Author: Christopher Harrison

Tesla has officially begun deploying the highly anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta version 12 to select customers, marking a significant milestone in the development of its autonomous driving technology. Customers who have received the update are now sharing their initial experiences with the neural net-based software. Mark Bixby, a long-time FSD beta user, described the jump from version 11 to version 12 as “the biggest release-to-release improvement” he has seen yet. In a detailed post on Facebook, Bixby highlighted several improvements, including turning trajectory, turn signals, and low visibility turns. However, he also cautioned that drivers should remain vigilant and…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its parent company Tata Motors are in advanced negotiations to manufacture electric cars at scale in India for both domestic and export markets, according to a media report. The talks, reported by Indian portal Autocar Professional, are said to be nearing a conclusion. If finalized, JLR would establish its largest plant outside the UK, adding to its existing facilities there and in Slovakia. The Indian plant is likely to be located in Gujarat, although alternative sites in Pune are also under consideration. See also: Tata Group Mulls Spin-Off of Agratas Battery Unit, Potential IPO The collaboration…

Volkswagen has introduced the ID.7 Tourer, a new electric mid-size estate car that combines the practicality of a classic estate with the dynamic flair of a shooting brake. Positioned as an internal competitor to the Passat Variant, the ID.7 Tourer offers a purely electric drive and a distinctive design. Unlike the Passat, which is only available as an estate in its new generation, the ID.7 Tourer debuted as a saloon. However, the Tourer variant features a unique design, with VW describing it as a fusion of a classic estate and a dynamic shooting brake like the Arteon. The Tourer boasts…

Ionity has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 600 charging parks across Europe. These parks are equipped with a total of 3,382 High Power Charging (HPC) points, with an additional 96 parks currently under construction. Ionity’s expansion is set to continue, with plans to surpass 1,000 locations in the coming year, totaling 7,000 charging points. Founded in 2017 as a collaboration between BMW, Ford, Mercedes, and the VW Group (represented by Audi and Porsche), Ionity has since attracted new shareholders, including Hyundai and BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure Platform. The company initially focused on establishing 400 locations with four to six charging…

Ford has significantly reduced prices for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E in Canada, offering discounts of up to $13,000 to make the electric SUV more competitive in the market. All 2023 Mustang Mach-E models are now $5,000 off, while the high-performance GT Performance Extended Range variant receives a massive $13,000 discount. These price reductions come as Ford aims to boost demand for the Mach-E, which sold only 5,000 units in Canada last year. See also: Ford Introduces Mustang Mach-E Rally: A Rally-Inspired Electric SUV In addition to the price cuts, the Mustang Mach-E is now eligible for the federal $5,000 EV rebate…

Genesis is gearing up to introduce hybrid models alongside its existing lineup of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), as hybrids gain traction in the electrification trend. While Hyundai Group had previously announced that all new Genesis models from 2025 would be fully electric, a new report indicates a possible shift towards hybrids as an interim solution. Currently, Genesis offers a range of fully electric models including the GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80, with only the GV60 utilizing an EV-specific platform. This leaves room for hybridization in the ICE-powered lineup, including the G70, GV70, G80, GV80, and…

Dacia Spring, known as the most budget-friendly electric car in Europe, is gearing up to face stiff competition from newcomers like the Citroen e-C3 and the upcoming Fiat Panda in the urban EV segment. To stay competitive, Dacia is reportedly planning a significant update, hinted at by an official teaser image. The teaser, shared on social media by Dacia France, offers a glimpse of the upcoming model without revealing its name. However, the proportions suggest that it is likely a new version of the Dacia Spring, rather than the slightly larger Sandero. The current Spring recently received a substantial discount…

Lancia, under Stellantis, has introduced its inaugural all-electric vehicle, the New Lancia Ypsilon. Boasting a WLTP combined cycle range of up to 403 km, it offers rapid charging in just 24 minutes (20% to 80%) or enough for 100 km in 10 minutes. The model premieres as the New Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Limitata Cassina, exclusively available in Italy. Cassina, renowned for its luxury furniture, partnered with Lancia previously for the interiors of the Lancia Pu+Ra HPE concept car, marking the beginning of their collaboration. Setting a new standard for Stellantis, the New Lancia Ypsilon features the S.A.L.A. infotainment system, a…

Peugeot has joined the ranks of European automakers integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its vehicles. Following the lead of Volkswagen and DS Automobiles, Peugeot aims to make its I-Cockpit infotainment system smarter and more interactive with the addition of the AI assistant. By activating the system with the phrase “Ok Peugeot,” drivers can engage in human-like conversations with ChatGPT, seeking advice, directions, or simply chatting while on the road. The AI assistant is designed to understand context and can handle both simple inquiries and more complex discussions. See also: Stellantis Considers Peugeot e-208 as Initial Offering for STLA Small Platform However, unlike…

The Autobahn GmbH des Bundes has concluded a successful tender process for approximately 1,000 fast-charging points at 200 unmanaged motorway service areas, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the ‘Deutschlandnetz’ charging network. Contracts have been awarded to Fastned, E.ON, and the bidding consortium Autostrom Nord, alongside TotalEnergies. According to Autobahn GmbH, the selected operators, or consortium members, are expected to install the charging infrastructure by 2026. The tender, comprising six nationwide lots, each encompassing 32 to 34 locations, aims to facilitate the creation of approximately 1,000 High-Power Charging (HPC) points. These charging sites are vital for supporting the…

General Motors Co.’s Chair and CEO, Mary Barra, held discussions with chiefs of Samsung Group affiliates in Seoul on Wednesday, focusing on potential collaboration in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and auto electric parts, according to industry sources. Barra’s visit to South Korea, her first official one since assuming the role of GM’s board chair in 2016, involved meetings with Choi Yoon-ho, head of Samsung SDI Co., Samsung Display Co. CEO Choi Joo-sun, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. CEO Chang Duck-hyun. The discussions reportedly revolved around ongoing cooperation in the joint venture EV battery factory being constructed by Samsung SDI and GM…

In January 2024, Tesla saw a solitary electric vehicle (EV) sale in South Korea, marking its lowest sales performance since July 2022. The lone unit sold was the Model Y SUV, underlining mounting concerns in the country regarding EVs manufactured in China. Issues such as pricing challenges and an inadequate charging infrastructure have also contributed to dampened demand for EVs in the Korean market. Data compiled by researcher Carisyou and the Korean Trade Ministry reveals an 80% decline in new EV registrations in January compared to December 2023. Factors such as higher interest rates and inflation have been cited as…