Author: Christopher Harrison

Swedish electric boat manufacturer X Shore has successfully completed a financing round, raising 100 million crowns (approximately 8.5 million euros). The funding round saw participation from several existing investors, including the company’s founder, Konrad Bergström. The fresh capital injection comes at a crucial time for X Shore following a challenging period. The company intends to utilize the funds to invest in product development and expand its sales and marketing activities. However, the money will not be allocated to the construction of the ‘X Shore Industries 1’ factory, as the manufacturer states that its “funding requirements have been fulfilled already.” X…

In a bid to enhance its environmental footprint, the Österreichische Post (Austrian Post) has rolled out its ‘Green Salzburg’ project, marking a significant step towards CO2-free delivery. The initiative, which encompasses parcels, letters, print media, and advertising mail, boasts 193 electric vehicles traversing the last mile, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. The Austrian Post’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond vehicle electrification. With 126 charging stations strategically placed, the company ensures its electric fleet remains operational with green electricity sourced from both its photovoltaic systems and Austria’s renewable energy sources. This project, amounting to a substantial six million euros investment, underscores…

Polestar, the Swedish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and Israeli battery maker StoreDot have announced a significant advancement in EV battery charging technology. They claim to have successfully charged a Polestar 5 electric hatchback from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes. This breakthrough was made possible by StoreDot’s Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) technology, which was used in a car for the first time. During the charging process, the Polestar 5 prototype experienced a consistent charge rate, starting at 310kW and peaking at over 370kW at the end of the charging session. The demonstration showcased the capability of silicon-dominant cells…

Toyota recently showcased its commitment to electric mobility at Auto China in Beijing, unveiling two new battery electric vehicle (BEV) models developed in collaboration with joint venture partners FAW and GAC. The electric mid-size SUVs, named bZ3C and bZ3X, represent Toyota’s strategic push into the rapidly evolving Chinese EV market. The bZ3C crossover, developed in partnership with BYD and FAW, is the production version of the bZ Sport Crossover Concept, retaining much of its original design. Minor adjustments were made, including the replacement of cameras with exterior mirrors. Notably, the production model features a lidar sensor on the roof, enhancing…

Mitch Evans secured his first victory in the Monaco E-Prix, breaking a streak of four prior misses where he led but didn’t win, to claim a dominant one-two finish alongside his Jaguar TCS Racing teammate Nick Cassidy. Executing the team’s strategy flawlessly, Evans led Cassidy to secure Jaguar TCS Racing’s second one-two finish in Formula E. Their tactics, including strategic use of attack mode boosts, propelled Evans to victory in Monaco. https://twitter.com/FIAFormulaE/status/1784229902729761277 “It feels mega, and a lot of relief to finally get that first win here. It feels like it should have come a few years earlier, but finally…

Nio has expanded its battery swapping network by partnering with Lotus, as announced at Auto China in Beijing. The collaboration entails a comprehensive strategic agreement focused on battery swapping and charging technologies for electric vehicles (EVs). The agreement includes cooperation on battery standards, as well as charging and exchange technologies. Nio began seeking partners for its battery exchange stations last year and has since signed agreements with Changan, JAC, and Chery. However, no vehicles from other manufacturers currently utilize Nio’s technology. Lotus, renowned for its high-quality EVs with large batteries, is seen as a strategic fit for Nio’s battery swapping…

Hyundai has recently showcased the 2024 Kona Electric at the NY Auto Show, presenting a compelling upgrade over its predecessor. The new model boasts improved range, quicker charging capabilities, and a striking design overhaul, resembling the sleek aesthetic of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and 6 dedicated EVs. With a starting price under $33,000, the 2024 Kona Electric aims to be one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The vehicle comes in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. The base SE model offers a 48.6 kWh battery, providing up to 200 miles of range, while the SEL…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into whether Tesla’s recall of over 2 million vehicles, announced in December to install new Autopilot safeguards, is sufficient. The agency stated that it was prompted by concerns arising from crash events after vehicles received the recall software update and preliminary NHTSA tests of remedied vehicles. NHTSA’s decision to open this new probe comes after it concluded a nearly three-year investigation into Autopilot, citing evidence that “Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities,” resulting in a “critical safety gap.” The agency also noted…

Tesla has revealed a glimpse of its forthcoming self-driving ride-hailing app, previously dubbed ‘Tesla Network’, which the electric automaker is positioning as a direct competitor to Uber. For years, Tesla has hinted at the development of a ride-hailing application to challenge the likes of Uber and now Waymo. While earlier discussions suggested the app might be launched without self-driving capabilities, it is now evident that Tesla is awaiting this crucial advancement. Despite not yet achieving fully autonomous driving, a prerequisite for an autonomous ride-hailing app, recent advancements have spurred Tesla to commence work on the application. With the announcement of…

Chinese autonomous driving company Haomo.AI announced on Tuesday that it has successfully raised 300 million yuan ($41.41 million) in its Series B2 round, following a previous funding of over 100 million yuan just two months ago. The latest investment comes from a newly formed fund by existing investor JZ Capital and the Changxing government in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, indicating a strong show of confidence in Haomo’s future prospects. According to Haomo, the fresh capital injection will be primarily directed towards research and development efforts, aiming to solidify its leading position in the mass-produced autonomous driving solutions sector in China. “The…

As competition intensifies in the electric vehicle (EV) market, automakers are rolling out generous discounts to attract buyers. Kia and Genesis are the latest to join the trend, offering substantial price cuts on their EV models. The Kia EV9 and several Genesis EVs are now available with a $7,500 discount through new promotional offers. Genesis, in particular, has been making significant strides in the US market with its lineup of sleek, all-electric vehicles. The brand launched its first EV in the US, the EV60, in May 2022, and since then, sales have been skyrocketing. The introduction of the Electrified GV70…

Tesla has reduced the prices of all its models in China in response to increasing competition in the market. Prices for the locally produced Model 3 and Model Y have been lowered by approximately 4-6 percent, while the imported Model S and Model X see reductions of up to 22 percent. The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 now starts at RMB 231,900 ($32,030), down RMB 14,000 or 5.69 percent from the previous price of RMB 245,900. Similarly, the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range now starts at RMB 271,900, a reduction of RMB 14,000 or 4.9 percent from RMB 285,900. The entry-level…

Tesla is recalling 3,878 Cybertrucks to address a potential safety issue with the accelerator pedal pad, which could come loose and become lodged in the interior trim, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday. According to the auto safety regulator, a trapped accelerator pedal could lead to unintentional acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall comes as Tesla continues to ramp up deliveries of its Cybertruck electric pickup truck, following a two-year delay due to production challenges and battery-supply constraints. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Engineer Explains Omission of ‘Crab Walk’ Feature Tesla has stated that…

In a bid to ease the burden of locating EV chargers and streamline road trip planning, Google Maps is set to undergo significant updates, the tech giant announced. With the rise of electric vehicles and the accompanying challenges of finding charging stations, Google aims to revolutionize the EV ownership experience. “With the latest advancements, we’re determined to alleviate the stress of hunting down charging stations, especially in unfamiliar territories,” stated a Google spokesperson. The forthcoming updates will employ AI-powered summaries to uncover concealed charging stations, including those nestled in multistory parking lots. These summaries will furnish intricate details, guiding users…

Limerick, Ireland, is set to enhance its public transport system with the introduction of 55 electric double-decker buses. The first batch of 34 StreetDeck Electroliner buses from Wrightbus is ready to enter service, with the remaining 21 scheduled for delivery in early 2025. This initiative, part of a €54 million investment by the National Transport Authority (NTA), marks a significant step towards establishing Limerick as one of Ireland’s first fully-electric regional city bus services. Operated by Ireland’s national bus company, Bus Éireann, the new buses will be charged overnight at Limerick’s Roxboro depot. To prepare for the transition to an…

UK shipbuilder Coastal Workboats has inked a battery supply deal with EST-Floattech, a ship battery manufacturer, for its Electric-Landing Utility Vessel (E-LUV). The purpose-built E-LUV is set to become the UK’s inaugural commercial electric workboat, designed for Ro-Ro (Roll on Roll off) and dry cargo transportation ferry duties. Coastal Workboats will construct the vessel at its new yard in Stornoway, alongside the Shore-based Power Supply System (SPSS). The E-LUV will be powered by a 2400 kWh Octopus High Energy battery system from EST-Floattech. This collaboration has received a boost from Coastal Workboats securing a £6 million grant from the Clean…

Tesla has asked its shareholders to approve CEO Elon Musk’s controversial $56 billion pay package, which was originally set in 2018 but was rejected by a Delaware judge earlier this year. The compensation plan, which includes no salary or cash bonus, is based on Tesla’s market value reaching up to $650 billion over the next decade. Currently, Tesla is valued at $500.36 billion. The pay package was rejected by Delaware’s Court of Chancery in January, with Judge Kathaleen McCormick calling it “an unfathomable sum” that was unfair to shareholders. However, Tesla’s board chairperson, Robyn Denholm, disagreed with the ruling, stating…

Decathlon has introduced the Rockrider E-FEEL 900S Team Edition electric mountain bike in Europe, offering high-end features for mountain biking enthusiasts. The e-bike, also known as the E-FEEL 900 S, made its debut at Roc d’Azur 2023 and was recently featured in a 2024 range catalogue in the United States. The Rockrider E-FEEL 900S Team Edition boasts a full suspension system, including a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork with 160 mm of travel and a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, ensuring a comfortable ride over rugged terrain. The bike is equipped with a mid-mounted 250W Shimano EP801 motor, providing 85Nm of torque…

Volkswagen AG has teamed up with Chinese partner Xpeng to develop a new architecture for intelligent and electric vehicles, aiming to offer more affordable EVs in its largest market, the German automaker announced on Wednesday. The new China Electrical Architecture (CEA) will be utilized in locally developed VW-branded EVs starting from 2026, Volkswagen said. This move is part of the company’s strategy to achieve a 40% cost reduction target for its China-developed platform compared to its German-developed MEB platform by streamlining the number of control units. “Competition is very fierce, and we have to adapt our cost structure to be…

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric vehicle lineup in the US with the introduction of an 81-kWh battery option for the 2025 eSprinter. Priced at $61,250, the new variant will be available in the second half of the year, offering customers a more affordable alternative to the existing 113-kWh battery model. The eSprinter, which has been available with the larger battery option, will now also come with the 81-kWh battery variant, offering different wheelbase and roof height options to cater to various customer needs. All variants of the eSprinter have a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 9,370 pounds, with…