G. David Felt

Debates have raged over the name Electra with some saying it should never be used on an EV only ICE while others have said it is the perfect name for launching a Buick EV global push. GM today seems to agree as they have filed to patent the name Electra in both Canada and the US. Based on GM's Ultium Platform of battery and engines, Buick looks to kick off their EV transition with a 4 door AWD SUV. Leveraging stat-of-the-art technology, Buick plans to move forward with moving to a zero emissions portfolio. Combining the athletic look of a four-seat crossover with Gran Turismo aesthetics, the Electra previews the 21st century design language for the EV generation. The Electra has a clean, minimalist styling inspired by a space capsule. The evolving sculptural beauty is distinguished by a spacious glass interior pod that is part of an aerodynamic wing-form bodyshell and riding on 23" wheels that feature an optimal design, to enhance aerodynamics while contributing to the futuristic look of the Electra. Front and rear Matrix LED lamps features parametrical mathematic lighting strings with a three-dimensional effect. This compliments a full LED-illuminated grille and rear screen nameplate to provide dramatic digital lighting interaction. The Electra butterfly wing doors support facial recognition and provide a robust opening for convenient access. The Buick Electra takes advantage of the all new Ultium platform with what is being called a Zero-Gravity environment. This lack of traditional A/B pillars results in a maximum extension of the cabin with a longer wheelbase, a more efficient package and a more spacious, open interior. Buick offers an intuitive and immersive user experience that rewards all the senses by starting with Buick's next-generation eConnect system using a large industry-leading freeform curved retina display. This system like all GM systems will get OTA or over the air updates that provides on-demand driving information, advanced driver assistant systems via the infotainment. Augmented reality-enhanced head-up display with advanced live-view navigation of roads. A 410-mile range via the Ultium battery pack with 583 HP allowing a 0 to 60 acceleration in 4.3 seconds. Buick Makes Bold Statement with Its Vision for Future EV Design (gm.com) Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (uspto.gov) Canadian Trademarks Details: BUICK ELECTRA — 2155303 - Canadian Trademarks Database - Intellectual property and copyright - Canadian Intellectual Property Office - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada View full article

Found in the wild, a rivian Amazon delivery van recharging at an EVGO Charging station.

During Stellantis EV Day and Software Day at the beginning of 2021, we now will get a more detailed look at the New Chrysler EV brand as they plan to unveil the first of many EVs in the 96-year history of the iconic brand as Stellantis plans to build back better Chrysler. The airflow as shown on Jay Leno's garage dates from 1934 and is now ready for a revival of the name in the all-new electric vehicle. The plans for Chrysler at the 2022 CES show is as follows: Chrysler will introduce the Chrysler Airflow Concept and outline its future electrification strategy at CES 2022 in Las Vegas on January 5, 2022 CES 2022 will feature first public display of the Chrysler Airflow Concept, which was previewed in Stellantis EV Day and Software Day presentations earlier this year Chrysler will share a roadmap for building on the iconic brand’s 96-years-plus reputation for innovative engineering, groundbreaking style and affordable luxury While the current concept was shown earlier this year at the Stellantis EV day, CES 2022 will be the start of the Chrysler revival as they show off the Chrysler Airflow as the first of a new portfolio of EVs. How much of the concept makes it into production and what all new changes and platform that will be used is expected to be touched on as CEO Chris Feuell will present on January 5th, 2022 @ 11am PST. Chrysler has had amazing success with their latest version of the Pacifica AWD Hybrid minivan with the most advanced AWD system in its class. Chrysler roadmap will show how they will deliver on their promise of iconic, elegant, executed autos for the 21st century delivering at an attainable value around the globe. Stellantis plans to have a showcase of electrification at the CES 2022 show as they will display the production Citroen Ami Urban EV, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe equipped with the award-winning Uconnect 5 in-car-technology system, DS Automobiles Formula E race car, Fiat new 500 as well as the Chrysler Airflow. One does not need to be in attendance at the CES 2022 to hear and see the reveal of the EV portfolio, you can watch it here: https://stellantisces2022.com/ To quote the press release: Elements of the Stellantis stand at CES 2022 include: Chrysler Airflow: Chrysler debuts the Airflow Concept, leading the brand's transformation to clean mobility and seamlessly connected customer experiences. Citroën Skate Mobility Concept: An autonomous and electric transport robot that that moves around cities, paired with Pods to offer fluid, shared and inventive urban mobility. Citroën Ami: An ultra-compact, two-passenger urban EV. In France, the Ami is accessible by users as young as 14, with “à la carte” offerings that target specific uses, a fully online journey, innovative distribution methods and a three-hour charge time. DS E-Tense FE21: Two-time defending champion in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the 1,984-pound car (with driver) uses a 900-volt system that includes a 52 kWh battery, powering a 338-horsepower electric motor. The lightweight design combined with electric torque drives the car from 0-60 mph in about 2.8 seconds. New FIAT 500: The new 500 is the FIAT flagship and stands for New Dolcevita, social relevancy and sustainability. The iconic all-new small EV is the most popular FIAT and the epitome of the Italian car: beautiful, a classic design, an artwork, an inspiration. New 500 is connected, has a range of up to 199 miles, features 85kW fast charge and is the first city car with Assisted Driving Level 2. The New 500 is the most sold EV within the Company. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer: A Premium American Icon reborn as the new standard of sophistication, authenticity and mobility. The premium extension of the Jeep® brand offers legendary 4x4 capability, on-road refinement and a design that exudes American craftsmanship and heritage, delivering a host of leading-edge technology features, such as exclusive Fire TV built in and a front passenger screen experience. Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The most capable, technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler ever. Available in Europe, China and the United States, the Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: The first Grand Cherokee to offer a plug-in hybrid electric variant. Its introduction signals the continued pursuit of the brand’s global vision of accomplishing “Zero Emission Freedom,” by offering a fully electric Jeep vehicle in every SUV segment by 2025. The Grand Cherokee 4xe targets an estimated 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range and 57 MPGe, with 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and is equipped with the award-winning Uconnect 5, which offers new technology for 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including a 10.1-inch (25.7 cm) display, five-times-faster operating speed (when compared to the previous generation) and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Stellantis Media - MEDIA ADVISORY: Chrysler to Unveil Chrysler Airflow Concept, Announce Roadmap for Brand’s Future at CES 2022 (stellantisnorthamerica.com) Stellantis Media - (stellantisnorthamerica.com) Stellantis Media - Stellantis Showcases Technology Driven Future at CES 2022 With On-site and Virtual Experiences (stellantisnorthamerica.com) View full article

Screams Used Car Hell of Manipulation much like a Ford Dealership which I hate and have avoided all my life just about. Hate that pushy, lie to sell a used auto when they do not know anything. Both those places I would never recommend a person to buy from unless they are just idiots themselves and then maybe it is a good fit after all. LOL

Sure lets compare the interiors 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 2021 Ford Escape 2022 Toyota Rav4 2022 Honda CRV Not sure how you can say the Toyota or Honda is better than the Chevrolet, for sure on par and competitive, Ford is the most dated here of the 4 CUVs. In regard to your car comparison. 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 2022 Accord 2022 Camry Not seeing any Chevrolet Deficiency here either when compared to Honda or Toyota. I would have to say you have not been looking at the current products but are still stuck in the 80's / 90's of product garbage.

Wow, totally crazy the supply constraints and the additional mark ups they are doing on Turd trucks. https://carbuzz.com/news/theres-going-to-be-a-lot-of-angry-toyota-tundra-buyers

This is why people hate dealerships and Ford for sure needs to nip these terrible dealerships in the bud. https://cleantechnica.com/2021/12/24/yet-another-horror-story-at-a-ford-dealership-for-a-mustang-mach-e-buyer/amp/ Like Cadillac has done, time to trim the dealership fat and cull the bully dealerships into compliance or yank their dealership franchise.

Merry Xmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to all here on Chears and Gears. For me, today Xmas Eve was my 30th Anniversary of Marriage. Has been a great day with my family!

Ultium Platform is the dedicated EV architecture and propulsion system at the foundation of GM's all-electric future, giving the company the capability to not only build retail and commercial portfolio of products, but leverage the technology to expand into non-automotive applications business. GM has planned 30 all-new EVs to be released globally through 2025, two-thirds of which will be available in the North America Market. Ultium will be the key driver of GM's expansion and next phase of growth. This era begins today as General Motors moves forward with deliveries just before Xmas of GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickups and BrightDrop EV600 Vehicles which both run on the Ultium Platform. FedEx took delivery of the first shipment of a 500-unit purchase for use in North America. The Ultium Platform will: Enable GM to make nearly every type of vehicle – across its different brands and up and down the portfolio – by building everything from affordable, high-volume crossovers and passenger cars to full-size pickups and SUVs, performance, and commercial vehicles. Feature competitive range, performance and overall customer-friendly integration of components compared to designs that retrofit electric propulsion systems to existing internal combustion vehicle frameworks. Greatly reduce proliferation of parts combinations used in today’s internal combustion lineups, helping enhance EV profitability. Enable mobility beyond GM’s own portfolio through third-party licensing of its EV technology, co-development agreements and partnerships. Per GM's press release: Ultium Ship-To-Commerce Factory ZERO in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan, will assemble multiple Ultium-based vehicles, including the fully autonomous Cruise Origin1 purpose-built for driverless ride hail and delivery, the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV2, the Chevrolet Silverado EV3 and the recently announced GMC electric Sierra Denali4. GM continues to expand and reimagine its manufacturing and development footprint, bringing together high-scale vehicle production expertise established over more than a century and passion to become a leading technology company. More than $4 billion has been invested specifically in EV production and another nearly $5 billion has been spent on battery cell manufacturing targeting at least 140 gigawatt hours of cell-making capacity in the U.S. GM’s next Ultium-based vehicle, the Cadillac LYRIQ, is expected to launch as scheduled in the first half of 2022 and will be assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee. GM is guided by a vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. Electrification components applied to EV conversion projects, commercial equipment, marine applications, trains and more allowing GM's technology platform to expand beyond its core portfolio of autos and drive growth in new business models. GM in collaboration with Textron Ground Support, using the Ultium Platform has built a new emission free line of baggage tractors, cargo tractors and belt loaders for use globally. GM has release the following info in regards to their initial EV components business use: Chevy Performance and Aftermarket: The upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise eCrate Package represents an exciting opportunity for GM to extend EV technology to the aftermarket, enabling customers to work with qualified installers through GM’s electric specialty vehicle modifier (eSVM) program who have been properly trained to replace a vehicle’s traditional internal combustion engine with a fully electric propulsion system. GM’s demonstrated proof-of-concept electric conversion vehicles include the E-10 pickup, K-5 Blazer-E, eCOPO Camaro, and Project X built in collaboration with Cagnazzi Racing’s eCrate Solutions Group. Now, an electrified 1972 El Camino SS, developed with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan, represents the first independent installation of the concept eCrate package, and boldly ushers in the next generation of EV components from Chevrolet Performance as the program prepares to launch in 2022. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXTy5iGL7GZ/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1NaXNF0uo/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CXRqmirl8wj/ Lingenfelter Performance (@lingenfelterlpe) • Instagram photos and videos GM Powered Solutions: GM Powered Solutions will begin introducing tailored electric component sets and will leverage the resources of GM’s Powered Solutions team to actively identify opportunities that could benefit from electrification and will work to strategically integrate the latest EV technology into custom applications. This effort will extend the company’s commitment to an all-electric future through its current GM Marine, On-Highway, Off-Highway and Industrial segments and help enable additional enterprises to reach their own emissions targets utilizing GM EV components and systems. Additional information about GM Powered Solutions is available here. Ground Support Equipment: In a strategic collaboration with Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, GM will provide EV components to electrify Textron GSE’s TUG™ line of baggage tractors, cargo tractors and belt loaders. GM will provide technology to Powertrain Control Solutions, which will integrate the components into lithium-ion electric powertrains for TUG equipment, assisting in the electrification of ground support equipment for use in airports globally. Marine Propulsion: In addition to supporting existing GM Marine customers, GM’s strategic investment in Seattle-based electric watercraft company Pure Watercraft represents an opportunity to bring EV technology to the marine industry and help preserve enjoyment of the outdoors for future generations. Together, the two companies will develop and commercialize battery electric watercraft to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Electrification components are part of GM’s effort to extend the performance and benefits of zero-emissions technology to new industries and serve as a natural extension of GM’s growth strategy. Additional extensions include: GM’s HYDROTEC fuel cell commitments and co-development agreements Ultium Platform applications and co-development agreements Ultium Charge 360 BrightDrop Ultifi software platform Leveraging over 100 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, GM intends to apply the learnings from one component set to the development of others, resulting in a larger portfolio of product offerings across a far-reaching set of applications. GM’s Transition to an All-Electric Future Begins with an Off-Road Supertruck and Commercial Delivery EV, Both Powered By Ultium Platform GM Opens Broad Application of EV Component Sets, Advancing the ‘Everybody In’ Electrification Approach View full article

Seems Tesla possible poor quality and high repair costs that are pushed onto the customers due to the closed eco system of repair has Europeans deciding to blow up their Tesla S with 60lbs of Dynamite. https://carbuzz.com/news/fed-up-tesla-owner-blows-up-his-model-s

Seems at this time CES 2022 will still go on, but I wonder just how many people will attend as sponsors of the show drop out fast due to the Omnicron version of Covid-19 is now dominant across America and out of protection to employees. CES 2022: Google latest to drop out over COVID-19, joining Intel, T-Mobile and more - CNET The Latest to drop is GM as Mary Barra was supposed to give the KeyNote Speach there and will now do it virtually along with the latest GM twin Electric Trucks that were supposed to be revealed will now be done virtually. General Motors Pulls Out Of CES 2022 (gmauthority.com) We now also know what the back and front looks like of the Chevrolet Silverado E electric truck as GMAUTHORITY posted these pictures.

Mythology

Moderna and Pfizer both say your are at your maximum in anti-bodies for fighting Covid after 14 days. CDC says the following: “The booster shot will have a similar response as the second dose of the primary series. The highest antibody level will be around 10-14 days and then things will level off. The antibody levels will decline as it would with all vaccines, however the boosters help to stabilize the antibody levels,” Both my wife and I had no affects from the Booster nor the original 2 shot vaccine. Was a little tired the initial night and went to bed early, but fine after that.

One area that needs to change in regard to commercial business vehicles is the ability to register them out of state and not pay any road taxes from the licensing of them. If a business is here in the state working, the vehicles that they use be it diesel, gas, Hybrid or BEV needs to be licensed in that state and they pay the same taxes as everyone else.

Lemmings

That is so true, she would be from Kent!!! You and me both my friend, I am HIGH Mileage, but only a few broken OEM parts that have been re-welded due to Skiing and power lifting!

IT's not the age but the miles!

@balthazar While I hate dealerships for the most part, I do agree with you that they have their place and the good ones have morphed into a more Hybrid model for the 21st century. These dealerships that have morphed saw what Amazon was doing to retail and realized they had to change to survive. Good for them, wish them all the best. The terrible dealerships that have prayed on ignorant customers and have had bad press in the local news are closing up or being sold off to other dealership groups due to state investigation and hopefully they correct and survive, but I have seen a massive closing of dealerships in my state. One has to drive much farther between brands now than in the past. I think the Pandemic has forced the living week by week playing money games of the weak businesses out and that is good for everyone IMHO. @ccap41 I would love to see what your friend has told you in writing as comments like that are like assholes, everyone has one and only in writing does it hold water. I hope it is true and the local folks do not get the terrible AMPs. I totally agree with you about the cost thing, this is the one thing I wish Schools, Fire Departments, Police, City, County and state government would be forced to be held accountable to actually telling the truth on real full year cost. At the voting time, they are always pushing the need to increase taxes by saying it is only $1.50 per $500 assessed home value tax as an example. Yet when you live in an area where the average home is selling at $750,000, then that tax becomes a $2,250 tax bill on your annual property taxes paid every 6 months. Not everyone actually plans for large bills like this. Local school district put out a $175 million-dollar 40-year levy saying they needed the money for new technology in the school but were very vague on what specifics they would spend that money on and only the year before had put out and passed two new bonds of $40 million and $85 million as the first was to pay for maintenance on schools over the next decade and the second was to pay for new elementary replacement schools. People have short memory of all the bonds, levy's etc. and how those taxes add up. My house property tax was only $2,500 in 2019, my 2021 tax was $5,700 and I just got the notice that for $2022 my tax will be $6,127 due to the latest taxes the local city and county gov passed this past November. It would be great if I could get pay raises that go up as fast as the taxes have gone up. People wonder why it is so hard to buy a home now if you are not a dual income household and even then, without saving first for that 20% down as the first-time buyers 3% down makes the monthly mortgage payment crazy. In regard to EVs incentives here in Washington state, we still have the same ones they passed in 2019. Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids Washington State Tax Exemptions On August 1, 2019, Washington State reinstated the sales and use tax exemption for the sales of: Vehicles powered by a clean alternative fuel. Certain plug-in hybrids. The exemption applies to dealer and private sales of new, used, and leased vehicles sold on or after August 1, 2019. New vehicle transactions must not exceed $45,000 in purchase price or lease payments. Used vehicles transactions must not exceed $30,000 in fair market value or lease payments. These thresholds may also include the value of your trade-in, if applicable. Example If the cost of a new vehicle is $48,000, and the value of your trade-in is worth $6,000, you can't receive the tax exemption. Even though the trade-in brought the cost down to $42,000, the new vehicle was still worth over the $45,000 limit. You cannot use a trade-in to lower the price of a vehicle to meet the exemption limits.

So True, save and enjoy the best when you have it, never go cheap, the experience is such a letdown. After skiing yesterday, enjoyed a both of Cab Sauv 2014 from one of my favorite wineries while watching a movie. Great way to relax after a awesome day of pounding the slopes.

@surreal1272 Happy B-Day Old Man, I got ya beat by 5 years. 54 isn't bad, Like @balthazar I do wake up and wonder what body parts are gonna hurt, but today was day 5 of ski season, nailed 16 miles of skiing, so not too bad on this old body. For you, a young 49, Keep Rocking life to the fullest, have a great drink, dinner and after dinner drink and enjoy the perks of another year of Life on this big blue marble!

Yup still ugly to me. Hard Pass, no wonder they died off.

Damn those are UGLY!