Author: Alexander Reed

A recent report from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) sheds light on the potential carbon emission reductions lost amid the global surge in SUV popularity, impacting the progress made by electric vehicles (EVs) in the past decade. The study suggests that if vehicles had maintained their size from 2010 to 2022 without the SUV trend, carbon emissions could have decreased by over 30%. Instead, emissions only experienced a modest 4.2% decline, partially offsetting the positive impact of EV adoption. SUVs, comprising 51% of new car sales, have contributed to an unprecedented rise in the average weight of light-duty vehicles,…

DHL Express and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have joined forces to launch a pilot test of an ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa. The six-month trial will feature four ID.Buzz Cargo units strategically placed at DHL Express Service Centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. These electric vehicles will be dedicated to specialized last-mile delivery services during the testing period. Thomas Milz, the Director of Sales and Marketing at VWSA, expressed that the collaboration with DHL Express on the ID.Buzz Cargo test fleet marks the initial phase of Volkswagen’s gradual introduction of electric vehicles into the local market. He stated, “At…

Swiss electric bike manufacturer Stromer, a stalwart in the industry since 2009, continues its legacy with the urban-centric ST3 model. Recognized with a Red Dot Award in 2022, the ST3 exemplifies the brand’s commitment to premium, high-quality e-bikes tailored for the commuter market. Embracing a utilitarian ethos, the ST3’s aluminum frame, offered in Sport and Comfort configurations, boasts an urban-focused geometry. The Comfort variant, with slightly taller handlebars, prioritizes an even more upright riding position. Notably, the ST3 lacks built-in suspension, though upgrades like an upside-down fork and Kinekt suspension seatpost are available at an additional cost. Under the hood,…

The Oxford Bus Company has inaugurated Oxford’s maiden electric bus service, featuring 21 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electoliners set to be operational by year-end. In a partnership with Oxford Brookes University, the electric buses will replace the current diesel fleet and be charged by Zenobe, with service commencement expected by the end of this year. Owned and operated by the Oxford Bus Company, the new Brookes bus fleet showcases the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners, capable of covering 300 miles on a full charge, according to the Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer. Zenobe, in collaboration with Oxford Bus Company, will provide and install the charging…

Abellio London Bus, a segment of the UK Transport Group, recently received recognition at the 2023 Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards (EVIEs) on November 21. The award in the category of ‘Fleet Electrification Strategy of the Year, over 100 vehicles,’ acknowledged Abellio’s achievements in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The EVIEs, known for setting industry standards in EV innovation and excellence, placed Abellio in competition with Westminster City Council and Dundee City Council. The award specifically recognized Abellio’s teams for expanding the EV fleet to over 100 vehicles from 2022 to 2023 and completing significant infrastructure projects. As of…

The Australian government has introduced stringent requirements for the reliability and infrastructure of new DC charging stations that receive public funding, according to The Driven, an Australian EV news website. Effective next year, these charging stations must maintain a charging uptime of 98%, aligning with the high standards set in the USA at 97% and the UK at 99%. Under the new regulations, publicly funded charging sites must feature at least two DC stations with two connections each. Moreover, a minimum of 70% of each DC fast charging site must be equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 2 plug…

Tesla has initiated legal action against the Swedish government’s Transport Agency, citing a workers’ strike that has impeded the issuance of license plates for the automaker’s new vehicles, as reported by business daily Dagens Industri on Monday. IF Metall, Sweden’s largest manufacturing union, is currently engaged in a dispute with Tesla regarding the establishment of a collective bargaining agreement for its mechanics in the country. The union commenced a strike on October 27, refusing to provide service to Tesla’s vehicles. The standoff has escalated as members from various unions, including postal workers, dockworkers, and cleaners, have joined in solidarity actions.…

Electreon, an Israeli firm specializing in inductive charging systems for electric vehicles, has revealed plans for a two-year project in Sweden, commencing in spring 2024. This venture will mark a departure from Electreon’s usual focus on dynamic, inductive charging for moving vehicles, as the project involves testing wireless charging for a converted electric truck. The chosen vehicle for this project is an Iveco Daily, set to undergo electric conversion by Swedish specialists REARQ, with Electreon providing the inductive charging technology. Charging will take place at loading ramps and during nights at the Stockholm depot. BDX Företagen, the transport company partnering…

General Motors’ latest all-electric offering, the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, is now available for a 36-month lease with promotional rates, marking a shift in the vehicle’s financing terms. Previously excluded from promotional rates, the Blazer EV now comes with a lease rate of 7.99% for 36 months, translating to a money factor of 0.00332, according to online auto research firm CarsDirect. While this rate is reported to be higher than other promotional rates within the General Motors lineup, it remains lower than the standard rate for the Blazer EV. Orders for the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV opened in early September,…

The Dacia Sandero and Tesla Model Y are currently engaged in a competitive race for the title of the best-selling new vehicle in Europe for the year, according to preliminary data covering January to October. Figures from Dataforce, representing 92% of sales in the European Union, EFTA countries, and the UK, reveal that the Dacia Sandero narrowly leads with 184,088 registrations, just ahead of the Tesla Model Y, which boasts 183,799 registrations during the same period. The Sandero took the lead in October with 21,139 registrations, surpassing the Renault Clio with 14,534 registrations, while the Model Y secured the 24th…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has extended its global reach by introducing the Atto 3 model in the Philippines in collaboration with local dealer AC Motor, a subsidiary of the Ayala Group. The launch, which took place on November 17, showcases BYD’s commitment to providing high-quality and affordable EV options in the Philippine market. BYD offers two versions of the Atto 3 in the Philippines – the standard range version and the long-range version, priced at 1,598,000 Philippine pesos ($28,830) and 1,798,000 Philippine pesos, respectively. The pricing strategy reflects BYD’s consideration of local market demand and purchasing power. The…

LG Electronics, the South Korean technology powerhouse, is set to enter the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) charger market in the United States next year. The company’s foray into the sector will feature a lineup of owner-operated AC and DC EV charging stations, encompassing Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. LG’s initial introduction to the US market will be marked by the launch of its Level 2 AC charger. This wall-mounted charging solution is equipped with a load management system and variable current settings, delivering an output power of 11 kW through a standard SAE J1772 connector. The versatility of…

In a development raising concerns for Britishvolt’s future, the owner of the battery start-up, Recharge Industries, faces the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings. A former employee has taken legal action against Recharge Industries, seeking unpaid salaries and initiating a countdown for resolution. Following the issuance of a statutory demand by the former employee, Recharge Industries has a 21-day window to settle the outstanding wages. Failure to meet this deadline could empower the former employee to commence insolvency proceedings against Recharge. Reports from the Financial Times highlight statements from Recharge Industries’ staff, indicating that owner David Collard had repeatedly assured employees of…

Stellantis announced on Tuesday its intention to collaborate with China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) in the construction of an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Europe. This marks Stellantis’ fourth such facility in the region, as the European automaker endeavors to produce more economical batteries and enhance the affordability of electric vehicles. The preliminary agreement between the two companies outlines the supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells and modules for Stellantis’ EV production in Europe. Additionally, they are contemplating the formation of a 50-50 joint venture in the region. Maxime Picat, Stellantis Global Head of Purchasing…

In response to a legal setback in Illinois, Ford is implementing changes to its electric vehicle (EV) dealer program, easing certain requirements such as reducing the mandatory number of chargers and cutting training costs for participating dealers. The Illinois state motor vehicle board recently ruled in favor of Ford dealers in the state, stating that Ford had violated state franchise laws with its EV program’s stringent requirements, particularly related to charging infrastructure. Ford, which had given dealers the option to either join its “epic journey of sustainable expansion” or wait until 2027, is now revising some of the program’s restrictions.…

As the clock ticks down to the eagerly awaited Tesla Cybertruck Delivery Event on November 30th, those who missed out on invitations now have a fresh opportunity to witness the groundbreaking all-electric pickup up close. Tesla is strategically placing the Cybertruck in various showrooms nationwide in the lead-up to the event. Despite being just 10 days away from its highly anticipated release, Tesla has chosen to keep several crucial details about the truck under wraps. Over the weekend, the Cybertruck made surprise appearances at Tesla showrooms in California, with sightings reported just over a week ago in San Jose and…

The port of Gothenburg is enhancing its commitment to sustainability by installing new electric truck charging points at the Hisingen port entrance. The port, a key hub handling over a million trucks annually, aims to slash port-related emissions by 70% before 2030, with the provision of charging infrastructure playing a pivotal role in achieving this target. Circle K, a prominent filling station chain in Sweden actively involved in establishing an electric truck charging network, has already deployed charging points at the port of Gothenburg. The recent inauguration of four charging points at the Hisingen port entrance marks a collaborative effort…

Cadillac is set to expand its electric vehicle portfolio with the upcoming Optiq, a compact crossover designed to serve as an entry-level model beneath the already revealed Lyriq. While specific details are limited at this point, Cadillac promises a combination of “spirited driving dynamics” and global appeal. The automaker has provided a glimpse of the Optiq’s design, featuring a small fully enclosed grille, vertical headlights, and a two-tone exterior with gloss black cladding. The compact crossover sports blacked-out A-pillars that seamlessly transition into a black roof, complemented by matching mirrors and a blacked-out rear pillar with a distinctive ribbed graphic.…

Lucid Motors introduced its latest electric vehicle, the Gravity SUV, poised to be one of the longest-range electric SUVs on the market with an impressive 440 miles (708 km) of driving between charges. Notably, the automaker has hinted at an upcoming special edition model that could push the boundaries even further. Lucid, known for its Air sedan and the extended-range Dream Edition, has set ambitious goals for the Gravity. Despite featuring approximately half the number of battery cells compared to some competitors, the company suggests that there is potential for increased capacity, leading to speculation about a longer-range edition. When…

ChargePoint shares experienced a sharp decline of nearly 38%, hitting a record low on Friday, following the company’s reduction of its third-quarter revenue forecast and significant executive changes. ChargePoint now anticipates third-quarter revenue to fall within the range of $108 million to $113 million, a substantial decrease from its earlier projection of $150 million to $165 million. The company attributes this decline to sluggish demand resulting from delays in electric vehicle deliveries in both North America and Europe. The third-quarter results are scheduled to be disclosed on December 6. In tandem with the revised outlook, California-based ChargePoint announced the immediate…