Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

EV Connect, an American provider of EV charging management solutions, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Marriott International, one of the globe’s largest lodging companies. This collaboration will see the deployment of EV chargers at potentially 6,000 eligible locations throughout the United States and Canada. It’s worth noting that this collaboration does not imply that all 6,000 Marriott properties in North America will receive an EV Connect-installed charger. Rather, these locations will gain access to EV Connect’s suite of products and services, enabling them to efficiently implement, manage, and cater to guests who drive electric vehicles. This development follows closely…

Porsche recently undertook an extensive 19-day, 5,000-kilometer journey across Australia, from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Bondi Beach in Sydney. This journey showcased the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) for remote road trips. The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, with a claimed driving range of 469 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, was the centerpiece of this expedition. The trip served as a real-world test of the vehicle’s range and explored the capabilities of Australia’s EV charging infrastructure. The Taycan utilized various public ultra-fast charging stations from companies such as ChargeFox, Evie, and Tesla, as well as Porsche’s own…

European businesses are urging China to take measures to stimulate domestic consumption as the country continues its substantial investments in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. This plea comes in the wake of growing apprehensions within the European Union (EU) regarding the potential flood of Chinese EV exports disrupting the European automotive industry, echoing past challenges faced in the solar panel sector. The EU recently launched an anti-subsidy investigation out of concern that Chinese EV exports could pose a threat similar to what occurred in the solar panel market. Jens Eskelund, President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, emphasized the…

In a recent comment on the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley forum, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, dropped a hint about a potential high-performance version of the eagerly anticipated all-electric Tesla Cybertruck pickup. Musk’s comment suggested that this variant, tentatively referred to as the “Performance” Cybertruck, promises a remarkable leap in performance compared to the standard version. Musk’s remark came in response to a discussion about the possibility of a Tesla Model 3 Plaid version, which he promptly denied. However, he went on to indirectly confirm the existence of the “Performance” Cybertruck, stating, “I just drove the performance Cybertruck today…

Toyota Motor is reportedly gearing up to ramp up production of electric vehicles (EVs) under its flagship Toyota and luxury Lexus brands, according to a report from the Nikkei newspaper published on Friday. The Nikkei report indicates that the Japanese automaker is set to significantly increase its manufacturing of battery-powered vehicles, with the goal of achieving an annual output exceeding 600,000 EVs by 2025. Toyota, however, declined to provide an official comment regarding the report. Toyota has previously stated its ambitious targets for EV sales, aiming to sell 1.5 million electric vehicles annually by 2026, followed by a more substantial…

Mining company Eramet and waste and water firm Suez have announced their decision to establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility in Dunkirk, France. This strategic move aims to leverage the growing battery production cluster forming around the northern French port. The joint venture between Eramet and Suez intends to create a two-step facility: first, a plant for dismantling lithium-ion batteries, followed by a unit dedicated to separating and refining metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium for reuse in battery production. The partners have set their sights on a final investment decision for the initial plant by the…

In a growing chorus of automotive voices, Ineos Automotive, the manufacturer of the rugged Grenadier off-roader, has voiced its scepticism regarding an exclusive reliance on electric vehicles (EVs) for achieving carbon neutrality in the automotive sector. Lynn Calder, a representative of Ineos, recently addressed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Electrified conference, emphasizing the necessity of balancing electric, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies—a viewpoint akin to Toyota’s long-standing stance. Calder expressed her concerns about exclusively championing EVs as the solution. “We talk about EVs all the time,” she remarked, cautioning against a singular focus on electric propulsion. “I think…

In a recent video captured by a drone operator, the Tesla Cybertruck’s acceleration prowess was put on display. The short clip showcases the electric pickup truck navigating Tesla’s test track, situated outside the Fremont Factory in California, with a particular focus on its straight-line acceleration capabilities. The video, initially shared by Twitter user @omg_tesla, prompts viewers to guess the Cybertruck’s acceleration speed as it embarks on a standing start at the beginning of the track and accelerates rapidly to the track’s end. The footage reveals that the Cybertruck maintained heavy acceleration for approximately 10 seconds before the driver eased off…

Lucid Motors, the California-based electric vehicle (EV) startup, has obtained its operating license to initiate EV production within one of Saudi Arabia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This milestone aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification efforts under its ambitious “Saudi Vision 2030” plan, aiming to reduce dependence on oil revenue. Saudi Arabia inaugurated four new Special Economic Zones in April, strategically positioned to tap into the burgeoning growth of key sectors, including electric vehicles, manufacturing, cloud computing, medical technology, and more. These economic zones are designed to attract foreign investment by offering enticing incentives, such as reduced corporate tax rates,…

California-based electric vehicle (EV) startup, Rivian, has introduced a new option for potential customers seeking a faster delivery of its R1T electric trucks. The company now offers ready-made R1T configurations equipped with the Large Pack battery and its proprietary dual-motor drivetrain, significantly reducing the typical waiting time associated with custom orders. This development comes as welcome news for EV enthusiasts, as Rivian has been known for extended waiting periods, often lasting up to four months for custom-built vehicles. The preconfigured R1T models aim to streamline the purchasing process, allowing buyers to secure their new EVs in as little as one…

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, is gearing up for a transformation in the coming years, with a strong focus on electric vehicles (EVs). While the automaker has recently introduced intriguing models like the LM minivan and the robust GX SUV, the real shift is expected in the second half of this decade. The glimpse of this future will be revealed when Lexus unveils a new EV concept at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show. However, the most significant developments are set to unfold around 2026, with the introduction of a new generation of vehicles. These vehicles are poised to…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has introduced its compact EV model, the Dolphin, to the Japanese market, marking its second passenger car offering in the country following the Atto 3. Available in two variants, standard and long-range, the Dolphin is competitively priced at 3.63 million yen ($24,570) and 4.07 million yen, respectively. The base model is equipped with a 44.9 kWh battery pack, boasting an impressive range of 400 kilometers. Meanwhile, the long-range version features a larger 58.56 kWh battery pack, extending its range to 476 kilometers. The Dolphin initially made its debut in China on August 29, 2021,…

Swiss battery cell developer Innolith has unveiled plans to commercialize its cutting-edge I-State platform for use in electric vehicles, marking a significant step towards advancing battery technology. Innolith’s unique approach relies on a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte for its cells, offering several key advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries. Innolith’s latest announcement highlights the remarkable capabilities of their I-State batteries, which can operate at higher voltages, reaching up to 5 volts, compared to the maximum 4.2 volts of traditional Li-ion battery cells. Additionally, these batteries boast an impressive temperature range, functioning effectively in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C. When coupled with…

Shell has unveiled its largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the world in Shenzhen, China. This significant move marks Shell’s continued shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Located just 2.5 kilometers from the Shenzhen airport terminal, the new EV charging station boasts 258 public fast-charging terminals. During its trial period, the station is projected to serve over 3,300 EVs daily. Operated through a joint venture between Shell and BYD, the station is a result of their collaboration initiated in March 2022 to develop an extensive EV charging network throughout China. See also: Shell partnering with BYD for developing an electric…

In a recent study, data analytics company Recurrent has shed light on the potential effects of climate on the longevity of Tesla electric vehicle (EV) battery packs. Contrary to expectations, the study indicates that colder weather may be advantageous for the long-term health of these batteries, despite the well-known reduction in range that occurs in lower temperatures. Recurrent has access to a vast dataset comprising over 12,500 Tesla vehicles in the United States, allowing for insightful analysis of EV battery performance. Previously, the company dispelled the myth that frequent Supercharging negatively impacts Tesla battery longevity. Now, their research delves into…

Luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lucid Motors has encountered sales difficulties in the first half of the year, reflecting a challenging outlook for their Q3 2023 results. According to recent data from Experian, Lucid experienced a slowdown in sales, with just 348 registrations of the Lucid Air across the United States in July. This figure marks a significant decline of approximately 40% from the monthly average of 574 registrations during the first six months of the year, resulting in a year-to-date registration total of 3,789. This decline also represents a drop from Lucid’s average monthly deliveries in Q2, where they…

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has taken significant strides toward reducing emissions in its transit fleet, securing 36 hydrogen buses from Solaris with financial support from Spain’s Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and the Urban Agenda. The acquisition is part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan – Next Generation, further aligning the city’s public transportation system with its sustainability goals. The tender, which included both hydrogen electric and battery electric buses, was initiated in July of this year. TMB’s latest addition, the “standard hydrogen buses,” believed to be Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen models, are equipped with a 70 kW fuel…

Volkswagen Group is reportedly planning to discontinue the production of ID.3 electric vehicles at its Dresden plant in Germany, according to sources cited by Automobilwoche. The decision to halt ID.3 production in Dresden is believed to be part of CEO Oliver Blume’s cost-cutting initiative, although no specific timeline for the cessation of production has been disclosed. The Dresden plant, famously known as the Transparent Factory, originally commenced operations in 2002, specializing in the manufacturing of high-end Volkswagen Phaeton sedans. In 2017, it transitioned to producing electric vehicles (EVs) with the launch of the all-electric Volkswagen e-Golf. However, production of the…

Quantron is set to deliver 38 purely electric heavy commercial vehicles to Hama Trucks, marking a significant stride in promoting sustainable mobility. The first batch of Quantron’s QHM BEV models, including tractor units and swap body vehicles, will reach Hama Trucks by the end of this year, with plans for subletting. The Quantron QHM BEV boasts a robust 450 kW battery, offering an impressive range of up to 300 kilometers on a single charge. This order, valued at €16 million, underscores the commitment of both companies to eco-friendly transport solutions. Andreas Haller, the Founder and CEO of Quantron AG, emphasized…

Toyota and VDL have proudly unveiled the maiden fuel cell truck stemming from their collaboration initiated in May. This innovative prototype is currently undergoing rigorous testing within Toyota’s logistics operations. The joint objective is to assess its performance continually and drive further advancements, with an eye toward expanding the project’s scope. VDL Group is already gearing up to produce an additional four fuel cell trucks, destined for service with Toyota’s logistics partners – VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT, and Yusen. These logistics companies will deploy these hydrogen-powered vehicles along their daily routes connecting key European hubs, including Cologne, Antwerp…