Author: Christopher Harrison

Aito, the energy vehicle (NEV) brand backed by tech behemoth Huawei, has recently commenced pre-sales for its eagerly anticipated flagship SUV, the Aito M9. The official launch of this high-tech vehicle is scheduled for the end of this year, promising to usher in a new era of smart, electric mobility. Enthusiasts and prospective buyers can now secure their spot by placing a pre-order with a pre-order entitlement fee of 5,000 Chinese yuan ($680), as showcased on the dedicated Aito M9 page on Huawei’s online store. The Aito M9 will be available in two electrifying versions: an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV)…

Tesla continues to broaden its Supercharger network accessibility for electric vehicles (EVs) beyond its own brand, with the recent opening of the first CCS1-compatible EV Supercharging station in Alaska, located in Chugiak near Anchorage. This newly equipped Supercharger station now features V3 Supercharging stalls, incorporating built-in CCS1 adapters referred to as “Magic Dock.” Tesla has explicitly stated that this particular Supercharger station is open to both Tesla vehicles and non-Tesla EVs equipped with CCS compatibility. In Alaska, there are currently only two Supercharger sites, with the second one in Soldotna not yet included in the non-Tesla Supercharging pilot. For non-Tesla…

BMW, the renowned German automaker, is set to undergo a substantial transformation in its model naming strategy in preparation for the anticipated rollout of its “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle series, slated for 2025. According to reports from “CAR” magazine, citing official EU trademark filings and insider sources within BMW, the forthcoming electric variants will adopt a revised nomenclature, distinguishing them from their internal combustion engine counterparts. Under this revised system, BMW’s iconic X3 SUV model will see conventional internal combustion engine iterations bearing designations such as X320 and X330, while electric variants will incorporate the letter “i” as a prefix,…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO has officially denied recent reports suggesting plans for a substantial capital raise. The rumors sparked widespread discussion and led to market speculation regarding the company’s financial future. In response to the reports, a spokesperson for NIO made a succinct statement, categorically denying the claims without delving into further details. However, the company later issued a formal statement to address the matter, emphasizing its lack of any ongoing capital-raising activities beyond a recently completed convertible note offering. NIO’s full statement reads as follows: “NIO Inc. (NYSE: NIO; HKEX: 9866; SGX: NIO) (“NIO” or the “Company”) is…

The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) has given the green light to the acquisition of 57 New Flyer hydrogen-powered, fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). This monumental procurement is poised to become the most extensive purchase of FCEBs in North America, signaling a significant leap in eco-friendly public transportation. Anticipated for late 2024, METRO is set to welcome 57 new FCEBs into its fleet, comprising forty-eight 40-foot buses and nine 60-foot articulated buses. The majority of these buses will find their purpose in the Watsonville service area, as METRO commits to serving this region exclusively…

Tesla has extended the estimated delivery times for its Model S and Model X in the United States. This delay follows a significant reduction in the prices of these models, a strategy that appears to have sparked heightened consumer interest. Just a few months ago, Tesla made headlines by slashing the prices of the Model S and Model X by substantial amounts, ranging from €12,600 to €17,200, translating to a noteworthy decrease of 15.3% to 18.8% depending on the specific version. Notably, this price adjustment made the entry-level Model X, which boasts a starting MSRP of €74,540, eligible for a…

Nissan Ariya has successfully crossed the equator line in Quito, Ecuador, as part of an extraordinary journey from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to Antarctica. Spearheaded by the adventurous duo of Chris and Julie Ramsey, this ambitious pole-to-pole expedition has already covered more than 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles). Earlier this month, the intrepid husband-and-wife team embarked on their journey, traversing North and Central America, even taking in a Formula E race in Portland. To conquer diverse and challenging road conditions, their Nissan Ariya underwent modifications, including a lifted suspension, robust wheels, widened wheel fenders, and the addition of a roof-mounted…

Webasto, a provider of automotive solutions, has unveiled an innovative telemetry service aimed at revolutionizing the monitoring and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) traction batteries. The company’s retrofittable Field Data Monitoring hardware module promises to empower vehicle manufacturers with advanced diagnostic capabilities, remote maintenance options, and the potential for extended warranty services. Field Data Monitoring operates by transmitting vital performance parameters from the EV’s battery to Webasto’s cloud-based backend. This invaluable stream of data furnishes manufacturers with comprehensive insights into their vehicle batteries’ current performance and overall condition. In addition to real-time performance metrics, customers gain access to extended diagnostic…

Zunder, a Spanish charging infrastructure company, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Beroil, a petrol station operator, to expand high-power charging (HPC) facilities in Spain. However, it’s worth noting that this partnership encompasses fewer than half of Beroil’s petrol station locations, which total 35 across ten autonomous regions in Spain. Despite being one of the smaller petrol station chains in the country, Beroil is set to significantly enhance its HPC offerings with 80 charging points through this initiative. Zunder’s announcement does not specify a precise timeline for the implementation of these charging points. Assuming an even distribution, the plan…

Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Indian automotive giant Mahindra and Mahindra, is a well-known custodian of Jawa Motorcycles in the Indian market, renowned for its retro-inspired cruiser motorcycles like the Jawa 42, Perak, and Bobber. Joining the league of major motorcycle manufacturers venturing into the electric domain, Classic Legends has embarked on an electric motorcycle project. What sets this endeavor apart is Classic Legends’ collaboration with the University of Warwick in England. The goal is to develop the company’s maiden electric motorcycle, with aspirations of unveiling it globally in 2024. While Classic Legends’ electric motorcycle project primarily targets the UK…

ZeroAvia, a pioneer in the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion for aircraft, has secured additional funding to support the continued advancement of its zero-emission aviation technology. The company’s ultimate goal is to enable emissions-free flights aboard 76-seat aircraft, and this latest financing round includes notable investments from Airbus, Barclays, and NEOM, the innovative “living laboratory” in Saudi Arabia. ZeroAvia has consistently achieved significant milestones along its ambitious development timeline, spanning a decade. Notably, the company has obtained experimental flight certificates from both the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These achievements were realized in the…

Hyundai has taken a notable step by submitting a trademark application for the name “N74” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), prompting speculation about the potential development of a new sports car. This move is seen as a nod to the eye-catching N Vision 74 Concept car unveiled last year, which itself paid homage to the iconic 1974 concept known as Pony. The N Vision 74 Concept, unveiled in July 2022, garnered attention for its innovative features, including a hydrogen fuel cell and a dual-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain capable of delivering an impressive 671 horsepower (500 kilowatts) and 664…