Author: Benedict Mcdaniel

General Motors (GM) announced its decision to shut down its autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, following concerns over high development costs, regulatory challenges, and limited progress in a competitive space. The move ends a high-profile effort that GM once projected could generate $50 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Executives revealed on Tuesday that the decision to exit the robotaxi business was influenced by the significant investments required and challenges with regulatory relationships. Some of Cruise’s workforce will transition to GM’s development of driver-assistance technologies. Despite initial investor optimism, GM shares closed down 1.3% on Wednesday after an earlier post-announcement boost.…

The rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption is expected to significantly increase the demand for critical minerals needed for battery production, raising concerns about supply chain constraints, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). The report, titled Critical Materials: Batteries for Electric Vehicles, estimates that global EV sales could reach 60 million units annually by 2030, up from 14 million in 2023, in alignment with the 1.5°C climate target. This surge in demand is projected to push EV battery requirements from 850 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2023 to over 4,300 GWh by the end of the…

Tesla has outlined a series of improvements to its Supercharger network as it expands access to electric vehicles (EVs) from other manufacturers. The enhancements, detailed in a recent post on X by Tesla Charging, aim to address compatibility challenges and streamline the charging experience for all EV users. Key initiatives include upgrading to longer V4 Supercharger cables, which Tesla says will outnumber shorter cables at stations within 18 months. This upgrade responds to compatibility issues faced by non-Tesla EVs with varying charge port placements, often resulting in vehicles needing to block multiple charging stalls to connect. Tesla also highlighted recent…

BYD’s Dynasty lineup is on track to achieve record sales this year, with expectations to exceed 2 million units, according to Lu Tian, head of sales for the Dynasty series. As of the end of October, the lineup has already sold more than 1.58 million units, accounting for nearly half of the company’s total sales during the same period. In an interview with local media outlet Dongchedi, Lu highlighted that the Dynasty series is poised to surpass the previous all-time record for annual sales of fuel vehicles in China, which was set by SAIC-Volkswagen at 1.73 million units in 2017.…

Tesla has now made its highly anticipated Cybertruck available for immediate purchase, marking a notable shift from its once enormous backlog of reservations. For the first time, customers can purchase the electric pickup from Tesla’s inventory list, with select locations offering the option to drive away with a Cybertruck in just a matter of days. This development comes after years of hype and a two-million-strong reservation list that once surpassed the valuation of entire automakers like BMW. Currently, the inventory includes the higher-end Foundation Series AWD and tri-motor “Cyberbeast” versions of the Cybertruck, with prices starting below $80,000. This could…

Sakuu, a battery manufacturing company, has formed a partnership with Eleqtrion, a specialist in aluminium-ion battery technology, to advance the development of scalable and sustainable aluminium-ion batteries. The collaboration aims to improve energy density and reduce the carbon footprint of batteries for both small- and large-scale energy storage systems and e-mobility applications. The two companies will utilize Sakuu’s ‘Kavian’ platform to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of aluminium-ion battery production. Eleqtrion’s proprietary battery electrode technology will be used to explore the potential of aluminium-ion batteries. Eleqtrion’s CEO, William Reynold, stated, “By harnessing the power of aluminium-ion batteries, we’re taking a…

Tata Motors is set to broaden its electric vehicle (EV) range in India, planning to offer at least seven models by the end of 2025. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, outlined the expansion strategy during the company’s Q2 FY2025 earnings call. Tata Motors will launch the Harrier.ev, an electric version of its diesel-powered Harrier, in early 2025. The SUV, positioned in the compact segment with a similar size to the Volkswagen ID.4, will use a modified D8 platform initially developed by Jaguar Land Rover. A formal debut of the production model…

Canadian fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems has confirmed a significant new order for 200 fuel cell modules from North American bus manufacturer New Flyer, totaling 20 MW in output. Under a long-term supply agreement signed in January 2024, this latest order marks the second phase of collaboration, with all modules scheduled for delivery in 2025. The modules will be integrated into New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge FC buses, serving routes in states such as California, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and New York. According to Ballard, each FCmove-HD+ fuel cell module delivers 100 kW of power and weighs approximately 250 kg. “We…

Researchers are advancing iron-based batteries as a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology for energy storage. By adding silicate to the battery’s design, scientists have found a way to improve efficiency, making these batteries a viable option for large-scale renewable energy storage applications. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power gain momentum, the challenge of efficiently storing this energy persists. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used for storage, depend on materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—elements that are increasingly difficult to obtain and expensive, fueling the search for alternatives. Professor Xiaowei Teng and his team at Worcester…

Specialized has introduced the 2025 version of its popular Turbo Vado 5.0 e-bike in Europe. This commuter-friendly electric bike is equipped with the powerful Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor, offering natural-feeling pedal assistance with speeds up to 28 mph (45 kph). In compliance with local regulations, the top speed is reduced in certain countries. Powered by a 710Wh battery, the Turbo Vado 5.0 provides a range of up to 120 miles (75 km) on a single charge. The e-bike is designed for a smooth ride with an 80mm travel suspension fork and suspension seat post. It also features hydraulic…

Silicon Valley startup Lyten announced plans on Tuesday to construct the world’s first gigafactory for lithium-sulfur batteries in Reno, Nevada. The $1 billion facility aims to address the rising demand for more affordable and efficient energy sources for electric vehicles (EVs). Backed by Stellantis and FedEx, Lyten’s investment will initially create 200 jobs, with expectations to grow to over 1,000 as production scales up. The gigafactory will have the capacity to produce up to 10 gigawatt-hours of lithium-sulfur batteries annually, with the first phase of production slated to begin in 2027. This move positions Lyten alongside other major industry players…

Jeep has officially announced that its globally popular Compass model will soon be available in an electric version, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy. The teaser design sketch for the upcoming Jeep Compass EV was unveiled recently, generating excitement among fans and potential buyers. Currently, the Compass ranks as Jeep’s third best-selling vehicle in the United States, following the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, and it remains a strong performer in its segment across Europe. Jeep’s UK managing director, Kris Cholmondeley, previously hinted at the development of an electric Compass, stating in August that it would initiate a…

LG Energy Solution announced on October 8 a landmark contract to supply electric vehicle (EV) batteries to a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, expanding its reach in North America and other key regions. The contract, set to begin in 2028, will see LG Energy Solution deliver 50.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries over a 10-year period, marking a significant step in the global electric mobility shift. While the total contract value has not been disclosed, industry insiders estimate it to be worth several billion dollars, given the scale of the supply volume. The batteries in question are believed to be next-generation cylindrical cells,…

British transport service provider Arriva has placed an order for 157 electric buses from Dutch manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach for its new public transport concession in West Brabant, Netherlands. This significant order comprises 58 new generation LE-122 Citeas and 99 LE-135 buses, with deliveries expected to commence in the first half of 2025. The electric buses will be designed in the livery of local public transport operator Bravo, in preparation for the commencement of the new West Brabant concession on July 6, 2025. Arriva secured this ten-year contract, valued at €900 million, in February of this year. The Citea…

Enel X Way North America is set to discontinue its electric mobility business as of October 11, marking a significant disruption for owners of JuiceBox home chargers. The Italian energy group’s subsidiary will shut down all software and connectivity services for the chargers, affecting the ability to remotely control and monitor charging processes. However, a solution for public fast charging appears to be on the horizon. Enel X Way had initially planned to deploy two million charging points across North America by 2030, focusing on private charging infrastructure like the JuiceBox wallbox. The company’s withdrawal is attributed to challenging financial…

Tesla China has reached a significant milestone, exporting over 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) to global markets. Of these, more than 107,000 units were shipped to Australia, according to recent reports, solidifying Tesla’s growing presence in the country’s electric vehicle landscape. Industry data from carloop, as reported by The Driven, revealed that Giga Shanghai, Tesla’s manufacturing hub in China, has been responsible for nearly 50% of all electric passenger cars in Australia. Tesla began exporting vehicles from Giga Shanghai in April 2021, making the milestone particularly noteworthy given the relatively short timeframe. Tesla China’s Vice President, Grace Tao, marked the…

British equipment manufacturer Anaphite has secured €12.5 million in a Series A financing round aimed at advancing its dry coating technology for battery electrodes. The total funding raised amounts to $13.7 million (£10.4 million), which will enable the company to scale its patented dry coating precursor (DCP) technology. Anaphite’s DCP technology is projected to reduce the carbon intensity of electric vehicle (EV) battery production by 30% and lower costs by 40%. The company has stated that it is already collaborating with various global car and battery cell manufacturers. World Fund and Maniv were the leading investors in this funding round,…

Chargemap, an electric vehicle (EV) charging service, has expanded its compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network to most European countries, following a successful initial rollout in France. This extension allows Chargemap users to access Tesla’s Superchargers using their Chargemap Pass, enhancing convenience for EV drivers across the continent. Tesla’s integration into the Gireve roaming platform last spring enabled electric mobility service providers connected to the platform to access the Supercharger network. Chargemap was the first to utilize this connection, launching a test phase in France. With the recent expansion, Chargemap users can now use their Chargemap Pass at Supercharger locations in…

LCP Group, a UK-based commercial property company, has expanded its partnership with PoGo Charge to install ultra-rapid DC charging points at 52 retail locations across the UK. This agreement is an extension of a previous contract signed in November 2023. Under the updated deal, PoGo Charge will add 254 ultra-rapid DC (UR DC) charging points to the 252 deployed in the first phase of the partnership. The initial installation at Washington Retail Park is already operational, featuring eight PoGo Touch Plus Ultra-Rapid DC chargers. PoGo Charge stated that these units offer “the fastest charging speeds of any charger currently in…

Alexander Dennis has officially introduced the next-generation Enviro400EV battery-electric double-decker bus, designed to meet Transport for London’s (TfL) specifications. The new Enviro400EV features a 472kWh battery as standard, with an offered warranty of 14 years or 1 million kilometers, whichever comes first, under normal operating conditions. A 354kWh battery variant is also available at a lower price point. The bus can be fully charged in as little as three hours using a DC plug connection, with even faster charging possible through optional roof-mounted connector rails for pantographs. The 472kWh variant can accommodate up to 87 passengers, while the 354kWh version…