Author: Casper Benedict

Ford is issuing a recall for several thousand Ford F-150 Lightning models produced during the 2022 and 2023 model years in the United States. The recall is prompted by a software glitch that could potentially cause the vehicle to become stuck in Off-Road Mode, leading to limitations in the effectiveness of the electronic stability control (ESC). As one of the pioneering electric pickup trucks in the market, the F-150 Lightning has faced scrutiny since its launch. Previous recalls include issues such as a rear lightbar malfunction, problems with the cabin coolant heater system, fire risks, and complications with the tire…

South Korean automaker Kia announced that its flagship large all-electric SUV, the EV9, has received a prestigious five-star rating in the European New Car Safety Assessment (Euro NCAP). The EV9’s notable safety features were highlighted, particularly for passenger protection and the safeguarding of its high-voltage battery during collisions, emphasizing its secure structural design. The EV9 garnered commendation for its impressive child safety measures, achieving the highest score in the child protection category for both frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle’s ability to absorb impact and protect the passenger compartment received positive recognition. One standout feature of the EV9 is…

The eagerly anticipated annual holiday software update from Tesla has been leaked, and while the release traditionally brings excitement, this year’s features appear to fall short of expectations. Tesla typically introduces significant updates with a focus on entertainment and functionality during the holiday season. However, details of the impending update suggest a somewhat underwhelming offering. Among the notable inclusions is the integration of Apple Podcasts, providing access to millions of podcasts through seamless synchronization with Apple devices. Additionally, a Trip Planner on the mobile app has been introduced, offering practical utility for users. https://twitter.com/NotATeslaApp/status/1732590927296757820 Automatic Blind Spot Camera functionality has…

Italian automaker Fiat, under the Stellantis umbrella, is set to introduce its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Fiat 500e, to North American consumers in the first quarter of 2024. Kicking off its North American debut is the RED Edition of the Fiat 500e, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,500, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. For this edition, Fiat has collaborated with (RED) to create what they dub the “coolest, most ethical car in urban mobility,” featuring distinctive elements such as red-painted exterior mirrors, LED headlamps, front grille details, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Fiat 500e boasts…

Self-driving technology company Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, is under scrutiny from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for its handling of a pedestrian incident in San Francisco in October. The CPUC is seeking Cruise’s appearance at a hearing on February 6 to explain its actions and potentially face sanctions and fines. According to documents on the CPUC website, the regulatory body accuses Cruise of failing to provide complete information and making misleading public comments about the incident. The October accident involved a self-driving Cruise taxi colliding with a pedestrian, who was then dragged along the road after being…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has refuted recent reports suggesting additional staff reductions, asserting that the company has no intentions of implementing further layoffs. In response to a Bloomberg article indicating potential workforce adjustments to cut costs and enhance efficiency, Nio released a brief statement emphasizing its commitment to remaining dynamic in the markets where it operates. Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, had previously communicated plans for organizational optimization in an internal letter dated November 3. The initial proposal outlined cuts of approximately 10 percent of positions, with the adjustment slated for completion by the end of November. While…

Detroit, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and wireless charging provider Electreon, has inaugurated the nation’s inaugural wireless charging public roadway in the city’s Corktown neighborhood. The pilot project features inductive-charging copper coils installed beneath the road’s surface, designed to charge electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with Electreon receivers as they travel over the road. This innovative technology involves transferring electricity wirelessly through a magnetic field, effectively charging the EV’s battery during transit. The quarter-mile wireless charging roadway, situated on 14th Street between Marantette and Dalzelle streets in Corktown, is currently in the pilot phase. A Ford E-Transit…

Rolls-Royce, a prominent British aerospace company, has announced its decision to divest its electric jet engine unit, signaling a strategic shift toward sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The move comes on the heels of a historic Virgin Atlantic flight from London to New York, powered by a low-carbon fuel engine manufactured by Rolls-Royce. Facing the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolls-Royce, like many in the aviation industry, experienced challenges, leading to a reduction of 9,000 jobs. Under the leadership of CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç, the company has undertaken a series of measures to streamline operations and enhance profitability, including the recent…

Lion Electric, a player in the electric vehicle industry, has unveiled plans for a workforce reduction as part of its strategic efforts to streamline its cost structure and achieve profitability objectives. The impact of this move will be felt by employees in both the United States and Canada. Approximately 10% of Lion’s total workforce, equivalent to 150 employees engaged in production overhead, manufacturing, product development, and administrative functions, will be affected by this staff reduction across both North American locations. Despite the substantial reduction in its workforce, Lion Electric remains optimistic about the continuity of its production and development activities.…

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco has secured a loan of up to €500 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support its investments in electric vehicles and drive systems, including fuel cell technology. The funds are earmarked to facilitate the development of electric and fuel cell drives for vehicles within the Iveco Group. The investments, predominantly slated for Italy until the end of 2025, will be directed towards facilities in Turin and Foggia. Notably, the Foggia plant, operational since April 2023, focuses on manufacturing battery and fuel cell buses. Additional investments are planned for sites in Germany, France, Spain, the…

The Moment Motor Company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, distinguishes itself in the realm of electric vehicle (EV) conversions by adopting a discerning approach to its projects. Unlike other tuning houses, Moment Motor Company carefully selects classic vehicle models for conversion, aiming to seamlessly integrate electric powertrains into vehicles that can readily accommodate such modifications. Founder Marc Davis emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing fully engineered solutions that address the complexities associated with incorporating modern EV powertrains. Davis states, “Our builds reverently retain the integrity and design of the original vehicle while safely applying the fun, smile-inducing exhilaration of EV power.”…

In a strategic move toward an all-electric future, Nissan is set to cease the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Europe, focusing instead on the development of electric vehicles (EVs). The automaker, known for its groundbreaking LEAF model, recently unveiled plans to invest up to £3 billion ($3.8 billion) in producing three new EVs at its Sunderland factory. The spotlight is on the next-generation Nissan LEAF, an iconic compact EV that is undergoing a substantial makeover to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With over a decade of market presence and more than a quarter of a…

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is set to discontinue the production of its EQS SUV in the United States, opting for a new extended-range electric GLC as part of its evolving electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Sources within the supply chain, as reported by Automotive News, indicate that the production of the EQS SUV will be relocated to the Bremen plant in the latter half of this decade. Currently manufactured at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, the EQS SUV marked Mercedes’ foray into all-electric vehicles in the US, commencing production in August of the previous year. The decision to shift production is primarily…

German automaker BMW has filed trademark applications for the name “iM3” at the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, signaling a potential electric future for its iconic M3 model. While enthusiasts may question the decision to introduce a new name for an electric version of the M3, BMW suggests that the move is driven by a strategy to maintain coexistence between electric and combustion-powered M3 models in different markets. Frank Weber, BMW’s chief of product development, emphasized the necessity of such coexistence in response to evolving market demands and legislative changes. BMW M…

Chinese automaker Changan Automobile has unveiled plans to operationalize its Thailand plant by the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The announcement came during the company’s brand launch event in Thailand, emphasizing the nation’s role as a strategic base for penetrating Southeast Asian markets and other right-hand drive car markets. The initial phase of Changan’s production facility in Thailand, set to commence production in Q1 2025, will introduce models under sub-brands Deepal, Avatr, and Qiyuan (Nevo). The company is investing 20 billion baht ($570 million) in the plant, with a total planned capacity…

Hyvia, the collaborative venture between Renault and Plug Power, revealed the enhanced design of the Renault Master H2-Tech fuel cell transport vehicle during the Solutrans trade fair. Anticipated to hit the market in the second quarter of 2024, the upgraded model includes smaller body variants, specifically the L2H2 (10.4 cubic meters) and L3H2 (12.6 cubic meters), in addition to the existing Renault Master H2-Tech L3H3 series with 14.4 cubic meters of load space. The major modification involves the repositioning of the hydrogen tanks, which were previously situated on the vehicle roof in the October 2021 panel van model. The tanks…

Stellantis has granted approval to the works council at its Spanish plant in Vigo to commence production of small electric cars based on the STLA Small platform. The decision, unsurprising to industry observers, is part of the company’s strategic shift towards electric vehicle manufacturing. However, the awaited confirmation for a second Spanish plant in Zaragoza is still pending. Spanish media reports indicate that production in Vigo is slated to commence in 2027 or 2028. It is anticipated that the STLA Small platform may also be adopted at the Zaragoza plant, though further details on this are currently unavailable. El Mundo…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, officially launched its electric vehicles in Costa Rica on November 24, marking the company’s strategic entry into the Central and South American market. Neta Auto aims to further its globalization efforts by expanding its network coverage to 50 countries and establishing 500 overseas sales and service outlets by the year 2024. As part of its ambitious plans, Neta Auto targets overseas sales of 100,000 units in the upcoming year. The company has been at the forefront of China’s new car manufacturing landscape and has been particularly proactive in…

In a recent development reported on November 26, insiders familiar with Huawei’s plans have disclosed the company’s ambition to establish an open electrification platform in collaboration with key players in the automotive industry. The decision to partner with Changan represents a significant move in Huawei’s overarching platform strategy within the smart car sector. Huawei aims to expand its engagement in this open platform initiative, welcoming the participation of additional automotive companies. The company envisions fostering new models of cooperation that prioritize openness and mutual benefit. Building on the success of the collaboration with Avita, the establishment of a new entity…

Peugeot UK has officially opened orders for its new all-electric fastback SUV, the E-3008. The vehicle, the latest addition to Peugeot’s electric model lineup, boasts the distinction of being the first model to utilize Stellantis’ innovative ‘BEV by Design’ STLA-M electric powertrain. Engineered to deliver best-in-class performance, the E-3008 features a single 157kW (210hp) electric motor and a usable 73kWh, 400V lithium-ion battery, providing a range of up to 326 miles (WLTP). Key specifications of the E-3008 include the capability to generate 343Nm of torque, rapid charging from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a 160kW charger, and…