Author: Shaun Williams

German automaker Volkswagen has announced plans to invest an additional 9 billion reais ($1.83 billion) in its Brazilian operations over the next five years. This substantial investment aims to boost the company’s presence in the Brazilian market and expand its product lineup. The new investment exceeds the initial 2022-2028 Brazil investment plan of 7 billion reais, bringing the total to 16 billion reais. As part of this increased investment, Volkswagen intends to introduce 16 new models in the Brazilian market. This expanded lineup includes hybrid and electric vehicles, marking a strategic move towards sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions. Among the…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced intentions to initiate a shareholder vote to relocate the company’s state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas. This decision comes in the aftermath of a Delaware judge’s nullification of Musk’s $55 billion compensation package, deeming it an “unfathomable sum” and unfair to Tesla shareholders. The judge highlighted deficiencies in the approval process, particularly scrutinizing Musk’s close ties with board members. While the judge’s ruling doesn’t eliminate the possibility of Musk receiving the $55 billion, it necessitates a new shareholder vote on a compensation package that addresses the noted issues. Shortly after the court decision,…

South Korean automaker Kia is making strides in the US electric vehicle (EV) market, with its recently launched three-row electric SUV, the EV9, surpassing expectations. In January, Kia handed over more than 1,400 EV9 models, outperforming its own EV6 in US sales. Kia’s strong start to the year is attributed to a 57% year-on-year growth in EV sales, largely fueled by the success of the EV9, which was introduced in December. The 27% month-on-month increase, from 1,113 to 1,408 units delivered, underscores the positive market reception. Remarkably, the EV9 even outpaced Toyota’s bZ4X, the sole EV in Toyota’s lineup, in…

Potential electric vehicle buyers in the UK eyeing the new all-electric Smart #1 are in for a pleasant surprise, as the automaker strategically reduces prices to better position itself against competitors like Hyundai and Jeep. Smart has implemented a substantial price reduction of €5,800 for the upcoming Smart #1 Pro, presenting a noteworthy alternative in the competitive EV market. Priced at €36,760, this move not only brings affordability but also introduces a new nomenclature, replacing the previous Smart #1 Pro+. See also: Smart to Release Affordable #3 Pro Variant: 49-kWh Battery, 5,000 Euro Price Drop, 325 km Range The competitive…

XPeng’s electric aviation subsidiary, AeroHT, revealed new details about its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles during a press event at CES in Las Vegas. AeroHT showcased its flying supercar and announced that its modular “Land Aircraft Carrier” is set to enter mass production. XPeng AeroHT, a majority-owned entity of XPeng Inc., has been actively developing electric flying vehicles since 2013. The company presented live demonstrations of its eVTOL flying supercar, emphasizing advancements in its electric aviation technology. The “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a 6×6 all-wheel-drive electric vehicle with an integrated eVTOL aircraft in the rear, is slated for mass…

Indian electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer Servotech Power Systems and the Lloyd Institute of Engineering have formalized a partnership to advance training and research initiatives in electric mobility and charging infrastructure. The collaboration includes the establishment of a dedicated research and development (R&D) lab and a Centre of Excellence focused on EV charging technology and infrastructure, to be located at Lloyd’s campus. As part of this agreement, Servotech has committed to providing job offers or internship opportunities to trainees from the Lloyd Institute of Engineering. Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer of Servotech Power Systems, highlighted the significance of the R&D…

Tesla has announced upcoming improvements to its V4 Supercharger stations, aimed at enhancing user convenience. The move aligns with Tesla’s strategy to open up its extensive charging network to other electric vehicle brands. The initial rollout of V4 Superchargers in the Netherlands last year maintained performance parity with the preceding V3 Superchargers, as both utilized the same supporting infrastructure. Notable immediate benefits of the V4 design included a longer charging cable, facilitating easier use for non-Tesla electric vehicles with non-standardized charge port locations. The new Superchargers also featured a redesigned charging handle, necessitating a new holster for secure docking when…

Biden Administration has introduced updated travel guidelines for federal government employees. The directive emphasizes the use of “sustainable transportation for official and local travel, both domestically and internationally.” This development carries significance, given that the government is the largest employer in the United States and allocates approximately $2.8 billion annually for business travel. The White House revealed that in 2022 alone, government employees took over 2.8 million flights and rented 2.3 million vehicles. See also: Ohio Inaugurates First EV Charging Station Under President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan Of particular note, the guidelines recommend a preference for electric vehicles (EVs) when renting…

General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, is set to reduce its workforce by 24%, amounting to 900 employees, as part of a strategic restructuring initiative prompted by recent challenges. The decision comes after Cruise suspended all U.S. testing following a critical accident in October, leading to the resignation of its CEO and co-founder. The workforce reduction primarily targets commercial operations and related corporate functions, reflecting Cruise’s shift in focus towards a more deliberate go-to-market strategy. The company also terminated contracts with some contingent workers supporting its driverless operations. See also: General Motors Adjusts Cruise Budget Following Robotaxi Safety Incident The…

Urtopia has recently revealed a new e-bike, emphasizing its advanced AI functions and compatibility with various apps and wearables. Marketed as the first smart e-bike with ChatGPT integration, the model showcases a robust software architecture that facilitates communication among individual sensors, including a fingerprint sensor, GPS module, gyroscope, and torque sensor, connected via a CAN bus to a central control unit with dedicated computing chips. The e-bike boasts 4G connectivity for cloud services and integrates with applications such as Google Maps, Apple Health, Strava, and ChatGPT through APIs. See also: Storck Introduces Name:2 E-Bike, Prioritizing Urban Commuting with Sporty Design…

Chemical group BASF is set to undergo significant restructuring, as it plans to separate several large divisions from its existing structure and transfer them to legally independent units. Among the divisions affected is the battery materials business for electric vehicles. The move, according to BASF, aims to achieve “differentiated business management for greater profitability,” as stated in the accompanying Group statement. The restructuring process is expected to be completed by 2026, according to the industrial union IGBCE. BASF clarified that the intention is not to sell the divisions but rather to provide “more room to meet the needs of their…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has reportedly undergone a substantial restructuring within its long-range battery cell development team, leading to the departure of approximately 20 team members, including lead cell engineer Victor Prajapati—a former senior manager at Tesla. This development has sparked speculation regarding Rivian’s future plans for in-house battery production. Currently headquartered in California, Rivian sources its battery cells from Samsung SDI in South Korea, integrating them into packs at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. The decision to streamline the battery cell development team has raised inquiries about the company’s earlier commitments to manufacture its own batteries at a…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast’s VF8, vying for a share in the U.S. electric vehicle market, recently underwent Euro NCAP’s crash tests, earning a four-star safety rating. Notably, this marks the first instance of a significant safety organization evaluating the electric crossover. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States have not yet tested the VinFast VF8, Euro NCAP’s assessment provides valuable insights into the newcomer’s crash performance. The VF8 fell short of attaining the maximum five-star rating, positioning it slightly below rivals such as the Tesla Model Y. The…

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports, has highlighted ongoing reliability challenges for electric vehicles (EVs), primarily attributed to charging and battery-related issues. The survey revealed that, on average, new EVs experienced 79% more problems than their gasoline-powered counterparts, while hybrid vehicles demonstrated fewer issues compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. Plug-in hybrids, however, faced a notable 146% increase in problems. The reliability of electric pickups ranked the lowest among vehicle types, while compact cars, sports cars, and small pickups emerged as the most reliable in a comprehensive evaluation of 19 categories. Consumer Reports’ senior director of Auto Testing, Jake Fisher,…

American automaker Ford, which called on its dealership network to embark on a “sustainable expansion journey” in support of its EV transformation, has witnessed a significant drop in enrollment. Approximately one year ago, over two-thirds of dealers, totaling 1,920, joined Ford’s program. However, recent reports reveal that nearly 400 dealers have exited the initiative, marking a shift in dealer participation. Originally, Ford urged its dealers to align with the company’s “revolutionary” EV plans, with 1,659 dealers opting for the higher-tier “Certified Elite” level, while 261 chose the “Certified” tier. However, challenges and criticisms emerged, leading to adjustments in the program’s…

Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors has revealed that its latest electric commercial vehicle, the Minicab EV, is slated to debut in the Japanese market on December 21. Priced at 2,431,000 yen (approximately €14,922) for the two-seater variant and 2,486,000 yen (around €15,260) for the four-seater, these figures include a 10% consumption tax. The Minicab EV, belonging to the ‘kei-car’ class—a category defining Japan’s smallest highway-legal passenger vehicles with specific restrictions on dimensions and motor capacity—is founded on a monobox design. This iteration incorporates a new generation of electric components, encompassing the motor and drive battery. The electric motor boasts a peak…

South Korean automaker Kia’s highly anticipated three-row electric SUV, the 2024 EV9, is generating notable interest even before hitting US roads, with the company unveiling a series of enticing pre-delivery deals for prospective buyers. Despite the EV9 already gaining “significant consumer interest,” Kia is launching the electric SUV with a range of promotional offerings. Earlier this month, the company announced a leasing option for the 2024 EV9 starting at $599 per month for a 36-month term, requiring a $5,999 payment at signing—competitive pricing akin to a fully equipped Kia Telluride. See also: Affordable Electric Three-Row SUV: The 2024 Kia EV9…

Paris authorities are contemplating a proposal to raise parking fees for heavy cars, with a specific focus on making the city less attractive for larger SUVs. The citizens of the French capital are set to vote on this proposition in February 2024. The proposed parking fee adjustments aim to address challenges in distinguishing between SUVs and other vehicle models. Instead, fees will be calculated based on vehicle weight, with higher charges planned for cars featuring combustion engines weighing over 1.6 tons and electric cars exceeding two tons. The determination of weight will involve scanning license plates linked to the model…

US semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi has inaugurated an application test laboratory in Piestany, Slovakia, focused on the ongoing development of system solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. The facility is equipped with specialized tools for the development and testing of forthcoming silicon and silicon carbide semiconductor components, fostering collaboration with car manufacturers and suppliers, according to the company. The laboratory’s capabilities extend to the development of semiconductors for energy infrastructure applications. The announcement did not specify the number of personnel working at the site. See also: Onsemi Partners with Zeekr to Supply EliteSiC Silicon Carbide Power Modules for Enhanced…

The Chinese electric vehicle market is witnessing a notable rise in the preference for hybrid vehicles, driven in part by their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional internal combustion engine models. Contrary to many global markets where hybrids typically command a premium, certain hybrids in China are priced lower than standard gasoline counterparts, and notably, up to 23% more affordable than battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Recent data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, reported by Reuters, indicates a substantial 72% surge in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales during the January-September 2023 period, reaching 1,370,324 units, up from 798,164 in the previous year. Concurrently,…