist who supported the family through her own creative pursuits.
From a young age, Diesel exhibited a keen interest in engineering and mechanics, which guided him to study at the Royal Bavarian Polytechnic in Munich.