More electric vehicle (EV) updates emerged at the end of this hot summer. As the fourth quarter begins, here are a few more fun stories from the EV industry.
Porsche Won’t Add Simulated Shifter
While some EVs, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, include a fake paddle shifter, Porsche has decided to forego the feature. Simulated shifting mimics the sound and feel of internal combustion engines (ICEs) when changing gears.
The German automaker doesn’t see the point of including fake shifting. Developer driver Lars Kern told Australian motor publication Drive that it wasn’t what the company was looking for.
Porsche attests its EV motor is more powerful than its ICEs; therefore, it shouldn’t keep gear shifting, even in a simulated version.
InsideEVs reported that the company also refuses to put tablet-sized touchscreens as the infotainment system. The German luxury brand isn’t always jumping on trends, allowing its brand power to carry its sales.
Land Rover Discovery To Get Revamp
Photo Courtesy Land Rover
The Range Rover EV isn’t out yet, but the interest in it is serious. Electrek reported that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) amassed 42,000 preorders for the luxury SUV, which is expected to be delivered soon.
JLR plans to add to its EV lineup. Initially, six new models were to launch across the brands through 2026, but two have been pushed back.
Electrek reported that after a smaller Range Rover Sport EV hits the open market, the company plans to start electrifying another SUV, the Land Rover Discovery.
The Discovery only accounts for 4% of total sales, and some executives at JLR believe it needs a rebrand. Mark Cameron, Discovery and Defender brand managing director, wants to make it into a family vehicle. In an interview with Autocar, he said Discovery needs to stand out from the Defender, which sells a lot better.
The Discovery could be rebranded as a van-like adventure vehicle good for offroading on top of family outings. “Recreating what Discovery stands for, we absolutely have to make sure it sits in a really unique territory,” Cameron told Autocar.
Fisker Home Chargers Sold For Cheap
Photo Courtesy Fisker
You should’ve headed to Fisker’s online store if you needed a Wallbox charger for at-home EV charging. The company filed for bankruptcy in June after its Ocean EV failed to sell and suffered serious technical problems. However, it was still offering its old EV charger for $250, about half its original price.
Fisker is looking to raise capital any way it can. According to InsideEVs, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus is one of the highest-rated home charging stations. The product officially sold out, so shoppers will have to look elsewhere for discounted home chargers. However, it’s unfortunate for Fisker after showing so much promise.
