Author: Casper Benedict

German automaker Audi is reportedly considering relocating production of its Q8 e-tron electric SUV from the Foret plant near Brussels, Belgium, as part of the company’s restructuring efforts. The new Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner, aims to streamline the organization and improve efficiency, with a focus on a more process- and software-oriented approach. The Q8 e-tron, which marked Audi’s significant entry into electric mobility, has faced challenges in utilization at the Brussels plant due to its outdated technology. Former CEO Markus Duesmann had initially planned to produce the second generation of the Q8 e-tron at the Belgian facility from 2026. However,…

Subaru of America marked its 18th consecutive month of car sales growth in the United States in January, albeit with a marginal increase. The company delivered 44,510 vehicles, reflecting a modest 0.3% year-over-year uptick. Despite the overall positive trend, Subaru’s all-electric car sales disappointed in January, particularly with the Subaru Solterra model. Sales of the Solterra amounted to just 379 units, signaling a 24% year-over-year decline and accounting for less than 1% of the brand’s total volume. See also: Subaru Solterra Electric SUV Demonstrates Promising Performance in Moose Test Analysts suggest that the underwhelming performance of the Subaru Solterra in…

Shares of Polestar experienced a decline on Monday following the announcement by car rental giant Hertz of its intention to postpone the acquisition of Polestar electric vehicles (EVs) for the current year, as reported by the Financial Times. Hertz had previously garnered attention with a substantial order of 100,000 Tesla Model 3s in 2021, aiming to bolster its electric vehicle rental offerings. This commitment was later extended to include Tesla’s Model Y in the subsequent year. In a strategic move, Hertz then entered into an agreement with Polestar, pledging to acquire up to 65,000 Polestar EVs by 2027. See also:…

Parking service provider Parkopedia has entered into a partnership with North American EV roaming hub operator ChargeHub to integrate ChargeHub’s network of 80,000 charging stations across the US and Canada into Parkopedia’s payment platform. This collaboration enables in-car charger activations and payments through a single sign-on account on participating Charge Site Operators (CSOs). The integration aims to enhance the charging experience for EV drivers, providing them with direct access to charging points across North America through their vehicles. The partnership leverages Parkopedia’s expertise in parking and charging data, dynamic availability information, and charging transactions for EV drivers. ChargeHub CEO Simon…

Revolt Motors is solidifying its reputation for innovation in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector with the launch of the RV400 BRZ. This strategic move by the company aims to democratize electric mobility by introducing an affordable yet high-performance electric motorcycle, catering to a broader segment of Indian consumers. Priced at approximately $1,662, the RV400 BRZ emerges as the most budget-friendly option in Revolt Motors’ electric motorcycle lineup, reflecting the company’s commitment to making sustainable transportation accessible to a wider audience. See also: Revolt Launches Special Edition Stealth Black RV400 Electric Motorcycle to Mark Sixth Anniversary Despite its affordability, the RV400…

BMW has successfully finished constructing new facilities at its Austrian plant in Steyr, intended for the future production of New Class electric drive systems. The company is now initiating the setup of the plant, with pre-series production scheduled to commence in July. Approximately 300 machines and production facilities need to be installed in the coming months to ensure the timely start of pre-series production, according to BMW. The investment in electric drives at the Steyr site by the BMW Group is projected to reach around one billion euros by 2030. The Steyr plant is anticipated to produce over 600,000 drive…

Hyundai Motor Co. announced on Sunday its plans to venture into the certified secondhand electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming to broaden its range of used vehicles and enhance profits from the business. Starting in March, the South Korean automaker will commence the sale of certified secondhand EVs that meet stringent quality standards. To address potential customer concerns regarding EV battery performance and reliability, Hyundai will establish certification standards in collaboration with its research and development institute. These standards will assess battery damage and determine the lifespan of the batteries. See also: Hyundai Introduces N Line Trim for Kona Electric, Blending…

Renault’s extensive teaser campaign for the forthcoming Renault 5 EV continues, with the latest reveal focusing on the three designated “flagship colors” for the eagerly anticipated electric car. The choice of the term “flagship” suggests the possibility of additional paint options, but these three colors are set to take center stage in Renault’s marketing materials. The revealed colors are notable for their striking and impactful aesthetics, poised to make a lasting impression in promotional materials, on Renault’s digital platforms, and on the streets once the vehicle is released. The compact Renault 5, measuring 3,920 mm in length, is expected to…

The first-ever UIM E1 Championship Series commenced its inaugural season with electrifying races on the Red Sea in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend. Notably, Marc Anthony’s Team Miami secured pole position heading into the second day of racing, attracting attention to the league’s debut. Here are the final results from the historic event. The UIM E1 Series has been on a multi-year journey, with founders gearing up for this weekend’s first Grand Prix (GP). Friday’s qualifying races included time trials to determine pole position for the semi-finals. Team Miami, led by Marc Anthony, emerged with the fastest time, earning…

Norwegian automotive publication Motor.no recently conducted its annual winter tests to evaluate electric vehicle performance in harsh winter conditions. Surprisingly, this year, the HiPhi Z claimed the top spot by covering 522 km on a single charge, surpassing even Tesla models that have historically dominated the rankings. The test involved 23 electric vehicles driven under consistent conditions in the Dovrefjell region, navigating steep mountainous terrain with ambient temperatures ranging from -1 to -5 °C. While direct year-over-year comparisons may not be exact due to varying conditions, all vehicles were tested until fully depleted. See also: Norway Conducts Largest Winter Test…

Hyundai Motor America reported a challenging January in the U.S., citing economic hurdles and interest rates contributing to a difficult retail environment. The company’s vehicle sales saw a year-over-year decline of 8.6%, totaling 47,543 units. Despite the overall downturn, Hyundai found positive momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, witnessing significant year-over-year growth in plug-in electric car sales. See also: Hyundai Introduces N Line Trim for Kona Electric, Blending Performance Styling with EV Appeal In January, Hyundai reported a remarkable 77% year-over-year increase in plug-in electric car sales, without specifying the exact figures. The brand also noted a 42% year-over-year…

A significant majority of US car dealers are raising concerns about the federal government’s rapid push toward electric vehicles (EVs), citing challenges in adapting to an evolving automotive landscape. In a survey conducted by Automotive News, encompassing 208 dealers and dealership managers, 83% expressed the belief that the government’s strategy is hastening their transition to EVs. See also: U.S. Dealership Coalition Urges President Biden to Reconsider Electric Vehicle Mandate Car dealerships have traditionally been viewed as potential obstacles to EV adoption, given their reliance on vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance – aspects that are less prevalent with EVs due to…

Airbus, in collaboration with Avinor, SAS, Swedavia, and Vattenfall, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Sweden and Norway. This joint effort aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts, operations, supply chains, infrastructure requirements, and refuelling needs at airports. The overarching goal is to foster the development of a hydrogen ecosystem for aviation in both countries, facilitating the transformation of airports to operate hydrogen-powered aircraft. See also: AMSL Aero Secures USD 3.49 Million Grant from ARENA to Advance Hydrogen-Powered Vertiia Aircraft The partners plan to conduct an unprecedented…

Chinese automaker BYD disclosed a dip in sales for January compared to the previous month, attributing the decline to seasonal factors that impacted several major automakers in China. According to an announcement on the Hong Kong stock exchange, BYD sold 201,493 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in January, reflecting a 33.14% year-on-year increase but a notable 40.92% decrease from December. In a strategic shift in March 2022, BYD halted the production and sales of vehicles solely powered by internal combustion engines, redirecting its focus towards plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). See also: BYD Unveils Official Images of New…

In a bid to diversify amidst the global shift away from fossil fuels, Saudi Arabia is navigating challenges in its endeavor to embrace electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, according to a Reuters report. The country, with limited experience in automotive production and an undeveloped EV infrastructure, is actively investing in EV initiatives, primarily involving US-based Lucid and its own startup, Ceer. Lucid has received a substantial investment of $10 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the government committing to purchasing up to 100,000 Lucid vehicles. Lucid’s automotive factory, the only one in the kingdom, currently operates by reassembling…

Chinese automaker BYD witnessed remarkable success in 2023, making significant strides in various global markets and achieving a notable milestone by surpassing the Volkswagen Group to become the top-selling brand in China. According to data from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, BYD recorded registrations of 2.4 million vehicles in China last year, capturing an 11% share of the new car market. This marked a notable 3.2% increase from 2022 when BYD was in close competition with Toyota for the second spot, trailing behind the Volkswagen Group. BYD’s ascendancy has been rapid, with sales soaring over the past few…

Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt has expressed its intention to explore cobalt sourcing from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a crucial component in electric vehicle battery production. The company has conducted trials, examined work processes, and compared plans to enhance social and environmental sustainability, with the goal of establishing long-term partnerships. Chief Environmental Officer Emma Nehrenheim mentioned in a Reuters phone interview that she would feel comfortable engaging in sourcing agreements within the year but did not specify a definite timeframe. Stakeholders had approached Northvolt, urging the company to directly engage with miners and other parties to improve working conditions…

Ford unveils a new Bronze Appearance Package for the Mach-E GT, aiming to enhance the visual appeal of the electric vehicle. Priced at $60,990, the package includes “Sinister Bronze” paint for the 20-inch cross-spoke alloys, badges, and mesh-look front grille. Buyers can choose from three body colors: Shadow Black, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, and the newly introduced Eruption Green. Opting for the Bronze kit also provides buyers with the opportunity to purchase a yet-to-be-disclosed performance upgrade, positioning it as the fastest Mach-E ever. See also: Ford Shifts Sales Strategy for Electric Mustang Mach-E in China Amidst Challenging Market Dynamics https://youtu.be/eRudvjxBmPw…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Canoo has commenced the delivery of its Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) to commercial van and fleet rental company Kingbee. This marks an early fulfillment of the substantial 9,300-unit order placed by Kingbee in 2022, with the LDV 130 units destined for integration into Kingbee’s rental fleet. Canoo plans to continue deliveries throughout 2024 as production accelerates at its newly established manufacturing facility in Oklahoma. In an official statement on Wednesday, Canoo’s CEO, Tony Aquila, expressed pride in the increasing presence of Canoo vehicles on American roads, emphasizing their engineering for service industries and optimization for safety,…

ZeroAvia has entered into a memorandum of understanding with hydrogen tech startup Verne to jointly explore the utilization of cryo-compressed hydrogen (CcH2) as an energy-dense fuel source for hydrogen-electric planes. The aim is to enhance refueling speed and potentially extend the flight range of the aircraft. ZeroAvia has made substantial progress in the past decade, achieving experimental flight certificates from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company is now on the brink of realizing commercial operations with hydrogen-electric planes, targeting the development of a 40- to 80-seat aircraft with a range of…