Yamaha, Regulator Marine, and Roush: Miami International Boat Show Host's First Unveiling Of Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Engine

Yamaha unveils the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats in collaboration with Regulator Marine and Roush at the Miami International Boat Show. Image Credit: Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (2024)

Yamaha, Regulator Marine, and Roush: Miami International Boat Show Host's First Unveiling Of Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Engine

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. on February 14, 2024, at the Miami International Boat Show, unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats along with a prototype fuel system integrated into a vessel that the company plans to further refine for testing later this year. The effort is part of Yamaha’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality: deploying multiple technology solutions.

Yamaha joined forces with Roush to develop the fuel system to power the new outboard and collaborated with long-time boat builder partner Regulator Marine to build a boat suitable for testing the prototype outboard. Together, the companies plan to begin testing the protype for viability on the water in the summer of 2024.

“Yamaha is exploring all possibilities to achieve carbon neutrality, and we’ve made commitments for our operations to be carbon neutral by 2035 and our products to become carbon neutral by 2050. That goal within the marine market can only be reached through an approach that leverages multiple solutions. We believe hydrogen is a viable method of achieving these goals,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Yamaha wants to be a leader in this space, and we encourage others in the marine industry to become involved as we look for ways to build infrastructure and new policy around innovations.”

The information in the above plates is based on currently available data and may not be entirely accurate. Specific details might change as the engine development progresses. Images: My Electric Sparks (2024)

By working with Roush on the fuel system engineering, Yamaha gains the benefit of more than two decades of hydrogen systems integration and research.

“When you look at Roush’s history with hydrogen, it ranges from land speed record vehicles to spacecraft. A lot of that knowledge we’ve acquired over the years we are now applying directly to this Yamaha project,” said Matt Van Benschoten, Vice President, Advance Engineering, Roush. “We are the fuel systems integrator, responsible for fuel systems designs, all of the specifications development, physical integration, safety system analysis as well as testing and development. Yamaha is trying to determine if hydrogen can successfully be used in this market, and I think we will find out the answer is ‘yes.’”

Regulator Marine built a hull based on the 26XO and modified it to accommodate the hydrogen tanks necessary to power the new outboard. Together, Yamaha, Regulator and Roush displayed the boat hull, fuel system and outboard to demonstrate how hydrogen could work as a possible fuel source in a marine environment. Also, the effort allows engineers to begin the process of determining marine standards for the use of hydrogen in vessels.

“If we don’t look for a new source, we won’t find a new source. Innovation starts by asking questions. It creates a little angst, but at the end of the day good stuff comes out of innovation,” said Joan Maxwell, President, Regulator Marine. “In the future, as we design boats, if this proves what we think it will, it could be very possible that we are designing hulls around these hydrogen fuel tanks.”

“Through our relationship with Regulator Marine, we have the ability to test our prototype in a premium boating environment that reflects Yamaha’s brand position, and we have the ability to lead the way in the development of hydrogen as a fuel source in marine environments,” continued Speciale. “We’re excited to watch this project develop and look forward to taking the next steps.”

Yamaha announced the hydrogen outboard project last December. Further demonstrating the company’s commitment to a multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality, Yamaha recently announced plans to acquire all shares of electric outboard company Torqeedo.® In addition, Yamaha continues to promote the use of sustainable fuels within internal combustion outboard engines as another alternative.  

Please visit yamahamarinemedia.com for images and more information about the new hydrogen-powered outboard and fuel system.

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Long Time Coming Pays Dividends To UIM E1 World Championship’s Team Brady In Inaugural E1 Race Round

 

Cityscape of the Gulf bordering city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Image Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Long Time Coming Pays Dividends To UIM E1 World Championship's Team Brady In Inaugural E1 Race Round

All racing competition series begin with an idea, a form of a racing template or platform, and eventually place their calculations on the field of play and have at it. The E1 Electric Boat Racing League is no different.

After over two years (Racebird displayed at CES 2022) of development, concept evolution, formation of both the nature of the competition and the the team structure/formation, and setting of a schedule (that had delays) that includes seven event weekends throughout 2024.

Event weekend one - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - happened this last February 2-3, 2024 with qualifications on Friday February 2nd, and the race on Saturday February 3rd. An announcement was issued that the event was to be televised by both CBS Sports (North America) and ITV (UK/EU) as its latest television partners for this inaugural season. Sadly, after a quick search, no proof exists that LIVE or delayed broadcasts were made available. Any video that was posted in articles originating in Europe and the Middle East, at the time of this article development, was blocked from being shown in North America.

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The balance UIM E1 Series 2024 season race calendar:

11th - 12th May - Venice, Italy

1st - 2nd June - Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain

29th - 30th June - Geneva, Switzerland

26th - 27th July - Monaco

7th - 8th September - Rotterdam, Netherlands

9th - 10th November - Hong Kong, China

First, and only, time winners of the new E1 Series Racebird series. Image Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Inaugural race report - 3rd - 4th - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Tom Brady’s Racebird powerboat team claim inaugural UIM E1 World Championship race in Jeddah - Emma Kimilainen of Finland and Sam Coleman of Britain, pilots of the Team Brady entrant, on Saturday clinched the first round of the UIM E1 World Championship with a convincing victory in Jeddah in front of thousands of fans on the Red Sea.

The E1’s first Super Final featured eight team-owned sports and entertainment celebrities taking part in the waters of the Red Sea, among them Team Brady, Team Rafa, Team Miami, and Blue Rising, owned by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli.

Graphic of race central yacht harbor for the Racebird pits and support happens. Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Race circuit as laid out in the Red Sea at Jeddah coastline.  Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

On the final day of racing, the team owned by American Football legend Tom Brady staged an impressive comeback to beat day-one leaders Team Miami, owned by singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.

After the first Super Final race, Team Rafa had the lead, followed by Team Miami and Team Brady. The second Super Final race saw a lot more back and forth, as some spray blocked Team Rafa pilot Cris Lazarraga’s view, causing her to cut a corner, which resulted in a penalty in which the team had to choose between a 30-second penalty, or an additional “long lap,” (usually only one per race required).

With the top team penalized, Team Brady took the lead and didn’t let it go in race two. Combined with pilot Emma Kimilainen’s third place in race one, Sam Coleman led Tom Brady’s team to first place in the first E1 GP.

The moment we wrote Team Brady into the history books. 📚 #E1Series #TomBrady #TB12 pic.twitter.com/TxN0sTjM2m

— Team Brady (@e1teambrady) February 6, 2024

The winning margin was almost 20 seconds with Team Brady clocking in a time of 6.58.51.

Team Miami finished in second, while Kohli’s Blue Rising took third place.

Kimilainen and Coleman revealed their delight at the victory in the first round and looked forward to continuing their winning spirit in the upcoming round.

Asked by Arab News how Tom Brady reacted to their victory, Kimilainen said: “We’ve already had a message through from Tom and he’s super happy with the win. Both Sam and I are so incredibly proud to represent Tom and we’re pleased we were able to make history at E1’s inaugural race.”

Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, said at the end of the race: “We are very happy to host the first round of the E1 series, and believe me it is a success.”

Meanwhile, Saudi rally driver Masahel Al-Obaidan, the lead pilot of Aoki Racing — which came in at seventh place — was happy to get her first experience of racing on water under her belt.

“It is been a great experience and I am so glad to represent my country,” she said.

Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of E1, said: “It is been a fantastic two days here in Jeddah and has surpassed our expectations.”

Meanwhile, Alejandro Agag, co-founder and chair of E1 said: “We have had an incredible weekend here on the Red Sea. It was a great race and hope the thousands who attended the race enjoyed the powerboat race.”

The UIM E1 World Championship will take place this May in Venice.

Image Credit: CBS Sports Network via electrek (2024)

Championship standings following the Round 1 Jeddah GP results:

Team Brady – 20 points

Team Miami – 17 points

Team Rafa – 14 points

Blue Rising – 10 points

Sergio Perez E1 Team – 8 points

Team Drogba – 5 points

Aoki Racing Team – 3 points

Team Brazil – 1 point
[ht: Arab News - Saleh Fareed]

Watch a replay of the #E1JeddahGP on YouTube👇

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TAGS: #E1, $Jeddah, #Racebird, #UIM, #TeamBrady, #TeamMiami, #TeamRafa, ##BlueRising, #SergioPerez, #TeamDrogba, #AokiRacingTeam, #TeamBrazil, #EVHN, TheEDJE

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

The first professional race cars of the season to hit the Daytona road course track in anger for 2024. Image Credit: IMSA Video (2024)

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

Well. here we go, and leave it to the newly Whelen sponsored Mazda MX-5 Cup entry ladder into the higher levels of IMSA Sportscar series season racing, to open up the season in typical, exciting, door to door, close quarters action.

IMSA Report #1:

Wagner Leads Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Train Of Cars Across Daytona Finish Line

The absolute first race of the professional racing series was held on Thursday, January 25th and after a very tussled 45 minutes of green flag racing, 11 cars approached the finish line at Daytona International Speedway with a shot at winning the first event of the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin series season. When the pack crossed the line and the timing screens updated, it was Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) with the win, 0.060-second ahead of Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsports).

 

In true Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup fashion, even in the final moments of the race, nobody could predict who the winner would be.

 

It took a few laps, but the pack of 28 cars that took the green flag eventually broke into two groups, one of them an 11-car train at the front. Six different drivers led laps during the race, and that’s only as they crossed start-finish, the strong draft on Daytona’s high banks caused the order to change numerous times between turns.

 

Wagner, who won the very first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona in 2021, qualified outside the top 10. His experience at the 3.56-mile roval told him that would not be a disadvantage.

 

“It would have before, but you do this enough times and you end up starting from every spot on the grid,” Wagner said. “I felt like 12th was at least in the hunt.”

 

The same could be said for Gonzalez who qualified 14th but was up to fourth by lap six.

 

“Last year I won from 18th, so qualifying wasn't an issue. I’d like to say it’s all skill, but it’s not really here at Daytona,” Gonzalez said. “You all have to work together.” 

In the early stages, BSI Racing teammates Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) and Selin Rollan (No. 87 BSI Racing/Rollan Racing) worked well together and held the front two spots, but it was only a matter of time before JTR Motorsports Engineering swooped in with Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

 

BSI team member and Mazda Shootout Scholarship winner Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) came along to support Zilisch and Rollan, but it all allowed McCumbee McAleer Racing teammates Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Wagner to squeeze their way to the front.

 

The teamwork happening amongst the pack made for thrilling racing but left several cars with damaged rear bumpers from all the drafting. Rollan, Workman and Wagner all had loose bodywork potentially hurting their aerodynamic performance.

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup on the Daytona banking, in full song and cooperation during Race 1 of a scheduled 14 race season over seven race weekends. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Exiting the Le Mans Chicane on the final lap, it was rookie Julian DaCosta (No. 78 BSI Racing) who led, but MX-5 Cup veterans know that is the last place you want to be to take the win. Two trains of cars split DaCosta as they headed toward the checkered flag.

 

With a nice push from Gonzalez, Wagner crossed the line first with Gonzalez second and Fletcher third.

 

“It is tough, because you don’t want to go too early, and you also don't want to get hung out if you go out too late,” Wagner said. “I think I did it with just the right amount of patience. We went two-wide in the bus stop! It was really hard to stay back and know you had the run coming to the line. You almost see the race disappear in front of you, and then all of a sudden coming out of (turn) four it comes back to you. It's an art to race here. Especially at the front coming to the line.”

 

Twice a MX-5 Cup winner at Daytona, Gonzalez couldn’t complain about a runner-up finish this time around.

 

“Gresham [Wagner] and I worked great for the race, but honestly congrats to him and his team,” said Gonzalez. “Thank you to my parents and thank you to Saito Motorsports. I couldn’t lose to a better person honestly, he’s one of the fastest guys out there.

“All I know is it was a mad dash and I just couldn’t get unhooked from Gresham’s bumper to pop out and I didn’t want to risk spinning and taking out the whole field,” Gonzalez said of the finish. “It was a great race, 12th to second—I can't be too mad about that.” 

 

Now in his sophomore season of MX-5 Cup, Fletcher was thrilled to get his first podium at the storied Daytona International Speedway, even if he spun after the finish line.

 

“It’s definitely an amazing feeling,” Fletcher said. “I can’t thank the MMR guys enough for the car they supplied me. After a tough rookie season, it is great to accomplish this. It is amazing to have teammates like I do. I ended up crossing the line backwards, but during the race I felt more secure and it was good to be in that lead pack. I was in a good spot and waited through the bus stop and then just shot my shot.” 

 

Jeansonne just barely held on to fourth place, crossing the finish line 0.003-second head of Zilisch.

 

There’s sure to be more of the same in the second half of the MX-5 Cup doubleheader at Daytona. Friday’s Round Two race will go green at 10:15am ET with live coverage on RACER.com.

IMSA Report #2:

Different day, same task for Race 2 of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona race weekend. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Nate Cicero Wins Second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Race At Daytona After Explosive Last Lap

Reigning Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Rookie of the Year and former MX-5 Cup Shootout winner Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer) survived a last lap frenzy to win at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. He was closely followed across the finish line by his teammate Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) making it a McCumbee McAleer Racing 1-2.

 

The second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona played out much like the first, as the draft was key once again ahead of a scrappy final lap.

 

Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) had an incredible opening lap, going from 11th to fourth. Two laps later, he was in the lead, at the front of an eight-car pack.

 

Not long after, the dangers of Daytona’s high banks were on display. Preston Pardus (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing), got loose in the draft and hit the wall exiting NASCAR Turn Four. He bounced back down the track to the infield and eventually came to a rest near Turn One. Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 JTR Motorsports Engineering) moved to avoid hitting Pardus, but that turned the car and sent him into the wall at start/finish.

 

The first and only full-course caution of the race was issued with Zilisch still leading the field.

 

After four laps behind the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup safety car, the green flag was back on display.

Zilisch continued to lead for several laps afterwards, but his strong defense came to a sad end when his car’s ABS failed. He locked up his brakes several times on a single lap before making his way to pit lane.

 

At the front, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsport), Cicero and Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) were working together to stay up front.

 

On the final lap, Cicero led the field into Turn One followed by Thomas and Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing). Entering Turn Five a chain reaction that started at the back of the pack ended with Thomas and Workman spinning into the grass.

 

Cicero now had a healthy lead going into the Le Mans Chicane, a spot history says you do not want to be in on the final lap of a Mazda MX-5 race at Daytona. However, Cicero managed to build enough of a gap to prevent Gonzalez, Fletcher and Rollan from drafting by him before the checkered flag.

“I was just watching the mirror the whole time,” Cicero said. “They had a whole train coming but my spotter was saying I had a 10- or 12-car gap. I was just hoping we had enough. The MMR car was absolutely on wheels and the team swept the weekend.  To have the DNF yesterday after having such a strong start, we needed redemption today. It never gets old winning races, so I’m so happy to do this today. 

 

“I think there was a small crash behind me and so I ended up with a huge lead and just held on.”

 

Gonzalez crossed the line in second but was issued a 10-second penalty for an incident early in the race, bumping him to ninth in the final results.

 

That gave the runner-up spot to Fletcher, who got his second podium finish of the weekend.

 

“It is definitely nice to be consistent here with two podiums,” Fletcher said. “The car was on fire. I can’t thank the whole McCumbee McAleer team enough, all my sponsors: The Holster Store, Home Decor and More. It has been great. On the last lap, going into the Horseshoe I got hit from behind. Everyone kind of got plowed out of the way. Not sure who it was, but I felt it! For the rest of the season, hopefully I can stay up front and stay consistent and start making new drafting buddies.”

Finishing third, Rollan is still waiting to get that elusive Daytona win, but was happy with third after starting the final lap in 11th place.

 

“It seemed to be similar to yesterday,” Rollan said. “I tried to get as many positions as I could. I saw Jared [Thomas] spinning up top, so I just stayed tight. I got some pushes and I’m happy to be here getting the first podium for Rollan Racing and BSI.”

 

Thursday race winner Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finished fourth and rookie Noah Harmon (No. 99 Spark Performance) completed the top five.

 

Both MX-5 Cup races at Daytona are available to re-watch on the RACER YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheRacerChannel). 

 

Teams have plenty of time to regroup before Rounds 3 and 4 at Sebring International Raceway, March 13 – 16. For more information visit www.mx-5cup.com. 

[overall ht: #SundayGroupManagement]

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#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Just as one enters the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, a shrouded object greeted all as the signage heralded all to witness the reveal of this eVTOL mobility solution scheduled to be functional and in use by 2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024) 

#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Last week at the #CES2024 consumer technology show in Las Vegas, Xpeng Aeroht put on a global reveal of a very unique eVTOL solution to open the show in the West Hall. Xpeng's flying vehicle, named the Land Aircraft Carrier, stood among other flying vehicles on display. Notably, Xpeng was the sole company to provide a timeline for the commencement of commercial sales.

Xpeng Aeroht is set to commence accepting orders for its flying car style eVTOL solution later this year, as announced by the subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Motors. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in late 2025.

The Land Aircraft Carrier is a modular vehicle comprising two segments: a flying module designed for low-altitude transport and a six-wheeled module for terrestrial use. The initial sales of the vehicle will take place in China, with a price tag exceeding 1 million yuan ($140,000). Prospective buyers are expected to have the opportunity to test the vehicles in specified trial areas before finalizing their purchases.

While many competitors in the industry focus on business and public service sectors, Xpeng distinguishes itself by targeting the consumer market. Additionally, at the Las Vegas event, the company showcased a concept electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying car. In contrast to the Land Aircraft Carrier, this vehicle is a unified unit capable of both flying and driving.

Brian Gu, co-president of Xpeng Motors, emphasized that the company's products are tailored for the Chinese market. Xpeng is actively engaged in discussions with regulators regarding the gradual introduction of flying cars in the country.

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GRAVITY By LUCID Debuts At LA Auto Show Press Day

GRAVITY rear panel roofing branding element. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

GRAVITY By LUCID Debuts At LA Auto Show Press Day

What could possibly capture the old feeling, of the class in an automobile season opening reveal, of a new manufacturer's model, at the LA Auto Show Press Day 2023? 

Why of course, the first presentation of the day scheduled at the LUCID Motors booth - 9:00am, during AutoMobility LA in the West Exhibit Hall just to the right of the glass entry way doors.

LUCID pulled out all of the stops with a fist class presentation pavilion filled with great introduction music during the countdown leading into an impressive script and slideshow to introduce LUCID's answer to America's obsession with the modern day station wagon turned luxury assault vehicle ... the SUV.

Welcome to the 7 passenger, 3.6 miles per kWh, tow 6000 pounds, haul 1500 pounds, over 440 miles on a single charge - with a smaller battery footprint, coefficient of drag of less than 0.24, an aerodynamic profile unsurpassed by any other three-row SUV, all-new platform that shares its powertrain with the Air sedan, under $80,000 GRAVITY EV SUV.

Introducing the Lucid Gravity: Redefining the Electric SUV

** The new Lucid Gravity heralds the dawn of a new era for electric Sport Utility Vehicles: an unprecedented combination of attributes previously unseen in a single vehicle and a projected range in excess of 440 miles.

** Lucid innovations in EV technology and packaging deliver an expansive, luxurious interior for up to seven adults and their belongings, without the huge exterior and poor maneuverability often associated with traditional full-size, three-row SUVs.

** Featuring a brand-new SUV platform and next generation of Lucid’s award-winning, proprietary electric powertrain, Gravity will deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

** Lucid proved its capability in producing an extraordinary, acclaimed luxury EV sedan; now Gravity opens Lucid to the far larger SUV market.

** Lucid Gravity lands in late 2024. As with Lucid Air, pricing for Gravity will start under $80,000.

Technology breakout of a LUCID powertrain engine. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Gravity Design: A Balance of Form and Function

“At Lucid, we believe in pushing the boundaries of design. We have leaned into this belief to maximize spaciousness, aerodynamic efficiency, and utility, resulting in an electric SUV with a previously unseen blend of attributes,” said Derek Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Design and Brand at Lucid. “Whether it’s a cargo-swallowing SUV for family camping trips or a long-range grand tourer covering hundreds of miles between stops, Gravity is designed to be versatile.  Our team’s dedication to creating an SUV that seamlessly fuses form and function has resulted in a vehicle that’s visually striking, incredibly versatile, and provides an elevated luxury driving experience.”

Lucid’s commitment to design excellence, spacious interiors, and versatility further sets Gravity apart from the competition. The exterior design choices are a testament to Gravity’s fusion of aesthetics and utility. A focus on efficiency has led to a target coefficient of drag of less than 0.24,³ an aerodynamic profile unsurpassed by other three-row SUVs. With a commanding presence supported by a substantial frunk, sleek profile, elongated cabin, pronounced shoulders, and sporty tail spoiler, Gravity showcases its ability to meet the diverse needs of the daily driver.

Always attempt to design for desire is a LUCID trait. Mid-Mod meets Aero-Sculpted. Image Credit: LUCID Motors (2023)

Inside, Gravity impresses with ample and flexible cargo areas. The cabin offers spacious seating, with the added convenience of second and third-row seats that fold flat to reveal more than 112 cubic feet of total usable cargo space for an effortless combination of comfort and cargo capacity. The sliding second row seats combine with integrated convenience tables for an elevated back-seat experience. Remarkable legroom is carried through to the third row, enabling a comfortable seven-passenger configuration, making it the ideal vehicle for every adventure.

Gravity represents a definitive evolution of Lucid’s user interface, called Clearview Cockpit, featuring an intuitive 34-inch curved and uninterrupted OLED display that floats above Gravity’s innovative new steering wheel, closely matched with the driver’s line of sight. Lucid’s Pilot Panel returns in Gravity with a quick access touch bar and sitting alongside a new glass center console that elegantly slides open for additional storage. This SUV also introduces Lucid’s next-generation software with over-the-air updates, ensuring continued vehicle improvement.

[REFERENCE HERE]

The most classy reveal held during the Automobility LA Press Day for the LA Auto Show and this one was held as the first automaker presentation of the day. 

This reveal performance was missed by many attendees who showed up late or were only interested in the art cars and Hollywood Auto Collections that filled halls that were formally owned by marques like Porsche ... that just celebrated their 75th year in business through the Rennsport Reunion 7 held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, for example.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #LAAUTOSHOW, #2023, #LUCID, #GRAVITY, #Reveal, #Frunking, #$80K, #EVHNews, #EVVTOL, #AUTOMOBILITYLA, The EDJE

J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

J+ BOOSTER 2 booth backdrop at SEMA 2023 showing all of the pickup and go usefulness of this multiplayer adapter/charger. This portable EV Charging solution is even compatible with household 110/120v outlets and may give one a quick 6 miles of range in one hour. A great solution when one is travelling outside of their normal template of multi-hour charging opportunities. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews.com (2023)

J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

Kit Tags Along Easily To Smooth Rough Edges Of Random & Vacation Airbnb Style Travels

Once one decides to have their main source of mobility be an EV platform, one accommodates themselves to the existing electric charging lay of the land that allows for a relatively seamless flow of having a vehicle with enough charge, in the high 95+ percentile, in order to enjoy an uninterrupted travel experience. They know where the most open and quick charging stations exist along their planned route from home to where they work, shop, and maintain relationships, and back to home base again, day in and day out.

After a time, this all becomes routine and everything becomes "in its place" for a simple and successful EV experience. Where this comfort becomes a little less available is when one wishes to travel to visit family and friends, or travel for vacation and other outreach experiences that are outside of one's daily living experience. 

Enter the professionally built industrial grade aluminum tube EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) portable charger/adapter J+ BOOSTER 2. The portable wall charger for all EV's. No electrician needed. Charge up to 7x faster, installation-free.

Juice Americas, a subsidiary of Juice Technology - based in Switzerland, has a mission to simplify home and travel charging with the J+ BOOSTER 2, a portable charger designed for level 1 and level 2 charging for electric vehicles. The company employs this charger on their own electric vehicles almost exclusively to assess its performance and durability.

 Hyundai IONIQ 6 World Car Of The Year. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

Plastic components, while a means to a build end, are not a truly professional and serious build for a potential everyday usage. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

The importance of this portable equipment option be included in one's Electric Vehicle choice has been supported most recently through Hyundai including their portable adapter charging cable with each and every Hyundai IONIQ 6 which was recently named "World Car Of The Year" by a panel of 102 Journalist from 30 countries.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight through its rugged military-grade casing and robust power output, perfect for the first time user. Image Credit: electrek.co (2023)

First time owners need to be aware that many plastic, wall-mounted residential electric vehicle charging units lack durability as they simply hang on the wall with no other purpose. In contrast, the J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight. This solution, for the first time EV mobility solution user allows for one to have an instant charging station at home before one decides on a permanent station. 

In addition, this adapter/charger can also be used at a second home, a trip to a family home visit, even on an Airbnb secure home stay. This industrial strength aluminum tube unit boasts an IP67 rating, providing resistance to dust and water, and it's robust enough to withstand the weight of a 5,000-pound electric car. This has been tested by running over the J+ BOOSTER 2 with a car on several separate occasions.

Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

This level of durability may appear to be a mere novelty, but it proves incredibly practical. These charging units are often situated in precarious locations, straddling the garage or positioned in the path of vehicle tires. With the J+ BOOSTER 2, the fear of damaging the charger is alleviated, addressing a common concern for new electric vehicle owners - we live in a Human world.

Industrial grade aluminum tube houses and protects charging circuitry. Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

Ultimately, having control over the options on just how and when one can assure access and capture of the required power for one's mobility needs is key to a positive experience in EV transportation and its continued use. The smart 1st time EV buyer would be well served to purchase 2 of these - one to keep wall mounted in the garage, and the other in the trunk.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 delivers a robust industrial grade tubular solution at a cost of well under $1,000.00 that protects the flexibility to charge most anytime and most anywhere. A tubular spark with the ability of being one's first Homebase mounted unit as well as travel companion for use in directed convenience or emergency stress charging situations.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: J+ BOOSTER 2, portable, SEMA, 2023, EVSE, durable, Juice Americas, adapters, homebase mounted, unit, travel companion, industrial grade, tubular, The EDJE

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Cobra Venom EVs are ready to strike - like lightening - at the famed Willow Springs "Big Willow" course where they will cruse through the "Omega Turn" with ease. Image Credit: Scorpion EV (2023)  

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Announced in mid-September 2023, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) put forward a special new award to recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" honors and celebrates a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

The first ever SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" goes to? ... the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

Scorpion EV, the company in Temecula, California that converts classic AC Cobra cars to electric power wins fist "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 2, 2023. Karen Salvaggio holds the award trophy as Bill Cardoso and staff pose next to the innovating '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV at the Scorpion EV Booth #24513, Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

"Venom" is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of the market, the Team at Scorpion EV is very proud to be creating a product that can be used by the very core of our industry, which is the DIY builders, shop owners and guy or girl working in their garage at home," said Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. "This award is a recognition of the power of a team who believe in dreaming, designing and truly building the future! When you look around the Show and witness all of the incredible builds and envelope-pushing designs gracing these halls, just to be nominated for the Best Engineered Vehicle Award is a true honor."

Huge Thanks to Dr. Bill Cardoso for his vision and incredible engineering skills in bringing this truly ground-breaking, game-changing product to market. Honestly such an honor to be recognized by your peers and industry leaders for the hard work and all of the effort it takes to imagine, design, build and create a whole new lane in the market. Image Credit: Karen Salvaggio (2023)

Earlier during the show, Scorpion EV and the all new Venom EV Conversion Kit made the Top 3 Finalists for Best New EV Product in the 2023 SEMA New Products Showcase - and was further recognized in the Global Media Award for best new product application in International and Global markets! 

Quite a SEMA Show for a local Southern California outfit. Just keeping the motor culture spirit alive in the geography where it all began.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: SEMA, 2023, Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year, #ScorpionEV, #Venom600, #EVConversionKit, New Products Showcase, The EDJE