Author: Shaun Williams

After successfully resuming its international expansion efforts earlier this year, Xpeng is now gearing up to accelerate its global presence in 2024. The company’s chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, recently revealed plans to enter dozens of countries next year, with a focus on developed markets. This move is part of Xpeng’s vision to become a global company and offer the best self-driving experience worldwide by 2025. Xpeng has already made strides in several European countries by launching its flagship sedan, the P7, and flagship SUV, the G9. The company is also set to enter Israel with these models and is…

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a groundbreaking supercapacitor using seemingly unusual materials: cement, carbon black, and water. This innovative development holds promise for various applications, including charging electric cars and enhancing the stability of buildings’ foundations. The supercapacitor’s versatility extends beyond conventional use, as it can be integrated into the structural foundations of buildings, providing both stability and the ability to “store a day’s worth of energy,” as highlighted by MIT. If implemented into roadways, the supercapacitor could even facilitate wireless charging for electric vehicles. Here’s how the supercapacitor operates: MIT researchers combined cement and…

In a recent announcement on X, sustainable trucking company Nikola confirmed the initiation of production for its highly anticipated hydrogen fuel cell electric truck boasting an impressive range of up to 500 miles. The milestone signifies a significant step forward for the company, which was once considered a rival to the Tesla Semi in the electric truck market. The official post from Nikola showcased a snapshot of their dedicated employees diligently working on the early stages of the truck’s buildout. While the specific model was not explicitly mentioned, it is likely to be a variant of the Nikola Tre, the…

In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, Rivian has emerged as a formidable player, offering some of the most intriguing electric vehicles to consumers. The R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV not only boast excellent off-road capabilities and supercar-rivaling performance but also come with a substantial warranty package, setting new standards in the industry. Rivian’s Quad-Motor variants, known for their exceptional performance and versatility, come with a generous basic warranty lasting five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This places Rivian in the upper echelon of automakers, with only a select few, including Kia, Genesis, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Jaguar,…

Fisker, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has set the automotive world abuzz with anticipation as they prepare to host a groundbreaking event titled “Product Vision Day” on August 3. During this much-awaited occasion, the company will finally pull back the curtain on their latest creation, the highly anticipated Ronin convertible. Although Fisker is keeping tight-lipped about specific details, they did offer a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming EV by releasing a teaser image showcasing the sleek rear end. Fans and enthusiasts eager to witness the full reveal won’t be disappointed, as the event will be live-streamed on YouTube, starting at…

Tesla’s much-anticipated Cybertruck could potentially launch with a battery pack that offers a range of 350 miles (563 kilometers), according to Bearded Tesla, a Twitter user who claims to have had confidential conversations with three informed sources. If this rumor holds true, it would mean that the initial range of 620 miles (998 km) promised at the Cybertruck’s unveiling in 2019 would not be met. The projected range would also fall short of the Chevrolet Silverado EV’s 450-mile (724 km) range, but align with the dual-motor Rivian R1T. The rumored 350-mile variant of the Cybertruck would outperform the Ford F-150…

In a groundbreaking move, Ford has filed a patent that introduces an ingenious concept for trailers. The patent envisions a trailer equipped with an integrated battery pack and electric motors, revolutionizing its functionality and usability. This innovative design allows users to effortlessly position the trailer at various locations, such as campsites or job sites, while also serving as a reliable backup power source for both the towing electric vehicle (EV) and essential tools and appliances. The detailed document, filed on January 13 and recently published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 13, unveils the impressive…

WiTricity, a developer of wireless EV charging systems based in the US, has unveiled a new initiative called FastTrack, aimed at enabling automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their ‘Halo’ wireless charging system into vehicles within a short span of three months. This program is specifically designed to accelerate the testing and implementation of wireless charging technology across both current and future electric vehicle platforms. FastTrack offers automotive OEMs a comprehensive solution for integrating WiTricity’s Halo charging system, encompassing hardware and software components that are fully equipped for testing and evaluation. The Halo system consists of a receiver…

SAIC-GM, the successful joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motor, has recently initiated the construction of its third electric car factory. The new facility, located in Yantai, eastern China, marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to the production of electric vehicles (EVs) based on GM’s innovative Ultium platform. According to a statement released by SAIC-GM, series production of electric cars at the Yantai plant is expected to commence in the first half of 2025. While specific details about the factory’s capacity remain undisclosed, it is evident that the investment in the Yantai vehicle plant forms part of…

Blink Charging and AAA have recently announced a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) solutions and charging services for AAA members. While AAA clubs are primarily known for their emergency road assistance, this partnership intends to bring about notable advancements in their offerings. Traditionally, AAA clubs have relied on local towing companies, contracted by state AAA branches, to provide emergency services to their members. In line with this collaboration, Blink Charging has already taken the initiative to install onsite EV chargers at numerous AAA branch offices, AAA-owned repair facilities, and auto repair shops. Building on this progress, Blink…

Thok, a renowned brand in the high-end electric mountain bike industry, has established itself as a popular choice among enthusiasts. While the company has gained recognition through its collaboration with Ducati, producing models like the TK-01RR and MIG-S under the Ducati brand, Thok also offers an impressive lineup of premium electric bicycles. Now, they have set their sights on the ultra-lightweight e-MTB sector with their upcoming innovation, Project 4. Developing a new model entails significant investment and time commitment for manufacturers. To overcome these challenges and bring their visionary concepts to life, companies often resort to innovative approaches. Thok’s solution…

In a significant move towards embracing an all-electric future, Ford is set to halt production of its highly popular Fiesta model. This decision allows the automaker to create essential space at its Cologne, Germany, plant for the manufacturing of Ford’s upcoming electric Explorer SUV. Ford had previously announced its intention to remove the iconic compact car from its lineup sooner than anticipated, as part of its accelerated transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Autocar reports that the final Fiesta model will roll off the assembly line on July 7, 2023, marking the end of an era after 47 years and eight…