Author: Casper Benedict

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has recently submitted a patent application for a unique full-size spare wheel mount designed for its R1S SUV. The patent, uncovered by RivianForums, showcases several inventive features in the design. The mount is crafted to accommodate a spare wheel for the R1S, featuring a latch that stretches horizontally across the wheel without securing it in place. Instead, the wheel is bolted to an exterior bracket on the vehicle, with the outer face facing inward. This unconventional arrangement allows easy access to the cavity inside the wheel. See also: Rivian Patents Air-Conditioned EV Charger to Increase Charging…

Waymo, a leading self-driving taxi company, has released data asserting the superior safety of its autonomous vehicles compared to human-driven ones. The analysis, covering over 7.14 million miles of fully autonomous journeys in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, claims an 85% reduction in crash injuries, equivalent to a 6.8 times lower crash rate, for vehicles equipped with Waymo Driver technology. The study also indicates a 57% reduction in police-reported crashes. According to Waymo, the analysis suggests 17 fewer injuries and 20 fewer police-reported crashes over the 7.1 million miles driven, compared to human drivers with a benchmark crash rate…

Automakers, including Mercedes, Tesla, and Polestar, are increasingly offering performance upgrades to electric vehicle (EV) owners through over-the-air updates, providing an extra dose of horsepower for a fee. Despite the appeal of an additional 68 horsepower for $1,195, the mechanics behind this digital enhancement raise questions about how it operates. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines limited by hardware configurations, EVs possess the flexibility to adjust power outputs by modifying settings in the inverter. The core elements influencing an electric drivetrain’s performance are voltage and current. While voltage determines motor speed, current translates directly into torque, allowing EVs to unlock more…

Schneider, a prominent player in the freight industry, has successfully deployed all 50 battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia trucks as part of the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI) project. This accomplishment positions Schneider among the largest zero-emission Class 8 fleet operators in the United States. The JETSI project, a collaborative effort, aims to deploy a total of 100 Class 8 battery-electric trucks in Southern California. Operational through Schneider’s Southern California intermodal operations center in South El Monte, California, the deployed trucks primarily undertake regional haul routes in the Los Angeles and Inland Empire region, covering distances under 200 miles. The transition…

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…