BMW's more powerful iX crossover

BMW will introduce a more powerful version of its iX electric crossover.

The 2023 BMW iX M60 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June. Pricing has been set at $105,100 plus $995 destination and handling. The M Performance-tuned model is the third variant of BMW's first battery-powered crossover.

The iX M60 delivers up to 610 hp and an EPA-estimated 280 miles of driving range on a single charge. The X5-sized EV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

In comparison, the 321-hp iX xDrive40 delivers a range of up to 264 miles, based on the European Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure. Meanwhile, the 516-hp iX xDrive50 boasts up to 391 miles.

True to its performance badge, the iX M60 sports a dual-axle air suspension that ensures the ideal vehicle height at any speed and compensates for uneven loading. Special details include blue-painted brake calipers with the M logo.

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– Urvaksh Karkaria

What you need to know

ZF to supply VinFast with upgradable advanced driver-assist system ZF plans to supply an advanced driver-assist system to the Vietnamese EV startup VinFast that can be upgraded to automated driving capabilities. The German supplier said it will supply cameras, radars and lidars as well as the central unit for synthesizing the sensors' inputs, according to a statement. The system, slated to go into production in 2022, will allow VinFast to offer Level 2 driving assistance while it works with ZF toward higher-level automation, including capabilities for traffic-jam navigation, highway driving and valet parking by using sophisticated sensors. Ultimately, ZF projects the system will be able to provide Level 4 automated driving, in which a vehicle can operate itself within a limited geographic area, initially for parking applications.
– Jamie Butters

Renewed recycling interest Panasonic has deepened its partnership with battery recycling startup Redwood Materials. On Tuesday at CES, Panasonic said it will now source copper foil from Redwood, which will go back into battery cell production at the Tesla Gigafactory in Sparks, Nev. Production containing the recycled copper foil will begin by the end of 2022, according to Allan Swan, president of Panasonic Energy of North America. Panasonic and Redwood have already worked together for more than a year, with the latter recycling production scrap and cells that don't pass validation from the Gigafactory. The latest development strengthens both companies' desire to form a circular supply chain. Redwood Materials, the startup helmed by former Tesla chief technology officer JB Straubel, expects to announce later this year the location for a new factory dedicated to cathode production. The company intends to produce enough cathode active material for cell production that services as many as 5 million EVs by 2030.
– Pete Bigelow

Mobileye unveils deals with VW, Ford and Geely on applications for driver-assist tech Mobileye, Intel's autonomous driving unit, is partnering with three automakers on driver assist and autonomous vehicle technologies expected on production vehicles in the coming years. The technology company said it has inked a deal with Volkswagen Group to use its mapping data on upcoming models; is partnering with Ford Motor Co. to enhance a future version of the automaker's yet-to-be released BlueCruise driver assist system; and will incorporate sensing and mapping software into a Geely Holding Group vehicle set to launch in China in 2024. Mobileye announced the moves Tuesday in a digital presentation at CES in Las Vegas.
– Michael D. Martinez

Roundup

Volta Trucks adding Here navigation system featuring what3words.

Qualcomm Corp. on Tuesday announced deals to supply chips to automakers Volvo Group, Honda Motor Co. and Renault, accelerating its push to partner with legacy automotive companies digitizing their product lines.

German auto supplier Robert Bosch sees artificial intelligence and connected products working in tandem to boost the revenue it generates from services.

John Deere & Co. will start commercial delivery this year of technology that enables a tractor to till a field without an operator in the cab, a first for the top North American tractor manufacturer after years of effort to automate farm work.

Chip maker Nvidia Corp. said Tuesday it has landed more deals with Chinese electric vehicle makers that want to use the company's technology to power software-driven features that could lure customers away from Tesla Inc.

The CES schedule is a bit lighter, with much of the action being moved to online video streams and brands' websites rather than in-person in Las Vegas, Advertising Age reports.

Brain food

"This isn't a show car but a protagonist for technology development," Markus Schaefer, Daimler's head of development and procurement, told Bloomberg, referring to the Vision EQXX, which Mercedes presented Monday at CES.

Last mile

Hyundai Motor Co. is leveraging its robotics expertise to develop scalable mobility platforms that can employ a single module to move a video screen across the room or multiple units to create a personal transportation pod for short distances.