Author: Casper Benedict

The construction of the Audi-FAW factory in Changchun, announced in January 2021 and commenced in June 2022, is reportedly on track to be completed by the end of this year, according to Chinese media sources. The plant, designated for the production of Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) models, aims to commence production by the end of 2024. Designed for an annual production capacity of 150,000 electric vehicles (EVs), the Changchun facility is expected to roll out its inaugural model, the Audi Q6L e-tron, starting in 2024. This electric SUV, an extended version of the Q6 e-tron produced in Ingolstadt, Germany,…

Still, the Hamburg-based industrial truck manufacturer, has inaugurated its first production line for 24-volt fuel cell systems, marking a significant leap in intralogistics hydrogen technology. The northern German port city’s Still plant will now produce fuel cell systems for warehouse vehicles in series, making Still the sole intralogistics sector manufacturer to independently produce and integrate fuel cell systems into its vehicles. With the aim of fostering hydrogen use in intralogistics and supporting Hamburg’s vision to become a hydrogen hub, Still’s new production line signifies a pivotal move in advancing green energy solutions. The company positions itself as a trailblazer by…

InoBat, in collaboration with its Chinese investor and partner Gotion High-Tech, is set to manufacture battery cells for Lilium’s electric jets at its Volta I and Volta II plants in Voderady, Slovakia. This strategic move follows Gotion High-Tech’s signing of a “pre-joint venture agreement” with Slovakian battery company InoBat in September, aiming to establish a joint battery cell factory in Europe. Gotion High-Tech, the world’s eighth-largest battery cell manufacturer and a key supplier to the Volkswagen Group, holds a 25% stake in InoBat. This significant investment positions Gotion to provide essential resources and manufacturing expertise, particularly for the upcoming Volta…

Electric vehicle (EV) company Rivian has announced its intention to raise approximately $15 billion in debt to support the construction of a new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia, according to a statement released on Monday. As outlined in a securities filing, taxable bonds for this initiative will be issued by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties. The agreement, dated November 9, stipulates that Rivian has committed to acquiring the bonds as they are issued. In addition to the funding arrangement, Rivian has pledged to make minimum property…

Fisker has revised its 2023 production expectations downward. The company now anticipates producing 13,000 to 17,000 electric vehicles, a significant reduction from its initial projection of 20,000 to 23,000 units. Fisker attributes this adjustment to challenges in scaling up deliveries and acknowledges weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. Chief Financial Officer Geeta Fisker emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible decision-making for long-term sustainability during a post-earnings conference call. This production cut follows a previous reduction in forecasts in August, primarily attributed to delays from a key supplier. While the supply chain has reportedly stabilized, Fisker anticipates occasional bottlenecks from…

British petrol station operator EG Group has announced its collaboration with Tesla to acquire ultra-fast charging units, marking a strategic move to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Europe. EG Group, owned by the Issa brothers, prominent figures behind UK supermarket Asda, aims to elevate its existing network of 600 chargers to an ambitious 20,000 chargers at its own sites in the foreseeable future. The expansion aligns with the imperative of accelerating electric vehicle adoption, a pivotal component of the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite progress, the automotive industry advocates for a more rapid…

Chinese electric motorcycle manufacturer Yadea took center stage at the 2023 Milan Motorcycle Show EICMA, revealing its newest creation, the Kemper electric motorcycle. This cutting-edge model boasts a top speed of 99mph and introduces several notable features, including high-speed charging and enhanced performance compared to its gasoline counterpart. The Yadea Kemper electric motorcycle represents a significant leap forward in terms of comfort, acceleration, maintenance, and environmental impact. Notably, its charging capabilities set it apart in the electric motorcycle landscape. The Kemper offers a remarkable 10-minute fast charging option, propelling it to the forefront in terms of charging speed. A mere…

Canoo has unveiled the American Bulldog, an all-electric pickup truck derived from the extensively tested Screaming Eagle model, previously evaluated by the US Army in 2022. This release underscores Canoo’s commitment to innovation, with an emphasis on practical testing in real-world conditions. Canoo’s modular electric platform is designed to optimize interior space and offers customization options throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This adaptability caters to a wide range of business and consumer requirements, positioning the company uniquely in the competitive electric vehicle market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarjJIsXY_g The American Bulldog joins Canoo’s portfolio of electric vehicles, known for their distinctive designs and a business…

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled new photos of the forthcoming EQG / G-Class EV, indicating that production is drawing near, and the electric SUV will be hitting the market “soon.” Despite Mercedes keeping specifics undisclosed, the company has billed the model as a “true off-road icon” and an embodiment of the “best of all worlds.” Described as a “real G,” it is touted to seamlessly merge “sophistication and advanced electric technology.” The EQG’s design, influenced by the earlier EQG concept, closely mirrors its conventionally-powered counterpart, currently undergoing a facelift. Notable distinctions include a square ‘spare tire carrier,’ assumed to be…

In response to recent observations on Cars.com, Elon Musk has addressed claims that Tesla is quietly selling new vehicles on the platform. CarDealershipGuy, an account on the auto industry-focused platform X, initially reported the development on Friday, asserting that Tesla had ventured beyond its traditional sales strategy by listing “new” vehicles on Cars.com. Musk, however, expressed surprise at this revelation, stating that he was unaware of any decision by Tesla to sell vehicles through Cars.com, deeming the situation “odd.” The listings on Cars.com reportedly redirect users to Tesla’s official website upon clicking, prompting speculation about a potential advertising, marketing, or…

Charge Construct, a developer specializing in high-power charging parks, has announced a collaboration with Switch, a London-based provider of charging software. The partnership seeks to broaden the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Germany, focusing on the deployment of high-performance charging (HPC) hubs. Charge Construct has secured notable deals, including a framework agreement to install fast-charging infrastructure at 200 locations for the German discounter Norma. Switch’s role in this collaboration lies in being the only OCPP 2.0.1 certified charging system that fully supports ISO 15118-2/-20, reflecting its commitment to international EV communication standards. Marc Mültin, the founder of Switch, brings over…

South Korean automaker Kia has disclosed the trim levels and pricing details for its upcoming EV9 electric SUV in the Canadian market. This marks the brand’s introduction of its first three-row electric SUV, catering to a range of preferences and driving needs. The base model, the Light RWD, starts at CA$59,995 and is equipped with a 215 hp motor and 19-inch wheels. Notably, customers have the option to upgrade the 76.1kWh battery in the Light trim to a larger 99.8kWh power pack, available in the Wind and Land versions. The Wind variant boasts an extended estimated range of 489 km…