Farley’s Ode To EVs, Sub-$25K Jeep EV, Bugatti Robotaxi

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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Welcome to a new month and a new quarter! Today we’re covering Jim Farley’s conversion from “petrol head” to EV enthusiast, Jeep’s plans to bring a sub-$25K EV to the US market and a new robotaxi from the CEO of Bugatti.

Show Notes with links:

• Ford CEO Jim Farley has posted his argument for EVs on LinkedIn, discussing the potential and challenges of EVs, while emphasizing his personal experience and Ford's commitment to innovation.
  • Farley describes his deep-rooted love for traditional cars and his surprise at falling in love with electric vehicles through his experience with the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
  • He highlights the convenience of EVs, such as the absence of gas station visits, quiet operation, smooth acceleration, and unique features like a massive frunk and mobile generator capabilities.
  • “The tipping point we’re working toward will come not from regulators who push us or from politicians who try to hold us back. It will come from consumers. Not when an arbitrary market share is reached, but when electric vehicles are simply better for more customers – better to drive, cheaper to own, and easier to integrate into daily life.”
• Jeep has announced plans to launch an affordable Renegade EV in the US for under $25,000, but industry experts are skeptical about the feasibility of hitting this price point.
  • Jeep aims to launch a new model every year over the next three years, with a goal of increasing its market coverage in North America from 45% to 85% by 2027.
  • Experts doubt Jeep can achieve the $25,000 price point, citing potential production outside North America, which would disqualify the vehicle from federal incentives.
  • Ralph Mahalak Jr., a Jeep dealer, supports the idea of a low-cost EV but stresses the need for a range of 200 to 300 miles to be competitive.
  • Other brands like Kia, Volvo, and Chevy are also targeting the low-cost EV segment, with prices starting around $30,000 to $35,000.
  • “If the Renegade comes in at, let’s say [$30,000] starting for the launch models, or maybe even [$35,000], it could put up some numbers for Jeep,” says Edmunds’ Joseph Yoon.

• Rimac, known for its million-dollar hypercars, has ventured into autonomous vehicles with the launch of its robotaxi, "Verne." Named after the novelist Jules Verne, this innovative two-seater EV aims to revolutionize urban transportation.
  • The Verne is a two-door, two-seater EV with a design blending a space capsule and a European hatchback. It features a giant 43-inch dashboard screen, 17 speakers, and no steering wheel or pedals, offering a spacious and tech-savvy interior.
  • Equipped with Mobileye's advanced cameras, sensors, and lidars, the Verne uses the Mobileye Drive platform for its autonomous driving capabilities.
  • “Why a 2-seater? Because the data shows that nine out of 10 rides are used by one or two people,” says Chief Design Officer Adriano Mudri in a

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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