Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Amazon’s popular streaming service, Prime Video, has made its debut on the Polestar 2, adding yet another video streaming platform to the vehicle’s versatile operating system (OS). This announcement was made via a press release on Wednesday, marking a significant enhancement in the entertainment options available to Polestar 2 owners. Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, expressed enthusiasm about the integration, stating, “The successful launch and integration of Android Automotive OS in Polestar 2 has proven that we can leverage the best navigation and voice control in the business to make life with a Polestar easier.” He continued to highlight the growing…

In a recent report published by Automotive News, data from Experian reveals that Tesla is maintaining its dominant position in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, outpacing competitors in terms of new registrations and market share. The first seven months of the year have been particularly fruitful for the electric car manufacturer, with a 50 percent increase in new registrations compared to the same period last year. As of now, Tesla commands an impressive 59.5 percent share of the American EV market. In contrast, Chevrolet holds the second spot with nearly 40,000 new EV registrations between January and July, translating…

Volvo Trucks has announced a significant step forward in its electrification efforts with the commencement of serial production of heavy battery electric trucks at its Ghent factory in Belgium. This expansion means that Volvo electric trucks are now being manufactured in four facilities, with three located in Europe and one in the United States. Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, expressed his excitement about the milestone, stating, “I’m thrilled! The Ghent factory is the largest one in our network, so this is a very important milestone. Now even more transport companies can go electric with Volvo.” The Ghent factory will…

Stellantis, a global automotive leader, has unveiled its inaugural Battery Technology Center at the Mirafiori complex in Turin, Italy. This groundbreaking €40 million investment is poised to bolster Stellantis’ prowess in designing, developing, and rigorously testing battery packs, modules, high-voltage cells, and software crucial for powering its forthcoming brand of electric vehicles. This state-of-the-art center, touted as Italy’s largest and one of Europe’s most substantial facilities of its kind, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV technology. With over 100 dedicated professionals stationed at the Mirafiori Battery Technology Center, the company aims to conduct vital tasks…

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest addition to the electric vehicle market in China, the 2024 ID.6 Crozz electric SUV. This refreshed three-row SUV boasts improvements in range, subtle design enhancements, and an attractive starting price of approximately $35,500 (258,900 yuan). Manufactured as part of the joint venture between Volkswagen and FAW-VW, the ID.6 Crozz was initially introduced in 2021 as the largest electric model offered by Volkswagen in the Chinese market. It’s important to note that Volkswagen’s presence in China includes two joint ventures: FAW-VW and SAIC-VW. When Volkswagen introduces a new model, both companies produce and market it under…

Porsche and Audi, prominent Volkswagen premium brands, have initiated a recall for their 2023 electric vehicle (EV) models, including the Taycan and e-tron GT. The recall, affecting approximately 7,000 EVs, is prompted by concerns over inadequate battery sealant, which could potentially allow liquids to infiltrate the battery, posing a fire hazard. It’s important to note that no reported incidents of fires have occurred, but the automakers are taking preemptive measures to ensure safety. The origin of this recall traces back to last year when both Porsche and Audi became aware of potential problems with insulation resistance values in select 2023…

In a recent incident near Nikola Corporation’s Phoenix headquarters in Arizona, a Nikola electric semi-truck caught fire, marking the second such occurrence within a week. This latest mishap has sent shockwaves through the company, causing its shares to plummet by approximately 15% to 88 cents. This development adds to the woes of the electric vehicle manufacturer, which has already seen a nearly 55% drop in its stock value since August. The decline began when Nikola initiated a recall of all battery-powered electric trucks and halted sales due to an investigation into previous fire-related incidents. Earlier this week, another Nikola vehicle,…

Lucid Motors, the US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is actively considering entering the Chinese market, a move that could potentially thrust it into one of the world’s most fiercely competitive EV landscapes. Eric Bach, Chief Engineer at Lucid, emphasized the significance of China’s automotive sector, stating, “Every car manufacturer has to look very deeply or has already looked into China. It’s the world’s largest car market. It’s going to be likely the world’s largest and fastest adopting EV market as we can see.” Bach’s remarks were made during an interview with CNBC at the IAA Munich auto show in Germany,…

Electric vehicle startup Fisker revealed its plans to significantly increase the production of its Ocean sports utility vehicle in the fourth quarter of this year. The company aims to raise its daily production rate from approximately 180 units to an impressive 300 units. Fisker has established a manufacturing partnership with Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International, responsible for producing Fisker vehicles destined for both European and North American markets. This collaboration has played a pivotal role in Fisker’s production capabilities. See also: Fisker’s Ocean All-Electric SUV Takes the Lead in Range and Features, Configurator Now Open According to Fisker’s CEO,…

In a notable development for the United Kingdom’s automotive industry, new passenger car registrations in August surged by 24 percent year-over-year to reach 85,657 units. This robust performance in August marks the eighth consecutive month of growth in 2023, contributing to a total of 1,179,298 new registrations for the year, representing a 20 percent year-over-year increase. The standout performer in this surge has been the plug-in electric car segment, which has outpaced the overall market growth, significantly improving its market share. According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 23,844 new…

As Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers set their sights on Europe, major German auto suppliers are keen to expand their existing partnerships in China to provide these rising automakers with European-made parts. Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung expressed confidence in Chinese manufacturers’ ability to adapt vehicles for the European market gradually, citing a focus on user experience and customer orientation. He highlighted the familiarity gained through collaborations in China and emphasized the positive impact on competition and consumers. See also: ZF Group to Invest $194 Million in Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities in Mexico for EV Market Bosch’s collaborations in China include the…

Avatr, the Chinese automotive joint venture comprising Changan, CATL, and Huawei, marked its European market entry by unveiling the Avatr 12, a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV). The presentation took place in Munich, Germany, showcasing the brand’s expansion beyond its domestic market. The Avatr 12, pronounced “one two,” offers a unique blend of design and technology. While resembling a sedan, it conceals a hatchback at the rear and boasts a distinctive Halo Display on the hood—a black panel LED display facilitating communication between the vehicle and those outside. Measuring 197.6 inches (5,020 millimeters) in length, 78.7 inches (1,999 mm) in width,…

EnBW, the energy company, has announced a doubling of its annual investment in fast-charging infrastructure to approximately €200 million. The company’s ambitious goal is to operate approximately 30,000 charging points nationwide by 2030, a substantial expansion of its existing network. EnBW’s current network, known as “Hypernetz,” already boasts 3,400 high-power charging points and operates on a €100 million annual budget, making it the largest fast-charging network in Germany. The decision to double their investment is expected to intensify competition in the rapidly growing EV charging sector. EnBW sees fast-charging infrastructure as a fundamental component of a successful shift towards sustainable…

Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, unveiled its ambitious expansion plans at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. President Brian Gu announced the company’s intention to enter key European markets, including Germany, Britain, and France, by 2024. This move comes as part of Xpeng’s strategy to establish a global presence, building upon its existing operations in the Netherlands and Norway. Brian Gu expressed the company’s determination, stating, “We have a bold plan to move into the global arena.” Xpeng intends to begin distributing its G9 and P7 electric vehicles (EVs) in Israel starting early next year. Gu highlighted…

German automotive supplier Schaeffler and Dutch conglomerate VDL Groep have announced plans to jointly develop and manufacture a new generation of driverless electric shuttles for public transportation. The collaborative effort will debut with the presentation of a demonstrator vehicle at the upcoming IAA Mobility event in Munich. The partnership leverages the extensive technical expertise of both companies, encompassing automotive engineering, systems development, vehicle manufacturing, and public transport operations. Notably, the autonomous driving system for Level 4 automation, along with the essential sensor technology, will be provided by Mobileye, a renowned leader in autonomous vehicle technology. See also: Schaeffler Revolutionizes Urban…

A Tesla Cybertruck test vehicle was recently observed on public roads, towing a substantial trailer, as the electric pickup inches closer to its market launch. This sighting comes as Tesla enters the final stages of testing, providing a glimpse into the pickup’s real-world capabilities. The exact contents of the trailer, whether empty or loaded, remain undisclosed. However, the Cybertruck appeared to effortlessly navigate normal traffic conditions, indicating its prowess in towing applications. Images and videos capturing this noteworthy moment were widely shared on social media by omg_Tesla/Rivian (@omg_tesla / X). The individual behind the camera narrated their encounter, recounting their…

British firm Lunaz has introduced a remarkable transformation to a 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, originally owned by Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren. The restoration project, part of Lunaz’s Hotel Programme, includes a shift to an electric powertrain, presenting a blend of timeless elegance and modern technology. The classic Silver Cloud II now boasts a distinctive two-tone paint scheme, merging Shale and Rich Gold over its panels. The interior has been meticulously crafted, featuring Sage leather upholstery, burr walnut wood accents, and bespoke carpets made from recycled materials such as reclaimed nylon fishing nets and ocean plastics. Additional upgrades include heated…

BMW has unveiled its visionary “Vision Neue Klasse” on Saturday. This marks the German automaker’s commitment to revolutionize its vehicle lineup with improved efficiency and cutting-edge technology. CEO Oliver Zipse had outlined a three-phase plan in March 2021 to steer BMW through the electric revolution. The first phase involved the “Project i,” transferring electric expertise into series production, notably with plug-in hybrids such as the i3 and i8. The second phase saw BMW introduce all-electric powertrain options in popular segments, including the i4, i5, and i7. Now, the third phase takes shape with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. The term…

GMC, a subsidiary of General Motors, has been steadily increasing production of its highly anticipated electric duo: the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and GMC Hummer EV SUV. Reports from GM Authority indicate a promising trend, with production numbers on the rise. Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that GMC manufactured 2,439 electric Hummers in July. This marks the third consecutive month of production exceeding 2,000 units, following 2,590 units in May and 2,750 units in June. This surge in production is aligned with General Motors’ commitment to boosting output, previously hampered by supply chain challenges. Notably, the GM Factory…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Sondors is currently grappling with a series of issues that have left customers disillusioned and the company’s future uncertain. A recent article by Electrek delves into the intricacies of how Sondors found itself in this predicament and explores potential avenues for the company to navigate its troubled waters. Sondors’ history has been marred by problems dating back to 2015 when it introduced its E-Bike, an affordable electric bicycle priced at just $500. While the initial allure of the product was strong, the brand struggled to deliver on time and fell short of the promised features, leaving customers…