How is making an electric car different than that of making an ICE-powered vehicle?

 

You're hitting on a really interesting point about how cars are made! It's not just about what's in the car, but how we make it that's changing with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Here's a breakdown of the key differences in manufacturing between EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles:

1. The Engine Room: Powertrain Production

• ICE Vehicles: Think complex machinery churning out intricate engine parts like pistons, valves, crankshafts, and a whole exhaust system. It's a very precise, mechanically intensive process.
• EVs: The focus shifts to making electric motors, battery packs, and power electronics. This involves specialized electrical component manufacturing, particularly the complex process of producing and integrating battery cells.

2. Battery Production: A New Challenge

• EVs: Batteries are a huge deal, and unique to EVs. Making them is a complex process:
  • Sourcing and processing raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel, etc.)
  • Manufacturing the individual battery cells and modules
  • Assembling those into a big battery pack, with thermal management and safety systems built in
• ICE Vehicles: They have a small, simple lead-acid battery just for starting the engine and basic electrical systems.

3. Fewer Moving Parts, But Different Ones

• ICE Vehicles: A massive number of mechanical parts, from the engine and transmission to the exhaust system and fuel tank.
• EVs: Fewer moving parts overall, which simplifies assembly. BUT, they have specialized components like electric motors, inverters, and charging systems that ICE vehicles don't.

4. Materials: Similar, But with a Twist

• Both: Use common materials like steel, aluminum, plastics, and glass.
• EVs: May use more lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber to offset the weight of the batteries and improve range.

5. Assembly: A Different Kind of Challenge

• ICE Vehicles: A complex assembly process with lots of steps and specialized tools for engine and transmission installation.
• EVs: Simpler assembly due to fewer parts. But, integrating that battery pack needs careful handling and special procedures.

6. Software: The Brains of the Operation

• EVs: Heavily reliant on sophisticated software to manage battery performance, motor control, charging, and more. This means seamless software and hardware integration during manufacturing.
• ICE Vehicles: Use software for engine management and other systems, but it's generally less complex than in EVs.

7. Factories Need a Makeover

• Transitioning from ICE to EV production means big changes to factories. Assembly lines need to be redesigned to handle battery pack assembly, electric motor installation, and the specific needs of EV components.

8. The Workforce is Evolving

• EV manufacturing needs a workforce with new skills. Workers need training in battery technology, electrical systems, and software integration.

In a nutshell:

Making an EV is simpler in some ways (fewer parts, less mechanical complexity). But it brings new challenges related to battery production, electrical systems, and software. The auto industry is in a major shift, with manufacturers investing heavily in new technologies and processes to make EVs efficiently and cost-effectively.

Production at Tesla and Space X: the so-called Algorithm: New Manufacturing Insights

 From Isaacson, Elon Musk, 2023, pp 284-286.

Given the historical development automobile  manufacturing from Henry Ford to Sloanism, Musks thoughts and implementation during the development of production at Fremont, CA is most remarkable.

Five commandments:

1. Question every requirement. Each should come with the name of the person who made it. You should never accept that a requirement came from a department, such as the "legal department" or "the safety department." You need to know the name of he real person who made that requirement. Then you should question it, no matter how smart that person is. Requirements from smart people are the most dangerous,  because people are less likely to question them. Always do so, even if the replacement came from me [Musk}. Then make the requitements less dumb. 

2. Delete any part of a process you csn. You may have to add them back again later. In fact, if you do not end up adding back at least 10% of them, then you did not delete enough.

3. Simplify and optimize. This should come after step 2. A common mistake is to simplify and optimize a part of a process that should not exist.

4. Accelerate cycle time. Every process can be speeded up. But only do this after you have followed the first three steps. In the Tesla factory, I [Musk] mistakenly spent a lot of time accelerating processes that I realize should have been deleted.

5. Automate. Taht comes last. The big mistake in Nevada and at Fremont was that I began by trying to automate every step. We should have waited until all the requitements had been questioned, parts and processes deleted, and he bugs were shaken out.

A few corollaries, among them:

All technical managers must have hands-on experience.... Otherwise, they are like a calvary leader who can't ride a horse or a general who can't use a sword.

Comradery is dangerous. It makes it hard for people to challenge each others work.

It is OK to be wrong Just don't be confident and wrong.

A maniacal sense of urgency is out operating principle.

The only rules are the ones dictated by the laws of physics. Everything else is a recommendation.

Three rather recently published books on the automobile industry worth looking at:

 For a broad understanding of the industry:

• "Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership" by Chaya M. Milchtein (2024): This book stands out for its inclusive approach, aiming to empower all car owners, regardless of background or experience. It covers everything from buying a car to maintenance and repairs, with a focus on making the automotive world less intimidating.

For insights into specific companies or trends:

• "Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century" by Tim Higgins (2021): A deep dive into the rise of Tesla and the personality of Elon Musk, offering insights into the electric vehicle revolution and the challenges of innovation in the auto industry.
• "Designated Drivers: How China Plans to Dominate the Global Auto Industry" by Gregory Anderson (2021): Explores China's ambitions to become a leader in the global automotive market, examining its strategies and the potential impact on the existing players.

Imported Automobiles into the U.S.: Current Tariff Levels

 The current tariff situation on automobiles coming into the U.S. is in flux, with the potential for significant changes in the near future. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Currently, German automakers pay a 2.5% tariff on cars imported into the U.S. This is the standard tariff rate applied to most imported vehicles under the World Trade Organization's "most-favored-nation" principle.

However, this situation could change if the proposed 25% tariffs on all goods from Europe are implemented. If this happens, German automakers would face a significantly higher tariff on their vehicles, making them more expensive for American consumers.

It's important to note that this is a developing situation, and the exact tariffs German automakers will pay in the future depend on various factors, including trade negotiations and policy decisions.

Currently, Japanese and South Korean automakers also pay a 2.5% tariff on cars imported into the U.S. 

Current North American Situation:

• USMCA: Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which replaced NAFTA, there are generally no tariffs on vehicles that meet specific North American content requirements and are traded between the US, Mexico, and Canada. This has fostered a highly integrated automotive industry across the three countries.

Potential Changes:

• Proposed Tariffs: Former President Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico, which would drastically alter the current tariff-free structure for automobiles. This could be implemented as early as Spring 2025.
• Impact: These tariffs would have a significant impact on the auto industry, as a large percentage of vehicles sold in the US are either produced in or have parts sourced from Mexico and Canada. This could lead to:
  • Increased vehicle prices for consumers
  • Disruption of supply chains
  • Potential job losses in the US and neighboring countries
  • Reevaluation of production strategies by automakers

Automakers Affected:

Virtually all automakers operating under the USMCA would be affected by these tariffs. Some of the most exposed include:

• Volkswagen: Over 43% of their US sales are sourced from Mexico.
• Nissan: About 27% of their US sales are sourced from Mexico.
• Stellantis: About 23% of their US sales are sourced from Mexico.
• GM: 22% of their US sales are sourced from Mexico.
• Ford: Just under 15% of their US sales are sourced from Mexico.

Uncertainty:

The exact timing and implementation of these potential tariffs are still uncertain. The situation is evolving, and automakers are closely monitoring developments to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Additional Resources:

• Trump's 25% tariff could shake U.S. auto industry as decision looms: trump auto tariff ON cbtnews.com
• Trump's automotive tariffs would impact nearly all OEMs: automotive tariff ON S&P Global spglobal.com

It's important to stay informed about this!

What might the cars of 2050 look like?

 Here are some images showcasing futuristic car designs, capturing the essence of what vehicles might look like in the coming decades:

• Sleek and Aerodynamic:

  Opens in a new window www.carscoops.com

  Sleek and Aerodynamic Futuristic Car

• Autonomous Pod:

  Opens in a new window www.designboom.com

  Autonomous Pod Futuristic Car

• Flying Car:

  Opens in a new window www.youtube.com

  Flying Car Futuristic Car

• Concept Car with Interactive Displays:

  Opens in a new window stablediffusionweb.com

  Concept Car with Interactive Displays Futuristic Car

• Luxury Autonomous Vehicle:

  Opens in a new window www.yankodesign.com

  Luxury Autonomous Vehicle Futuristic Car

These images represent a blend of current design trends, technological advancements, and imaginative concepts, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of automotive design.

the future of cars in 2050 is an exciting exercise! While we can't know for sure, here are some well-supported ideas about what cars might look like:

1. Autonomous Driving:

• Fully Self-Driving: By 2050, it's likely that cars will be fully autonomous, capable of navigating roads and making decisions without human intervention. This will revolutionize transportation, making it safer, more efficient, and accessible to everyone, regardless of driving ability.
• Reduced Accidents: With advanced sensors, AI, and communication systems, self-driving cars will significantly reduce accidents caused by human error.
• New Usage Scenarios: Autonomous driving will enable new car designs and usage scenarios. Cars could become mobile offices, entertainment centers, or even sleeping pods, with dynamically convertible interiors.

2. Electrification:

• Dominant Technology: Electric vehicles (EVs) will likely be the dominant technology in 2050. Battery technology will continue to improve, offering longer ranges, faster charging times, and lower costs.
• Sustainable Energy: EVs will be powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing their environmental impact and contributing to a cleaner future.

3. Design and Materials:

• Aerodynamic and Lightweight: Cars will be designed with aerodynamics and lightweight materials to maximize efficiency and range. Expect sleek, futuristic designs with active aerodynamic elements.
• Sustainable Materials: Manufacturers will increasingly use sustainable and recycled materials in car production, reducing their environmental footprint.
• Personalized Interiors: With autonomous driving, interiors will become more personalized and comfortable. Expect features like holographic displays, interactive 3D surfaces, and biometric sensors that adapt to individual preferences.

4. Connectivity and Intelligence:

• Seamless Integration: Cars will be seamlessly integrated with personal devices, urban infrastructure, and other vehicles. They will communicate with each other to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI systems will not only adapt the driving style but also predictively anticipate maintenance needs and autonomously schedule service appointments.
• Emotional Intelligence: Emotion recognition technology and biometric sensors will monitor the mood and well-being of passengers, adapting the driving experience accordingly.

5. Alternative Transportation:

• Flying Cars: While still in early stages, flying cars might become a reality by 2050, offering a new mode of transportation for urban areas.
• Hyperloop: High-speed transportation systems like the Hyperloop could become a viable alternative for long-distance travel.

Important Considerations:

• Infrastructure: The widespread adoption of autonomous and electric vehicles will require significant investments in infrastructure, including charging stations, smart roads, and communication networks.
• Regulations: Governments will need to develop new regulations to ensure the safety and security of autonomous vehicles and address issues related to data privacy and liability.
• Social Impact: The transition to autonomous vehicles will have a significant social impact, affecting jobs in the transportation sector and changing the way people commute and travel.

Overall, cars in 2050 will be vastly different from what we see today. They will be safer, more efficient, more sustainable, and more integrated into our lives. While challenges remain, the future of cars looks bright and exciting!

Best Films Featuring Tesla Cars

 

Tesla cars have made quite a splash in the film industry, often appearing as sleek, futuristic vehicles that fit seamlessly into various storylines. Here are some of the most notable films featuring Tesla cars:

• Revenge of the Electric Car (2011): This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the resurgence of electric vehicles, with a focus on Tesla Motors and its role in the EV revolution.
  Opens in a new window www.imdb.com

  Revenge of the Electric Car (2011) film poster
• The Kingsman (2015): A Tesla Model S makes a stylish appearance in this spy action comedy, driven by the character Merlin.
  Opens in a new window www.reelviews.net

  Kingsman (2015) film poster
• Fifty Shades of Grey (2015): The luxurious Tesla Model S is featured in this romantic drama, driven by the character Christian Grey.
  Opens in a new window www.amazon.com

  Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) film poster
• Star Trek: Picard (2020-2023): In the second season of this sci-fi series, a Tesla Model X is humorously driven by the android Data.
  Opens in a new window www.themoviedb.org

  Star Trek: Picard (20202023) film poster

These are just a few examples of the many films that have featured Tesla cars. Their presence on screen often reflects the car's reputation for innovation, luxury, and sustainability, adding a touch of modernity to the cinematic world.

Best Films Featuring Ford Mustangs

 Ford Mustangs have a long and storied history on the silver screen, appearing in countless films over the decades. Here are some of the most iconic and memorable movies featuring these classic American muscle cars:

1. Bullitt (1968): This classic action thriller starring Steve McQueen features one of the most famous car chases in cinematic history, with McQueen's Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT Fastback tearing through the streets of San Francisco.

   Opens in a new window atthemovies.uk

   Bullitt (1968) movie poster

2. Gone in 60 Seconds (2000): While the original 1974 film also features a Mustang, it's the 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage that truly captured the hearts of Mustang enthusiasts. The "Eleanor" Mustang, a customized 1967 Shelby GT500, is a true beauty and a symbol of automotive desire.

   Opens in a new window www.imdb.com

   Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) movie poster

3. The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006): This installment of the popular franchise features a unique Mustang, a 1967 Fastback with a Nissan RB26DETT engine swap, making it a true JDM-inspired American muscle car.

   Opens in a new window www.imdb.com

   Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) movie poster

4. John Wick (2014): Keanu Reeves' character in this action-packed thriller drives a 1969 Mustang Mach 1, adding to the film's gritty and stylish atmosphere.

   Opens in a new window www.imdb.com

   John Wick (2014) movie poster

5. Need for Speed (2014): This action film, based on the popular video game series, features a modified 2013 Shelby GT500 as the protagonist's ride, showcasing the car's performance and stunning design.

   Opens in a new window www.ebay.com

   Need for Speed (2014) movie poster

These are just a few of the many films that have featured Ford Mustangs, each adding its own unique flavor to the car's legacy. Whether it's the classic muscle car image of the 1960s or the modern performance of the latest models, the Mustang continues to captivate audiences and car enthusiasts alike.

Most Valuable Grand Prix Racing Car Ever Sold: The 1954 Mercedes Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen Sells for $53+ Million

 

• In a standalone aucti
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The car has been sold by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to benefit its collection and restoration efforts
• The result makes the car the second most valuable car ever sold, only surpassed by the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” which RM Sotheby’s sold for €135 million in 2022
• Photos and Videos of the auction: https://mercedes-benz-archive.com/marsMuseum/de/instance/ko/Februar--W196R-RM-Sothebys-Versteigerung.xhtml?oid=192557523

One of the world’s most historically significant racing cars, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, chassis number 00009/54, has been auctioned by RM Sotheby’s today at the
Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The vehicle had been donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965 by the then Daimler-Benz AG. Today, the car realised €51.155.000/$53.917.370 when it crossed the block in the exclusive single car auction.

Attracting interest from serious collectors across the globe, the W 196 R was subject to a heated bidding battle over the phones and in person, before the auctioneer brought the hammer down at a selling price that makes it the most valuable Grand Prix racing car to be sold at auction.

Few historic racing cars resonate as strongly as the famous Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows that dominated Grand Prix racing in the immediate pre- and post-war era, admired for their advanced technology and spectacular speed. The W 196 R was developed to meet the new regulations for engines with up to 2.5 litre displacement introduced in 1954, and it soon proved to be the car to beat in the hands of legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

The sale of the W 196 R took place earlier today on 1 February in the same room that witnessed the sale of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” which sold in 2022 for €135,000,000, making it the most valuable car ever sold at auction. The result of the sale clearly identifies Mercedes-Benz at the peak of the collector car market.

“What a thrilling auction that was! This original, sleek-bodied, W 196 R original has now changed hands – and I congratulate the lucky buyer. Very few Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows are privately owned. Today the hammer fell at €51.155.000 /$53.917.370. This makes it the most valuable Grand Prix racing car in the world and close behind the all-time champion Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut-Coupé’ in the overall ranking of the most valuable automobiles. Without a doubt, our Silver Arrows are up there among the most iconic and sought-after vehicles ever built. They are the true shining stars in the firmament of motorsport and automotive history.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

“It’s hard to describe the significance of this sale. This car is simply one of the most important racing cars in history and it’s an honour for RM Sotheby’s to sell it so successfully to benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.”

Gord Duff, RM Sotheby’s, Global Head of auctions

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has been honored to care for and share the W 196 R within our museum, but the sum it has achieved today is a transformative contribution to increase our endowment and long-term sustainability as well as the restoration and expansion of our collection.”

Joe Hale, President, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

To see a video of the car selling, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/sU8pvvbdcYU

For more information, please visit www.rmsothebys.com.

1979 Ford Granada verses Mercedes

I am surprised at the current market value for the U.S. Ford Granada! It compares to average M-B vehicles of the period ! The problem with classic Mercedes of the1970s and 1980s is the cost of repair and the fragility of fuel and emissions systems.

F

For Sale2

Avg$7,141

Sales Count14

Dollar Volume$99,975

Lowest Sale$4,000

Top Sale$11,000

Most Recent$5,757