Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Citroen has recently revealed the first images of the new C3 Aircross, showcasing a revamped design akin to the compact e-C3 and an expanded model range including a seven-seat variant. The new lineup will include an electric version, the ë-C3 Aircross, promising an “affordable all-electric drive produced in Europe,” although specific technical details have yet to be disclosed. Similar to the e-C3, the ë-C3 Aircross is expected to be manufactured in Slovakia, utilizing the CMP Smart Car platform shared with the smaller electric model. Given the C3 Aircross’s larger size, with a length of 4.39 meters and the option for…

Tesla has delivered its Tesla Semi, an electric semi-truck, to a new customer for a pilot program that has reportedly exceeded expectations, pushing the electric vehicle “well beyond expectations.” The Tesla Semi program has experienced significant delays since its unveiling in 2017, with production initially expected in 2020. However, it only entered production in late 2022. Despite entering production over a year ago, the program has remained limited. In October 2023, it was reported that Tesla had only built about 70 Tesla Semi trucks, primarily using them internally and with one main customer: PepsiCo. Tesla was expected to increase production…

According to a recent ranking by the Center of Automotive Management (CAM), Chinese car manufacturers are dominating global electromobility in terms of innovation. The top six most innovative electric car companies include three Chinese companies: Geely, BYD, and SAIC. Tesla remains the world’s most innovative car manufacturer in the field of battery-electric mobility, ahead of the Volkswagen Group, according to CAM. However, it is directly followed by two Chinese representatives, Geely and BYD. The SAIC Group is in 6th place but achieved the second-largest increase in innovative strength in the study. The CAM team individually assessed a total of 512…

Illinois is making substantial strides towards a cleaner energy future with a new $25.1 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. John J. Kim, Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed plans to allocate this funding under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The initiative aims to deploy 643 new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 141 locations across the state, significantly bolstering the EV charging network. Director Kim highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “Through these grants, Illinois will increase the number of fast charging ports by over 100 percent, resulting in nearly 1,000…

The U.S. Treasury announced on Friday that it has reimbursed auto dealers for more than $580 million in advance point-of-sale consumer electric vehicle (EV) tax credit payments since the beginning of the year. This marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the new EV credit program. Previously, U.S. auto buyers could only benefit from the EV credit of up to $7,500 or the $4,000 used EV credit when they filed their tax returns the following year. However, starting January 1, consumers are now able to transfer the credits to a car dealer at the time of sale, effectively reducing…

The City of Berkeley, California, has taken a significant step towards achieving its goal of transitioning to a zero-emission off-road equipment and vehicle fleet by 2035. In a groundbreaking move, Berkeley has become the first city to take delivery of a 70 horsepower Monarch MK-V electric tractor, signaling a shift towards sustainable farming practices. This development comes at a challenging time for the electric farm tractor industry, with Solectrac, a California-based company, facing setbacks, including being evicted from their Sonoma County R&D facility. Additionally, some agricultural equipment dealers have expressed reservations about Solectrac, citing the preference for a 75 horsepower…

Tesla has officially introduced its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription option in Canada, following an announcement last month that the service would soon be available in the country. The move comes after Tesla’s Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development, Rohan Patel, confirmed that CEO Elon Musk had approved the rollout of FSD subscriptions in Canada. The FSD subscription is now available in Canada for $99 CAD per month, mirroring the price cut in the United States. Tesla reduced the monthly price of FSD (Supervised) to $99 in the U.S. as part of its efforts to expand the availability of…

MAN, Europe’s second-largest commercial truck manufacturer, has announced plans to produce 200 hydrogen-powered semi trucks, signaling a significant step towards alternative fuel technologies. This move comes even as the company’s leadership remains skeptical about hydrogen’s long-term viability. MAN’s CEO, Alexander Vlaskamp, has previously expressed doubts, stating that “it is impossible for hydrogen to effectively compete with battery electric trucks.” He highlighted the current high cost of hydrogen, stating that “Today you cannot buy hydrogen for less than 13 or 14 euros … and it is not green.” Despite these reservations, MAN is proceeding with the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles as…

In a recent development, the Italian government has criticized Alfa Romeo’s choice to manufacture its new Milano crossover in Poland, arguing that the move violates Italian laws regarding products with “Italian sounding” names that are not actually made in Italy. Italy’s industry minister, Adolofo Urso, expressed his disapproval, stating, “A car called Milano cannot be produced in Poland. This law stipulates that you cannot give indications that mislead consumers. So a car called Milano must be produced in Italy. Otherwise, it gives a misleading indication which is not allowed under Italian law.” Despite this, Stellantis’ CEO, Carlos Tavares, defended the…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled upgrades to its EQS electric flagship for the 2024 model year, enhancing both its design and technology. The new EQS model features a larger battery capacity of 118 kWh, up from 108.4 kWh, resulting in a maximum WLTP range of up to 822 kilometers for the EQS 450+. This marks a significant increase from the previous 717 kilometers, making the EQS more suitable for long-distance travel. Despite the larger battery, Mercedes-Benz has decided to maintain the 400-volt architecture for the EQS, rather than switching to an 800-volt system as anticipated. This decision means that the maximum charging…

Hyundai and Kia are looking to equip their electric vehicles (EVs) in India with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from local manufacturer Exide. The strategic partnership between the automakers and Exide aims to expand their EV plans for the Indian market and localize battery production, aligning with India’s carbon neutrality goals. While specific details about which models will feature the locally produced batteries have not been disclosed, Exide Industries, based in Kolkata, will produce LFP cells for Hyundai and Kia’s EVs. The partnership positions the companies as pioneers in using domestically produced batteries in their upcoming EV models in India.…

Lucid Motors has unveiled an enticing leasing offer for its 2023 Air Grand Touring electric sedan, aimed at U.S. customers seeking a luxurious and high-performance driving experience. With a starting price of $135,750, the Air Grand Touring comes with significant discounts and credits, making it a compelling option in the electric vehicle market. Buyers of the 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring can benefit from a $15,000 Air Credit and a $9,650 Pro Credit. Additionally, the vehicle is eligible for a $7,500 tax credit when leased. Customers can also receive a $5,000 bonus and a $1,250 discount if they are referred…