The Current News: Aug 18, 2022

Hello, dear readers and riders! It looks like this heatwave that has had the world in a chokehold isn’t going to let up anytime soon. We hope you all are staying cool and hydrated. The EV industry is also still holding plenty of heat. In this week’s roundup, we’ll take a look at a weird boomerang-shaped off-roading EV concept, the first all-electric aluminum camper, the new Polestar 6 electric roadster, and more. If you have any tips, questions, or feedback you’d like to share, send your inquiries to stephanie@thevintagent.com. Let’s roll.

Boomerang-Shaped EV Concept with Off-Roading Capabilities

Belarus-based designer Artem Smirnov recently released a new two-seater EV concept that blew our minds. The boomerang-shaped urban mobility concept, called the PIX L7, boasts a forward-thinking V-shaped body and off-road capabilities. The buggy-inspired design is outfitted with guard rails that span the entire length of the vehicle’s top half, panning front fog lights, and can be turned into a load carrier for shorter trips.

 

Bowlus’ New Luxury EV Camper is a Reimagined Airstream

Luxury RV brand Bowlus recently revealed its all-electric aluminum camper, the Volterra. Claiming to be the first of its kind, the Volterra will have satellite internet, 480W solar panels, a 50-gallon fresh water tank, and 17kWh battery system. Measuring just over 27 feet long, the Volterra can sleep four passengers comfortably. The starting price for this baby is a whopping $310,000, which makes it better suited for glamping instead of camping.

 

Meet the New 884hp Polestar Electric Roadster

Polestar recently announced that it will be adding an 884hp electric roadster to its lineup in 2026. Called the Polestar 6, the hardtop convertible will share the same drivetrain as the Polestar 5 super-sedan and deliver 663 lb-ft of torque thanks to its 800V dual-electric motor setup. Polestar says the roadster will be able to sprint from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds and achieve top speeds of 155mph.

 

Ford Reopens Order Books for Its Lightning Electric Pickup

Ford fans will be thrilled to hear that the automaker is taking more orders for its first electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning. Unfortunately, the trucks are now much more expensive than their originally promised starting price of around $40,000. New buyers will now have to shell out $48,769 or more for a new Lightning.

 

Elaqua Marine Debuts Fully-Electric Personal Watercraft

 

Elaqua Marine, Inc. recently revealed its fully-electric personal watercraft that boasts 81 miles worth of range and top speeds of 55mph. Riders can enhance their time on the water with the PWC’s onboard Human Interface screen and 5G connectivity. The fully-electric powertrain means less maintenance and downtime, so you can spend more time riding the waves.

 

CAKE to Host a Weekend of Clean Racing

Electric bike maker CAKE is hosting the CAKE World One Design Race on Gotland in Sweden this Saturday. The electric off-road racing series will include elite riders from every corner of the globe who will compete against each other using identical bikes, making the series an inclusive, industry-first. “CAKE One Design Worlds is an initiative to promote inclusive, silent, and clean racing in the aftermath of racing tracks shutting down in the past 15 years, due to disturbance and pollution. Thanks to light, torquey, and snappy bikes, the format is available, exciting, and compact for riders as well as for audience and media,” said Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE.

 

VW’s Unveils Working Electric Air Taxi Concept

Volkswagen recently revealed a working concept of an electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) craft that is being developed in China. The new concept has a planned range of up to 124 miles, measures 36.7 feet in length, and is equipped with eight exposed rotors along its top and two additional ones in a pusher configuration for horizontal flying. VW says the eVTOL will be able to carry four passengers.