Author: Christopher Harrison

Ford has significantly reduced prices for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E in Canada, offering discounts of up to $13,000 to make the electric SUV more competitive in the market. All 2023 Mustang Mach-E models are now $5,000 off, while the high-performance GT Performance Extended Range variant receives a massive $13,000 discount. These price reductions come as Ford aims to boost demand for the Mach-E, which sold only 5,000 units in Canada last year. See also: Ford Introduces Mustang Mach-E Rally: A Rally-Inspired Electric SUV In addition to the price cuts, the Mustang Mach-E is now eligible for the federal $5,000 EV rebate…

Genesis is gearing up to introduce hybrid models alongside its existing lineup of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), as hybrids gain traction in the electrification trend. While Hyundai Group had previously announced that all new Genesis models from 2025 would be fully electric, a new report indicates a possible shift towards hybrids as an interim solution. Currently, Genesis offers a range of fully electric models including the GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80, with only the GV60 utilizing an EV-specific platform. This leaves room for hybridization in the ICE-powered lineup, including the G70, GV70, G80, GV80, and…

Dacia Spring, known as the most budget-friendly electric car in Europe, is gearing up to face stiff competition from newcomers like the Citroen e-C3 and the upcoming Fiat Panda in the urban EV segment. To stay competitive, Dacia is reportedly planning a significant update, hinted at by an official teaser image. The teaser, shared on social media by Dacia France, offers a glimpse of the upcoming model without revealing its name. However, the proportions suggest that it is likely a new version of the Dacia Spring, rather than the slightly larger Sandero. The current Spring recently received a substantial discount…

Lancia, under Stellantis, has introduced its inaugural all-electric vehicle, the New Lancia Ypsilon. Boasting a WLTP combined cycle range of up to 403 km, it offers rapid charging in just 24 minutes (20% to 80%) or enough for 100 km in 10 minutes. The model premieres as the New Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Limitata Cassina, exclusively available in Italy. Cassina, renowned for its luxury furniture, partnered with Lancia previously for the interiors of the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE concept car, marking the beginning of their collaboration. Setting a new standard for Stellantis, the New Lancia Ypsilon features the S.A.L.A. infotainment system, a…

Peugeot has joined the ranks of European automakers integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its vehicles. Following the lead of Volkswagen and DS Automobiles, Peugeot aims to make its I-Cockpit infotainment system smarter and more interactive with the addition of the AI assistant. By activating the system with the phrase “Ok Peugeot,” drivers can engage in human-like conversations with ChatGPT, seeking advice, directions, or simply chatting while on the road. The AI assistant is designed to understand context and can handle both simple inquiries and more complex discussions. See also: Stellantis Considers Peugeot e-208 as Initial Offering for STLA Small Platform However, unlike…

The Autobahn GmbH des Bundes has concluded a successful tender process for approximately 1,000 fast-charging points at 200 unmanaged motorway service areas, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the ‘Deutschlandnetz’ charging network. Contracts have been awarded to Fastned, E.ON, and the bidding consortium Autostrom Nord, alongside TotalEnergies. According to Autobahn GmbH, the selected operators, or consortium members, are expected to install the charging infrastructure by 2026. The tender, comprising six nationwide lots, each encompassing 32 to 34 locations, aims to facilitate the creation of approximately 1,000 High-Power Charging (HPC) points. These charging sites are vital for supporting the…

General Motors Co.’s Chair and CEO, Mary Barra, held discussions with chiefs of Samsung Group affiliates in Seoul on Wednesday, focusing on potential collaboration in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and auto electric parts, according to industry sources. Barra’s visit to South Korea, her first official one since assuming the role of GM’s board chair in 2016, involved meetings with Choi Yoon-ho, head of Samsung SDI Co., Samsung Display Co. CEO Choi Joo-sun, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. CEO Chang Duck-hyun. The discussions reportedly revolved around ongoing cooperation in the joint venture EV battery factory being constructed by Samsung SDI and GM…

In January 2024, Tesla saw a solitary electric vehicle (EV) sale in South Korea, marking its lowest sales performance since July 2022. The lone unit sold was the Model Y SUV, underlining mounting concerns in the country regarding EVs manufactured in China. Issues such as pricing challenges and an inadequate charging infrastructure have also contributed to dampened demand for EVs in the Korean market. Data compiled by researcher Carisyou and the Korean Trade Ministry reveals an 80% decline in new EV registrations in January compared to December 2023. Factors such as higher interest rates and inflation have been cited as…

Norway has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, employing a semi-electric truck equipped with a substantial 1,000 kWh battery capacity to clear heavy snow on challenging mountain passes for the first time. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration initiated the trial of the electric truck as a snow plow on the E6 highway, traversing the picturesque yet demanding Dovrefjell mountain range. Following its successful clearance of a significant snow deposit this week, authorities are optimistic about the prospects of utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) to maintain winter road conditions. See also: Ski-Doo and Lynx to Launch Electric Snowmobiles in 2024 Bjørn Laksforsmo, divisional…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Geely is gearing up to introduce a four-wheel-drive (4WD) variant of its Radar RD6 electric truck, aiming to rival Tesla’s Cybertruck in performance and capabilities, according to statements from the brand’s CEO. The RD6, part of Geely’s Radar brand launched in 2022, is positioned as “China’s first pure electric outdoors lifestyle vehicle brand.” Designed with input from renowned British auto designer Peter Horbury, the electric truck is based on Geely’s SEA platform, shared with other models like the Polestar 4, Volvo EM90, and ZEEKR vehicles. See also: Radar Auto Sets Sights on Global Markets with…

Volvo Cars is set to launch a pioneering initiative with the creation of a mobility innovation center in Torslanda, near Gothenburg, aimed at driving automotive development through real-world testing of cutting-edge technologies. The facility, named the ‘Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda,’ is envisioned as a tailored test field for automotive innovation, strategically located near Volvo’s headquarters in Gothenburg. Departing from conventional development centers primarily focused on laboratory testing, Volvo intends to validate technologies like wireless and bidirectional charging of electric cars and autonomous driving in a city-like setting. These endeavors are expected to significantly influence the forthcoming generation of Volvo’s premium…

General Motors (GM) has appointed former Tesla Inc executive Kurt Kelty to the newly created role of vice president of its battery unit. Kelty, who led Tesla’s battery development team for 11 years and played a pivotal role in establishing Tesla’s first Gigafactory, joins GM amid its efforts to ramp up battery manufacturing to support its goal of producing 1 million electric vehicles in North America by 2025. Last year, GM expressed concerns over the slow ramp-up of its three U.S. battery plants, which could potentially limit actual electric vehicle (EV) production. See also: LG Chem Signs $19 Billion Deal…

Chinese automakers face challenges in keeping upcoming vehicle details under wraps, with each new vehicle requiring approval for sale by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), accompanied by public disclosure for feedback consideration. In the latest MIIT publication, insights into the updated Zeekr 001 have emerged, showcasing notable changes. Among the key updates is the introduction of a new battery option for the Zeekr 001, now offering a 95 kWh LFP battery pack alongside the existing 100 kWh NMC pack. Interestingly, the absence of the 140 kWh Qilin battery in the MIIT file raises questions about its availability…

Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in liquid hydrogen refueling technology, presenting their jointly developed sLH2 system. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionize the refueling process for hydrogen-powered trucks, promising enhanced efficiency and convenience. At the core of this pioneering technology is a new pump, which forms the heart of the sLH2 fueling solution. While this innovation is poised to become a standard feature for hydrogen-powered trucks, both companies stress its potential to transform the landscape of hydrogen refueling. See also: Daimler Truck introduces a hydrogen-fueled GenH2 truck In comparison to conventional LH2 refueling methods, the…

British electric vehicle startup Arrival has appointed EY as administrator for two of its units, the consulting firm announced on Monday, signaling ongoing struggles for the company in securing adequate funding and establishing its business operations. Simon Edel, Alan Hudson, and Sam Woodward from EY-Parthenon’s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team have been appointed joint administrators of Arrival UK and Arrival Automotive UK, according to EY. The decision follows reports last month indicating that Arrival was in discussions with EY regarding potential administration if rescue funding efforts were unsuccessful. EY has stated that it is exploring options to sell assets of…

Volkswagen is grappling with a naming quandary as it progresses towards a predominantly electric vehicle lineup, with the destiny of several cherished model nameplates hanging in the balance. The company’s transition towards battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has sparked speculation about the future of its traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models and the potential integration of historic names into its burgeoning electric portfolio. Amidst these deliberations, Kai Grunitz, Volkswagen’s head of technical development, has emphasized the enduring significance of the Golf name, branding it as “the heart of our brand” and affirming its safeguarding. However, ambiguity surrounds the fate of other models,…

China’s burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) market encountered a notable downturn in January, attributing the decline primarily to seasonal fluctuations. Data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) indicated a substantial 38.79% drop in NEV sales compared to December, with total sales reaching 729,000 units—an impressive 78.68% increase year-on-year. Breaking down the NEV sales figures, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) bore the brunt of the downturn, witnessing a significant 46.06% decrease from December, with sales totaling 445,000 units. In contrast, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) fared relatively better, experiencing a milder 21.98% decline to 284,000 units during the same…

Japanese automaker Nissan, a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) transition, is set to introduce Nissan Energy Share in Japan next month, a pioneering energy management technology aimed at facilitating control over the charging and discharging of EV batteries. Targeted primarily at companies, businesses, and municipal governments, Nissan Energy Share offers intelligent energy management control for both individual EVs and entire fleets, marking a significant advancement in the integration of EVs into broader energy systems. See also: Nissan Delays Start of Electric Vehicle Production at U.S. Plant Amid Concerns About Market Demand According to Nissan, the launch of Nissan…

Tesla has reportedly tasked its managers with identifying “critical” members within their respective teams, according to sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information. This directive was issued following the cancellation of some employees’ biannual performance reviews. The request, described as a binary assessment, has led to speculation that the electric vehicle maker might be gearing up for a round of layoffs. Tesla has a history of periodic workforce reductions, often attributed to streamlining operations amid fluctuations in demand and company growth. See also: Minor Price Adjustment for Tesla Model 3 LR AWD…

The Australian government is considering implementing stricter emissions standards for new cars and light commercial vehicles starting from January 1, 2025. The final phase of consultations is set to conclude on March 4, 2024, with three options currently under consideration. According to reports from Australian media, the government in Canberra appears to favor a middle-ground approach, which would establish fleet limits of 141 grams of CO2 per kilometer for new cars and 199 g/km for light commercial vehicles by 2025. These limits would gradually decrease to 58 g/km and 81 g/km respectively by 2029. Additionally, car manufacturers falling below the…