Author: Casper Benedict

The European Union has launched a new project called METALLICO, which seeks to develop sustainable and innovative ways of extracting battery metals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel from both primary and secondary sources. The project is a four-year consortium involving 23 partners from nine different countries, with IDENER Research and Development AIE from Spain acting as the coordinator. The main objective of the project is to optimize and demonstrate five sustainable processes for the extraction and recovery of these metals on an industrial scale in case studies. One of the project’s key features is to develop new…

As part of US President Joe Biden’s effort to shift half of the country’s new car sales to electric cars or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by 2030, the US Treasury Department has updated the list of eligible electric car models. The new rules, published a fortnight ago under the Inflation Reduction Act, require electric cars in the US to meet specific requirements to qualify for tax incentives of up to $7,500. The updated rules apply to registrations on or after April 18, and electric and plug-in hybrid models from Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Rivian, Hyundai, and Volvo Cars will be…

Kodiak Robotics, a Mountain View-based autonomous trucking company, has unveiled its latest fifth-generation self-driving technology, which comes with several improvements and a more sophisticated appearance. The hardware platform upgrades are said to bring both functional and aesthetic improvements. One of the most significant changes is the removal of the roof-mounted center pod sensor suite. The front-facing LIDAR and cameras have been relocated to Kodiak’s proprietary SensorPods mounted on the sideview mirrors, resulting in a more streamlined and attractive appearance. According to Kodiak, this change also brings several benefits, including faster upfitting and easier maintenance, with repairs taking as little as…

Tesla has cut the prices of some of its Model Y and Model 3 electric vehicles in the United States for the sixth time this year, according to the company’s website. The move is believed to be a response to concerns about the effect on its profit margins. The company has lowered the prices of its Model Y ‘long range’ and ‘performance’ vehicles by $3,000 each, and that of its Model 3 ‘rear-wheel drive’ by $2,000 to $39,990. The Austin, Texas-based company has cut the prices of its base Model 3 by 11% and its base Model Y by 20%…

In a bid to tackle emissions in the construction industry, the Norwegian business development agency Enova has launched two programs. These initiatives aim to promote the use of emission-free construction machines and mobile charging stations to power them. As reported by Businessportal Norwegen, the programs will run for two years. Under the first program, the purchase of electric construction machinery will be subsidized up to 40% of the additional cost compared to a similar machine with a conventional drive. The subsidy is, however, capped at NOK 5 million, which is approximately €438,000. Under the second program, mobile charging stations with…

Tesla’s recent price cuts have sparked what some are calling an “EV price war” among automakers. With two significant price drops across its entire lineup since the start of the year, other manufacturers have followed suit, lowering prices on their electric vehicles. The latest price cut in Europe has led Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive to issue a warning to other automakers. “It’s clear that Tesla cutting prices is a challenge, starting with the cost side of things. It’s a warning that we are looking at,” Cambolive said. While Renault has slightly discounted its electric Megane, it hasn’t gone as far…

Volkswagen has recently announced the arrival of its newest flagship electric sedan, the ID.7, in Europe and China this fall, with a North American release scheduled for 2024. The ID.7 comes in two trims: Pro and Pro S, both of which are equipped with an electric motor that can produce up to 282 horsepower (210 kilowatts). The Pro trim features an 82-kilowatt-hour gross rating battery (77-kWh net), with a WLTP-cycle range of approximately 382 miles (615 kilometers), and supports 170-kW DC charging. Meanwhile, the Pro S comes with a 91-kWh gross capacity battery (86-kWh net), providing an estimated driving range…

Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand, Zeekr, has announced the delivery of the Zeekr 009 MPV with CATL Qilin Battery to the general public, marking the first time that this ultra-long-range battery pack has been available outside of the company’s lab. The ME version of the Zeekr 009 MPV has been equipped with a battery pack of 140 kWh capacity that provides an impressive CLTC range of 822 km, the highest of any pure electric MPV. The Qilin Battery, also known as CTP 3.0, was officially launched by CATL in June 2022, with a claimed new level of battery system integration.…

Alfa Romeo is reportedly set to launch its first-ever series-produced electric vehicle in 2024, according to a recent report. While official details are yet to be announced, sources suggest that the EV will come in the form of a small crossover, aimed at entry-level buyers, and will share the same underpinnings as the Jeep Avenger. Despite the car being named after a city-friendly hatchback built on the Stellantis platform, the EV version will have a distinct design of its own, inspired by past and current Alfa Romeo models, including the iconic Giulietta from 1954. See also: Alfa Romeo to Launch…

Ram Brand CEO Mike Koval Jr. recently announced at the New York Auto Show that a mid-sized electric pickup truck could be on its way from the Dodge subsidiary. The concept for the vehicle was unveiled at a special dealer convention, and Koval revealed that the response was overwhelmingly positive. The potential for a smaller electric truck from Ram is crucial if the brand wants to expand to Europe. Large pickup trucks don’t sell well in the European market, so a mid-sized option would be essential for Ram’s success in the region. The last mid-sized truck Ram sold was the…

Octopus Energy’s roaming service, Electroverse, has introduced Plug&Charge technology to its charging network, making it easier for electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars without the need for charging cards, apps or websites. The UK-based company has surpassed the 40,000 charge-point mark globally, available from over 460 different charge point brands. With Plug&Charge, drivers can now use the standard ISO 15118 to securely verify their identity and process payments between enabled electric vehicles and charging points. See also: Octopus Electric Vehicles Announces Deal to Purchase 5,000 New EVs from BYD for UK Customers ISO 15118 not only facilitates identification and…

US snack company Frito-Lay North America has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable transportation future by partnering with trucking company Schneider to deliver its products via electric semi-trucks. This groundbreaking collaboration marks PepsiCo’s first-ever third-party EV transportation shipment globally, as the parent company of Frito-Lay is committed to reducing its environmental impact by reaching net zero emissions by 2040. Transportation and distribution account for 20% of PepsiCo’s emissions, making it a critical area for reducing the company’s carbon footprint. By collaborating with partners that distribute its products using EVs, PepsiCo can significantly reduce its environmental impact while ensuring…

Audi has decided to stop selling Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in one of the world’s biggest markets, China. The move comes as the German luxury brand faces increased competition from both Tesla and new brands in emerging markets. According to a corporate executive, Audi’s PHEV sales in China have more than halved since 2020, prompting the brand to refocus its efforts on EV sales and development. The decision is not entirely surprising, given that domestic brands such as BYD now control 75% of the PHEV market in China. See also: Audi Sells 81,894 electric vehicles last year, increase 57.5%…

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance has been in the headlines lately, with the announcement of a realignment of their existing partnership. While this involves planned joint e-mobility activities in Latin America, India, and Europe, along with a joint 800-volt platform, Nissan seems to be making new plans and putting out feelers for new partners. According to Reuters news agency, seven individuals familiar with the matter said that Nissan is pushing ahead with its growth plans in software and electric vehicles independently of alliance partner Renault. Nissan is reportedly looking for a partner outside the car industry to develop new software for its…

SAIC’s Maxus brand has just released the first photos of its latest creation, the Maxus Mifa 7 MPV. The images were published online by China’s patent office, and although pricing and release dates have not yet been confirmed, the vehicle is already making waves in the industry due to its bold design and impressive features. The example pictured is a simple white shade, but its front fascia is imposing, with blacked-out headlights and a striking LED light bar. The traditional grille has been replaced by a small black grille on the lower bumper. The Mifa 7 also boasts silver roof…

Holland’s Lightyear Automotive made waves in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with the development of the Lightyear 0, the world’s most aerodynamic production car with solar panels that could go up to seven months without a charge. However, the company filed for bankruptcy just months after beginning production. Now, several prototypes of the innovative EV have surfaced on a local online marketplace, offering a unique opportunity for interested buyers. Two of the prototypes are near-production examples and are currently being auctioned on the Troostwijkauctions website. The bidding for these two models has already reached €15,000 and €6,400, respectively. One of…

Tesla has announced price cuts for its electric vehicles in Europe, Israel, and Singapore. This is part of the company’s ongoing global pricing strategy, which began in January. According to Tesla, the price cuts in several European markets, including Germany and France, are due to a scaling up and improvement in its production capacity. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The company’s master plan has set a clear pathway to achieve that mission: the transformation of cost-intensive small-series products to cheaper mass-series vehicles. The recent price reductions on the Model 3 and Model Y are in…

Autel Energy, an electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider, has announced the installation of its EV charging stations in several locations across Singapore. The charging stations located in Hup Hin, the National University of Singapore, and Gain City at Sungei Kadut Drive have already been completed, while the station in Gain City at Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 is expected to be unveiled soon. The new stations, which feature Autel’s MaxiCharger DC Fast technology, promise faster and more efficient charging experiences for Singaporean EV drivers. The Hup Hin charging station has been equipped with four MaxiCharger DC 240kW and…

Kia has been recognized with a Red Dot Design Award in the category of “Product Design” for its Niro Plug-in Hybrid. This recognition highlights Kia’s commitment to designing innovative, high-quality vehicles that cater to the needs of its customers while staying at the forefront of cutting-edge design. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid has a rational and emotional design aesthetic, which reflects Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The design aims to inspire movement, with notable features such as contemporary-looking angular ‘Heartbeat’ daytime running lights (DRLs), a distinctive Aero C-Pillar, a bold skid plate, and cladding to enhance the electrified CUV’s rugged stance.…

Luminar Technologies Inc. ($LAZR), a leading lidar sensor developer, has taken its new high-volume manufacturing facility in Mexico online ahead of schedule. The new facility, located in Monterrey, offers Luminar a footprint of 180,000 square feet and has an initial production capacity of 250,000 sensors per year. However, the factory already has the capability to be expanded to about 500,000 sensors annually. Luminar has already begun delivering the first Iris sensors manufactured at the site to one of its largest customers. Luminar’s Iris long-range lidar technology has been implemented in Volvo Cars vehicles as a prime component in the automaker’s…