Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has announced the launch of the TX Access, an upgraded version of its electric taxi designed to cater to the needs of wheelchair users and accommodate up to six passengers. The new vehicle offers enhanced accessibility features, according to LEVC. The highlight of the TX Access is its full wheelchair accessibility, facilitated by a direct access ramp that conveniently folds away into the floorspace. LEVC emphasizes that the ramp ensures swift deployment and adjustability, providing a seamless experience for wheelchair users. Built on the existing TX electric taxi platform, the TX Access features the same…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely, has announced its plans to introduce two EV models in Israel later this year, making it the second Chinese automaker to enter the Middle Eastern nation following Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV). According to a press release issued by Zeekr today, the company has partnered with Israeli dealer Union Group to establish a collaborative car distribution network in Israel. Union Group’s automotive business unit, GEO Mobility, aims to launch the Zeekr brand in the Israeli market during the fourth quarter. In preparation for this, GEO Mobility will assemble a dedicated management team to…

BYD, the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, has officially launched its Dolphin electric vehicle (EV) in Thailand, as part of its strategy to expand into new markets. Collaborating with Thai partner Rêver Automotive, BYD hosted a grand launch event on July 6 to unveil the Dolphin model to local customers. Thailand will have the opportunity to experience the Dolphin in both standard range and extended range versions, priced at 699,999 baht ($19,880) and 859,999 baht respectively. This marks another milestone for the Dolphin, which initially debuted in China on August 29, 2021, with a starting price of RMB 116,800…

Following a thorough investigation by the Phoenix Fire Department into the recent battery electric truck fires involving Nikola Tre vehicles, the cause of the fires has been officially declared as “undetermined.” The department, in response to inquiries from Electrek, stated that there is no evidence supporting the suspicion of arson. Daniel Cheatham, the division chief of the City of Phoenix’s Fire Investigations Task Force, affirmed the findings in an email to the online publication, stating, “It officially is undetermined. But we do not have any evidence at all that supports arson.” Nikola had initially expressed concerns of “foul play” when…

Fisker, a California-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, released its second-quarter production figures on Friday, revealing that they had built over 1,000 Ocean electric SUVs in the past three months. While this number represents a significant increase from the first quarter, it falls short of Fisker’s initial projections due to challenges faced by their suppliers. Fisker began production of the Ocean SUV model in November last year and achieved a major milestone by delivering its first unit in May. Despite these achievements, the company continues to struggle in meeting its production targets. During the first quarter, Fisker only produced 55 Ocean…

After a wait of two and a half years, NIO, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is finally ready to introduce its much-anticipated 150 kWh solid-state battery pack. The company has updated its digital user manuals to include specifications of the solid-state pack, which will debut in the upcoming ES6 SUV. This development aligns with recent announcements from NIO’s CEO, who promised Chinese customers the option to choose the high-capacity pack as early as this month. The initial revelation of NIO’s 150 kWh pack took place during the company’s 2020 NIO Day event in January 2021. The pack utilizes solid-state…

In a groundbreaking move, Kentucky has emerged as the first state in the United States to require the implementation of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug on all government-funded charging projects. This strategic decision comes at a time when support for NACS has exceeded initial predictions, signifying a significant boost to the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure while catering to multiple vehicle brands. NACS, previously predominantly associated with Tesla, has now gained traction as a formidable rival to the Combined Charging System (CCS) plug style, which is widely used in other electric vehicles and countries. Kentucky’s mandate goes beyond the…

Kia has officially announced the pricing and grade-structure details for its highly anticipated 2024 EV9 in the UK. With an entry point of £64,995, the EV9 establishes itself as the most expensive vehicle ever sold by Kia in Europe. However, it still remains true to Kia’s ethos by significantly undercutting its rivals. The market for three-row electric SUVs is relatively scarce, with only a handful of options available. Tesla’s distinctive Model X, for instance, used to be a contender but is now exclusively offered in left-hand drive, making it less appealing for right-hand drive enthusiasts in Britain. Meanwhile, the Mercedes…

Allego, a electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure provider, is set to launch new reduced rates for direct payments at its fast chargers in six European countries starting from 1 July. This pricing adjustment will apply to Allego stations in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, offering uniform rates for both direct current (DC) charging up to 50 kW and over 50 kW. In Germany, the revised rate for DC charging will be 73 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Previously, Allego operated under a three-tier tariff system, differentiating between alternating current (AC) charging, DC charging up to 50 kW, and…

Ford’s ambitious plan to establish the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan has encountered resistance from a group of local residents. Despite the project’s potential to create thousands of jobs and facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), concerns over environmental risks and land use have prompted the formation of the “Committee for Marshall — Not the Megasite,” leading to a lawsuit against local government officials. The committee, comprised of Michigan residents residing near the proposed site, has filed a suit in Calhoun County Circuit Court, arguing that the battery park could pose a threat to the nearby Kalamazoo River and…

Augsburg-based Quantron has embarked on a B-financing round as part of its ambitious plans to strengthen its global orientation. The company, which aims to revolutionize road freight transport through electrification, is actively seeking equity investments ranging from 200 to 250 million euros, along with growth financing of 100 million euros. This strategic move has led Quantron to turn its attention to investors in the United States and Canada. With an emphasis on a platform strategy that utilizes fuel cell trucks and their entire ecosystem, Quantron has garnered significant interest from both strategic investors and financiers in the energy sector. While…

In a long-awaited debut, Toyota has finally taken the wraps off the second-generation C-HR, showcasing a distinct departure from its predecessor while retaining its signature quirkiness. Originally previewed by the Prologue concept in December 2022, the production model flaunts an innovative design that is bound to make waves in the competitive small crossover segment. Developed and engineered in Europe, the 2024 C-HR not only boasts a striking appearance but also promises enhanced performance and cutting-edge features. With its “super coupe” profile, the 2024 C-HR exudes a sporty aesthetic that catches the eye. The crossover stands out on the road with…

The CCS organization CharIN has taken a significant step in the standardization process for the North American Charging Standard (NACS) by establishing a task force. Recently, a preliminary list of participating companies was published, revealing the involvement of several prominent car manufacturers. However, one notable player, Tesla, is notably absent from the list, despite being a CharIN member and already utilizing the CCS standard for its electric vehicles in Europe. The preliminary list, which includes 51 companies, features car manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, GM, Hyundai-Kia, JLR, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Toyota, Vinfast, and Volvo Car. Notably, the Volkswagen Group is…

Trafford Council, in collaboration with the charging network Be.EV, has announced an ambitious plan to install a series of cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the Greater Manchester region. This exciting initiative will see the deployment of two dozen state-of-the-art chargers, which are expected to go live throughout Trafford over the course of the summer. Under this partnership, Be.EV will shoulder the financial responsibility for constructing the new charging stations, with a portion of the profits being contributed to Trafford Council once the facilities are operational. The majority of the planned charging stations are set to be rapid or ultra-rapid…

In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, leaked images of the Tesla Cybertruck in the United States back in April confirmed the presence of a “mega power frunk,” reminiscent of the Ford F-150 Lightning. This innovative feature received widespread praise, with many noting its superiority over the traditional frunks found in vehicles like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1T. However, due to the distant nature of the images, the details of the Cybertruck’s frunk remained shrouded in mystery—until now. Recently, the Tesla Cybertruck was spotted being unloaded from an aircraft in New Zealand, where it became evident that…

In an exciting display of automotive innovation, Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Designer, took the highly anticipated Cybertruck for a spin at the inaugural Electrified Cars & Coffee event hosted at the prestigious Petersen Automotive Museum. This exclusive gathering provided lucky Tesla enthusiasts with an up-close look at one of the latest Cybertruck builds, hinting at its imminent production-readiness. Social media was abuzz with captivating photos and videos capturing the truck’s unique features and impressive performance. Amidst the buzz, onlookers were treated to a remarkable sight as von Holzhausen expertly maneuvered the Cybertruck up to the top floor of the…

Canadian bike manufacturer Devinci has recently introduced its latest additions to the electric bicycle market, the E-Griffin and E-Cartier. These urban-friendly e-bikes are designed to meet the rising demand for practical and convenient modes of transportation in bustling city environments. With their advanced features and Canadian craftsmanship, the E-Griffin and E-Cartier are set to make a significant impact in the urban and leisure e-bike segment. Devinci has equipped both the E-Griffin and E-Cartier with the cutting-edge Shimano EP801 e-bike system. As Shimano’s most powerful e-bike motor, the EP801 offers ample assistance to effortlessly navigate through the challenges of urban commuting.…

The first four months of this year saw a significant surge in new all-electric car registrations in the United States, with an impressive 72 percent year-over-year increase, totaling nearly 350,000 vehicles. However, recent data from Experian, as reported by Automotive News, reveals a diverse range of outcomes for different automotive brands in this growing market. Leading the pack is Tesla, which experienced a 52 percent increase in volume compared to the previous year, resulting in almost 212,000 registrations and capturing a commanding 60.8 percent share of the total volume. In contrast, the remaining 24 brands combined accounted for 136,416 registrations,…

Kalmar, a brand under Cargotec, has recently received a significant order from DP World for their latest innovation, the ‘Electric Straddle Carrier’ Charge Family. This order includes eight fully electric Kalmar straddle carriers equipped with high-energy batteries, to be deployed at DP World’s London Gateway logistics hub. For those unfamiliar with straddle carriers, they are commonly used in cargo-handling operations at airports and shipping ports, such as the London Gateway logistics hub. The ‘Charge Family’ introduced by Kalmar encompasses various battery technologies, charging solutions, and software, aiming to support operators in transitioning to decarbonized operations in both manual and automated…

First Bus, a leading British bus operator, is set to offer charging for all types of electric vehicles at its Summercourt depot in Cornwall, becoming the first operator in the UK to provide such a facility. The operator aims to give “the local community direct access to rapid electric charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans,” making it easier for residents to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). The Summercourt site will feature “eight rapid charging facilities available on a pay-as-you-go basis.” Each charger, supplied by Heliox UK, delivers a charging capacity of 75 kW. While additional information on the chargers has…