Author: Casper Benedict

Lucid Motors CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson has announced a significant milestone for the electric vehicle manufacturer with the first pre-production model of the three-row Gravity SUV rolling off the assembly line at the Arizona factory. Rawlinson, who had the opportunity to drive the new vehicle, shared the moment in a video posted on his LinkedIn page. The video captures the CEO’s brief drive in the luxury all-electric SUV, accompanied by enthusiastic Lucid employees. https://evmagz.com/lucid-motors-unveils-first-pre-production-gravity-suv/ “I feel so honored to have just driven the very first pre-production Lucid Gravity fresh off the production line at our Arizona factory. Accompanied in…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has resumed operations at its main Hanover plant following a three-week summer break. The plant is now set to produce additional variants of the ID. Buzz starting in the second half of the year. During the production hiatus, approximately 5,000 employees from VWCV and external partners undertook over 20 major projects and 800 individual measures to upgrade the facility. Key changes include transitioning to a solitary production mode, where the ID. Buzz and the T7 Multivan will be assembled on separate lines. Previously, the plant had produced three models, including the T6.1, on two lines. https://evmagz.com/volkswagen-unveils-uk-specifications-for-the-id-buzz-lwb-gtx-start-at-59545/…

BYD is preparing to enter the Canadian automotive market, according to a regulatory filing made earlier this month. The move comes as Canada considers imposing tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. Reuters reported that while the filing did not provide a specific timeline for BYD’s market entry, it did address the potential impact of tariffs on the company’s plans to introduce passenger EVs in Canada. The report also noted that BYD Canada, a subsidiary of the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has been engaging with Canadian government officials. https://evmagz.com/byds-mexico-ev-plant-to-create-10000-jobs-targets-50000-units-to-be-sold-in-2024/ Additionally, BYD has recently hired lobbyists to navigate…

Tesla is set to broaden the rollout of its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software update, CEO Elon Musk confirmed this week. Following an initial limited release of the FSD Supervised v12.5.1 to a select group of customers, Musk announced on Monday that a wider deployment would commence today. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1817956284315967727 The initial phase of the rollout focuses on Model Y units equipped with the HW4 hardware, with plans to expand to other models in the near future. Musk clarified that vehicles equipped with HW3 hardware would receive the update in about 10 days, pending additional validation. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1817964337061093594 Musk also addressed the…

Swiss technology developer ABB has secured a contract with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry system in the United States, to supply propulsion systems for five new hybrid electric ferries. The agreement marks ABB as the sole supplier for these vessels. Under the contract, ABB will deliver comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion systems that include the ‘Onboard DC Grid’ power distribution solution, energy storage, advanced energy management, and integrated marine automation. ABB stated that the drive systems are designed to “enhance operational efficiency, help reduce emissions, and ensure reliable performance for the new vessels.” In addition to supplying the propulsion…

Tesla reported improved results for the second quarter of 2024 after a challenging first quarter, although both turnover and earnings were lower compared to the same period in 2023. Turnover slightly exceeded expectations, and earnings showed an increase from the beginning of the year, but the company faces potential challenges ahead. Tesla’s turnover for Q2 2024 reached $25.5 billion, while earnings totaled $1.48 billion. These figures reflect a slight improvement from Q1 2024, when the company reported earnings of $1.13 billion. However, they represent a 45% decrease from Q2 2023, which saw GAAP earnings of $2.7 billion. See also: Tesla’s Giga…

Hyundai Motor Group reported a significant rise in its electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States, with a 60.8% increase in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. According to a report by the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA), the group sold approximately 61,843 EVs across its Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis brands in the first half of 2024. This marks a substantial rise from the 38,457 EVs sold during the same period in 2023. Including plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Hyundai Motor Group’s eco-friendly car sales reached 72,528 units, representing…

General Motors (GM) has decided to suspend its plans for the Cruise Origin self-driving vehicle to concentrate on developing a next-generation autonomous vehicle, as stated in the company’s Q2 2024 letter to shareholders. This decision follows the initial halt of the Origin’s production last year. Kyle Vogt, former CEO and co-founder of Cruise, expressed his disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the decision. “Disappointed to see GM kill the Origin,” Vogt wrote. See also: GM to Infuse $850 Million into Cruise for Resumed Self-Driving Tests https://twitter.com/kvogt/status/1815762969193558184 GM’s letter outlined the strategic shift, noting, “The Cruise team will also simplify…

Tesla has introduced a new feature to its vehicles, alerting drivers in the United States to poor air quality in their vicinity. The feature, included in Software Version 2024.26 released earlier this month, displays an alert if air quality is subpar. This functionality has been available to Tesla drivers in China for some time, with a notable difference: Chinese drivers are constantly informed of the air quality index (AQI), even when air quality is high, according to Not a Tesla App. See also: Tesla App Update Aims to Reduce Phantom Battery Drain Tesla has long emphasized air quality awareness, incorporating several…

Tesla has introduced a new feature in its smartphone app designed to help electric vehicle (EV) owners mitigate the issue of phantom battery drain. This update aims to preserve battery life and reduce range loss caused by idle tasks. Phantom battery drain, a common issue among EV owners, refers to the range loss that occurs when a vehicle performs tasks while idle. Tesla vehicles, for instance, often run Sentry Mode, which uses external cameras to monitor the surroundings and has been identified as a significant contributor to range loss. https://twitter.com/Tesla_App_iOS/status/1813712819667218803 In addition to Sentry Mode, Tesla’s smartphone app has also…

Archer Aviation and Southwest Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of electric air taxi networks using Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates. Archer Aviation manufactures electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to develop a concept of operations for integrated electric air taxi networks to support California airports and nearby communities served by Southwest. This effort will involve coordination with Southwest employees and unions, including SWAPA, to ensure efficient operations. The initiative seeks to streamline the door-to-door passenger journey for Southwest customers. Southwest, operating at 14 airports across…

Tesla has expanded its lineup of accessories for the Cybertruck with the introduction of two new items on its website this week, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and cargo haulers. The newly launched products include the Cybertruck tailgate shield and the Cybertruck jumpseat, both designed as tailgate accessories. The tailgate shield serves as a protective pad for securing items like bicycles on either side of the tailgate, featuring ample internal space and a combination lock carabiner for added security. Meanwhile, the foldable Cybertruck jumpseat provides a portable seating solution that can be attached to the tailgate shield, whether in use or…