Author: Shaun Williams

BMW Group and Pirelli have teamed up to develop a groundbreaking winter tyre that promises to extend the range of all-electric vehicles by up to 50 kilometers. The result of this collaboration is the new Pirelli 20-inch P-Zero Winter 2 winter tyre, specifically designed for the all-electric BMW i7. The key innovation in these tyres lies in their ability to compensate for the higher rolling resistance typically associated with winter tyres, which is due to their rubber compound and tread pattern. Rolling resistance directly impacts a vehicle’s range, making it a crucial factor for electric cars. The new tyre addresses…

Gotion, a Chinese battery manufacturer with Volkswagen as its largest shareholder, has made significant strides in fast-charging battery technology, as well as advancements in energy density, durability, and new factory developments. The company’s latest battery, named “G-Current,” boasts remarkable charging speeds, capable of reaching 80 percent capacity in under 10 minutes from a zero charge. Within just 5 additional minutes, it achieves a 90 percent charge, akin to the time needed for a quick refueling stop, enabling drivers to travel at least the next 300 to 400 kilometers (200 to 250 miles). To achieve this rapid charging capability, the battery…

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…