Author: Christopher Harrison

Daimler Truck’s Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck has achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of sustainable transportation. In a record-setting journey, the hydrogen-powered prototype covered an impressive 1,047 kilometers on a single fill of liquid hydrogen, reaffirming the potential of hydrogen-based drives in heavy-duty transport and long-distance haulage. Powered by a cutting-edge cellcentric fuel-cell system and equipped with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank system, the #HydrogenRecordRun commenced on September 25, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Truck’s Customer Center in Woerth am Rhein and concluded the next day in Berlin. Crucially, this milestone was achieved with the truck fully loaded, boasting a gross combined…

Honda has pulled back the curtain on the production version of its N-Van e:, an electric Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) slated for release in Japan in the spring of 2024. This diminutive electric offering aims to combine the practicality of its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart with the advantages of a silent and emissions-free powertrain. Visually, the Honda N-Van e: closely resembles its conventional sibling, distinguished primarily by a redesigned grille that houses the charging port, crafted from recycled bumper plastic. Inside the cabin, climate controls have been adopted from the recently refreshed N-Box, maintaining a utilitarian aesthetic. Depending on…

Apocalypse Manufacturing and SoFlo Customs have taken the wraps off their latest creation, the Rivian Nirvana, marking their foray into the realm of custom electric off-roaders. This distinctive vehicle is based on the Rivian R1T platform, featuring a lifted suspension and a strikingly formidable exterior. While Apocalypse Manufacturing is no stranger to crafting extreme pickups and SUVs, the Rivian Nirvana represents a particularly complex project for the Florida-based outfit. Joe Ghattas, the owner of Apocalypse Manufacturing, candidly shared his perspective on the Rivian R1T’s original design, stating, “I would have never given that car a second thought. It looks like…

The Netherlands is taking a significant step toward promoting the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, earmarking €125 million for this purpose. The country has unveiled a subsidy program specifically targeting hydrogen (H2) trucks and vans, set to run from 2024 to 2028, with the aim of providing incentives for thousands of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and establishing 40 new hydrogen refueling stations. Under this program, entrepreneurs looking to build hydrogen filling stations can receive a substantial subsidy equivalent to 40 percent of the construction costs. Meanwhile, for companies seeking to purchase hydrogen-powered trucks or vans, the subsidy offers up to…

Hyundai and Kia have unveiled significant price cuts for several of their EV models in South Korea. This strategic move coincides with the South Korean government’s decision to expand subsidies to rekindle interest and demand for clean vehicles, as reported by Bloomberg. Both Hyundai and Kia, in separate statements, confirmed their plans to reduce the prices of select electric models, including the Hyundai Kona EV, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6, as well as the Kia EV6, Niro EV, and Niro Plus, a roomier variant manufactured by the brand’s PBV (purpose-built vehicle) division. These price adjustments are set to take effect…

Lucid Group, the prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has taken a significant stride in its global expansion by inaugurating its inaugural international manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia’s vibrant city of Jeddah. This move is part of a strategic agreement aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious efforts to embrace electrification. Lucid’s plans for the Jeddah manufacturing plant were unveiled last year, marking a pivotal moment in the Middle Eastern country’s pursuit of electric mobility. Saudi Arabia committed to procuring up to 100,000 vehicles from Lucid over the next decade as a testament to their commitment to electric transportation. The driving force…

Mercedes-Benz is set to bring its Level 3 drive assistance technology, known as Drive Pilot, to the United States by the end of 2023. This development places Mercedes-Benz ahead of its rivals, including Tesla, in the race to offer advanced autonomous driving capabilities to American consumers. The renowned German automaker has recently unveiled additional pricing and availability details for this highly anticipated feature. Drive Pilot was first introduced in Germany and is poised to make its debut in California and Nevada, where a limited fleet of EQS models will be equipped with the system in late 2023. Subsequently, deliveries of…

Specialized has introduced its latest innovation, the Creo 2 electric gravel bike. Known for pushing the boundaries of cycling technology, Specialized continues its legacy of excellence with this lightweight gravel bike. The Creo 2 achieves a delicate balance between weight, performance, and the natural feel of pedaling. At its core lies Specialized’s proprietary motor, the SL1.2 mid-drive unit, meticulously designed to rival the best in the industry in terms of performance, compactness, and weight. Specialized proudly claims that the SL1.2 stands as one of the most efficient e-bike systems available, delivering a robust 320 watts of power and 50 Newton-meters…

Farizon Auto, a subsidiary of the Geely Group, has revealed its latest offering: the SuperVan. This modular commercial vehicle boasts an array of cutting-edge features, including a swappable high-voltage battery pack and drive-by-wire technology. The SuperVan, designed for versatility, can also be equipped with a methanol range extender. What sets it apart is its capacity to deliver up to 10 kilowatts of 220-volt AC power from its battery pack, making it suitable for powering various tools and outdoor appliances. Presented in a camper form with a pillarless side opening, the SuperVan offers multifaceted configurations, thanks to its drive-by-wire technology, which…

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles in the UK has awarded a generous £5.5 million grant to the West Sussex City Council. This substantial funding is set to accelerate the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the region, in collaboration with charge point operator Connected Kerb. Under this initiative, the grant will cover 60 percent of the total project cost, with Connected Kerb contributing the remaining 40 percent. The ambitious plan includes the deployment of 400 “passive” chargers, which will be poised to activate in response to the growing demand for charging infrastructure. Crucially, all necessary cables and…

Tesla’s Shanghai factory has adopted one-piece die-casting technology for its Model Y production, significantly reducing component costs. This innovative move is part of Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance manufacturing processes and efficiency. Tesla is taking the lead in the EV industry by upgrading its integrated die-casting technology to version 2.0. This advanced technology enables the casting of nearly all complex underbody parts of an electric vehicle as a single unit, as reported by China’s official Shanghai Securities News, citing a source close to Tesla. A reporter from the newspaper visited Tesla’s factory in Lingang, Pudong, Shanghai, where it was observed…

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Volkswagen’s commitment to the electric future has been unwavering. Following the ‘dieselgate’ scandal of 2015, the company has made significant strides in the EV market. The recently unveiled ID.7, available in China, Europe, and the United States, is poised to make its mark in the upper mid-sized electric vehicle segment, bringing with it a range of innovations. Among these innovations is the introduction of optional ergoActive premium seats. These seats, developed in collaboration with experts including physiotherapists, orthopedic specialists, and sports scientists, have earned certification from the German Campaign for Healthier Backs. Volkswagen’s…

Aito, the energy vehicle (NEV) brand backed by tech behemoth Huawei, has recently commenced pre-sales for its eagerly anticipated flagship SUV, the Aito M9. The official launch of this high-tech vehicle is scheduled for the end of this year, promising to usher in a new era of smart, electric mobility. Enthusiasts and prospective buyers can now secure their spot by placing a pre-order with a pre-order entitlement fee of 5,000 Chinese yuan ($680), as showcased on the dedicated Aito M9 page on Huawei’s online store. The Aito M9 will be available in two electrifying versions: an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV)…

Tesla continues to broaden its Supercharger network accessibility for electric vehicles (EVs) beyond its own brand, with the recent opening of the first CCS1-compatible EV Supercharging station in Alaska, located in Chugiak near Anchorage. This newly equipped Supercharger station now features V3 Supercharging stalls, incorporating built-in CCS1 adapters referred to as “Magic Dock.” Tesla has explicitly stated that this particular Supercharger station is open to both Tesla vehicles and non-Tesla EVs equipped with CCS compatibility. In Alaska, there are currently only two Supercharger sites, with the second one in Soldotna not yet included in the non-Tesla Supercharging pilot. For non-Tesla…

BMW, the renowned German automaker, is set to undergo a substantial transformation in its model naming strategy in preparation for the anticipated rollout of its “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle series, slated for 2025. According to reports from “CAR” magazine, citing official EU trademark filings and insider sources within BMW, the forthcoming electric variants will adopt a revised nomenclature, distinguishing them from their internal combustion engine counterparts. Under this revised system, BMW’s iconic X3 SUV model will see conventional internal combustion engine iterations bearing designations such as X320 and X330, while electric variants will incorporate the letter “i” as a prefix,…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO has officially denied recent reports suggesting plans for a substantial capital raise. The rumors sparked widespread discussion and led to market speculation regarding the company’s financial future. In response to the reports, a spokesperson for NIO made a succinct statement, categorically denying the claims without delving into further details. However, the company later issued a formal statement to address the matter, emphasizing its lack of any ongoing capital-raising activities beyond a recently completed convertible note offering. NIO’s full statement reads as follows: “NIO Inc. (NYSE: NIO; HKEX: 9866; SGX: NIO) (“NIO” or the “Company”) is…

The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) has given the green light to the acquisition of 57 New Flyer hydrogen-powered, fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). This monumental procurement is poised to become the most extensive purchase of FCEBs in North America, signaling a significant leap in eco-friendly public transportation. Anticipated for late 2024, METRO is set to welcome 57 new FCEBs into its fleet, comprising forty-eight 40-foot buses and nine 60-foot articulated buses. The majority of these buses will find their purpose in the Watsonville service area, as METRO commits to serving this region exclusively…

Tesla has extended the estimated delivery times for its Model S and Model X in the United States. This delay follows a significant reduction in the prices of these models, a strategy that appears to have sparked heightened consumer interest. Just a few months ago, Tesla made headlines by slashing the prices of the Model S and Model X by substantial amounts, ranging from €12,600 to €17,200, translating to a noteworthy decrease of 15.3% to 18.8% depending on the specific version. Notably, this price adjustment made the entry-level Model X, which boasts a starting MSRP of €74,540, eligible for a…

Nissan Ariya has successfully crossed the equator line in Quito, Ecuador, as part of an extraordinary journey from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to Antarctica. Spearheaded by the adventurous duo of Chris and Julie Ramsey, this ambitious pole-to-pole expedition has already covered more than 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles). Earlier this month, the intrepid husband-and-wife team embarked on their journey, traversing North and Central America, even taking in a Formula E race in Portland. To conquer diverse and challenging road conditions, their Nissan Ariya underwent modifications, including a lifted suspension, robust wheels, widened wheel fenders, and the addition of a roof-mounted…

Webasto, a provider of automotive solutions, has unveiled an innovative telemetry service aimed at revolutionizing the monitoring and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) traction batteries. The company’s retrofittable Field Data Monitoring hardware module promises to empower vehicle manufacturers with advanced diagnostic capabilities, remote maintenance options, and the potential for extended warranty services. Field Data Monitoring operates by transmitting vital performance parameters from the EV’s battery to Webasto’s cloud-based backend. This invaluable stream of data furnishes manufacturers with comprehensive insights into their vehicle batteries’ current performance and overall condition. In addition to real-time performance metrics, customers gain access to extended diagnostic…