Author: Casper Benedict

In a strategic move, Waymo, the autonomous vehicle pioneer, has unveiled its plans to extend its ride-hail service to Austin, Texas. The vibrant capital of the state is poised to become the fourth major city to host Waymo’s commercial operations, joining the ranks of Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. In recent months, Waymo embarked on a comprehensive testing phase, deploying its fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace autonomous vehicles on the bustling streets of Downtown Austin. This approach aimed to acquaint the Waymo Driver—the core autonomous driving technology—with the unique characteristics of the city, a foundational step toward ensuring a…

Rivian, the manufacturer of the R1S SUV, R1T pickup, and Amazon Electric Delivery Van (EDV), has appointed John Krafcik to its board of directors, citing his extensive experience spanning over 35 years in the automotive industry, as reported by Automotive News. John Krafcik, 61, formerly served as the CEO of Waymo, Google’s self-driving car project, for more than five years before leaving the company in 2020. He continued as an advisor until the previous year. Prior to Waymo, Krafcik held leadership roles as the President of TrueCar, an online car marketplace, and the CEO of Hyundai Motor America. See also:…

Volkswagen, known for its nostalgia and reviving old vehicle nameplates, could be setting its sights on an electric version of the iconic Golf GTI, a beloved hot hatch in the automotive world. Recent trademark filings have surfaced, revealing a redesigned GTI logo, potentially indicating VW’s intentions to electrify the famed model and leverage the GTI reputation to generate excitement for its upcoming electric vehicles. The trademark application, filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, showcases a refreshed GTI logo that retains the well-known lettering but replaces the “I” with a lightning bolt. This adaptation is likely an acknowledgment…

In a recent development, Nikola Corporation announced the departure of Michael Lohscheller, who has been serving as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Effective immediately, Lohscheller will step down from his position and as a member of the Board of Directors, with his term officially ending on August 31, 2023. The decision comes as a result of a family health matter, leading Lohscheller to return to Europe. However, he will continue to support the company during the transition period in an advisory capacity until the end of September. During his tenure, Lohscheller played a pivotal role in shaping a more…

In a bid to further strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) offerings in China, Volkswagen is reportedly seeking a new partnership with Chinese EV startup Leapmotor, separate from its existing collaboration with XPeng Motors. According to a media report from Cailian, Volkswagen’s Jetta brand is currently in negotiations with Leapmotor, with a focus on using the startup’s technology to develop “economical electric cars.” An insider familiar with the matter revealed that FAW, Volkswagen’s joint venture partner in China, has issued an internal document stating that the Jetta brand is engaging in talks with Leapmotor after its partnership with XPeng Motors. While…

In a bold move to embrace the accelerating shift towards electrification, Subaru’s newly appointed CEO, Atsushi Osaki, has announced significant changes for the brand’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy. During a press conference, Osaki revealed that the Japanese automaker will be doubling the speed of its EV adoption, planning to launch eight new EV models for the U.S. market. This decision comes amidst the rapidly changing landscape of EV demand and consumer preferences. Initially, Subaru had committed to introducing four new EVs in the coming years. However, the revised plan will see the company now offering a more diverse range of…

In a strategic move to bolster its wireless charging technology, Tesla has acquired the German company Wiferion, a specialist in wireless charging solutions, for an undisclosed sum. While neither Tesla nor Wiferion have officially disclosed the transaction, Wiferion’s website now identifies itself as part of ‘Tesla Engineering Germany GmbH.’ Based on Tesla’s recent earnings report, the purchase price is believed to be around $76 million, listed under ‘Business Combinations.’ Wiferion has established expertise in the development and manufacturing of inductive charging systems, catering primarily to transport systems, forklifts, and robots, as reported by Drive Tesla Canada. With Tesla’s acquisition, updates…

In its Q1 presentation back in February 2023, LiveWire President Ryan Morrissey informed analysts about the delayed rollout of the LiveWire S2 Del Mar. While the planned release was set for the second half of the year, specific information on the exact timing remained undisclosed. During the joint LiveWire and Harley-Davidson analyst call for Q2 of 2023 held on July 27, the company reported shipping just 33 LiveWire motorcycles during the quarter, all of which were LiveWire Ones. Despite the relatively low numbers, LiveWire executives expressed optimism about the coming months, considering the significance of the impending launch of the…

In a recent announcement, Ford Motor reported a remarkable surge in demand for its electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, with orders skyrocketing by 600% following substantial price cuts implemented last month. To meet the heightened demand, the company is now on track to triple its annual production capacity by the fall. Ford’s efforts to expand and revamp the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center have been instrumental in its ability to target an annual run rate of 150,000 electric truck models by this autumn. Despite experiencing a temporary shutdown at its EV plant, which resulted in limited customer deliveries in recent…

In a move toward embracing cleaner transportation options, Iveco has revealed its intention to produce and market battery-electric and fuel-cell trucks under its own name. This decision is not entirely surprising, given the company’s previous involvement with electric trucks in collaboration with other manufacturers since 2019. The recent unveiling of the Iveco Heavy Duty BEV at the Truck Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring further solidifies their commitment to sustainable innovations. The Iveco S-Way platform serves as the foundation for both battery-electric and fuel-cell variants (Iveco Heavy Duty FCEV) due to its modular architecture, accommodating different drive technologies. Both models…

In recent months, the NEVS Emily GT project acquisition has been making headlines as it inches closer to production. After Saab’s defunct status in 2011, New Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) acquired the remaining assets of the renowned auto manufacturer. NEVS had its ambitious plans for the brand until Chinese conglomerate Evergrande assumed control. However, financial troubles plagued Evergrande in the past years. During this period, the former Saab engineers at NEVS were diligently working on the Emily GT, a four-door electric sports sedan that aimed to surpass the capabilities of many existing electric sedans on the market. The standout feature…

German automotive supplier MAHLE and Taiwan’s leading battery manufacturer ProLogium have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer innovative thermal management solutions for the next generation of solid-state batteries. This collaboration aims to leverage ProLogium’s oxide solid-state lithium ceramic battery technology, which promises extended driving range, rapid charging capabilities, and enhanced battery recyclability. The primary focus of this partnership will be the development of tailored thermal management solutions specifically designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of ProLogium’s cutting-edge battery technology. By doing so, both companies seek to foster competitive battery systems that offer exceptional efficiency, energy density,…

In a surprising move during the Q2 2023 earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced a one-time opportunity for Tesla owners to transfer their Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability when upgrading to a new Tesla. The announcement, however, raised questions and speculation due to the lack of specific details at the time. Now, as Tesla releases the terms and conditions of the FSD transfer program, customers are taking a closer look before making their decisions. The first point of concern revolves around the delivery timeline, which must occur before September 30, 2023, despite Musk’s initial comments suggesting a more flexible timeframe…

In a move aimed at promoting interoperability and open standards in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, Eaton, an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) manufacturer, has officially announced its decision to incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector option into its Green Motion EV chargers. As the industry transitions from the Combined Charging System (CCS1)/SAE J1772 charging plugs to NACS, Eaton’s inclusion of the NACS charging connector option for new chargers, scheduled to begin in 2024, signals the company’s commitment to facilitating EV charging infrastructure across North America. Furthermore, Eaton plans to offer NACS retrofit options for its existing…

In an effort to clear existing inventory ahead of the impending launch of the heavily revamped Model 3, Tesla has implemented substantial discounts on its new inventory of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Prospective buyers can now avail themselves of attractive offers, with the Model 3’s purchase price reaching an all-time low for eligible customers. With discounts ranging from several hundred dollars to over $5,000, the popular Model 3 can now be acquired with zero miles on the odometer for as little as $37,940. Notably, the Model 3 discounts are most significant for eligible buyers who qualify for the…

German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is set to prioritize China, the world’s leading auto market, as the central hub for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) campaign starting in 2025, according to the company’s CEO, Ola Kaellenius, in an interview with German magazine Automobilwoche. In response to evolving customer demands and the rapidly growing EV market, Mercedes-Benz has committed to producing exclusively electric vehicles across all its new vehicle platforms from 2025, as part of the strategy the company outlined in 2021. See also: Mercedes-Benz Launches Affordable EQE SUV in China, Starting at $68,660 To cater to the unique preferences and…

In a groundbreaking partnership, electric bus and battery manufacturer Proterra, leading bus dealer ABC Companies, and California utility PG&E have unveiled the continent’s largest electric bus charging center in Newark, California, adjacent to Fremont. Spanning across a 3.5-acre campus, this privately-owned facility boasts an impressive array of 20 dual-cable EV chargers, each with a capacity to charge up to 40 electric coaches. A Proterra spokesperson revealed that the chargers are currently configured for 60 kW per dispenser, making them highly efficient and versatile. The charging center not only serves as a crucial infrastructure hub but also offers comprehensive services, delivery,…

In a jaw-dropping move during the Q2 2023 earnings call on July 19, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced a groundbreaking update for its Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD) program – the company will now allow owners to transfer ownership of the FSD Beta, marking a significant first for Tesla. The catch, however, is that this unique opportunity comes with a time constraint. The ownership transfer offer is exclusively available for those Tesla owners who trade in their old electric vehicles and place an order for a new one during the third quarter. This means interested owners must act quickly and complete…

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled its ambitious “Innovate28” plan, heralding a new era of aviation with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles. While this development seems straight out of a science fiction movie, the announcement is causing some turbulence within the industry, as the challenges of ensuring safe operations become evident. The FAA’s vision is to integrate advanced air mobility vehicles into American skies by 2025, pushing the boundaries of transportation. However, the plan specifies that human pilots must be on board these vehicles, primarily following the existing flight rules for helicopters. This stipulation has raised concerns among…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, is facing an unsurprising lack of enthusiasm from American consumers for its overpriced and underperforming electric crossover. According to data from Experian, only 128 units of the VinFast VF 8 crossover were registered in the United States between January and May of this year. Despite importing nearly 3,000 vehicles into North America since March, the company’s U.S. deliveries have gotten off to a slow start. The initial lukewarm response was somewhat expected, considering the VF 8 City Edition’s original price tag of $55,500 and its disappointing range of just 179 miles (288 km). In an attempt…