Author: Casper Benedict

De Lijn ordered 252 additional filling stations for his depot from SPIE-Ekoenergetyka. Charging stations for emission-free buses are scheduled to start operating in 2023-2024. Previously the first series of charging stations was delivered, installed and operated by De Lijn. This year, De Lijn will purchase up to 1,250 electric buses of various sizes with lengths ranging from 8.5 to 24 meters. SPIE-Ekoenergetyka is a business unit created by SPIE Belgium and Ekoenergetyka, a Polish company known for providing electric charging infrastructure. An additional 252 charging stations for De Lijn will be installed for several of its depots including at Destelbergen…

Rivian rolled out the 2022.39.03 software update for the R1T electric pickup and R1S electric SUV. The highlighted feature of this latest update is the “Kneel Mode” which can lower the vehicle by up to 10 inches, making it easier for the driver and passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. The “Kneel Mode” feature is possible due to Rivian’s independent air suspension system. This feature can be activated after the vehicle is parked, and places the vehicle at a low driving height—about 10 inches (254 millimeters) from the ground. This feature is very useful for easy entry/exit…

Volkswagen ID.Buzz has received an overwhelming response from fans as more than 20,000 orders have been placed. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) announced that more than 20,000 ID. buzz order has been placed. According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV), it’s the number before ID. Buzz was even shown at dealerships, which showed interest from customers in Europe. Currently, the electric van is only available for the European market. “Even before the launch at our dealerships, since the start of advance sales, we’ve already been able to sell more than 20,000 ID. Buzz. With their availability in the showrooms, we are now…

Irizar e-mobility has received orders for 20 electric buses and charging facilities from London transport company Go-Ahead. The bus booked was a 12-meter tram trolley bus with right-hand drive. Go-Ahead also ordered two 450 kW pantograph chargers and a 100 kW depot charger. This order is Irizar’s first in a right-hand drive version. Apart from Irizar, Go-Ahead has so far used electric buses from BYD-ADL, and FCEV buses from Wrightbus. The charging technology is supplied by Jema Energy, which is a subsidiary of the Irizar Group. The 12 meter trolleybus trolley will start arriving in London in late 2022 and…

The Ioniq 5 is the first electric vehicle to use the exclusive Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). E-GMP owned by Ioniq 5 is claimed to be able to provide considerable benefits such as increased flexibility, powerful performance, increased driving mileage, strengthened safety features, to an increase in cabin and wider luggage. The Ioniq 5 is an extraordinary vehicle, and that’s why the Ioniq 5 won several prestigious awards this year. The following are some of the things that make you must have Ioniq 5. Exterior The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an attractive design thanks to the retro-futuristic style applied to…

Tesla is currently under investigation in the United States (US) over claims its electric vehicles are self-driving. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation after the number of reported accidents caused by self-driving. Some of these fatal accidents are thought to have involved Tesla’s Autopilot software system. Launching Reuters, in 2016 Tesla has demonstrated the ability of a self-driving system called Autopilot. Tesla CEO Elon Musk even said that Autopilot might be better at driving than humans. Last week, Musk said they would soon upgrade to full self-driving software that would allow drivers to travel to work, home…

General Motors said it had temporarily suspended paid advertising on Twitter after Tesla CEO Elon Musk made the social media acquisition for $44 billion. General Motors is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the US, which is a rival to Tesla. “engaging with Twitter to understand the direction of the platform under their new ownership.” GM said GM said “as is normal course of business with a significant change in a media platform, we have temporarily paused our paid advertising.” The Detroit automaker added its “customer care interactions on Twitter will continue.” In the second quarter of this year,…

The Lotus Eletre is Lotus’ first electric SUV that has been introduced since last March. Lotus Eletre comes as an electric car that will bring the Lotus name to one of the largest automotive market segments in the world. Interestingly, last Tuesday (25/10), Lotus has officially revealed the variants, specifications, and prices of the Lotus Eletre electric car. “The confirmation of the Lotus Eletre’s pricing and specifications is a key moment in Lotus’ transformation through our Vision80 strategy,” said Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director of Lotus Cars. “Delivery for consumers will start in the first half of next…

Tesla recalled more than 24,000 Model 3 manufactured from 2017 through 2022 in the United States (US) due to seat belt problems. The Austin-based manufacturer says the left and center second row seat belt buckles may not be properly attached. So far, Tesla claims there have been no user reports of injuries or accidents related to this condition. However, improperly fitted seat belts can interfere with component performance and result in fatalities in the event of an accident. It was quite a highlight, Tesla said that the recall of the 24,000 Model 3 was due to a service error and…

WeRide, a robotaxi operator from China, confirmed that it has partnered with Hyundai Motor to develop a car with a hydrogen-powered autonomous driving system. The collaboration comes at a time when research and clean hydrogen production is increasingly becoming a focal point for China, which has been trying to decarbonize its economy. In September last year, Hyundai said it plans to offer a hydrogen fuel cell version for all of its commercial vehicles from 2028. With the collaboration with WeRide, Hyundai can expand the use of its hydrogen products to robotaxis. In addition, vehicles that use hydrogen fuel have advantages…

Mercedes-Benz trucks continue to push transport electrification forward at full speed. At this year’s Bauma construction industry exhibition in Munich, Germany, the manufacturer presented several fully battery-powered trucks for construction site applications. At the event, Mercedes-Benz Trucks demonstrated a prototype of the eActros LongHaul concept, which was first presented at IAA Transportation last September, with electric take-off for semi-trailers such as the Tipper. This makes the e-truck suitable for testing on a construction site and can replace previous diesel-based propulsion solutions. Mercedes-Benz trucks begin serial production in 2021, for heavy-duty distribution with suitable electrical power for several months. “Together with…

Toyota had already announced a strategic plan for transitioning to electric vehicles last year, but recent reports suggest that the car manufacturer from Japan is completely overhauling the strategic plan. According to Reuters, an internal group at Toyota was tasked with drawing up plans to upgrade the current e-TNGA flexible EV platform or to develop a new EV architecture. The e-TNGA platform is already used in the all-electric bZ4X crossover SUV and will now also be used to power the upcoming Lexus RZ 450e 2023. As this change is still in the discussion stage, Toyota has reportedly also suspended development…