Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Polestar has unveiled the innovative digital rearview mirror feature in its upcoming Polestar 4 crossover, offering drivers the option to switch between a traditional mirror and the new high-definition display. This announcement, made in a recent press release, showcases the integration of a rear-facing exterior camera and an HD rearview mirror display. The design of the Polestar 4, resembling the Tesla Cybertruck, features a minimal rear windshield, prompting the need for a toggle option between the HD display and a traditional mirror. According to Polestar 4 Product Manager Ola Aldensjö, this decision was motivated by practical considerations rather than a…

Carl Jenkins, the head of hardware at General Motors’ Cruise self-driving unit, has announced his resignation from the company after six years of service. Jenkins, who served as the senior vice president for autonomous vehicle platforms, revealed his departure in a post on LinkedIn. The decision comes amidst a series of departures from Cruise since the company suspended its U.S. operations in October. The suspension followed an incident in San Francisco where a pedestrian was struck by another vehicle and thrown into the path of a self-driving Cruise car, which dragged them for 20 feet (6 m). See also: California Regulators…

Electra, an American developer of electrified aircraft, has teamed up with Surf Air Mobility, a Californian airline, to introduce hybrid electric aircraft for short-haul flights in the United States. Under the agreement, Surf Air Mobility has secured a preferential right to supply 90 of Electra’s hybrid-electric aircraft, which it plans to lease to its customers. The partnership will also involve collaboration on the development of route networks. Electra, which owns Airflow—a company launched in 2021 and acquired in 2022—specializes in the development of short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. These aircraft can take off and land on a space the…

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are facing a turning point, shifting from the rapid growth seen just a year ago to a more tempered pace. Automakers, once struggling to keep up with soaring EV demand, are now adjusting their strategies amidst a global slowdown. Global electrified vehicle sales experienced a year-on-year increase in January but dropped significantly from their December peak. This decline, affecting both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), is attributed to several factors such as subsidy reductions, stricter regulations, and seasonal sales patterns, notably in key markets like Germany, France, and China. According to…

John Deere sets its sights on furthering its “green” credentials with the launch of fully electric tractors, slated to be available in the market by 2026. The agricultural equipment giant aims to revolutionize the industry with its foray into electric-powered machinery, signaling a significant shift towards sustainable farming practices. The development comes following John Deere’s acquisition of Kreisel Electric, a move aimed at bolstering its expertise in innovative battery technology. With plans to expand production capabilities in North America, John Deere identified Kernersville, North Carolina, as the site for its new manufacturing facility. The planned 115,000 sq. ft. production facility…

Tesla Inc. managed to amass $1.79 billion in revenue last year from the sale of regulatory credits to car manufacturers failing to meet emissions standards. This marks another successful year for the EV leader, with total earnings from credit sales surpassing $9 billion since 2009. The sale of regulatory credits has proven highly lucrative for Tesla, allowing the company to achieve a 100% profit margin on these transactions. In the U.S., various states, including California, mandate automakers to produce a specific number of zero-emission vehicles, rewarding them with credits based on vehicle type, range, and other criteria. See also: Tesla Confirms…

After extensive development spanning 5,000 hours, Lunaz, a bespoke tuning house, has rejuvenated a vintage Range Rover Safari cabriolet. Departing from the traditional 3.9L V8 engine, Lunaz has outfitted the vehicle with dual electric motors, marking a significant departure from its original powertrain. Inspiration for the project stemmed from the iconic Range Rover convertible featured in the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” famously driven by Roger Moore. The transformation of a 1983 two-door wagon model into a modern electric marvel involved meticulous attention to detail and performance enhancement beyond a mere engine swap. See also: Lunaz Unveils Sustainable Aston Martin…

In a strategic alliance aimed at revolutionizing potato and root crop farming, John Deere has partnered with Spudnik to introduce Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) technology. This groundbreaking initiative targets larger 8 and 9 series model tractors, replacing traditional mechanical variable transmissions with electric motors. John Deere highlights numerous advantages of the EVT system, including enhanced operational efficiency, infinite speed control, reduced maintenance, and superior torque delivery to the wheels. However, Agriland’s experts emphasize a less-acknowledged benefit referred to as “off-boarding.” See also: Wacker Neuson Group and John Deere entered strategic cooperation agreement on compact electric excavators Justin Roberts from Agriland…

Shell Hydrogen has confirmed the permanent closure of its seven pumping stations across California, marking a significant development in the state’s hydrogen car market. The closure signifies a broader challenge facing the hydrogen vehicle industry in a state where the fuel has been relatively accessible. The news, initially reported by Hydrogen Insight, underscores Shell’s decision to withdraw from operating light-duty hydrogen stations in the United States. Previously, Shell operated seven out of the 55 retail hydrogen stations in California, according to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (H2FCP). See also: Hydrogen Car Sales in the US Grow by 10% to 2,737…

Hyundai’s recent trademark filing for the IONIQ T10 has sparked speculation about the automaker’s potential entry into the electric truck market, drawing comparisons to Ford’s F-150 Lightning, according to reports from Drive in Australia. The filing, categorized under “automobiles, electric cars…trucks, lorries, [and] sports utility vehicles,” suggests Hyundai’s intention to delve into larger vehicle segments with the IONIQ T10. While specific details regarding the electric pickup remain undisclosed, Hyundai has hinted at its development through previous announcements. In June, Hyundai introduced its new EV platform, the IMA platform, described as a significant improvement over its current E-GMP platform and designed…

Canada Nickel Co. has announced plans to invest US $1 billion in constructing a nickel processing plant in Ontario, slated to become the largest of its kind in North America upon completion, according to a press release. Scheduled to commence operations in 2027, the plant aims to produce over 80,000 tons of nickel annually for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, stated Mark Selby, the chief executive of Canada Nickel, in an interview with CBC News. Additionally, the company intends to erect a stainless steel and alloy production facility for processing nickel and chromium concentrate, an endeavor estimated to cost an additional…

Toyota has officially hinted at the development of a new three-row battery electric SUV destined for the US market. The revelation came alongside the announcement of a substantial $1.3 billion investment in its Kentucky facility, earmarked for various EV initiatives, including the production of the upcoming SUV and a battery pack assembly line. “Our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations is reflected in this latest investment,” stated a Toyota spokesperson. See also: Toyota to Invest $1.3 Billion in Kentucky Facility for Electric Vehicle Development While this marks the first official acknowledgment of Toyota’s foray into…