Author: Alexander Reed

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…

Hyundai Motor Company is reportedly exploring options to enhance its assembly line efficiency by taking cues from Tesla’s innovative gigacasting method. According to a recent report from Hankyung, Hyundai aims to integrate this groundbreaking approach into its production processes by the year 2026. Gigacasting, or hypercasting, has gained prominence in the automotive industry for its potential to reduce production costs, streamline manufacturing timelines, and even lighten vehicle weight, particularly advantageous for electric vehicles. To accomplish this goal, Hyundai intends to increase its domestic investments in electrification and related components while transforming its existing manufacturing facilities into pivotal hubs for future…

General Motors (GM) finds itself in a precarious position as the threat of a prolonged strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union looms. While rivals Ford Motor and Stellantis gear up to launch revamped combustion-engine models, GM’s immediate focus is squarely on electric vehicles (EVs). The company has ambitious plans to introduce at least five new EVs, including all-electric versions of its popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, according to insights from GlobalData. However, GM has encountered a series of hurdles throughout the year, struggling to iron out disruptions in battery manufacturing and manage its EV supply chain…

Volkswagen is set to reduce its workforce at the Zwickau electric car factory due to what the company cites as the “current market situation.” According to a company spokesperson, approximately 269 temporary contracts that are soon to expire will not be renewed, with potential adjustments to shift operations also on the horizon. The affected positions primarily involve employees with fixed-term contracts, a segment that accounts for about 2,500 of the 10,700 workers at Volkswagen’s electric car plant in Zwickau. The precise course of action regarding these job cuts will be negotiated with employee representatives in the coming days. Currently, it…

A Tesla Cybertruck release candidate (RC) unit made a notable appearance on the streets of Las Vegas over the weekend, offering a closer look at its distinctive design and intriguing features. The vehicle was observed with taped-on wires, stickers, and a rear-mounted trailer hitch, drawing attention due to its stark contrast with conventional automobiles. The strikingly angular Cybertruck, designed by Tesla’s chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, left a lasting impression on onlookers, including @curtismc08, the original poster of the sighting. @curtismc08 expressed that the vehicle was even more impressive in person than anticipated and disclosed reserving their own Cybertruck while…