Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Amazon and Hyundai revealed plans to commence the online sale of Hyundai vehicles in the U.S. beginning next year. Under the new agreement, customers will have the convenience of browsing, configuring, and purchasing a Hyundai car directly through Amazon.com. Once the transaction is completed, buyers can schedule delivery through a local Hyundai dealer. This collaboration represents an expansion of a deal initially disclosed two years ago, aimed at enhancing Hyundai’s digital showroom on Amazon.com. The original partnership allowed customers to configure vehicles, calculate prices, and locate dealers to finalize purchases. Hyundai had established its first digital showroom on Amazon in…

Senior executives from Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) are optimistic about the robust demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., defying industry worries over inflation and higher interest rates. The executives provided insights ahead of the Auto Show in Los Angeles. “I am still very bullish on the battery electrics,” stated Jose Munoz, Hyundai’s global chief operating officer. He noted that Hyundai’s EV sales were doubling year-over-year and highlighted the accelerated investments in the battery electric plant in Savannah, Georgia. Munoz emphasized, “We’re pushing as much as we possibly can to get it ready by October next year.…

Tesla has released its latest over-the-air (OTA) software update, version 2023.38.8, this week. The update addresses user demands by introducing a long-awaited Bluetooth feature and streamlining the activation process for Autosteer, mirroring the functionality seen in the new Model S and Model X. Tesla had previously introduced a rear screen with the 2021 refresh of the Model S and Model X, offering backseat passengers control over HVAC functions and entertainment options. However, users found a limitation in connecting Bluetooth headphones, hindering the ability to enjoy personal audio without disrupting the front-seat experience. While Bluetooth headphone support for the Model S…

Polestar, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced its integration into Tesla’s Supercharger network in China, following in the footsteps of SAIC-GM, which revealed a similar collaboration earlier this month. CEO Shen Ziyu of Polestar China unveiled the plan, emphasizing that the company has entered into a partnership with Tesla to become one of the initial collaborators utilizing the extensive charging station network in China. Polestar’s move is part of its broader strategy to develop its own charging system. During this transition, owners of Polestar electric vehicles will gain access to an expanded charging network, including Tesla Superchargers. The company aims…

General Motors (GM) has discreetly acquired Tooling & Equipment International (TEI), a prominent gigacasting company known for its expertise in sand casting techniques. TEI, previously a key partner for Tesla, played a pivotal role in the electric automaker’s innovative approach to manufacturing large body parts and reducing production costs. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that TEI collaborated with Tesla since 2017, initially contributing to the development of the Model Y and later playing a crucial role in gigacasting mold prototyping for the Model 3, Cybertruck, and Semi. GM’s acquisition of TEI is estimated to have involved a transaction ranging…

ABB E-Mobility has finalized the acquisition of Swedish start-up Vourity, signaling a strategic move to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging services. The acquired cloud-based technology from Vourity is designed to streamline payment processes at charging stations, offering a variety of payment options for electric car users. The integration of this technology is anticipated to contribute to a more seamless and user-friendly experience for consumers, a critical factor in driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The acquired cloud-based payment terminal can be integrated into ABB’s charging stations, potentially serving as a central “payment station” for multiple charging points at…

Electric vehicle start-up Canoo has officially commenced deliveries of its Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDV) produced at the newly established manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. The inaugural batch of Oklahoma-made electric vehicles was handed over to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) in the state. In a press release, Canoo highlighted this milestone as the initiation of its phased-ramp manufacturing in Oklahoma, signifying the beginning of LDV deliveries to key customers and partners in 2023. While specific details regarding the number of LDV vans delivered to OMES and the projected delivery volume for the year were not disclosed, Canoo…

Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta, known for its high-performance motorcycles, continues to make strides in the electric bicycle sector with the launch of its latest model, the Cortina Edizione Limitata. Under the sub-brand E-MV Agusta, dedicated exclusively to e-bikes, the Cortina stands out by combining artistic styling with practicality, targeting urban commuters. The Cortina’s frame is a sophisticated blend of aluminum and carbon fiber, designed to accommodate a diverse range of riders and featuring convenient cargo mounts for urban utility. The aluminum tubing frame exudes a slim and elegant profile, while the carbon fiber rigid front fork promises a lightweight…

Finnish charging infrastructure manufacturer Kempower has received the coveted “Electrical Testing Laboratories” (ETL) certification from Intertek Testing Laboratories, clearing the way for production initiation at its new facility in Durham County, North Carolina. The certification allows Kempower to manufacture and sell NEVI-compliant (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) fast chargers for electric cars, trucks, buses, and industrial machinery in the United States. The “ETL listed” designation attests that Kempower’s charging stations have undergone rigorous testing by Intertek, ensuring compliance with accepted national standards. This certification serves as a crucial marker for customers, retailers, and distributors, affirming that Kempower’s products meet the requisite…

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and Hexagon Purus have solidified a long-term partnership to provide comprehensive vehicle integration for the battery-electric Freightliner eM2. The eM2, designed exclusively for vocational applications in commercial and municipal vehicle sectors, aims to offer versatile upfit options. Earlier this year, Daimler Truck North America unveiled the vocational Freightliner eM2 prototype, and as part of an innovation project with selected Truck Equipment Manufacturers Alamo and Altec, vocational upfit options were developed. These options cater to various vocational segments, including utility, sweeper, dump, construction, towing, and refuse. Hexagon Purus’ proprietary zero-emission technology, encompassing battery systems, auxiliary modules,…

Nissan’s audacious Hyper Punk Concept, recently unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, is poised to cast its design influence over the forthcoming next-generation Juke, anticipated to make the leap into the electric vehicle (EV) realm. With plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup to include 19 models by 2030, Nissan positions the future Juke EV strategically below the next-gen Leaf, set to undergo a crossover transformation, and the larger Ariya. Competing with electric counterparts like the Hyundai Kona, Kia EV3, and the Jeep Avenger, the Juke EV aims to retain the distinctive design language of its predecessors. Although Nissan has…

Hyundai Motor and Kia have achieved a milestone in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, surpassing 100,000 in combined EV sales, particularly propelled by their electric models based on the E-GMP platform. The automotive group reported this achievement on Sunday, highlighting the success of its dedicated EV platform, E-GMP, which was introduced in 2021 to enhance stability by placing battery cells in the lower center of the car chassis. Since the launch of Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5 in 2021, the automotive group has unveiled four E-GMP-based EVs in the U.S., including Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 6, Kia’s EV6, and Genesis GV60.…

New European Union pollution regulations aimed at combustion engine cars and trucks are anticipated to be less stringent than initially envisioned, as lawmakers voted on Thursday to defer and soften certain provisions. The proposed “Euro 7” law by the EU sought to tighten restrictions on pollutants emitted by combustion engine cars, with the European Commission emphasizing the health benefits outweighing associated costs. However, EU member countries and lawmakers, responsible for finalizing the legislation in the upcoming months, have collectively opted to temper the regulations. The European Parliament endorsed its negotiating stance on Thursday, voting to maintain the Commission’s proposed limits…

SAIC Motor’s joint venture with General Motors, SAIC-GM, has disclosed its intention to connect to Tesla’s charging network in China by the end of this year, potentially allowing access for SAIC-GM’s Cadillac and Buick electric models on the Ultium platform. The collaboration, set to commence in late 2023, could enable SAIC-GM to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger and destination charging stations, which were opened to non-Tesla vehicles on a pilot basis in April. As of the latest statement, Tesla’s charging infrastructure available to non-Tesla vehicles in China includes 10 Supercharger stations and over 200 destination charging stations. SAIC-GM’s exploration of this collaboration…

Honda’s SC e: concept electric motorcycle is currently on display at the Milan Motorcycle Shows (EICMA) following its official world premiere at the Japan Mobility 2023 show in October. The production version of this electric vehicle (EV) is now confirmed to be introduced in the next year or so. The nomenclature “SC” denotes its classification as a scooter, with the “e:” signifying its electric propulsion. While Honda has not disclosed extensive details about the SC e:’s motor, it has specified that the EV falls within the equivalent of a 125cc or Class 2 moped category, requiring riders to hold an…

Recent aerial observations at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas showcase the presence of updated gigacastings for the Cybertruck, potentially earmarked for initial deliveries as customer production reportedly commenced earlier this week, according to sources familiar with the matter. The sighting coincides with Tesla’s planned grand launch event at Giga Texas on November 30, signifying the imminent arrival of the highly anticipated all-electric pickup truck. Notably, the Cybertruck has also been captured undergoing water-resistance trials in a dedicated leakage test chamber, indicating Tesla’s proactive approach to addressing potential issues before the vehicle reaches customers. https://twitter.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/1722291161241358774 The meticulous testing appears to be a…

Rivian, the American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has appointed Arnhelm Mittelbach as the Plant Manager for its upcoming manufacturing facility in the state of Georgia. Mittelbach, with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, previously served as Plant Manager for Mercedes-Benz in various global locations. Rivian aims to host a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the facility in early 2024. The manufacturing plant in Georgia, Rivian’s second facility, is currently under construction, and upon completion, it is expected to have a capacity to produce 400,000 electric vehicles (EVs). Rivian initially announced plans for the second factory in December 2021,…

Volkswagen (VW) is set to suspend production on its production line 2 at the Zwickau plant starting December 1 due to a shortage of electric motors, as reported by the Freie Presse. Models affected by the production halt include VW’s ID.4 and ID.5, along with Audi’s Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. More than 1,000 of the approximately 8,000 employees at the facility will be significantly impacted, according to the statement. Despite the setback, VW has committed to continuing employee payments during the hiatus, offering training, and seeking improvements in work processes. The production disruption is attributed to supply chain…

Finnish manufacturer Kempower is diversifying its portfolio by extending its expertise in electric vehicle (EV) charging to support the maritime industry. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with Aqua Superpower, a specialist in charging infrastructure for electric boats. The collaboration aims to address the rising demand for charging stations for electric boats, particularly in large sites such as the Yacht Club de Monaco. Kempower’s satellite charging solution, known for its compact design, allows for the separation of the charging station and power technology, effectively utilizing limited space in harbors where space constraints are prevalent. Referred to as Aqua…

Zero Motorcycles unveils its 2024 line-up, with the spotlight on the budget-friendly Zero S model. Priced at £15,300, the Zero S is equipped with the new Z-Force 75-7 motor and a 14.4 kWh battery, providing a top speed of 86 mph and a standard range exceeding 150 miles. Additionally, upgrades to the battery and charging capacity are available for customization. Following closely is the 2024 Zero DS, starting at £16,200, featuring Zero’s Z-Force 75-10 permanent magnet AC motor and a 14.4 kWh battery, delivering an impressive 144 miles of range. The 2024 Zero DSR takes the stage with a larger…