Author: Casper Benedict

British marine charge point operator Aqua SuperPower and Canadian marine V2G software provider BlueGrid have unveiled the first transatlantic vessel-to-grid (V2G) project for marine electrification. This £1.8 million ($2.3 million) initiative aims to connect teams from the UK and Canada to develop and deploy bi-directional chargers and electric vessels in Plymouth, UK, and Halifax, Canada. The collaboration seeks to validate the technology across different climates, demonstrating the bi-directional energy flow to and from vessel batteries, and highlighting their capacity to enhance energy security and perform key energy services. See also: Toyota and Pepco Collaborate to Explore Grid Balancing Benefits of Bidirectional…

South Korean automaker Hyundai is contemplating transforming its factory in Jeonju, located in North Jeolla Province, into a hub for hydrogen vehicles. This strategic move would position the plant as a focal point for Hyundai’s hydrogen buses and trucks. According to a report from The Korea Economic Daily, Lee Dong-seock, President and Head of Hyundai’s domestic production division, recently engaged with the company’s labor union leaders. During the meeting, Dong-seock acknowledged the declining operational rate of the Hyundai Jeonju plant. See also: Hyundai and Plus Unveil First Self-Driving Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck in the U.S. Operating at approximately 40% of its…

Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar has unveiled the updated Polestar 2, showcasing a range of enhancements including design updates, an overhauled pack structure, extended range, and increased personalization options. The company, a subsidiary of China’s Geely Holding Group, has delivered over 160,000 units of the Polestar 2 across 27 markets since its initial launch. The newly launched model is currently being introduced in Europe and Canada, with plans to expand to other markets later this year. Polestar has announced that starting from 2025, the pack structure of the Polestar 2 will be harmonized with its upcoming models, the Polestar 3…

Rivian has unveiled its latest generation of the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, alongside significant cost-saving efforts following the retooling of its Illinois factory, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. During a media tour of Rivian’s Illinois factory, Scaringe told Reuters that the retooling has led to a 35 percent reduction in materials cost for its Amazon delivery vans, with similar savings across its other production lines. The Illinois factory was shut down in April for approximately 25 days for retooling. See also: Rivian R1T Sets New Production Truck Record at 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Scaringe stated that over 100…

German laser specialist Trumpf has revealed a series of laser systems designed for industrial-scale battery recycling. The company aims to enhance the cost-effectiveness of dismantling electric vehicle batteries for reconditioning or recycling using these systems. Trumpf is developing laser systems to “safely cut open used batteries and extract valuable raw materials from the battery foil.” These new laser processes were showcased at the Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart this month. See also: Altilium and Enva Partner to Enhance EV Battery Recycling in the UK The company, based in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, notes that battery dismantling has traditionally been a…

LevertonHELM and EnBW have reached a significant milestone in lithium production, achieving a purity of over 99.5% for lithium carbonate extracted from geothermal resources. The collaboration leverages EnBW’s expertise in direct lithium extraction (DLE) from thermal water at their Bruchsal geothermal plant in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. LevertonHELM, a subsidiary of HELM AG, subsequently refined the lithium chloride solution at their facilities in Basingstoke, UK. According to EnBW, the extracted lithium salt meets high-quality standards suitable for direct use in battery cathode materials. This approach marks a promising development in European lithium production, bypassing conventional mining methods in favor of utilizing geothermal…

In a bold call to action, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has urged governments and media outlets worldwide to reject advertising dollars from the fossil fuel industry. Guterres accused energy companies of “distorting the truth, deceiving the public, and sowing doubt” about the climate crisis, calling for an end to their influence. He emphasized the need to “stop the Mad Men from fueling the madness.” Guterres’ statement comes at a pivotal moment for the automotive industry, as consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) grows. Despite this interest, many EVs remain more expensive than their fossil-fuel counterparts, contributing to consumer…

German automaker Volkswagen has announced the integration of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence developed by OpenAI, into its vehicle lineup, aiming to enhance the user experience through advanced conversational capabilities. This technology will be accessible through Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant, available on models including the ID. family, Golf, Tiguan, and Passat. According to Volkswagen, ChatGPT will extend beyond traditional voice assistant functions, offering users the ability to inquire about a wide range of topics such as tourist attractions and sports updates, as well as assisting with educational tasks like solving math problems for children. See also: In-Depth Insights Revealed on Volkswagen ID.4’s…

After much speculation, BMW has officially given the green light for the launch of its compact electric vehicles, the BMW i1 and BMW i2. According to a report by Autocar, development of these entry-level EVs is already underway at the BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre in Munich, Germany. The move reflects BMW’s strategy to broaden its EV lineup and make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of consumers. The BMW i1 and BMW i2 are part of BMW’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle offerings beyond its current lineup, which starts with the iX1 in the company’s…

Tesla owners are facing a concerning issue with the latest 2024.20.1 software update, as Dog Mode, a feature designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pets left in parked vehicles, is reportedly malfunctioning. This bug poses a serious risk, particularly in hot weather, potentially endangering pets left inside Tesla vehicles. Dog Mode, a feature activated through the car’s touchscreen, is intended to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature and display a message on the screen indicating that the pet is safe and the owner will return soon. This feature also allows owners to monitor and adjust the interior temperature remotely…

Kia is set to introduce its latest electric vehicle, the EV3, to the US market, manufactured in Mexico to leverage the US electric vehicle tax credit. Unveiled during Kia’s 2023 EV Day, the EV3 is part of a new line-up of budget-friendly electric vehicles. Priced at around $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million), the EV3 marks Kia’s third all-electric vehicle and the inaugural model of a new series. While drawing inspiration from Kia’s three-row EV9 in terms of design and technology, the EV3 distinguishes itself with its unique identity. The vehicle features Kia’s new “Tiger Face” grille, a modern reinterpretation of its…

Chinese power battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL, SHE: 300750) and BAIC Group signed a cooperation agreement on June 18 to collaborate in areas including skateboard chassis and battery swap technologies. The partnership will focus on developing a skateboard chassis for the next-generation all-electric platform, CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis). This collaboration aims to study the architecture, systems, process, cost, and performance balance, and to jointly build products, according to a CATL statement. CIIC is designed to integrate all the capability modules of an electric vehicle, including the powertrain, braking system, steering system, and thermal management system, into…

Tesla is confronting a lawsuit filed by vehicle owners who claim that the company has monopolized the repair and parts market for its vehicles. U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson in San Francisco reversed her previous dismissal of the lawsuit on Monday, stating that the owners have the right to prove that Tesla forced them to pay high prices for repairs and endure lengthy wait times to have their cars fixed. Judge Thompson is allowing the plaintiffs to demonstrate that Tesla is restricting consumers from obtaining parts or having their vehicles serviced by third-party companies. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla has…

Xendee has released its 2024 Commercial EV Charging Market Survey, unveiling key insights into the obstacles and advancements within the sector. The survey, conducted among leaders in EV infrastructure development, identifies significant challenges hindering the expansion of commercial EV charging networks. According to the survey, 75% of respondents identified electric utility grid limitations as a major roadblock in the deployment of commercial EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, 63% cited the high total cost of charging infrastructure as another significant barrier. The findings underscore the critical role of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and microgrids co-located with EV charging stations. These technologies were…

French public transport operator Keolis has secured a contract from the Dutch province of Utrecht to operate and maintain its bus network, with plans to purchase over 250 electric buses. The contract, valued at 750 million euros, extends for ten years and will take effect in December 2025. This new contract represents an extension of an existing agreement and marks a significant step in Keolis’ commitment to sustainable mobility. The company will deploy more than 250 electric buses, although the manufacturer of these vehicles has not been disclosed. This electric fleet will be the largest operated by Keolis and will…

CATL and BYD, two prominent Chinese battery manufacturers, are on the brink of launching groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) batteries capable of ultra-fast charging, potentially reshaping the global automotive landscape. Recent reports suggest that these new batteries could fully charge an EV in just 10 minutes, a remarkable advancement that could significantly enhance the appeal and practicality of electric vehicles. See also: Global EV Battery Market Sees Continued Growth in 2024, CATL and BYD Lead CATL, known for its innovative battery solutions, recently introduced the Shenxing battery, which features a 5C charge rate and is currently powering the Zeekr 001 EV. This…

Lotus is now making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with its Emeya hyper GT. The Emeya, a four-door marvel, boasts impressive acceleration, clocking 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 2.8 seconds. This speed demon has not only captivated automotive enthusiasts with its performance but has also set a new standard in charging efficiency. The Emeya’s charging prowess was recently put to the test, and the results are astonishing. During a charging session, the Emeya went from 10 to 80% battery capacity in just 14 minutes, utilizing a 400 kW DC fast charger. Lotus claims this as a record-breaking…

Research firm Rho Motion indicated at its Rho Motion Live Conference in Paris that the European Union’s anticipated tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs) might not significantly affect manufacturers’ profitability. According to Rho Motion’s head of automotive research, Chinese EV makers could potentially absorb tariffs of up to 30% and still maintain a profitability rate similar to their domestic market. EU leaders are expected to announce an increase in tariffs from the current 10% to somewhere between 25-50% on Chinese EVs following the upcoming elections. This move mirrors the recent decision by the United States to impose a 100% tariff…

Fraunhofer IZM, a leading German research institute, has introduced a revolutionary onboard charger technology that promises to transform electric vehicle charging. The institute’s latest innovation offers twice the charging power at half the volume of conventional chargers, marking a significant advancement in power electronics for the next generation of onboard chargers. One of the key achievements of Fraunhofer IZM is the development of an onboard charger that significantly reduces the volume of such devices to just three litres, a remarkable feat compared to traditional chargers. This reduction in size is coupled with a doubling of the charging power from 11…

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly considering postponing the introduction of a congestion charge in New York City, initially set for June 30. This decision comes amidst concerns that the implementation could negatively impact the Democrats’ prospects in the upcoming House of Representatives election. The proposed congestion charge would have required drivers entering a designated zone of Manhattan below 60th Street to pay $15 during the day. The plan, which would also apply to electric vehicles, has faced criticism from various quarters, including conservatives and Democratic politicians. State Senator Monica R. Martinez voiced support for the postponement, stating, “I…