Author: Casper Benedict

HiPhi, the luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand under Chinese start-up Human Horizons Technology, has commenced sales of its first two models, the HiPhi X SUV and HiPhi Z GT, in Europe. The company, known for its focus on autonomous driving and EV technologies, recently received certification in Europe and has now revealed the pricing details for the two models. HiPhi plans to expand its presence in the European market with the introduction of a third EV model. The HiPhi X, initially showcased as the HiPhi 1 SUV concept in 2019, has evolved into the flagship production model. It features automatic…

EVoke Systems and FleetZero Inc. have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the obstacles faced by fleets as they shift towards zero emissions. The collaboration will empower FleetZero to distribute EVoke System’s open and scalable cloud platform, which focuses on electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy management, and grid interaction. The EVoke platform stands out as a groundbreaking, cloud-based solution that streamlines the transition to a unified EV charging infrastructure. By providing a scalable system, it simplifies the process of reducing energy costs and ensuring vehicle readiness. With EVoke, fleets can maintain a constant state of charge, optimize…

Optima Batteries, a leading battery manufacturer, is set to make a strong presence at the 101st running of the Pikes Peak hill climb. The company will be sponsoring a diverse range of vehicles, including the first-ever Rivian R1T, a bespoke Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition driven by Tanner Foust, the 2022 PPIHC winner Robin Shute, two-time PPIHC winner Rhys Millen, and James Clay in the BimmerWorld BMW E36 M3. These vehicles will be equipped with the high-performance OPTIMA ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium Quad-30 batteries. Gardner Nichols, a Pikes Peak rookie, will be driving the G Autosport team’s Rivian R1T in…

Volkswagen has unveiled its first electric vehicle for the upper mid-sized class, the ID.7, marking a significant step in the company’s electric vehicle lineup. Boasting an impressive range of up to 700 kilometers according to WLTP standards, the Volkswagen limousine sets a new standard for efficiency in its segment. The extended range of the ID.7 can be attributed not only to its advanced drive system but also to its sophisticated aerodynamics, which have been meticulously developed through close collaboration between the Design and Development departments. Aerodynamic performance plays a crucial role in the efficiency of vehicles, with the body shape…

Vestas, a prominent wind turbine manufacturer based in Europe, has made a significant move towards decarbonization by ordering over 100 VW ID. Buzz Cargo electric vans. These innovative vehicles, specifically designed for the service and maintenance of Vestas wind turbines, were first introduced into operation in February 2023. The partnership between Vestas and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles goes beyond the purchase of electric vans, as they aim to collaborate on electrified transport solutions to accelerate the decarbonization process within Vestas’ service fleet. While the ID. Buzz Cargo is primarily based on Volkswagen’s passenger car model, the ID. Buzz, it incorporates unique…

Audi, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has recently unveiled its inaugural charging hub in Salzburg, Austria. This significant development is a result of Audi’s collaboration with Moon Power, an establishment that also manages an electric vehicle (EV) competence center in close proximity to the hub. Marking the fourth of its kind under the Volkswagen brand, the Audi Charging Hub in Salzburg joins the ranks of its predecessors located in Nuremberg, Zurich, and Berlin. Emulating the structure in the German capital, this charging hub offers four rapid charging stations, each capable of delivering a formidable 320 kW of power, which can be…

Global logistics company Maersk has announced a significant initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in hinterland container transports. Maersk plans to purchase 25 state-of-the-art Volvo FH electric trucks in Germany, showcasing their commitment to decarbonizing global logistics and becoming a net-zero company by 2040 across all business areas and modes of transport. Volvo Trucks is scheduled to deliver the first two units of fully electric trucks in Q4 2023, with the final unit expected in Q1 2024. The acquisition of these electric trucks is backed by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. Maersk is also exploring the…

Mercedes-Benz, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has unveiled its ambitious plan to incorporate more than 200,000 tonnes of CO2-reduced steel per year into its production plants across Europe. This significant initiative is set to be achieved through partnerships with esteemed European suppliers such as Salzgitter, Thyssenkrupp Steel, Voestalpine, Arvedi, SSAB, and H2 Green Steel, with the goal of implementing the sustainable steel supply chain model as a blueprint for other regions. The utilization of CO2-reduced steel is a pivotal step towards addressing the environmental impact of vehicle production. Currently, Mercedes estimates that steel accounts for up to 20 percent of the…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed confidence in the company’s progress towards achieving autonomy during his recent appearance at the VivaTech conference in Paris. Emphasizing the significance of Tesla’s efforts, Musk highlighted their impact on the company’s valuation. “While I have mentioned this previously, I genuinely believe that we are on the verge of solving autonomy,” stated Musk, as reported by Reuters. Over the past decade, Musk has consistently emphasized Tesla’s expertise in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and has frequently suggested that Tesla is close to introducing a fully self-driving car before any of its competitors. Currently, Tesla offers the…

Toyota is set to receive a substantial subsidy of approximately $853 million (120 billion yen) from the Japanese government. The funding aims to facilitate the expansion of the company’s electric vehicle (EV) battery production. This move is part of Toyota’s strategy to enhance domestic output and reduce reliance on supply chains associated with China. According to a report by Nikkei, Japanese companies, including prominent Tesla supplier Panasonic, currently account for less than 10 percent of automotive battery usage, while Chinese suppliers such as CATL and BYD control over half of the market share. Toyota plans to allocate the financial aid…

Stellantis, the automotive giant, has recently made a significant decision regarding its vehicle shipments to American states adhering to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) stricter emissions regulations. The company has announced a halt in the shipment of vehicles solely powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) to 14 states that fall under CARB’s jurisdiction. These states include California, New York, Pennsylvania, and several others. However, customers in these states can still purchase internal combustion vehicles, but they must place an order as opposed to selecting from the dealer’s inventory. Conversely, in states that follow emissions rules set by the federal government,…

Stellantis, the world’s third-largest carmaker, is set to unveil its highly-anticipated European-made affordable electric car, the Citroën e-C3, in mid-October. This move comes as the company aims to combat the increasing presence of lower-cost Chinese brands in the European market. Compared to conventional fossil-fuel vehicles, electric cars tend to carry a higher price tag. However, European automakers are planning to develop more affordable models, fueled by government subsidies and incentives. France, for instance, is planning to introduce a subsidy for electric vehicles manufactured within Europe, as these vehicles have a lower carbon footprint compared to imported models. In addition, the…