Author: Christopher Harrison

Toyota Motor Corp, the world’s largest automaker by sales, announced Thursday that it has inked a deal to adopt Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) technology from 2025 onwards. “By aligning ourselves with an established framework like NACS, we are securing our position at the forefront of the electrification movement,” said Hiroshi Kato, Senior Vice President of Toyota. “This decision reflects Toyota’s commitment to creating a more seamless charging infrastructure for our customers.” The agreement stipulates that certain Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including a new Toyota SUV set to be manufactured at the company’s Kentucky plant, will incorporate…

Nissan is set to introduce the world to its latest creation, the Hyper Punk Concept. This avant-garde vehicle is the fourth concept in Nissan’s impressive lineup, boasting a sharp and radical design tailored to a very specific niche market. According to Nissan, the Hyper Punk Concept is envisioned to cater to content creators, influencers, artists, and individuals who embrace style and innovation. With a striking design that pushes the boundaries of automotive aesthetics, this vehicle has a remarkable polygonal surface-dominated exterior and a mesmerizing color-shifting silver paint scheme. Notably, the Hyper Punk is an electric vehicle that manages to maintain…

A pedestrian in San Francisco suffered severe life-threatening injuries after being struck by a human-driven vehicle and subsequently run over by an autonomous vehicle, triggering concerns about the safety and response capabilities of autonomous vehicles during unexpected incidents. The incident unfolded late on a Monday night when a human-driven vehicle struck a pedestrian before leaving the scene. This collision forced the pedestrian directly in front of an autonomous Cruise vehicle, which, regrettably, ran over the injured individual and came to a stop atop her. Cruise, the autonomous vehicle company involved, was quick to clarify that their vehicle was not at…

Nissan has revealed the first in a series of groundbreaking electric concept vehicles slated for debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, now rebranded as the Japan Mobility Show. This inaugural concept, known as the Nissan Hyper Urban, represents a bold foray into sustainable mobility solutions tailored for urban and suburban professionals. The Hyper Urban concept not only showcases Nissan’s visionary approach to design but also offers a tantalizing glimpse into the technological prowess that will define the automaker’s forthcoming electric lineup. The vehicle’s exterior design represents a striking departure from Nissan’s current electric SUV, the Ariya, marked by its…

In a recent update on their official website, Rivian has unveiled an exciting addition to their electric vehicle lineup. The all-electric R1S SUV can now be configured with the new Max Pack battery, boasting an impressive EPA-estimated range of 400 miles. This development was first spotted by a vigilant member of the Rivian Forums community, DuoRivians, who shared a screenshot showcasing the available battery options for the zero-emissions SUV. According to the online configurator, the R1S equipped with the Max Pack starts at a price point of $94,000. This package includes 21-inch road wheels and Rivian’s proprietary dual-motor setup, delivering…

Wrightbus, a renowned bus manufacturer, has inked a significant deal with Sizewell C. This collaboration has the potential to establish one of the largest hydrogen bus fleets globally, with up to 150 hydrogen-powered buses slated to operate on the Sizewell C site. Sizewell C, a new nuclear power station under construction, has taken the first step by ordering four Hydroliners from the Northern Ireland-based manufacturer. These buses will undergo testing to determine their suitability for transporting the thousands of workers involved in the power station’s construction, located near Leiston, Suffolk. The Streetdeck Hydroliners represent a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel-…

Lucid Motors marked a significant milestone as the first production model of the Lucid Air Sapphire, boasting a staggering 1,234 horsepower, rolled off the assembly line at its facility in Casa Grande, Arizona. The announcement follows Lucid’s recent release of the final specifications for this electric performance sedan, with the promise of production commencing in September 2023, and customer deliveries just around the corner. The Lucid Air Sapphire stands as the most potent variant within the Air lineup. Its formidable power comes from twin rear motors complemented by a single motor mounted on the front axle, delivering a jaw-dropping 1,430…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has surged ahead of the American giant Tesla in the Southeast Asian electric car market, according to a report by Reuters, citing data from Counterpoint Research. BYD now commands a 26 percent share of the region’s electric car sales, largely attributed to the popularity of its Atto 3 model. The BYD Atto 3, with a starting price of approximately $US30,000 ($AU46,600) in Thailand, has proven to be a more cost-effective choice for consumers compared to Tesla’s entry-level Model 3, priced at $US57,500 ($AU89,300) in the same market. Thailand has emerged as a pivotal market for…

AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam gold mine in Western Australia is currently hosting the inaugural trial of the Sandvik TH665B, the world’s largest battery-electric underground mining truck. This remarkable vehicle features an electric driveline with a robust 630kW (858hp) power output and is equipped with a 354kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) battery, setting a new standard for sustainability in mining operations. One of the standout features of this prototype Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) truck is its ability to transport an impressive maximum payload of 65,000kg while producing zero emissions and generating 80% less heat, potentially revolutionizing underground mining practices. Andrew…

Tesla’s Supercharger network has seen an expansion of CCS1-compatible charging stations in North America. After the launch of the first non-Tesla Supercharger in the United States earlier this year, the company had been relatively quiet on further expansion. However, recent reports suggest that these charging stalls equipped with Magic Dock technology have begun to surface in various locations, including Texas, Canada, and Alaska. Testing the functionality of these CCS1-compatible plugs has been a crucial step in ensuring their effectiveness. Notably, installers in Texas reportedly utilized the Ford F-150 Lightning for this purpose, while workers in Alaska opted for Rivian’s electric…

California’s state leaders marked a significant achievement on Monday, celebrating the installation of 10,000 fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) ahead of schedule. The celebratory event took place at the El Mercado Plaza Shopping Center in Union City, where newly installed EVgo direct current fast chargers, funded by the state, were showcased. This accomplishment fulfills the goal set by then-Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. Since the announcement of that goal, the number of fast chargers has nearly quadrupled, surging from 2,657 to over 10,000 today. As per data from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center, California…

BMW is charting its course towards an electrified future with a substantial €100 million investment in an innovative battery testing center at its Wackersdorf site in Upper Palatinate, Germany. With plans for seamless integration into the existing infrastructure, the facility is on track to commence operations by mid-2024. The earmarked investment primarily focuses on bolstering test bench technology and enhancing the current infrastructure. Structural enhancements are already in progress, including the installation of a new floor slab for the building. Once fully operational, this state-of-the-art center will house an array of advanced “battery testers.” These cutting-edge devices will meticulously evaluate…

Quebec, a Canadian province renowned for its rich critical mineral resources, has entered into discussions with battery manufacturers and automobile companies to secure approximately C$15 billion (approximately $11 billion USD) in investments over the next three years. This ambitious endeavor aims to bolster the development of electric vehicle (EV) supply chains, as revealed by Guy LeBlanc, CEO of Investissement Quebec, the government-owned investment firm. Quebec’s strategy revolves around leveraging its abundant critical mineral resources and the pre-established EV supply chain infrastructure to entice companies to establish their presence in the province. This move seeks to assist automakers in diversifying their…

In a recent statement, Volkswagen announced its decision to produce its highly anticipated Trinity electric vehicles (EV) at the Zwickau factory. This choice follows a supervisory board meeting during which the location for this prestigious EV project was deliberated. Volkswagen emphasized that there is no necessity to construct an additional plant in Wolfsburg Warmenau, a notable departure from earlier plans. Instead, the company’s flagship Golf model will forge ahead into the electric era, remaining at its primary Wolfsburg plant. The Trinity electric car, built upon the new SSP platform, had initially been slated for a 2026 release. However, shortly after…

Ford Motor’s Chief Executive, Jim Farley, has alleged that the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is obstructing progress on a new U.S. labor agreement in an attempt to coerce the automaker into granting new battery plant workers the same top wages as those in assembly plants. Farley has also shed light on Ford’s current wait for “final language” from the U.S. Treasury regarding the eligibility of batteries produced at a forthcoming Michigan facility, which will employ Chinese technology, for tax credits. Farley stated, “The UAW is holding the deal hostage over battery plants,” expressing concerns that a less favorable agreement…

Lucid Motors, the California-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is gearing up for a head-to-head competition with European luxury car giants Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW on their home turf. The company has inaugurated a new EV retail studio in the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, located on the renowned Königsallee, a prestigious shopping boulevard synonymous with flagship luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. This marks Lucid’s second retail location in Germany and its fifth in Europe, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence overseas. Zak Edson, Vice President of Sales and Service at Lucid, expressed enthusiasm about the…

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken legal action against Tesla, filing a lawsuit that alleges the automaker’s complicity in creating a hostile work environment for its Black employees at the Fremont, California factory. The lawsuit, with roots dating back to at least 2015, asserts disturbing instances of racial harassment and inadequate responses by the company. The EEOC, responsible for enforcing civil rights laws within workplaces, has brought forward serious allegations. The lawsuit claims that Tesla allowed non-Black employees to openly use racial slurs and epithets in areas highly trafficked by workers and around production lines. Furthermore, it…

In the realm of the United States’ electric vehicle (EV) market, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Tesla. The American automaker has not only pioneered electric mobility but has also compelled its competitors to occupy low-volume niches as they grapple with the dual challenges of market penetration and profitability. Despite hefty investments poured into EV development, production, and marketing by various automakers in the U.S., the results have been modest at best. Recent data from S&P Global Mobility underscores this point, revealing that only Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y have achieved sales figures substantial enough to…

Fisker has revealed its intention to raise substantial capital through a strategic financial maneuver. The company has announced plans to offer $170,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 0% senior unsecured convertible notes due in 2025. This move comes as part of Fisker’s broader strategy to accelerate deliveries, expand its growth trajectory, and fast-track its vehicle programs. The financing initiative is directed towards an existing institutional investor and is set to result in gross proceeds of $150,000,000 for Fisker. These Notes are being issued in accordance with a Securities Purchase Agreement initially established on July 10, 2023, and subsequently amended on…

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a prominent labor union, has called upon U.S. auto safety regulators to deny General Motors’ (GM.N) petition seeking an exemption from vehicle safety standards for its autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise Origin. In July, Ann Carlson, the acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced that a decision on Cruise’s petition would be made “in the coming weeks.” Cruise had sought approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles annually, featuring no human controls such as steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals, or windshield wipers. Sean O’Brien, President of the 1.2-million-member Teamsters Union, expressed…