Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Electric vehicle giant Tesla is implementing a new promotional strategy to drive sales in North America after facing challenges in the recent quarter. As part of an “end of quarter push,” the company is now providing six months of complimentary supercharging for all new Model 3 and Model Y orders scheduled for delivery by the end of this year. In addition to existing discounts of up to $3,000 on new vehicle inventory, Tesla aims to incentivize prospective buyers further with this offer of free supercharging. Interested customers must purchase and take delivery of a Model 3 or Model Y by…

International convenience store chain Circle K has unveiled an extension of its heavy-duty vehicle charging infrastructure in Sweden, introducing 16 additional charge points across five locations strategically positioned along key transit routes. The new facilities, situated in Hudiksvall, Mantorp, Malmö, Spillepengen, and Bollebygd, contribute to the growing network of truck charging hubs in the country. Operational at up to 360 kW, these charging stations are equipped to serve the increasing demand for electric truck charging. Circle K, known for repurposing its rest stops, provides additional amenities such as shops and bathrooms, along with secure parking serving as a daytime rest…

Chinese automotive manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) has announced its decision to market its Ora and Wey brands, introduced just months ago, under the unified name GWM in Europe starting next year. The rebranding effort aims to enhance visibility and simplify product differentiation for customers. The electric model Ora Funky Cat will be renamed GWM Ora 03, while the plug-in hybrid Wey Coffee 01 will adopt the name GWM Wey 05. By consolidating its subsidiaries Wey and Ora into product lines under the main GWM brand, the company seeks a synergetic and efficient commercial approach, facilitating a streamlined strategy from…

Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck is set to make its debut in production form on November 30, exactly four years after the initial prototype’s public unveiling. With customer deliveries slated to commence, enthusiasts are hopeful that long-awaited details, including battery specifications, drivetrain information, performance metrics, range figures, and pricing, will be officially revealed by Tesla. As anticipation builds, recent online leaks have surfaced, showcasing a series of images that appear notably professional, fueling speculation that these may be leaked official press photos of the Cybertruck. Originally shared on Weibo by user xiaohongshu and subsequently reposted on X by @ya78756632, the images…

Renowned as a trailblazer in the electric mobility sector, VMoto, with dual headquarters in Australia and China, presented a notable addition to its diverse electric two-wheeler lineup at EICMA 2023—the CPx Explorer. Positioned as an “adventure scooter,” this electric offering signals VMoto’s foray into the burgeoning electric adventure scooter segment, following the trend set by internal-combustion predecessors like Honda’s X-ADV. Developed in collaboration with esteemed design house Pininfarina and derived from the APD Concept, the CPx Explorer marks a significant stride for VMoto. The scooter stands out with its distinctive styling, featuring LED lights, angular bodywork, and a tall windscreen…

Chinese automaker BYD has successfully secured a contract to supply its battery-electric school buses to the California Department of General Services (DGS). Under the statewide electric school bus contract, BYD’s Achiever (Type A) and Dreamer (Type D) models will be available for purchase by fleet owners, aiming to contribute to California’s push for zero-emission transportation. Patrick Duan, BYD | RIDE Senior Vice President, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of their battery-electric school buses in the California DGS Contract. The BYD Achiever, with a seating capacity of up to 30 passengers and a 141 kWh battery capacity, along with the BYD…

Ampere, the newly established electric vehicle (EV) division of the Renault Group, is gearing up to manufacture a compact electric SUV for its alliance partner Mitsubishi at the Douai plant in France. While specific details remain scarce, Renault CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that the new model, based on the Group’s CMF-EV platform for compact vehicles, will be known as AmpR Medium. The market launch is slated for 2025. De Meo stated, “I can confirm that Mitsubishi will produce a C-SUV EV for the world on the AmpR Medium platform, of course in Douai, and of course all electric.” However,…

Volkswagen has commenced the production of high-voltage battery systems in China, marking a significant step in the development of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region. Volkswagen (Anhui) Components (VWAC) is responsible for supplying batteries to the adjacent MEB vehicle plant in Anhui, with plans to later introduce cell-to-pack battery systems. The initial annual capacity of the facility is estimated to be between 150,000 and 180,000 units, according to Volkswagen Group China. While this figure falls below the vehicle plant’s capacity of up to 350,000 MEB vehicles annually, there is potential for the battery assembly plant to expand in the future…

The European Parliament has approved its stance on new CO2 standards for trucks and buses, aligning closely with the European Commission’s proposals while introducing a notable exception for e-fuels in trucks. The decision, passed with 445 votes in favor, 152 against, and 30 abstentions, positions the Parliament for negotiations with EU member states. While endorsing the Commission’s directive that only zero-emission city buses be permitted from 2030, the Parliament introduced a temporary exemption until 2035 for city buses powered by biomethane, contingent upon stringent conditions. For medium and heavy-duty trucks, including specialized vehicles like refuse collection and concrete mixers, the…

Italian automaker Fiat has unveiled five special edition Topolino electric vehicles (EVs) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Disney. The Topolino, the Italian nickname for Mickey Mouse, was originally given to the 1936 Fiat 500 due to its resemblance to the iconic character. Crafted by Fiat Centro Stile designers, four of the EVs feature distinct liveries, while the fifth, designed by Disney artist Giorgio Cavazzano, pays homage to Mickey Mouse himself. The Historical version draws inspiration from Disney’s inaugural short film, “Steamboat Willie,” while the Modern version focuses on Mickey Mouse’s initials. The Street version incorporates graffiti-style designs as a…

Hyundai is set to bolster its presence in the high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market with the anticipated release of the IONIQ 6 N, marking the brand’s foray into exceptionally fast and powerful street-legal vehicles. Following the recent North American debut of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N at the LA Auto Show, the automaker is reportedly gearing up for an even speedier model. The IONIQ 5 N, featuring a two-stage inverter and an 84kWh battery, impressed enthusiasts with its 641 horsepower capability when the N Grin Boost is engaged. This sports EV, built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, incorporates technologies from its…

Nissan is set to unveil plans to manufacture electric versions of its popular Juke and Qashqai crossovers at its Sunderland factory in the UK. The announcement, expected on Friday, underscores the automaker’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) production, aligning with its September decision to cease internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle manufacturing in Europe by 2030. Industry sources reveal that Nissan is prepared to allocate “hundreds of millions of pounds” and potentially exceed £1 billion ($1.25B) for the electric crossover project. Notably, the UK government is anticipated to play a significant role in the initiative, with a substantial guarantee likely. Prime…