Author: Shaun Williams
Shaun Williams
Shaun studied journalism, is a keen driver who enjoys a good blast down a mountain road, he loves talking about cars for hours on end and desires to see more sporty EVs. For editorial inquiries, contact: [email protected]
Volkswagen has introduced the ID.7 GTX as the sporty flagship model in its electric vehicle range, featuring powerful all-wheel drive and a larger battery. Alongside the GTX variant, Volkswagen will offer the new 86-kWh battery option for the regular ID.7 starting Thursday. Initially announced at the world premiere of the ID.7 in April 2023, the 86-kWh battery was expected to provide a range of up to 700 kilometers. However, only the ID.7 Pro with the 77-kWh battery and a range of 615 kilometers was available for order. See also: Volkswagen Delays US Launch of ID.7 Electric Sedan Amid Dealer Caution This…
In a recent interview with Yahoo Finance, Ford CEO Jim Farley outlined the company’s ambitious plans to deliver affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to the American market, drawing parallels to the revolutionary impact of the Model T over a century ago. Farley emphasized the importance of profitability in this endeavor, acknowledging it as a significant challenge. However, he expressed confidence that Ford’s next-generation EVs would not only be profitable but also accessible to a broad range of consumers. See also: Ford and GM CEOs Differ on Hybrid Vehicles’ Role in Future Strategy Highlighting the competitive nature of the EV market, Farley underscored…
Volkswagen’s highly anticipated all-electric ID.7 sedan, originally slated for launch in the US and Canada in the coming months, has been delayed indefinitely as dealers express caution, prompting the automaker to reevaluate its strategy. The ID.7 was first made available for orders in Europe last August, with prices starting at around $62,000 (€56,995). However, the US launch has been put on hold, with no set date for its rollout. See also: Volkswagen Expands ID.3 Lineup with Three New Trims John Luciano, a member of the VW Nation Dealer Advisory Council and owner of Street Volkswagen in Texas, revealed that the ID.7…
Stellantis’ premium subsidiary DS Automobiles is contemplating the launch of a radically designed electric sedan, potentially succeeding the DS 9 as the flagship model. The new sedan aims to feature unique styling and high aerodynamic efficiency, CEO Olivier François told Auto Express. In a move to further distinguish itself from Citroën, DS Automobiles is exploring the introduction of an electric sedan with retro styling inspired by the iconic Citroën DS. This vehicle is expected to debut later this decade and could position itself as the brand’s new flagship model, replacing the China-produced DS 9 executive sedan. DS Automobiles, along with…
Volvo is set to introduce the EX60, its fourth electric SUV and successor to the popular XC60, aiming to enter the competitive mid-size electric SUV segment dominated by the Tesla Model Y. The move marks Volvo’s expansion in the electric vehicle (EV) market, filling a gap in its lineup and furthering its commitment to sustainable mobility. The EX60 will be based on an “evolution” of the SPA 2 platform, the same platform used for the EX90. This new model is part of Volvo’s broader strategy to electrify its lineup and offer a full range of electric vehicles across different segments.…
Oakland Unified School District in California has become the first in the United States to transition to a 100% electric school bus system equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Zum, a modern student transportation platform, has partnered with the school district to provide a fleet of 74 electric school buses along with bidirectional chargers. Utility Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has supplied 2.7 megawatts (MW) of load to Zum’s Oakland EV-ready facility, where the fleet will be managed using Zum’s AI-enabled technology platform. Kim Raney, Executive Director of Transportation at Oakland Unified School District, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, “Oakland…
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G has been awarded the title of Electric Bus Champion 2024, following a thorough comparison test organized by Omnibusspiegel bus magazine. The eCitaro G, an all-electric, locally emission-free bus, stood out among its competitors, impressing the high-caliber jury comprised of more than 40 international specialized journalists and representatives of passenger transport companies. This victory marks a repeat success for Mercedes-Benz, as the eCitaro solo bus version secured the top spot in the previous year’s competition. The evaluation, which took place in Bonn over four days, included test drives on a challenging circuit, passenger ride-alongs, and a workshop…
Volkswagen has unveiled launch details for the 2025 ID. Buzz, bringing the iconic Microbus back to life. While U.S. pricing remains undisclosed, the model will be offered in three trims, including an exclusive 1st Edition. Starting with the entry-level ID. Buzz Pro S, the van boasts keyless access, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, and a power liftgate. Inside, a vibrant cabin features a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 30-color ambient lighting system. The van can accommodate up to seven passengers with its second-row bench. The ID. Buzz Pro S is equipped…
Volkswagen is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing a new electric city car, potentially named the VW ID.1, as a successor to the e-up!. The company has initiated initial planning for the vehicle but faces challenges in its development and market introduction. The ongoing slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales has prompted several automakers to delay their EV launches and revise their EV transition goals. However, Volkswagen remains committed to introducing smaller EVs to appeal to a wider audience. The VW ID.2 is slated to debut in 2025, followed by the VW ID.2 SUV in 2026, with the VW ID.1…
Atlanta-based EV charging company EnviroSpark has received a substantial $50 million investment from infrastructure equity investment firm Basalt Infrastructure Partners. This funding injection aims to fuel EnviroSpark’s rapid expansion of its owned and operated EV charging network across the United States, drive technological innovation, and enhance the accessibility and sustainability of its EV infrastructure. EnviroSpark is seizing the opportunity to recruit talent from the recently laid-off Tesla Supercharger team. Aaron Luque, EnviroSpark’s cofounder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about this talent acquisition opportunity, stating, “Tesla had been able to scale their charging infrastructure due in no small part to the talented…
Cadillac’s highly anticipated electric SUV, the Lyriq, has finally landed in Germany, but with a price tag that might give potential buyers pause. While the base model in the United States starts at $58,590, German customers will have to fork out almost $30,000 more, with prices kicking off at €80,500 (approximately $86,500). The discrepancy in pricing is partially due to the different specifications offered in each market. Unlike the U.S., where customers can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, the German market will only have the all-wheel-drive version available, starting at €80,500. Additionally, the German lineup will feature only the…
BorgWarner, a US-based supplier, has announced two significant developments in its electric vehicle technology portfolio. The company has received additional orders from Xpeng for electric motors to be used in new SUV models, and it has unveiled its new torque vectoring system, set to debut in electric cars from Polestar. Regarding the Xpeng orders, BorgWarner had previously announced in February its plans to produce HVH220 hairpin electric motors for the X9 MPV and the next electric B-segment saloon from Xpeng. Production for these models is set to commence in the third quarter of 2024. Now, just three months later, BorgWarner…
A new spy photo of the Onvo L60, the inaugural model from Nio’s sub-brand Onvo, is making rounds on social media, building anticipation as the brand approaches its official unveiling. The photo, circulating in various WeChat groups, showcases an undisguised Onvo L60 parked next to a Nio battery swap station. This is the first time the side profile of the Onvo L60 has been revealed without camouflage, revealing a design reminiscent of Nio’s coupe SUV model, the EC6. An earlier sighting of an undisguised Onvo L60 on April 12 provided a detailed look at the model’s rear, both instances showcasing…
Waymo has announced plans to commence testing in several new cities within the San Francisco Bay Area, following recent approval for expansion earlier this year. Having received official approval to extend its operations to Los Angeles and additional areas of the San Francisco peninsula last month, Waymo revealed on Friday its intention to begin driverless ride testing in seven new Bay Area cities in the “coming weeks,” as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Although the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted Waymo permission to expand its paid driverless services to up to 22 cities on the peninsula, the company…
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has officially announced its intention to establish a new electric car factory in Indonesia. The company is in the process of acquiring a 100-hectare plot of land in the Subang Smartpolitan Industrial Area in West Java, where construction is slated to commence later this year. Operations are expected to commence in January 2026. While BYD has not disclosed the production capacity of the new facility, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, previously mentioned a target of 150,000 vehicles annually. He also stated that BYD’s investment in the project is estimated to be around…
Kia Europe’s Kia Charge service, launched alongside the Kia EV6 in September 2021, has achieved a milestone with over 100,000 subscriptions. The service serves as the central platform for all charging activities for Kia in Europe, catering to both public and business customers. Offering access to more than 700,000 charging points across 28 European countries, Kia Charge has been used by 60% of Kia electric vehicle buyers. Customers have completed over two million charging sessions using either their card or the Kia Charge app. Martin Enthofer, Director of Customer Experience Strategy and Solutions at Kia Europe, noted, “The rising popularity…
A new lease offer from Polestar has positioned the 2024 Polestar 2 as an appealing choice for electric car enthusiasts in the U.S. The promotion, featured on the Polestar website, reduces the monthly lease price to $299, making it a competitive option in the electric vehicle market. The offer includes an increased clean vehicle incentive for leasing, now at $10,000, up from $7,500. This adjustment brings the price of a new Polestar 2 down to $39,295 after accounting for destination, delivery, and acquisition fees. The vehicle can be leased for 27 months at $299 per month, with a $3,000 down…
Monaco’s historic harbor is gearing up for a significant marine race event that will showcase the latest advancements in electric marine propulsion technology, thanks to a collaboration between the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA). The event will see teams from top universities worldwide competing and presenting their work in the field. The partnership between YCM and IEMA aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies in marine mobility. By leveraging their combined expertise and networks, the organizations seek to raise awareness and draw attention to electric marine technologies, particularly highlighting the work being…
Tesla’s push towards launching its Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in regions with left-hand-drive (LHD) configurations has gained momentum, with CEO Elon Musk indicating an imminent expansion beyond North America. While Tesla has been laying the groundwork for FSD launches in international markets for some time, Musk’s recent statement hints at a focused effort to introduce the software in LHD regions. However, the company is not yet ready to launch in right-hand-drive (RHD) markets. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1783925863295422732 LHD countries, such as the United States, Canada, and many European countries, have the driver seated on the left side of the car, driving on…
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable freight transport, as their Class 8 heavy-duty electric semi became the first of its kind to cross the border hauling a standard load. This event marks a pivotal moment as both nations strive toward a net-zero future. The electric semi, part of a fleet of 11 Peterbilt 579EV Class 8 trucks purchased by San Diego-based Bali Express last year, completed its inaugural trip to Mexico, carrying a load of goods through the Port of Entry at Otay Mesa. This port connects Southern California to Tijuana, Mexico. Bali…