Author: Christopher Harrison

Geely’s electric car brand, Zeekr, has initiated pre-sales for its two models, the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X, marking their entry into the European market. The Netherlands and Sweden have been selected as the first two European markets, with pricing details now made public. Having announced the Zeekr 001 and the new Zeekr X model for the European market back in April, the brand’s inaugural model, the Zeekr 001 Shooting Brake, which has been available in China since October 2021, will now be offered in Europe. The Zeekr X, a compact car with SUV features, will also be made available.…

In a recent interview with Autocar, Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen, firmly put an end to speculations about the revival of the iconic Beetle. Schafer drew parallels with the discontinued Scirocco model, referring to the Beetle as a “dead end” for the brand. Despite its status as a legendary nameplate, the Beetle will not be making a comeback in an all-electric form, as Volkswagen’s focus lies on advancing toward a future of sustainable mobility. Interestingly, the Beetle recently found a digital reincarnation in the animated superhero movie “Miraculous” on Netflix. However, Schafer quickly dismissed the possibility of the Beetle’s return,…

In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Tesla’s electric-vehicle charging technology is swiftly advancing towards becoming the North American standard. This progress further bolsters Tesla’s ambitious plan to expand access to its once-exclusive charging network. Over the past few weeks, Tesla’s charging technology has gained considerable traction, with Volvo Car joining the ranks of General Motors, Ford, and Rivian in embracing Tesla’s charging design. This move signifies a departure from earlier attempts by the Biden administration to establish the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the predominant charging standard in the United States. SAE International, a renowned standards…

Lordstown Motors, the prominent U.S. electric truck manufacturer challenging the legacy Detroit automakers, has filed for bankruptcy protection and initiated the process of seeking a buyer. The company’s financial woes stem from a failed resolution regarding a promised investment from Taiwan’s Foxconn, leading to a drastic 35% drop in Lordstown’s shares on the Nasdaq exchange. While Lordstown’s bankruptcy follows a series of similar setbacks for EV startups that went public during the pandemic-driven SPAC boom, its high-profile status and geographical significance in Ohio make it a notable case. According to Thomas Hayes, Chairman at hedge fund Great Hill Capital, the…

In a move towards sustainable firefighting solutions, the Vienna Professional Fire Department has introduced two electrically powered basic firefighting vehicles (BLF) to its fleet. Manufactured by Rosenbauer, these innovative vehicles are equipped with a high-voltage battery boasting a capacity of 66 kWh, while two electric motors deliver a peak electrical drive power of 360 kW. To ensure operational flexibility during longer missions or in the event of a prolonged power failure, the vehicles are equipped with a 225 kW diesel range extender known as the Energy Backup System (EBU), a technology developed by Rosenbauer. Additionally, the electric motors are sourced…

ZeroAvia, a player in the field of electric aircraft propulsion, has recently announced significant orders from three separate customers. These agreements entail the delivery of a minimum of 350 cutting-edge hydrogen-electric powertrains, marking a major milestone in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. Flyshare, a Los Angeles-based company, has emerged as the first customer, placing an order for 250 ZA2000 hydrogen-electric powertrains. Flyshare intends to launch a “sustainable regional air service” named Air Cahana along the US West Coast. In its initial phase, the airline plans to incorporate other eco-friendly technologies, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the goal of…

German automotive manufacturer MAN has recently received approval for four funding projects from the Bavarian state government, amounting to nearly €25 million. The funds are part of a technology funding program aimed at advancing the development of high-voltage batteries for electric trucks and buses. While one sub-project is still awaiting approval, the four approved projects have been granted a total of €24,160,400. The remaining funding is expected to be around €5 to €6 million, as Bavaria had initially pledged approximately €30 million for the initiative. See also: DB Schenker to Electrify Fleet with 100 New MAN eTrucks by 2026 MAN…

Goodwood Festival of Speed is about to witness a groundbreaking moment as Caterham gears up to unveil their latest creation, Project V. While the event will showcase numerous electric vehicles, Project V stands out by marking the end of an era. This upcoming electric Caterham is not just another EV; it represents a revolution with its front fenders and a roof, challenging the traditional Caterham design. Before Project V, Caterham introduced the EV Seven, their first foray into electric vehicles. The EV Seven retained the classic Caterham design while adopting an electrified powertrain. This predecessor serves as a glimpse into…

In a strategic move aimed at improving profitability and ensuring long-term competitiveness, Nova Bus, a subsidiary of the Volvo Group, has announced its decision to exit bus production in the US market. The company plans to close its manufacturing and delivery facility in Plattsburgh by 2025, focusing its operations on its Canadian facilities in Saint-Eustache and Saint-François-du-Lac, Quebec, for orders from the North American market. The choice to discontinue bus production in the US comes after a careful evaluation of the profitability of this segment, which has been plagued by sustained financial losses over the years, according to Anna Westerberg,…

Volkswagen Group’s Chief Financial Officer is optimistic about the automaker’s ability to produce affordable electric vehicles (EVs) through the use of new, cost-effective battery materials and efficient manufacturing processes. The company’s recent announcement of a massive €180 billion ($200 billion) investment in March underscores its commitment to accelerating EV production and maintaining its position as a market leader. With a significant portion of the investment, approximately 68%, allocated to electrification and digitalization efforts, Volkswagen intends to drive profits by reducing costs while simultaneously enabling the production of more affordable EV models. One of the key areas of focus for the…

Over 120 companies are joining forces to introduce an innovative concept called “battery passports,” leveraging blockchain technology to enable battery owners to track the complete history of their batteries. Leading automakers, including Honda, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, General Motors, Stellantis, and BMW, are part of this consortium. Starting from 2026, the European Union will mandate the use of digital passports for batteries. These passports will serve as comprehensive digital records, documenting various crucial aspects such as the battery’s supply chain, the source of its materials, the proportion of recycled components, associated carbon dioxide emissions, and the inclusion of human rights protections.…

German defence company and automotive supplier, Rheinmetall, has introduced an advanced heat pump designed specifically for electric vehicles. This cutting-edge solution, presented as a plug-and-play system, comes as a fully assembled and pre-filled compact component. The versatile heat pump is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt applications and has been meticulously engineered to provide precise air conditioning for vehicle interiors while intelligently regulating the temperature of batteries and electric drive components. With a remarkable cooling capacity of up to 8 kW and a heating power of up to 11 kW, it effectively caters to battery and hybrid systems. Rheinmetall’s plug-and-play…