Author: Casper Benedict

Tesla has successfully obtained environmental impact permits from the Ministry of the Environment in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, marking a significant step forward in its plans to establish a manufacturing plant in the region. These permits come with specific conditions that Tesla must adhere to as it proceeds with the construction of the factory, with a deadline of 26 months to initiate the building process. However, it’s worth noting that additional permits are still pending. Meeting the 26-month construction timeline appears to be well within Tesla’s capabilities. The automaker is reportedly eager to commence vehicle production in Nuevo…

In an unusual twist to the world of electric vehicles, the Volkswagen ID.4 has become known for its otherworldly sounds during software updates. While some might mistake these eerie noises for a technical glitch, VW has offered insight into this intriguing phenomenon. In a video shared by YouTuber Ps3mn1 back in July, a white VW ID.4 parked in a garage emitted strange and unsettling sounds, causing speculation among viewers. However, according to a spokesperson from Volkswagen, these peculiar sounds are perfectly normal during a software update. The root cause of this auditory spectacle lies in the car’s need to comply…

In an era where off-road recreational parks face closures due to noise complaints from nearby residents, electric off-roaders are emerging as potential saviors of the sport. Electric dirtbikes, known for their lighter build and cost-effectiveness compared to their gasoline counterparts, have gained considerable popularity. One such newcomer in the electric dirtbike realm is the Rawrr Mantis, a machine that blends the worlds of mountain biking and motocross while delivering impressive technology and performance at an affordable price point. Priced at just $4,999 in the US, the Rawrr Mantis has already made waves in the off-road community, garnering attention for its…

Lexus is set to unveil a new concept car at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, scheduled from October 26th to November 5th. This concept car is poised to offer a sneak peek into the automaker’s first next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), slated for production in 2026. While specific details remain under wraps, Lexus has tantalised enthusiasts with a solitary teaser image that showcases the car’s distinctive lighting signature and aerodynamically designed silhouette. It remains unclear whether the enigmatic vehicle featured in the cryptic teaser is connected to the Lexus-branded sketch unveiled by Toyota in April 2023. Nevertheless, discerning observers have…

Renowned racing icon Keiichi Tsuchiya, often referred to as the “Drift King,” recently took the wheel of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N to put its drifting capabilities to the test. The drifting maestro, famous for his ability to make any vehicle go sideways with style, was pleasantly surprised by the high-performance electric crossover’s performance. Tsuchiya’s skilled hands expertly maneuvered the Ioniq 5 N through corners with precision and panache, sending plumes of smoke billowing from the screeching tires, drowning out any artificial engine noise. “This is my first time driving an EV that can drift,” remarked Tsuchiya with a grin, “It’s…

Moustache Bikes, a burgeoning French e-bike manufacturer, is making waves with its latest creation, simply named the “J” series. This innovative e-bike series challenges conventions by offering a versatile electric bicycle designed to excel in a range of riding scenarios. Moustache has further fine-tuned the “J” series into three distinct models, each catering to specific riding preferences. Let’s delve into the details. Moustache describes the “J” series as an endeavour to “push the limits of gravity casting,” and this ambition is evident in the bike’s unique frame design. It’s a rare sight to encounter a mountain bike with a step-through…

Smart, the automaker jointly owned by German giant Mercedes and China’s Geely, is set to collaborate with Mobileye to integrate its SuperVision driver assistance system into the upcoming special edition of the Smart #1 electric vehicle (EV). The Smart #1 is a small crossover designed to compete with popular EVs like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia Niro EV. Mobileye’s SuperVision system, known for its high energy efficiency, will power the “Smart Pilot Assist 2.0” feature, which enables various automated functions. These functions include point-to-point automatic navigation on highways and urban expressways, automated lane changes, automated on/off-ramp assistance, and intelligent traffic…

Images of the forthcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV have surfaced online, courtesy of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), providing a sneak peek at the battery-powered vehicle set to make its debut in China. These revelations shed light on what awaits U.S. consumers as the Equinox EV is poised to arrive from its manufacturing hub in Mexico later this fall. The MIIT-released images showcase an RS-badged model, strikingly similar in appearance to its U.S.-bound counterpart. The vehicle boasts a sleek, closed front grille with integrated main beam lights, a rear diffuser, and an array of video cameras, presumably designed…

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has achieved a Guinness World Record for the most significant altitude change by an electric vehicle, scaling the heights of Hongtu Daban in Tibet, reaching a staggering elevation of 17,569 feet. While the altitude itself is a testament to the car’s capabilities, it is the journey’s extraordinary ascent that truly distinguishes this achievement. The epic 10-day expedition embarked from Ayding Lake, a dry lakebed in Western China, which stands at a remarkable 718 feet below sea level. Over the course of its adventure, the Taycan Cross Turismo conquered a total ascent of 18,287 feet, a height…

Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.), a division of the Volvo Group, has joined forces with Boliden, a prominent player in the mining and metallurgy sector, in a long-term collaboration aimed at developing and implementing cutting-edge autonomous transport solutions. This partnership encompasses a range of initiatives, including the introduction of autonomous transport systems at Boliden’s Garpenberg site in Sweden. The maiden deployment of an autonomous transport solution at the Garpenberg facility will focus on the transportation of rock fill from an on-site quarry. As part of this comprehensive undertaking, V.A.S. will provide a full suite of autonomous transport capabilities, encompassing vehicles, hardware,…

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to achieve price parity with fossil-fuel models in Europe as early as 2024 and in the U.S. market by 2026, according to recent research conducted by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). The RMI report, released on Thursday, projects a significant reduction in battery costs this decade, potentially halving from $151 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2022 to a range of $60 to $90 per kWh. This dramatic cost reduction is expected to make EVs not only as affordable as petrol-powered cars by 2030 but also cheaper to operate. Batteries, a primary cost component, currently account for…

Eberspaecher, the German automotive supplier, is set to broaden its product portfolio with the introduction of the AC138 EVO rooftop air conditioner, designed primarily for hybrid and battery-electric buses. The cutting-edge unit harnesses Eberspaecher’s patented heat pump technology and boasts impressive attributes, including low system complexity and remarkable energy efficiency. In a recent company announcement, Eberspaecher disclosed that the air conditioning system will be available in two size variants suitable for both city buses and coaches. These variants may differ in dimensions but share a common cooling capacity of 35 kW and a heating capacity of 24 kW, all within…