Author: David Smith

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have grown to account for 22.2% of all new vehicle registrations in California during the first nine months of 2024, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). The latest figures highlight California’s continued leadership in EV adoption, showing an increase from the 21.5% market share for EVs in 2023 and nearly double the 9.1% seen in 2021. The state’s new light-vehicle market saw 1,320,708 registrations through September, with a projected year-end total of 1.75 million—a slight dip from last year’s 1.77 million. Among these, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 293,109 registrations. “California continues…

Tesla has achieved a “Vehicle Privacy Protection” certification in China, recognizing the automaker’s compliance with the country’s rigorous automotive data security standards, as announced by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China. The certification confirms that Tesla’s vehicles manufactured at Gigafactory Shanghai adhere to China’s standards for data privacy, which industry experts note are among the strictest globally. $TSLA Model 3/Y pic.twitter.com/yhRdtWV1ss — Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) November 8, 2024 Tesla China’s data privacy practices include the anonymization of external facial information and a default setting that disables data collection…

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a new electric version of its entry-level CLA model, promising to lead the market in range, charging speed, and efficiency with cutting-edge technology adapted from the automaker’s Vision EQXX concept, CEO Ola Källenius announced at a recent test event in Immendingen. The CLA EV, the first in a new line of entry-level electric models, will be officially unveiled next year, with deliveries beginning in 2026. “This new CLA EV represents a significant evolution for Mercedes-Benz,” Källenius said, describing the model as a blend of sportiness and advanced functionality aimed at setting new standards for electric…

Tesla has quietly introduced a modest range increase for some Model Y and Model 3 configurations, marking a slight but notable improvement for drivers seeking more mileage per charge. The Model Y Long Range Dual Motor variant, Tesla’s best-seller, has seen its range rise from 308 to 311 miles, a 1% increase. Although incremental, this change may signal underlying modifications, as Tesla is known for implementing adjustments throughout the year, rather than waiting for new model releases. It remains unclear whether this range increase results from enhanced battery efficiency, improvements in energy management, or adjustments in the Environmental Protection Agency…

Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) has launched its first electric Freightliner eCascadia as part of its logistics operations, contributing to efforts aimed at decarbonizing transportation. The electric truck will operate from the Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit) facility in Redford, Michigan. The Freightliner eCascadia will facilitate logistics between an offsite warehouse in Detroit and the production facility, with operations managed by Load One LLC, a DTNA partner since 2018. The truck is designed to have a range of 220 miles and will be charged at the Detroit Logistics Center. “Detroit’s operation is focused on driving efficiency in today’s market while…

German electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Quantron AG filed for insolvency on October 29, with the Augsburg Local Court opening provisional proceedings as the company faces growing financial difficulties. The court appointed lawyer Constantin Salm-Hoogstraeten as the provisional insolvency administrator, who will now oversee the safeguarding of Quantron’s assets. During this period, Quantron’s management, led by CEO Andreas Haller, CFO Beate Reimann, and Head of Technology Rene-Christopher Wollmann, is restricted in its financial dealings without approval from the administrator. The financial challenges at Quantron have reportedly escalated over recent months. Various local media outlets highlighted the company’s struggle to meet payroll…

Hyundai’s N division has introduced the RN24 concept, a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) that stands out in a market dominated by tech-heavy SUVs and lifestyle-focused pickups. Built on the Ioniq 5 N’s E-GMP platform, the RN24 emphasizes driving performance over traditional EV features, appealing to those who prioritize a raw, track-focused experience. The RN24 concept is powered by the PE system found in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, aiming to bring the excitement of rally driving to an electric platform. While not designed for everyday use, the RN24 embodies Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing motorsport-inspired EV technology. “RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N’s…

Tesla announced today that it remains committed to producing and launching “more affordable models” in the first half of 2025, although it did not provide any new details regarding the timeline or specifications for these vehicles. For several years, the automaker has teased the prospect of more budget-friendly options, notably a vehicle referred to by many as the “Model 2,” priced around $25,000. The current entry-level model, the Tesla Model 3, is considered reasonably priced, yet anticipation has been building for a significantly cheaper alternative. Tesla had previously suggested that a revolutionary “unboxed” manufacturing method would facilitate lower production costs…

Ford has introduced the latest version of its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving software, offering a new feature that enables smooth and seamless hands-free lane changes to overtake slower traffic while maintaining the driver’s preferred speed. The update, called BlueCruise 1.5, was developed by the Ford Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) team and aims to enhance the overall driving experience. The all-new feature, Automatic Lane Change, allows BlueCruise to automatically initiate a lane change when it detects a clear adjacent lane. According to Ford’s internal testing, BlueCruise 1.5 can automate up to 45% of lane changes during an average drive. Before executing…

European road safety organisations have raised concerns about the approval of a Tesla Cybertruck for public road use in the Czech Republic, questioning its size, design, and compliance with European regulations. In an open letter to Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka, the organisations argued that the vehicle poses potential risks to other road users, particularly due to its weight and lack of crash absorption features. https://twitter.com/CybertruckEU/status/1811861211598004586 “The Cybertruck’s non-existent or inadequate crash absorption brings unacceptably high risks to all other road users,” the letter stated, noting that the vehicle has not undergone crash testing by any public authority due to…

General Motors (GM) has injected $10 million into Forge Nano, a materials science startup, through its investment arm GM Ventures, to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery cells. The collaboration focuses on integrating Forge Nano’s “atomic layer deposition” technology, known as Atomic Armor, into GM’s battery systems. This advanced coating is designed to enhance the safety and lifespan of cathode materials, leading to reduced battery costs and better overall performance. As part of the strategic agreement, GM may use Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology in its EV batteries, which coats the cathode materials at the atomic level. Paul Lichty, CEO of…

Peugeot has expanded its lineup with the introduction of the all-electric version of the 408, a unique combination of a hatchback saloon and SUV. Already available in combustion engine, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, the new Peugeot E-408 marks the brand’s latest step into the electric vehicle market. Available to order now, starting at €46,600, the e-408 stands out with a 157 kW motor and a 58.2 kWh NMC battery, making it one of the most powerful models within the Stellantis brand lineup. Originally launched in 2022, the Peugeot 408 featured hybrid options, but the fully electric version has…