OEM NEWS

June 2, 2023

MIX ‘N’ MATCH

Ford’s engineering department is working towards what could be a significant cost-cutting measure for the automaker, as a recent patent filing dug up by Ford Authority shows a design for a one-size-fits-all configurable frame for use on future vehicles. The patent design, which was filed in November 2022 and published in March, illustrates a single vehicle frame where individual components, such as batteries, motors, suspension, and wheels could be swapped out and rearranged to suit the requirements of various Ford models and trims. The common consensus among Ford observers is that this sort of modular frame design will, if effective, offer the company significant savings in assembly, as well as potentially contribute to the streamlining of repairability for future Ford vehicles.

PAINT PROBS

Hyundai Elantra owners in Quebec have filed a lawsuit against the OEM seeking compensation for paint degradation damages. The class action was filed May 1 by Lambert Avocats, on behalf of Michel Allard and other drivers who purchased or leased a white or pearl-white Hyundai Elantra on a long-term basis and experienced paint degradation issues. Allard had purchased a “perfect condition” white 2017 Elantra in June 2019. Three months after purchase, Allard noticed peeling paint on the hood of the vehicle. He approached the dealer, who covered the repair—but the same problem occurred in the summer of 2022, this time on the left front fender and the roof of the vehicle. This time, Allard’s dealer said he would not cover the repairs because the warranty was expired. Repairs for Allard’s Elantra were estimated at $4,581.52. The presence of rust was also noted. While his vehicle was being estimated, Allard rented the exact same car, a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra, which he claims “also had paint degradation issues, particularly on the front hood of the vehicle.” Then, Allard learned of a Facebook group of more than 300 Elantra owners facing the same issues.

TESLA’S PRICE TAG

Tesla has plans to use cheaper, iron-based batteries in electric semi-light trucks, the OEM announced in April via its Master Plan Part 3 paper. Tesla currently uses nickel-based batteries in its EVs. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally cheaper than nickel and cobalt-based lithium-ion batteries, which analysts expect will help the OEM cut down on manufacturing costs while simultaneously addressing supply issues related to nickel and cobalt. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are also considered less likely to catch fire compared to their nickel and cobalt-based counterparts. They are, however, larger, heavier and hold less energy than nickelbased batteries. The proposed lithium iron phosphate batteries, intended for use in “short range” heavy electric trucks Tesla calls the “Semi Light,” will hold a capacity of 53 kWh. The Model Y and Model 3 batteries tout a 75 kWh capacity. Tesla intends to use lithium iron phosphate batteries in the Model Y and Model 3 eventually, though it has not provided a timeline.

Pictured: Iron phosphate powder. CEO Elon Musk is reportedly all for lithium iron phosphate battery technology, and Reuters said he was quoted to say “the vast majority of heavy lifting for electrification will be iron-based cells” this past March.

DEAD BATTERIES

With the current state of insurance, an EV might be written off completely if its battery is dented, warped or slightly scratched, according to an article first published by the Times Live. The article says this stems from a general inability to assess or repair battery packs after accidents, resulting in write-offs even if the vehicles have been barely used. Consequently, this has (reportedly) resulted in battery packs piling up in scrap yards, further worsened by the units costing half the price of an EV–meaning you get more value from buying a new EV than replacing a damaged battery. While several OEMs including Ford and General Motors have promised repairable EV battery packs, many are assembled in a way that makes repairs significantly tougher, with Tesla Model Ys gluing these battery packs into the car’s structure. The decision by OEMs to refuse to disclose diagnostic data has resulted in insurers writing off vehicles as a precaution, according to Peter Gruber, owner of Gruber Motor Co. “An insurance company is not going to take that risk because they’re facing a lawsuit later on if something happens with that vehicle and they did not total it,” he said.

According to the Times Live’s article, battery units cost half the price of an EV–meaning you get more value from buying a new EV than replacing a damaged battery.

OEM ORIGINS

Tesla is selling Chinese-made Model 3 and Model Y units in the Canadian market, confirming suspicions that the EV maker had shipped vehicles from its Shanghai factory to the North American market. As of May 23, Tesla’s website had Model Y vehicles and long-range, all-wheel-drive Model 3s available for immediate delivery in British Columbia, which bore codes indicating they were manufactured at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. Fans of the brand had suspected the recent reduction to the Model Y’s range performance—from 488 kilometres on a single charge to 455 kilometres—indicated that Tesla was selling China-made cars in Canada. Tesla models built at the Shanghai factory have VINs beginning with ‘LRW’, Reuters reported.