Author: Casper Benedict

Tesla commemorated its 10th anniversary in China, where the US electric vehicle (EV) maker boasts a user base exceeding 1.7 million, as announced today on Weibo. “10 years ago today, we put the flagship coupe Model S in the hands of 15 consumers who were at the forefront of their time,” Tesla wrote in Chinese on Weibo. “Today, 10 years later, we are serving more than 1.7 million Tesla owners in China. Tesla has more than 6 million owners globally and China has more than 20 million new energy vehicle (NEV) ownership,” it said. On April 22, 2014, Tesla CEO…

Kia has announced the pricing and trim levels for its highly anticipated EV5 model in New Zealand, one of the first countries outside of China to receive the electric vehicle. The EV5 will be available in both FWD and AWD variants, with only long-range versions offered. The Kia EV5, which launched in China last year, is set to start from NZ$67,990 in New Zealand. Customers can order the model through dealers, with deliveries expected in the coming months. A prototype of the EV5 is currently on tour at dealerships in the region, giving customers a closer look at the new…

Auckland Transport (AT) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to electrify the West Auckland bus service, WX1, with fully electric double-decker buses. The move comes as part of a new $166 million contract signed between AT and bus operator Tranzit Group, aiming to enhance public transport sustainability and efficiency in the region. The nine-year contract will bring more than 40 new electric buses to the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau, operating under Tranzit Group’s Tranzurban Auckland brand. Over half of these buses will be double-deckers, serving key routes including the WX1, 11T/11W, and 120 bus routes. Stacey van der Putten, AT’s Director…

U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford are preparing to address a common challenge when they report first-quarter results next week: explaining to investors how they plan to drive profit growth in the face of slowing electric vehicle (EV) demand. The slowdown in global EV demand, coupled with intense competition from Chinese automakers and high U.S. borrowing costs, has prompted both companies to delay investments and reduce costs over the past year. With China’s economy slowing and U.S. inflation on the rise, a significant macroeconomic growth boost seems distant. As a result, GM and Ford are turning their attention to sales…

Canada has announced the extension of its electric vehicle (EV) purchase incentives under the ‘Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles’ (iZEV) program, with no specified end date. Originally set to conclude on March 31, 2025, the program will now continue, offering subsidies of up to 5,000 Canadian dollars per qualifying vehicle, totaling a budget of 607.9 million Canadian dollars. According to the 2024 budget announcement, the iZEV program, which began in 2019 and covers battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell cars, has significantly impacted the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. The share of zero-emission vehicles in all new vehicle sales reportedly…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has teamed up with energy storage start-up Allye Energy to introduce a new portable battery system, Allye MAX BESS, utilizing second-life batteries from its plug-in hybrid vehicles. The innovative system serves as buffer storage for fast-charging stations, offering a sustainable solution for energy storage and distribution. The Allye MAX BESS system incorporates seven second-life battery packs from Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV vehicles, boasting a total capacity of 270 kWh. Despite being labeled as “portable,” the system’s design allows it to be transported to its deployment location on a car trailer, as showcased in…

In an eagerly awaited announcement, Tesla has revealed an upcoming major software update for its vehicles, set to roll out this spring. The update includes a revamped user interface, the introduction of ‘Auto Shift Beta’, native Audible integration, an updated Spotify app, and several other enhancements. One of the key visual changes in the update is the immersive full-screen vehicle controls when parked, offering a sleek and modern interface. Additionally, there will be larger playback controls and quick access to recent, favorite, and upcoming media in the player, enhancing the overall user experience. For Tesla Model S and Model X…

The brewing tensions between Italy and Alfa Romeo’s parent company Stellantis came to a head recently when the Italian government informed the automaker that naming its upcoming Alfa Romeo EV “Milano” was against the law, as the car will be manufactured in Poland. As a result, Alfa Romeo has decided to rename the vehicle to a more neutral and less evocative name, “Junior.” The decision to change the name came after a confrontation with officials from the Industry and Made in Italy Ministry, according to Automotive News Europe. Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato explained that while the company tried to…

Green Li-ion has inaugurated a pioneering commercial-scale plant in Atoka, Oklahoma, designed to process unsorted battery waste, commonly known as “black mass,” from used lithium-ion batteries. The plant represents a significant step forward in sustainable battery recycling, producing battery-grade cathode precursor, lithium, and anode materials all under one roof. The conventional process for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries in North America involves sorting the batteries before shredding, processing them into black mass, and further refining them into sulfates. This material is then typically exported overseas, primarily to China and South Korea, for additional processing. Green Li-ion’s patented technology employs an innovative…

Tesla has unveiled its latest addition to the Model Y lineup in select European countries, introducing the Long Range rear-wheel-drive model. The new trim aims to offer a more affordable option to customers, addressing the need for lower-priced vehicles in the market. In the last quarter, Tesla faced disappointing delivery figures and accumulated an inventory of 46,000 vehicles. While some of these were already sold during transit, the overall inventory added up to over 100,000 vehicles. The automaker, like many others, is seeking ways to counter high-interest rates, and the introduction of a more cost-effective Model Y variant is part…

London-based ride-hailing provider WeFlex has made a substantial move towards greener transportation by placing an initial order for 165 electric bZ4X SUVs from Toyota. WeFlex, which currently operates a fleet of over 2,300 battery-electric vehicles, aims to transition to a fully emissions-free fleet in the future. The decision to invest in Toyota’s bZ4X showcases WeFlex’s commitment to sustainability and mirrors the efforts of ride-hailing giant Uber, which aims to electrify its 55,000 drivers in London by 2025. Neil Broad, General Manager of One Toyota Fleet Services, expressed confidence in the bZ4X, stating, “WeFlex’s commitment to bZ4X is a valuable seal…

Volkswagen has introduced the latest addition to its GTX lineup with the ID. Buzz GTX, marking the final GTX version of its ID. models in Europe. The electric van, known for its practicality and iconic design reminiscent of the legendary Bulli, now embraces a sporty edge with the GTX treatment. Equipped with the latest MEB drive generation, the ID. Buzz GTX boasts a system output of 250 kW, utilizing the new APP550 rear motor with 210 kW and 560 Nm of torque, complemented by an 80 kW AKA150 asynchronous motor on the front axle. This all-wheel-drive system enables the sporty…

Volkswagen has announced its ambitious goal to begin production of the affordable ID.1 electric car, priced at around 20,000 euros ($21,700), in 2027. This move is part of the company’s commitment to providing “affordable electric mobility for everyone,” as stated by VW brand leader Thomas Shafer during the annual press conference on Thursday. Shafer confirmed that the project, currently known as the ID.1, is already well underway. He stated, “We’re already in the middle of it, we know what the car should look like.” However, the biggest challenge lies in determining the manufacturing location for the vehicle. “This is extremely…

n a strategic move to expand its presence in the commercial vehicle market, Rivian, the upstart electric vehicle brand, has announced a new partnership with JBPCO. This collaboration will see Rivian providing a modified version of its Commercial Van chassis, complete with its 100 kWh LFP battery and software stack, including the Rivian “dashboard” and safety features like automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree camera system. The Rivian fleet chassis will serve as the foundation for an all-electric version of the Morgan C250 step-van, known as the C250e, which was announced in March 2023. This vehicle, effectively a Morgan Olson-bodied…

Fisker, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has reportedly enlisted restructuring advisers to navigate potential bankruptcy proceedings, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The company has faced significant challenges recently, with its stock facing potential delisting due to low share prices. In its latest quarterly report, Fisker expressed doubts about its ability to sustain operations, citing the need for external investment. Despite a remarkable 300% surge in deliveries in Q4, the company continues to face financial uncertainty. Following its quarterly report, news emerged of potential investment discussions with Nissan, focusing on a partnership for electric trucks. Fisker unveiled the “Alaska” pickup…

Rivian’s much-anticipated R2 and surprise R3 electric vehicles (EVs) were recently unveiled, but the real excitement came when videos emerged showing the cars in action on public roads, providing a better sense of their size and presence among other vehicles. While Rivian had previously provided detailed dimensions of the R2, seeing it on the road alongside other cars offers a more tangible comparison. The R2 is slightly taller and shorter in length compared to the Model Y, but with a distinct shape, featuring a taller back-end. See also: Rivian R2’s Charge Port Location Sparks Debate Among EV Enthusiasts The videos were…

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has announced that it will officially unveil its first electric vehicle (EV), the Xiaomi SU7, on March 28. Deliveries of the SU7 are expected to commence immediately after the launch, according to Xiaomi’s EV unit Xiaomi EV’s announcement on Weibo. Customers will have the opportunity to experience the Xiaomi SU7 starting March 25, with reservations currently being accepted. The model’s show cars will be displayed in 59 stores across 29 cities initially. Xiaomi made its foray into the automotive industry official on March 30, 2021, and showcased the SU7 for the first time on December 28,…

LG Energy Solution (LGES) has unveiled a strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to develop cutting-edge battery management system (BMS) diagnostic solutions. The partnership aims to introduce a BMS solution that can significantly extend the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. “Our work with Qualcomm Technologies intends to create differentiated customer value by enabling real-time battery health diagnosis as well as the development of battery management solutions that are directly linked to driving information,” stated Hyuksung Chung, Vice President of Business Development Group at LG Energy Solution. See also: LG Energy Solution Launches Electric Scooter Battery Swapping Network in South Korea LGES…

British developer Viritech has introduced a new hydrogen powertrain designed for use in road cars, light commercial vehicles, and off-highway applications. The VPT60N powertrain features a 60 kW fuel cell and drivetrain capable of delivering up to 200 kW of power. In addition to the fuel cell and drivetrain, the VPT60N includes a 16 kWh battery with battery management system (BMS) and cooling components. Viritech offers the battery and hydrogen storage in both “bespoke form factors” and a standard option to reduce lead times. The powertrain is fully integrated, and the vehicle control unit (VCU) is preconfigured for easy system…

Solaris, an European manufacturer of electric buses, has secured another order from the Polish capital Warsaw. The public transport operator MZA Warszawa has placed an order for twelve Solaris Urbino 12 Electric buses, which are scheduled for delivery within a year. This latest order adds to Solaris’s growing presence in Warsaw’s electric bus fleet. In December 2023, transport operator ZTM ordered twelve new electric articulated buses from Solaris, set to arrive in the Polish capital in 2024 and 2025. With this new order, Solaris has now delivered a total of 152 electric buses to Warsaw, making it one of the…