Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

British automaker Lotus is poised to introduce its latest creation, an all-electric sports car scheduled for unveiling next year, with customer deliveries anticipated to commence in 2027. The upcoming model, currently designated as the Type 135, is positioned as the successor to the Emira, potentially coexisting with its predecessor during the transitional phase. Built on the Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture (LEVA), shared with the Alpine A110 successor, the Type 135 adopts a distinctive approach to battery placement. Unlike typical electric vehicles, Lotus plans to position the battery pack just behind the front seats, adopting a mid-engined-style layout. This strategic design…

French automaker Peugeot has announced its commitment to offer a complete range of electric vehicles by the end of 2024, unveiling the E-408 fastback and the E-5008 SUV at the second edition of e-Lion Day. The company also introduced an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty program for E-3008 customers and revealed the integration of ChatGPT technology into its entire passenger and LCV lineup. The star of the event was the electric version of the next-gen 5008, set to debut later this year. Although still concealed under a veil, the teaser revealed its distinctive upright rear end and recognizable LED lighting…

Ford became the pioneer automaker to adopt the North American Charging Standard and announce its EVs’ integration with Tesla’s Supercharger network. Following this trailblazing decision, nearly every major automaker has since followed suit, marking a substantial industry shift in less than a year. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, recently provided an update on this transformative journey. In a post on Elon Musk’s social platform, he revealed that specific owners of Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models in the United States and Canada would soon have the opportunity to reserve a complimentary charging adapter. This adapter would facilitate the charging of their…

Italian luxury carmaker Maserati has officially confirmed the delay in the development of its electric Quattroporte Folgore sedan, shedding more light on its overall electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The electric version of the Quattroporte is now slated for release in 2028, with several other battery-powered models preceding it. The GranCabrio Folgore is set to be the first among the lineup, scheduled for unveiling later this year, closely following the release of its internal combustion engine counterpart. Maserati’s commitment to electrification extends beyond 2024, with a zero-emissions version of the MC20 expected in 2025. See also: Maserati’s All-Electric Quattroporte to Compete…

Tesla has communicated to its suppliers its intention to commence production of a new mass-market electric vehicle (EV) known as “Redwood” by mid-2025, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by Reuters. Described by two of the sources as a compact crossover model, the EV aims to contribute to Tesla’s goal of making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader market. CEO Elon Musk had initially pledged to produce a $25,000 car in 2020, a plan that underwent shelving and subsequent revival, as highlighted in the report. Last year, Tesla sent out a “request for quotes” to suppliers…

Tesla disclosed its financial results and shareholders’ letter for the fourth quarter and full-year 2023 after the market closed today, revealing earnings of $0.71 per share (non-GAAP) and revenue of $25.167 billion in the last quarter. This figure missed expectations, prompting an update on the company’s performance. The GAAP earnings, however, stood significantly higher at $2.27 per share, with Tesla attributing the difference to a one-time non-cash tax benefit of $5.9 billion recorded in Q4. This benefit was associated with the release of a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets. Despite the higher GAAP earnings, Tesla’s gross margin on…

Cadillac’s high-end electric vehicle, the Celestiq, has officially entered production, as confirmed by the company’s Vice President, John Roth. General Motors, Cadillac’s parent company, unveiled the Celestiq in 2022, positioning it as the brand’s premier electric vehicle (EV). The vehicle boasts an anticipated 300 miles of range, a swift 0-60 MPH acceleration rate of 3.8 seconds, and a suite of luxurious features. Previously disclosed by Cadillac’s Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Grady Dias, the entry-level configuration of the Celestiq is priced at approximately $340,000. Roth shared in a media briefing that the production process is already underway, noting, “We have already…

Tesla has unveiled its new Adaptive Headlights feature for the European version of the Model 3 Highland through a recent software update, version 2024.2. The Adaptive Headlights, aimed at enhancing nighttime driving, will adjust to minimize glare for fellow motorists and cyclists. Initially introduced with the rollout of the new Model 3 Highland, labeled “Highland,” Tesla has now extended the functionality to European vehicles. The Adaptive Headlights, designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions, selectively dim certain pixels of the headlights. See also: Tesla Model 3 Highland Faces Rigorous Nürburgring Test as YouTubers Push Its Limits According to release notes,…

Ford is exploring the off-road potential of electric trucks with the F-150 Lightning Switchgear concept, a collaboration between Ford Performance and RTR. Drawing inspiration from the F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver, the concept features a distinctive exterior design with custom carbon composite bodywork, including a widebody kit with bulging fenders and prominent vents. Beyond the visual enhancements, the concept incorporates functional upgrades such as front and rear bumpers to enhance approach and departure angles, a front skid plate, steel rock rails, and a substantial spoiler. Notable additions include 18-inch wheels paired with 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, as well as a…

Researchers at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have introduced a novel solid-state lithium metal battery with the capability to recharge in a mere 10 minutes. The research, outlined in a publication in Nature Materials, outlines a pioneering method for developing solid-state batteries featuring a lithium metal anode. Lithium metal anode batteries are hailed as a breakthrough in battery technology due to their remarkable tenfold increase in capacity compared to commercial graphite anodes, potentially revolutionizing the range of electric vehicles. Xin Li, Associate Professor of Materials Science at SEAS and the senior author of…

TuSimple Holdings has announced its voluntary decision to delist from the Nasdaq and terminate registration with the U.S. securities regulator, resulting in a 40% drop in premarket trading for the autonomous driving technology company. Having gone public in 2021, TuSimple cited a decline in valuation and liquidity since its IPO, coupled with increased stock price volatility. See also: TuSimple Advances Autonomous Trucking Testing in Japan and China Amidst Company Restructuring In a statement on Wednesday, the company attributed the downturn in its fortunes to a rise in interest rates and heightened market caution prompted by macroeconomic uncertainties. TuSimple anticipates its…

On Tuesday, Ram, a subsidiary of Stellantis, introduced its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) for the US market—the Ram ProMaster electric van. With a city driving range of up to 162 miles and a range of innovative features, Ram views this EV as a significant advancement in zero-emission performance, commercial capabilities, and technology. According to Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, the ProMaster EV is a “game-changer” for the brand, aligning with the evolving automotive landscape as the market increasingly shifts towards electric vehicles. Last year, the US witnessed the delivery of a record 1.2 million EVs, prompting Ram to join the…

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD) has clinched a milestone order for electric school buses from the Los Angeles Unified School District, marking the largest single order of its kind from the second-largest public school system in the United States. The order, totaling 180 electric school buses, supplements the 26 Blue Bird electric school buses already part of the school district’s fleet. This substantial acquisition is a pivotal step for the school district’s initiative to transition its Sun Valley Bus Yard to 100% electric by 2026. The Los Angeles Unified School District anticipates significant annual savings with this electric school bus…

Japanese automaker Mazda has disclosed plans to embrace Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its forthcoming lineup of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in North America, set for release starting in 2025. The decision aims to offer Mazda EV owners a broader array of charging options, leveraging Tesla’s extensive network of over 15,000 Superchargers across North America, as outlined in a press release by the company. Mazda’s previous foray into the U.S. electric vehicle market faced challenges, notably with the MX-30, which achieved modest sales of 181 units in 2021 and 324 units in 2022. In July 2023, Mazda withdrew…

Ride-hailing giant Uber is teaming up with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla to accelerate the adoption of electric cars among its drivers in the United States. The collaboration aims to support Uber’s ambitious goal of achieving emission-free operations in U.S. and Canadian cities by the year 2030. In an exclusive statement to Reuters on Tuesday, Uber revealed its strategy to address the primary concerns voiced by its drivers—ownership costs and convenient charging infrastructure. As part of this initiative, Uber is offering drivers special incentives of up to $2,000 for the purchase of Tesla’s popular electric models, the Model 3 and…

American regulators are scrutinizing the safety of the 2023 Fisker Ocean, following a series of alarming complaints from vehicle owners who report hazardous declines in braking performance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed the reception of nine complaints related to the 2023 Ocean, including one incident that resulted in a fire. As a response, the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary evaluation, focusing on approximately 4,000 units of the electric vehicle. See also: Fisker Initiates Final 2023 Over-the-Air Software Update for Ocean Electric SUV Complaints lodged by owners encompass a range of issues, all centered around braking concerns.…

Lucid Group reported a decrease in deliveries and production during the fourth quarter of the previous year, leading to a significant drop in its shares to a record low. The decline in deliveries and production is attributed to weakened demand for electric vehicles (EVs) due to high-interest rates, causing customers to cut back on significant purchases. This trend has prompted major automakers like Ford and General Motors to delay their planned EV and battery factory expansion initiatives. See also: Lucid Aims to Launch Affordable Electric Car, CEO Clarifies Timeline Additionally, Lucid has been impacted by a price war initiated by…

Volkswagen (VW) is lowering prices on its ID range of battery-electric vehicles in specific European countries, including France, Belgium, Italy, Norway, and Sweden. This strategic move is aimed at stimulating sales, despite VW’s earlier stance that it would not engage in the pricing strategies reminiscent of Tesla’s approach in the previous year. VW stated that these adjustments “will enable us to achieve our ambitious business goals.” As a result of the new pricing, almost all versions of the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5 now qualify for government electric vehicle incentives ranging from €5,000 to €7,000 (~$5,400 to ~$7,600) in France. VW…

Japanese automaker Honda has showcased two futuristic electric concept cars, named the Saloon and Space-Hub, at this year’s CES in Las Vegas. The designs provide a glimpse into Honda’s upcoming 0 Series of electric vehicles. The Saloon, drawing inspiration from 1970s wedge-shaped concepts, is set to influence the first production model of the 0 Series scheduled for a 2026 release. While the gull-wing doors showcased in the concept may not make it to the final product, Honda emphasizes the Saloon’s foundation on a new dedicated EV platform. The Saloon’s exterior, with its low and wide design, conceals a spacious interior…

Automakers Hyundai and Kia, in conjunction with US company W. L. Gore & Associates, are engaged in a collaborative effort to develop proton exchange membranes (PEM) for fuel cell systems. These membranes will subsequently be integrated into hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. W. L. Gore & Associates, a materials technology firm based in Newark, specializes in products made from fluoropolymers, with notable contributions including the development of waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex fabrics. The partnership with Hyundai and Kia will specifically focus on key aspects of PEM development, which is a crucial component of fuel cells. See also: FirstElement Fuel and Hyundai Join…