Author: Casper Benedict

In a significant development for Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) market, the all-electric MG4 is now being locally manufactured in the country. The first MG4 Electric unit recently rolled off the production line at the SAIC-CP car factory in Chonburi, which is a joint venture between SAIC Motor and the Charoen Pokphand Group. SAIC-CP’s state-of-the-art facility in the Chonburi province has a production capacity of up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Beyond conventional combustion vehicles, this plant has diversified its portfolio to include the assembly of electric cars, catering to both the domestic Thai market and international export. Additionally, SAIC recently unveiled…

As the November 30th delivery event for the Tesla Cybertruck approaches, the electric vehicle manufacturer is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for the perfect interior design for their eagerly awaited all-electric pickup. Recent aerial footage captured by Joe Tegtmeyer, a devoted follower of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, sheds light on the company’s experimentation with various interior options. Among the glimpses provided by Tegtmeyer’s drone video, it is evident that Tesla has explored a semi-white interior concept. This design choice features white door panels and a partially white dashboard, offering a departure from the all-black interior seen in several…

Glasgow-based automaker Munro Vehicles has achieved a remarkable feat as their Series-M Utility, an all-electric 4×4, rolls off the production line a mere ten months after the unveiling of the prototype. The company has grand plans, aiming to increase annual production to 2,500 units by 2027. The Series-M Utility offers two different powertrains: the M170, providing 170 kW, and the M280, delivering 280 kW. With a maximum range of approximately 200 miles or 322 kilometers, this electric 4×4 promises both power and practicality. While Munro initially introduced the prototype, the Munro Mk_1, in December 2022, it presented versions with 220kW…

Toyota, the Japanese automotive giant, has experienced a prosperous year with growing sales and profits during the first eight months of 2023. However, the company has made significant revisions to its sales projections for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), reflecting an evolving strategy in the rapidly changing electric vehicle market. In a previous forecast for the fiscal year running from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, Toyota set ambitious targets, aiming to sell 202,000 BEVs, 137,000 plug-in hybrids, and 3,497,000 traditional hybrid vehicles. In the most recent update, Toyota has scaled down its BEV sales expectations for the financial year to…

Exciting news for e-bike enthusiasts as the eagerly anticipated Fiido Titan e-bike is officially available for pre-order. Unveiled just a few days ago, customers can secure their own model at a competitive price of US$1,699/£1,545/€1,699, with shipments scheduled for early to mid-November, depending on your location. Even more enticing, Fiido is sweetening the deal by offering complimentary accessories valued at US$200/£168/€200 for the first 300 orders. The Fiido Titan is a rugged all-terrain fat-tire e-bike equipped with a robust 750W motor, capable of delivering a peak power output of 1,130W. This powerhouse on two wheels boasts a top assistance speed…

Kia is gearing up to introduce its first electric seven-seater vehicle in the United States by the end of this year, and the company is taking a proactive step to protect its customers from potential price markups. Interested buyers can already secure their reservations for the base model, the EV9 Light, priced at $56,395, which includes a $1,495 shipping fee. Kia has reportedly communicated with its dealers, urging them to maintain pricing in line with the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). A letter obtained by CarsDirect, sent by Kia to its U.S. dealers, emphasizes the importance of transparency and a…

The Honda Motocompacto, a compact and foldable electric scooter, has officially gone on sale at select Honda and Acura dealerships across the United States, as well as through online channels. Boasting the title of one of the most endearing e-scooters on the market, the Motocompacto is designed to cater to urban commuters, students, and city dwellers seeking an efficient last-mile transportation solution. Unveiled in September, the Motocompacto represents Honda’s innovative foray into the world of electric micro-mobility. This charming scooter is a modern reimagining of the classic Motocompo, originally powered by a 49cc engine and celebrated for its foldability. The…

Last month, Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) reached a tentative agreement, shedding light on Ford’s ambitious plans for future products and substantial plant investments. According to the UAW, Ford’s commitments encompass a whopping $8.1 billion in product development and other investments integral to the company’s future vision. One of the noteworthy allocations from this budget is a significant $2.1 billion set aside for Ohio Assembly. This facility will take on the production of an all-new electric van and continue manufacturing Super Duty and Medium Duty trucks, as well as stripped-down versions of the E-Series van. These developments mark…

Toyota is on the verge of introducing its groundbreaking steer-by-wire technology, with production slated to commence by the end of 2024. The innovative system, initially showcased on the all-electric Lexus RZ last year, is set to revolutionize steering and maneuverability in upcoming electric vehicles (EVs). The steer-by-wire technology made its debut in the Lexus RZ, which has already hit the market. However, the initial version of the system faced some challenges, prompting Toyota to fine-tune the technology for optimal performance. One significant improvement is the steering ratio, which has been increased from 150 degrees to a more responsive 200 degrees.…

In a groundbreaking move at its 4th annual Hon Hai Tech Day, Foxconn, the renowned technology conglomerate, has introduced the world to its latest creation: the MODEL N electric cargo van. This innovative vehicle showcases a ‘tap and unload’ one-button design, triggering automatic cargo compartment boarding steps, safety warning projection lights on all sides, and the seamless opening of the electric rear rolling door. At the same event, Foxconn also hinted at plans for mass production of the sporty and intelligent MODEL B crossover, featuring a 15.6-inch in-vehicle infotainment screen and cutting-edge ultra-wideband communication technology for digital keys. Foxconn’s ambitions…

Lucid Motors has announced it will introduce its electric crossover, dubbed the Gravity, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16. Scheduled for production in late 2023, the company describes the upcoming model as an “ultra high-performance luxury SUV” and a “true force of nature.” Though full details will be disclosed next month, Lucid has already touted the Gravity as the most aerodynamic crossover on the market. The vehicle is expected to feature an extra-large frunk (front trunk) and a clamshell rear opening that promises effortless access and spacious cargo space. The interior design aims for a “sanctuary-like” experience,…

Volkswagen has quietly concluded the production of its beloved Up city car, marking the end of an era that spanned 12 years since its debut. Although Volkswagen has not officially confirmed this news, reports from Autocar suggest that the final Up has rolled off the production line in Bratislava, Slovakia. While the model still appears available on VW’s official websites in select European markets like Germany, Italy, and France, industry experts anticipate that this availability will be limited to existing stock. The Volkswagen Up, known for its compact design and affordability, has been a fixture in the European automotive landscape.…

In a recent software update, Tesla has once again demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the ownership experience for its customers, particularly those with Hardware 3 (HW3) equipped vehicles. The update, officially confirmed by the company, brings significant improvements to camera quality, as reported by an observant Tesla owner and subsequently verified by the automaker. Tesla owner @efieber_andre took to the online community to share their excitement about the 2023.32.4 software update, labeling it a “game changer.” A side-by-side comparison showcased the transformation, with the previous camera feed exhibiting issues such as oversaturation, a noticeable red tint, and blurriness around the…

Helixx, a UK-based company, revealed the successful creation of their cutting-edge electric delivery vehicle, marking a significant milestone in their quest to revolutionize global manufacturing processes. This innovative development promises to make manufacturing more cost-effective and accessible worldwide. Designed as a compact solution for densely populated cities and emerging economies, Helixx’s electric delivery vehicle boasts a remarkable construction. The vehicle’s body is entirely crafted from a recyclable polymer, eliminating the need for costly and carbon-intensive steel. Impressively, the vehicle’s shell consists of only five parts that effortlessly “click and bond” together, streamlining the manufacturing process by up to 50%, according…

Polestar Automotive Holding, the Swedish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has reported a notable 50% increase in EV deliveries during the third quarter compared to the same period last year, sparking a 3% rise in its premarket shares. However, the company did experience a 12% decline in quarterly deliveries, dropping to 13,900 units in the third quarter compared to the preceding quarter. This decline has been attributed to the global impact of high borrowing costs, which have dampened demand for new vehicles across the automotive industry. Despite the challenges, Polestar found a silver lining in the performance of its higher-priced upgraded…

Genesis, the luxury automotive brand, has recently disclosed pricing details for its upcoming 2024 GV60 lineup. The headline-grabber is the introduction of a new base-level trim, the GV60 RWD, which starts at an enticing $52,000, excluding a $1,195 delivery fee. Beyond its competitive pricing, this new model promises an impressive range of up to 294 miles (473 km) on a single full charge. The GV60 RWD represents a remarkable 19 percent increase in range compared to the longest-range version of the 2023 GV60. This release also marks a significant discount from the outgoing 2023 GV60 Advanced AWD, which started at…

Tesla has officially introduced the Model 3 Highland to the Thai market. This eagerly awaited release brings two exciting variants to consumers, marking a milestone in the company’s ongoing global expansion. The Model 3 Highland offerings in Thailand mirror those available in Europe. The first variant, the RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), boasts an impressive 513 kilometers of range based on the WLTP standard and a top speed of 201 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, the Dual-Motor AWD Long Range version offers an even more remarkable 629 kilometers of range, catering to those with longer commutes or a penchant for extended road trips.…

IVECO BUS, a prominent player in the bus and coach sector and a part of the Iveco Group, has officially inaugurated its advanced testing and validation facility named E-BENCH. Located within the R&D center situated in Vénissieux, which serves as the global headquarters for Iveco Group’s bus and coach activities, this facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and testing excellence. E-BENCH is a versatile testing facility designed to evaluate individual components as well as complete vehicles under real driving conditions, effectively simulating various missions and diverse climates. This cutting-edge facility, which has been fully operational…

The state of New York has allocated a substantial sum of $100 million to support the adoption of zero-emission school buses, as part of its broader clean energy efforts. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has now unveiled the criteria for manufacturers and dealers to participate in this incentive program, with applications set to be accepted starting November 29th. This initiative marks the initial funding round stemming from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. As revealed in an official state press release, a total of $500 million…

In a bid to tackle the issue of missed medical appointments due to transportation challenges, a pioneering pilot project is set to roll out in Martinez, California. May Mobility, a Michigan-based self-driving technology firm, is joining forces with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to introduce autonomous on-demand microtransit services to the Bay Area community. Transportation barriers have long been cited as a primary reason for patients missing medical appointments. Last year, a staggering 21% of adults in the United States, lacking access to a vehicle or public transit, reported forgoing necessary medical care. The newly launched service aims to…