Author: Christopher Harrison

MG Motor UK’s MG5 EV has achieved a prestigious five-star rating from Green NCAP, a renowned European independent emissions assessment program. This marks the first evaluation of an MG Motor UK model by Green NCAP, with the MG5 EV securing an impressive overall score of 95%, placing it among the top five models tested in 2023. Green NCAP assesses vehicles based on three key criteria: Clean Air, Energy Efficiency, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As a fully-electric model, the MG5 EV excelled in the Clean Air tests, earning a perfect 10/10 score. In terms of Energy Efficiency, the vehicle received a…

Austrian companies Keba and Easelink have entered into a collaboration to introduce automated charging solutions for electric vehicles in residential settings. Customers purchasing Keba wall boxes now have the option to incorporate Easelink’s Matrix Charging, streamlining the charging process upon parking their electric vehicles. Easelink’s automated charging system involves a connector plate positioned on the vehicle’s underbody and a stationary charging pad installed in the parking space. Upon parking, the charging plate descends onto the pad, establishing a conductive charging connection. This setup, resembling a wireless solution, is noted for its lower energy transfer losses. The integration of Easelink’s Matrix…

Archer Aviation, the Californian electric aircraft startup, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air Chateau International, a private aviation operator in the UAE, for the possible purchase of up to 100 Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The deal, valued at approximately $500 million, materialized following an exhibition at the Dubai Air Show 2023. As part of the agreement, Air Chateau has committed to an initial non-refundable pre-delivery payment of $1 million by December 31, 2023. The purchase is contingent on the successful formalization of definitive agreements, with additional pre-delivery payments of $4 million anticipated following the signing of these agreements.…

Japanese automaker Toyota continues its strategic expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) globally, with a particular focus on China. In collaboration with China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Toyota recently presented two concept models at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, offering a glimpse into its dedicated efforts in the region. One of the showcased models, named “Comfortable Space” in Chinese, made its debut in prototype form, providing a preview of an anticipated production model slated for a 2025 release. Produced through the GAC Toyota joint venture, the electric sedan is poised to be exclusively available in the Chinese market. See also:…

British automaker Lotus is on the brink of unveiling a new all-electric sports car, tentatively named Type 135, as early as 2025. This addition to their electric vehicle lineup will join the ranks of the Electre SUV, Emeya sedan, and a forthcoming electric mid-size SUV. Initially teased in 2021, the Type 135 is positioned as a direct competitor to the future electric Porsche Cayman and Boxster, with anticipated availability to customers by 2027. Notably, it will coexist in the market alongside the combustion-powered Emira for a brief period until the latter is phased out in 2028. See also: Lotus Explores…

Japanese automaker Nissan revealed on Friday its plan to inject £1.12 billion ($1.4 billion) into its British plant located in Sunderland. The investment aims to facilitate the production of electric versions of two popular models, the Qashqai and Juke, providing a welcome boost to the UK’s automotive industry. This move is seen as a positive development for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s efforts to attract foreign investment to the country. Nissan’s project, which encompasses electric adaptations of the Qashqai and Juke models, is part of a larger initiative requiring a total investment of up to £2 billion. This sum includes provisions…

In a recent assessment by Norwegian publication Motor.no, the upgraded Tesla Model 3 secured the title of “Best Car You Can Buy” in the family car category, outperforming contenders such as the VW ID.3, BMW i4, and Hyundai Kona. The accolade extended beyond its category, with the Model 3 trumping winners in other segments, like the Peugeot e-208 and BMW iX50. The refreshed Model 3, known as Project Highland, showcased notable enhancements, including a reduction in cabin noise, earning praise for its “outstanding driving characteristics.” The improvements in interior quality, featuring new materials, RBG lighting on the dash, and a…

Stellantis, the automotive conglomerate, is set to adjust its 2030 revenue goal for the recycling and reconditioning segment following a 25% surge in revenue for the current year, as disclosed by the company’s CEO on Thursday. The move aims to enhance the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) by mitigating the impact of rising prices and limited availability of raw materials. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, highlighted the critical role of stabilizing the supply chain for raw materials in preventing market fluctuations and reducing inflationary pressures on EV costs. The automaker’s circular economy unit, focusing on recycling and extending the lifespan…

Data compiled by EV Job Hub reveals a noteworthy surge in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing investments in the United States, propelled by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). According to the gathered information, 47% of the total EV manufacturing investments have materialized post the enactment of the IRA. As of November 17, 2023, the accumulated investments in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing in the United States have reached $173 billion, fostering the creation of 212,000 jobs. In the 11-year period preceding the IRA, only $91 billion was directed towards EV and battery manufacturing. Since the enactment of the IRA 15 months…

Tesla has initiated the rollout of its most recent Full Self-Driving (FSD) version, known internally as v12, exclusively to employees. This release is anticipated to shed the beta designation that has accompanied the software since its inception in 2020, signaling a substantial stride towards realizing Tesla’s goal of achieving true full self-driving capabilities. Previously, Tesla’s FSD software functioned through an extensive codebase, consisting of hundreds of thousands of lines instructing the vehicle on various behaviors, such as responding to pedestrians or navigating intersections. The pivotal change introduced by v12 is the transition from traditional hard-coded behaviors to what CEO Elon…

Global engineering organization SAE International has selected Mahle’s Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) as the worldwide alignment methodology for electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging under the forthcoming SAE J2954 standard. The DIPS, based on a magnetic field, establishes a connection with the charging point automatically as the EV approaches, facilitating seamless charging initiation. Mahle highlights that the DIPS system ensures a straightforward and reproducible parking process, even under challenging environmental conditions like snow or damp leaves. The technology is designed to function not only when a driver parks but also with autonomously parking vehicles, where the parking system receives positioning…

Japanese manufacturing giant Komatsu has announced its agreement to acquire American Battery Solutions (ABS), a Detroit-based battery manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty vehicles. The strategic move aims to facilitate Komatsu’s foray into the development and production of electric construction and mining machines, leveraging ABS’s battery technology. Anticipated to conclude by December 1, 2023, the acquisition will be executed through Komatsu’s wholly-owned US subsidiary, Komatsu America Corp. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Upon completion, ABS will function as an independent business unit within Komatsu, retaining autonomy for its growth initiatives in the commercial vehicle segments. Komatsu envisions ABS expanding…

In a recent development, the ongoing strike by the Swedish labor union IF Metall against Tesla appears to be taking a toll on the automaker’s operations, with the union leveraging tactics that could further complicate the situation. IF Metall has reportedly succeeded in blocking Tesla from obtaining new license plates for vehicle orders, posing a potential threat to the company’s continued operations in Sweden. While Tesla has managed to navigate previous challenges posed by IF Metall, the latest move has added a layer of complexity to its operations. The company has been able to prepare deliveries of new vehicles transported…

German automaker Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) announced on Friday its plans to forge a new platform, the A Main Platform, tailored for entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) in the Chinese market. This strategic move is part of Volkswagen’s efforts to reclaim its position in the world’s largest auto market. The platform will cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers, incorporating locally sourced components to optimize costs. Ralf Brandstaetter, China Chief at Volkswagen, disclosed that the A Main Platform, derived from the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), would focus on Chinese tastes concerning batteries, electric drives, and electric motors. It is slated to hit…

Swiss mining company Glencore, in collaboration with Canada’s Li-Cycle, has decided to abandon the construction of an electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling plant on the Italian island of Sardinia due to delays in the authorization process, as reported by Italian trade unions. Initially announced in May, the project aimed to establish a facility producing lithium and other materials by extracting shredded material from used car batteries, referred to as “black mass.” However, the lack of definitive deadlines for the environmental impact assessment procedure, overseen by Sardinia’s regional government, prompted Glencore and Li-Cycle to seek alternative locations for the plant, according…

Milence, a mega charging joint venture involving Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Traton, has been commissioned by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to build two heavy-duty charging hubs. The ambitious project aims to provide 30 truck charging points by spring, with potential plans for further expansion. The initial phase of construction is currently underway at the Goordijk and Ketenis truck parks, and the two hubs are set to open in May 2024. These hubs will house 15 CCS chargers with an output of up to 400 kW each. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges remains open to the prospect of increasing the charging…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker known for its VF 8 and VF 9 all-electric crossovers in the United States, has officially unveiled its smaller offering, the VF 7, in its domestic market. Priced at approximately $35,000 (VND850 million) in Vietnam, the VF 7 presents an affordable electric vehicle (EV) option with a unique battery ownership approach. In Vietnam, the base price of the VF 7 excludes the high-voltage battery, bringing the total to about $41,000 (VND999 million) for the entry-level trim when the battery pack is included. Notably, VinFast offers a battery leasing option for those seeking a lower upfront purchase…

Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), a UK-based electric drive manufacturer with a primary focus on the automotive industry, has successfully secured £23 million in new investment. The capital infusion aims to facilitate the scaling up of production at AEM’s facility in Northeast UK, supporting the company’s growth plans to establish a global sales footprint and enhance research and development capabilities. Notably, AEM’s motor technologies eliminate the need for rare earth metals in electric vehicle (EV) drive systems. The allocated funds will contribute to expanding production capacity at the Northeast UK facility, with the creation of 40 new skilled green jobs over…

Serial 1 Cycle Company, LLC, the e-bike brand launched by Harley-Davidson, has undergone acquisition by LEV Manufacturing, Inc. (formerly Life Electric Vehicles, Inc.), along with mobility-focused investment firm Lane VC. Originally established as an independent brand in 2020, Serial 1 combined the product development expertise and electric propulsion leadership of Harley-Davidson with the nimbleness and innovation of a startup. With this acquisition, Serial 1’s e-bike offerings are set to benefit from the support of an in-house production team based in the United States. LEV Manufacturing, headquartered in Florida, specializes in the design, manufacturing, and commercialization of light electric vehicles, with…

McDonald’s, in partnership with Izivia, a subsidiary of EDF, plans to install 2,000 high-power charge points across 700 of its branches in France by 2025. Izivia will serve as the charge point operator for the network, branded as ‘Izivia Fast,’ and anticipates a 25% boost in the availability of ultra-rapid chargers for the public in France. The high-power charging (HPC) stations are designed to deliver 150 kW to 200 kW and will be strategically placed under the ‘Izivia Fast’ label. According to Izivia, these chargers can replenish up to 80% of an electric vehicle’s range in just 20 minutes, aligning…