Author: Christopher Harrison

Hyundai, the South Korean automotive giant, is on a fast track to commence operations at its newly constructed Georgia factory, driven by the allure of significant tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The $7.6 billion facility in Georgia holds the key to unlocking federal Electric Vehicle (EV) incentives aimed at bolstering domestic EV production. Jose Munoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai, recently announced the company’s intensified efforts to kickstart the production of electric vehicles and batteries at their Georgia plant. Munoz made this revelation in Atlanta after formalizing a partnership with Georgia Tech, as reported…

FERNRIDE, an autonomous trucking company headquartered in Munich, has successfully closed an additional $19 million in its ongoing Series A funding round, boosting the total capital raised to an impressive $50 million. This significant influx of funding is poised to bolster FERNRIDE’s position as a frontrunner in the autonomous and electric trucking industry, propelling its growth initiatives. The latest funding round garnered support from influential backers, including Munich Re Ventures and DB Schenker. FERNRIDE has adopted a distinctive approach known as “human-assisted autonomy,” which enables remote takeovers of trucks when circumstances demand it. This approach offers a seamless and reliable…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to California included a noteworthy meeting with Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, culminating in a tour of the Tesla Fremont plant and a thrilling ride in the highly anticipated Cybertruck. The visit was marked by lighthearted banter, with Musk playfully referencing DeLorean jokes during the factory tour. The tour’s grand finale was a high-speed Cybertruck ride with Musk at the wheel, leaving Netanyahu visibly impressed and eliciting remarks such as “this is the future” and “we are living in the future.” The Cybertruck demonstration took place on the factory grounds, where Elon Musk showcased the…

When Tesla relaunched its referral program earlier this year, it introduced a range of enticing rewards for those who had accumulated credits. Among these new incentives was the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes with the grand prize being one of the first production Cybertruck electric pickup trucks, available for 500 credits. More recently, as reported by Electrek, Tesla has added another sweepstakes, allowing participants to vie for a Model 3 Performance. For 1,000 of their hard-earned credits, members of the Tesla referral program can place their name in the draw to potentially win a Model 3 Performance in a scheduled…

The United Kingdom may extend the timeline for banning the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from 2030 to 2035, according to reports. This shift in policy, which is yet to be officially confirmed but has been reported by BBC News, would bring the UK in line with European countries within the European Union who have also set a 2035 deadline for such bans. The potential change is part of a broader reevaluation of climate commitments by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s government as it strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Chancellor Sunak hinted at the policy adjustment, stating, “I…

In a bid to conquer North America’s fiercely competitive pickup truck segment, Tesla is leaving no stone unturned in testing its upcoming Cybertruck in various conditions and terrains. The Cybertruck aims to be a versatile and capable offering, capable of going head-to-head with rivals in terms of practicality, efficiency, and performance, whether on the road or off the beaten track. Recent sightings of Tesla Cybertruck release candidate (RC) vehicles in Northern California’s Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, near San Jose, offer a glimpse into the electric truck’s off-road capabilities. A YouTube enthusiast known as MuddyRuttzz, despite identifying as a…

Toyota, known for its cautious approach to electric vehicles (EVs), has recently demonstrated its own gigacasting technology at its Myochi plant in Japan. This move comes as the automaker, historically slow to embrace electric mobility, announced plans to manufacture 3.5 million EVs annually by 2030. Toyota’s decision to develop its gigapress technology is in line with the growing industry trend towards producing larger vehicle components with fewer parts. The gigacasting process was showcased as molten aluminum was poured into a mold, resulting in a single piece that forms the entire rear third of a vehicle chassis. Traditionally, creating this portion…

In a significant move towards bolstering Central Texas’ public transportation and reducing carbon emissions, the Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro) has confirmed an order for 26 Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot electric buses from bus manufacturer New Flyer. This purchase comes as part of an existing five-year contract between the two entities. The latest addition to CapMetro’s fleet will be deployed on four new transit lines within Austin, forming an integral part of CapMetro’s Rapid project. The project’s primary objective is to enhance public transportation across Central Texas while significantly decreasing CO2 emissions. New Flyer, a subsidiary of the NFI Group,…

In a groundbreaking real-world test conducted by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) Run On Less program, Tesla’s electric Semi has showcased its mettle as a formidable workhorse. The results of this independent test reveal promising data regarding the truck’s range and charging capabilities. Last week, we reported that Tesla’s electric trucks managed to cover over 300 miles on a single charge, although payload details remained undisclosed. It has now come to light that one of PepsiCo’s three Tesla Semis participating in the program achieved an astounding feat, covering a staggering 1,600 miles in under 48 hours with…

In a noteworthy debut at Climate Week NYC, MINI has showcased its latest offering, the Countryman Electric, set to make its way to the United States in the fall of 2024. With promises of enhanced utility, a “fun to drive” experience, and that unmistakable MINI design, the Countryman Electric has generated substantial buzz. While detailed U.S. specifications are yet to be disclosed, the international version of the Countryman Electric will be available with two distinct electric powertrains. The entry-level Countryman E boasts a single motor delivering 201 horsepower (150 kW / 204 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.…

NIO is making strides in its ambitious chip development efforts, according to a recent report by local automotive media outlet HiEV. While NIO had previously focused on autonomous driving (AD) chips in its public communications, new details have emerged about the company’s expansion into smart cockpit-oriented chips. NIO’s first foray into chip development will involve a 7nm process-based chip, primarily intended for smart cockpit applications. Notably, Samsung will manufacture this chip, underlining NIO’s commitment to securing top-tier production partners. The head of NIO’s chip development team hails from Huawei’s HiSilicon chip design arm, bringing valuable expertise to the project. NIO’s…

Tesla has marked a significant milestone by installing its 50,000th Supercharging stall. This newly unveiled charging station has captured attention due to its unique features that set it apart from the standard design. The 50,000th Supercharger stall boasts a striking all-red appearance, a departure from the usual white and red color scheme. Notably, the shade of red used closely resembles the Ultra Red color featured on the Model S and Model X vehicles. A distinctive label reading “No 50,000” can also be spotted near the bottom of the dispenser. https://twitter.com/TeslaCharging/status/1702472377534500919 While Tesla has kept the exact location under wraps, enthusiasts…