Author: Casper Benedict

Tesla enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the anticipated unveiling of the upgraded Model 3 Performance, slated to make its debut in the first half of 2024. Referred to in electric vehicle (EV) circles as the Model 3 Highland, the new top-tier variant is expected to bring significant enhancements, making it a standout addition to Tesla’s lineup. The recent unveiling of the Model 3 Highland in Sydney showcased the existing variants available in the Australian market, namely the base Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) version starting at AUD 61,900 (USD 40,451) and the Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD)…

Tesla has initiated discounts on new inventory Model Y and Model 3 vehicles, signaling a renewed end-of-quarter push to achieve robust delivery figures. Historically known for using price adjustments to stimulate demand, Tesla had refrained from direct discounts on vehicles until earlier this year. In recent months, Tesla had maintained stable pricing, discontinuing discounts on new inventory vehicles. However, as the end of the year and quarter approaches, the electric automaker has reverted to offering discounts. See also: Dacia Sandero and Tesla Model Y Vie for Top Spot in European New Vehicle Sales An update to the “new inventory” section…

Nio has reassured current vehicle owners that their battery swap experience will remain unaffected following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Chongqing Changan Automobile, a major player in the automotive industry. William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, shared in a statement on the Nio app that the collaboration with Changan aims to introduce the next generation of mass-market battery packs capable of supporting ultra-fast charging. He emphasized that Nio’s existing vehicle owners can anticipate an improved battery swap experience. The partnership, unveiled in Chongqing, involves the joint establishment of standards for swappable…

Dongfeng has officially kicked off the pre-sale phase for its latest venture into the electric vehicle market with the introduction of Nammi 01, a compact, all-electric car set to make waves in China’s small car segment. Priced between 79,800 and 109,800 yuan (approximately 10,250 to 14,100 euros), the Nammi 01 is poised to be a key player in Dongfeng’s ambitious goal to achieve 150,000 electric vehicle sales by 2024, with a further target of 400,000 units by 2025. Positioned as the flagship model for the newly unveiled Nammi brand, Dongfeng is strategically entering the market with a focus on small…

Recent discussions within Toyota suggest the possibility of reviving the renowned Celica model as an electric vehicle (EV), utilizing the innovative platform introduced in the Lexus LF-ZC Concept at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. Confirming last month’s reports, Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed his interest in bringing back the Celica for the EV era. However, he acknowledged the need for alignment within Toyota’s executive circles, recognizing that enthusiasm for such a model may vary. If the project moves forward, the new Celica could potentially serve as a successor to the front-engined GT 86, offering an alternative to the FT-Se, a…

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland are delving into a novel approach for the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, exploring the use of bioengineered bacteria. The method involves processing used Nissan Leaf batteries into a “leachate” – a liquefied battery slurry – and combining this slurry with specially engineered microbes. While the details of the process are not extensively outlined, the researchers mention that the bacteria, selected and engineered for the task, operate within a bioreactor. The bacteria excrete the metallic content of the battery leachate as silt, effectively producing metal particles that can be isolated for…

British automaker Vauxhall has officially opened orders for its inaugural fully electric estate car, the Astra Sports Tourer Electric. With prices starting at £39,995 on-the-road (OTR), eager customers can anticipate receiving their vehicles from the second quarter of 2024. The pricing details were initially disclosed in June, unveiling the Astra Electric’s £39,995 price tag. Introduced in November of the previous year, the Astra Electric not only brought forth its price but also detailed technical specifications. For its drive system, Opel/Vauxhall opted for the same technology found in the Peugeot sister models, 308 and 308 SW. The electric drive system, a…

Ford Motor Company revealed adjustments to its investment, capacity, and job projections for an electric-vehicle (EV) battery plant in Michigan. The move comes in response to criticism from U.S. lawmakers, who have expressed concerns about the use of technology supplied by Chinese battery manufacturer CATL. The construction of the facility near Marshall, Michigan, which was paused two months ago, is set to resume. Ford’s revised plan involves producing low-cost lithium-iron batteries by 2026, leveraging technology licensed from CATL. Despite concerns raised by lawmakers, Ford asserts that it will own the factory and has extended an opportunity to the United Auto…

EVgo has recently unveiled a strategic partnership with rental car giant Hertz, providing electric car renters in the United States with exclusive discounts on charging for an entire year. The deal, applicable to those renting electric vehicles from any Hertz location across the country, stands out for its unique offering of charging benefits without any subscription or session fees. However, it’s essential to note that this promotion is exclusively tailored for new EVgo customers, not existing ones. The initiative, aimed particularly at first-time electric car drivers who choose to experience an EV through renting before making a purchase, serves as…

As Kia gears up for the release of its more compact and budget-friendly electric SUV, the Kia EV3, the prototype was recently spotted undergoing testing on the roads of South Korea. Anticipation is building ahead of the scheduled launch next year, offering a closer look at the actual size and design of this smaller sibling to Kia’s flagship EV9. Unveiled for the first time in the North American market at the 2023 LA Auto Show, the Kia EV3 was initially showcased at Kia’s annual EV day in October. Positioned as a compact crossover, the EV3 aims to deliver a blend…

Following the recent announcement by VW plants in Zwickau and Emden about scaling back electric car production due to a shortage of motors, it’s now been confirmed that the production of the Skoda Enyaq in Mlada Boleslav will also be impacted in November and December. A Skoda spokesperson conveyed to German Handelsblatt that the shortage of electric motors is the primary factor affecting production in these months. While the production of VW’s ID. models in China remains unaffected, there are limitations in supplying the Cupra Tavascan, built in China for the European market, with electric motors. Fortunately, the production of…

While Tesla pioneered the establishment of a robust electric vehicle (EV) charging network, competitors striving to catch up are facing their own set of challenges. The expansion of non-Tesla EV chargers brings hope for a more widespread infrastructure, but the reliability of these stations remains a pressing issue, especially with the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles. In a recent exploration, Joanna Stern, a Wall Street Journal reporter, embarked on a journey in her Rivian R1T to visit all the non-Tesla DC fast charging stations in the charger-dense Los Angeles area. Despite the region’s high density of chargers, the findings were…

RJ Scaringe, the CEO of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian, has added another significant responsibility to his portfolio as he takes charge of all product functions within the company. This move, effective immediately, places Scaringe at the helm of critical decision-making processes across various departments. The outgoing head of this role, Nick Kalayjian, will continue to contribute to the company in an advisory capacity until 2024. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Scaringe’s new position entails overseeing software, autonomy, design, propulsion, vehicle, electrical, and programs departments at Rivian. Simultaneously, Kalayjian transitions into the role of…

Phoenix Motorcars has announced its acquisition of Proterra Transit for a sum of $10 million. This move comes shortly after Volvo Group’s acquisition of Proterra’s battery business, a deal reportedly valued at $210 million. The acquisition deals are unfolding just months after Proterra, the US-based electric bus and battery manufacturer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Volvo’s acquisition involves taking over Proterra’s development center for battery modules and packs in California, along with the battery assembly plant in South Carolina that commenced operations in January 2023. The integration of Proterra’s business into Volvo’s group structure remains a point of interest.…

The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive £4.5 billion investment program aimed at bolstering key manufacturing industries, allocating substantial funds over a five-year period starting from 2025. The initiative is tailored to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles, with a significant portion, £2 billion, earmarked for the automotive sector. Additional allocations include £975 million for aerospace and £960 million for clean energy technologies, highlighting a commitment to advance the country’s carbon-free energy supply. Aligned with investment programs in the US and EU, the UK seeks to position itself advantageously in the evolving landscape of sustainable technologies. Leveraging its “world-leading track…

In a bold move following the introduction of the 2025 Optiq as their entry-level electric crossover, Cadillac used the stage at the Guangzhou Auto Show to provide a sneak peek into the future, teasing two mysterious upcoming models. While maintaining an air of secrecy surrounding the specifics, Tim Heile, the General Director of Cadillac Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM, emphasized the strategic importance of China as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market for Cadillac. He stated, “By the end of next year, Cadillac will introduce more new EVs in China, along with a refreshed internal combustion engine vehicle portfolio,…

Autonomous mobility service provider, Beep, has launched a groundbreaking platform, Beep AutonomOS, designed to monitor and manage autonomous vehicle fleets. The platform, which is agnostic to vehicle types, offers users valuable insights into on-road operations and fleet performance, focusing on enhancing transparency and optimizing vehicle deployments. Geared towards public transit operators and mobility service providers, Beep AutonomOS is specifically tailored for public, multi-passenger autonomous vehicles like autonomous buses and shuttles. Notable features of the platform include in-cabin monitoring, allowing remote operators to identify and address potential issues promptly. The platform also boasts an optimization engine to maximize service efficiency and…

More than 120 mechanics servicing Tesla electric cars in Sweden, organized under the IF Metall union, have been on strike since October 27. The mechanics are seeking collective agreements, a demand that Tesla has rejected. Recent developments indicate that port workers have now joined the protest, refusing to unload Tesla vehicles at Swedish ports. According to Reuters, port workers officially joined the mechanics’ strike on November 7, initially impacting the four largest Swedish ports dedicated to Tesla cars. Last Friday, the action was expanded to encompass all ports. The strike has effectively halted Tesla vehicle deliveries in Sweden, with reports…

Stellantis recently unveiled its updated light commercial vehicle (LCV) range in Europe, but its commitment extends beyond the latest models. The automotive group is set to introduce a transformative option, converting diesel-powered midsize vans into fully electric vehicles, providing them with a renewed purpose starting in 2024. The selected vans for this initiative include the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Jumpy, and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, with indications that the Fiat Scudo and Toyota ProAce, sharing similar mechanical components, may also join the program. The potential expansion of the diesel-to-EV conversion to passenger versions of midsize vans is under consideration. Xavier Peugeot, head of…

In a recent experience shared by a Rivian R1T Max Pack owner on the X platform, the challenges of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure have once again come to the forefront. While advancements in fast charging technology are evident, the discrepancy between advertised charging speeds and real-world outcomes remains a concern for EV enthusiasts. The owner, using the handle @MissGoElectric, detailed her encounter with a 350kW DC Fast Charger at an Electrify America station. Under what seemed to be ideal conditions, with the Rivian R1T boasting a recently released Max Pack and starting the charging session with just 1% battery…