Author: Christopher Harrison

The LaneCharge consortium partners recently unveiled the outcomes of their research during the concluding event of the LaneCharge project, initiated in 2019. The collaborative effort focused on developing and testing an innovative inductive charging system, with practical tests proving successful. The project, led by Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, conducted practical trials under laboratory conditions, showcasing the viability of the inductive charging system. Electric vehicles were wirelessly charged on a test track spanning over 90 meters, equipped with up to 12 induction coils on the university grounds in Hanover. Following project completion, the technology will remain available for…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla encountered challenges in Scandinavia this week, experiencing setbacks in both Sweden and Norway. In Sweden, a court reversed a prior legal win, withdrawing a temporary injunction that had permitted Tesla to pick up license plates for its vehicles. This development follows a dispute with the Swedish union, IF Metall, which commenced in October when mechanics represented by the union initiated a strike. The union argued that Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective agreement with its workers went against established business practices in the country, garnering support from other unions in Sweden. In November, Swedish dockworkers ceased…

China’s Ministry of Transport issued a trial safety guideline on Tuesday for the use of driverless vehicles in the public transportation sector. The guideline, part of a series of measures, is designed to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles for both passenger and freight transport services, encompassing taxis, buses, and trucks. Key provisions of the guideline mandate that autonomous vehicles must have at least one driver or security inspector on board during transport. For freight transport and conditional autonomous taxis, the requirement is for one driver, while fully autonomous taxis may operate unmanned in designated areas with remote oversight by…

Recent developments in the American electric car market have presented a paradox, with some new electric vehicles (EVs) facing slow sales, while others are experiencing high demand. J.D. Power’s latest E-Vision Intelligence Report for November 2023 seeks to unravel the complexities underlying this trend. One contributing factor identified by the report is the issue of inflated dealer inventories. J.D. Power reveals that seven out of ten potential EV buyers cite concerns that are non-existent in the case of traditional combustion engines, such as the availability of charging stations, charging time, limited driving distance, and performance challenges in extreme temperatures. Pricing…

Volvo Car USA has disclosed introductory details regarding the 2025 Volvo EX90, its forthcoming electric flagship SUV. Set to be available for purchase in the first half of next year, the base Twin Motor Plus configuration will start at $76,695 (excluding destination and delivery charges). Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina plant will commence local production, making the EX90 eligible for U.S. federal tax credits. Pre-orders for the vehicle are currently open, offering U.S. customers a choice between six- or seven-seat configurations, two trim levels (Plus and Ultra), and two powertrains developed by Volvo—Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance. The Twin Motor…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has secured certification from the Chinese government, granting it status as an independent vehicle manufacturer. Previously, Nio’s partner JAC had been the contract manufacturer responsible for producing Nio’s electric cars. The newly acquired status enables Nio to potentially take full ownership of the two factories, F1 and F2, established jointly with JAC. Reports from October had hinted at Nio’s interest in taking over the factories in Anhui, operated in collaboration with JAC, contingent upon obtaining its own production license. China’s stringent control over car production licenses, driven by concerns of overcapacity, necessitated this move.…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker recently made a strategic decision to curtail production in December, opting to produce fewer cars than initially projected. The move, aimed at preserving cash reserves and unlocking over $300 million of working capital, raises questions about the company’s ability to meet its ambitious electric vehicle plans. In a statement, Fisker acknowledged the decision to reduce December production, citing a priority on liquidity for enhanced business flexibility. This follows a second production target cut in 2023, bringing the estimate to just over 10,000 cars, significantly less than the initially planned quarter for the Fisker Ocean model. Despite…

French tire and mobility company Michelin Group is set to bolster its manufacturing presence in China, spurred by escalating demand in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector. In a recent announcement, CEO Florent Menegaux revealed the initiation of an expansion project at the Shanghai plant, projecting an increase in annual tire production capacity from 8.5 million units to 9.5 million units. Menegaux expressed confidence in the Chinese market, stating, “China’s abundant talent resources are conducive to the long-term development of our business. By attracting talent with an international perspective, we can accelerate business development with, around and beyond tires.” He…

French startup Éclair is poised to introduce its innovative AI-powered electric bike, representing a significant advancement in the realm of sustainable commuting. The company, founded in 2021 with a commitment to environmental responsibility, exclusively sources its production materials from France and neighboring European countries. The yet-to-be-named Éclair AI-powered e-bike, reminiscent of the Smalo PX2 model, incorporates artificial intelligence to predict the optimal level of rider assistance, ensuring a seamless and natural riding experience. Constructed from a blend of steel and aluminum, the e-bike places a strong emphasis on minimizing carbon emissions, boasting a robust frame designed to withstand demanding journeys.…

Honda has officially pulled its Honda e electric model from the European market, according to a confirmation from the European headquarters of the Japanese car manufacturer. While the company acknowledges that the Honda e attracted “many new customers to the brand,” it is widely speculated that the decision is primarily influenced by the relatively low sales figures. Although Honda has not disclosed specific sales figures in their statement, a glance at German statistics suggests that the Honda e may not have been commercially viable. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority KBA reported that only two Honda e vehicles were newly…

Biden administration is set to disclose, this Friday, the criteria that will determine the disqualification of electric vehicles (EVs) from the $7,500 subsidy. Simultaneously, discussions are reportedly underway regarding a potential temporary reprieve for automakers from the proposed restrictions on EVs containing battery components or materials sourced from China. This move is part of Biden’s landmark climate law, with the stringent requirements, scheduled to take effect in 2024 and 2025, aiming to exclude tax breaks for EVs incorporating battery components or critical minerals from foreign entities of concern. The impending announcement is considered crucial in shaping the landscape of the…

Lucid Motors, through a promotional video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showcased the towing prowess of its recently unveiled Gravity SUV. In the video, the Gravity is depicted effortlessly pulling a Boom XB-1 jet out of a hangar and onto a runway, underscoring its claimed towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Notably, Lucid emphasized that this figure is based on manufacturer projections and is subject to potential adjustments. The Gravity, Lucid’s second fully electric model following the Air, positions itself as a formidable contender in the EV market. While towing an aircraft may not directly mirror everyday scenarios, it…

Munich-based solar technology firm Sono Motors has recently entered into investment agreements with New Yorkville, a hedge fund based in New York. The move is expected to facilitate the restructuring of Sono Motors, effectively concluding the self-administration proceedings initiated in May 2023, and allowing the company to resume its solar integration business. While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, Sono Motors has expressed confidence that this transaction, contingent on specific conditions, will furnish the necessary financing for its operational activities through at least the conclusion of 2024. The finalization of contracts with Yorkville and the anticipated termination of insolvency proceedings…

Chinese self-driving company WeRide has received regulatory approval to commence commercial operations of its driverless taxi service in Beijing. Headquartered in Guangzhou, WeRide confirmed its ability to charge for autonomous rides in Yizhuang, an established pilot zone for automated transport within the Chinese capital. This recent permit marks the culmination of a process that commenced over a year ago. WeRide initially gained approval for driverless road tests in the Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone in October 2022. These tests allowed locals to hail fully autonomous taxis via the WeRide app, serving designated locations across an 87-square-mile area, including…

Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s largest automaker, is reinforcing its commitment to electric vehicle (EV) production despite a temporary suspension of operations at its main factory in the country. The move reflects the company’s strategic shift towards EVs amid industry speculation of a slowdown in the market. On Monday, Hyundai announced its decision to temporarily halt activities at the Asan plant in South Korea, with the suspension scheduled between December 31, 2023, and February 13, 2024. Hyundai plans to resume operations the following day. Contrary to prevailing notions of a decelerating EV market, Hyundai is asserting its confidence in the sector.…

Nissan’s legendary sports car, the Skyline, is slated to undergo a transformative shift into an all-electric powerhouse, encompassing both a high-performance SUV and a sleek fastback model, according to a recent report. Originating in 1969 through the merger with the Prince Motor Company, the Skyline has undergone several iterations, with the GT-R version emerging later in the same year, gaining acclaim for its enhanced power and handling. The pinnacle of its evolution arrived in 1989 with the introduction of the iconic R32 Skyline GT-R, affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” after dominating the 90s automotive landscape and serving as a precursor to the…

Autocraft EV Solutions, a player in EV battery testing, repair, and remanufacturing on a global scale, has initiated operations at its newly established facility in Arnhem, The Netherlands. This move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance support for the automotive industry in optimizing the full potential of EV batteries in pursuit of net-zero objectives. Against the backdrop of a surge in electric vehicle ownership and a subsequent rise in the need for EV battery repairs, the newly operational facility is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the battery performance and sustainability objectives of major EV manufacturers…

Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor is steadfast in its plans to expand its presence in Europe, even in the face of an ongoing anti-subsidy investigation. Following its establishment in Germany and the UK, the company now aims to further extend its reach to eight additional European markets, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland. According to a report from local media outlet Sina Tech, Great Wall Motor’s overseas brand, GWM, is actively planning for local production and sales in Europe. The company is in the process of selecting a site for a research and development center,…

South Korean battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution (LGES), is undergoing leadership changes as it embarks on the second phase of its battery expansion strategy. The company has revealed that the current CEO, Kwon Young-soo, will step down next year, passing the baton to President Kim Dong-Myung. In an official statement, LG Energy Solution expressed confidence in Kim Dong-myung’s leadership abilities, citing his proven track record in the battery industry and entrepreneurial success. Kim is set to lead LG Energy Solution 2.0, accompanied by several new appointments, including Choi Seung-dun, the Head of Automotive Battery Research and Development, who has been…

Daimler Buses has delivered the first series vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell to Verkehrsbetriebe Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV) in Germany. RNV was one of the first eCitaro customers at the premiere of the battery-electric solo bus in 2019. The battery-electric eCitaro G articulated buses will follow in April 2022. And now the first eCitaro G buses with fuel cell range extenders have been delivered – RNV ordered these vehicles in October 2022. The close relationship between Daimler Buses and RNV is no coincidence: the bus plant in Mannheim is the competence center for Daimler Buses’ city buses – including…