Author: Casper Benedict

German automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler AG, has been granted a development loan amounting to 420 million euros by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The funds, with a term of up to ten years, are earmarked for research and development initiatives in specific areas, with a primary focus on sustainable technologies within the European Union. The primary objective of the funding is to propel research and development efforts in the realms of electromobility, renewable energies, and hydrogen. This encompasses electric axle systems, motors, as well as chassis and bearing applications. See also: Schaeffler Boosts Offer for Vitesco Merger, Sets Integration…

In a recent video by Edmunds, Kia’s high-performance EV, the EV6 GT, went head-to-head with the gas-powered BMW M2 in a quarter-mile drag race and a handling test, exploring the capabilities of both vehicles. Kia, traditionally associated with more budget-friendly vehicles, entered the high-performance market with the release of the EV6 GT in August. Boasting 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of instant torque, the EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, positioning it as a strong contender in the crossover segment. The EV6 GT, powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, previously demonstrated…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng, listed on the NYSE as XPEV, has officially introduced its inaugural Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the X9, catering to the family car segment with emphasis on spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and intelligent driving capabilities. Unveiled at a launch event in Guangzhou, the X9 is available in four versions, with starting prices ranging from RMB 359,800 ($50,680) to RMB 419,800. Notably, the starting price is RMB 28,200 lower than the initial pre-sale price of RMB 388,000 when the X9 was offered during the Guangzhou auto show on November 17. Xpeng has strategically lowered the price…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio is offering owners who purchased vehicles through its Battery as a Service (BaaS) model in China the option to buy out the power battery packs. This move provides customers with enhanced flexibility, extending beyond the initial choice between purchasing vehicles with included battery packs or opting for the BaaS model. Under the BaaS program, customers who choose not to own the battery pack benefit from a reduced purchase price, saving a minimum of RMB 70,000 ($9,860). Instead, they pay a monthly rental fee of either RMB 980 or RMB 1,680, depending on the standard…

A recent report from local media outlet Jiemian has suggested that products from humanoid robot manufacturer UBTech Robotics may have found their way into BYD’s production lines, citing sources in the supply chain. When questioned about the potential collaboration, Zhou Jian, CEO of UBTech Robotics, refrained from confirming the information but mentioned ongoing discussions with several new energy vehicle (NEV) companies, as reported by Jiemian. UBTech Robotics, a prominent player in the humanoid and smart service robot industry, made its debut on the Hong Kong stock market under the ticker symbol 9880, becoming the first humanoid robot manufacturer to be…

Xpeng has garnered over 30,000 pre-orders for its upcoming Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the X9, ahead of its official launch. The company made the announcement on its social media channels, highlighting the robust initial acceptance of the X9 model. The X9 was unveiled by Xpeng on the first day of the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 17, initiating pre-sales with a starting price of RMB 388,000 yuan ($54,650). With deliveries scheduled to commence in January, Xpeng plans to officially launch the X9 on January 1, with the launch event beginning at 6:30 pm Beijing Time. During the event, the official price…

Auto manufacturers are introducing Electric Vehicle (EV) micro leases, providing consumers with an option for short-term commitments and increased flexibility as new EV models are set to launch in the coming year. Polestar, in particular, has launched its Flexible Lease program, aiming to address concerns related to long-term leasing contracts. Polestar’s Flexible Lease program, initiated in October, offers customers the ability to conclude the lease after five months (and five payments) without incurring an early termination penalty, with a $450 disposition fee in place. The program features the 2024 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor variant available for lease at…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is purportedly gearing up for a potential refresh of its Model Y, with reports suggesting that the update may materialize in the coming months. The speculation arises as Tesla plans a temporary shutdown at its Gigafactory Shanghai. While Tesla introduced the refreshed Model 3 in Asia, the Pacific region, and Europe last summer, the updated version of the Model Y has yet to make its debut in North America. Despite this, rumors have circulated about Tesla’s intentions to refresh the Model Y, a vehicle closely linked to the Model 3. See also: Tesla Model Y Secures…

In a remarkable feat, husband and wife duo Chris and Julie Ramsey recently concluded a ten-month adventure, covering a distance of over 18,641 miles (30,000 km) from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole in a Nissan Ariya. Nissan highlighted that this marks the first time any car, especially an electric vehicle (EV), has completed such an extensive journey. The journey, not without challenges, was meticulously planned since 2017 when the Ramseys covered 6,214 miles (10,000 km) in a Nissan Leaf for the Mongol Rally. The Nissan Ariya underwent modifications to handle extreme terrains, featuring a rugged suspension, and…

Tesla seems to be advancing its production of the Cybertruck earlier than anticipated, with a substantial fleet of the electric pickup trucks spotted at Gigafactory Texas. Following the launch event last month, where only 10 Cybertrucks were delivered, concerns arose regarding a potentially slow rollout akin to the “Tesla Semi launch.” Contrary to these concerns, recent developments suggest a different trajectory. Reports indicate that Tesla has been actively reaching out to reservation holders, encouraging them to convert reservations into orders and initiating deliveries in Texas and California. While production of the Cybertruck is currently constrained, the observed increase in activity…

Ride-hailing giant Uber and French supermarket chain Carrefour have announced a collaborative effort, enabling Uber drivers with electric vehicles (EVs) to utilize Carrefour Énergies’ charging points in France. In a joint statement, the companies disclosed that Uber is making a 300,000-euro investment to facilitate its VTC (tourist vehicle with driver) drivers in charging their EVs at Carrefour’s stations. Starting January 1, VTC drivers utilizing Uber’s application will gain access to preferential rates on Carrefour’s expansive charging network. The partnership seeks to foster the adoption of electric vehicles among Uber’s driver community, promoting sustainable practices within the transportation sector.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), in collaboration with battery maker Danecca and computational science specialist Altair, is pioneering a novel design process for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. The research consortium, supported by funding from the UK Faraday Battery Challenge, aims to create a prototype development process that maximizes space for batteries without additional weight, leveraging Altair’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Altair’s suite of products, including the C123 three-stage concept development process, the OptiStruct finite element analysis (FEA) solver, and the HyperWorks design and simulation platform, will play a crucial role in JLR’s project. By applying these tools, the consortium…

Hyundai has disclosed the U.S. pricing details for its 2024 Kona Electric lineup, starting at $32,675 for the entry-level SE model. The SE boasts a redesigned exterior with LED lighting and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with increased dimensions contributing to additional rear seat legroom. Inside, it features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite being an entry-level offering, the Kona Electric SE includes various driver assistance features such as Highway Driving Assist, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist,…

Electric vehicle giant Tesla has initiated the next phase of its Cybertruck rollout in the United States by sending out the first batch of “Prepare for Delivery” emails to customers. Typically a precursor to imminent vehicle delivery, the timing of these deliveries by year-end remains uncertain. The Cybertruck delivery event took place at Giga Texas on November 30, where CEO Elon Musk personally handed over the first 10 Cybertrucks to customers. Unexpectedly, Tesla began sending out a substantial number of emails to customers in California and Texas, urging them to convert their reservations into orders for the Foundation Series Cybertruck,…

In an ongoing dispute with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Tesla has staunchly defended its use of the terms “Autopilot” and “self-driving,” refuting claims of false advertising. Responding to the DMV’s accusations from the previous year, Tesla filed a document this week asserting that the agency had implicitly approved the contested terminology in past instances. Tesla’s filing, presented to the Office of Administrative Hearings on Friday, argued that the California DMV’s lack of action in prior investigations amounted to an implicit endorsement of the terms. The filing highlighted a 2014 probe into Tesla’s use of the Autopilot name,…

Japanese automaker Toyota has entered into a collaboration with battery recycling provider Cirba Solutions in the United States. The partnership aims to facilitate the collection, transportation, dismantling, and processing of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from Toyota’s electric and hybrid vehicles in the Midwest and East Coast regions. The agreement with Cirba Solutions allows Toyota to regionalize its battery collection operations, focusing on the Midwest and East Coast. Cirba Solutions’ facility in Lancaster, Ohio, will be responsible for processing the collected batteries, extracting critical minerals with up to a 95% recovery rate to supply battery-grade metals for new electric vehicle (EV) batteries.…

Renowned automotive reviewer Mat Watson from Carwow recently pitted the newly delivered Tesla Cybertruck against the high-performance Lamborghini Urus in a drag race, showcasing the electric pickup’s impressive capabilities. The competition took place at the Cybertruck’s delivery event in Texas. In the video, the Cybertruck, known for its tri-motor setup and instantaneous torque delivery, faced off against the Lamborghini Urus, equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 650 horsepower. Despite the significant weight difference, with the Urus weighing around 4,850 pounds compared to the nearly 7,000-pound Cybertruck, the electric pickup demonstrated its acceleration prowess with a 0-60 mph sprint in…

Stellantis, the multinational automotive company overseeing brands like Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, and Fiat, has announced its intention to implement substantial job cuts at its Jeep plants in Detroit and Toledo, Ohio. The move, affecting thousands of workers, is attributed to the perceived competitive disadvantage caused by California’s emissions regulations, as the company grapples with the impact of stringent environmental policies. Specifically, Stellantis has identified potential job losses of 2,455 workers at the Detroit plant responsible for manufacturing the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Additionally, an estimated 1,225 workers at the Toledo plant, producing the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, may also be…

British automotive brand MG, known for its growing presence in various international markets, has revealed comprehensive plans for upgrades to its internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) lineup in 2024. In a recent interview with Autocar, MG’s business unit general manager, Lu Jiajun, shared the company’s strategy, indicating that the first half of the year will witness updates to existing ICE models. In the latter part of 2024, the focus will shift to enhancing the electric vehicle offerings within MG’s portfolio. Key highlights include successors to the 3 supermini and the ZS. The report also mentions forthcoming facelifts…

Volkswagen (VW) is reportedly set to reduce one-fifth of its administrative workforce, according to an internal memo, as part of the company’s broader cost-cutting initiative announced in June. The automaker aims to achieve €10 billion ($10.8 billion) in savings by 2026, with a focus on early retirements rather than immediate layoffs. This move comes amidst challenges faced by VW in the evolving automotive landscape, marked by a shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and increasing competition from EV manufacturers like Tesla and BYD. VW’s CEO of passenger cars, Thomas Schäfer, communicated the need for operational changes, stating, “We will need to…