Author: Christopher Harrison

AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam gold mine in Western Australia is currently hosting the inaugural trial of the Sandvik TH665B, the world’s largest battery-electric underground mining truck. This remarkable vehicle features an electric driveline with a robust 630kW (858hp) power output and is equipped with a 354kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) battery, setting a new standard for sustainability in mining operations. One of the standout features of this prototype Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) truck is its ability to transport an impressive maximum payload of 65,000kg while producing zero emissions and generating 80% less heat, potentially revolutionizing underground mining practices. Andrew…

Tesla’s Supercharger network has seen an expansion of CCS1-compatible charging stations in North America. After the launch of the first non-Tesla Supercharger in the United States earlier this year, the company had been relatively quiet on further expansion. However, recent reports suggest that these charging stalls equipped with Magic Dock technology have begun to surface in various locations, including Texas, Canada, and Alaska. Testing the functionality of these CCS1-compatible plugs has been a crucial step in ensuring their effectiveness. Notably, installers in Texas reportedly utilized the Ford F-150 Lightning for this purpose, while workers in Alaska opted for Rivian’s electric…

California’s state leaders marked a significant achievement on Monday, celebrating the installation of 10,000 fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) ahead of schedule. The celebratory event took place at the El Mercado Plaza Shopping Center in Union City, where newly installed EVgo direct current fast chargers, funded by the state, were showcased. This accomplishment fulfills the goal set by then-Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. Since the announcement of that goal, the number of fast chargers has nearly quadrupled, surging from 2,657 to over 10,000 today. As per data from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center, California…

BMW is charting its course towards an electrified future with a substantial €100 million investment in an innovative battery testing center at its Wackersdorf site in Upper Palatinate, Germany. With plans for seamless integration into the existing infrastructure, the facility is on track to commence operations by mid-2024. The earmarked investment primarily focuses on bolstering test bench technology and enhancing the current infrastructure. Structural enhancements are already in progress, including the installation of a new floor slab for the building. Once fully operational, this state-of-the-art center will house an array of advanced “battery testers.” These cutting-edge devices will meticulously evaluate…

Quebec, a Canadian province renowned for its rich critical mineral resources, has entered into discussions with battery manufacturers and automobile companies to secure approximately C$15 billion (approximately $11 billion USD) in investments over the next three years. This ambitious endeavor aims to bolster the development of electric vehicle (EV) supply chains, as revealed by Guy LeBlanc, CEO of Investissement Quebec, the government-owned investment firm. Quebec’s strategy revolves around leveraging its abundant critical mineral resources and the pre-established EV supply chain infrastructure to entice companies to establish their presence in the province. This move seeks to assist automakers in diversifying their…

In a recent statement, Volkswagen announced its decision to produce its highly anticipated Trinity electric vehicles (EV) at the Zwickau factory. This choice follows a supervisory board meeting during which the location for this prestigious EV project was deliberated. Volkswagen emphasized that there is no necessity to construct an additional plant in Wolfsburg Warmenau, a notable departure from earlier plans. Instead, the company’s flagship Golf model will forge ahead into the electric era, remaining at its primary Wolfsburg plant. The Trinity electric car, built upon the new SSP platform, had initially been slated for a 2026 release. However, shortly after…

Ford Motor’s Chief Executive, Jim Farley, has alleged that the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is obstructing progress on a new U.S. labor agreement in an attempt to coerce the automaker into granting new battery plant workers the same top wages as those in assembly plants. Farley has also shed light on Ford’s current wait for “final language” from the U.S. Treasury regarding the eligibility of batteries produced at a forthcoming Michigan facility, which will employ Chinese technology, for tax credits. Farley stated, “The UAW is holding the deal hostage over battery plants,” expressing concerns that a less favorable agreement…

Lucid Motors, the California-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is gearing up for a head-to-head competition with European luxury car giants Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW on their home turf. The company has inaugurated a new EV retail studio in the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, located on the renowned Königsallee, a prestigious shopping boulevard synonymous with flagship luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. This marks Lucid’s second retail location in Germany and its fifth in Europe, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence overseas. Zak Edson, Vice President of Sales and Service at Lucid, expressed enthusiasm about the…

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken legal action against Tesla, filing a lawsuit that alleges the automaker’s complicity in creating a hostile work environment for its Black employees at the Fremont, California factory. The lawsuit, with roots dating back to at least 2015, asserts disturbing instances of racial harassment and inadequate responses by the company. The EEOC, responsible for enforcing civil rights laws within workplaces, has brought forward serious allegations. The lawsuit claims that Tesla allowed non-Black employees to openly use racial slurs and epithets in areas highly trafficked by workers and around production lines. Furthermore, it…

In the realm of the United States’ electric vehicle (EV) market, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Tesla. The American automaker has not only pioneered electric mobility but has also compelled its competitors to occupy low-volume niches as they grapple with the dual challenges of market penetration and profitability. Despite hefty investments poured into EV development, production, and marketing by various automakers in the U.S., the results have been modest at best. Recent data from S&P Global Mobility underscores this point, revealing that only Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y have achieved sales figures substantial enough to…

Fisker has revealed its intention to raise substantial capital through a strategic financial maneuver. The company has announced plans to offer $170,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 0% senior unsecured convertible notes due in 2025. This move comes as part of Fisker’s broader strategy to accelerate deliveries, expand its growth trajectory, and fast-track its vehicle programs. The financing initiative is directed towards an existing institutional investor and is set to result in gross proceeds of $150,000,000 for Fisker. These Notes are being issued in accordance with a Securities Purchase Agreement initially established on July 10, 2023, and subsequently amended on…

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a prominent labor union, has called upon U.S. auto safety regulators to deny General Motors’ (GM.N) petition seeking an exemption from vehicle safety standards for its autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise Origin. In July, Ann Carlson, the acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced that a decision on Cruise’s petition would be made “in the coming weeks.” Cruise had sought approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles annually, featuring no human controls such as steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals, or windshield wipers. Sean O’Brien, President of the 1.2-million-member Teamsters Union, expressed…