Author: Christopher Harrison

Mercedes USA has announced the pricing details for the highly anticipated 2024 AMG-tuned version of the EQE SUV. The electric crossover, boasting an impressive 677 horsepower (505 kW/686 PS), is available in two trim levels, providing American customers with an exhilarating driving experience. The starting price for the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53 model is set at $110,450, which includes a $1,150 destination and delivery charge. While this positions it about $30,000 above the non-AMG variant, the performance enhancements are sure to entice luxury electric vehicle enthusiasts. As the sole offering for American buyers, the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53 model exceeds…

Toyota and Subaru, renowned automobile manufacturers, are set to introduce three-row electric SUVs in the United States, thanks to their collaborative efforts that began in 2019. The move comes as both companies aim to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and make a mark in the expanding SUV market. As per insider sources cited by Automotive News, Toyota is scheduled to commence production of its own three-row electric SUV, tentatively named the bZ5X, in 2025. Around the same time, Subaru will also start manufacturing its version of the electric SUV. This project is part of the automakers’…

In a recent interview with Reuters, the CEO of Mobility in Harmony (MIH), Jack Cheng, revealed that Foxconn’s EV platform unit is eyeing India and Thailand as potential production sites for a new three-seat electric vehicle (EV) priced below $20,000. MIH, a subsidiary of Taiwanese company Foxconn, is open to collaborating with its parent company or other partners to develop and manufacture the compact EV tailored for corporate delivery fleets. Cheng disclosed that MIH has been in discussions with various companies, including convenience stores, car rental firms, and courier services, in preparation for the unveiling of the first prototype EV…

In a recent Twitter video shared by Shanghai’s tourism handle, Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai displays an awe-inspiring production speed, with a brand new Model 3 or Model Y rolling off the assembly line every 40 seconds. The plant’s efficiency and scale have once again underscored the automotive giant’s manufacturing prowess in Asia’s second-largest country. Comparing the manufacturing capabilities, Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai outperforms Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan truck plant, as Tesla can produce a vehicle every 40 seconds, while Ford’s F-150 takes 49 seconds. The fascinating video offers an inside glimpse of the Giga Shanghai facility, where dozens of robotic arms work in…

In a bid to enhance the often mundane experience of charging electric vehicles (EVs), Porsche has introduced a cutting-edge Charging Lounge near Bingen am Rhein, setting a new standard for EV charging infrastructure. The facility boasts a sleek, futuristic design featuring a wooden-accented roof equipped with solar panels, embodying the company’s commitment to sustainability. With six 300 kW DC fast chargers and four 22 kW AC chargers, all powered by certified renewable sources, the lounge provides impressive charging capabilities, which Porsche hints could be upgraded to even higher speeds in the future. The Porsche Charging Lounge addresses several pain points…

In the face of potential delays in the UK government’s plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) continues to forge ahead with its ambitious transition to all-electric vehicles. The 2030 ban, championed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a subsequent plan to ban hybrids by 2035, has been met with uncertainty under the current leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, leaving room for speculations about a possible postponement. Despite the uncertainties, JLR’s Chief Executive, Adrian Mardell, has affirmed that the company’s commitment to electric vehicles remains steadfast. He recently asserted in…

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Group), the parent company behind Volvo and other automotive brands, has introduced its latest venture, Radar Auto, an independent brand specializing in electric vehicles (EVs). On Tuesday, the company announced the successful rollout of its first batch of electric trucks for international markets, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The RD6 EV pickup truck, labeled as “China’s first pure electric outdoor lifestyle brand,” showcases Radar Auto’s dedication to producing sustainable and versatile electric vehicles. The company operates its own research and development facilities and EV production units in China, while still enjoying the support…

The highly anticipated all-electric Audi Q6 e-tron has taken a step closer to production, as Audi recently offered a preview of the vehicle without its camouflage coverings. This comes shortly after select media representatives had the chance to test out the prototype version of the SUV. From a visual perspective, the Audi Q6 e-tron surprises with a slightly softer design than initially anticipated. The front fascia is dominated by thin LED headlights and a large faux grille, which is currently finished in white on the prototypes. Additionally, the vehicle boasts an aggressive front bumper, while the rear features eye-catching LED…

California-based startup Ample has established a global partnership with Mitsubishi Fuso to bolster the electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles, specifically focusing on Mitsubishi Fuso trucks. The collaboration aims to implement Ample’s advanced EV battery swap technology on the trucks, making them available to fleets worldwide. Ample, driven by its ambitious mission to contribute to one billion electric vehicles on roads worldwide, specializes in modular battery swap stations that efficiently get EVs back on the road. The company commenced the deployment of its first-generation autonomous battery-swapping stations in San Francisco during the spring of 2021, gathering valuable data while collaborating with…

In a recent development, Chinese technology company Transimage has announced that its battery subsidiary, Transimage Sodium-ion Battery Technology, has successfully secured an order for sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries from a renowned German carmaker. The specific identity of the customer has not been disclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement, but various details strongly indicate that the customer in question might be Volkswagen. According to the Chinese publication CNEVPost, the unnamed German carmaker is a “globally recognized automaker headquartered in Germany with a portfolio of well-known car brands.” The order is reportedly for a relatively small quantity of sodium-ion cells, presumably for testing…

JLR Group has recently made significant leadership changes, appointing Adrian Mardell as the company’s new permanent CEO. Mardell had been serving in the interim CEO role since the resignation of former CEO Thierry Bolloré at the end of 2022. In addition to this, JLR has confirmed the appointment of Richard Molyneux as the Chief Financial Officer, a position he held on an interim basis since December 2022. Thierry Bolloré, the former CEO, stepped down from his position in November 2022 citing personal reasons. Following his announcement, Adrian Mardell was appointed and underwent training to serve as the interim CEO. From…

In a significant development for Illinois and the greater Chicago area, Lion Electric’s state-of-the-art plant, designed for the production of all-electric vehicles such as trucks and school buses, was officially opened on Friday in the southwest suburban town of Channahon. The inauguration of this cutting-edge electric vehicle plant is projected to create approximately 1,400 jobs and have the capacity to manufacture up to 20,000 vehicles annually, signifying a remarkable step forward in the realm of commercial electric vehicles, as stated by Lion Electric CEO, Marc Bedard. See also: Chicago Launches ‘Chicago Electric’ Initiative to Electrify Municipal Fleet Notably, this newly…

Charge+, a Singaporean electric vehicle (EV) charging provider, has recently announced its ambitious target to establish 30,000 EV charging points in Southeast Asia by the year 2030. This vast network will include a significant portion of 16,000 charging points to be deployed within Singapore. The company’s commitment to sustainable electric mobility aligns with the Singapore government’s efforts to reduce domestic emissions through various green initiatives in the transportation sector. In collaboration with Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry, Gan Kim Yong, Charge+ unveiled new charging stations at prominent locations, namely the HDB car park at Block 153, Jalan Teck Whye,…

In a recent move to uphold safety standards, Tesla has issued a recall for 1,337 vehicles in the United States due to an issue with misaligned cameras that could impact certain semi-autonomous features. The affected models include the 2023 Model S, X, and Y. The problem was identified as a misalignment in the pitch angle of the forward-facing cameras, potentially rendering essential active safety features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane-keeping Assist, unavailable without warning to the driver. See also: Tesla Introduces 84-Month Financing Option to Attract Buyers with Extended Loan Terms Upon detecting the defect,…

First Bus, a public transport provider in the UK, is taking significant steps towards a greener future by embarking on a groundbreaking project to transform its Norwich Roundtree Way depot. The initiative aims to prepare the facility for the arrival of an impressive fleet of 70 Wrightbus electric buses. This development marks a crucial milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. Scheduled to be rolled out between Autumn 2023 and March 2024, the fleet will consist of 11 single-deck and 59 double-decker electric buses. The order follows First Bus’s previous purchase of 193 electric buses…

A group of four US lawmakers has raised significant concerns about Chinese companies conducting tests of advanced self-driving vehicles within the United States. In a joint letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo, Congress members Tim Walbert, Debbie Dingell, Robert E. Latta, and Marc Veasey emphasized the potential risks associated with allowing Chinese firms to test their autonomous systems on American soil. The letter highlights the risk of the United States “ceding a serious strategic advantage” by permitting Chinese companies to continue their self-driving vehicle testing within the country. While the Chinese government has…

In a significant move towards promoting zero-emission transportation, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has successfully acquired Nikola Corporation’s Phoenix Hydrogen Hub (PHH) project. The strategic decision by Nikola allows the company to tap into vital capital and resources, expediting the development of their Class 8 hydrogen-fueled trucks. The Phoenix Hydrogen Hub, situated near Phoenix in Buckeye, Arizona, is a groundbreaking green hydrogen initiative designed to be developed in phases, aligned with the growing demand for clean energy solutions. The project is currently in the final stages of the permitting process, with hydrogen production expected to commence by mid-decade. See also: Nikola…

Vauxhall has officially unveiled the pricing and availability of the new Corsa Electric in the UK, catering to environmentally-conscious drivers seeking an enhanced driving experience. With a starting price of £32,445, customers can now place their orders for this eco-friendly marvel, and the first deliveries are set to take place before the end of the year. The Corsa Electric offers a choice between three trim levels – Design, GS, and Ultimate, each boasting its unique features to cater to diverse preferences and requirements. Additionally, Vauxhall has revealed some exciting technical details about the updated EV. One of the most significant…

QuietKat, renowned for its outdoor e-bike brand tailored for hunters and off-road enthusiasts, is venturing into the urban landscape with its latest innovation—the QuietKat Lynx electric moped. Blurring the lines between an electric bicycle and a moped, the Lynx boasts a 1,000W motor and a distinct “café moto style,” positioning itself firmly within the electric moped territory. The rear hub motor, featuring a two-speed configuration, is cleverly integrated into a rear swingarm, offering a full-suspension setup to ensure seamless handling on both asphalt and rugged trails. The company explains that the Lynx represents a groundbreaking category for QuietKat, combining its…

In the midst of a record-breaking surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US during the second quarter, a recent report from Cox Automotive has raised eyebrows as it reveals an increasing number of EVs sitting idle on dealership lots. Despite this, Ford’s Vice President of Electric Vehicle Programs, Darren Palmer, maintains that worries of an EV pileup are “premature.” According to Cox Automotive, the second quarter saw a staggering 300,000 EVs sold in the US, setting a new record. However, this surge in sales has led to a rise in EV inventory, with the days’ supply exceeding 100…