Author: Christopher Harrison

Ford revealed on Friday its decision to scale back production of its F-150 Lightning pickup truck due to lower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles (EVs). The No. 2 U.S. automaker stated that it would implement a reduction in production at its Michigan Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to one shift, starting April 1. This move follows Ford’s earlier announcement in October, signaling a temporary cut in one of the three shifts at the Michigan plant dedicated to manufacturing the electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck. In a statement, Ford CEO Jim Farley highlighted the company’s commitment to offering customers choices while maintaining a…

The United States Departments of Transportation and Energy have announced a joint investment of $325 million spread across three initiatives aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) technologies, repairing chargers, and minimizing battery costs, according to a statement from the White House released on Friday. The allocated funds for EV chargers will specifically target the repair and replacement of non-operational charging stations nationwide. Additionally, the initiative aims to reduce costs associated with deploying charging infrastructure in underserved communities and contribute to the overall reduction in battery costs, as highlighted in the official statement. In a related development on Thursday, the U.S.…

In the aftermath of multiple delays, the Tesla Cybertruck entered production last year, marking a significant milestone for the electric vehicle manufacturer. While initial deliveries were primarily limited to Tesla employees and a select group of buyers, a non-employee has now shared a firsthand account of his experience with the Cybertruck, revealing notable quality issues, particularly given its premium price point. The Cybertruck, initially met with high expectations, has faced criticism for not meeting the initially quoted range, limited configuration options, and a higher-than-promised price tag. However, a closer examination of its technological features unveils an intriguing electric pickup truck.…

Japanese automaker Nissan has opted to postpone the commencement of electric vehicle (EV) production at its American plant, marking the second time it has adjusted its plans in response to perceived challenges in the EV market. This move follows similar decisions by other major automakers like GM, Ford, and Audi, indicating an industry-wide reassessment of electric vehicle strategies. While 2023 witnessed record-breaking U.S. EV sales, the growth rate in the fourth quarter was reported to be lower than the previous year, and dealers are reporting extended periods that EVs spend on their lots. Nissan attributes the delay in production at…

German automaker BMW is initiating a recall for nearly 5,000 electric BMW i5 sedans in the United States, citing an issue with the control unit responsible for the external artificial sound generator. The recall, reported through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affects specific 2024 model year i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 vehicles, totaling 4,926 units manufactured between June 26, 2023, and December 14, 2023. See also: BMW Unveils $6,400 Level 3 Autonomous Driving System for 7 Series, Launching Next Year According to the NHTSA recall notice, the fault involves the sound generator control unit failing to generate the…

Recent revelations indicate that several car manufacturers, such as Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, and Nissan, engaged in lobbying efforts to influence the British government to ease or delay electric vehicle mandates. The disclosure emerged as responses from these automakers to a government consultation were made public by the industry newsletter Fast Charge. While the documents contain redacted statements, they reveal arguments against the government’s original proposal to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. See also: UK Launches £70 Million Pilot Scheme to Expand Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Points Toyota expressed “extreme concern” about the UK targets…

Kia has revealed its vision for versatile electric commercial vehicles with interchangeable bodies at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. The lineup includes three concept electric vehicles—PV1, PV5, and PV7—with the mid-size PV5 being the first to hit the roads. Kia’s concept revolves around a flexible chassis with a fixed cab and interchangeable upper bodies, facilitating various body styles. The life modules, each shipped as a standardized kit, allow quick transformation into different configurations, including Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab. See also: Kia EV6 GT Challenges BMW M2 in Quarter-Mile Drag Race and Handling Test While specifics on…

Japanese automaker Honda Motor is reportedly contemplating the construction of an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Canada, a project that could encompass in-house battery production, according to sources. With an estimated total investment of 2 trillion yen ($14 billion), this undertaking could stand as one of Honda’s largest investments, aimed at competing with U.S. and European rivals in the expanding electric vehicle market. Honda is currently evaluating multiple potential sites, including locations adjacent to an existing automobile factory in the province of Ontario. The decision on the project’s feasibility is expected to be reached by the end of 2024, with…

VinFast, Vietnam’s prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and the Tamil Nadu State Government announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday, signaling a joint investment of around $2 billion. The initial commitment for the first phase of the project is set at $500 million over five years. The project, named VinFast Tamil Nadu, is situated in Thoothukudi and aims to become a leading EV production hub in the region, with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 units. This expansion into India is strategically aligned with VinFast’s goal of tapping into growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding EV market in…

SAIC-GM, the joint venture between General Motors (GM) and SAIC Motor Corporation in China, marked a significant milestone by delivering more than 100,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023. This impressive figure represents a remarkable doubling of deliveries compared to the previous year. The surge in EV deliveries for SAIC-GM continued in December, with 18,911 units handed over, reflecting a substantial 312% increase compared to the same period in the preceding year. SAIC-GM offers a range of EV models under GM’s popular brands, including Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. See also: Buick Velite 6 Specifications: Power, Range and Price The electric vehicle…

In a significant move towards sustainability, the city of Mesa in Arizona has welcomed the delivery of the state’s inaugural fully electric ‘North American style’ fire engine. Manufactured by E-One, a subsidiary of the REV Group, this electric fire truck aligns with Mesa’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. While details from the REV Group are limited, the electric fire truck boasts the capability of pumping four hose lines at 750 gallons (2,839 liters) per minute for four hours on a single charge. Housed at Fire Station 221, the facility has been equipped with a charger capable of replenishing…

France witnessed a notable boost in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in 2023, accounting for 26% of new car sales, reflecting a substantial 47% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to the introduction of more affordable EV options in the market, supported by generous government subsidies. According to data from French auto industry group Plateforme automobile, as reported by RFI, a total of 1,774,729 new cars sold in 2023 were battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, constituting 26% of the market. In contrast, 2022 saw only 17% of new cars sold being EVs, with plug-in hybrids contributing 9%…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Niu is gearing up to launch its RQi electric motorcycle in Europe, targeting enthusiasts in the region. Although the RQi is not a novel concept, having been unveiled at CES 2020, delays hindered its release. Now, Niu is set to introduce the RQi, albeit with revised specifications to cater to the European market. Initially showcased with an impressive 40-horsepower output and a top speed of 100 miles per hour, the RQi faced delays that prompted a more beginner-friendly revision in 2022. The updated model features a 7,500-watt electric motor, equivalent to approximately 11 horsepower, designed to…

Volkswagen (VW) is reportedly planning to postpone significant production of its anticipated ID.2 electric car until May 2026, with deliveries commencing shortly thereafter, according to sources cited by German publication Auto, Motor, Sport. The ID.2, a small electric car comparable in size to the Polo, was previewed by VW in March 2023, targeting a base price of just under €25,000. The sources indicate that although the model is scheduled to be unveiled in autumn 2025, full-scale production will not be initiated until May 2026. VW aims for the ID.2 to be its first electric vehicle offered for less than €25,000…

QuantumScape, a key player in solid-state battery technology, has reported significant success in testing conducted by Volkswagen, showcasing promising advancements in the field of electric vehicle (EV) power storage. According to QuantumScape, their prototype solid-state battery underwent rigorous testing, enduring over 1,000 charging cycles while retaining more than 95% of its original energy capacity. The company emphasizes that this level of performance is equivalent to an electric vehicle covering 300,000+ miles (482,803 km) without any discernible loss in range. See also: QuantumScape Aims to Accelerate Commercialization of Solid-State Batteries “As Quickly as Possible” While QuantumScape’s target remains 800 cycles with…

In the REASSERT research initiative, a collaborative team involving Schaeffler, the Fraunhofer Institute IPA, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), BRIGHT Testing GmbH, iFAKT GmbH, and Riebesam GmbH & Co. KG, is spearheading efforts to enhance the longevity of electric motors. Traditionally, these motors are shredded and recycled, leading to the destruction of individual components and assemblies. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, the REASSERT project seeks to develop methods for refurbishing electric motors, allowing for their reuse in vehicles. The drive for sustainability arises from the valuable raw materials, such as copper and rare…

Japanese automaker Toyota has introduced the Bozhi 4X eSUV in China, marking the inaugural model from the Bozhi sub-brand developed through its collaboration with the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). Unveiled in November, the Bozhi 4X shares similarities with the Toyota bZ4X but boasts several upgrades. The Bozhi 4X utilizes the e-TNGA platform, mirroring the bZ4X’s overall dimensions at 4,690 x 1,860 x 1,650 mm. In terms of performance, the entry-level 615 Air trim features a 150kW front motor, reaching 0 to 50 kph in 3.8 seconds. The range-topping 4WD 560 Max trim includes 80 kW motors at the front and…

A consortium of prominent Japanese companies, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Panasonic, and several others, has formed the “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA) to collaboratively advance the development of high-performance semiconductors (SoC) for vehicles. Established earlier this month, ASRA comprises twelve companies, spanning the automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor sectors. The consortium’s primary objective is the joint research and development of in-vehicle chips, with the ambitious goal of introducing these advanced SoCs into mass-produced vehicles by 2030. In the evolving landscape of digitally connected electric vehicles, software plays a pivotal role, with SoCs serving as the backbone for various…

Chinese automaker BYD reported record-breaking sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in December, reaching its annual target of 3 million units for the year 2023. The robust performance in year-end sales contributed to BYD’s eighth consecutive month of record-breaking NEV sales. In December alone, BYD sold 341,043 NEVs, marking a 45 percent increase year-on-year and a 12.96 percent rise from November. This remarkable achievement follows BYD’s strategic shift in March 2022 when the company ceased production and sales of vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines, emphasizing plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. BYD’s NEV portfolio includes both passenger cars…

Kentucky has introduced two new taxes specifically targeting electric vehicles (EVs) effective from January 1st. Strikingly, both levies surpass the corresponding taxes imposed on traditional gas-powered vehicles in terms of energy equivalence. Firstly, EV owners are now subject to an additional annual registration fee of $120, distinctly higher than fees applicable to conventional vehicles. While this fee aligns with measures seen in various U.S. states, it remains a subject of contention, often criticized as a counterproductive tactic influenced by the oil industry. Moreover, Kentucky has implemented an additional charge of 3 cents per kilowatt-hour for public EV charging stations, with…