Author: Shaun Williams

In a joint effort, BYD Mexico and international energy company Enel X are making strides in sustainable urban transportation by introducing the first all-electric bus chassis in Monterrey. Continuing BYD’s practice, the collaboration extends to local bus manufacturer Marcopolo, tasked with assembling the fleet of 21 zero-emission buses ordered by Metrorrey, Monterrey’s public transport system. The electric buses, featuring BYD’s advanced technology such as the Blade battery, measure 12 meters in length and come equipped with an intelligent suspension and braking system. While Enel’s specific role is not explicitly outlined in the press release, it is presumed that Enel X…

Blink Charging has unveiled its EQ 200 charger, tailored to the European market. This Level 2 charger not only offers up to 22 kW of charging power output but also supports vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and bi-directional charging. Designed to facilitate the transition from static EV charging to more dynamic and sustainable energy management, this development aligns with evolving grid technology. The EQ 200 charger boasts compatibility with 2G and 4G networks, Bluetooth connectivity, and can link to the internet via WiFi or ethernet. This extensive connectivity allows it to seamlessly interact with a wide range of load-balancing and intelligent energy management…

Two influential U.S. senators, Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner and Energy Committee Chair Joe Manchin, have sounded the alarm, urging the Department of Energy to prioritize boosting domestic battery manufacturing capabilities to keep pace with the growing demand. They assert that the United States is currently trailing “10 to 20 years behind Asia in the commercialization of battery technology,” with China maintaining a stronghold on over 75% of global battery cell production. China’s dominance in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain stems from its firm control over a significant portion of the minerals essential for battery production.…

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle (AV) division of General Motors, has found itself under the spotlight as it grapples with questions regarding the level of human intervention required in its self-driving vehicles (AVs). This scrutiny has resulted in the suspension of its permit by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). CEO Kyle Vogt has responded to these concerns, confirming that Cruise’s AVs rely on human assistance more frequently than previously indicated. The New York Times report raised allegations that Cruise’s self-driving cars are not entirely autonomous and often require support from human operators, described as “remote assistants,” every 2-4 miles.…

South Korea’s Hyundai Group is embarking on a significant endeavor to develop its own lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, a move designed to make electric cars more affordable. In collaboration with battery manufacturers in South Korea, this joint project, initiated in 2023, is slated for completion by the end of 2024, as reported by Korean media outlets. LFP batteries are set to become the power source for small and medium-sized electric vehicles produced by Hyundai and Kia starting in 2025. These batteries are recognized for their cost-efficiency and durability, making them a key element in the quest for more…

Lucid Group has recently announced price reductions on its Air range of luxury sedans, just in time for the holiday season. This strategic move comes as the electric vehicle (EV) market faces stiff competition and a slowdown in demand due to high-interest rates affecting consumers. In response to the challenging landscape, auto manufacturers, including the industry giant Tesla, have been compelled to lower their prices. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has implemented multiple price cuts this year in a bid to defend its market share against new, lower-priced electric vehicles entering the market. The intensifying price competition in the EV…

Opel, a subsidiary of Stellantis, is contemplating the development of an entry-level electric vehicle (EV) that could be more compact and cost-effective than their Corsa supermini. Priced at around €25,000 ($26,500), this yet-to-be-named model is poised to enter the competitive urban EV segment, challenging a host of upcoming rivals, including the Citroen e-C3, Fiat Panda, Renault 5, Kia EV2, and VW ID.1/ID.2. Opel’s prior entry-level offerings, such as the Agila, Karl, and the more upscale Adam, have all been phased out. However, Opel’s CEO, Florian Huettl, recently acknowledged the potential for a smaller model below the Corsa, deeming it “possible.”…

Both a U.S. jury and a Chinese court have cleared Tesla of responsibility in separate fatal crash cases. These verdicts come in the wake of intense legal battles surrounding allegations of vehicle malfunctions. In China, a social media influencer had accused Tesla of a malfunction in a 2022 Model Y crash that claimed two lives and left three others injured. Tesla swiftly filed a lawsuit against the influencer, sparking a contentious legal showdown. However, a report cited in court documents indicated that a forensics investigations institute had ruled out defects in the Tesla’s steering or braking systems as the cause…

Aurora Innovation marked a significant milestone by unveiling its inaugural lane for driverless trucks linking the cities of Dallas and Houston. This development is bolstered by the presence of its commercial trucking terminal in Houston, underscoring Aurora’s ongoing commitment to autonomous transport technology. The company is on track to commence commercial operations in 2024, with these preparations setting the stage for a transformative future in the trucking industry. Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson commented on the milestone, stating, “Bringing our commercial-ready terminals and services online a year ahead of our planned commercial driverless launch between Dallas and Houston enables us…

Rivian is set to implement a substantial change to its proprietary charging network, the Rivian Adventure Network (RAN), which encompasses both AC and DC charging stations. Rivian EV owners have reported receiving emails from the company, notifying them of the impending end of complimentary charging services at RAN sites. According to the communication, “Starting in early November, billing will begin at all Rivian Adventure Network charging sites.” However, precise details regarding the pricing structure have not been disclosed, leaving owners to speculate that the cost of charging may vary between AC Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. Rivian assures…

Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp have announced their decision to adopt Tesla Inc’s electric vehicle charging technology in the United States. This decision follows a trend seen among global automakers, including Ford Motor, General Motors, and Nissan, who have embraced Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), marking a significant shift in the EV charging landscape. Hyundai and Kia have committed to integrating NACS ports into their new EV models, starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the United States. However, the timeline for Canada differs slightly, with Hyundai EVs equipped with NACS ports becoming available in the first half…

Munro, the Great Britain-based manufacturer, has provided a sneak peek into the production-spec Series-M, following the debut of the MK_1 pre-production prototype. This eagerly awaited release comes a year after the MK_1 made its mark, designed primarily for industries such as mining, construction, utilities, agriculture, and defense. Munro’s Head of Design, Ross Compton, highlighted that the Series-M underwent substantial changes based on extensive field trials and customer feedback received from the MK_1 pre-production models. Maintaining the Truck (SUV) and Pickup bodystyles, the Series-M showcases not only aesthetic enhancements but also critical engineering updates. Externally, the Series-M boasts a more distinctive…