Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

The European Parliament has approved its stance on new CO2 standards for trucks and buses, aligning closely with the European Commission’s proposals while introducing a notable exception for e-fuels in trucks. The decision, passed with 445 votes in favor, 152 against, and 30 abstentions, positions the Parliament for negotiations with EU member states. While endorsing the Commission’s directive that only zero-emission city buses be permitted from 2030, the Parliament introduced a temporary exemption until 2035 for city buses powered by biomethane, contingent upon stringent conditions. For medium and heavy-duty trucks, including specialized vehicles like refuse collection and concrete mixers, the…

Italian automaker Fiat has unveiled five special edition Topolino electric vehicles (EVs) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Disney. The Topolino, the Italian nickname for Mickey Mouse, was originally given to the 1936 Fiat 500 due to its resemblance to the iconic character. Crafted by Fiat Centro Stile designers, four of the EVs feature distinct liveries, while the fifth, designed by Disney artist Giorgio Cavazzano, pays homage to Mickey Mouse himself. The Historical version draws inspiration from Disney’s inaugural short film, “Steamboat Willie,” while the Modern version focuses on Mickey Mouse’s initials. The Street version incorporates graffiti-style designs as a…

Hyundai is set to bolster its presence in the high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market with the anticipated release of the IONIQ 6 N, marking the brand’s foray into exceptionally fast and powerful street-legal vehicles. Following the recent North American debut of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N at the LA Auto Show, the automaker is reportedly gearing up for an even speedier model. The IONIQ 5 N, featuring a two-stage inverter and an 84kWh battery, impressed enthusiasts with its 641 horsepower capability when the N Grin Boost is engaged. This sports EV, built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, incorporates technologies from its…

Nissan is set to unveil plans to manufacture electric versions of its popular Juke and Qashqai crossovers at its Sunderland factory in the UK. The announcement, expected on Friday, underscores the automaker’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) production, aligning with its September decision to cease internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle manufacturing in Europe by 2030. Industry sources reveal that Nissan is prepared to allocate “hundreds of millions of pounds” and potentially exceed £1 billion ($1.25B) for the electric crossover project. Notably, the UK government is anticipated to play a significant role in the initiative, with a substantial guarantee likely. Prime…

Fisker has presented the production-intent version of its all-electric Pear at its Los Angeles store. While the vehicle maintains the overall design from the initial preview in August, notable alterations have been made to bring it closer to the model customers can purchase. A primary external difference is observed in the upgraded headlights of the production-intent Pear. Featuring thin LED units connected by a detailed LED light bar and an illuminated Pear emblem at the center, this modification enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic. Additionally, the Pear displayed in Los Angeles now sports traditional wing mirrors, a departure from the concept’s camera…

Renault has officially revealed its groundbreaking Master light commercial vehicle (LCV), marking the first clean-sheet design in 13 years for this versatile workhorse. Beyond its contemporary aesthetic, the all-new Master boasts enhanced aerodynamics, claiming the top spot in efficiency within its category. The lineup includes diesel, fully electric, and hydrogen powertrain options, signaling Renault’s commitment to diverse and sustainable mobility solutions. The exterior redesign mirrors styling cues from Renault’s passenger lineup, featuring Megane-style C-shaped LED headlights, a revamped emblem on a larger grille, and modern intakes on the bumper. Distinctive lines and a redesigned tail underscore that this is not…

Chinese start-up Zoolnasm, founded in January 2021, has initiated the construction of a sizable factory in Guangde, Anhui province, for the production of sodium-ion batteries. This move follows recent announcements by BYD and Huaihai regarding their own sodium-ion battery plans, marking an industry-wide shift towards alternative battery technologies. Designed with an ambitious annual capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours for sodium-ion battery cells and an additional 10 GWh for corresponding battery systems, Zoolnasm’s facility is set to become a key player in the burgeoning sector. The first construction phase, slated for completion in August 2024, targets an annual capacity of 10 GWh…

In a recent social media spectacle, a prototype of Tesla’s Cybertruck was observed navigating the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Port Aransas, Texas. The short video, shared on Reddit by u/ilyasgnnndmr, depicts the electric pickup truck driving into the ocean, evoking memories of Elon Musk’s previous claims about the vehicle’s waterproof features. While the Cybertruck did not venture into deep waters, confining its aquatic adventure to a very shallow area where the water didn’t reach the vehicle’s floor, the footage sparked intrigue among onlookers. The electric truck then promptly exited the water, continuing its journey away from…

Recent data from Goldman Sachs reveals a positive trend in the realm of electric car battery prices, signaling a decline after a temporary surge alongside inflation. Contrary to recent years where battery prices experienced an uptick due to increased metal costs and general inflation, the latest insights from Goldman Sachs suggest a faster-than-expected reversal in this trend. The electric vehicle (EV) revolution witnessed a significant catalyst in the form of declining lithium battery prices over the past two decades. However, this trend faced a disruption in recent years with prices on the rise. Now, Goldman Sachs predicts a return to…

BYD has introduced its innovative “Online Accident Reporting Service.” Positioned as a trial initiative, this service aims to deliver swift assistance to users in the unfortunate event of an accident. Accidents, an inevitable aspect of daily life, can range from minor mishaps to severe incidents with far-reaching consequences. In the realm of driving, the implications of accidents can be particularly hazardous and even fatal, as demonstrated by a recent incident in China where a driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, resulting in a collision between a test car of the AITO M5 and a BYD…

As Tesla continues to showcase its highly anticipated Cybertruck at select showrooms in California ahead of the upcoming delivery event, details about the electric pickup’s capabilities are gradually emerging. This week, an advertisement near Tesla’s showroom at the UTC mall in San Diego provided a sneak peek into the Cybertruck’s payload and towing capacities. According to the displayed sign, the Cybertruck boasts an impressive payload capacity of up to 2,500 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. While the specific truck configuration to which these ratings apply remains unclear, the revelation provides enthusiasts with a glimpse into the capabilities…

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a substantial increase in the state’s EV “make-ready” program budget from $701 million to $1.24 billion. The Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the budget expansion, highlighting a commitment to advancing EV charging accessibility, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The enhanced budget includes an ambitious expansion of the fast-charging program, aiming to increase the target from 1,500 to 6,302 DC charging stations. The state is also set to offer higher incentive levels, further propelling the build-out of EV charging infrastructure across New York. Addressing the need for inclusivity, the state plans to support charging infrastructure for…

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has entered a $210 million financing deal with North American fuel retailer Parkland Corporation. The agreement aims to facilitate the expansion of Parkland’s EV charging network across Canada, potentially adding up to 2,000 new charging points. Under the Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure (CHRI) initiative, this marks CIB’s second investment, following a similar agreement with FLO in April 2023. The FLO deal, valued at approximately $153 million US dollars, focuses on building over 2,000 fast-charging points at around 400 locations by 2027, with a budget allocation of CAD 220 million. The CIB emphasized that its cumulative…

Electric vehicle startup Rivian has faced challenges as it establishes itself in the automotive industry, with some owners reporting issues related to their vehicles. Mitch Dumke, an Ohio rancher, has experienced more severe problems with his Rivian R1T, prompting the company to agree to repurchase the electric pickup truck at its full retail price. In a video review shared on YouTube, Dumke outlined multiple instances where his R1T required towing, with each incident linked to either the braking system or a drive unit malfunction. Dumke, who utilized the truck extensively, accumulating over 24,000 miles in approximately 15 months while hauling…

On November 30, 2023, Tesla is poised to unveil its highly anticipated Cybertruck, marking a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle (EV) giant. However, the unveiling in Austin, Texas comes with a twist – only 10 of these futuristic trucks are slated for delivery to customers, a revelation that may temper the expectations of the nearly two million reservation holders. Javier Verdura, Tesla’s global product design director, hinted at this limited delivery during a speech in Mexico. While Verdura’s words add an element of excitement, they also serve as a reminder to manage expectations. This cautious approach aligns with Tesla’s…

Zero-emission semi-truck manufacturer Nikola has announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Anastasiya Pasterick, who assumed the role earlier this year after succeeding Kim Brady. Pasterick is stepping down to “pursue other opportunities,” and her departure follows the trend of executive turnover at the company, as reported by Reuters. Pasterick is expected to assist in the transition to the next CFO until December 1. Nikola intends to promptly identify a successor for the position. During this interim period, financial leaders will report directly to CEO Stephen Girsky. Kim Brady, who had been with Nikola since 2020, played a…

Chinese automaker Li Auto has revealed its latest offering, the Li Mega all-electric van, marking the company’s entry into the fully electric vehicle segment. Presales for the Li Mega have commenced in China, with dealer deliveries scheduled to begin in January, and customer handovers expected in late February 2024. The Li Mega electric van boasts a powerful 400 kW electric motor, enabling a rapid acceleration from zero to 100 kph in just 5.5 seconds. Featuring three rows and a spacious interior, the van is equipped with a 17-inch screen for rear passengers, emphasizing a blend of performance and passenger comfort.…

Candela, the Swedish electric boat manufacturer, has officially commenced series production of its P-12 water taxi in Stockholm. The all-electric hydrofoil is available in three distinct versions: Shuttle, Business, and Voyager, marking a significant step towards sustainable water transport. The P-12 Shuttle, initially unveiled last year, accommodates up to 30 passengers and is priced at 1.7 million euros. According to Candela, this cost aligns with that of a similarly-sized vessel equipped with a combustion engine. Designed for 12 to 20 passengers, the Business version boasts a high-quality interior, while the Voyager version offers customization options for both private and commercial…

Renowned Chinese auto manufacturer Geely, already a key player in the European automotive landscape with ownership stakes in Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, is now reportedly in the early stages of discussions regarding a potential investment in Alpine, a subsidiary of Renault. Alpine, known for its sports cars and owned by Renault, is gearing up for a significant shift, transitioning to an all-electric lineup and expanding its offerings to include hot hatches, crossovers, and SUVs. Alpine, under Renault’s ownership, has set ambitious goals for the next six years, aiming to achieve €8 billion ($8.7 billion) in revenue by the end of…

Rivian has recently announced an exclusive deal for prospective R1T truck buyers, available for a limited time until December 21, 2023. This promotion coincides with the approaching holiday season and the impending release of the Cybertruck. According to Rivian, purchasers of R1T trucks from existing inventory will be eligible to receive a complimentary Rivian Wall Charger, a deal valued at US$800. To sweeten the offer, Rivian has partnered with installation experts Qmerit, extending a substantial installation credit of up to US$2,000. Typically ranging between $800 and $2,000, Qmerit’s installation services effectively render Rivian’s deal cost-free for new R1T owners. https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1725284158459756792…