Author: Shaun Williams

As the world works towards a sustainable future, the United States seems to be on track to achieve a significant milestone in the auto industry. By 2050, it is projected that 75% of vehicles in the United States will be electric, largely thanks to the states that have followed California’s lead in banning the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035. A report from Energy Innovation, an energy and climate policy think tank, highlights the impact that the 17 states which have already adopted California’s emissions regulations could have on the U.S. car industry. The report notes that…

Indonesia is set to propose a limited free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, focused on specific battery-related minerals crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The proposal aims to allow companies involved in the EV battery supply chain in Indonesia to benefit from the US’ tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The announcement was made by senior Indonesian minister Luhut Pandjaitan during a news conference on Monday, who stated that he intends to meet with Ford and Tesla executives during an upcoming visit to the US. “We do not have an FTA with them. Now we’re proposing…

Ferrari has partnered with Samsung Display to create cutting-edge, bespoke OLED technology display solutions for Ferrari’s next-generation models. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the project, which is set to transform the digital environment of Ferrari’s luxury vehicles. At CES 2023, Samsung Display unveiled its New Digital Cockpit, featuring a 34-inch slim bezel display with bendable technology that creates a 700R curvature during driving mode. The innovative display solution will use Samsung Display’s OLED technology, known for its low power consumption, to improve the car’s efficiency and sustainability. Samsung Display is a global leader…

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about a wave of change that is set to revolutionize the transportation industry. With the developed world moving towards a stop-sale of internal combustion engine vehicles, the question on everyone’s mind is, what will happen to the 145,000 gas stations in the U.S. and countless others around the world? Additionally, where will all the new charging stations be found? While many EV owners have access to charging stations at home, there are still a significant number of individuals who rely on public charging stations. A recent study conducted by Wood Mackenzie indicates…

Freewire Technologies is expanding its unique approach to EV light charging infrastructure to Europe with a second headquarters. The company, which was founded in 2014, is expediting the world’s transition to electric vehicles by providing turnkey infrastructure to grids around the US. Freewire has created a lineup of turnkey battery-integrated piles it calls Boost Chargers, which utilize integrated battery storage and proprietary management software to operate using existing low voltage and low-power grid connections while still delivering DC charging capabilities. The Boost Charger 200 features a 160 kWh battery capacity and only needs an eighth of the input power of…

Strasbourg’s public transport operator, CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois), has recently announced a major framework agreement with Portuguese bus manufacturer, CaetanoBus. The deal, which is reportedly the largest of its kind ever signed with a single French bus company, will see the delivery of up to 60 hydrogen buses to the city over the next five years. The H2.City Gold buses, which will feature the latest generation of Toyota’s fuel cell system, are set to be used for public transport in Strasbourg from 2024 onwards. The lightweight, standard low-floor buses have an aluminium body, and the new fuel cell system…

A team of material scientists at the University of Texas at Austin has made a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, which could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. The researchers have succeeded in creating a solid-state battery without an anode-cathode pair, a development that could lead to lighter and more compact batteries with increased energy density. Previous attempts to eliminate the graphite anode and replace it with a current collector made of copper foil failed due to the reactivity of the solid electrolyte, which caused quick material degradation. However, the scientists discovered that by coating the copper foil with lithium-activated…

South Korean battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution, has announced its plans to produce lithium hydroxide in Morocco in partnership with the Chinese Yahua Industrial Group. The location was chosen strategically due to the North African country’s free trade agreements with both the US and the EU, making it an attractive destination for investors. While the details on the schedule and volume of the planned production of lithium hydroxide are unknown, LG Energy Solution representatives have indicated that the company aims to strengthen its supply chain for the material with the letter of intent. The move to Morocco is particularly significant…

Kia has announced that it will be recalling 2,689 of its Soul EVs from the 2015-2019 model years due to a potential fire risk stemming from a short circuit within the battery pack. While the automaker has confirmed that three related incidents have been reported, it also states that no injuries have been sustained. The first incident was reported in May 2022, when a dealer noted smoke rising from the battery vents during the diagnosis of a 2017 Soul EV. While the heat damage was limited to the vehicle’s high voltage battery, the second incident took place in Canada in…

Volta Trucks, the Swedish electric truck start-up, has received a significant boost after securing funding of 24.6 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Transport to subsidize vehicle costs for 151 units of its Volta Zero. The all-electric Volta Zero, which received European type-approval for its 16-tonne model in mid-March, plans to deliver the first of the subsidized electric trucks to customers before the end of 2023. “We are delighted that the Volta Zero has been successful in securing the subsidy funding from the Federal Ministry in Germany. This is a major achievement and enormous recognition for our all-electric…

Hyundai is breaking new ground with an unprecedented collaboration that brings together the innovative minds of Hyundai engineers and the creative wizards of Walt Disney Imagineering. Together, they have created a Disney-inspired IONIQ 5 electric SUV concept that includes a range of visual elements, accents, music, and lightning. This visionary partnership is in celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, with Hyundai unveiling the IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum concept at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle, which made its debut in 2021. It has been widely acclaimed for its progressive approach and…

General Motors (GM) is celebrating its compliance with the new Treasury guidelines on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. The company’s investment in American battery factories and mining deals is paying off, as its electric vehicles built on the Ultium platform will take full advantage of the federal tax credit subsidy. These vehicles, including the Cadillac Lyriq and upcoming Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, will have subsidy-compliant batteries assembled in the Lordstown or Spring Hill factories with materials from approved sources. GM’s preparedness is no coincidence but rather a strategy that has been aligned with the US government’s goals…

Electra Meccanica (EMV), a Canadian electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced that it will no longer produce its three-wheeled EV, the ‘Solo,’ and instead will focus on a new electric car with four wheels, currently known as ‘Project E4.’ EMV CEO Susan E. Docherty stated in a blog post to shareholders that the decision was made because of challenges ranging from the Solo’s exclusion from government rebates to difficulties consumers face when insuring, financing, and servicing a three-wheeled vehicle. “We believe that major opportunities remain for an experienced maker of smaller, nimbler EVs with eye-catching design and personalized features,” Docherty…

Rivian has announced that it remains on track to meet its annual production target of 50,000 vehicles for 2023, according to its Q1 production and delivery figures released on Monday. The announcement comes after a challenging year for the young company, which experienced some production and supply chain issues in 2022. CEO RJ Scaringe has described 2022 as a challenging year for the company, but added that the production ramp-up had equipped the team with valuable manufacturing operations and product development experience in a short period of time. Despite the challenges, the company managed to produce 24,337 vehicles last year,…

Spain is gearing up to launch two new tenders worth €2 billion in July 2023 for the production of electric vehicles and batteries under its eMobility funding programme PERTE. In the first round of funding, Volkswagen received almost half of the funds. Jose Maria Lopez, the government official in charge of the funding programme, revealed to Reuters news agency that there will now be a double tender in July instead of two separate tenders in June and September. This represents an accelerated, more comprehensive push to promote the country’s electric vehicle industry. The Volkswagen Group has already announced its intention…

According to Bloomberg, Tesla is reportedly in talks with Chinese battery giant CATL to build a battery factory in the US. The facility will be similar to the one CATL recently built with Ford in Michigan. Tesla representatives have already discussed their plans with the US government, seeking clarity on the Inflation Reduction Act rules that the government is finalizing this week. Rohan Patel, Tesla’s senior director of global public policy, was involved in these discussions. Tesla is said to be planning to build a plant wholly owned by it in partnership with CATL, with Texas being considered as a…

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is aiming high in 2023, with a goal to sell at least 3 million vehicles this year and striving to reach 3.6 million. These impressive figures were revealed in the company’s annual report released on March 28, followed by an investor conference on March 29, where Wang Chuanfu, the company’s chairman and president, announced the target. According to a report by local media outlet Yicai, if BYD manages to achieve its sales target, it will put the company in the top 10 car companies in global auto sales this year. Out of the 3.6…

The Tesla Cybertruck is taking the electric vehicle (EV) world by storm, as confirmed by a recent study from John Clark Motor Group. The study examined the number of Reddit posts and upvotes for various EVs, and the Cybertruck came out on top with an average of 95.12 upvotes per post. It’s no surprise that the Cybertruck is generating so much buzz. With reportedly over 1 million pre-orders, it’s clear that Tesla’s latest creation has captured the imagination of consumers. Furthermore, Tesla’s popularity among younger generations, who dominate Reddit with an average age of just 23, means that the Cybertruck’s…

The automotive industry is in the midst of a seismic shift as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent. However, while the focus is often on the EV powertrain, it’s easy to overlook the importance of tires. A recent report by Automotive News highlights that tire manufacturers are beginning to view EVs as a unique genre that requires special attention. One reason for this is that EVs have specific factors that can affect tire performance and longevity. For example, power delivery is a critical consideration. While flooring the accelerator will always send tires up in smoke, electric motors can send power…

BMW has recently wrapped up a major testing program for its upcoming i5 electric sedan, with prototypes spotted undergoing testing in the wintry conditions of Northern Europe. The testing took place over the course of a year, with the program concluding at BMW’s winter test center in Arjeplog, northern Sweden. During the testing, the i5 completed a grueling 3,000 km (1,850 mile) road trip from Munich to the Arjeplog testing center, giving BMW the opportunity to evaluate the performance of the car’s motors, power electronics, battery, heating, and cooling systems. The testing continued throughout 2022 in Sweden and at BMW…