Author: Christopher Harrison

Vitesco Technologies, a powertrain supplier, has recently secured a significant deal with Rohm Semiconductor, worth over $1 billion, to obtain energy-efficient silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. This long-term partnership between the two companies, which began in 2020, forms the foundation of the newly signed agreement. Under this deal, Vitesco Technologies’ inverters integrated with SiC chips from Rohm will be utilized in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains by two major car manufacturers. The company plans to commence the supply of the first series project as early as 2024, surpassing the initial timeline expectations set when the collaboration was announced. Vitesco CEO Andreas…

Hyundai Motor is considering aligning its vehicles with Tesla’s charging standard in North America, according to the CEO of the South Korean automaker, Jaehoon Chang. With Tesla’s Superchargers accounting for about 60% of available fast chargers in the United States, companies like Ford and General Motors have recently entered agreements with Tesla to utilize its charging technology, now known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Chang stated, “That’s what we will look into from the customer’s perspective,” during his remarks to analysts at the automaker’s investor day. He emphasized that Hyundai would evaluate the option of joining the coalition…

Tailwind, a company specializing in garage door controllers, has introduced a new app for Android Auto that allows drivers to control their garage doors directly from their vehicles. This development comes as Android Auto’s app store expands with a variety of services, offering users a wider range of functionalities. The Tailwind app, now available on the Play Store, enables users to control up to three garage doors and provides real-time information about their status. Operating the app is a straightforward process: users simply open the app and press a single button to either open or close their garage doors. Although…

The Tesla Model Y continues its impressive ascent in the automotive industry, solidifying its position as a top contender in the global market. Following its triumph as the world’s best-selling passenger car in the first quarter of 2023, the Model Y has maintained its exceptional sales growth in the United States. Data provided by Experian and reported by Automotive News reveals that Tesla’s flagship model experienced a staggering surge in registrations, reaching 127,541 in the first four months of 2023—double the figures from the previous year. Remarkably, the Model Y claimed the coveted spot as the second most popular vehicle…

ve, an electric aircraft manufacturer, and Blade Air Mobility have announced an expansion of their partnership to integrate Eve’s upcoming flying car into Blade’s European route network, beginning with France. This collaboration, revealed during the Paris Airshow, follows previous agreements between the two companies to utilize Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) in India and the United States. Eve, which is owned by Brazilian planemaker Embraer, is slated to commence commercial operations of its vehicle by 2026. The latest memorandum of understanding between Eve and Blade will see Blade concentrating on developing practical applications for air mobility, including…

French energy company Engie Group has unveiled its new subsidiary, Engie Vianeo, which is dedicated to providing charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). With a focus on decarbonizing mobility, Engie Vianeo plans to deploy 12,000 EV charge points across France by 2025. Starting this June, EV drivers in France will become acquainted with the Engie Vianeo brand as the company initiates the rollout of its services, beginning with an initial network of 1,000 charge points nationwide. These charge points are already operational and encompass over 800 locations on major motorway networks such as APRR, SANEF, Vinci Autoroutes, and ESSO (Certas…

In a notable development, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has recently filed a patent for a cutting-edge steer-by-wire system. This technology, previously reported on by Electrek, marks a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to incorporate steer-by-wire capabilities into their line of electric vehicles. The steer-by-wire system revolutionizes traditional steering mechanisms by replacing mechanical linkages with electrical or electromechanical systems. By relying solely on these innovative systems, Tesla aims to enhance efficiency, introduce improved steering configurations, and provide greater flexibility in designing the vehicle’s cockpit. However, it is worth noting that numerous markets currently mandate the inclusion of mechanical linkages…

Polestar, the renowned Swedish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced on Monday its collaboration with Xingji Meizu to establish a joint venture. The purpose of this partnership is to develop an advanced operating system for Polestar cars sold exclusively in China, incorporating cutting-edge smart technologies within their vehicles. This joint venture underscores the Geely group’s ongoing efforts to tailor automobiles specifically for the Chinese market. Xingji Meizu, which is owned by Geely chairman Li Shufu, holds a significant stake in Polestar and exerts control as the largest shareholder of Volvo Cars, further solidifying the connections within the Geely family. See also:…

Ola Electric, an Indian startup that has gained significant traction in the motorcycle industry, is poised to make a splash on the global stage. Known for its popular S1 electric scooter, which has brought electric mobility to the masses in India, Ola Electric has been making impressive strides in the country’s market. The company has established its Futurefactory production facility, a testament to its rapid growth. Ola Electric has invested heavily in developing the factory, with the ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 10 million electric vehicles annually. Currently, the company sells approximately 30,000 scooters each month, with an average…

Luminar has joined forces with Plus, a self-driving technology company, to develop technology for autonomous trucks. This collaboration aims to focus on the advancement of “highly automated driving and fully autonomous driving systems” specifically designed for commercial vehicle manufacturers. Under the terms of their agreement, Luminar, based in Orlando, will supply mid to long-range lidar sensors for PlusDrive, the factory-installed driving system for trucks. In return, Plus, headquartered in Cupertino, California, will provide Luminar with AI-based enhanced driver assist software. Luminar has gained prominence in the lidar industry and recently secured extended deals with renowned automakers like Polestar and Mercedes…

Opel has recently unveiled its plans for electrifying its model range by announcing that the successor to the Opel Crossland B-SUV, set to launch in 2024, will be available with an all-electric drivetrain. This strategic move is part of Opel’s commitment to sustainable mobility and represents a significant step towards embracing electric vehicles across its product portfolio. Opel’s CEO, Florian Huettl, highlighted the company’s dedication to providing customers with emission-free mobility, stating, “With the successor to the Crossland, we aim to offer battery-electric driving across our entire model range, enabling our customers to access locally emissions-free mobility in all our…

In a significant development within the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly contemplating the adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). If the German automaker proceeds, it would join the growing list of major car manufacturers embracing Tesla’s charging connector. Recently, notable players such as Ford and General Motors announced their decision to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector for their vehicles starting in 2025. This move has triggered a ripple effect, leading charging companies like Blink and ChargePoint to follow suit. However, other prominent automakers are also exploring the possibility of incorporating Tesla’s connector. Earlier this week, we shared that Stellantis…