Author: Casper Benedict

Hyundai Motor Company recently revealed details about the extreme winter testing of IONIQ 5 N, the first high-performance, mass-production all-electric N brand model at the Hyundai Mobis Proving ground in Arjeplog, Sweden. The location is adjacent to the Arctic Circle, offering automakers everything they need for comprehensive winter testing, such as low-grip coefficient icy surfaces and deep sub-zero temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). This allows Hyundai N engineers to test new models, such as the IONIQ 5 N, in the most extreme low friction conditions to achieve the optimal balance between the car’s responsive ‘fun-to-drive’ character and its ability…

Farasis Energy, a Chinese battery manufacturer, has developed a breakthrough solution for preventing thermal runaway in its latest battery cells. The company has optimized the design of its battery modules to contain thermal runaway to a single cell and prevent it from spreading to neighboring cells, and subsequently to the entire battery pack. The new design has been tested and confirmed by independent laboratories at the module and pack level. Farasis General Manager Europe, Stefan Bergold, had earlier confirmed the development of this solution that limits thermal runaway. He said, “this had been proven by Farasis – in simulations, demonstrations,…

Kia Motors has revealed more information about its upcoming electric flagship SUV, the EV9, following a design preview two weeks ago. The EV9, which is based on parent company Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), will be Kia’s first three-row electric SUV. The car comes with three powertrain configurations, featuring fourth-generation battery technology. Specifications The base model, EV9 RWD Standard, is powered by a 76.1-kilowatt-hour battery that drives an electric motor producing 160 kilowatts (215 horsepower) and 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque. According to preliminary data, the EV9 RWD Standard can go from 0-62 mph in 8.2…

Toyota is the only major manufacturer to offer a fuel cell electric car in the United States. The 2023 Toyota Mirai has received an update, bringing a host of tech upgrades, including the latest infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems. The new model is now equipped with Advanced Drive and Advanced Park, both of which use LiDAR, cameras, and radar to provide a far-improved performance. Advanced Drive is a Level 3 autonomous driving system that can be engaged on limited-access highways and other scenarios. Meanwhile, Advanced Park can autonomously park the vehicle, including parallel and perpendicular parking, and backing…

Tesla has just announced the release of its Extended Service Agreement (ESA), which is now available for purchase through the Tesla app. However, there are some significant caveats that buyers need to be aware of before investing in the service agreement. To begin with, the ESA is only available for Tesla vehicles that are still covered by the basic warranty that comes with the purchase of the vehicle. While the basic warranty has varied in duration and mileage coverage over the years, it currently offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty for most Tesla models. The ESA is available for Tesla’s 2012-2020 Model…

Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is taking another major step towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation with the procurement of 1,000 electric buses from KAMAZ and plans to purchase another 200 electric buses from GAZ Group. This initiative is in line with the city’s goal to enhance its public transportation network and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Maksim Liksutov, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport, the delivery of the 1,000 electric buses from KAMAZ and 200 electric buses from GAZ Group will be made over the next two years. This will effectively double the current number of electric…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has once again hit a rough patch in its international expansion efforts. One of their electric SUVs caught fire while on display in a showroom in Germany, causing significant damage to both the vehicle and the showroom itself. According to a report by the German publication Kölnische Rundschau, the fire broke out at a VinFast showroom in Cologne’s Rudolfplatz area on Monday afternoon, and local officials believe it started near the frunk of the vehicle and spread to the showroom. The report does not specify which model of VinFast’s vehicle was involved. VinFast had been looking…

Dutch public transport operator, Qbuzz, has just placed an order for 54 electric buses from Belgian manufacturer, Van Hool. This is the second e-bus order placed by Qbuzz in less than a week, cementing their commitment to sustainable public transportation. The new buses are scheduled to be delivered in Q4 2024 and will be deployed in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe. The Qbuzz order includes Van Hool’s A15LE E model, part of the A-series of buses introduced in June 2022. The A15LE E is a 15-meter long zero-emission bus that is battery-powered, and equipped with two ZF Axtrax…

US battery separator manufacturer Entek is making a substantial investment in a new production facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, with plans to supply separators for up to 1.6 million electric cars annually. The company plans to invest $1.5 billion in the construction of the new factory, which is expected to begin operations between 2025 and 2027. The facility will be built on an area of about 1.4 square kilometres in Terre Haute, with the company planning to construct four buildings initially. “Indiana is one of the most manufacturing intensive states in the country. I am thrilled to welcome ENTEK to…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution announced on Friday that it will be resuming a previously stalled U.S. battery project, investing $5.6 billion in Arizona to qualify for federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The decision comes after the company had reassessed a $1.3 billion investment plan due to challenging economic conditions. With the new investment, LG Energy Solution joins a growing list of suppliers and car makers expanding battery production capacity in the United States, encouraged by the IRA’s $369 billion of subsidies. The company supplies Tesla, Lucid, and other automakers. “The company’s decision to increase investment…comes from…

China’s GEM has teamed up with South Korean companies SK On and ECOPRO Materials to establish a new plant in South Korea. The joint venture will invest $932.56 million between 2023 and 2026 to build a factory with a capacity of at least 43,000 tonnes of nickel-based battery material each year, according to GEM. The new plant aims to meet the sourcing requirements of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022. The law requires automakers to source 50% of the critical minerals used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries from North America or U.S. allies by 2024,…

A recent study conducted by JD Power has revealed that EV owners are becoming increasingly frustrated with their home charging experience. The study cites higher electricity rates and charging speeds as the primary reasons for the dissatisfaction. This news comes as no surprise as inflation following the pandemic has caused the prices of everything from lumber to eggs to soar, with electricity rates being no exception. The latest Energy Information Administration data shows average residential rates in the US rose nearly 10% in 2022 to 14.96 cents per kilowatt-hour. The study, titled the US Electric Vehicle Experience Home Charging Study,…