Author: Christopher Harrison

Pegasus has introduced the Strong Evo 11 Lite e-bike in several European Union countries, offering cycling enthusiasts an advanced and versatile electric biking experience. The latest model boasts an 85Nm torque Bosch motor, complemented by a range of battery options with capacities reaching up to 750Wh. Equipped with a 11-speed configuration, the Strong Evo 11 Lite features Shimano Deore gears, providing riders with seamless control and precision. The integration of a Bosch Kiox 300 display adds a tech-savvy touch, offering real-time information such as speed and remaining battery life. Available in both step-through and step-over frames, the 11-speed model accommodates…

California-based company Haro Bikes continues to make strides with its latest addition, the Skwad LT. Positioned as a compact electric commuter, the bike targets the rising demand for urban mobility solutions. The Skwad LT distinguishes itself with its practical design, featuring 20-inch wheels and forgoing suspension for a focused on-road experience. Despite its compact form, the bike maximizes utility by incorporating the AtranVelo System, facilitating the attachment of various cargo accessories such as bags, baskets, and crates. Technologically, the Skwad LT is equipped with a 250-watt compact hub motor and a 36-volt, 300-watt-hour battery neatly housed within the downtube. This…

In a recent assessment conducted by Edmunds, the efficiency of electric vehicle (EV) charging took center stage, providing valuable insights into the charging speeds of various EV models. The exhaustive EV Charging Test offers a hands-on evaluation, presenting a unique perspective on the performance of different electric vehicles currently available in the market. Securing the top position in the Edmunds EV Charging Test is the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited RWD (Single Motor), setting a new standard with a rapid charging rate of 1,397 km per charging hour. Following closely is the 2022 Kia EV6 Wind RWD, boasting an impressive…

The Fisker Ocean Sport, an all-electric SUV, has exceeded expectations in the official WLTP range test, achieving a distance of 288 miles (464 km) per charge, according to test engineers. This figure surpasses Fisker’s initial target of 250 miles (402 km) and positions the Ocean Sport competitively in the electric vehicle market. When equipped with 20-inch wheels, the Ocean Sport’s extended range provides an appealing option for consumers, especially considering its MSRP of £36,900 ($37,499 in the U.S.). In comparison, the entry-level Tesla Model Y, starting at £44,990 ($56,393 USD), offers 283 miles (455 km) of range on the WLTP…

British charging station provider Pod Point is making strategic moves to enhance its position in the home charging market through two significant partnerships. Mercedes-Benz UK has extended its exclusive collaboration with Pod Point, designating the British company as the preferred home charger supplier for all Mercedes-Benz electric and plug-in hybrid models until June 2026. Concurrently, Pod Point has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech, European EV battery startup InoBat, and battery technology company Brill Power to explore the development of a home battery solution. Under the extended partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Pod Point will offer…

Hyundai’s luxury subsidiary, Genesis, is in the development stages of a large electric SUV named the GV90, marking the initial model utilizing Hyundai’s forthcoming eM platform scheduled for a 2025 debut. Genesis intends to position the GV90 as a contender in the high-end electric SUV segment. The Korean Car Blog, citing recent statements made at the groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai’s new electric car plant in Ulsan, South Korea, reported that the GV90 would be the first model to roll off the production line at the new facility. Production is slated to commence in February 2026, with the European market launch…

Dutch e-bike specialist VanMoof has made waves in the bicycle industry for less-than-ideal reasons lately, with the bankruptcy saga dominating headlines. The root cause? VanMoof’s highly proprietary technology led to a substantial number of bike breakdowns, resulting in a cascade of unrepaired units and, ultimately, the closure of the company. In September 2023, a glimmer of hope emerged for VanMoof as it secured a lifeline from Lavoie, a subsidiary of McLaren dedicated to electric mobility. Now, the latest update indicates that the first batch of rejuvenated VanMoof bikes is poised to hit the streets, suggesting a potential turnaround for the…

Fisker encountered a sudden shift in its accounting leadership as Chief Accounting Officer Florus Beuting resigned within a mere two weeks of assuming the position. Beuting, who communicated his intent to step down on Nov. 14, was appointed as the accounting chief on Nov. 6, succeeding John Finnucan, who departed the company in October after a three-year tenure in the role. The departure of Finnucan had previously prompted the electric-vehicle startup to postpone its quarterly results, citing concerns related to internal controls over financial reporting. Reports on Beuting’s exit were first disclosed by The Wall Street Journal on Monday, citing…

BYD is gearing up to manufacture sodium-ion batteries with an annual capacity of 30 GWh in China. Collaborating on this audacious venture is Huaihai Holding Group, with a substantial investment of ten billion yuan, aiming to position itself as the world’s leading supplier of Sodium-Ion (SI) batteries tailored for small cars. The unique advantage of Sodium-Ion batteries lies in their cost efficiency, attributed to the utilization of sodium, a more economical alternative to lithium. Notably, the recent price volatility of lithium has contributed to the appeal of Sodium-Ion batteries, particularly for Chinese manufacturers benefitting from enhanced access to resources in…

Kia has officially introduced the EV5 to the Chinese market at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition 2023. Initially showcased at the Chengdu Motor Show earlier this year, the electric vehicle was already available for order in China, with an original starting price of 159,800 yuan (~US$22,162). However, Kia has now announced a revised starting price of 149,800 yuan (~US$20,775), a reduction of 10,000 yuan (~US$1,387) from the initial expectations. The entry-level trim of the Kia EV5 in China features a 160kW motor paired with a BYD LFP Blade 64.2 kWh battery, providing an impressive range of up to 530 km…

Tozero, a battery recycling startup based in Munich, has forged a collaboration with Chinese company Huayou Recycling to address the growing challenge of battery waste. Under the agreement, Huayou Recycling will provide Tozero with battery waste, including used electric vehicle batteries and production scrap, for processing at Tozero’s German pilot plant near Munich. While specific quantities and sources of materials are not disclosed in the announcement, Tozero emphasizes that the partnership will have a significant impact on Europe’s battery industry. The cooperation is exclusive to the continent, and Tozero aims to revolutionize battery recycling by recovering critical raw materials essential…

Abellio London, a prominent bus operator contracted by Transport for London, has finalized an order for electric buses from Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus. The eco-friendly fleet is set to commence operations on various routes across the British capital in the coming year, featuring a mix of single and double-deck versions. Wrightbus will supply a total of 24 GB Kite Electroliner solo buses and 56 StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers to Abellio London throughout 2024. Notably, the GB Kite Electroliner claims an impressive energy efficiency of 0.69 kWh/km, approximately half the energy consumption of its closest battery-electric double-deck counterpart in the UK. This remarkable…

Hyundai Motor Group is poised to achieve a historic sales milestone in the United Kingdom this year, a significant accomplishment considering the UK’s stature as a traditional hub for the global automotive industry. According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Monday, Hyundai Motor Group, encompassing Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., and Genesis, collectively sold 173,428 vehicles in the UK from January to October. This represents an impressive 8.7% surge in sales compared to the same period last year, securing the group a 10.8% market share. Projections suggest that Hyundai Motor Group is on…

Zeekr, the electric mobility technology brand by Geely Holding Group, has announced the opening of its inaugural Zeekr Center in Europe, situated in Stockholm’s Norrmalm District at Gallerian, Hamngatan 37. This flagship location exemplifies Zeekr’s dedication to a customer-centric approach, providing a curated and exclusive brand experience. The establishment of the Zeekr Center in Stockholm signifies a key development in the brand’s global expansion, aiming to make luxury electric vehicles accessible to European customers. The center serves as a showcase for Zeekr’s first two all-electric models available in Europe: the Zeekr 001 luxury shooting brake and the Zeekr X urban…

As winter sets in, electric vehicle (EV) owners traditionally anticipate a reduction in range due to cold weather. However, a recent study by Recurrent, a battery health data startup, reveals that not all EVs experience the same degree of range loss during winter, with certain models from Tesla, Audi, and Nissan defying the norm. The comprehensive analysis, conducted on over 10,000 EVs during the 2022-2023 winter, indicates that, on average, these vehicles retained approximately 70% of their normal range. This insight underscores the variability in how cold weather affects different EVs, rooted in the chemistry of their batteries. Cold temperatures…

CEO Kyle Vogt of General Motors’ self-driving unit, Cruise, issued an apology over the weekend in response to the recent operational challenges faced by the company. The apology came after an accident last month led to a suspension of operations and triggered internal and external investigations. The CEO expressed regret for the impact on employees and pledged to address the situation in an email to staff. Following reports of Cruise suspending an employee share buyback program, Vogt announced the reinstatement of the program after employees raised concerns about tax obligations. In the email, Vogt acknowledged the need for improvement in…

Electric vehicle startup Canoo announced a significant order from Los Angeles-based company Prime Time Shuttle. The order involves Canoo’s Lifestyle Vehicle (LV), which will play a key role in Prime Time Shuttle’s expansion plans for its luxury vehicle and airport shuttle fleet, primarily serving the greater Los Angeles area. The brief press release did not disclose specific financial details, including whether Prime Time Shuttle is making a financial investment in the deal. However, it did highlight that the purchase agreement spans multiple years, indicating a sustained partnership between the two entities. Prime Time Shuttle, operating in 34 U.S. states, intends…

Audi, a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, is reportedly grappling with significant delays in the launch of key models, including the highly anticipated Q6 e-tron. Sources familiar with the matter informed Handelsblatt that the Q6 e-tron, initially slated for launch in summer 2022, is now expected to hit the market in the summer of 2024, marking a considerable two-year delay. This postponement is said to have a domino effect on Audi’s broader model offensive, impacting subsequent releases such as the A6 e-tron. Initially planned for an early 2024 unveiling, the A6 e-tron’s launch is now rescheduled for May…

Polestar, the electric performance car brand under Geely ownership, has commenced production of its latest electric vehicle, the Polestar 4, at Geely’s Hangzhou Bay plant in China. The dedicated electric SUV coupé, initially exclusive to the Chinese market, is expected to reach customers in the country by the end of the year, marking it as the “fastest Polestar production car to date,” according to Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. Following its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, the Polestar 4 is scheduled for global release in early 2024, with launches planned in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific…

Redwood Materials has entered into a substantial long-term contract to provide recycled materials to Toyota Motor for its forthcoming $13.9 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery facility in North Carolina, the company announced on Thursday. Under the agreement, Redwood, renowned for its expertise in battery recycling, will repurpose EV battery components using materials sourced from Toyota and recycled from end-of-life vehicles, primarily hybrid-electric models like the Prius. The Nevada-based materials specialist did not disclose specific details regarding the value or timeline of the contract. In an interview, J.B. Straubel, Redwood’s Chief Executive and a co-founder of Tesla, expressed confidence that the…