Battery Chemistry For Sale, The Wyclef Jean EV, 90 Year Old Company Crushing Competitors

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Welcome to Tuesday ASOTUverse! Today we’re talking about Ford’s plans to produce different types of battery chemistry that saves money. We’re also talking about a hip new EV as well as a legacy company who is crushing their competition. 

• Starting in the next few months, Ford will begin selling EVs with two different types of battery chemistry for its Mach E; The current and more expensive Lithiumnickel cobalt manganese chemistry, and the less expensive and less dense lithium iron phosphate
  • The lithium iron phosphate batteries can be 30-40% cheaper due to the broad availability of iron and phosphate
  • They also charge faster due to their decreased density and Ford says they are more apt to vehicles who can charge every night like a garaged commuter or a local delivery vehicle
  • Customers won’t have to worry about the chemistry selection and will simply choose ‘standard’ or ‘long range’ at purchase
  • In late 2021, Tesla began offering lithium iron phosphate batteries on standard-range models. Stellantis plans to offer them on EVs in Europe, while General Motors could add lithium iron phosphate as it works to reduce EV costs, as well.
• Just when you thought everyone and their mother is releasing an EV, we have another new entrant into the space that is powered by grams of lithium as well as Grammy’s. Haitian hip hop artist Wyclef Jean, formerly of the Fugees just launched the ‘lightest electric supercar’ that can go 0 to 60 in 2.3 in Florida on Sunday, named the “Attucks Apex APO”
  • The supercar is touted as being “designed in the UK and built in the USA” and is the lightest vehicle in its class coming in at just above 2600 lbs..  
    • A Tesla Model S can weigh as much as 4800 lbs
  • The launch was in collaboration with Attucks Futures and Technology, a business founded by Wyclef Jean to promote an outlet for the community to grow and develop.
  • The official release is set for next year and the pricetag will start at $350k
• Sometimes, less is more. In the case of the 90 year old company Lego, 17% more than 2022. That’s the YoY sales increase that includes a 4% jump in profitability at a time most similar companies are facing declines and layoffs. 
  • Just 10 years ago Lego surpassed Mattel and Hasbro and now doubled their sales
  • The company credits investments in e-commerce and digital interaction as well as partnerships with other successful brands such as Star Wars 
  • Demand remains strong as the company still talks about the value proposition of being an educational toy that encourages children to critically think while they play
  • The digital focus will continue as the company invested over $1B in Epic Games last year and is planning a child-friendly version of the metaverse this year

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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