Author: Christopher Harrison

Japanese automaker Toyota has introduced the Bozhi 4X eSUV in China, marking the inaugural model from the Bozhi sub-brand developed through its collaboration with the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). Unveiled in November, the Bozhi 4X shares similarities with the Toyota bZ4X but boasts several upgrades. The Bozhi 4X utilizes the e-TNGA platform, mirroring the bZ4X’s overall dimensions at 4,690 x 1,860 x 1,650 mm. In terms of performance, the entry-level 615 Air trim features a 150kW front motor, reaching 0 to 50 kph in 3.8 seconds. The range-topping 4WD 560 Max trim includes 80 kW motors at the front and…

A consortium of prominent Japanese companies, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Panasonic, and several others, has formed the “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA) to collaboratively advance the development of high-performance semiconductors (SoC) for vehicles. Established earlier this month, ASRA comprises twelve companies, spanning the automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor sectors. The consortium’s primary objective is the joint research and development of in-vehicle chips, with the ambitious goal of introducing these advanced SoCs into mass-produced vehicles by 2030. In the evolving landscape of digitally connected electric vehicles, software plays a pivotal role, with SoCs serving as the backbone for various…

Chinese automaker BYD reported record-breaking sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in December, reaching its annual target of 3 million units for the year 2023. The robust performance in year-end sales contributed to BYD’s eighth consecutive month of record-breaking NEV sales. In December alone, BYD sold 341,043 NEVs, marking a 45 percent increase year-on-year and a 12.96 percent rise from November. This remarkable achievement follows BYD’s strategic shift in March 2022 when the company ceased production and sales of vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines, emphasizing plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. BYD’s NEV portfolio includes both passenger cars…

Kentucky has introduced two new taxes specifically targeting electric vehicles (EVs) effective from January 1st. Strikingly, both levies surpass the corresponding taxes imposed on traditional gas-powered vehicles in terms of energy equivalence. Firstly, EV owners are now subject to an additional annual registration fee of $120, distinctly higher than fees applicable to conventional vehicles. While this fee aligns with measures seen in various U.S. states, it remains a subject of contention, often criticized as a counterproductive tactic influenced by the oil industry. Moreover, Kentucky has implemented an additional charge of 3 cents per kilowatt-hour for public EV charging stations, with…

Tesla has unveiled the electric vehicle models that will continue to qualify for the $7,500 federal incentive following the rule adjustments in 2024. The automaker’s recent statements have highlighted modifications to the eligibility criteria for its electric vehicles concerning the federal tax credit, which now operates as a point-of-sale incentive. The changes in eligibility rules stipulate that 50% of battery minerals and 60% of battery components must originate from North America. These alterations have led to uncertainties among automakers, including Tesla, regarding which vehicles would still retain access to the tax credit or potentially face a reduced credit. Tesla has…

General Motors (GM) is continuing to make the Chevy Bolt EV accessible to consumers despite the announced end of its production, offering the 2023 model for lease at an attractive price point. Priced at $299 per month for a 36-month lease, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV LT remains one of the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) options on the market. Interested parties are urged to act swiftly to take advantage of this opportunity. GM CEO Mary Barra announced in April the decision to conclude production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, aligning with the company’s broader strategy of transitioning…

Canada is anticipated to announce a significant initiative on Tuesday, potentially requiring all new cars sold in the country to be zero-emission by 2035. According to reports from Reuters and CBC News, the transition will unfold gradually, with zero-emission vehicles targeted to represent 20% of all new car sales in 2026, escalating to 60% by 2030 and reaching a complete phase-out by 2035. While not explicitly a ban on internal combustion engines, indications suggest that plug-in hybrids will be included in the zero-emissions category, alongside electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The proposed regulations, known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, reportedly…

Hubject, a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure sector, has unveiled a three-tiered premium service structure for its Intercharge platform. The new offering provides users with the flexibility to choose from different service levels catering to a diverse range of requirements. The three Intercharge levels—Standard, Business, and Enterprise—offer distinct features and pricing to address the evolving needs of the maturing e-mobility market. The “Standard” level encompasses the existing Intercharge product at the most economical rate. The “Business” tier provides users with direct access to Hubject specialists, special service levels, a 99.5% uptime guarantee, and additional features. The…

A recent report by Reuters highlights the intensifying competition within the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, with over 900 companies worldwide vying for strategic locations to deploy fast public chargers. As the specter of global bans on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles looms, the sector has become a magnet for investors, attracting over $12 billion in venture capital funding since 2012, according to data from PitchBook. CEO of Finnish EV charger manufacturer Kempower, Tomi Ristimaki, described the current landscape as a “land grabbing game,” emphasizing the significance of securing optimal locations for fast chargers to ensure sustained electricity sales in…

Scout Motors, the nascent electric truck brand born from the legendary International Harvester Scout, is gearing up for significant expansion by establishing a cutting-edge “Innovation Center” in Novi, Michigan. The strategic move positions Scout Motors to strengthen its focus on research and development, design, and engineering, cementing its presence in the thriving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) innovation. The forthcoming Innovation Center, set to become the nerve center for Scout’s creative endeavors, will house its product, design, and engineering teams, fostering collaboration and cross-functional synergy. This strategic expansion aligns with Scout’s commitment to injecting fresh American ingenuity into the creation…

In a bid to attract increased investment in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Indonesia has announced new regulations offering tax incentives to automakers planning to establish EV plants. The presidential regulation, signed on December 8 and disclosed this week, extends tax benefits to companies already invested in EV manufacturing, those planning to enhance their EV investments, or those intending to make new investments in the sector. The updated rules specifically waive import duties and luxury-goods sales tax on completely built-up EVs imported into the country. Unlike previous regulations, which applied incentives solely to imports of knocked-down vehicles assembled within the…

The Tesla Cybertruck is notably absent from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2024 crash-test list, raising questions about the electric pickup’s crashworthiness evaluation. Due to the Cybertruck’s late delivery event, it missed inclusion in the NHTSA’s initial list, and uncertainties persist regarding whether it will undergo official safety testing. The NHTSA’s list covers approximately 86% of the new vehicle fleet, focusing on widely adopted models like the Cadillac Lyriq, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler. The agency prioritizes testing vehicles that constitute a significant portion of the market. Tesla conducted its own crash testing, ensuring compliance with Federal Motor…