Author: Christopher Harrison

In the dynamic world of electric vehicles, the landscape is ever-changing. Newcomers like Rivian and Lucid, once focused on scaling up production, now face a different challenge: a decline in demand. As the adoption of EVs progresses slowly, these startups find themselves grappling with a shifting market. Last week, both American startups offered disappointing production outlooks. Rivian and Lucid don’t expect to produce significantly more vehicles in 2024 than they did last year, causing their share prices to tumble. However, they both attribute this slowdown not to their production capacity but to the challenge of finding customers. See also: Elon Musk…

Apple is winding down its team working on electric cars, known as the Special Projects Group, according to a report from Bloomberg. This move marks the end of Apple’s secretive effort to develop a car to compete with Tesla. The program, which employed thousands of employees, was seen as a divergence from Apple’s core business of electronics and online services. Reports of Apple’s interest in building a car first emerged in 2014 when the company began recruiting automotive engineers and other talent from the auto industry. Although Apple’s plans were kept under wraps, the company operated a program with autonomous…

BYD has solidified its position as the world’s second-largest EV battery maker, claiming a substantial 15.8% global market share in 2023. While BYD’s batteries have been predominantly utilized in electric cars and stationary storages, their application in electric motorcycles, e-bikes, and other two-wheelers has been limited. However, recent developments indicate a significant shift in this trend. The company announced today its plans to intensify its investment and research and development efforts to cater specifically to the two-wheeler battery market. FinDreams, BYD’s wholly-owned battery subsidiary, disclosed on its WeChat platform its commitment to producing safe and reliable batteries tailored for the…

Kia popular compact crossover SUV hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) model, the Niro, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 1 million global sales since its debut in 2016, the company announced on Feb. 25. By the end of 2023, global cumulative sales were close to 998,000 units, with January’s domestic sales totaling 1,241 units and exports exceeding 10,000 units, bringing the total to 1,008,822 units. Over 80% of Niro sales have originated from overseas markets. See also: Kia Announces Pricing and Updates for 2024 Niro EV : Starting at $40,925 with Premium Wave Trim at $46K In South Korea, sales reached…

The dominance of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the electric vehicle (EV) market is set to rise, with projections indicating they will account for over 40 percent of the EV battery market in 2024 and potentially nearly 50 percent by 2026. This surge is primarily attributed to major automakers increasingly adopting LFP batteries due to their cost-effectiveness and safety features. However, concerns are mounting over Korean battery makers’ slow production schedules compared to their Chinese counterparts. See also: CATL Leads Global EV Battery Market with 36.8% in 2023, BYD Follows with 15.8%: SNE Research Research from the Yuanta Securities Research…

Tesla’s Cybertruck, already renowned for its unconventional design, has undergone a remarkable transformation by content creator Dave Sparks, also known as HeavyDSparks on YouTube and Instagram, who has customized it with oversized snow track wheels. Sparks expressed his enthusiasm for the modified Cybertruck, stating on Instagram that he is more excited to drive it than anything he has driven in a long time. See also: Content Creator Equips Tesla Cybertruck with Snowmobile Tracks in Unprecedented Modification In a video posted online, the customized Cybertruck can be seen effortlessly navigating through snow with its massive track wheels, showcasing both its functionality and…

BYD has delivered its initial batch of new BYD Atto 3 in Hungary, marking a significant step in its presence in the Central and Eastern European market, according to the company. Since entering Hungary in October 2023, BYD’s passenger car business has seen rapid development in the Hungarian market. Working closely with major local dealers, the company offers consumers integrated services from car purchase consultation to after-sales maintenance. See also: BYD Secures Over 20% of Japan’s EV Imports Last Year, Signifying Rapid Market Growth https://twitter.com/BYDGlobal/status/1761671086343909508 BYD currently operates three stores in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, and plans to expand its sales and…

VinFast celebrated a key milestone on February 25 with the groundbreaking ceremony for its integrated EV facility in Thoothukudi city, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated in the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamilnadu Ltd (SIPCOT) in the southern state, the facility covers 160 hectares and involves a $500 million investment for the project’s initial phase over five years. It is expected to produce 150,000 vehicles annually and create approximately 3,000 to 5,000 jobs. See also: VinFast Reports 2023 Business Figures, Aims to Sell 100,000 Cars in 2024 In addition to enhancing collaboration with leading global suppliers, VinFast aims to increase the localization…

Tenways has announced the upcoming launch of its latest e-bike model, the CGO009, set to debut in late February. Despite a relatively high price tag, this smart electric bicycle is poised to make waves in the European market with its cutting-edge design and advanced features. Details about the CGO009 are still limited, but a teaser video released by Tenways offers a glimpse into its key components. The e-bike is equipped with a proprietary C-9 hub motor, delivering an estimated 250W of power and 40 Nm of torque. See also: Tenways Unveils New CGO600 Pro Electric Bicycle for City Commuters With Range…

Kia is forging ahead with plans to manufacture its first three-row electric SUV, the EV9, in the United States, with production scheduled to commence this spring. However, there are uncertainties regarding whether Kia’s new US-made EV9 will fully qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit initially. Since opening orders for the EV9 in October, Kia has seen significant interest in its first three-row electric SUV. With a starting price below $55,000, Kia has labeled the EV9’s affordability as a “wake-up call to the industry.” The automaker has already begun importing models to the US, with sales climbing from 1,118 in…

Rivian’s R1T pickup and R1S SUV are regarded as top-tier electric vehicles (EVs) priced over $70,000, but they are not without their shortcomings. Despite offering a plethora of features, including advanced technology and luxurious amenities, Rivian has yet to integrate popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime into the vehicles’ main screens. The absence of these services has been a point of contention for some time, with Rivian acknowledging the demand but failing to deliver thus far. According to a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with the company’s head of software development, the feature has been on…

A fierce price war has erupted in the Chinese automotive market, pushing plug-in hybrid vehicle prices below those of some of the most economical internal combustion-only vehicles. Four automakers, including SAIC-GM-Wuling, Changan, Neta, and BYD, have introduced vehicles priced below the psychologically significant barrier of 100,000 yuan (approximately $13,900). BYD, expected to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer this year, was the first to break this threshold with its Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan. The South China Morning Post reported a 20 percent price reduction last week, bringing the starting price to 79,800 yuan (around $11,100). See also: China’s Auto…

Thailand has announced incentives to encourage companies to transition their commercial fleets of large trucks and buses to battery electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to bolster its position as a hub for EV manufacturing, the government revealed on Wednesday. “This will significantly increase the adoption of electric trucks and buses, reduce pollution from the transportation and manufacturing sectors, and support companies’ moves to reach their net-zero targets,” the government stated. See also: GAC Aion Initiates Construction of $65 Million EV Plant in Thailand Under the new policies, eligible companies will receive special tax deductions until December 2025. Companies purchasing domestically manufactured vehicles…

Engwe, known for its innovative electric bikes, is set to revolutionize urban commuting with its latest offering, the P275. Promising to “elevate urban living by combining freedom, convenience, and efficiency for daily commutes,” the P275 boasts a range of features designed to enhance the city riding experience. One of the standout features of the P275 is its torque sensors for mid-drive motors, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride. The bike is equipped with potentially long-range Samsung motors and a “maintenance-free Gates Carbon Drive Belt” in its step-through Pro variant, offering a hassle-free and reliable commuting experience. See also: Dual-Suspension Electric Moped…

SQM Lithium Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Chilean lithium producer Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM), has injected $9.4 million into British electric vehicle battery recycler Altilium to support its expansion, the two companies announced on Wednesday. This investment comes as part of a $12 million Series A funding round, with SQM Lithium Ventures leading the round following a previous $2.6 million investment by SQM in the startup last year. See also: Altilium and Synetiq Partner for Commercial EV Battery Recycling, Vmoto Collaboration Announced “The investment in Altilium allows SQM to get ahead of the global recycling curve,” said…

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle maker, is gearing up to introduce its new sub-brand, codenamed “Firefly,” with spy shots of what is believed to be its inaugural model recently surfacing. Shared by local media outlet HiEV on its Weibo page, the four images depict a camouflaged vehicle, hinting at a design reminiscent of Zeekr X or Volkswagen’s ID.3. While HiEV did not explicitly mention Nio or Firefly, implications strongly suggest the model’s association with the anticipated sub-brand. See also: Nio Showcases ET9’s SkyRide Chassis System in Winter Testing Video “The model is positioned as a younger, sportier small car with good…

Tesla has officially begun deploying the highly anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta version 12 to select customers, marking a significant milestone in the development of its autonomous driving technology. Customers who have received the update are now sharing their initial experiences with the neural net-based software. Mark Bixby, a long-time FSD beta user, described the jump from version 11 to version 12 as “the biggest release-to-release improvement” he has seen yet. In a detailed post on Facebook, Bixby highlighted several improvements, including turning trajectory, turn signals, and low visibility turns. However, he also cautioned that drivers should remain vigilant and…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its parent company Tata Motors are in advanced negotiations to manufacture electric cars at scale in India for both domestic and export markets, according to a media report. The talks, reported by Indian portal Autocar Professional, are said to be nearing a conclusion. If finalized, JLR would establish its largest plant outside the UK, adding to its existing facilities there and in Slovakia. The Indian plant is likely to be located in Gujarat, although alternative sites in Pune are also under consideration. See also: Tata Group Mulls Spin-Off of Agratas Battery Unit, Potential IPO The collaboration…

Volkswagen has introduced the ID.7 Tourer, a new electric mid-size estate car that combines the practicality of a classic estate with the dynamic flair of a shooting brake. Positioned as an internal competitor to the Passat Variant, the ID.7 Tourer offers a purely electric drive and a distinctive design. Unlike the Passat, which is only available as an estate in its new generation, the ID.7 Tourer debuted as a saloon. However, the Tourer variant features a unique design, with VW describing it as a fusion of a classic estate and a dynamic shooting brake like the Arteon. The Tourer boasts…

Ionity has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 600 charging parks across Europe. These parks are equipped with a total of 3,382 High Power Charging (HPC) points, with an additional 96 parks currently under construction. Ionity’s expansion is set to continue, with plans to surpass 1,000 locations in the coming year, totaling 7,000 charging points. Founded in 2017 as a collaboration between BMW, Ford, Mercedes, and the VW Group (represented by Audi and Porsche), Ionity has since attracted new shareholders, including Hyundai and BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure Platform. The company initially focused on establishing 400 locations with four to six charging…