Author: Christopher Harrison

In a significant development towards bolstering electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Ohio, EVgo, in collaboration with its eXtended partners, has successfully secured $13.8 million in funding from DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation. The funding will be utilized to deploy 20 state-of-the-art fast-charging stations across the state, facilitating seamless EV charging experiences for drivers. Under the first tranche of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funds, DriveOhio awarded a total of $18 million, with EVgo and its eXtend partner, Pilot Co., receiving more than 75 percent of the allocated funding. Fourteen of the planned fast-charging stations…

A comprehensive study conducted by Seattle-based Recurrent has revealed that electric vehicle (EV) range can be significantly impacted by excessive heat, similar to the effects of extreme cold. The study indicates that temperatures in the triple digits can cause EVs to lose nearly a third of their stated range. Recurrent, known for its extensive vehicle testing and battery range analysis, disclosed that certain EVs experienced a 31 percent drop in range when temperatures surpassed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). However, the study emphasized that range reductions due to extreme heat were limited in scope, and further research is required…

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has made a significant move to expand its product lineup. Just one day after unveiling pre-configured dual-motor R1Ts in the R1 Shop, the company has now added the highly anticipated “Dual-Motor” and “Performance Dual-Motor” options to its online configurator. This means customers can now incorporate these options into their custom R1 builds. Until now, Rivian’s vehicles came with a quad-motor configuration, featuring one electric motor for each wheel. While this setup provided exceptional traction, it also incurred higher costs and increased complexity for the company. To tackle this challenge, Rivian has been diligently working on…

New York State is taking significant strides towards promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption by announcing a $29 million investment in Level 2 charging infrastructure and incentives. The allocation of funds aims to address cost constraints and “range anxiety,” making it easier for more people to make the switch to cleaner transportation options. The state is committing $15 million to enhance the ‘Charge Ready NY 2.0’ program, which will focus on the installation of Level 2 chargers at workplaces, multifamily buildings, and public facilities in disadvantaged communities. Under this program, up to 50% of the installation cost for Level 2 chargers…

The much-anticipated release of Tesla’s Cybertruck draws closer, with new documents from the brand’s second-quarter results shedding light on the truck’s final design. Despite facing mixed opinions and production delays since its unveiling, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has assured that the Cybertruck will enter production before 2024. According to the latest reports, the brand remains on track for “initial production” later this year at Gigafactory Texas. The current Cybertrucks seen on the streets are known as pre-production or “release candidate units,” undergoing testing and certification around the world. Tesla emphasized the uniqueness of this vehicle, stating, “Cybertruck will be the…

German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has initiated a recall of a significant number of S-Class vehicles in China due to a software problem. The announcement was made by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on their website today. The recall affects a total of 32,786 imported S-Class and EQS vehicles produced between June 14, 2021, and March 22, 2023. The recall was prompted by a software glitch in the internal monitoring program of the electronic stability system (ESP). This flaw could cause the system to incorrectly detect a malfunction at the start of the driving cycle, resulting in limited functionality…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD is taking its electric vehicles (EVs) to new horizons as it seeks to strengthen its global footprint. In a series of recent developments, the company successfully introduced its EVs to Chile, Brunei, and Morocco, marking another milestone in its international expansion strategy. On July 12, BYD held a momentous brand and new model launch event in Chile, where it unveiled its highly anticipated Dolphin EV. With an enticing starting price of 30,490,000 Chilean pesos ($37,430), the Dolphin promises to captivate the Chilean market with its cutting-edge features. Notably, the Dolphin is the inaugural…

In a surprising turn of events, Ford is hinting at a potential comeback for the cherished Fiesta model, but this time in an all-electric form. Collaborating with Volkswagen, the American automaker refuses to rule out the possibility, although nothing is set in stone just yet. Ford’s exit from the small car market in Europe dealt a blow to the Fiesta, rendering it economically unviable due to stricter emissions regulations. As a result, the model was discontinued on July 7. However, the manufacturing plant in Cologne, Germany, which previously produced the Fiesta, has undergone retooling to facilitate the production of electric…

Electreon, an Israeli startup specializing in wireless charging technology, has secured contracts in France and Norway to install sections of its advanced wireless-charging road. The company’s innovative solution aims to revolutionize the transportation industry by wirelessly charging vehicles on the move. In France, Electreon will construct a 2 km (1.2-mile) wireless charging road on a portion of the A10 highway near Paris. Additionally, a stationary wireless charging station will be installed alongside the road. The selection of Electreon came after a comprehensive study conducted by France’s Transportation Ministry, which revealed that the implementation of wireless charging road technology could result…

Former CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Kjell Gruner, is set to join Rivian, an electric vehicle start-up, in a undisclosed capacity, according to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by Automotive News Europe. Gruner recently left Porsche USA, stating that it was his own decision, after leading the American division for less than three years. During his tenure, he successfully guided the German sports car manufacturer through the challenges posed by the pandemic and positioned the brand for a record-breaking year in sales. Dealers are projected to sell 80,000 units next year, representing a nearly 15 percent increase…

In an unexpected move, Tesla has officially announced the completion of its inaugural Cybertruck electric pickup truck at the renowned Gigafactory Texas. The groundbreaking moment was shared with the world through a Twitter post by the automaker, stating, “First Cybertruck built at Giga Texas!” Accompanying the tweet was a captivating photo capturing the enthusiasm of factory workers, proudly posing alongside the first production Cybertruck. Elon Musk, Tesla’s notable CEO, amplified the announcement by retweeting it on his own profile and extending congratulations to the Tesla team. Although the photo provided only a limited glimpse of the vehicle due to the…

Automotive enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Polestar 5, and now they have a chance to get a glimpse of the electric vehicle (EV) as Polestar showcases its latest “verification prototype” at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Precept concept, the Polestar 5 prototype appears virtually ready for production. The front end boasts split lighting units and a subtly revised bumper with angular accents, exuding a sleek and modern appeal. Moving lower, observers can spot a small intake and a more pronounced splitter, adding a touch of aggression to the design. Significant…

BMW has set an ambitious target for electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States this year. Shaun Bugbee, the Executive Vice President of Operations at BMW of North America, announced that the company is forecasting sales of 50,000 electric vehicles in the country, a significant increase from the 15,584 units sold last year. Bugbee further revealed that BMW’s sales projection of 50,000 EVs represents a nearly triple growth compared to the 17,964 EVs the company sold in the first half of this year. The primary contributor to BMW’s success in the EV market has been the BMW i4 electric…

Automaker Polestar is returning to the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, offering a glimpse of its forthcoming models as they make their dynamic debut at the iconic event. Among the lineup are the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5 vehicles, generating anticipation among attendees. In the First Glance Paddock, located opposite the main Polestar stand, the prototypes of the high-powered Polestar 3 with 380 kW/517 hp and the impressive Polestar 5 with 650 kW/884 hp are showcased alongside the Polestar 2 BST edition 230, boasting a powerful 350 kW/476 hp engine. Each car is scheduled to make two runs up the…

Automaker Rivian has taken proactive measures to address a customer satisfaction concern related to the onboard charger in their R1T and R1S electric vehicle models. Upon discovering the issue, Rivian promptly launched a campaign to rectify the problem and ensure optimal performance for affected owners. The company’s attention was drawn to the matter after reports surfaced on the RivianForums, where a member highlighted the concern. Rivian subsequently posted a campaign document on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, shedding light on the matter. According to the document, the issue impacts R1T and R1S vehicles manufactured approximately between December…

Caterham, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, has taken the automotive world by storm with the introduction of their latest creation, Project V. This groundbreaking concept car represents a significant departure from Caterham’s traditional offerings, showcasing their commitment to embracing electric mobility. Simultaneously, the company has hinted at a potential market launch for the production version, set to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026, with an enticing price tag below £80,000. Unlike the previously unveiled electric variant of the iconic Caterham Seven, which was initially conceptualized as a conversion, Project V has been meticulously designed as a purpose-built electric…

A video circulating on social media has sparked intrigue among Tesla enthusiasts, as it allegedly showcases a top-secret electric van prototype intended for The Boring Company. The footage, uploaded to Twitter by Las Vegas-based content creator Jacob Orth, has ignited speculation about Tesla’s foray into the people-moving sector. While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, close examination reveals compelling evidence supporting its validity. The vehicle prominently displays the unmistakable Tesla logo on its steering wheel, suggesting a genuine connection to the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer. However, it should be noted that the prototype appears to be in the early…

It has been an eagerly awaited two years since MG surprised the automotive world with the reveal of its cutting-edge Cyberster concept. While a glimpse of the production model was offered a few months ago, the SAIC-owned brand has now delighted enthusiasts by showcasing the interior of the electric roadster. As expected, the cabin design has undergone notable revisions compared to the striking concept car, which boasted an equally remarkable exterior. The upcoming 2024 MG Cyberster sets itself apart as the latest addition to the electric vehicle lineup, featuring a sleek curved screen that seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster…

The BMW Group has announced its outstanding sales performance for the second quarter of 2023, surpassing last year’s figures by over 11 percent. The global vehicle sales during this period reached an impressive 626,726 units, indicating a substantial growth trend. Breaking down the sales data, BMW brand sales soared to 553,369 vehicles, reflecting an increase of 11% compared to the same quarter last year. The year-to-date figures for BMW show a commendable rise of 5%, reaching a total of 1,071,326 units. On the other hand, Mini, a subsidiary of BMW, achieved sales of 71,816 vehicles during the second quarter, showcasing…

In a significant step towards expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) and promoting their adoption, Tritium DCFC has been awarded a contract by the state of Hawaii to manufacture high-speed EV chargers. This order marks the first deployment of funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI), a federal initiative aimed at establishing a widespread network of charging stations across the country. Under NEVI, the United States government plans to allocate $5 billion to states over a five-year period, with the objective of electrifying highways and interstates through the installation of 500,000 chargers. Hawaii, which gained access…