Author: Christopher Harrison

MAN Truck & Bus has showcased its range of truck drive technologies in preparation for the IAA Transportation automotive trade show in Germany this autumn. The company is emphasizing electric trucks while continuing to develop diesel engines and introducing hydrogen combustion engines as a transitional solution. Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks remain in development. At a pre-event in Saalfelden, Austria, MAN, a subsidiary of Traton (a Volkswagen Group brand), presented vehicles equipped with optimized diesel engines, a new hydrogen combustion engine, and battery-electric drives. The company remains committed to developing hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The MAN eTruck, available in…

Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car subsidiary of Xpeng, announced plans to establish a dedicated factory in Guangzhou for the mass production of flying cars, moving from its previous trial plant. The company signed an investment and cooperation agreement with Guangzhou development district authorities, outlining support for land use, financing, and flying car application scenarios, according to a press release. The new facility will serve as a comprehensive center for research and development, manufacturing, and sales of flying cars. It aims to incorporate a modern assembly line, making it the world’s first factory capable of large-scale production of flying car components,…

RWTH Aachen University’s Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) chair has initiated the pilot phase of the “DRivE” research project in collaboration with several partners. The project aims to enhance digital route planning for electric trucks, addressing critical challenges in long-distance freight transport. The pilot phase, slated to run for two months, involves field-testing specially developed software on a battery-electric truck operated by Aachen-based logistics company Hammer Road Cargo. According to PEM, the software is designed to ensure safe route planning, taking into account factors such as current range and availability of charging points. “DRivE” (Data-based route planning in road…

The iconic DeLorean DMC-12, made famous by its role as a time machine in the cult film ‘Back to the Future’, is set to enter a new era with an electric car conversion kit developed by British company Electrogenic. Electrogenic, known for its conversions of classic vehicles like Land Rovers, Jaguars, and Porsches, has now tailored a kit specifically for the DeLorean DMC-12. Originally produced in limited numbers between 1981 and 1982, the DeLorean DMC-12 maintains a devoted following, largely due to its prominent screen presence and enduring design. Like its other conversion kits, Electrogenic’s adaptation for the DeLorean DMC-12…

Geely’s pickup truck brand, Riddara, formerly known as Radar for international markets, is poised to expand globally, starting with its debut at the 41st Thailand International Automobile Expo in November. This move marks Geely’s strategic entry into Thailand’s competitive automotive landscape, dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) pickups. Riddara aims to capitalize on the popularity of pickup trucks in Thailand, where they account for over 40% of the vehicle market, by promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The lineup emphasizes utility for both work and leisure, highlighting innovations such as the pickup’s capability to serve as an electrical power source on-site.…

In a recent announcement, Tesla has extended the deadline for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software transfers, allowing customers an additional month to take advantage of the promotional offer. Originally slated to end on August 31, the deadline is now pushed to the end of September, as confirmed by Tesla’s North America account on X. The promotion enables buyers of new Tesla vehicles to transfer their existing FSD software to a newly purchased car at no additional cost, provided they take delivery before the revised deadline. This move follows Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s decision to extend FSD transfers for “one more…

Ford is encouraging more of its managers to adopt electric vehicles, introducing a new leasing policy that mandates the selection of electric models like the Mustang Mach-E SUV or F-150 Lightning pickup, according to an internal email reviewed by Reuters. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker revised its leasing program for eligible current and former managers, stipulating that they must opt for an electric Mustang Mach-E SUV or F-150 Lightning pickup as a supplemental vehicle. Previously, managers could choose from a range of vehicles for their lease. See also: Ford Plans $30,000 Electric Vehicle, Aims for Profitability in Two and a Half Years…

BYD, the prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has solidified its expansion into the European market through a strategic partnership with Ayvens, a leading car leasing firm. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, marking a pivotal move for the company beyond its home base in China. See also: BYD Sells 341,658 NEVs in June, Marking a 35.02% Year-on-Year Increase Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s president and chairman, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement with Ayvens reflects our shared vision to accelerate the growth of NEV markets in Europe.” The collaboration aims to…

The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest lawmaker group in the European Parliament, is advocating for adjustments to the European Union’s planned 2035 phase-out of CO2-emitting cars, according to a draft document reviewed by Reuters. After securing a significant share of seats in the recent European Parliament elections, the EPP, with 188 lawmakers out of 720, is asserting its influence as discussions unfold in Portugal this week on policy priorities for the EU Parliament’s upcoming five-year term. The draft priorities include a proposal to “revise the rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian (RIVN) delivered nearly 13,800 EVs in the second quarter of 2024, maintaining similar figures from the previous quarter but outlining plans for production expansion in the latter half of the year. Rivian’s Q2 deliveries totaled 13,790 vehicles, a slight increase from Q1 but down compared to Q4 2023 figures. The company attributed this stability to ongoing upgrades at its Normal, IL manufacturing plant, which temporarily impacted production output. Despite these challenges, Rivian expressed confidence that the enhancements would yield significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies, facilitating quicker vehicle deliveries at reduced costs. See also: Rivian’s Bidirectional Charger…

Lucid Motors is set to introduce Android Auto integration into its flagship Lucid Air sedan, addressing a longstanding request from owners who have sought broader compatibility beyond Apple CarPlay. The move marks a departure from EV manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian, which have opted for proprietary operating systems. Starting this fall, an over-the-air (OTA) update will enable Lucid Air’s 34-inch 5K panoramic screen to support Android Auto alongside existing Apple CarPlay functionality. See also: Lucid Appoints Automotive Veteran Nick Twork to Lead Global Communications Priced from €65,000, the Lucid Air is renowned for its luxurious design and impressive range. The addition…

Renault’s electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Ampere, announced on Monday its strategic adoption of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology in its plans to scale up production of electric vehicles. The move includes collaborations with suppliers LG Energy Solutions and CATL to establish a robust supply chain within Europe. “This decision is a proactive and advanced response to market dynamics and evolving technologies,” Ampere stated in a release. The company confirmed that LFP batteries will be integrated into “several” models across the Renault and Alpine brands in the coming years. Ampere also committed to advancing Cell-to-Pack battery solutions in partnership with LG…