Author: Shaun Williams

As deliveries of the highly anticipated Fisker Ocean One electric SUV are commencing in the United States, digital auction platform Cars & Bids has made history by becoming the first to offer this exclusive vehicle at auction. With the Ocean One being part of a limited run of just 5,000 units worldwide and already sold out, this presents a unique opportunity for those who missed out on securing a build slot with a $5,000 deposit. While the official starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Fisker Ocean One stands at $68,999 as listed on the EV startup’s website, the…

The ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) against the Detroit Three automakers, namely Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis, may have far-reaching implications, including the possibility of affecting wages for Tesla workers, according to insights from Barclays senior autos analyst Dan Levy. During an interview with CNBC’s “The Exchange,” Levy indicated that if the UAW strike concludes with agreements on increasing worker pay at the traditional Detroit automakers, Tesla may feel the impact as well. As things currently stand, both Ford and GM already pay their hourly workers more than Tesla does. Therefore, if the UAW’s demands for…

Porsche is diversifying its hybrid portfolio for the latest Cayenne model, introducing the Cayenne S E-Hybrid as the third electrified engine option in the series. Positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid aims to strike a harmonious balance between everyday practicality and high-performance capabilities. This new variant is available in both SUV and SUV Coupé body styles, catering to a wider range of preferences. Building upon the enhanced hybrid technology introduced earlier this year, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid boasts an improved electric range and reduced charging times thanks to its intelligent energy management…

Apple’s ambitious venture into the electric vehicle market, codenamed Project Titan, has encountered another hurdle, according to reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a recent note, Kuo expressed concerns that the project has lost its direction and may require a substantial reorganization to regain momentum. The prospect of Apple producing an electric car has generated significant buzz, but Kuo’s insights cast doubt on the timeline for this endeavor. He believes that it could be years before tangible results emerge. Kuo further recommends that Apple CEO Tim Cook consider a series of strategic acquisitions to address the project’s current challenges. https://twitter.com/mingchikuo/status/1707091228528201754 While…

In the realm of online forums and social media, where leaked images and videos of upcoming automotive innovations abound, one vehicle has been particularly elusive when it comes to its inner workings – the Tesla Cybertruck. A recent image surfaced on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), courtesy of user @DimaZeniuk, shedding light on the intriguing details of the Cybertruck’s bed. These details have ignited discussions and raised questions about Tesla’s previously touted size claims for its unconventional electric pickup. At its initial debut, the Cybertruck captured attention with its distinctive feature: featureless vertical walls surrounding the…

Shares of Faraday Future Intelligent Electric saw a decline on Wednesday, following the announcement from the financially strained electric-vehicle company regarding its plans to raise up to $90 million through a stock offering in a bid to bolster its funding. The intended use of these proceeds is to bolster the company’s working capital. Matthias Aydt, the recently appointed CEO of Faraday Future, also affirmed the company’s commitment to improving its cash position while implementing stringent cost controls and addressing supply chain issues. Matthias Aydt disclosed that Faraday Future is currently engaged in active discussions with strategic investors as part of…

Honda has unveiled its comprehensive lineup for the upcoming 2023 Japan Mobility Show, promising a series of world premieres that are set to make waves in the industry. While the automaker has remained tight-lipped about one of the main attractions, the Specialty Sports Concept, it has already generated significant buzz. This enigmatic concept is expected to be an all-electric marvel that promises a thrilling driving experience without the traditional internal combustion engine. “The joy of driving and distinctive individuality of this model will enable people to transcend their everyday life,” Honda tantalizingly states, leaving enthusiasts eager for more details. While…

Few yet-to-be-launched cars have stirred as much controversy as the Tesla Cybertruck. However, amidst the debate, there’s one undeniable positive aspect: Tesla’s vision to employ a staggering 60,000 individuals at its Texas Gigafactory once Cybertruck production hits full stride. This bold assertion comes from Jason Shawhan, Tesla’s director of manufacturing at Giga Texas. The current workforce at the Austin Gigafactory stands at 20,000, already ranking Tesla as the second-largest corporate employer in the region. But if the expansion plan proposed by Shawhan, which envisions tripling the workforce, becomes a reality, Tesla would emerge as the largest employer in the area.…

In a recent evaluation conducted by Spanish outlet km77.com, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 480 trim demonstrated some limitations in high-speed handling, shedding light on the challenges posed by the weight of electric vehicles (EVs), primarily attributed to their substantial battery packs. The EQS SUV 480 boasts an impressive dual-motor setup, delivering a combined 536 horsepower, and is equipped with a substantial 108.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack, affording it an EPA-estimated range of 285 miles. However, this impressive range comes at a cost – a significant increase in weight. The vehicle tips the scales at a hefty 6,228 pounds, which can impact…

In a thrilling development for gaming enthusiasts and electric vehicle (EV) aficionados alike, the Rivian R1T and R1S have made their grand debut in the popular racing game, Forza Horizon 5. According to Rivian, both the R1T and R1S models can be unlocked by players during the second and third weeks of Horizon Creatives via the Festival Playlist. To gain access to the Rivian R1T, players are tasked with completing the “Mudslinger’s Scramble” EventLab challenge. Meanwhile, those eager to get behind the wheel of the R1S can do so by successfully conquering the “Stadium Supercross” EventLab challenge. The integration of…

New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus has officially launched Prospr, an autonomous, multi-use agricultural vehicle tailored for orchard and vineyard crop tasks. This innovative creation seeks to address issues such as land scarcity, increasing global food demands, and the ongoing shortage of labor in the sector. Prospr, characterized by its hybrid nature and low-emission capabilities, boasts a flexible design that can accommodate a variety of swappable tools, including tower sprayers suitable for grapes, apples, or tree crops. The vehicle’s adaptability shines as it allows users to attach the ideal tool for the day’s specific agricultural task, and multiple Prospr units can…

The leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, often referred to as the “big four,” are demonstrating a concerted commitment to electric mobility. In a collective endeavour, these renowned companies have joined forces to establish a battery technology consortium in Japan, resulting in the formation of Gachaco—an organisation dedicated to refining battery technology for consumer applications. Additionally, Gachaco has entered into a strategic partnership with Japanese petroleum company Eneos to further bolster its efforts. In late 2022, Gachaco embarked on the deployment of battery swapping facilities across Japan, with initial locations established in collaboration with Honda. Building on this foundation, the organisation is…

At the Oracle CloudWorld conference in Las Vegas, former Tesla board member and co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, unveiled a unique vision for the future of law enforcement vehicles—a Tesla Cybertruck designed specifically for police and public safety applications. Ellison, known for his forward-thinking approach, introduced the concept of a Tesla Cybertruck customized with police equipment and adorned with Oracle branding. This specialized law enforcement Cybertruck was showcased as part of Oracle’s initiative to bolster first responders’ capabilities. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Release Candidate Spotted at 50,000th Supercharger in California During his presentation, Ellison shared insights into the forthcoming next-generation…

In a groundbreaking move, NIO has introduced SkyOS, described as China’s inaugural operating system tailored exclusively for smart electric vehicles. The unveiling took place during the NIO IN 2023 innovation day event in Shanghai, where the company showcased its commitment to pioneering automotive technology. SkyOS stands as NIO’s comprehensive domain operating system, encompassing a broad spectrum of functionalities, ranging from vehicle control to intelligent driving, cockpit management, mobile connectivity, and more. The development aligns with NIO’s “1+4+N” technology framework, signifying its ambition to revolutionize the EV landscape. The “1” component of this framework is SkyOS-H, a hypervisor that extends support…

Aurrigo, an UK-based autonomous vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its Auto-Shuttle as the designated autonomous vehicle for the Living Lab for Autonomous Electric Vehicles project. This collaborative initiative, funded by the European Union and led by University College London, seeks to assess the potential of driverless public transit in Europe. Initially, Aurrigo’s Auto-Shuttles will have human operators on board to take control in the event of errors or emergencies. However, Aurrigo’s ambitious plan is to gradually phase out human operators and replace them with remote supervisors, who will not be physically present on the bus but will have the capability to…

Hertz customers renting Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles can now enjoy the convenience of Tesla’s mobile app, enriching their rental experience. This update was shared by Tesla North America on their official communication platform, X (formerly Twitter). The integration of Tesla’s mobile app provides Hertz renters with a host of functionalities previously exclusive to Tesla owners. As stated in Tesla’s announcement, this includes keyless lock/unlock capabilities through the phone, remote cabin preconditioning, real-time charge status monitoring, and more. Furthermore, this integration offers an additional perk for users who have activated cloud-backed driver profiles in their personal Tesla vehicles.…

The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced its decision to discontinue a $3,000 subsidy for new electric vehicle (EV) purchases, along with exemptions for stamp duties, effective from January 1, 2024. This move is part of an effort to reallocate savings towards the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in commuter car parks and apartment complexes. Transitional arrangements have been put in place to ensure that individuals who have already purchased or placed a deposit on an eligible EV, regardless of whether the vehicle has been delivered by the specified date, will still be eligible for the incentives. The decision…

The team formerly behind the self-driving startup Argo AI has returned with a new venture called Stack AV, focusing on autonomous trucking. This announcement comes 11 months after Ford and Volkswagen withdrew their support for Argo AI, sending shockwaves through the autonomous vehicle industry. Stack AV, led by Founder and CEO Bryan Salesky, President Pete Rander, and Chief Technology Officer Brett Browning, is committed to harnessing the potential of self-driving trucks for commercial success. The company, which is also headquartered in Pittsburgh, has quickly grown to employ 150 professionals across multiple states. Notably, Stack AV has secured substantial funding from…

Jaguar is embarking on an innovative venture in collaboration with the prestigious apartment group MODA Living. The initiative aims to provide residents of two opulent apartment complexes in the UK, namely Angel Gardens in Manchester and New York Square in Leeds, with the exclusive opportunity to experience the electric I-Pace through an on-demand rental service. This visionary move underscores Jaguar’s commitment to redefining the client journey in anticipation of its transition to an all-electric luxury car company by 2025. The essence of this groundbreaking program lies in convenience and accessibility. Residents of the aforementioned apartment complexes can effortlessly book the…

Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD, delivered a compelling message today at the 2023 ESG Global Leaders Conference in Shanghai. He called upon humanity to expedite its departure from fossil fuels, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to secure the future. Mr. Wang acknowledged the historical significance of fossil energy, which has fueled human progress for over 260 years since the first industrial revolution. Nevertheless, he stressed that this reliance has come at a considerable cost to society. According to Wang’s speech, humanity has already depleted almost half of the planet’s fossil energy resources. At the…