New EV Options and Harley Davidson Pan America
MOVEMENT: TRACKING NOTABLE MOVEMENTS IN MOBILITY
April saw new EV models announced or shipping, including the GMC Hummer SUV EV and the Polestar 2.
Companies try to balance the Osbourne Effect (customers deferring or canceling current orders in favor of upcoming EV models). Paradoxically, studies show that 1 in 5 California EV owners have returned to gas vehicles due to charging infrastructure challenges.
Originally published: May 31, 2021
GMC introduces a
Second Electric Super Truck In SUV Form
GM has introduced the GMC Hummer EV SUV, adding a new form factor to the vehicles using GM’s Ultium battery system. The company also confirmed its plans to produce an all-electric Chevrolet Silverado pickup on the platform. Promotional materials highlight the benefits of four-wheel steering in urban contexts this time vs. the off-road prowess demonstrated with the pickup truck launch. A few shots show the vehicle in an off-road setting, although few SUV models are likely destined for that type of use.
For more on the GMC EV Truck, check out this bivouac article.
The vehicle features the same infinity roof with removable transparent sky panels the pickup truck has. Thankfully, designers thought about creating a way for those panels to be stored safely in the frunk. In place of a rear truck bed, the SUV offers rear drop glass to enhance the open-air feeling. Like its GMC Electric super pickup truck counterpart, owners use DC fast charging to charge nearly 100 miles of electric range in 10 minutes. GM projects a 0-60 mph of 3.5 seconds for the Hummer EV SUV, or half a second slower than the Hummer EV pickup truck.
Availability of the GMC Hummer EV SUV is projected for some time in early 2023. For those that can’t wait until then or prefer the pickup truck form factor, the GMC Hummer EV super truck will be available in the Fall of 2021.
Polestar 2 Available for
Hands-On Press Reviews
Reviews of the long-anticipated Polestar 2 electric vehicle began being released in April. It is proving to be a solid new offering, launching amongst several new EVs due to release this year. As the world’s first Android OS car, the Polestar 2 benefits from tight integration with the Android Auto interface. Keeping with the vehicle’s minimalistic aesthetic, the Android Auto interface features clear touch zones and icons on a tall touch screen. Usability is quite good and includes extensive integration of Google Voice technology. As expected, the navigation system integrated helpful information related to EV charging station information.
The vehicle comes in a few configurations, including the launch edition. Both front and all-wheel drive versions are available. The all-wheel drive, dual-motor version has a range of 233 miles (EPA) or 292 miles (WLTP) and a zero-60 time of around 4.5 seconds, made possible via a 78 KWh battery comprised of 27 modules. Cargo storage capacity is rated at 440 liters, including the rear cargo area and frunk.
Few will dispute Volvo’s reputation for building solid and safe cars. Their admirable commitment to hybrid vehicles and fully electric mobility is beginning to show. That said, even with solid offerings like the Polestar 2 now shining bright, whether or not catching up with Tesla is written in the stars remains to be seen.
MORE MOVEMENT
Harley-Davidson Pan America
Reviews Rev Up
Reviews of Harley-Davidson’s new Pan America adventure touring bike are now being published from various corners of the globe. The bike represents a huge step forward for the long-heralded company, which has seen sales flatten in recent years. Combined with the company’s electric bike, the Livewire, Harley-Davidson’s lineup of motorcycles shows more innovation as part of a much-needed effort to attract new and younger buyers.
The Pan America checks many boxes needed to compete in motorcycling’s hottest adventure bike segment,. In fact, regarding weight and horsepower, it edges out a few stalwarts. That is quite an achievement because competition is stiff in this segment, including long-time perennial award winners such as BMW’s R 1250GS Adventure or KTM’s remarkable KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Harley-Davidson
The 1252cc Revolution Max engine produces 94 pound-feet of peak torque and 150 hp. Weight is a key concern when designing long-distance adventure motorcycles as they are inherently large due to the ex’s expectations, which include running at high speeds with full panniers and a pillion passenger. As a result, a magnesium engine housing and aluminum fuel tank was chosen. Sections of the frame are also aluminum. Shipping weight is claimed to be 503 pounds, while engineers cite a wet weight of 534. This weight reduction partly enables the Pan America to achieve a 48 mpg city/highway fuel mileage rating. Covering ground at 135 mph is rated and possible with full gear bags and a passenger. After all, it is a long way from Prudhoe Bay, U.S.A. Ushuaia, Argentina.
Ergonomics, controls, and displayed content seem less innovative and up-to-date than the competition. In particular, some of the information on Pan America’s display may be too small for on-the-go scanning. BMW’s rotary multi-controller continues to set the standard for ease of navigating display content in the segment. That said, the more traditional five-way controllers on each handlebar likely have less of an initial learning curve for most riders.
The bike’s aesthetics are spot on, with hefty proportions. Cutting-edge features like the main lighting fixture are juxtaposed thoughtfully with more traditional elements like the silhouette of the fuel tank. If the orange and grey color scheme is chosen, the bold colors shift across the tank and facia, nicely breaking up the bike into black, orange, and off-white sections.
Overall, seeing more competition in this already heated segment is fantastic, especially from an American bike manufacturer. This effort, combined with the LiveWire electric bike, shows that Harley-Davison is investing in dynamic new forms of mobility for the motorcycling market. Let’s hope this is just the start of more innovative efforts from Milwaukee's talented designers and engineers.
Harley-Davidson Pan America Specs
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 60-Degree V-Twin
DISPLACEMENT: 1,252cc (76.3 cu in)
HORSEPOWER: 150 @ 9,000 RPM
FUEL SYSTEM: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
DRIVETRAIN: Chain Driven
FRONT FORK: 47mm USD Fork with compression, rebound and preload adjustability. Special model only: Electronically adjustable semi-active damping control.
REAR SHOCK: Linkage-mounted piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and preload adjustability. Special model only: Automatic electronic preload control and semi-active compression & rebound damping on Special model.
SUSPENSION TRAVEL: 7.5″ (190mm) front and rear
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3″
LENGTH: 89.2″
SEAT HEIGHT (HIGH/LOW SEAT): 34.2″/35.2″; 32.7″/33.7″ (With ARH)
FRONT BRAKE: 320mm twin discs. Radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper, with cornering ABS
REAR BRAKE: 280mm disc. Floating single piston caliper, with cornering ABS
DISPLAY: 6.8″ touchscreen color TFT with Bluetooth phone connectivity
FUEL CAPACITY: 5.6 gal.
FUEL ECONOMY: 46 mpg (5.1 l/100 km)
WEIGHT (FULLY FUELED): 534 lb. (Standard); 559 lb. (Special)
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING: ,003 lb. (455 kg)
WARRANTY:2 4 months (unlimited mileage)
MSRP: $17,319 (Standard); $19,999 (Special)
AVAILABLE COLORS: Standard: River Rock Gray & Vivid Black. Special: River Rock Dark Gray, Vivid Black, Deadwood Green, Baja Orange & Stone washed White Pearl.
AVAILABILITY: Spring 2021
Other Harley-Davidson PanAmerica reviews:
www.motorcycle.com
www.cycleworld.com
Lincoln Zephyr
Makes a Return in China
The Lincoln Zephyr Reflection concept vehicle debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 19th, 2021. Beyond resurrecting the Zephyr name, the concept carries distinctive styling, hinting at what the future could hold for Lincoln, but likely only in China.
That said, it is intriguing to consider how some of Zephyr’s design cues might influence future Lincoln models stateside. The Zephyr Reflection looks like something that one would expect to be directly competing with the likes of Lucid Air.
The bold presence of a Byton-like full cockpit display and a revised version of the Lincoln waterfall grill suggest that both user experience and vehicle exterior design are advancing overseas for the brand.
Unfortunately, there are no indications of possible powertrains. Still, the overall quality of the Zephyr reflects well upon Lincoln and is miles ahead of many concepts designed for and in China that appeared just a few years ago.
Deloitte 2021
Global Automotive Consumer Study
Deloitte releases a comprehensive study on global automotive consumers. It is worth a read.
Via Reilly
Image credits: GM, Volvo, Harley Davidson, Lincoln, Deloitte