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7 major automakers to build open EV charging network

A new joint venture established by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis will build a new North American electric vehicle charging network on a scale designed to compete with Tesla's industry-benchmark Supercharger network. The 30,000-plus planned new chargers will accommodate both Tesla's almost-standard North American Charging System (NACS) and existing automakers' Combined Charging System (CCS) options, effectively guaranteeing compatibility with the vast majority of current and upcoming electric models — whether they're from one of the involved automakers or not.  "With the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program." Critically, the automakers involved will have a say in how the charging tech is implemented, guaranteeing that the hardware will play nicely with each automaker's in-house charging systems. Hyundai and Kia, for example, were hesitant to jump on board the Tesla NACS bandwagon earlier this year over concerns that the Supercharger network is insufficient for powering the two automakers' 800-volt charging systems; similar tech is used by Volkswagen and Porsche.  In addition to providing much-needed capacity and high-output charging for America's growing fleet of electric cars and trucks, the new network will integrate seamlessly with each automaker's in-app and in-vehicle features, rather than forcing customers to use third-party tools and payment systems, as is the case with some existing public charging infrastructure.  "The functions and services of the network will allow for seamless integration with participating automakersÂ’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management and more. In addition, the network will leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience," the announcement said.

It's the Alfa Romeo Milano after all

We wound through as many switchbacks as found on the Brennero Pass when trying to decide ahead of time whether Alfa Romeo would name its coming subcompact SUV the Brennero. A set of GPS coordinates in a post on X turned us around again just a few days ago. The deceptions are finally done, Alfa Romeo declaring the name of its new entry-level offering: Milano. Most Americans will know the name as a cookie, either the original from Pepperidge Farm (derived from a cookie called "Naples") or the horde of imitations that Pepperidge Farm has taken legal action against. Many American enthusiasts will know the Alfa Romeo Milano as a sedan made from 1985 to 1992, called the 75 in other markets as a nod to the brand's 75th anniversary and one of our Future Classics. As with the previous Milano, this one that debuts next April comes with historical associations. The name honors the classic sedan as well as the automaker's hometown of Milan, a city doubly honored on this vehicle by bearing Milanese symbols in its logo: The cross and the Biscione serpent, the coat of arms of the Visconti family. Alfa classifies this as a Sport Urban Vehicle to succeed the Giulietta and Mito; as an entry-level offering beneath the Tonale, if the Brennero adopts dimensions of the sibling Jeep Avenger, the Brennero will be about 16 inches shorter than the Tonale, its roof about three inches lower.  Alfa Romeo saying the Milano "will also be available in a 100% electric version" provides confirmation of both ICE and EV powertrains, mimicking the choices for the Avenger. The ICE option could be the Avenger's mild hybrid, built around a 1.2-liter three-cylinder and making a combined 154 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, or a more powerful setup used by Peugeot. As for the EV, assuming no change from the Avenger, the Milano would get a 54-kWh battery and front axle e-motor making 154 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, and around the same 248 miles on a charge on the WLTP cycle. More speculative speculation supposes there could be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive Brennero evolved from the drivetrain in the Avenger 4x4 Concept, perhaps arriving for the 2025 model year in the Alfa, the Avenger, and the Fiat 600e. Just like we don't get the Avenger, we don't expect the Milano to make it this far north if it crosses the Atlantic. We'll know what other markets can expect when the SUV debuts in April 2024.

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA heritage liveries revealed, and here's what it will cost

Alfa Romeo created the Giulia GTA as a tribute to one of its most successful race cars, and the connection between the two models won't stop at the nameplate. Buyers will have the chance to order their hot-rodded sedan in one of several heritage-laced paint combinations worn decades ago by race-winning models. Designers immersed themselves in Alfa Romeo's archives department to analyze the most emblematic color combinations worn by the original GTA and its derivatives during the 1960s and the 1970s. White with green stripes was common, as was red with a yellow front fascia. The firm often competed with red cars, so painting the front end yellow, white, or another contrasting color allowed race officials and fans to quickly identify the driver. Stylists working in Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile then re-interpreted their favorite liveries to suit the Giulia GTA introduced in March 2020. The Italian firm said availability will be limited, but it didn't reveal how many cars it will assign a classic color combination to. Those who miss out will have to choose between green, white, and red. Alfa Romeo will cap GTA production at 500 examples. Pricing on the European market starts at ˆ143,000, while the lighter GTAm model (which is included in the 500-car production run) carries a base price of ˆ147,000. These figures represent $155,000 and $160,000, respectively, though pricing for the American market hasn't been released. Every customer will receive a Bell helmet, a car cover that matches the paint, and a stint at the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy. GTAm buyers will also get a racing suit, gloves, and shoes made by Alpinestars. Dyed-in-the-wool fans will have the opportunity to take delivery of their Giulia at the Autodelta workshop in Balocco, Italy. That's where many of Alfa Romeo's greatest race cars were developed and built. Those for whom Alfa's sportiest sedan in decades will remain a dream have the car's configurator as a consolation prize. Related Video:     Featured Gallery Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA heritage liveries View 10 Photos Alfa Romeo Performance Sedan