Author: David Smith

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast acknowledged on Thursday that it delivered nearly 35,000 cars in 2023, just below its target of at least 40,000 units. The company cited slow EV adoption in certain regions, fierce competition, and economic uncertainties as contributing factors. “We saw a significant ramp up in vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to previous quarters,” said Tran Mai Hoa, VinFast’s Deputy CEO of sales and marketing. “However, against a challenging market backdrop, EV adoption rate in certain regions has been slow, leading to fewer deliveries than we anticipated.” See also: VinFast Unveils Mid-Sized…

Ford is preparing to commence production of its first electric Explorer models in Europe this summer, with the initial deliveries anticipated in August. The delay in launching the all-electric Explorer, attributed to a new battery standard, has pushed the production start to June, approximately eight months later than originally expected. Unveiled in March of the previous year, the electric Explorer is a result of Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen in 2020, utilizing the MEB platform. Ford emphasizes that the electric SUV combines German engineering with distinctive American style. See also: Ford Ends Production of Best-Selling Fiesta Model to Make Way for…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD (OTCMKTS: BYDDF) is engaged in discussions with Sigma Lithium, a Brazilian lithium producer, exploring possibilities for a supply agreement, joint venture, or potential acquisition. This move is aimed at securing a stable supply of lithium, a crucial raw material for battery production. According to Alexandre Baldy, BYD’s chair in Brazil, the talks with Sigma Lithium, valued at $2.9 billion, are ongoing and encompass various options, including supply agreements, joint ventures, and potential acquisitions. Baldy mentioned an “active” dialogue with Sigma but emphasized that nothing has been finalized. See also: BYD Commences Construction on Sodium-Ion…

Hyundai has successfully delivered 500 fuel cell commercial vehicles to businesses in Guangzhou, marking a significant step in what is anticipated to be a larger deployment. The government of Guangdong Province, of which Guangzhou is the capital, has placed an order for fuel cell systems for a total of 1,500 vehicles, representing one of the largest fuel cell vehicle deployments in China. The vehicles were distributed by H2 Solution, a joint venture involving Hyundai HTWO Guangzhou and two local state-owned enterprises. The delivery includes a range of vehicles such as logistic vehicles, freezer trucks, road sweepers, and buses. See also:…

Tesla’s Model 3 maintained its position as the most popular used electric vehicle (EV) in the United States for the past year, while the Model Y secured the second spot. As EV adoption increased, cheaper models gained prominence, leading to shifts in rankings for other Tesla vehicles. In 2023, the Model 3 accounted for 34.9% of used EV sales (1 to 5-year-old vehicles), solidifying its dominance. The Model Y claimed the second position with a 11.9% share. Notably, Tesla secured the top four spots last year with the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, respectively. See also:…

In adherence to its tradition of producing some of the most American-made vehicles, Tesla has now included the Cybertruck in this distinguished list. A notable aspect that sets Tesla apart from many other automakers is its commitment to deep vertical integration. While conventional automakers over the past century have heavily relied on external suppliers, often sourcing up to half of their vehicle parts from abroad, Tesla has pursued a strategy of internalizing production processes and focusing on localizing overall production. See also: Online Sleuths Uncover Intriguing Details about Cybertruck’s New ‘Tactical Grey’ Interior Option This strategy has consistently positioned Tesla…

The results are in for the North America’s Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards, with the Toyota Prius, Ford F-Series Super Duty, and Kia EV9 claiming the respective titles. Chosen by a panel of 50 journalists across North America, this marks the 30th anniversary of the NACTOY awards, with the truck category seeing a continued dominance by Ford. For the fourth consecutive year, a Ford product has secured the North American Truck of the Year. The F-Series Super Duty triumphed over competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the all-electric Chevrolet Silverado EV, garnering 189 votes.…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is set to make its debut at CES 2024 by introducing its newest electric vehicle (EV) concept and the mini eSUV VF 3 to a global audience. This marks the company’s inaugural appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show, showcasing its commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and promoting sustainable mobility. The unveiling of the two new models underscores VinFast’s dedication to making EVs more accessible. Alongside these additions, the company will also feature its all-electric VF 9 full-size SUV, which integrates a new streaming service directly into the vehicle. Attendees at CES 2024 will have the…

Recent adjustments to the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) tax credit have come into effect, reshaping the landscape for qualifying options in 2024. Tesla and several other automakers find some of their vehicles excluded under the updated guidelines, with only a limited selection meeting the criteria. While the list of qualifying EVs has shortened, the 2024 guidance introduces a significant change by allowing sellers to offer the rebate at the point of sale. This departure from the previous model, where buyers had to wait until filing their taxes, has been embraced by selected dealerships and companies with a direct sales approach,…

German automaker Porsche is gearing up to unveil an enhanced version of its all-electric sedan, the Taycan. The company, in an unprecedented move, has disclosed a remarkable Nurburgring lap time ahead of the official launch. Test driver Lars Kern achieved an outstanding time of 7:07.55, showcasing a significant 26-second improvement over the car’s previous best lap. Kevin Giek, head of the model line, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Twenty-six seconds is half an eternity in motorsport. Lars’ lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nordschleife is sensational, putting the Taycan in the same league as electric hypercars. And the impressive thing about…

Watèa by Michelin, the e-mobility service provider, is broadening its portfolio to incorporate hydrogen vehicles for commercial fleets. Launched in 2021, the corporate startup initially focused on providing fleet solutions for battery-electric vehicles. Michelin established Watèa two and a half years ago, offering turnkey electrification solutions for fleet customers. Operating on a subscription model, the service provides electric vehicles along with a comprehensive ecosystem. Targeting customers transitioning to electric cars or light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, Watèa guarantees an all-inclusive monthly subscription covering hydrogen vehicles, charging solutions, maintenance, 24-hour assistance, and digital services. See also: Hyundai’s N Vision…

Kempower North America has successfully concluded its initial shipment of newly produced EV charging solutions from the United States to Alberta, Canada. The dispatched solution is designed to supply power to 6 Kempower Satellites, each equipped to dynamically dispense up to 300KW per plug. Kempower, with manufacturing facilities in Durham, North Carolina, and Lahti, Finland, specializes in NEVI-compliant DC fast charging solutions catering to a diverse range of electric vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, boats, and industrial machines. See also: Kempower Gains ETL Certification for US Plant, Launches Operations at Finnish Research Centre Although the official certification for production in…

Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, expressed his appreciation for the company’s impressive performance in 2023, following the release of delivery and production results. On Tuesday, Tesla reported reaching its 2023 delivery guidance, achieving record-breaking numbers with 1,808,581 units delivered and 1,845,985 produced. Taking to X hours later, Musk extended congratulations to the Tesla team for their outstanding achievements in both the fourth quarter and the entire year of 2023. Musk has a history of acknowledging and thanking Tesla employees during significant milestones and hectic delivery periods. See also: Tesla Beats Q4 Delivery Estimates, Achieves 2023 Target Amid Tax Credit Push In…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian (RIVN) experienced a downturn in its stock on Tuesday following the release of its Q4 and full-year 2023 results. Despite surpassing its 2023 production target, Rivian fell short of Wall Street’s delivery expectations. The company attributed the delivery gap to Amazon’s restrictions on electric delivery van (EDV) intake during the holiday season. In Q4, Rivian achieved a production milestone of 17,541 vehicles but delivered 13,972, falling below Wall Street’s anticipated figure of over 14,000. Despite this, the company exceeded its full-year production goal, producing 57,232 vehicles in 2023 compared to the guidance of 54,000. Deliveries…

Rivian announced a decrease in fourth-quarter deliveries, falling short of market expectations amid intense competition and the impact of elevated interest rates on electric vehicle demand. In the quarter ending December 31, the company delivered 13,972 vehicles, marking a 10% sequential decline from the previous three months. This figure fell below analyst estimates of 14,430, as reported by 13 analysts polled by Visible Alpha. See also: Rivian’s CEO Positions Upcoming R2 Model as Equivalent to Tesla’s Model 3 The rise in interest rates has led to increased monthly payments for electric vehicles, contributing to decreased affordability. Rivian’s flagship R1T pickup…

Hyundai Mobis is set to make a notable return to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), featuring an array of cutting-edge automotive innovations. Among the highlights is the Mobion concept, reportedly based on the Ioniq 5, boasting a distinctive design. While specific details remain undisclosed, the company confirmed the inclusion of an e-Corner System, enabling all four wheels to turn up to 90 degrees. This innovation empowers the vehicle to maneuver in virtually any direction. Additionally, “Interaction Lighting” units, showcasing intriguing ‘swiping’ motions, offer a glimpse into the concept’s futuristic features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPJ5xKug12w A key attraction is the world’s first in-vehicle rollable…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio concluded 2023 on a positive note with a robust rebound in December deliveries. The company reported delivering 18,012 vehicles during the month, marking the third-highest monthly record behind July’s 20,462 and August’s 19,329. This performance represents a 13.89 percent increase from December 2022, when Nio delivered 15,815 vehicles, and a 12.86 percent rise from November’s figures of 15,959. The breakdown of monthly deliveries reveals 12,048 SUVs and 5,964 sedans. Nio’s lineup currently includes the ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and ET5 Touring, featuring a mix of SUVs and sedans. Notably, the company…

Recent sightings of Tesla’s Model 3 Highland being tested in the United States suggest that the long-awaited refresh of the popular electric sedan might soon hit the North American market. While the Model 3 Highland was introduced in the summer of 2023, it has thus far been exclusively produced at Gigafactory Shanghai and distributed in Europe and Asia. Despite expectations for a US launch in the new year, Tesla has strategically delayed the release to avoid impacting end-of-year figures and to maintain demand when the vehicle loses access to tax credits. Confirming that all Model 3 variants, except the Performance…

As a public service announcement, Tesla owners are urged to discern between steam and smoke, particularly during winter Supercharging sessions. Many Tesla vehicles, equipped with heat pumps for improved cold-weather efficiency, may emit steam during specific conditions, potentially causing concern among new owners experiencing winter conditions for the first time. While several Tesla owners have, on occasion, mistaken steam for smoke, resulting in emergency service calls, the automaker emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the two phenomena. Tesla’s thermal system, present in vehicles with heat pumps, is known to produce odorless steam, particularly in cold temperatures during Supercharging sessions. https://twitter.com/davidciccone/status/1739847825918226538…

Recent reports from Chinese state media reveal that Tesla (TSLA.O) has finalized the acquisition of a 19.7-hectare parcel in Shanghai for the establishment of a megapack battery manufacturing facility. The transaction, amounting to 222.42 million yuan ($31.13 million) for land use rights, was disclosed in an official government statement on Thursday. Significantly located in close proximity to an existing Tesla plant producing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the new megapack plant is poised to contribute to the company’s strategic growth initiatives. See also: Tesla Confirms Development of Wireless Charging Solution for Electric Vehicles According to information from the Xinhua…