Author: Alexander Reed

VinFast has officially launched the VF 6, its first electric model in the B-SUV segment, in Vietnam. With a competitive starting price of 675 million VND (approximately US$27,800), the VF 6 is now available for pre-order in the Vietnamese market, with deliveries expected to commence by the end of 2023. VinFast is offering customers two trim options for the VF 6 in the Vietnamese market: Base and Plus. The base trim starts at 675 million VND (excluding the battery) or 765 million VND (approximately US$31,500) when including the battery. The Plus trim, on the other hand, starts at 765 million…

Neta Auto, the automotive manufacturer, has released its latest delivery figures, indicating a mixed performance in September, marked by a month-to-month increase but a substantial year-on-year decline. According to figures disclosed by the company, Neta Auto delivered 13,211 vehicles in September. This represented a modest but noteworthy 9.15 percent increase compared to the previous month, August. However, it’s crucial to note that this figure also signifies a notable 26.63 percent drop in deliveries when compared to the same month in the previous year. Expanding the scope to the third quarter as a whole, Neta Auto reported a total of 35,353…

Lucid Motors has made a significant stride in its vehicle design capabilities by acquiring Samsung’s colossal 255-inch monitor, aptly named “The Wall.” This monumental screen harnesses MicroLED technology to present vehicles in true-to-life colors, enabling designers to scrutinize every detail with unprecedented clarity and precision. Jenny Ha, Lucid’s exterior design manager, expressed how “The Wall” has transformed the collaborative efforts of their design and engineering teams. She emphasized that this technology has ushered in a new era, allowing them to effortlessly visualize design data while incorporating crucial engineering feedback and simulation results. This capability expedites the assessment of design alterations…

Dubai is set to roll out its first fleet of robotaxis next month. These autonomous electric taxis, operated by Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, will mark a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to embrace cutting-edge technology. Ahmed Bahrozyan, the CEO of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced that five fully autonomous electric taxis will begin test drives on an 8-kilometer (5-mile) stretch in the prestigious Jumeirah district. Dubai aspires to lead the way as the first Middle Eastern city to introduce driverless taxis, setting itself apart from several other cities worldwide where autonomous taxis have been in…

Swytch has officially announced the upcoming release of its Swytch Go e-bike conversion kit, set to redefine the market with its compact design and budget-friendly pricing. This new addition to the Swytch product line is expected to be notably smaller than the company’s existing conversion kits tailored for both standard and folding bicycles. Despite its reduced size, the Swytch Go boasts a potent 250W motor, delivering a top speed of 15 mph (~24 kph) and an impressive range of up to 20 miles (~32 km). Continuing its tradition of innovation, Swytch has seamlessly integrated the motor into the front wheel…

The aftermath of Britain’s departure from the European Union continues to reverberate, and now, consumers in the UK could be facing the prospect of shelling out an additional 10% for electric vehicles (EVs) due to impending tariff changes. Come January, new trade rules will come into effect, including stringent “rules of origin” requirements. These rules mandate that electric vehicles must incorporate 45% locally sourced content by 2024, with the figures escalating to 50% and 60% for battery cells and battery packs, respectively. Failure to meet these targets could expose car manufacturers to steep 10% import tariffs, either in the UK…

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 53 overhead electric bus chargers across Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) depots located in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), is set to facilitate the arrival of 60 new electric buses slated for deployment next year. The far-reaching infrastructure overhaul not only promises to significantly reduce carbon emissions but also positions itself as a pioneering model for other bus operators keen on embracing sustainable transit solutions. With a staggering price tag of $54 million, the electrification project…

Two California-based companies, Enevate and NantG Power, have entered into a strategic partnership and licensing agreement to combine their proprietary innovations in cathode and anode technologies. Their joint efforts aim to enable the commercialization and large-scale production of silicon-dominated battery technology. These advanced cells are intended for use in electric vehicles, electric scooters, heavy-duty drones, and fast-charging storage systems. Enevate, a startup with support from major manufacturers like Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, has previously announced plans to construct a U.S.-based production facility for electrodes in collaboration with JR Energy Solution, a South Korean battery electrode and cell manufacturer. NantG Power,…

Approximately 20 autonomous taxis operated by General Motors’ Cruise business unit triggered a traffic disruption on San Gabriel Street in Austin, Texas over the weekend, sparking criticism from local residents and raising questions about the technology’s readiness for urban environments. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with images and videos depicting a small fleet of driverless Chevrolet Bolt EVs navigating the street at sluggish speeds, hazard lights flashing. Some of these vehicles appeared to have turned and faced each other, resulting in an unusual slow-motion standoff resembling a peculiar four-wheeled robot confrontation. In response to the incident,…

ABB has secured a contract to supply propulsion solutions for two hydrogen-powered container ships. These vessels, commissioned by logistics group Samskip, represent a step towards cleaner and more sustainable shipping options. Each of these two short-haul container ships will be equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell boasting an impressive output of 3.2 megawatts. To ensure redundancy and reliability, diesel generators will also be onboard as backup power sources. Beyond the integration of hydrogen fuel cells, ABB will provide a compact version of its Onboard DC Grid power distribution system. This technology aims to maximise energy efficiency on board these ships,…

the Federation for Micromobility and Sport, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, has unveiled plans for the inaugural Dubai Electric Scooter Cup. This unique event, designed to highlight the potential of e-scooter racing and micromobility, will feature the world’s fastest electric race scooter, the RS-Zero DXB edition, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour. Scheduled to take place on December 16, 2023, the Dubai Electric Scooter Cup will serve as the culmination of the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. It promises to bring together the finest riders from around the world, who will compete on the…

Tesla Model Y is poised to secure its position as Europe’s best-selling new vehicle for the fifth consecutive month this year. Preliminary sales data provided by Dataforce indicates that Tesla delivered a total of 19,725 Model Y units across Europe in the month of August. This impressive figure represents a remarkable 189% increase compared to the 6,817 units sold in August of the previous year. Notably, it also marks a significant surge from July 2023 when the Model Y ranked 17th in European sales charts. The Model Y’s enduring popularity throughout 2023 has solidified its status as the best-selling new…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has announced its intention to commence shipments of its EVs to Europe later this year. This development comes in the wake of regulatory approvals and against the backdrop of the European Union’s deliberations on imposing tariffs on Chinese EV manufacturers. Sources familiar with VinFast’s strategy have revealed that approximately 3,000 units of the VF8 crossover model are slated for delivery to European destinations, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel, during the fourth quarter of this year. These vehicles will be manufactured at VinFast’s production facility in northern Vietnam. The source, preferring anonymity due to the non-public…

David Brown Automotive, renowned for its classic car restomods, has introduced a groundbreaking addition to its lineup—the Mini eMastered. This classic Mini, celebrated for its compact size and iconic design, marks the company’s inaugural venture into the realm of all-electric vehicles, combining classic charm with the advantages of electric power. In a bid to preserve the Mini’s beloved handling characteristics, David Brown Automotive has opted for an 18.8 kWh battery, steering an electric motor generating 97 hp and 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque. This configuration enables the Mini eMastered to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in…

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have unveiled a groundbreaking lithium-ion battery with the potential to recharge to 80 percent capacity in just 10 minutes while maintaining this rapid charging capability for an impressive 1500 cycles. This achievement is a ray of hope for EV enthusiasts who have long been troubled by the protracted charging times and the scarcity of fast-charging infrastructure. The technology behind this innovation lies in the battery’s ability to efficiently move ions between positive and negative electrodes through an electrolyte medium. While achieving 1500 charging cycles is not entirely unprecedented – Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk,…

Volvo Cars announced on Tuesday its plans to discontinue the production of remaining diesel models by early 2024, signaling a decisive shift towards becoming an all-electric car manufacturer. In a press statement, the Swedish automaker stated, “In a few months from now, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first legacy car makers to take this step.” As part of their commitment to sustainable mobility, Volvo, majority-owned by China’s Geely, aims to achieve full electrification of their vehicle lineup by the year 2030. The move reflects a remarkable transformation in Volvo’s product…

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has refuted recent reports suggesting discussions between Tesla and Saudi Arabia about the establishment of a factory in the Gulf nation, characterizing the claims as “utterly false.” The Wall Street Journal had reported on Monday, citing anonymous sources, that Tesla was in preliminary talks with Saudi officials regarding the potential construction of a manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk expressed his disbelief in the report. “Yet another utterly false article from WSJ,” he stated in a tweet, accompanied by a screenshot of the article’s headline.…

UK-based electric vehicle rental firm Onto has officially entered administration, despite securing substantial investments earlier this year. In January, the company successfully raised £100 million (approximately €114 million) from global investment group CDPQ and asset manager Pollen Street, with ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle fleet within the UK and explore opportunities in other regions. Onto cites a confluence of adverse market conditions as the primary drivers behind this move, including a significant and unexpected drop in the resale value of used electric vehicles. Additionally, rising interest rates and the tightening of disposable incomes have further exacerbated the company’s…

In a recent sighting that has sparked excitement among electric vehicle enthusiasts, a Tesla Cybertruck release candidate (RC) made its appearance at the 50,000th Supercharger station in California. The impressive charging event took place at the newly opened Ultra Red Supercharger, providing a captivating backdrop to the futuristic Cybertruck. The event was captured in photos and videos by an avid Tesla enthusiast, known as @MermanThommy/X, who shared the footage online. The RC bore the familiar “RC” decals seen on other Tesla prototypes, and notably, its manufacturer’s plate indicated Texas as its origin. This marks a significant milestone as the Cybertruck…

Audi has recently unveiled the Incampus technology park in Ingolstadt, marking a significant step towards shaping the future of mobility. This initiative, developed in partnership with the city of Ingolstadt and Cariad, Volkswagen’s software subsidiary, promises innovative solutions for the automotive industry. The technology park encompasses Audi’s new vehicle safety center, a data center, and Cariad’s largest tech hub, where software and electronic architecture for Audi and Porsche’s electric models are being developed. The core of this collaboration is centered around Audi and Porsche’s forthcoming electric vehicles, built upon the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The highly anticipated electric Porsche…