Author: Shaun Williams

In a recent incident in Phoenix, multiple Nikola electric semi-trucks were engulfed in flames, raising concerns about the safety of the vehicles. Initially, the company suspected defects in the battery modules, but a subsequent investigation has shed light on other possible causes of the fires. Upon receiving the emergency call, the Phoenix fire department swiftly dispatched their Hazardous Materials crew to the scene to extinguish the flames. Internal documents obtained by Electrek now reveal that engineers detected corrosion in the battery cells, which were prone to self-discharge. Nikola Corporation, in an effort to streamline its operations and reduce costs, acquired…

In the world of electric bicycles, embracing the e-bike lifestyle goes beyond the mere act of owning one. These electrified two-wheelers not only serve as practical alternatives to cars and public transportation but also evoke emotions, open doors to new experiences, and facilitate connections with like-minded individuals. One brand that excels in incorporating these elements into their designs is California-based e-bike manufacturer, Super73. Renowned for their moto-inspired electric bikes, Super73 consistently pushes boundaries by taking their creations to the next level. The latest example of their innovation is a distinctive custom build designed to embrace surf culture, created in collaboration…

The latest report from Reuters reveals that General Motors (GM) has stated that the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup will not be equipped with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector until the 2025 model year. As the first units of the 2024 Silverado electric pickup begin production at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck plant, fleet deliveries are anticipated to commence in the coming weeks. Following the announcement of a collaboration between GM and Tesla in early June, some customers may have expected to find the NACS inlet already integrated into the Silverado. However, that is not the case. See also: The difference…

In a strategic move to strengthen Germany’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, bp ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of bp, has made a noteworthy investment of €7.5 million in Service4Charger GmbH. The Berlin-based company specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of EV charging stations. The investment comes as part of Service4Charger’s Series A funding round, totaling €10 million, with bp ventures leading the way. Service4Charger focuses on deploying charging stations tailored for various charging scenarios, including fleet depots, public charging stations, and residential areas throughout Germany. With a team of over 85 employees,…

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), the UK’s advertising watchdog, has taken action against car manufacturers Hyundai and Toyota for their misleading advertisements regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities. The watchdog found that the charging times mentioned in the ads did not accurately reflect real-world conditions and that the availability of high-speed charging stations was not as widespread as claimed. Toyota’s advertisement for the bZ4X SUV claimed that the vehicle could be charged to 80 percent in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW charger. Similarly, Hyundai advertised that the Ioniq 5 could be charged in just 18 minutes using a…

Qingtian Truck, a self-driving truck startup based in China, is reportedly on the brink of closure, facing significant setbacks in its operations. The company, which had emerged just 19 months ago, is now facing the prospect of employee displacement and potential liquidation, according to a report by local media outlet Jiemian. Citing sources within the self-driving industry, the report reveals that engineers from Qingtian Truck have been leaving the company in droves. While the company’s registration information remains unchanged and its operating status technically intact, its website has not been updated with any news since January, indicating a lack of…

SK Signet, one of the manufacturers of electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers, has announced its plans to incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connector option into its entire range of chargers. This move comes as several major automakers, including Ford and General Motors, have decided to adopt the NACS charging connector in their upcoming models starting from 2025. Rivian has also recently announced a similar decision. What sets SK Signet apart is its expectation to release a compliant product as early as 2023. This means that the first NACS-compatible charger could hit the market within the next few…

Belgium-based Umicore has officially inaugurated its latest facility in Olen, Belgium, dedicated to the production of solid-state battery prototypes. The company has established the facility, spanning 600 square meters, as a large-scale prototyping center specifically designed for the development of solid-state battery materials. Umicore’s venture into this domain does not come as a surprise, considering its ongoing efforts in solid-state battery chemistries since 2017, bolstered by strategic investments and collaborations. By repurposing an existing building in Olen, the company has created a comprehensive research and development center that encompasses all stages of solid-state battery development, ranging from material formulation and…

Quebec-based charging equipment manufacturer FLO has made an announcement regarding its latest offering in the electric vehicle (EV) market. In a bid to streamline and standardize charging hardware in North America, FLO will be providing Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connector as an optional feature. FLO’s decision to adopt the NACS charging connector comes as more EV manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and Aptera, express their intention to transition from the Combined Charging System (CCS1) to NACS plugs for their future EV models. See also: EverCharge Endorses Tesla’s NACS Charging Connector as Superior to CCS1 Nathan Yang,…

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has introduced an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technique that aims to enhance the capabilities of vehicle designers. Traditionally, designers have relied on text-to-image generative AI tools to inspire their creative process. However, these tools have been limited in their ability to address the complex engineering and safety considerations involved in car design. TRI’s new technique overcomes this limitation by allowing designers to incorporate initial design sketches and engineering constraints into the generative AI process, streamlining the iterative process of aligning design and engineering requirements. Avinash Balachandran, director of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving (HID) Division, emphasized the…

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has expressed its interest in acquiring Wiferion, a small wireless charging startup based in Germany, as reported by Business Insider. This development comes after Tesla hinted at the possibility of launching its own EV wireless charger. While various companies have been exploring wireless charging technology for EVs in recent years, it has yet to gain widespread adoption due to several challenges. One such obstacle is its relatively lower efficiency compared to traditional cable charging. However, advancements have been made, narrowing the efficiency gap in recent times. Additionally, wireless charging tends to be more…

Stromer has recently unveiled the ST7 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Limited Edition e-bike, claiming it to be the pioneering S-Pedelec equipped with the innovative Pinion Smart.Shift C1.12i electronic shifting system. This cutting-edge system offers a gear shift experience akin to paddle shifters found in sports cars, complete with a pre-selected starting gear feature. To further enhance its appeal, the bicycle also boasts a Gates Carbon Belt drive, which contributes to its low-maintenance nature, according to the brand. At the core of the ST7 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition lies a robust 940W rear-wheel motor capable of providing assistance at speeds…