Author: David Smith

Munich-based supplier Webasto is unveiling an update to its traction batteries, increasing the energy content from 35 to 40 kWh without altering the external dimensions. These batteries, when combined in large packs, are intended to power electric commercial vehicles with up to 720 kWh of electricity. The new batteries, known as ‘Standard Battery Pro 40,’ are designed to power electric commercial vehicles in the 400 or 800-volt range. Up to 18 units can be connected in a single vehicle, providing a total capacity of up to 720 kWh. The batteries are housed in a robust aluminum casing, maintaining the same…

The Tesla Cybertruck, once a coveted rarity on the resale market, is now flooding listings with over 140 units for sale, showcasing a wide range of prices. Tesla had attempted to deter early Cybertruck resales by adding a no-resale clause to its order agreement and blacklisting some owners who listed their vehicles for sale. Despite these efforts, some owners managed to sell their Cybertrucks at significant profits, sometimes doubling the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). However, the days of fetching over $100,000 in profit from a Cybertruck sale seem to be waning. The increased availability of the electric pickup truck…

Fisker, the electric vehicle startup, announced plans on Monday to halt production of its electric vehicles for six weeks and raise up to $150 million in funding through the sale of convertible notes. This move comes after the company missed an interest payment, highlighting its efforts to manage a cash crunch. During the production pause, none of Fisker’s Ocean SUVs were produced in January, while its manufacturing partner, Magna’s Austrian unit, manufactured approximately 1,000 vehicles between February 1 and March 15. In 2024, Fisker delivered about 1,300 vehicles, and the value of inventory of completed vehicles exceeded $200 million. The…

Hyundai Motor Group has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Volkswagen Group in operating profit for the first quarter of 2024. This marks the first time the South Korean automaker has overtaken the German giant, attributing its success to a diverse range of offerings that includes electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and gas-powered cars. In Q1 2024, Hyundai Motor Group reported an operating profit of $5.09 billion, edging out Volkswagen Group, which reported $4.94 billion. While Toyota Group remains the global industry leader with an operating profit of $7.15 billion, Hyundai’s achievement is notable as it secures the second-highest operating…

UK-based clean technology group Altilium has announced significant progress in its EcoCathode hydrometallurgical recycling technology, focusing on improving the recovery of lithium from new battery chemistries. The company’s efforts aim to support the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Altilium’s EcoCathode technology is designed to recycle old electric vehicle (EV) batteries into high nickel P-CAM and CAM for direct reuse in new EV batteries. This approach is intended to reduce waste and establish a domestic, sustainable source of battery raw materials, potentially decreasing the UK’s reliance on imported materials from China. Recent advancements include the successful recovery of over 97% of…

Hyundai Mobis, the parts and service arm of Hyundai Motor Group, is set to construct a dedicated electric vehicle module plant in Ulsan, South Korea, with an investment of approximately 90 billion won ($65 million). The plant is expected to be completed by late 2025. The investment memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ulsan Metropolitan City, with Ulsan Mayor Kim Du-gyeom and Hyundai Mobis CEO Lee Gyu-suk attending the signing ceremony. The new facility, located near Hyundai Motor Group’s upcoming EV plant in Ulsan, will supply critical modules such as chassis and driver’s seat modules for next-generation electric vehicles.…

BYD Europe, the European arm of Chinese automaker BYD, is setting ambitious targets to triple its market share in the region by 2025, aiming to surpass prominent competitors such as Tesla, Volkswagen, and Stellantis. During the Financial Times’ Future of the Car Summit, BYD Europe boss Michael Shu expressed confidence in the company’s growth plans, stating, “We are confident that we could be in a leading position. We are moving to the next stage to decide a huge investment in the EU.” To achieve its goal, BYD Europe plans to implement an aggressive marketing strategy and collaborate with European dealerships.…

UK-based EV conversion specialist Everrati has revealed the details of its latest creation, the zero-emission Mercedes-Benz SL W113 ‘Pagoda’. Known for its timeless elegance and collectibility, the Mercedes-Benz SL ‘Pagoda’ has been owned by numerous celebrities over the years, solidifying its status as an automotive icon since its debut in 1963. Everrati has taken on the task of redefining this masterpiece, painstakingly restoring it to concours standards while equipping it with a cutting-edge electric powertrain developed in-house. The result is a handcrafted luxury grand tourer that combines the classic charm of the original SL ‘Pagoda’ with modern, sustainable technology. The…

Volkswagen has introduced the latest iteration of its iconic camper van, the seventh-generation California, building on the success of its predecessors with new features and improvements. With over 280,000 units of the California sold, Volkswagen’s latest offering aims to continue the legacy of this bestselling model. The new California retains key features that have made it a favorite among camper van enthusiasts, including the iconic pop-up roof and a meticulously planned interior designed for both everyday use and adventurous journeys. Volkswagen has enhanced the California with the latest powertrain, assist, and infotainment systems, as well as a new camper van…

A recent incident involving a Tesla rental from Hertz in California has raised eyebrows and left a customer, Joshua Lee, surprised by a $277 charge labeled as “refueling” at the end of his trip. Lee, a loyal Hertz customer with “President’s Circle Status,” had opted for the “Skip the Pump and Save Time” option, which allows returning any vehicle, electric or not, at any fuel level without incurring additional charges. Despite returning the Model 3 with a 96 percent full battery, the same as when he picked it up, Lee was still charged for refueling. This puzzling decision by Hertz…

Honda announced plans on Friday to increase its research and development (R&D) spending by nearly a quarter in the current financial year, aiming to enhance its competitive edge in hybrid and other electrified vehicles. The move comes as the company forecasts a 2.8% rise in operating profit for 2024/25. As Japan’s second-largest automaker by volume, Honda revealed a share buyback program worth up to 300 billion yen ($1.93 billion) following its fourth-quarter earnings report, which exceeded analysts’ expectations. The company attributed this success to strong sales growth in the United States, offsetting a decline in China. A weaker Japanese yen…

Audi has recently broadened its range of e-mobility offerings by introducing a limited-edition electric pedal assist mountain bike (eMTB) powered by Fantic, now available through Audi Genuine Accessories. This new addition signifies Audi’s venture into the electric bike market, complementing its existing lineup of electric vehicles. The Audi eMTB features a design inspired by Audi’s success in the World Rally Championship and the aesthetic of its Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron racecar. It sports a unique livery that reflects Audi’s commitment to performance and innovation. Developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Fantic, the Audi eMTB is based on Fantic’s XEF…

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has vowed to overturn numerous environmental rules and policies implemented by the Biden administration, as reported by the Washington Post. During a meeting with top U.S. oil executives, Trump also requested that they raise $1 billion for his presidential campaign. According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump promised to roll back President Joe Biden’s emissions rules aimed at promoting electric vehicles and to lift the Biden administration’s freeze on permits for new liquefied natural gas exports, among other actions. Trump reportedly described giving $1 billion as a “deal” for the oil executives. Attendees at…

Just months after the debut of the E8 electric sedan, Geely’s subsidiary Galaxy has pulled the curtain back on its latest offering, the E5 electric SUV. With a launch slated for the Chinese market followed by a global rollout, the E5 promises a blend of practicality and sophistication. Measuring 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall, the Galaxy E5 falls into the compact SUV category, echoing the dimensions of the VW ID.4. Despite its smaller stature, the E5 exudes a sense of elegance, with narrow headlights, L-shaped daytime running lights, and an illuminated Geely logo creating a…

Tesla is facing scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department over its statements regarding self-driving technology, with the agency opening a probe to determine if the company misled consumers and investors, potentially violating securities or wire fraud laws. According to a Reuters exclusive report, investigators are particularly interested in whether Tesla committed wire fraud by misleading consumers about the capabilities of its driver-assistance systems. While Tesla has never claimed its vehicles are fully autonomous, the Justice Department is focusing on statements related to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite. The probe, which is in its early stages, could lead to criminal charges,…

Tesla has reportedly secured support from the Chinese government to test its robotaxi concept with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities in China. According to sources cited by China Daily, Tesla CEO Elon Musk proposed the testing of Full Self-Driving functions within vehicles deployed in the Chinese market, with plans to operate them as taxis. Musk likened Tesla’s robotaxi service to a combination of Airbnb and Uber, with Tesla overseeing the fleet’s operation. The Chinese officials allegedly welcomed Tesla’s proposal, indicating that the company was free to conduct robotaxi tests in China. This move is seen as part of China’s broader strategy…

New car sales in the UK experienced a modest increase in April, primarily bolstered by higher demand for fleet vehicles during what is typically a low-volume month, according to industry data released on Tuesday. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a 1% year-on-year rise in new car registrations, reaching a total of 134,274 units. Despite this uptick, the figures remain more than 16% below pre-pandemic levels. Fleet registrations notably surged, rising by 18.5% to 81,207 units, significantly contributing to the overall growth in new car sales for the month. The SMMT also revised its new car sales…

Supply chain sources have hinted at potential discussions between Rivian and Apple for a collaboration that could enhance Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles while providing Apple with an outlet for some of its advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology developed for Project Titan. Apple’s EV ambitions have been the subject of speculation, with reports suggesting a shift in focus towards developing artificial intelligence (AI) after initially planning to launch an electric vehicle with limited autonomous driving features in 2028. Recent reports indicate that Apple may have halted its own EV development to concentrate on AI technology. A partnership with Apple…

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, is set to receive a significant upgrade to its hands later this year, according to a recent comment from CEO Elon Musk. The upgraded hands will feature 22 degrees of freedom (DoF), bringing them very close to the 27 degrees of freedom of a human hand. A new video released by Tesla over the weekend showcased Optimus performing various tasks in a factory setting, demonstrating its precision and dexterity. NVIDIA’s Senior Research Manager and Lead of Embodied AI, Jim Fan, praised Optimus’ hands as among the best in the industry, noting their tactile sensing and 11…

Tesla has initiated a new round of layoffs as part of its aggressive cost-cutting strategy, trimming various aspects of its operations as it transitions between two significant growth phases. The electric vehicle giant began laying off employees several weeks ago in a bid to streamline expenses during what it described as challenging economic conditions. While Tesla remains stable, the company has acknowledged its focus on a singular objective: bringing its next-generation lineup of vehicles to market. CEO Elon Musk emphasized the necessity of sacrifices to achieve this goal. Following the termination of thousands of employees in late April, additional job…