Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

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…