Author: Christopher Harrison

VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced on Friday that it has entered into a share subscription agreement with U.S.-based investment fund Yorkville Advisors. The deal provides VinFast with the option to require Yorkville to subscribe for up to $1 billion worth of ordinary shares, according to a filing with the U.S. securities authority. David Mansfield, VinFast’s Chief Financial Executive, stated, “This new source of equity funding provides us with valuable optionality and access to capital to continue to expand our business globally. While we are under no obligation to draw on the full amount, the transaction aligns with…

Amazon disclosed that it now has 10,000 Rivian electric delivery vans operating in the United States and Europe. This significant expansion of its electric fleet is part of the company’s commitment to put at least 100,000 Rivian electric vans on the road by 2030. In a previous update in July, Amazon stated it had more than 5,000 of these vans in operation. “Our partnership with Rivian continues to accelerate. We have completed 260 million deliveries with Rivian electric vans,” said an Amazon spokesperson. “Our goal remains unchanged: 100,000 electric delivery vans by 2030.” The recent update follows Rivian’s own announcement…

Stellantis has unveiled an ambitious strategic initiative known as “Pro One,” aimed at expanding its commercial vehicle business. With an annual sales volume of 1.6 million commercial vehicles, accounting for one-third of its net revenues, Stellantis is eyeing substantial growth in this segment. To achieve this objective, Stellantis is making a substantial pivot towards electrification and introducing a range of new commercial vehicle models. In an exciting development, Stellantis’ European brands are set to reveal a “fully renewed van lineup” on October 23. These new vans will feature second-generation zero-emission powertrains, a unique hydrogen solution, comprehensive connectivity, and cutting-edge autonomous…

Chevrolet has released previously undisclosed power specifications for the AWD version of its all-electric Blazer EV, according to a report from Car and Driver citing a company spokesperson. The automaker had earlier revealed details solely for the high-performance SS model. The latest information comes as the RS AWD trim is set to be the first to hit dealer showrooms this summer. The lesser AWD trims will offer 288 horsepower (215 kW/292 PS) and 333 lb-ft (451 Nm) of torque, a noticeable downgrade from the top-tier SS model, which boasts 557 hp (415 kW/565 PS) and 648 lb-ft (878 Nm) of…

Toyota Motor Corp, the world’s largest automaker by sales, announced Thursday that it has inked a deal to adopt Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) technology from 2025 onwards. “By aligning ourselves with an established framework like NACS, we are securing our position at the forefront of the electrification movement,” said Hiroshi Kato, Senior Vice President of Toyota. “This decision reflects Toyota’s commitment to creating a more seamless charging infrastructure for our customers.” The agreement stipulates that certain Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including a new Toyota SUV set to be manufactured at the company’s Kentucky plant, will incorporate…

Nissan is set to introduce the world to its latest creation, the Hyper Punk Concept. This avant-garde vehicle is the fourth concept in Nissan’s impressive lineup, boasting a sharp and radical design tailored to a very specific niche market. According to Nissan, the Hyper Punk Concept is envisioned to cater to content creators, influencers, artists, and individuals who embrace style and innovation. With a striking design that pushes the boundaries of automotive aesthetics, this vehicle has a remarkable polygonal surface-dominated exterior and a mesmerizing color-shifting silver paint scheme. Notably, the Hyper Punk is an electric vehicle that manages to maintain…

A pedestrian in San Francisco suffered severe life-threatening injuries after being struck by a human-driven vehicle and subsequently run over by an autonomous vehicle, triggering concerns about the safety and response capabilities of autonomous vehicles during unexpected incidents. The incident unfolded late on a Monday night when a human-driven vehicle struck a pedestrian before leaving the scene. This collision forced the pedestrian directly in front of an autonomous Cruise vehicle, which, regrettably, ran over the injured individual and came to a stop atop her. Cruise, the autonomous vehicle company involved, was quick to clarify that their vehicle was not at…

Nissan has revealed the first in a series of groundbreaking electric concept vehicles slated for debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, now rebranded as the Japan Mobility Show. This inaugural concept, known as the Nissan Hyper Urban, represents a bold foray into sustainable mobility solutions tailored for urban and suburban professionals. The Hyper Urban concept not only showcases Nissan’s visionary approach to design but also offers a tantalizing glimpse into the technological prowess that will define the automaker’s forthcoming electric lineup. The vehicle’s exterior design represents a striking departure from Nissan’s current electric SUV, the Ariya, marked by its…

In a recent update on their official website, Rivian has unveiled an exciting addition to their electric vehicle lineup. The all-electric R1S SUV can now be configured with the new Max Pack battery, boasting an impressive EPA-estimated range of 400 miles. This development was first spotted by a vigilant member of the Rivian Forums community, DuoRivians, who shared a screenshot showcasing the available battery options for the zero-emissions SUV. According to the online configurator, the R1S equipped with the Max Pack starts at a price point of $94,000. This package includes 21-inch road wheels and Rivian’s proprietary dual-motor setup, delivering…

Wrightbus, a renowned bus manufacturer, has inked a significant deal with Sizewell C. This collaboration has the potential to establish one of the largest hydrogen bus fleets globally, with up to 150 hydrogen-powered buses slated to operate on the Sizewell C site. Sizewell C, a new nuclear power station under construction, has taken the first step by ordering four Hydroliners from the Northern Ireland-based manufacturer. These buses will undergo testing to determine their suitability for transporting the thousands of workers involved in the power station’s construction, located near Leiston, Suffolk. The Streetdeck Hydroliners represent a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel-…

Lucid Motors marked a significant milestone as the first production model of the Lucid Air Sapphire, boasting a staggering 1,234 horsepower, rolled off the assembly line at its facility in Casa Grande, Arizona. The announcement follows Lucid’s recent release of the final specifications for this electric performance sedan, with the promise of production commencing in September 2023, and customer deliveries just around the corner. The Lucid Air Sapphire stands as the most potent variant within the Air lineup. Its formidable power comes from twin rear motors complemented by a single motor mounted on the front axle, delivering a jaw-dropping 1,430…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has surged ahead of the American giant Tesla in the Southeast Asian electric car market, according to a report by Reuters, citing data from Counterpoint Research. BYD now commands a 26 percent share of the region’s electric car sales, largely attributed to the popularity of its Atto 3 model. The BYD Atto 3, with a starting price of approximately $US30,000 ($AU46,600) in Thailand, has proven to be a more cost-effective choice for consumers compared to Tesla’s entry-level Model 3, priced at $US57,500 ($AU89,300) in the same market. Thailand has emerged as a pivotal market for…