Author: Casper Benedict

Volvo has unveiled its first-ever production-ready self-driving truck, the Volvo VNL Autonomous, at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas. The truck, based on Volvo’s VNL Class 8 semi for long-haul transportation, is described as “purpose designed and purpose built” for autonomous operation. The Volvo VNL Autonomous utilizes hardware and software from Aurora Innovation, a Pittsburgh-based company. The integration includes Aurora’s Aurora Driver autonomous technology, which consists of AI software, dual computers, lidar, high-resolution cameras, and radar. Aurora Driver has been extensively tested, accumulating 1.5 million commercial miles on public roads and billions of miles in virtual testing. See also: Volvo Autonomous…

Volkswagen of America has announced a collaboration with Denver-based Wrapmate to introduce an online 3D configurator tool, allowing owners of the upcoming ID. Buzz electric vehicle to design their own custom vehicle wraps. The announcement was strategically timed to coincide with the second annual International Volkswagen Bus Day on June 2, a celebration of all things VW bus, past and present. Wrapmate specializes in purchasing, designing, printing, and installing vehicle wraps across the United States. The new Wrapmate 3D configurator, set to launch in beta on June 2, will enable future ID. Buzz drivers to visualize and create custom wraps…

Speaking at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions conference, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized the challenges faced by automakers in the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Tavares stated, “You are going to see a huge shift of the supplier base. The sourcing will move from the Western world to the best cost countries.” He highlighted the need for automakers to sell EVs at the same price as equivalent petrol models, despite their production costs being 40% to 50% higher, necessitating cost-cutting measures across operations. Tavares noted that the transition to EVs is hindered by affordability issues, as customers are reluctant to buy…

Ford has significantly reduced prices for its electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, following a trend among automakers in the country. The price cuts apply to models such as the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and the E-Transit van. The price of the E-Transit van has been slashed by AUD$15,000, now starting at AUD$89,990 from the previous price of AUD$104,990. Similarly, the Mustang Mach-E has seen price reductions, with the Select variant now starting at $64,990 after an $8,000 price drop. Ford’s entry into Australia’s EV market last year has been marked by these price adjustments. The company has lowered the price…

The European Commission has greenlit funding for IPCEI Hy2Move, a project aimed at supporting 13 innovative hydrogen projects across seven EU member states. These projects will receive up to 1.4 billion euros in public funding, with an expected additional 3.3 billion euros in private investments. IPCEI Hy2Move, jointly prepared by Germany, Estonia, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Spain, will focus on research, innovation, and various aspects of the hydrogen technology value chain. The approved projects include developments in fuel cell vehicle platforms for buses and trucks, high-performance fuel cell technologies for ships and locomotives, on-board storage solutions for air…

Jeep has introduced its first fully electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to electrification. The new electric SUV, which is not based on a combustion model, is designed to compete with popular electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y. The Wagoneer S is based on the STLA-Large platform and features a 400-volt system capable of delivering over 800 Nm of torque. It boasts impressive performance, with the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The vehicle’s 100 kWh battery can be charged from 20-80% in 23 minutes, offering a range…

Renault has announced plans to collaborate with a Chinese engineering company to develop future Twingo electric cars priced below 20,000 euros ($21,676), as part of its strategy to compete with Chinese automakers in the small and affordable electric vehicle segment. The development of the new Twingo models is progressing rapidly, with Renault’s Ampere electric vehicles division spearheading the project. A spokesperson for the division stated, “Twingo’s development is moving forward quickly, as we plan to make the development in two years,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to advancing its electric vehicle lineup. See also: Volkswagen Ends Talks with Renault on Electric Twingo…

Recent reports of a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the U.S. may not be as prolonged or severe as initially thought, according to new data that suggests the downturn could be short-lived. A Bloomberg report highlighted that first-quarter sales data indicates the supposed slowdown in EV sales might be more of a blip, as many automakers saw year-over-year sales continue to rise. Despite concerns about demand, consumer purchases of EVs have not been significantly impacted. While Tesla’s deliveries were seen as disappointing by some, the company remains the dominant high-volume EV maker in the U.S. Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, Director…

Toyota Motor showcased its next-generation engines designed for a range of vehicles, including hybrids and those running on biofuel, as part of its strategy to meet stricter emissions standards and offer a variety of powertrain options beyond electric vehicles (EVs). At a media event with Subaru and Mazda Motor, Toyota displayed in-development 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines that are more compact than current models. In a joint statement, the companies said, “With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units.” Toyota, which owns about a fifth of Subaru and…

Daimler Truck’s electric truck brand, Rizon, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of two new models, the e18Mx and e18Lx, at the 2024 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas, USA. These Class 4 and Class 5 models, set to be available for the 2025 model year, offer upgraded payload capacity compared to Rizon’s current models. The e18Mx and e18Lx models can move a total of 18,850 pounds (approximately 8.5 tonnes), an increase from the current models’ 17,995 pounds (about 8.2 tonnes). While specific technical details about the powertrain have not been released yet, Rizon states that the…

Porsche has announced its decision to prolong its involvement in Formula E, confirming its participation in the electric racing series beyond the current agreement, which ends in 2026. The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer will continue competing in Formula E from Season 13 (2026/2027) onwards, coinciding with the introduction of the fourth generation of vehicles. Initially joining Formula E in 2019 with a commitment until the 2023/2024 season, Porsche extended its involvement last summer by two years, showcasing its dedication to the electric racing series. While the exact duration of Porsche’s renewed commitment has not been specified, it is expected to…

Tesla has officially begun construction of its highly anticipated Shanghai Megafactory on May 23, 2024. This facility marks the electric vehicle maker’s first dedicated energy storage site outside the United States. The Shanghai Megafactory, which will produce Megapack batteries, will complement Giga Shanghai as Tesla China’s main production facilities. According to a CNEV Post report, the new Megapack factory is located in the Lingang area, close to Gigafactory Shanghai, and spans approximately 200,000 square meters (49.4 acres). Tesla senior vice president Tom Zhu highlighted the significance of the new facility in the company’s global battery storage strategy. “The Shanghai Megafactory…