Author: Shaun Williams

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed “serious concerns” regarding U.S. policies on semiconductors and restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicles during a call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Tuesday. Wang called for the removal of sanctions imposed on Chinese companies, stressing the importance of clarifying national security boundaries in trade. Wang emphasized the need for stability in global supply chains and highlighted China’s desire for improved bilateral business cooperation. “China urges the U.S. to address the specific concerns of Chinese companies, lift sanctions as soon as possible, and improve the business environment for Chinese firms in the U.S.,” Wang said,…

Despite a recent slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales, demand for metals like copper, critical to the EV industry, remains strong, according to Tom Mackay, head of refined metal at commodity trader IXM. While the EV market continues to grow, forecasting metal demand remains challenging due to the industry’s evolving nature and various factors affecting it. “The electric vehicle industry is new. There are a lot of variables, including penetration rates and battery chemistries, which makes forecasting demand a guessing game,” Mackay said, pointing to uncertainties around EV sales growth, charging infrastructure, and resale value concerns. However, he emphasized that…

Genesis Energy, one of New Zealand’s leading energy companies, has acquired a 65% stake in ChargeNet, the country’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, as part of a major investment aimed at expanding the nation’s EV infrastructure. The $64 million NZD ($36 million EUR) investment will enable ChargeNet to accelerate its network expansion, with plans to more than double its existing infrastructure by 2030. ChargeNet currently operates 250 public charging sites and 430 individual charging points nationwide. The company aims to play a pivotal role in supporting New Zealand’s transition to cleaner transport by scaling up its network over the…

Eaton has joined forces with Munich Electrification to develop and market a battery configuration switch (BCS) designed for 400-volt/800-volt dual string battery packs in electric vehicles (EVs). This advanced bi-stable device offers a unique solution for 800-volt vehicles, allowing them to efficiently charge using a 400-volt charger while providing significant advantages over traditional systems. Eaton’s BCS reduces the number of components in a battery disconnect unit by up to 12, streamlining the system and simplifying packaging and assembly. Additionally, it minimizes contact resistance, improving overall system performance and efficiency. “Our BCS offers a more efficient and reliable alternative to conventional…

Hyundai has officially begun operations at its new $7.6 billion electric vehicle (EV) plant in Bryan County, Georgia, with the first U.S.-made Ioniq 5 rolling off the assembly line. The vehicle is scheduled to arrive at American dealerships by the end of 2024. The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), which broke ground in October 2022, completed construction in less than two years. Hyundai fast-tracked production to gain a competitive edge with U.S.-made EVs. “After validating its production processes to ensure its vehicles meet Hyundai Motor Group’s high standards, (the Savannah plant) has started initial production of customer vehicles ahead…

As of October 1, Paris has implemented a new parking tariff targeting heavy vehicles, including SUVs and large electric cars. The new rule, dubbed the ‘SUV tariff,’ applies to visitor vehicles weighing over 1.6 tonnes for combustion and hybrid models, and over two tonnes for electric vehicles, with fees rising sharply in both the city center and suburbs. The Paris city government’s initiative aims to discourage the use of large vehicles in urban areas. Parking fees for these heavier vehicles have increased significantly—from €6 to €18 per hour in central Paris and from €4 to €12 per hour in the…

Tesla’s Cybertruck has frequently attracted attention, often for negative reasons. Despite its futuristic design, the electric pickup has faced multiple challenges related to range, build quality, and other concerns. Recently, Tesla announced another recall for the Cybertruck, marking its fifth recall to date. This recall addresses an issue with the rear-view camera, affecting all Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and September 14, 2024, which encompasses every unit produced so far. The problem arises when the reversing camera can go blank for up to eight seconds, while regulations stipulate that the camera should be operational within two seconds. In response…

Toyota Motor Corporation has decided to delay the production of electric vehicles (EVs) in North America to the first half of 2026, as reported by Nikkei, in response to a slowdown in sales within the critical U.S. automotive market. Originally, Toyota had planned to begin assembling a new three-row electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) at its Kentucky facility in 2025, investing $1.3 billion in the project. However, the company recently informed suppliers that the start date will now be pushed back by several months. This marks the first production delay announced by a Japanese automaker in North America. The automaker…

Caterpillar has introduced a groundbreaking charging system for mining trucks, known as Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET), designed to charge vehicles while they are in operation. This innovative system features a mobile arm mounted on the trucks that makes contact with a power transmission rail installed in the mine as the vehicle passes by, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The Cat DET system is engineered for the intermediate charging of both battery-only and hybrid mining vehicles. It comprises a power module that converts energy from a mining site’s power source, a dynamic rail system for charging, and transfer arms attached…

IVECO BUS, the urban, intercity, and tourist bus brand under the Iveco Group, has secured three new contracts in France focusing on electric mobility solutions. This recent wave of orders includes 31 hydrogen fuel cell buses and 20 battery electric buses, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable public transportation. The Cannes Lérins Urban Community has ordered 12 GX 337 H2 LINIUM BRT hydrogen fuel cell buses, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025. This addition will enhance their existing fleet of 35 IVECO BUS GX ELEC battery electric buses. In another notable development, Lorient Agglomération has…

Hyundai Motor India Limited has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its initial public offering (IPO). The South Korean automaker submitted its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in June 2024. According to a report by Fortune India, the official red herring prospectus will be filed this week, with the IPO expected to debut on Dalal Street before Diwali, specifically on Friday, November 1, 2024. This IPO is anticipated to be the largest in India to date, with estimates suggesting it could raise around $3 billion. The market is buzzing with excitement as Hyundai solidifies…

Revel has officially opened its first fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) station in Manhattan, located at Pier 36 on the Lower East Side. This facility marks the first fully public, 24/7 charging station in the borough, addressing the ongoing challenge of limited charging infrastructure for EV users in the area. Developed in partnership with New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the station features ten 320 kW chargers manufactured by Kempower. With space constraints in Manhattan complicating EV ownership, access to public chargers has remained a significant hurdle for both individual drivers and rideshare services. “Hundreds of thousands of rideshare and…

IM Motors, the electric vehicle (EV) division of SAIC Motor Corp, has unveiled the updated version of its LS6 electric SUV, designed to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y. The company introduced the updated model at a launch event, showcasing significant enhancements and offering five variants with prices starting at RMB 239,900 ($34,220). The pricing represents a slight increase from the previous starting price of RMB 229,900 during the pre-sale period, which began on August 30. IM Motors is also offering a limited-time discount for customers who place an order before October 8, allowing them to reduce the final payment…

SAIC-GM, in partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), has introduced an electric vehicle battery that is touted as the fastest-charging in the market. The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which boasts a 6C charging rate, is set to be integrated into General Motors’ advanced Ultium platform featuring 900-volt technology starting next year. The battery’s 6C rate signifies that it can charge six times faster than standard 1C batteries, allowing an 80 kWh battery to be charged at up to 480 kW, significantly reducing charging time. For context, current electric vehicles like the Li Mega from Li Auto…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian has announced the initial recipients of grants from its Rivian Foundation, following plans first detailed in 2021. The company launched a dedicated website on Monday to highlight the foundation’s mission to support sustainability and conservation initiatives. In its first round of funding, the Rivian Foundation will distribute over $10 million across 41 projects, primarily based in the U.S. The grants, which vary in size, range from $2 million to smaller amounts between $40,000 and $60,000. Projects receiving funding span different geographical scopes, including efforts focused on specific U.S. states, national projects, and even global initiatives.…

Rivian’s future lineup appears to be generating considerable excitement, positioning itself as a strong competitor against Tesla. The company is set to release the boxy R2 model, priced at approximately $45,000, in 2026, followed closely by the R3 lineup, which is expected to start at around $35,000. Recently, Rivian showcased prototypes of the R3 at automotive expos, allowing select attendees to preview the upcoming mass-market model. According to CEO RJ Scaringe, the off-road variant, R3X, will also be available at a price point of about $45,000, making these vehicles attractive options for consumers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr0VIofHIIg At the Everything Electric Canada 2024…

Ree Automotive, the Israeli electric vehicle platform provider, has gained the Indian automotive supplier Motherson Group as a strategic investor. Motherson will invest $15 million as part of a larger $45 million financing round that includes contributions from M&G Investment and Varana Capital. This partnership not only provides Ree with fresh capital but also manufacturing and supply chain expertise from one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. Motherson, with an annual turnover of $17.2 billion, will oversee supply chain management and use its manufacturing capabilities to support the production of Ree’s P7 electric vans in the United States.…

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, announced plans to invest more than $406 million across three facilities in Michigan to support the development of a new platform for electric and hybrid vehicles. The investment aims to bolster the company’s efforts to meet its electric vehicle (EV) targets in both Europe and the U.S. The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant will be transformed into Stellantis’ first U.S. facility dedicated to producing fully electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, the company will retool the Warren Truck Assembly Plant to manufacture an electrified version of the Jeep Wagoneer. The Dundee Engine Plant will also see increased…

SANY eTrucks, a Chinese manufacturer specializing in electric heavy goods vehicles and construction machinery, is expanding its presence in Europe with the introduction of a new electric roll-off tipper. The vehicle is equipped with a Hyva hook system and powered by batteries from CATL, highlighting the company’s continued push into the European market. The new electric tipper, built on a 4-axle chassis, is designed to handle a variety of loads and containers, making it suitable for heavy-duty use in the construction industry. SANY emphasizes the vehicle’s durability and reliability, describing it as a “cost-effective choice for companies.” In a statement,…

Be.EV and Paua have announced a strategic partnership in the UK, integrating all 700 of Be.EV’s charging stations into the Paua network. This collaboration aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle (EV) users across the country. Paua, according to its website, currently provides access to over 53,000 charge points from more than 35 charge point operators (CPOs) throughout the UK. The new partnership with Be.EV will increase this number to nearly 54,000. Be.EV also plans to install an additional 300 charge points by the end of this year. “We are very pleased to be working with Paua –…