Author: Alexander Reed

DESTEN a lithium-ion battery technology company, has introduced an Ultra-Fast Charging 6C Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell. This new cell is designed to charge from 20% to 80% within 6 minutes, aiming to reduce charging times for electric vehicles (EVs) and offer grids access to short-duration storage at a low cost per kilowatt-hour, with an emphasis on safety features. The development of the Ultra-Fast Charging LFP technology involves the application of customized material platforms, advanced cell structuring techniques, and proprietary cell production processes. DESTEN is actively collaborating with partners in North America, Europe, and Asia to integrate these advancements into…

Tesla is reportedly gearing up for yet another round of price increases for its models in China, as indicated by sources close to the electric car manufacturer, according to a report from local media outlet Lanjinger today. While the report did not provide specific details, it aligns with an earlier statement from Auto Home, a prominent automotive website in China, which quoted a Tesla source on November 14, affirming that the Model 3 and Model Y prices are slated to rise once again in the Chinese market. Tesla’s Shanghai factory, currently the company’s largest in the world with an annual…

German automaker Porsche has announced a substantial investment of approximately 250 million euros in its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant. The primary objective is to modernize Porsche’s main manufacturing facility, preparing it for the production of cutting-edge electric sports cars. The upcoming 718 generation electric sports cars will join the assembly line traditionally dedicated to models with a Boxer engine. This line will now manufacture all variants of the 911, the 718 Boxster, and the 718 Cayman. While Porsche does not explicitly confirm the continued production of combustion models alongside the electric 718, the focus is on transformation measures outlined in the press…

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union faces a hurdle in the ratification of new contract agreements with major automakers, as GM’s Flint, Michigan assembly plant narrowly voted against the recently proposed deal, securing a mere 48.2% approval. Following a historic six-week strike that concluded last month, GM, Ford, and Stellantis reached tentative agreements with the UAW. However, the road to finalizing the contracts appears less straightforward as local chapters continue voting on the proposals. UAW Local 598 workers at GM’s Flint assembly plant, responsible for producing the Chevy Silverado truck, rejected the tentative agreement with 51.8% of votes against the…

Tesla Cybertruck buyers may encounter a “no resale” policy within a specified timeframe, as indicated in recent purchasers’ agreements for the company’s other vehicle models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y. Uncovered within Tesla’s terms and conditions for select Model 3 and Model Y transactions, the clause, categorized under “For Cybertruck Only,” stipulates that Cybertruck purchasers must refrain from selling the vehicle for up to one year from its delivery date. Should owners seek to sell within this initial year, they must formally inform Tesla in writing to seek an exception from the no-reseller policy. In the event…

German automaker Opel has officially announced that the all-electric successor to the Crossland, initially revealed in March 2022, is set to hit the roads in 2024. The exact platform and manufacturing location for the electric variant have yet to be disclosed by the company. The original Crossland, formerly known as the Crossland X, emerged as a collaborative effort between Opel and PSA, preceding the French company’s acquisition. The current Crossland, introduced in 2017, utilizes the CMP platform. For the electric successor, Opel is weighing two potential options. It could adopt the upgraded second generation of the e-CMP, featuring a familiar…

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has announced a recall of 950 driverless cars operating on roads across the United States, with the potential for more recalls to follow, according to a statement from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday. The recall is a result of concerns regarding the collision detection subsystem of the Cruise Automated Driving Systems (ADS) software, which may improperly respond following a crash, as reported by the NHTSA. This decision comes in the wake of a recent accident in San Francisco, where a pedestrian was struck by a hit-and-run…

In a bid to enhance its commitment to sustainability, An Post, the Irish postal service, has been steadily expanding its electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The journey began in 2019 when An Post set out to procure the first 750 electric transporters, and by November 2023, the number had grown by over 250 more EVs. The postal service’s ambitious plans continue as it aims to reach a fleet of 1,250 electric vehicles by the first quarter of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, An Post aspires to have every other delivery van in its fleet powered purely by electricity. Currently, An Post…

The successor company of Ssangyong, KG Mobility, has recently inked an agreement with BYD to establish a battery pack factory on the premises of its engine factory in Changwon, South Korea. The factory is anticipated to commence operations before the end of 2024 and will play a crucial role in supplying battery packs for various electric vehicle models, including the Torres EVX electric SUV and the O100 e-pickup scheduled for the latter half of 2024, as well as upcoming models. KG Mobility and BYD are also engaged in collaborative efforts to develop a new hybrid drive system, which is slated…

Highland Electric Fleets has unveiled plans to deploy 50 all-electric LionC school buses in Alberta, Canada. These buses are set to revolutionize school transportation, offering a cleaner and more efficient mode of commuting for students and school districts. This initiative, a part of Highland Electric Fleets’ commitment to making electric fleets accessible and affordable, has garnered attention and collaboration from Lion Electric, a prominent North American electric utility vehicle manufacturer, and third-party fleet manager, Rental Bus Lines Ltd. Highland Electric Fleets specializes in Electrification-as-a-Service, catering to the needs of school districts, governments, and fleet operators across North America. This ambitious…

The first Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 semitrailer tractor in Germany has found its home with Logistik Schmitt. The official handover ceremony was conducted by Ronald Ott, Head of Sales Trucks at Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Germany, who presented the electric truck to Rainer Schmitt, Managing Partner of Logistik Schmitt. Logistik Schmitt, a family-owned company headquartered in Bietigheim, Baden-Württemberg, is set to deploy the eActros 300 for transporting engines between its logistics plant in Germersheim and the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, which lies just 25 kilometers away. The initial route will involve multi-shift operations, with plans to expand the service to include the…

Alfa Romeo, the renowned Italian automaker, is set to join the electric vehicle (EV) race with an ambitious plan to challenge BMW’s iX with an all-electric SUV, slated for release in 2027. The company’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, has provided insights into this electrifying venture, revealing the brand’s intention to make a significant impact in the luxury EV market. This forthcoming electric SUV will be based on the STLA Large Platform, and it is designed to compete head-on with formidable rivals like BMW’s iX, the Porsche Cayenne EV, and an upcoming sporty crossover from Renault-owned Alpine. Alfa Romeo’s distinct focus for…

Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Designer, was spotted driving a sleek, black-wrapped Tesla Cybertruck in Santa Monica. The event took place at the “Santa Monica Teslas & Coffee” gathering and has ignited speculation not only about von Holzhausen’s personal color preference but also the possibility of an upcoming factory wrap option for the highly anticipated Cybertruck. The Cybertruck, known for its distinctive stainless steel exterior, has been a subject of fascination since its debut. The prospect of introducing a premium color wrap for this electric truck is an intriguing development, especially as the Cybertruck’s stainless steel surface is not conducive…

Honda has unveiled an all-electric dirt bike prototype, marking its foray into the world of electric motorcycles. Over the weekend, the prototype, named CR Electric Proto, made its official racing debut in the premier IA1 motocross class, impressing onlookers with its competitive performance. Test rider and Honda advisor Trey Canard was at the helm of the CR Electric Proto during its inaugural competition weekend. Competing in the All Japan Motocross Championship’s eighth round, the electric bike was pitted against 450cc internal combustion engine counterparts. Despite not clinching the top spot, the prototype exhibited an impressive race-leading pace. Trey Canard, reflecting…

a Tesla Cybertruck prototype made headlines as it was spotted cruising along a California highway, bearing dozens of bullet marks on its stainless steel exterior. Tesla’s enigmatic CEO, Elon Musk, shed light on the peculiar testing scenario, likening it to Al Capone-style bulletproof evaluation involving a Tommy Gun—a reference to the iconic 1920s Thompson submachine gun favored by gangsters of the interwar period. Elon Musk discussed this unconventional test during his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, where the host, Joe Rogan, posed a rather intriguing question. Rogan asked whether the Cybertruck could withstand an attack from a hunting…

Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer, Elon Musk, has revealed the company’s ambitious production target for its eagerly anticipated electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck. According to Musk, Tesla is targeting an annual production of 200,000 units of the Cybertruck, a substantial increase from their previous estimate of over 125,000 vehicles per year. Musk also expressed the potential to further escalate production to 250,000 units annually by 2025. The Cybertruck, originally unveiled by Musk at an event in Los Angeles nearly four years ago, is set to begin deliveries on November 30, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The vehicle’s introduction…

ChargePoint, a player in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has started its much-anticipated rollout of charging stations compatible with Tesla’s NACS connector in North America. The company anticipates a comprehensive lineup of AC and DC chargers with NACS support to be delivered within the coming month. Additionally, ChargePoint will be providing cable conversion kits for its existing DC fast chargers in November, aimed at customers who operate the charging stations. This development marks the first time Tesla owners in North America will have access to a public DC fast charging option outside Tesla’s own Supercharger network. ChargePoint has already recorded…

Fisker has unveiled plans to establish its first Fisker Lounge in Shanghai. This milestone is part of the company’s broader strategy to deepen its roots in China, as the race for supremacy in the EV industry continues to gather momentum. Having laid the foundation for its Chinese operations in 2022 and subsequently revealing ambitious plans for the country earlier this year, including the setup of a delivery center in 2023, Fisker is steadfastly rolling out its business in the Middle Kingdom. The announcement of the Fisker Lounge in Shanghai is a pivotal element of this strategy, marking its presence in…

Suzuki has unveiled its highly anticipated lineup for the Japan Mobility Show 2023, promising an array of surprises and glimpses into the future of mobility. Among the standout offerings are the next-generation Swift ICE-powered city car, slated for a 2024 release, and the eVX fully electric SUV set to hit the markets in 2025. The latest iteration of the Swift, although retaining a familiar silhouette, boasts a complete redesign with curvier bodywork, a distinctive fish-mouth honeycomb grille, cutting-edge LED lighting units, and a striking bi-tone livery. Suzuki emphasizes that the new Swift has been engineered with a clear mission: to…

Italy is exploring the possibility of introducing novel incentives for car purchases that take into account carbon emissions throughout the manufacturing and distribution process, according to sources familiar with the matter. This initiative, inspired by a similar program recently implemented in France, seeks to safeguard the Italian automotive sector against the influx of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), which are gaining popularity in Europe due to their competitive pricing compared to locally produced counterparts. Sources have indicated that Rome views the French incentive model as “reasonable” and is actively studying the feasibility of adopting a similar approach. The scheme is designed…