G. David Felt

Hyundai, BMW, Stellantis, Kia, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota are eight of the worlds' largest automakers and today are celebrating the successful launch of their purpose-built redefinition of charging as an end-to-end integrated customer charging experience.  This purpose-built charging solution delivers on the mission they set forth in February 2024. with 100 sites contracted, over 1000 charging bays, enabling EV road trips coast to coast by the end of 2025 with 400 kWh DC Ultra-Fast chargers. February 2025 marks the beginning of a massive nationwide buildout of ultra-fast DC charging stations. This milestone marks a historic moment for the American road, as eight global automakers join at the first ever IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC, and new HQ and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, NC. A joint ribbon-cutting event signifying an unprecedented commitment to build a best-in-class charging network – designed, engineered, and built right here in the USA. The motto that the fantastic eight automakers stated in 2024 was "Measure Twice and Cut Once". This happened with a rigorous testing phase in the second half of 2024. Automaker vehicle fleets and everyday drivers helped stress-test the IONNA network, completing more than 4,400 charging sessions, on over 80 unique vehicle models, and dispensing nearly 63 thousand kilowatt-hours of energy. IONNA has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience to confidently step into a new phase of nationwide expansion. To mark this next national release stage, IONNA is proud to announce in excess of 100 contracted sites nationwide, including this week’s opening of new Rechargeries in Houston, Texas and Abilene, Kansas, with Willcox, Arizona joining another six additional locations under construction today. In addition, the opening of its headquarters and customer experience lab, a hub dedicated to ongoing testing, innovation, and unwavering commitment to a driver-first experience. iONNA is just not deploying infrastructure; this is a substantial investment in American Jobs, American Manufacturing, Growing the next Golden age of Driving across America. iONNA has committed to building 30,000 charging bays by 2030 representing new jobs across the nation, cutting-edge technological innovation, igniting a new fire under Americans with a vision to drive America's roads, seeing the country. IONNA will set a new standard for interoperability and ease of use in 2025. Plug & Charge technology, already available now, will grow to include a leading number of automakers as the year progresses. Through vehicle integration, IONNA will also enable features like AI-driven smart reservations/routing optimization, in-car payments, and other features – the most integration-rich charging network in America is on its way. Beginning in Q1 2025 at the Garner, NC location, IONNA will introduce computer-vision powered by AI and sensor fusion technology to enable automated grab & go offerings. Made possible by collaborating with Amazon and leveraging their industry leading “Just Walk Out” technology, these cutting-edge retail spaces will allow drivers to grab refreshments and essentials 24/7 and without checkout lines. Today, iONNA has moved forward to Juice up America, one Rechargery at a time. Check out more of this EV charging company by visiting their website. iONNA With an Average of 10 ultra-fast 400 kWh charging bays that support both CCS and NACS, iONNA is planning to have 3,000 new EV charging stations nationwide by 2030 if not more. Where can I find my local rechargery? You can always check the iONNA website for the most up to date information on locations, including those that are 'coming soon'! You can also find them by searching for "IONNA" on Plugshare, Google Maps, Apple Maps, ChargePoint, Shell, and more.  One point to make about Tesla, if the Tesla was built before 2020, it will require a hardware upgrade to be able to charge properly. Contact your Tesla Service center or check your owner's manual for details on third-party charging. View full article

6 weeks to go till gov shutdown, I see no reason to help the GOP deal with funding when they careless about America or the hard working people and only care about themselves and the 1% billionaires. 'Democrats aren’t in much of a mood to help': GOP leader in a panic over budget threat

These are the Idiot Politicians that need to be eradicated from the U.S. 'Call somebody who cares': GOP senator slammed over response to 'friends who are upset'

LOL

This is interesting and funny! Stephen Colbert Trolls MAGA With Proof Trump Fans 'Don't Even Know What They Voted For'

Amazon left in that you live in Quebec and cannot order anything from Amazon as there is no deliver there now?

Pretty Bad when you see Fox News showing a scrolling lineup of pretty much everything that will have a jump in price as the pinch is on to destroy America.

We'll seems stupid is raging more as Tennessee is wanting to push through an amendment that would allow Trump a 3rd term. Tennessee congressman proposes resolution creating path for a third Trump term I honestly see revolution in our future as Dictator Heir Trump attempts to take over the country with his stupidity. I totally agree with the Hedge funds that are saying the U.S. stock market is about to crash in a way that people have not seen and we could see a depression that will destroy the poor and low income. Scary times for sure. What is mind boggling is how much is produced and why NAFTA was a good deal for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as it allowed production on high-cost items to help control costs. Get ready for anything in an Aluminum can / container to jump big time in cost. BBQ that use Stainless steel produced in Canada will cost much more. Tesla Cyber trucks will see a huge jump due to the stainless steel body if anyone really wants to buy such garbage. Layoffs are coming.

Profit for Tesla came in a drop in sales globally but the $2.8 Billion in Emission sales plus a $600 million gain in Crypto Currency is what allowed Tesla to have a profitable quarter / End of year. With out that, Tesla weird way of building auto's and using the gains from Stocks to expand the business globally is showing that Tesla is cracked and could fail more than Rivian. Happy that GM is making a profit on EVs now, and I think allot of this is using the knowledge of 100 plus years of building auto's to make them efficiently. Tesla had to go their own way in building EVs and sadly it is still not efficient, quality or profitable. Going to be an interesting year in the auto industry for who survives and who flies to the auto graveyard in the sky!

Face Palm is in response to the wammy of Tesla in Canada, unbelievable. Sadly, seems Trumpy is going to stop the ability to sell emission credits and that will stop Tesla from selling theirs to others which was last year $2.8 billion in emissions sales that helped with the bottom line. If the current administration kills off the emission credits that companies like Stellantis have relied on to earn billions by selling V8 powered autos more than anything, while it will help Stellantis, it will wipe out the bottom line for Tesla. Trump is putting Tesla's $2.8 billion side hustle under threat The story is saying that Tesla could see an immediate drop if this change happens of 13% in stock price, I will say it will be even worse than that as Tesla being negative with no positive cash flow will have stockholders fleeing.

OUCH, This is a big hurt as the details of how a 25% tariff will play out on the auto prices. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/implemented-or-not-trump-s-25-tariff-threat-is-challenging-the-auto-industry/ar-AA1ybfK6?ocid=msedgntp&pc=W069&cvid=f8ace88f37f148288cd3f5276396c104&ei=42 Quote: Wells Fargo estimates that 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada imports would cost the traditional Detroit automaker billions of dollars a year. The firm estimates the impact of 5%, 10% and 25% tariffs on GM, Ford Motor and Chrysler parent Stellantis would collectively be $13 billion, $25 billion and $56 billion, respectively. S&P Global Mobility, formerly IHS Markit, estimates a 25% duty on a $25,000 vehicle from Canada or Mexico would add $6,250 to its cost — some if not most of which could be passed on to the consumer. Here are the automakers that are most exposed to tariffs on vehicles imported from Mexico, based on the percentage of their U.S. sales being produced south of the border: Volkswagen: 43% Nissan: 27% Stellantis: 23% GM: 22% Ford: 15% Honda: 13% Toyota: 8% Hyundai: 8% So, a $25,000 auto will become a $31,250 auto due to the Tariffs. Get ready for MASSIVE INFLATION under the incompetent leadership of the U.S. Ford Mach-e that are manufactured in Mexico have an Average transaction price of $40,959 with a 25% tariff, that will be a Tariff of $10,240 so a purchase price becomes $51,199 OUCH, it hurts to see all the bets against our country and stock market for things falling, but sadly the leadership has not given me any reason to not see the country stock market falling this year. Hedge funds bet billions on market crash in Trump’s America

@oldshurst442 This is becoming a joke as the incompetent administration is now scrambling to try and stop the mess Idiot47 is making of everything including the latest crash with assigning blame at the wrong folks. Trump aides 'scrambling' to shore up his image after he spread 'confusion and fear': WSJ Seems the CFO has let the cat out of the bag, Idiot47 administration will have a huge financial impact on Tesla as they could go into negative earnings as so many components are made outside the US, including the battery packs for many of the 3 & Y models. Despite Elon Musk’s close ties to Trump, Tesla’s CFO admits the president’s tariffs plan would impact ‘business and profitability’

Eye Spy the Avalanche to the left in outside.

Scary times ahead folks, watch your spending, debt load and be cautious as we are in for a crazy 4 years. 'Flashing a warning': Economist says Trump's plans leading to 'a terrible outcome'

Considering the number of folks that have had their life cut short in Hanford here due to what was supposed to be storage for life of radioactive Liquid, I would say this will fail and contaminate the earth, animals or humans in a new and destructive way. Honestly, I remember this from the news and the science behind it that it is the best way to store Nuclear waste, as a glass solid and then put it into an underground bunker like the old salt mines in the SW. SRS - Programs - Waste Solidification QUOTE: The largest radioactive waste glassification plant in the world, DWPF converts the high-level liquid nuclear waste currently stored at the Savannah River Site (SRS) into a solid glass form suitable for long-term storage and disposal. Scientists have long considered this glassification process, called “vitrification,” as the preferred option for immobilizing high-level radioactive liquids into a more stable, manageable form until a federal repository is ready.

Scary Times as Idiot47 kicks out people in the FDA who are working to protect our food sources. Elon Musk Foe Escorted Out of Fed Office After Refusing to Resign

Very interesting read and observations of what states have low scores. Map Reveals States with the Worst Reading and Math Scores - Newsweek

BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX M70 xDrive provides 650 hp and an estimated range of up to 302 miles in a performance-oriented M-specific design, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph Base MSRPs (+$1,175 destination and handling) 2025 BMW iX xDrive45 $75,150 2025 BMW iX xDrive60 $88,500 2025 BMW iX M70 xDrive $111,500 Simplified, enhanced sportiness design language on the exterior of the 2026 iX SAV. Did BMW achieve this? BMW has redesigned the headlights, turn indicators and updated the kidney grille, but is it enough to enhance the look? They say subtle diagonal lines are echoed from front to back while the front and rear aprons have a seamless design and a higher proportion of surfaces that are painted body-color. This simplified design language is paired with 20-inch alloy wheels by default but have the option of offering 21-, 22- and 23-inch wheel options. All of these aluminum wheels come with optional use aluminum inserts that help reduce drag. Interior: Progressive Luxury, Refined Sportiness BMW has for the first time offered in the iX upgraded seats that offer a wide range of adjustments, including backrest adjustments, lumbar support and pronounced contouring. This continues with upgraded Climate comfort package, to a panoramic roof and enhanced Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 30 speakers and exciters in the front seats, delivers an exceptionally intense and precisely balanced sound experience. You decide as here is the visually released images: iX xDrive45 interior iX xDrive60 interior iX M70 xDrive Interior Full gallery can be viewed here: 2026 BMW iX Gallery Some updated details in regards to the EV powertrain: Net usable power by model iX xDrive45 - 100.1 kWh iX xDrive60 - 113.4 kWh iX M79 xDrive - 112.8 kWh New Heat Pump More efficient predictive heat management of the battery pack Updated optimized charging software iX xDrive45 - 175 kW top charging speed iX xDrive60 - 195 kW top charging speed iX M79 xDrive - 195 kW top charging speed Automated optimized driving and parking with Level 2+ highway assistance Enhanced Smartphone control of parking and maneuvering Parking Assistant, including Back-Up Assistant Optional Parking Assistant Professional, part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, adds Parking View including Top View, Panorama View and 3D View, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder Display and operating system, connectivity. Intuitive user experience and advanced digital services. BMW Maps navigation system with charging-optimized route planning Over-the-air updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades Video streaming and in-car gaming on the control display Personalized user experience with BMW ID, My BMW App and personal eSIM, BMW Digital Key Plus as standard Efficient driving with the efficiency trainer BMW app Optimized 400V architecture Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin March 2025, deliveries are expected to commence Q2 of 2025. Further details to be released closer to launch. View full article

To quote: Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “Highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro” This pretty much states the drive by Audi to offer a showcase EV that covers the potential of the PPE platform. Audi developed portal axles that enable gradient climbs of up to 100% with a wider track, increased ride height that delivers on a spectacular appearance that no other EV has delivered today. The Audi Q6 Offroad features a two-motor AWD Quattro powertrain that delivers 380 kW or 510 HP. A progressive off-road stance that increases the ride height by 160mm or 6.3 inches and a wider track of 250mm or 9.8 inches over current Audi width. The new portal axles allow an increase in torque by 50 percent, enabling the Q6 Offroad to climb a 45-degree gradient with no problems. The Q6 Off-road is built off the Audi Q6 e-tron, the first model built on the PPE or Premium Platform Electric system. It is the new reference point for electrically driven Vorsprung durch Technik. The Audi Q6 model series not only excels with impressive driving and charging performance but also sets standards in range and efficiency per their press release. The Q6 e-tron offroad concept can be seen in action on February 1, 2025, at the F.A.T. Ice Race and on the social media channels of @Audi Sport. The interior is currently what is found in the Q6 e-tron. Since this is based on an existing production version EV, the Q6 Offroad could easily be put into production based on feedback from various events where Audi is going to show this off and gather attendees' response. What do you think, should this go into production? View full article

WOW, this just causes so much un-needed caos from an Idiot President and administration that affects so many levels including the auto industry which is a far over reach of presidential powers as the house and senate approved many of these money spends. Trump administration orders sweeping freeze of federal aid - POLITICO The above incompetent dictator wannabe moron is going to run up against his own people now that this will affect jobs in Red states. POLITICO Pro | Article | More Republicans back IRA tax credits in reconciliation fight Michigan has over $27 billion committed to assembly of EVs to battery packs, the only state more than Georgia that has $26 billion committed. Trump is trying to kill it all building what will lead America to being behind the world as they move forward and behind China. Michigan electric vehicle industry responds to Trump policy changes | AP News Good info on why Heat pumps are making a difference. Heat pumps in EVs are making a big difference in cold-weather driving | The Verge Great list on the EVs that have heat pumps. recurrentauto.com/questions/which-electric-vehicles-have-heat-pumps

Cool that Hyundai came in 1st and 2nd place at Daytona, but I wonder how long the sport will survive when I see so few people in the stands. Hyundai Wins at Daytona for the First Time in IMSA TCR History - Hyundai Newsroom

New Owners of Pizza Bank, still pretty good after all these years from when it was a Seafirst Bank!