Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Fiat has embraced the concept of ‘product drops’ with the introduction of two new special editions based on the 500e. Known as the “Inspired By Beauty” and “Inspired By Music,” these models aim to captivate buyers with unique features and designs. The 500e Inspired By Beauty boasts a stunning Rose Gold exterior complemented by beige eco-leather seats and an eco-leather wrapped dashboard. On the other hand, the 500e Inspired By Music features a sleek Tuxedo Black finish and is equipped with a seven-speaker JBL premium audio system. See also: Fiat Reveals Electric Future with Five Concept Vehicles This edition also includes…

In a recent demonstration of its durability, the Tesla Cybertruck withstood gunfire from a 9mm firearm, reaffirming its reputation for toughness. Content creator Jack Rosenbauer orchestrated the test, driving the Cybertruck to a remote location where it was subjected to a barrage of bullets. Despite initial reports misidentifying the firearm as an AK-47, it was clarified that the weapon used was a 9mm, rather than the 7.62mm rounds typical of an AK-47. While this discrepancy altered the nature of the test, the Cybertruck’s ability to withstand gunfire remains impressive. See also: Tesla’s Cybertruck Faces Off-Road Challenges Amidst Impressive Demonstrations https://twitter.com/jake_rosenbauer/status/1765814490736791826 This…

China’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape is about to get more competitive with the upcoming launch of the Arcfox Alpha S5, poised to challenge established players like the BYD Seal. Arcfox, a subsidiary of BAIC, has unveiled the Alpha S5 with a sleek design and promising performance, adding to its existing lineup of stylish electric vehicles. Measuring 4,820 mm (189.7 inches) in length, 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) in width, and standing 1,480 mm (58.2 inches) tall, the Alpha S5 offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. Its wheelbase of 2,900 mm (114.1 inches) provides stability and agility on the road,…

LG Electronics Inc. has showcased its range of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions optimized for various settings, including homes, commercial spaces, and charging stations, at the 2024 EV Trend Korea exhibition. This marks the first time the South Korean home appliances maker has displayed its complete lineup of EV chargers since entering the market last year. The lineup includes a 7-kilowatt (kW) slow charger and two types of fast chargers with capacities of 100 kW and 200 kW. At the three-day EV exposition, LG Electronics set up a 180 square-meter exhibition booth featuring design concepts for housing, commercial areas, and…

Maryland-based ION Storage Systems has reached a significant milestone in the development of its unique solid-state batteries (SSBs), marking a major step forward in the advancement of battery technology. The company’s anodeless and compressionless SSBs have successfully achieved and exceeded 125 cycles with less than 5% capacity degradation, signaling the potential for over 1,000 cycles in future deployments. Solid-state batteries have garnered considerable attention due to their promise of enhanced safety and durability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. ION’s SSBs distinguish themselves by utilizing a unique 3-D ceramic structure in place of conventional anode materials like graphite. This design not…

The Port of San Diego has taken a significant step towards sustainability by putting the first commercially available, large-capacity electric forklift made in the US into service. This move marks the beginning of a broader initiative by the port to deploy six net-zero pieces of construction equipment over the next 12 to 18 months. Leading this green transition at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal is the Wiggins Yard eBull battery electric forklift, boasting an impressive 55,000-pound capacity. This net-zero machine stands out as one of the largest electric forklifts in the US, capable of lifting up…

Two years have passed since the tragic sinking of the Felicity Ace cargo ship in the Atlantic Ocean, a catastrophe marked by a massive fire that engulfed the vessel and led to the loss of more than 3,900 vehicles. Now, the Volkswagen Group finds itself embroiled in legal battles as two lawsuits claim that a Porsche electric vehicle onboard triggered the fire. One of the lawsuits, filed in Stuttgart, involves multiple plaintiffs, including ship operator Mitsui OSK Lines and insurer Allianz, who have accused VW of negligence in failing to disclose the risks associated with transporting electric vehicles. The case,…

Euro NCAP, the renowned automotive industry safety body known for its rigorous crash testing and star rating system, is set to raise the bar for vehicle safety starting in January 2026. Cars that undergo testing and lack physical buttons, stalks, or dials for essential functions will face penalties, potentially missing out on a five-star rating even if they excel in other areas. The essential functions that must have physical controls include indicating directions, triggering hazard lights, sounding the horn, operating windscreen wipers, and activating the eCall SOS function, which automatically calls emergency services in the event of a serious collision.…

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio unveiled a proposal on Tuesday to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports by $20,000, aiming to curb what he called China’s efforts to “flood U.S. auto markets” and protect American automakers and workers. Rubio, who serves as the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also announced plans to introduce legislation that would expand tariffs to include vehicles produced by Chinese automakers in other countries, such as Mexico. Additionally, the proposed legislation would restrict subsidies for electric vehicles to those that comply with stringent North American free trade rules. See also: China Sets Sights on…

Tesla has officially announced the opening of its Supercharger network to non-Tesla electric vehicles, with Ford being the first automaker to participate. While more OEMs are expected to join the program throughout 2024, analysts predict that this move could become a multi-billion-dollar business for Tesla in the coming years. The decision comes after several automakers adopted Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug and charger system last year. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, praised the partnership, highlighting that “it works great” for Ford customers. For non-Tesla EV owners, accessing the Supercharger network offers clear advantages in terms of speed, reliability, and…

Li Auto has officially unveiled updates to its existing models, the Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9, at a launch event in Beijing, marking the company’s headquarters. Unlike many other Chinese EV makers who have lowered prices through model updates, the updates to the L-series models include configuration upgrades and price hikes for two Pro trims. See also: Li Auto Officially Launches Li Mega Electric MPV with Starting Price of $77,770 and Ranges up to 710 km The main updates to the L-series include an upgrade of the cockpit chip to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, along with enhancements to…

Dacia’s Sandero continues to dominate as the brand’s best-selling vehicle, with an impressive 235,000 units sold in 2023. Despite its success, the Sandero, which also ranks as the second best-selling vehicle in Europe during the same period, has yet to offer an electrified option. However, Dacia is poised to join the electric revolution, announcing plans to introduce a battery-electric variant of the Sandero with its next generation in 2027 or 2028, aligning with EU regulations mandating manufacturers to transition to electric vehicles. See also: Dacia CEO Unveils Plans for Affordable Electric Sandero Hatchback in 2027 or 2028 Denis Le Vot, Dacia’s…