Author: Alexander Reed

General Motors announced on Wednesday that its Cadillac Lyriq is once again eligible for a $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit in the United States, following a battery sourcing change to address two minor components. New U.S. Treasury battery sourcing rules, effective January 1, significantly reduced the number of EVs eligible for tax credits. To compensate for the lost Lyriq credit, GM had offered $7,500 discounts. See also: Cadillac Lyriq Set for Major Upgrades in March, Promising Enhanced Luxury and Performance The Chevy Blazer EV, currently under a stop sale due to a software issue, also lost the credit. GM stated last…

Volvo Cars is simplifying and standardizing the names of its electric vehicle models, introducing the abbreviations EX for SUVs and EC for SUV coupés. This change will impact two of Volvo’s current models. The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be known as the EX40, while the C40 Recharge Pure Electric will be renamed the Volvo EC40 starting from the 2025 model year. The new naming convention has already been applied to the upcoming top model EX90 and the new entry-level Volvo EX30 in a new model series. The two existing models mentioned above, which are based on the CMA mixed…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has announced its entry into the Indonesian market through strategic partnerships with top dealers. GSU, BAM, and GNA, headquartered in Jakarta, alongside MCA in Medan and Majesty in Batam, will spearhead VinFast’s brand establishment and customer outreach efforts. The company’s Indonesian dealerships are gearing up to unveil the VF 5, VF e34, VF 6, and VF 7 models later this year. Details regarding pricing, sales, ordering, and after-sales services will be disclosed in the first half of 2024. See also: VinFast to Debut Right-Hand Drive EVs at Indonesia Motor Show, Eyes Market Expansion VinFast Indonesia CEO, Mr.…

LG Chem, the South Korean chemicals giant, unveils plans for a significant expansion in its battery cathode production capabilities with the construction of a $3 billion factory in Tennessee. The announcement comes alongside a multi-billion dollar contract agreement with General Motors (GM), signaling a strategic move to bolster its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The long-term supply contract between LG Chem and GM, valued at $19 billion, will see the former providing cathode materials to power approximately 5 million EVs for the latter. The supply agreement, set to commence in 2026, aligns with the expected operational timeline of…

XCharge North America has unveiled plans to construct a grid supporting a Battery Storage EV Charging Superhub at Watters Creek Village, a mixed-use development near Dallas. This project will include more than 20 stalls equipped with ultra-fast chargers ranging from 200kW to 400kW per port. Once operational, the Superhub will become the largest non-Tesla DC fast-charging hub in the region, featuring 3 megawatt-hours of storage capacity dedicated to grid support. Engineered to withstand seismic weather events, it will demonstrate the capability to sustain and redistribute energy resources. Watters Creek Village will contribute to the community by returning surplus energy to…

The Lotus Emeya hyper-GT has recently completed the final phase of its extensive global test and development program in the challenging Arctic Circle, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward production. “Emeya is designed to provide an exceptional driving experience in all conditions, and we are eager for customers to experience it firsthand,” stated Sylvain Verstraeten, Regional Vehicle Line Director for Emeya. See also: Lotus Confirms Apple Car Key Compatibility for New Emeya Electric Vehicles During the winter months, Lotus engineers conducted thorough testing of the all-electric grand tourer in Ivalo, Finland, located approximately 250km inside the Arctic Circle.…

A recent video released by the California Highway Patrol depicts a Tesla Semi navigating down an icy hill on I-80 Eastbound at Donner Summit, showcasing the vehicle’s capabilities in challenging conditions. The footage underscores the importance of rigorous real-world testing conducted by Tesla to ensure vehicle performance and safety before public release, as encounters with treacherous driving conditions are not uncommon for truckers. See also: Tesla Semi Breaks Stereotypes, Achieves Over 1,000-Mile Journey in a Single Day https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1755122588781609455 Truckers often face hazardous terrains and weather conditions, making it essential for both drivers and vehicles to be equipped to handle such…

The state of Washington is set to invest more than $85 million to facilitate the installation of nearly 5,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the region. Notably, half of the allocated grants will be directed towards communities facing elevated health risks due to pollution linked to fossil fuels. The Washington State Department of Commerce announced that the entirety of the funds will be allocated to non-profit organizations, electric utilities, tribes, and public agencies. The selection of locations was based on a comprehensive scoring system, with an interactive map aiding applicants in identifying areas where EV chargers would be…

Commercial Trailer Leasing (CTL) has announced a strategic partnership with Orange EV to deploy a fleet of zero-emission electric yard trucks across various terminals in the United States. With over 1,000 pure-electric Class 8 terminal trucks already operational in terminals nationwide for the past eight years, Orange EV has solidified its position as a leading provider of electrified yard trucks, catering to the diverse needs of the food distribution and logistics industries. See also: Orange EV Brings Electric Commercial Vehicle to Canada “CTL and Orange EV share a commitment to support fleets across various industries in their pursuit of zero-emission…

Italian automaker Lancia has officially previewed its first-ever electric vehicle, marking the commencement of what has been dubbed as the brand’s “renaissance.” The 2024 Lancia Ypsilon, set to make its public debut in Milan on February 14, was revealed in the Limited Edition Cassina trim, emphasizing exclusivity with plans to produce 1,906 “numbered and certified units” as a nod to the brand’s founding year. The sub-compact EV, showcased as Lancia’s initial foray into electric mobility, incorporates a distinctive design language. Leaks and teasers preceding the official unveiling had already provided glimpses of features such as the illuminated “calice” grille and…

Tesla has adjusted its pricing approach, resulting in the Model Y’s base price in Canada aligning with that of the Model 3. Despite the initial allure of the new Model 3 Highland facelift in the US, the Model Y gains traction, especially with federal subsidies narrowing the price gap. The Model 3 Highland, priced from $38,990 in the US, faces exclusion from government tax credits due to its Chinese phosphate batteries. In contrast, the Model Y, priced at $36,490 for the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant after the tax credit, enjoys increased appeal with subsidies applied directly at the point of…

Tesla is poised to introduce adaptive headlight capabilities in the Model Y and legacy Model 3 across Europe. This enhancement, made possible by a free over-the-air (OTA) software update, follows the recent inclusion of the same feature in the upgraded Model 3. Tesla initially incorporated matrix LED headlights into their vehicles in 2021, gradually implementing them throughout their entire lineup. While these headlights had the capacity to selectively dim lights aimed at oncoming cars or pedestrians by turning off individual pixels, Tesla had, until recently, only showcased this capability through the Light Show feature, where the headlights spell out ‘Tesla’…

National Car Charging (NCC), a leading charging station reseller and installer, has clinched an exclusive contract with the state of California. NCC will be the primary provider of non-networked DC fast charging, partnering with Kempower for hardware. Jim Burness, CEO of National Car Charging, stated, “At NCC, we offer a vast portfolio of highly-vetted products; however, we chose Kempower for California because of their quality, small footprint and modularity.” He added, “Their products are extremely versatile and can charge a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, medium and heavy trucks, school and transit buses, heavy equipment, emergency vehicles, watercraft and…

Tesla has announced a significant reduction in the prices of its Model Y cars in Germany, marking a strategic move following its recent displacement as the leading electric vehicle (EV) seller to Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) in 2023. This decision comes on the heels of a similar price adjustment for Model 3 and Model Y in China just a week ago. The adjustments include a 9% reduction for the Model Y Long Range and an 8.1% discount for the Model Y Performance, bringing their prices to 49,990 euros ($54,340) and 55,990 euros, respectively. Additionally, Tesla has cut the price of the Model…

Tesla has enacted a significant adjustment in the United States, opting to apply the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) directly at the point of sale. This shift marks a substantial departure in consumer purchasing dynamics and the incentivization strategy for the adoption of cleaner transportation technologies. Previously, the $7,500 tax credit for EVs was claimed retrospectively by consumers through their tax returns. This meant that purchasers, including those buying Tesla electric vehicles, had to wait until their tax-filing period to benefit from the incentive, often months after the initial purchase. Tesla’s decision to apply the tax credit…

Tesla and Geely-owned Volvo Car have announced temporary production suspensions in Europe due to a component shortage, signaling the impact of recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea on regional manufacturers. The United States and Britain executed strikes on Yemen to counter the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which has disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea—a critical global shipping route. Concerns have risen about extended disruptions in the Suez Canal, the fastest route connecting Asia and Europe, leading to a surge in container shipping rates. In response to the altered shipping routes, Tesla informed Reuters late on Thursday that it…

German automaker Volkswagen revealed on Monday its plans to incorporate the OpenAI-developed generative language model ChatGPT into its vehicles, introducing the feature as part of its IDA voice assistant. The announcement precedes the highly anticipated Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where Volkswagen stated that ChatGPT integration is slated for production vehicles as early as the second quarter of this year. Volkswagen intends to deploy the chatbot functionality in several models, including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7, as well as the new Tiguan and Passat variants. Partnering with Cerence Chat Pro, the automaker aims to empower drivers to…

Komatsu, the Japanese construction machinery manufacturer, is set to offer its PC138E-11 electric excavator for rental to customers, commencing January. Initially, the 13-tonne electric machine will be available for rental in Japan, with plans for subsequent deployment in Europe. The PC138E-11 is designed for urban construction applications, emphasizing its suitability for confined spaces. Equipped with a 72.5 kW electric motor, the excavator boasts an extended operational lifespan facilitated by a lithium-ion battery with a 225.6 kWh capacity. Komatsu underscores the incorporation of a cooling system for both the battery and electrical components, contributing to prolonged usage without providing specific operational…

California has become a widespread testing ground for autonomous vehicles, with San Francisco serving as a hub for public trials. However, a legal loophole in current legislation prevents law enforcement from punishing traffic offences committed by driverless cars operating in autonomous mode. The state’s law enforcement lacks the necessary tools to address violations by autonomous vehicles, as traffic tickets can only be issued if there is a human driver present in the car. An internal memo from San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, obtained by NBC Bay Area, highlights that “no citation for a moving violation can be issued if…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD has initiated the construction of a sodium-ion battery production facility in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, marking the company’s first such battery project. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 4, as announced by the Xuzhou government via WeChat. The project, situated in the Xuzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, will require a total investment of RMB 10 billion ($1.4 billion). It will primarily focus on the production of sodium-ion battery cells and battery packs, with an anticipated annual capacity of 30 GWh. However, the article lacks additional details about the facility. See also: BYD…