Author: Christopher Harrison

Tesla is set to receive approximately €148.7 million ($150 million) in funding from the European Union (EU) to establish and upgrade 7,198 charging stations, each boasting a formidable output of 250 kilowatts. This ambitious initiative will span 687 locations across 22 European countries, according to an announcement by the European Commission. Tesla’s success in securing this funding is part of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) call for proposals, which selected 26 projects, collectively garnering EU grant support exceeding €352 million ($377 million). Remarkably, Tesla, the American electric vehicle (EV) giant, clinched approval for two projects, one submitted by Tesla…

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its long-awaited electric vehicle (EV), codenamed MS11, which has generated significant anticipation in the automotive industry. Reports suggest that the company is on track to introduce the EV before the end of this year, coinciding with the launch of its next flagship smartphone. Xiaomi, known as one of China’s leading technology conglomerates, revealed its ambitious plans for an EV approximately two years ago. Remarkably, the company has expedited the design and development of the vehicle, with leaked images surfacing as early as January. However, it wasn’t until last month that Xiaomi…

In a notable update to its popular Model 3, Tesla has introduced blind-spot indicators, a feature commonly found in more affordable vehicles. The blind-spot indicators, which are typically integrated into the side mirrors of most cars, have taken an unconventional position in the facelifted Model 3, residing within the upper speaker grille on the driver’s door. While the placement of these indicators may appear unorthodox, it offers a convenient location for drivers, promising ease of use and enhanced safety on the road. See also: Tesla officially Introduces Updated Model 3 Facelift, Highlighting Design Tweaks and Enhanced Range This marks the…

United States Department of Energy has unveiled a funding initiative, PROPEL-1K (Pioneering Railroad, Oceanic and Plane Electrification-1K), offering up to $30 million in support. This program seeks to stimulate research and development efforts focused on innovative energy storage solutions that can surpass current state-of-the-art options by achieving a remarkable >4x improvement in performance. The technical scope of the PROPEL-1K program encompasses electrochemical and chemical innovations that eliminate the need for hydrocarbon-based fuels, whether they are fossil-derived or synthetic. The primary objective is to attain energy storage system (ESS) solutions that can deliver 1000 Watt-hour per kilogram (Wh/kg) and 1000 Watt-hour…

Tesla is celebrating a remarkable achievement at its Giga Shanghai plant, also known as Gigafactory 3, located in China. The facility, which primarily produces the popular Model 3 and Model Y, has reached a significant milestone by rolling out its two millionth electric car. Giga Shanghai commenced operations in late 2019, a feat achieved in record time following the commencement of construction on January 7, 2019. Initially, the facility focused solely on the production of the Model 3. However, in late 2020 and early 2021, production and sales of the Model Y commenced at the plant. According to Tesla, it…

Electric scooter rental services in the City of Light have been officially banned, leading three major operators, Lime, Dott, and Tier, to withdraw their scooters from the Parisian streets. This decision comes after a prolonged period of mounting concerns related to safety, intoxicated riding, and parking issues associated with electric scooters. Operating licenses were initially granted to the three companies in 2020, but the surge in complaints prompted the local government to take action. City Mayor Anne Hidalgo decided to put the fate of electric scooter rentals in the hands of Parisians, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ban,…

In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and bolster its electric mobility infrastructure, Japan’s government has unveiled ambitious plans to double its current EV charger installation target. The new goal is set at 300,000 charging stations by the year 2030, a significant increase from the current tally of approximately 30,000 publicly accessible EV chargers across the country. The move comes as part of Japan’s broader efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The country’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has presented draft guidelines to an expert panel outlining the strategy for achieving this substantial…

In a bid to harness cutting-edge technology for its upcoming electric vehicles, Mahindra, the renowned German auto giant, is exploring a partnership with Volkswagen Group to leverage components from the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform. The MEB, known for its open vehicle architecture for electric vehicles (EVs), has also piqued the interest of other manufacturers, including Skoda, as they seek to electrify their lineups. Volkswagen Group confirmed that it is currently engaged in advanced discussions with Mahindra regarding the potential collaboration. The central focus of this partnership is to drive down the cost of batteries, a critical factor in…

Kempower has introduced its cutting-edge EV charging technology in collaboration with the Electric Circuit, the largest EV charging network in Québec. The innovative charging stations, featuring dynamic power-sharing capabilities, are currently in the process of being installed, marking Kempower’s debut in the Canadian market. The Kempower Satellite system, known for its dynamic power-sharing functionality that intelligently allocates the maximum available power to each user based on their vehicle’s capacity, has made its presence felt in the city of Rivière-du-Loup through Bornes Québec, a distribution partner. The Kempower Satellite system originally included air-cooled cables capable of delivering up to 400 kWh…

BMW has unveiled a new addition to its electric vehicle lineup, showcasing the iX1 eDrive20 at the IAA Mobility event. This entry-level electric SUV is set to hit the market in November, providing a more affordable option for eco-conscious drivers. Diverging from the all-wheel-drive configuration of the previously available iX1 xDrive30, the iX1 eDrive20 features a single electric motor, positioned on the front axle. It’s worth noting that BMW has transitioned the “eDrive” designation to encompass all their electric cars with just one motor. See also: BMW iX1 electric crossover teased, make debut at the end of this year The…

Yamaha, renowned for its motorcycle innovations, continues to make strides in the electric bicycle sector. With over three decades of experience, the company not only produces electric bicycles but also supplies e-bike motors to other prominent brands, including Giant. Yamaha’s latest contribution to the electric bicycle industry comes in the form of the PWseries C2, a cutting-edge e-bike motor designed for urban and commuter applications, aligning with European regulations and emphasizing lightweight design and versatility. The PWseries C2 builds upon the technology found in Yamaha’s popular PW-CE motor range, offering a 10 percent increase in torque compared to its predecessors.…

Volvo Cars has announced a strategic collaboration with charging network operator Evergo. The joint effort aims to deploy over 3,000 EV charging points across Mexico by 2025, a move that will not only facilitate EV adoption within the country but also enhance connectivity along Mexico’s prominent tourist routes, extending into neighboring nations. Under the newly inked agreement, Evergo and Volvo Cars have set ambitious targets. Over the next three years, they plan to install a total of 2,295 charging stations, with 803 of them being fast chargers. These charging stations will span a distance of 2,213 kilometers, strategically positioned along…

Korean battery materials companies are intensifying efforts to develop cathode materials for low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, aiming to challenge China’s dominant position in the market. Industry sources have revealed that Korean firms are setting their sights on volume production of LFP battery cathode materials by 2026, with a concerted push to expedite development processes. Ecopro BM has established a dedicated LFP team at its R&D headquarters, with ambitions to achieve mass production of LFP battery cathode materials by 2025. LFP batteries, which employ iron instead of cobalt, offer cost-efficiency and stability advantages. However, further enhancements in areas like…

Lucid Motors has offered a tantalizing glimpse of its upcoming Lucid Air Midnight Dream Edition, set to make its world debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 5. This limited-production model takes inspiration from the darkness of night, boasting a sinister styling theme that sets it apart. It’s essentially a variant of the Lucid Air Dream Edition, but with an exclusive twist. The Lucid Air Midnight Dream Edition sports a distinctive dark polished exterior trim and rolls on 21-inch Aero Dream wheels featuring satin black inserts. Inside, its cabin exudes an ambiance inspired by the nocturnal beauty…

In a significant departure from its iconic compact car offerings, Smart has unveiled its all-new, all-electric Smart #3 SUV at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, marking its official European debut. The move signifies Smart’s evolution from a manufacturer of compact urban cars to a contender in the premium electric SUV market. The Smart #3 SUV boasts an impressive blend of power and efficiency. The base model is equipped with a single electric motor, generating a substantial 268 horsepower – a remarkable feat for an entry-level model. For those seeking even more power, the Brabus variant features a twin-motor setup…

In a move that marks a significant shift in the Mini brand’s identity, BMW has unveiled the 2025 Mini Cooper, a vehicle that brings together elements of nostalgia and modernity. While the classic Mini has been a beloved symbol of compact, retro motoring for decades, the 2025 Mini Cooper takes a bold step into the future with a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform and a striking design overhaul. One of the most notable changes is the renaming of the Mini hatch, which will now be known as the Cooper, a name previously reserved for select versions of the hatch. This…

Volkswagen has provided a sneak peek into the next generation of the Passat Estate, set to make its official debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich. Scheduled for its market launch in early 2024, the forthcoming VW Passat comes equipped with two innovative plug-in hybrid powertrains, demonstrating the automaker’s commitment to electrification. The new Passat eHybrid is poised to offer consumers a choice between two system outputs: 150 kW and 200 kW, highlighting VW’s push towards increased electrified performance. Notably, the vehicle boasts an all-new battery with a net usable energy capacity of 19.7 kWh, enabling an electric-only range…

Global ride-hailing giant Uber has unveiled its electric motorbike service in Kenya. This marks Uber’s inaugural electric bike service in Africa, as the company endeavors to achieve a carbon-neutral global platform by the year 2040. The launch in Kenya will pave the way for a potential expansion across the rest of the African region, with a forthcoming announcement anticipated later this year. Kagiso Khaole, Uber’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa, stated, “We are excited to introduce our electric motorbike service in Kenya, underscoring our commitment to sustainable mobility in the region.” See also: Kenya Receives $377m Funding for East Africa’s…

In a move to bolster the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and safeguard jobs in the automotive industry, the Biden administration has announced a substantial $12 billion package comprising grants and loans for automobile manufacturers and suppliers. The funds are intended to facilitate the transformation of existing plants into centers for producing electric and advanced vehicles, according to statements made by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Thursday. “While we transition to EVs, we want to ensure that workers can transition in place, that there is no worker, no community left behind,” Granholm, a former governor of Michigan, a state with…

Changan Automobile’s upscale electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Avatr Technology, has successfully concluded a new funding round, bolstering its financial arsenal for forthcoming expansion initiatives. In an official announcement made via Weibo, Avatr revealed the closure of a substantial RMB 3 billion ($410 million) Series B funding round. This latest influx of capital elevates the company’s post-investment valuation to an impressive RMB 20 billion. Avatr Technology’s strategic objectives include enhancing customer experiences and positioning itself as a premier international brand within the high-end smart EV segment. See also: Avatr Begins Production and Deliveries of First Model, Plans for 100,000 Orders and…