Author: David Smith

In a recent announcement, Volkswagen revealed that its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models will now support bidirectional charging, allowing EV owners to power their homes. Despite initial plans to implement this feature in 2022, software delays hindered its release. According to Imelda Labbe, VW’s sales leader, bidirectional charging offers potential energy cost savings for EV owners, positioning their vehicles as rolling energy storage banks. Volkswagen initiated a pilot project in collaboration with HagerEnergy GmbH in Sweden. This project integrates a home power station and a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), enabling EV owners to utilize their solar power systems to…

Toyota Motor announced on Monday its intention to bolster its battery electric vehicle (BEV) offerings in Europe, aiming to introduce six models by 2026. The automaker anticipates that BEVs will constitute over 20% of new car sales in the region by that time. The global automotive giant outlined its projection to achieve sales exceeding 250,000 battery-powered vehicles annually in Europe by 2026, signaling a strategic push for growth in a market where it has faced stiff competition from rivals. In addition to the existing battery EV in Toyota’s European portfolio and a compact SUV concept unveiled last year, the company…

In the ongoing negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) regarding rules of origin for electric cars, three potential solutions are currently under discussion among EU member states. The imperative is to secure an agreement by the year-end, first within the EU and subsequently with the UK. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the EU Commission has informally presented three options to member states, recognizing that any resolution necessitating an amendment to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) would require approval from the member states. Background: As part of the post-Brexit arrangements, the UK and…

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has solidified its position as one of the most popular all-electric car models in the United States, boasting over 28,000 sales through October of this year. The 2024 model year maintains its appeal, albeit with minimal technical alterations, primarily featuring new safety and convenience features. While the 2024 model is considered a carry-over, a slight adjustment in pricing is notable. The entry-level 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE, equipped with a Standard Range battery (58 kilowatt-hours) and a rear-wheel drive powertrain (125 kilowatts), starts at an MSRP of $41,650 (plus $1,335 destination charge). This reflects a modest…

In a recent leaked video, a comprehensive overview of the Cybertruck’s interior showcased the electric pickup’s cabin controls interface and its air suspension’s various height modes. Notably, the suspension system offers a substantial 14-inch travel from its lowest point when fully lifted. The video confirmed the existence of three suspension height modes: Entry, Low, and High. It reiterated an earlier indication that the Cybertruck will automatically lower itself when put in park, easing entry and exit for occupants. A new video in the wild demonstrated the automatic switch between the Entry and Low suspension height modes. Upon starting the vehicle,…

The electric dirtbike landscape welcomes a notable addition with the introduction of the Husqvarna EE18. Crafted as a custom creation by DirtFirst Racing and Hollywood Movie Bikes, this distinctive bike serves as a compelling suggestion to Husqvarna, urging them to explore further developments in the realm of electric dirtbikes tailored for serious riders. It’s important to note that the EE18 is not a product directly manufactured by Husqvarna; rather, it draws inspiration from a similar model within the portfolio of KTM, Husqvarna’s sister brand. Equipped with a robust 18-kilowatt electric motor and a substantial battery, the EE18 delivers a formidable…

Chinese electric car manufacturer Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely Auto, has reported a substantial revenue growth in its updated paperwork filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing reveals that Zeekr’s total revenue nearly doubled, reaching an impressive 35.31 billion yuan ($4.90 billion) for the nine months ending September 30, compared to 18.47 billion yuan in the corresponding period the previous year. Despite the positive revenue trend, Zeekr also disclosed a widened loss from operations, increasing from 4.90 billion yuan to 5.23 billion yuan. The IPO filing, made public after a confidential…

German bike brand Storck, recognized for its high-performance road and time trial bicycles, ventures further into the e-bike realm with the unveiling of the Storck Name:2. Designed with urban commuting in mind, the e-bike combines a compact, sporty appearance with ergonomic efficiency. The Storck Name:2 features a streamlined design, reminiscent of a BMX bike, equipped with 24-inch tires to enhance maneuverability in urban settings. Prioritizing pedaling efficiency, the e-bike incorporates a tall seatpost and standard handlebars. Weighing in at a modest 17 kilograms, the bike’s lightweight construction is attributed to Storck’s Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFR) material, commonly utilized in the…

While governments globally invest in electric cars to promote environmental sustainability, the less-heralded e-bike industry is quietly contributing to a more rapid reduction in carbon emissions. E-bikes, being a more affordable and accessible mobility solution, are gaining popularity faster than electric cars, especially in regions where bikes and scooters have a strong cultural presence. According to The Conversation, last year witnessed over 280 million electric mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers in operation globally, surpassing the numbers of electric cars, buses, delivery vans, and trucks. See also: Pegasus Launches Strong Evo 11 Lite E-Bike with Enhanced Features in the EU The…

Cleveland-based electric mobility specialist, Land Moto, has unveiled its second production run of the District electric motorcycle, accompanied by a reduction in prices. The District gained attention earlier in 2023 for its refreshed design, blending retro-inspired styling with affordability and an emphasis on enjoyable e-mobility. Weighing in at 200 pounds, the District offers an approachable design and commendable performance. The swappable battery provides a single-charge range of up to 120 miles, catering to convenient charging needs. Riders can choose from three different modes, including e-bike mode with a speed limit of 25 mph, e-moped mode increasing speed to 40 mph,…

Over the weekend, code investigator GreenTheOnly identified several upcoming features set to be included in Tesla’s software update, version 2023.44.1. Among these additions is a front camera washer button, Shaka media player, and the ability to adjust playback speed in Apple Podcasts. Notably, the front camera washer button’s introduction aligns with the imminent launch of Tesla’s Cybertruck, expected to feature a front camera. Despite initial confusion surrounding the inclusion of the front fascia camera in the recently unveiled Model 3 “Highland,” early deliveries omitted the feature. The associated image of the front camera washer button, shared by Green, has been…

Italy’s federal procurement agency, Consip, has granted contracts for 500 electric buses to eight manufacturers, marking a significant step in the country’s transition to sustainable public transportation. The contracts, valued at €327 million, cover various categories, including battery electric buses (BEVs) and, notably, the introduction of 30 hydrogen buses for the first time. The procurement process involved four lots, with winners determined through competitive tenders. The first lot, comprising 150 midi buses (7 – 8 metres), saw victories for Slovenian bus manufacturer Tam Europe and Turkish company Karsan. In the second lot, securing contracts for 250 electric buses, Otokar, Solaris,…

Chinese automaker BYD’s sub-brand, Fang Cheng Bao, initiated deliveries of its inaugural model, the Bao 5, a day ahead of schedule. The first batch of Bao 5 vehicles has been handed over to owners, including deliveries by BYD Group president Wang Chuanfu personally, as announced by Fang Cheng Bao. Further rollouts of the Bao 5 are slated to commence gradually in additional cities, according to a statement from Fang Cheng Bao. The Fang Cheng Bao brand, along with its exclusive technology platform called DMO (where O signifies off-road and DM indicates dual mode), was officially unveiled by BYD on August…

In a recent development, a Florida judge has ruled that a plaintiff can proceed with punitive damages claims against Tesla for alleged intentional misconduct and gross negligence related to Autopilot defects. The decision stems from a case involving the tragic death of Stephen Banner, the owner of a Tesla Model 3 that collided with an 18-wheeler truck, resulting in a fatal accident. Judge Reid Scott, presiding over the case, found “reasonable evidence” suggesting that CEO Elon Musk and other Tesla executives were aware of Autopilot defects yet allowed vehicles to be operated in an unsafe manner. The judge drew parallels…

BYD marked a groundbreaking achievement by rolling out its 6 millionth NEV from the assembly line, solidifying its position as the world’s first automaker to attain this remarkable milestone. The company, committed to spearheading global automotive industry transformation through technological innovation, aims to collaborate with partners in advancing the adoption of NEVs. The historic 6 millionth NEV produced by BYD is the Bao 5, representing the inaugural model under the Fangchengbao personalized brand, with its initial delivery taking place recently. This accomplishment comes just over three months after BYD celebrated its 5 millionth NEV, the N7 SUV from its sub-brand…

A recent monthly European Electric Car Study by Schmidt Automotive Research sheds light on the remarkable growth in the West European passenger car market, where over 10 million plug-in passenger cars have been introduced between 2012 and October 2023. The study highlights a noteworthy acceleration, with the first million cumulative plug-in cars taking over six years to enter the market, while the subsequent ten months alone witnessed an addition of 2.37 million plug-in hybrids or pure electric Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) from January to October. Of the combined plug-in total, six million were attributed to BEVs, primarily associated with Tesla…

Chinese battery cell manufacturer AESC, formerly Envision AESC, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to become a supplier of battery cells to Renault Group’s vehicle plants in Valladolid and Palencia, Spain. The talks, according to local media La Tribuna de Automoción, are said to be progressing well, and if successful, AESC would provide cells for Renault’s electric vehicle production in these Spanish facilities. Renault is currently manufacturing the Renault Captur in Valladolid and the Kadjar SUV and fourth-gen Mégane in Palencia. However, Renault denied plans for purely electric car production in these plants when asked for comment. See also: AESC Group…

For more than two decades, Whyte Bikes, a prominent British brand synonymous with mountain biking, has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of mountain bikes (MTBs) catering to various biking preferences. In response to the surging popularity of electric mountain bikes (e-bikes), Whyte introduces its latest flagship model, the E-Lyte, designed to combine lightweight construction with an emphasis on a natural pedal feel. Contrary to the power-centric focus of urban commuter and cargo e-bikes, the E-Lyte prioritizes low weight, utilizing a full carbon fiber frame and incorporating cutting-edge motor options tailored to the rider’s preferences. Chief Engineer Ian…

Domino’s Pizza has revealed its latest innovation: the dxb electric bike. While electric bicycles for delivery services are not new, the dxb stands out with a unique feature – a built-in mobile oven aimed at ensuring pizzas reach customers’ doorsteps fresh and warm. The dxb’s distinctive design includes a spacious rear compartment that doubles as a mobile oven, allowing freshly baked pizzas to be kept warm throughout the delivery process. This inventive approach promises customers an oven-fresh experience, challenging the common issue of pizzas cooling during transit. Addressing potential challenges in delivery terrain, Domino’s equipped the dxb with “space age…

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is rolling out a lease program for its R1T pickup, marking the first time the company has offered leasing options for its vehicles. The move comes as Rivian aims to attract new customers, utilizing a leasing strategy shortly after introducing incentives for purchasing existing R1T pickup inventory. The announcement precedes Tesla’s Cybertruck launch scheduled for November 30th. Rivian has recently been in the spotlight following a positive Q3 report, showcasing better-than-expected production numbers and sustained high demand for its vehicles. Despite a minor over-the-air software glitch this month, Rivian swiftly addressed the issue, preventing…