Author: David Smith

ATM Milan, the operator of the city’s public transport system, is ramping up efforts to achieve a fully emission-free bus fleet by 2030, with significant investments and infrastructure upgrades underway. Currently, ATM boasts approximately 250 electric buses in its fleet, with plans to increase this number to 300 by the end of 2024. Out of a total fleet size of 1,200 vehicles, the operator is eyeing a complete transition to electric buses within the next decade. “The electrification project for us is the key project, the most important one. We are changing 1200 buses: from diesel to electric,” ATM’s CEO…

Liebherr and Fortescue Metals Group are advancing towards the deployment of the world’s first zero-emissions autonomous hauling solutions (AHS) for mining, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. The Swiss-German construction machine manufacturer and Australian mining specialist began their partnership in June 2022, focusing on developing sustainable technologies for mining operations. Since last year, the partners have been conducting trials of Liebherr’s T264 trucks, powered by full battery electric and hydrogen variants, at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mining site in Pilbara, Western Australia. These 291-ton trucks emit only water vapor during operation, aligning with Fortescue’s commitment to eliminate diesel use…

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is set to launch a Battery as a Service (BaaS) offering for its electric vehicles in South Korea in the second half of this year, aimed at enhancing accessibility in the domestic market. A company official stated that the service is currently in the demonstration stage, with utilization plans to be rolled out upon completion. However, HMG faces a legal challenge in introducing BaaS due to the current ‘Automobile Management Act’ in South Korea, which prevents companies from separating battery ownership from the vehicle. The government is working on an amendment to allow interested companies, including…

Tesla has unveiled its highly anticipated Quicksilver paint option for the reengineered Model 3 sedan manufactured at its Giga Shanghai facility, marking a significant expansion in customization offerings for consumers in the region. Priced at RMB 12,000 ($1,650), the Quicksilver paint, previously exclusive to Tesla’s Model Y units produced at Giga Berlin, promises to deliver a visually stunning experience with its metallic sheen that subtly shifts in color depending on lighting and viewing angles. The introduction of Quicksilver for the Model 3 sedan underscores Tesla’s strategy to enhance consumer choice and appeal in the competitive electric vehicle market. Available now…

Chinese technology giant DJI, renowned for its drone innovations, has ventured into the electric bike market with the launch of its new brand, Amflow. The move comes amidst looming regulatory challenges in the United States, where DJI faces potential bans on its drones, prompting diversification into new product lines. The centerpiece of DJI’s new venture is the Avinox drive system, unveiled alongside the Amflow eMTB models, set to debut at the upcoming Eurobike trade fair and in China later this month. The Amflow eMTB is slated for release in the fourth quarter of 2024, with initial pricing in Europe estimated…

DJI, renowned for its pioneering advancements in drone technology, has hinted at venturing into the electric bicycle market with its latest teaser of the “Avinox” mid-drive motor. The teaser, unveiled on DJI’s official Instagram account, showcases the mid-drive electric bicycle motor in an exploded view, signaling the company’s potential expansion into consumer personal transportation. While details about the bicycle’s overall design remain scarce, industry observers speculate on DJI’s strategic move into the burgeoning e-bike sector. Named “DJI Avinox,” the motor marks DJI’s evolution beyond drones and into innovative consumer electronics. Leveraging its expertise in aerodynamics, battery technology, and compact motor…

Audi has announced the discontinuation of its e-tron GT model in China, aligning with a strategic shift towards locally produced vehicles tailored for Chinese consumers. This decision underscores Audi’s commitment to optimizing its product lineup to better meet market demands. The e-tron GT, previously hailed as Audi’s flagship electric vehicle, was manufactured at the Böllinger Höfe plant in Neckarsulm, Germany. Despite its status, sales in China remained modest, with only 188 units sold since late 2022, according to JPW Asia. Introduced with high expectations, the RS e-tron GT debuted in late 2022 at a starting price of around EUR 186,500,…

Connecticut has become the second U.S. state to withdraw from California’s electric vehicle mandate program, citing concerns over the feasibility of meeting stringent future emissions targets. The mandate, which would have required all new cars to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrids by 2035, has faced opposition amid recent federal regulatory changes. House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford explained the rationale behind Connecticut’s decision, stating, “For people that were sceptical that we could meet the harder standard, and then you have the president and the White House saying they cannot meet the lower standard, you can imagine how that caucus would…

Geely’s high-end electric vehicle brand, Zeekr, has teased its upcoming EX1E electric SUV through recently revealed patent images, offering a glimpse into its design elements, notably its distinctive split tailgate. The rear end of the Zeekr EX1E hints at a styling approach reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, underscoring its position as the brand’s flagship model. Zeekr, launched under the Geely Group in 2021, has steadily expanded its lineup, with plans to introduce two new models this year, including the Mix MPV and Ark SUV, followed by three more in 2025. The EX1E, now partly disclosed through patent filings from the…

Tesla has commenced deliveries of the highly anticipated Cybertruck Foundation Series equipped with Tactical Grey interiors, signaling the beginning of a phase-out for this particular model variant. Reports surfaced initially on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, where users shared images and videos of the unique configuration. According to a user known as DoberManPin-Sure on the forum, who recently took delivery of his Cybertruck Foundation Series unit, Tesla’s customer service during the delivery process was praised for its exceptional quality. He noted, “Customers were even treated to a light show from some of the vehicles that were being delivered.” https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1807283280795836922 Comparing…

Chinese automaker Geely’s electric vehicle brand Zeekr is poised to enter the South Korean market, having completed the registration of its trademark in the country. According to a report from Maeil Business Newspaper, Zeekr plans to launch its EVs in South Korea in the second half of this year, joining the competitive landscape alongside BYD, which is also gearing up for its own entry into the market. Zeekr, established in 2021, recently made headlines with its New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing and subsequent earnings conference call. CEO Andy An, also known as An Conghui, highlighted Zeekr’s rapid global expansion,…

Truck charging specialist Milence is set to open its second charging hub in the Netherlands, expanding its presence with a new site in Zwolle, Overijssel, scheduled for December. This follows the joint venture’s initial hub in Venlo near the Dutch-German border. Milence, a joint venture of Daimler Truck, Traton, and the Volvo Group, plans to install the new charging hub in the Hessenpoort industrial estate in Zwolle. The location is described as a logistics hub with numerous logistics and distribution centers, production facilities, and service providers. It is strategically positioned near the A28 and A50 motorways, serving as a critical…

Nvidia, BMW Group, and Classiq Technologies have embarked on a collaborative effort to leverage quantum computing in refining the design of electrical and mechanical systems for electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative seeks to determine whether quantum computing can enhance efficiency and reduce energy waste, thereby advancing EV technology. The project involves exploring established quantum optimization algorithms like the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) and the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) algorithm to tackle the intricate computational challenge of optimizing electromechanical components such as electrical engines, batteries, and coolers, and their interconnections. See also: BMW M to Introduce Emulated Gear Shifts and Fake Sounds for…

A recent report from Bank of America, titled Car Wars 2024, highlights a challenging road ahead for the American auto industry. The report urges the Big 3 automakers—General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler—to reconsider their strategies in the Chinese market. It also predicts a period of significant uncertainty as automakers grapple with the complex landscape of powertrain options, striving to find the optimal mix for their product lines. Despite rapid investments in electric vehicles (EVs), consumer demand is beginning to plateau, leading many manufacturers to reassess their approach. While the number of electric offerings is still expected to rise, the report…

A parking lot in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, became the site of vandalism against Tesla Cybertrucks, with several vehicles defaced with graffiti targeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The incident, captured in posts on social media platforms like X and Instagram, showed Cybertrucks ready for delivery covered in paint with the words “F**k Elon.” The graffiti appears to reflect the strong polarizing views that people often hold towards both the Cybertruck and Elon Musk. This sentiment is not new, as similar language has been used by Musk critics on social media, echoing comments made by former CA Assemblywoman Lorena S. Gonzales in…

No car is perfect, and Rivian owners are allegedly facing increased danger due to wheels falling off after routine maintenance or service repairs, with some incidents dating back to 2022. A Rivian R1T owner reported online that their front passenger wheel “fell off” after Rivian serviced the tonneau cover “and a few other things.” Others have reported similar stories, with one owner stating that the service center “didn’t torque/install the nut on the control arm well enough,” leading to a near crash on the interstate. https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/1dj2ke8/wheel_fell_off/ Another owner complained of a vehicle delivered with just 44 miles on the clock…

A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Co. has revealed surprising insights into the attitudes of electric vehicle (EV) owners globally. According to the survey, which polled 30,000 individuals who regularly use mobility services, 29% of EV owners worldwide are likely to switch back to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. In the United States, this number is even higher, with 46% of respondents indicating a likelihood to switch back to ICE vehicles. McKinsey identified several key reasons behind this potential shift, including concerns over subpar charging infrastructure, the perceived high total cost of EV ownership, and limitations on driving…

Tesla has inked a lithium supply agreement with Yahua Lithium Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China-based Yahua Group, on June 19, 2024. The deal, which covers the period from 2025 to 2027, will see Tesla purchasing lithium carbonate products from Yahua. However, the pricing details for the lithium products have yet to be finalized. Yahua Lithium Co., Ltd., also currently supplies lithium hydroxide to Tesla under an existing contract from 2021 to 2025, valued at RMB 5.6 billion. This agreement stipulates that Tesla will receive a supply of 301,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide from 2023 to 2030. See also: Tesla Unveils…

Chinese battery cell manufacturer Eve Energy has introduced a groundbreaking product called Omnicell, a large round cell with a 6C charge rate that promises to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging. This announcement was made at the company’s first lithium battery conference, held in conjunction with its 23rd-anniversary celebration. According to Zhao Ruirui, Senior Vice President of Eve Energy’s Central Research Institute, the Omnicell round cell is capable of supporting a charging rate of 6C, significantly faster than current EV batteries. This breakthrough could potentially provide electric vehicles with a range of 300 kilometers in just 5 minutes of charging. While…

Li Auto has recently entered into a strategic agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the largest oil company in China, to bolster the growth of its charging infrastructure. This collaboration aims to accelerate the expansion of Li Auto’s charging network, which currently covers over 70% of China’s major economic hubs and national highway corridors. As of June 17th, Li Auto has established 448 “supercharging stations” with a total of 2,016 charging piles nationwide. By the end of 2024, the company plans to install over 2,000 Li’s charging stations and 10,000 charging piles at CNPC service stations, extending coverage to…