EV

2022 Mustang Mach-E and Ford Promise Plan

on May 8, 2022May 8, 2022 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | May 8, 2022 by Sarah J. Kings

Many eco-conscious consumers are looking to electric vehicles, EVs, to help combat the climate crisis. EV’s are responsible for much lower emissions than their gas-powered counterparts, and they cost less overall to maintain and drive. Still, with starting prices ranging from $29,000 to upwards of $100,000- depending on the make and model- some people may be hesitant to switch to electric as economic concerns grow.

On July 29, 2020 Ford announced the start of the Ford Promise plan. Under this new initiative, any new financed Ford can be returned without penalty to the buyer, if the buyer loses their job within one year of purchase. Ford is the only major automotive company making this type of commitment to its customers. With this added safety net, getting an EV is more in reach for the average consumer than ever.

Instagram – @wasatchfrontford

Ford offers eight hybrid models on its lineup, but the car to look at is the Mustang Mach-E which Consumer Report‘s 2022 top EV pick, replacing Tesla’s Model 3. The Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric vehicle that has 314 miles of range and can get up to 61 miles of range in 10 minutes when charging with a 150kW DC Fast Charger. Ford boasts the inclusion of FordPass for purchasers— this gives owners of Ford EVs, or Hybrids, access to over 13,500 charging stations nationwide.

Instagram – @ford

This all-electric mustang launched in late 2020. The stylish and sexy design, topped with exciting new tech features, has people lining up to pre-order their own. With substantial federal rebates and the Ford Promise’s added security, owning a 2022 Mustang Mach-E is a viable option for those searching for a new EV. Help combat the climate crisis purchase of this cutting-edge car!

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Tl;dr

EV’s are responsible for much lower emissions than their gas-powered cars
July 29, 2020 Ford announced new initiatives under the Ford Promise plan
Any new financed Ford can be returned without penalty to the buyer, if the buyer loses their job within one year of purchase
Ford offers eight hybrid models on its current lineup
The 2022 Mustang Mach-E is all-electric and has 314 miles of range
The Mach-E gets up to 61 miles of range in 10 minutes when charging with a 150kW DC Fast Charger
With the FordPass Ford owners have access to over 13,500 charging stations nationwide

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Top 3 Elite Standouts in EVs

on August 26, 2020August 26, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 26, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Vegan and sustainable are the new ‘it words’ in luxury right now. Fashion brands are phasing out fur and animal leather left and right, and high profile celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bundchen are calling for climate change action every day. Brands are listening and developing product lines that meet the demands of the growing population of socially conscious consumers. The automotive industry is no different.

Twitter- @AmberWCC

Luxury car companies are trying to top one another in EV development and the inclusion of other sustainable features in their latest models. Here are the top three luxury automakers and vehicles that are standouts in vegan and sustainable EVs.

2020 Tesla Model 3- Over the last decade, Elon Musk has worked every angle to get his fully electric brand on the road. In 2020, when people think of EVs and luxury, they undoubtedly think of Tesla. This sexy 5-seater has 322 miles of range and can go from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Boasting a 15 inch touch screen display with features like in-car video games, this electric vehicle will never fail to impress.

2021 Lexus UX300e- Lexus delivers a classic and contemporary crossover in the development of the UX300e. The crossover uses a 54.3-kWh lithium-ion battery, and has a driving range of 248 miles. Lexus offers a vegan leather interior and the ability to control smart features through an app on your phone. The UX300e is currently available in Europe and Asia only, providing an added layer of exclusivity and allure.

2021 BMW iNext- Said to be available in 2021, this is an elite concept vehicle unlike any you have ever seen. The modern interior styling– inspired by the theme “boutique hotel”– is unmatched. With responsive tech woven into the fabric of the seats-that allows users to change the music or by interacting with textile surfaces in the car- stepping inside of one will feel like being transported to the future! BMW’s sleek Shy Technology is an element like no other— it is a must-see. The iNext is said to have 360 miles of range on a single charge. Making this an unmatchable elite driving experience.

Twitter- @LelaHo6

If you are looking to the world of luxury to rev up your sustainable lifestyle, look to Tesla, Lexus, and BMW. Their newest EVs and breakthroughs in technology are the wave of the future!

2021 Mustang Mach-E & Ford Promise Plan

on August 19, 2020August 19, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 19, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Many eco-conscious consumers are looking to electric vehicles, EVs, to help combat the climate crisis. EV’s are responsible for much lower emissions than their gas-powered counterparts, and they cost less overall to maintain and drive. Still, with starting prices ranging from $29,000 to upwards of $100,000- depending on the make and model- some people may be hesitant to switch to electric as economic concerns grow.

On July 29th, Ford announced the start of the Ford Promise plan. Under this new initiative, any new financed Ford can be returned without penalty to the buyer, if the buyer loses their job within one year of purchase. Ford is the only major automotive company making this type of commitment to its customers. With this added safety net, getting an EV is more in reach for the average consumer than ever.

Instagram – @wasatchfrontford

Ford offers eight hybrid models on its lineup, but the car to look at is the 2021 Mustang Mach-E. This all-electric vehicle has 300 miles of range and can get up to 61 miles of range in 10 minutes when charging with a 150kW DC Fast Charger. Ford boasts the inclusion of FordPass for purchasers— this gives owners of Ford EVs, or Hybrids, access to over 13,500 charging stations nationwide.

Instagram – @ford

This all-electric mustang is said to come out for sale in late 2020. The stylish and sexy design, topped with exciting new tech features, has people lining up to pre-order their own. With substantial federal rebates and the Ford Promise’s added security, owning a 2021 Mustang Mach-E is a viable option for those searching for a new EV. Help combat the climate crisis purchase of this cutting-edge car!

Tl;dr

EV’s are responsible for much lower emissions than their gas-powered cars
July 29th, Ford announced new initiatives under the Ford Promise plan
Any new financed Ford can be returned without penalty to the buyer, if the buyer loses their job within one year of purchase
Ford offers eight hybrid models on its current lineup
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is all-electric and has 300 miles of range
The Mach-E gets up to 61 miles of range in 10 minutes when charging with a 150kW DC Fast Charger
With the FordPass Ford owners have access to over 13,500 charging stations nationwide

How Kia Aims to Get Consumers Excited About & Driving EVs

on August 12, 2020August 13, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 12, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Kia is kicking electric and ‘alternative fuel’ up a notch. Their “line of the future” boasts over 6 cars that are either hybrid, hybrid plug-in, or fully electric. The end-game for Kia seems to be to increase accessibility and desire for electric cars.

Kia reminds those trying to decide whether or not an electric car is within reach that they may be eligible for up to 10k in federal rebates. The hybrid and hybrid plug-in models cut down on gas usage, and widen the EV audience. Kia calls these models the “most accessible entry point into Alternative Fuel Vehicles.” Speaking of broadening accessibility, Kia has even partnered with Amazon, to make buying and installing at home charging kits easier than ever.

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Twitter- @getElectricVeh

The fully electric Soul, and Niro crossover, are pretty impressive vehicles. The Niro EV starts at $39,090 and Niro EV offers an EPA-estimated 239-mile range and 201 Electric Drive Motor Horsepower. With Rapid 100kW charging, the Niro has up to an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes! SImilar to Tesla, the crossover sports vegan leather seats, and is full of impressive technology. Items like Apple Carplay and Wireless Charging are fun and convenient. While features like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are potentially lifesaving.

The Kia Soul is known to be a spunky, spacious and stylish car. Winner of the 2020 World Car Awards- World Urban Car, the upcoming 2021 Soul EV is a highly anticipated electronic option. According to Car and Driver, the 64.0-k battery of this model will outshine the 2019 model. This 5 passenger hatchback offers an impressive 243 miles of driving range. With standard DC fast-charging capability, and smartphone charging pad, getting going is made fast and convenient.

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Twitter- @LawtonKia

With a myriad of fun and innovative options, it is clear that Kia is hoping people will ditch gas and become fully electric!

Come back next Wednesday for more EV news!

Tl;dr

Kia has 6 electric, hybrid, or hybrid plugin models for consumers to choose from
Kia is increasing accessibility and desire for electric cars
Kia has partnered with Amazon to make buying and installing at home charging kits easy
Niro EV starts at $39,090 and Niro EV offers an EPA-estimated 239-mile range
The Niro EC has 100kW charging,, and gets an 80% charge in 30 minutes

The upcoming 2021 Kia Soul EV will have a 64.0-k battery and 243 miles of driving range

What People Are Saying About Mini Cooper Going Electric— Again

on August 5, 2020August 13, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 5, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

With all of the Nissan Leafs and Chevy Bolts on the road today, it may seem hard to remember when electric vehicles, EVs, were uncommon. However, only ten years ago, EVs were virtually unattainable to the average person. It was only in 2009 that the first major car manufacturer released over 500 EVs for private use— and no, it was not Tesla. It was BMW’s Mini Cooper!

Though nearly ten thousand people signed up to lease Mini’s original EV– the Mini E– the vehicle was never intended for mass production. In March of 2020, Mini Cooper put more than just their toes in the water, with the release of their first real line of EVs: the Mini Cooper Hardtop SE. Starting at $29,900, this stylish and spunky roadster is one of the most affordable electric cars around.

Instagram – @pepperandgold

According to Car and Driver, the car “has a 32.6-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.” It has agile handling, a high-tech interior, and of course, the distinctive Mini aesthetic. Additionally, the SE sports an adjustable regenerative braking system, as well as a state of the art heat-pump that is 75% more efficient than traditional electric designs.

The only real flaw in this adorable Mini is the range. The Mini Cooper SE has 110 miles of electric range, while competitors, like Hyundai or Kia have over 200 miles of range. On a positive note, the SE comes with a 3-prong charging cord that will fit into any standard outlet. In combination with the available at-home wallbox chargers and the increasing availability of public charging stations, this makes range less of an issue. Plus, when using Fast DC Charging Stations, average users get an 80% charge in about 35 minutes.

Twitter – @MyUrbanCar

All in all, people are excited about the style, handling, and affordability of this Zero-Emission car. Pulling up in the Mini Cooper’s newly released SE will not disappoint!

Come back next Wednesday for more EV news!

Tl;dr

In 2009 Mini Cooper released 500 EVs for private use— the Mini E
The Mini E was never intended for mass production
In March of 2020, Mini Cooper released of their first real line of EVs: the Mini Cooper Hardtop SE
The base model starts at $29,900
The SE produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque
The SE has a state of the art heat-pump that is 75% more efficient than traditional electric designs
At home charging and the increase in public charging stations makes the 110 miles of electric range less of an issue

Tulsa and Tesla: Newest Battleground in EV Fight

on July 15, 2020August 14, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 15, 2020 by Erika Browning

In 1901, oil was discovered in Tulsa—the Red Fork area to be exact, which is where my grandfather lives to this day. Within a short five years, Tulsa was declared the “Oil Capital of the World”. This title has been worn proudly by this incredible little city for well over a century. It’s a source of pride that locals have rigs on their land or receive mineral rights for oil supplies.

Beyond Tulsa’s history, its present is also wrapped up in oil. Conoco Phillips is headquartered just a short 45 minutes away in Bartlesville. Oil giants like Waite Phillips, and William Skelly made astronomical amounts of money off the oil that sits underneath the city. When oil prices dip, the effects are felt economically by thousands of Oklahomans. Financial investments depreciate, jobs are on the cutting board, and families worry about paying bills. And that’s just a threat that can be seen coming—let alone when an unforeseen shock to the system occurs. The latter effect was painfully felt when my husband’s company laid off a significant number of its workers during the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. This is a company that hasn’t had such a layoff in its entire 100 years.

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Twitter – @GovStitt

Despite its reliance on oil, Tulsa is also a thriving, progressive city. Citizens are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of life. I often call Tulsa “my little purple mecca in a desperately red state”. In June 2020, it was announced that Tulsa was in the final running for Elon Musk’s new Tesla truck plant—against Austin, TX. While I do sincerely love the diversity and culture in Austin, Tulsa desperately needs this.

The Tesla Cybertruck Gigafactory would bring in up to 10,000 jobs to a city that deserves to be appreciated. Tulsa offers the romantic pull of Route 66, a diverse populus and a storied history of hard working men and women. There are currently several charging stations for electric vehicles in the Tulsa area, with many more planned as the need arises. With the apparent reversal of our local energy dependence on the horizon, some die-hard oil folk might be resistant to the idea of Tesla being such a prominent fixture in Tulsa. But I assure you, more citizens are in complete support of this move than not.

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Twitter – @Tulsa4Tesla

Why can’t oil and renewable energy coexist? Sure, the goal is ultimately to end our dependence on fossil fuels, especially if we have any hope of leaving a sustainable planet for future generations. One thing I have learned about my fellow citizens is this: we are reluctant to change but when given the right guidance and tools, we don’t need to be afraid. It could be just the step we need to kickstart climate change in the right direction in one of the most conservative, oil-dependant states in the US.

Oklahomans aren’t stupid, we are proud. We are a large group of people who have had to adapt for generations. Change may take a bit more time, and we are behind the coastal states, but I believe this could make a great impact in leading to change. I also firmly believe that should the country see such a deep red, oil loving state turn its sights to EVs, it could snowball through to the rest of the red states. ♻️

No More Oil | A Call to Action

on July 14, 2020August 14, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 14, 2020 by Erika Browning

We have all heard the warnings. Personally, I can’t remember a time in all my 42 years where the big “what ifs” weren’t on a constant loop. What if we don’t loosen our grip on fossil fuel? What if we don’t find alternative energies? What if we don’t recycle & continue to fill up precious land with our garbage?

My questions go a bit deeper. As an expat living in Europe, I was utterly shocked at the lengths people go to to try to turn back the doomsday clock on climate change.

Imagine how baffled I was when I learned that not only are Europeans, (Germans specifically) willing to work towards saving the planet, they are adamant about it. Don’t dare try to stick a plastic bottle in a regular rubbish bin. Car not up-to-par on emissions standards? You’ll be needing a new one that can pass muster. I took trains all over that magnificent countryside. Fields of solar panels lined the tracks in several regions, side by side with fields of hops or vineyards. Modern windmills generate energy, dotting quaint farms that don’t look as if history has touched their walls in centuries.

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Twitter – @SamTalksTesla

Coming from a lifetime in the United States, specifically a city that was quite literally built on a giant oil well, I’ve fully experienced the rabid grip this country has on its oil. As I write, I am looking across the river at massive refineries, smelling the by-products & seeing lights flicker as workers pass by. When an organization does something like offering up alternatives to oil, the whole state gets fired up. This is people’s livelihood! This is people’s land that has provided for them for well over a hundred years.

These are people whose whole lives have revolved around oil: whether it be production, sales, manufacturing, or, of course, consumption. I suppose the difference between here and Europe could be something as simple as “cultural history”. But I believe more strongly that most of the reasons that Americans are so opposed to change is information related, whether accurate or not.

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Twitter – @ClausMiler17

We all can agree that something must change. Someone, somewhere must find a way to point their fellow countrymen in the right direction. But how? Let’s start with education. For the next several weeks I will be sharing some ideas, both large and small scale, that you can use as a consumer to make a positive change. I will be dutifully researching various methods that worked elsewhere and finding paths to apply those same methods in this incredible country.

Whether it’s setting up a recycling program in your area, or petitioning for charging stations for electric vehicles, we will come up with some easy ways to make changes to your community, and maybe some ways that will be met with some resistance but also with the tools you’ll need to get these ideas in play.

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Twitter – @JohnEG78

We have to do better. Our kids and grandkids deserve to live life in a safe environment that won’t be detrimental to their health and well-being. It’s time to start caring about the planet we are leaving behind, in fact, it’s past time.

Tesla Kills It In 2019| How Will Other EVs Fair in 2020?

on February 2, 2020February 2, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis
by Noreen Wise

After a ten year struggle to become profitable, Tesla nailed it in 2019. The 4th quarter was the turning point according to CNN.

Some of the key factors for increased growth in consumer demand that put Tesla into the black are:

range
how long it takes to charge
how many public charging stations exist in local communities
and the EV car price

Every single one of these critical factors have moved in the right direction.

range increased with the new average at 200 miles per full charge
charging time went down significantly and now only averages a quick 20 minutes
public charging stations have mushroomed, not only businesses providing them in corporate parking lots to employees, but stores offering charging stations to consumers as a competitive advantage
EV car prices have dropped substantially

Climate action focused states such as New York, California, Connecticut and Massachusetts have crafted creative carrots and stick, incentives and regulations, creating a patchwork of solutions that are driving results. Very happy for Tesla to finally experience the upside of being an innovator, after schlepping through the painful wilderness for so long.

In 2020, Tesla will have to face a much more competitive landscape, now that most of the obstacles in the EV marketplace have been eliminated.

The following is CNET’s Road Show’s official 2020 EV lineup by range:

Tesla Model S |373 miles | $79,990
Tesla Model 3 | Long Range 330 miles | $44,500
Tesla Model X | 328 miles | $81,000
Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 miles | $36,620
Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 miles | $36,990
Kia Niro EV (SUV) | 239 miles | $38,500
Jaguar I-Pace | 234 miles | $69,850
Nissan Leaf Plus | 226 miles | $36,550
Audi e-tron | 204 miles | $75,000
Porsche Taycan | 201 miles | $150,900
BMW i3 | 153 miles | $44,450
Nissan Leaf | 150 miles | $29,990
Mini Cooper SE | 110 miles | $20,000
Honda Clarity Electric | 89 miles | lease only

Very extensive options. But the Tesla Model 3 certainly shines amongst its peers.~

EV Charging Stations | Let’s GO!

on October 20, 2019January 13, 2020 By Gallant Gold Media

Washington (GGM) Analysis
by Noreen Wise

It’s alarming to see how far behind the US is with EV charging stations compared to the EU and other countries across the globe. If we’re the largest carbon emitters per capita, we have to become the leader in sustainability initiatives. Over the past decade, the two chief barriers that have kept consumers from transitioning to EVs, have been the range an EV can drive on one battery charge, and the availability of charging stations.

The range has increased substantially, with several of the new 2020 EVs reaching as high as 325 miles, and most EV’s hovering in the mid 200’s. With the average drive to work being 25 miles, and with most EV’s being charged at home overnight, the range is really only a concern for trips. A significant advancement has been the amount of time it takes to charge a battery, which is now only 20 minutes. Tech innovators are working on getting that to under 10 minutes in the near future

Most charging is done at home overnight using a regular charge outlet. Charging at home is free, so EV owners love the savings, although they might see a slight increase in their electricity bill. But then again, EV owners tend to use solar panels for their home power. Home solar panels can now store energy in large batteries that can be used to charge the car at no cost. So then, the only remaining obstacle we have to overcome is public charging stations.

Tesla and Ford are taking the bull by the horns and offering free charging station usage to consumers of certain EV models for a specified period of time. Further, Volkswagen’s emission scandal resulted in VW agreeing to spend $2 billion over 10 years building out EV charging station infrastructure in the US, with their first round focusing on 17 metro areas. So there is corporate buy-in, and the number of corporations participating in creative solutions will keep on rising.

Employers are jumping in and installing charging stations in employee parking lots. They’ve found that the relatively minor expense, affords substantial goodwill that their employees greatly appreciate. The minor issue that still has to be worked out is how to move the car from the spot once it’s fully charged. Stay tuned for the solution.

And then there are the town and state legislative initiatives that are popping up all over the country, particularly in those areas that opted to stay in the Paris Agreement after Trump pulled the US out two years ago.

According to Smart Cities Dive:

Spokane, WA waived $50 permit fees for EV charging Stations and solar panels
Berkley, CA passed a law banning natural gas in new “low-rise” residential buildings
San Jose, CA passed a new law requiring all new multi-family complexes have 70% EV capable parking spaces
Atlanta passed an EV ordinance in 2017, outlining the plan for EV charging stations
In Seattle, “Councilmember Mike O’Brien said cities are creating a race to the top with these EV-related laws, and it should push others to do the same or go even further.” Let’s hope so!

Light poles in many cities and towns are now adorned with mini solar panels, a simple solution that’s incredibly cost effective. And now an innovative new idea has reinvented the modern light pole, turning the entire pole into a solar panel through it’s mosaic design. Will there soon be a charging station attached to each pole as well? Fingers crossed. Ingenious ideas to solve critical problems have always been an American strength. It’s time to shift our creativity into overdrive so that we can move a few of these climate action mountains as fast and furious as possible.