Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

Winterthur-based electric mobility specialist Designwerk has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive electric truck lineup in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This move marks the Volvo subsidiary’s strategic northward expansion, presenting customers in the Benelux region with a range of electric trucks tailored to various needs, from dump trucks to heavy-duty transporters. Designwerk’s new market entry allows customers to select from a variety of truck models, spanning a weight range of 18 to 50 tonnes. These trucks are equipped with battery capacities ranging from 375 to 1,000 kilowatt hours, providing flexibility to suit different operational requirements. Notably, Designwerk has…

Battery recycler Redwood Materials has successfully raised $1 billion in its recent Series D funding round. The company, co-founded by former Tesla chief technology officer JB Straubel, has outlined its intention to utilize the funds to enhance recycling capabilities and further expand the battery supply chain within the United States. Redwood Materials, recognized for its commitment to sustainable battery practices, has garnered attention for its innovative initiatives. Notably, the company had previously unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art facility valued at $3.5 billion in Charleston, South Carolina. This facility is earmarked to play a pivotal role in recycling, refining, and…

In a groundbreaking development, Schaeffler, a leading innovator in industrial technology, has unveiled a revolutionary mechatronic rear axle steering system designed for electric SUVs. Although the renowned vehicle manufacturer that introduced this pioneering technology remains unnamed, the impact of Schaeffler’s innovation on urban mobility and driving dynamics is indisputable. The newly introduced rear axle steering system redefines the driving experience in city traffic by enhancing maneuverability, bolstering stability during lane changes, and simplifying parking maneuvers. This transformative technology, based on Schaeffler’s proprietary planetary roller gear, represents an exceptional achievement in precision mechanical engineering, setting a new standard in the automotive…

Fisker, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has divulged further details about its upcoming Ocean Force E Off-Road package, designed to augment the capabilities of its electric SUV for off-road excursions. Enthusiasts looking to venture beyond traditional roads can now place pre-orders for the Ocean Force E Off-Road package at a cost of $250. This package, expected to be priced at $14,000, offers a comprehensive set of enhancements to Fisker’s electric SUV, aimed at elevating its performance and adaptability. The Ocean SUV itself, known for its 360-mile range in the Ocean Extreme variant, starts at $68,999 before accounting for destination and…

Ultium Cells LLC, a collaborative effort between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, is making significant strides in both employee compensation and working conditions within its battery cell and pack manufacturing facilities. This joint venture, responsible for supplying power to prominent electric vehicle models like the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq, has recently been at the center of discussions regarding wages and workplace environment. One of the key concerns raised was the starting hourly pay at the manufacturing plant, which stood at $16.50. In addition, reports indicated potential exposure to non-OSHA-regulated chemicals among employees, leading to…

Rumors have surfaced regarding an impending acquisition that could reshape the landscape of the electric mobility industry. Reports suggest that Lavoie, an emerging electric scooter brand supported by McLaren Applied, is engaged in advanced discussions to acquire the financially troubled e-bike manufacturer VanMoof. This news follows VanMoof’s recent declaration of bankruptcy in July, a surprising turn of events given the company’s substantial funding and impressive sales figures. According to an unnamed source close to the matter, negotiations between Lavoie and VanMoof are currently at a notably advanced stage. Although neither company has released an official statement confirming these discussions, insider…

Tesla’s Supercharger V4 has been captured on video, revealing its revolutionary tap-and-go payment mechanism. The long-anticipated Supercharger V4 has been a topic of speculation for over a year, with glimpses of its deployment at European Supercharger stations in recent months. Despite the absence of an official unveiling by Tesla, the emerging details gleaned from construction blueprints and station sightings offer a fascinating preview of what this next-generation charging technology entails. The standout feature of the Supercharger V4, as demonstrated in the video, is its impressive 350 kW charging capacity. This remarkable capability promises to substantially reduce charging times, a vital…

In a stunning display of electric performance, the Rimac Nevera hypercar has shattered the previous lap record set by the Tesla Model S Plaid Track Pack at the Nürburgring, solidifying its position as a leader in the electric vehicle race. The Croatian automaker recently announced that the Nevera achieved an awe-inspiring lap time of 7:05.298 (seven minutes and five point two ninety-eight seconds) at the iconic Nürburgring circuit. This accomplishment relegates the Tesla Model S to second place within its category, marking a significant milestone in the electric hypercar domain. The Nevera’s triumphant feat unfolded over the shorter 20.6-kilometer (12.8-mile)…

In a move that is sure to captivate electric vehicle enthusiasts, the Cadillac Lyriq has emerged as a standout contender in the EV market. Prospective buyers in the United States can now revel in the announcement of an alluring lease opportunity tailored to their interests. A recent bulletin dispatched to Cadillac dealers has disclosed a remarkable development: lease prices for the Lyriq have been substantially slashed by $7,500, courtesy of a newly instituted ‘residual value lease support’ initiative available through GM Financial. It is noteworthy, however, that this attractive discount is underpinned by an adjustment in Lyriq’s residual values, a…

In a captivating display of maneuverability, the Tesla Cybertruck, renowned for its imposing size and robust exterior, has demonstrated a surprisingly agile turning radius in recent drone footage. The footage, captured by seasoned Tesla observer Joe Tegtmeyer, offers a striking juxtaposition as the massive pickup truck navigates with unexpected nimbleness, reminiscent of a much smaller vehicle. Tegtmeyer’s footage, taken during an aerial survey of the Tesla Giga Texas facility, captured the Cybertruck departing from a Supercharger station before elegantly executing a seamless U-turn onto a nearby road. While a U-turn may appear unremarkable at first glance, the video unveiled the…

In a significant development for the autonomous vehicle industry, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted approval for Waymo and Cruise, two leading robotaxi providers, to operate their driverless cars 24/7 within the city. The decision follows a comprehensive six-hour public meeting where both proponents and critics of robotaxis shared their perspectives. The debate surrounding the deployment of autonomous vehicles has been marked by concerns over safety and potential benefits. Critics of Cruise and Waymo’s robotaxis highlighted incidents involving vehicle malfunctions and breakdowns, often at busy intersections. Conversely, proponents of the technology emphasized the potential for enhanced safety compared…

Verge Motorcycles, a notable player in the realm of performance electric motorcycles, has been making headlines with its futuristic design concepts and innovative endeavors. The Finnish electric motorbike startup gained attention in 2019 with the introduction of the Verge TS, an electric motorcycle known for its distinctive hubless rear wheel design. Moving ahead to November 2022, deliveries of the Verge TS commenced in Europe, with plans to enter the US market before the close of 2023. Another strategic move by the company involved the adoption of the Tesla NACS charging standard. This decision allows Verge motorcycle users to utilize Tesla’s…