Author: Christopher Harrison

Munich-based solar technology firm Sono Motors has recently entered into investment agreements with New Yorkville, a hedge fund based in New York. The move is expected to facilitate the restructuring of Sono Motors, effectively concluding the self-administration proceedings initiated in May 2023, and allowing the company to resume its solar integration business. While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, Sono Motors has expressed confidence that this transaction, contingent on specific conditions, will furnish the necessary financing for its operational activities through at least the conclusion of 2024. The finalization of contracts with Yorkville and the anticipated termination of insolvency proceedings…

Chinese self-driving company WeRide has received regulatory approval to commence commercial operations of its driverless taxi service in Beijing. Headquartered in Guangzhou, WeRide confirmed its ability to charge for autonomous rides in Yizhuang, an established pilot zone for automated transport within the Chinese capital. This recent permit marks the culmination of a process that commenced over a year ago. WeRide initially gained approval for driverless road tests in the Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone in October 2022. These tests allowed locals to hail fully autonomous taxis via the WeRide app, serving designated locations across an 87-square-mile area, including…

Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s largest automaker, is reinforcing its commitment to electric vehicle (EV) production despite a temporary suspension of operations at its main factory in the country. The move reflects the company’s strategic shift towards EVs amid industry speculation of a slowdown in the market. On Monday, Hyundai announced its decision to temporarily halt activities at the Asan plant in South Korea, with the suspension scheduled between December 31, 2023, and February 13, 2024. Hyundai plans to resume operations the following day. Contrary to prevailing notions of a decelerating EV market, Hyundai is asserting its confidence in the sector.…

Nissan’s legendary sports car, the Skyline, is slated to undergo a transformative shift into an all-electric powerhouse, encompassing both a high-performance SUV and a sleek fastback model, according to a recent report. Originating in 1969 through the merger with the Prince Motor Company, the Skyline has undergone several iterations, with the GT-R version emerging later in the same year, gaining acclaim for its enhanced power and handling. The pinnacle of its evolution arrived in 1989 with the introduction of the iconic R32 Skyline GT-R, affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” after dominating the 90s automotive landscape and serving as a precursor to the…

Autocraft EV Solutions, a player in EV battery testing, repair, and remanufacturing on a global scale, has initiated operations at its newly established facility in Arnhem, The Netherlands. This move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance support for the automotive industry in optimizing the full potential of EV batteries in pursuit of net-zero objectives. Against the backdrop of a surge in electric vehicle ownership and a subsequent rise in the need for EV battery repairs, the newly operational facility is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the battery performance and sustainability objectives of major EV manufacturers…

Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor is steadfast in its plans to expand its presence in Europe, even in the face of an ongoing anti-subsidy investigation. Following its establishment in Germany and the UK, the company now aims to further extend its reach to eight additional European markets, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland. According to a report from local media outlet Sina Tech, Great Wall Motor’s overseas brand, GWM, is actively planning for local production and sales in Europe. The company is in the process of selecting a site for a research and development center,…

South Korean battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution (LGES), is undergoing leadership changes as it embarks on the second phase of its battery expansion strategy. The company has revealed that the current CEO, Kwon Young-soo, will step down next year, passing the baton to President Kim Dong-Myung. In an official statement, LG Energy Solution expressed confidence in Kim Dong-myung’s leadership abilities, citing his proven track record in the battery industry and entrepreneurial success. Kim is set to lead LG Energy Solution 2.0, accompanied by several new appointments, including Choi Seung-dun, the Head of Automotive Battery Research and Development, who has been…

Daimler Buses has delivered the first series vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell to Verkehrsbetriebe Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV) in Germany. RNV was one of the first eCitaro customers at the premiere of the battery-electric solo bus in 2019. The battery-electric eCitaro G articulated buses will follow in April 2022. And now the first eCitaro G buses with fuel cell range extenders have been delivered – RNV ordered these vehicles in October 2022. The close relationship between Daimler Buses and RNV is no coincidence: the bus plant in Mannheim is the competence center for Daimler Buses’ city buses – including…

MG Motor UK’s MG5 EV has achieved a prestigious five-star rating from Green NCAP, a renowned European independent emissions assessment program. This marks the first evaluation of an MG Motor UK model by Green NCAP, with the MG5 EV securing an impressive overall score of 95%, placing it among the top five models tested in 2023. Green NCAP assesses vehicles based on three key criteria: Clean Air, Energy Efficiency, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As a fully-electric model, the MG5 EV excelled in the Clean Air tests, earning a perfect 10/10 score. In terms of Energy Efficiency, the vehicle received a…

Austrian companies Keba and Easelink have entered into a collaboration to introduce automated charging solutions for electric vehicles in residential settings. Customers purchasing Keba wall boxes now have the option to incorporate Easelink’s Matrix Charging, streamlining the charging process upon parking their electric vehicles. Easelink’s automated charging system involves a connector plate positioned on the vehicle’s underbody and a stationary charging pad installed in the parking space. Upon parking, the charging plate descends onto the pad, establishing a conductive charging connection. This setup, resembling a wireless solution, is noted for its lower energy transfer losses. The integration of Easelink’s Matrix…

Archer Aviation, the Californian electric aircraft startup, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air Chateau International, a private aviation operator in the UAE, for the possible purchase of up to 100 Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The deal, valued at approximately $500 million, materialized following an exhibition at the Dubai Air Show 2023. As part of the agreement, Air Chateau has committed to an initial non-refundable pre-delivery payment of $1 million by December 31, 2023. The purchase is contingent on the successful formalization of definitive agreements, with additional pre-delivery payments of $4 million anticipated following the signing of these agreements.…

Japanese automaker Toyota continues its strategic expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) globally, with a particular focus on China. In collaboration with China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Toyota recently presented two concept models at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, offering a glimpse into its dedicated efforts in the region. One of the showcased models, named “Comfortable Space” in Chinese, made its debut in prototype form, providing a preview of an anticipated production model slated for a 2025 release. Produced through the GAC Toyota joint venture, the electric sedan is poised to be exclusively available in the Chinese market. See also:…