Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

BorgWarner has initiated the production of eMotor rotor and stator components for XPeng Motors, a prominent Chinese Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturer. These components will be utilized in XPeng’s X9 MPV and upcoming electric B-class sedan, with production slated to commence in the third quarter of 2024. The high voltage hairpin (HVH) 220 eMotor, developed by BorgWarner, is designed to offer high power and torque density, along with increased efficiency at a competitive cost, while ensuring exceptional durability. Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager of BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, expressed enthusiasm about supplying components to XPeng Motors, a leading Original…

According to a report from Spanish media outlet La Tribuna de Automoción, Stellantis is gearing up to commence production of electric cars based on the STLA Small platform at its plants in Spain by 2026. The report indicates a purported model schedule and initial forecasts for unit numbers. Citing “reliable industry sources,” La Tribuna de Automoción reveals that Stellantis intends to initiate production at its Zaragoza plant, with the next generation of the Peugeot e-208 slated for assembly starting December 2026. Following suit, the next Opel Corsa Electric is purportedly scheduled for production from May 2027, with the new Peugeot…

The Czech city of České Budějovice has inked a deal with the Skoda Group for the purchase of 35 new battery-powered trolleybuses. The agreement will see Skoda delivering its 18-meter-long Skoda 33Tr articulated trolleybuses to the city. However, residents will need to exercise patience as the new buses are integrated into the city’s public transport system. Skoda and the city authorities announced that the initial batch of 14 trolleybuses is slated for delivery in the first half of the upcoming year, with the remaining units expected to be in service by mid-2026. The procurement of these new trolleybuses is part…

Benteler Group, a player in the automotive sector, is poised for a significant expansion of its autonomous mover venture, Holon, following a multi-million-dollar investment commitment from Tasaru Mobility Investments, a Saudi Arabian investment firm specializing in automotive initiatives. Tasaru has disclosed its intention to acquire a minority stake of up to 38% in Holon, marking a strategic move in the realm of autonomous mobility. The agreement, formalized by the management teams of both companies, sets the stage for substantial advancements in the autonomous transportation sector. The influx of funds from Tasaru is earmarked for the acceleration of series development and…

Following the United Automotive Workers’ (UAW) recent push to organize workers at several automakers with U.S. factories, a significant milestone has been reached at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, with over 50 percent of workers signing up to join the union. According to a report from Bloomberg on Tuesday, the UAW has garnered substantial support at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga facility. This development follows the union’s initiative launched in November, which targeted Volkswagen, Tesla, Toyota, and others, following a successful six-week strike against major automakers Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. Zach Costello, a Volkswagen employee leading the UAW organizing committee at…

Tesla Inc. has unveiled plans to embark on a dedicated advertising campaign on X in the United States, marking a notable departure from its longstanding stance against traditional advertising methods. The move suggests a shift in strategy, aligning with CEO Elon Musk’s earlier indication of exploring a “small scale” approach to advertising, a departure from the company’s historical reliance on word-of-mouth and unconventional marketing tactics. Traditionally, Tesla has eschewed traditional advertising channels, with Musk advocating for directing financial resources towards research and development and product innovation. However, the company initiated limited advertising efforts in 2023, which have now expanded with…

Tritium, a leading charging station manufacturer, has clinched a significant deal to install 48 fast chargers at 12 locations throughout Tennessee, representing nearly 50 percent of the state’s initial round of funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme. The company secured $10.5 million in funding to produce and deploy the chargers, which will be manufactured at its facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. Tritium’s success in securing the contract underscores its commitment to bolstering electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the United States, with a focus on meeting local manufacturing requirements. See also: Tritium Shifts Electric Vehicle Fast Charger Production to…

Approximately 25% of Cybertruck buyers are opting for the additional range-extending battery pack, according to data compiled by the Cybertruck Owner’s Club. While the figures are based on community-sourced data from website visitors and may not fully reflect actual sales numbers, they indicate significant demand for the extended-range option despite associated drawbacks. The poll results underscore the appeal of the extra 193 km of range provided by the battery pack, outweighing concerns about reduced loading space and increased cost. See also: After 10,000 Miles: Unveiling the Tesla Cybertruck – In-Depth Analysis of Range, Charging, and More However, buyers must consider…

Fisker, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has given the green light for the design and engineering of its forthcoming entry-level electric vehicle, dubbed the Pear. Set to enter production on both sides of the Atlantic, Fisker aims to introduce the six-seat hatchback to the market by 2025. Following the successful debut of its Ocean SUV in the UK, the Pear represents Fisker’s second production model, promising to offer consumers a compelling mix of affordability and sustainability. Priced at a targeted £28,000 in Britain, the Pear is strategically positioned to provide an appealing alternative to similarly sized crossovers and popular contenders…

Hyundai Motor India, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co., is reportedly in preliminary discussions to launch an initial public offering (IPO) later this year, aiming to raise at least $3 billion. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the Indian unit could garner a valuation ranging from $25 billion to $30 billion. The IPO plans coincide with Hyundai Motor Group’s substantial investment of $3.3 billion into expanding its manufacturing capabilities in India over the forthcoming years. This move underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the region’s automotive market. See also: Hyundai India Announces Partnership with…

Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors has announced a novel collaboration with upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, offering prospective customers the opportunity to test drive its vehicles and explore marketing displays at select department store locations. The partnership, unveiled through a press release on Tuesday, outlines plans for Lucid test drives to be available at designated Saks Fifth Avenue stores, accompanied by various marketing initiatives to promote the luxury automaker. The collaboration encompasses content dissemination across Saks’ digital platforms and a forthcoming event at the retailer’s Beverly Hills location. Additionally, Saks Fifth Avenue has launched a dedicated landing page on…

British automaker Lotus is poised to list its electric vehicle (EV) arm, valued at $5.4 billion, on Nasdaq by the end of March. The company, under Geely ownership, is set to merge with the “blank check” company L. Catteron Asia Acquisition in the first quarter, as confirmed by Lotus CEO Mike Johnstone. Johnstone, addressing the earlier delay in Lotus Tech’s listing, stated, “We feel we are in a good place. We delivered the volume of cars that we expected to, and we put in place a really pragmatic plan in terms of growth and gross margin.” See also: Lotus Technology…