Author: Christopher Harrison

Li Auto Inc. achieved a record 58,513 vehicle deliveries in December, surpassing its previous high of 53,709 set in September. The December figure represents a 16.21% increase year-on-year and a 20.05% rise compared to November’s 48,740 deliveries, according to data released by the company. Despite the monthly milestone, Li Auto fell short of its fourth-quarter delivery guidance, reporting 158,696 units, below the projected range of 160,000 to 170,000 vehicles. However, the quarterly performance still marked a 20.40% year-on-year increase and a 3.84% gain over the third quarter. For the full year 2024, the company delivered 500,508 vehicles, a 33.10% increase…

The electric vehicle (EV) market appears to be facing a lull, but a recent study from AutoPacific indicates that a significant opportunity remains, particularly in the segment of three-row electric SUVs. According to the firm’s 2024 Future Vehicle Planner, nearly half of three-row SUV and crossover shoppers would consider a full EV, showcasing the potential for growth in this segment. AutoPacific surveyed over 14,000 vehicle shoppers and found that approximately 8% of potential buyers expressed intentions to purchase a full EV three-row crossover. While this number is notable given the limited availability of such models, only seven three-row electric SUVs…

A Tesla Cybertruck with over 50,000 miles has offered insights into the durability and real-world performance of the angular electric pickup, according to a Teslatino video. The vehicle, described as the highest-mileage Cybertruck currently, has logged significant travel, including a journey to the Arctic Ocean, since March. Despite its usage, the Cybertruck’s reported range loss has been minimal. Originally estimated at 318 miles per charge, the current range estimate is 309 miles. Factors such as off-road tires, a roof rack, and a roof tent likely contribute to this slight decrease. Energy efficiency has averaged 513 Wh/mile (1.95 miles/kWh) with the…

Danish public transport company Movia has introduced 66 new electric buses into its fleet, bringing the total number of electric buses in operation in the Copenhagen and Zealand regions to 565. This milestone means that half of Movia’s fleet is now electric, six years ahead of the company’s original target set in 2020. The company operates a total of 1,126 buses, with the electric buses now covering over 51 million kilometres annually. According to Movia, the new 66 electric buses are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,100 tonnes per year. The company’s original target, set in collaboration with local…

A Waymo robotaxi was recently caught on video endlessly navigating a roundabout, echoing the comedic misadventure of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s European Vacation. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the autonomous vehicle stuck in a loop without completing its exit. Waymo confirmed the incident, stating that no passengers were onboard during the episode and that the issue has since been resolved through a software update deployed across its fleet. While the company did not disclose the precise cause, TechCrunch has sought further details on the underlying programming flaw and how engineers addressed the unusual situation.…

Jameel Motors has signed an agreement with Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Geely, to distribute new energy commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. Farizon, established in 2016, has built a market-leading reputation through its focus on zero-emission technology and user-centric design. The Farizon SV large electric van will be the flagship model for the brand’s UK launch, with sales expected to begin in the first half of 2025. The Farizon SV van is designed specifically to meet the needs of European fleets, offering a range of advanced technologies and industry-first innovations in the light commercial vehicle (LCV)…

Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela is set to deploy its P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry on Lake Tahoe, marking the first regular operation of the vessel outside Europe. The move comes as Candela expands its reach following the delivery of its first customer unit to Stockholm and securing fresh capital for growth. FlyTahoe, the operator of the ferry, plans to use the Candela P-12 to establish a north-south connection on the iconic lake, which straddles California and Nevada. The service will operate every 30 minutes and is expected to cut travel time in half compared to driving a similar route by…

Lucid Motors has initiated a recall affecting over 1,500 of its 2024 and 2025 Air Pure sedans in Canada and the United States after identifying a defect that could lead to a complete loss of drive power. The recall, issued under Transport Canada Recall #2024-673 and NHTSA Recall No. 24V-836, specifically targets Air Pure Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles. The issue stems from a shortened rear subframe wiring harness, which was inadvertently produced with a reduced length due to a documentation error. This design flaw causes excessive stress on the harness connector, increasing the likelihood of intermittent or total disconnection. “If…

Flipkart has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet to over 10,000 units as part of its ongoing efforts to transition towards carbon-neutral operations. This expansion is the result of a seven-year phased deployment, which the company states has improved the speed of its last-mile deliveries by 20% and reduced order costs at the hub level. Currently, 75% of the EV fleet operates in Tier-I cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, although the company notes that deploying EVs in smaller cities remains a challenge. To support this transition, Flipkart is also investing in charging infrastructure. In partnership with the Adani…

Vauxhall has announced the launch of its refreshed Mokka Electric SUV, now featuring a more powerful battery and an improved range at a reduced price. Set to begin deliveries in January 2025, the new Mokka Electric comes equipped with a 54 kWh battery, up from the previous 50 kWh model, allowing for a driving range of up to 250 miles (about 402 kilometers) per charge under the WLTP standard. The vehicle’s electric motor also sees an upgrade, now offering 156 PS (115 kW), compared to the former 100 kW. In the UK market, Vauxhall is emphasizing the affordability of the…

Sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by 35% worldwide in October compared to the same month in the previous year, according to market research firm Rho Motion. Growth was seen across all major regions, led by a 54% increase in China, which hit a record high with 1.2 million EV sales. In Europe, sales saw modest growth of 0.8%, marking the second consecutive month of annual gains, with Rho Motion anticipating a positive end to the year in the region, according to Charles Lester, the firm’s data manager. The European EV market faces challenges such as high…

HOLON, a subsidiary of the German automotive supplier Benteler Group, has requested approval from U.S. auto safety regulators to deploy up to 2,500 autonomous electric buses annually. The buses, which are designed to operate without traditional human controls such as steering wheels, pedals, manual turn signals, or mirrors, would be a significant step forward in autonomous vehicle deployment. The company submitted its petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seeking an exemption from federal auto safety standards to operate these vehicles. NHTSA announced that it will accept public comments on the petition until early January. The agency’s decision,…