Author: David Smith

Thailand has given the green light to a subsidy package aimed at supporting its thriving electric vehicle (EV) industry, as the country seeks to maintain its position as the leading regional auto hub for EVs. The new package, sanctioned by the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee, will provide subsidies of up to 100,000 baht ($2,764) per EV car. Running from next year until 2027, the scheme also encompasses reduced import duties and excise taxes to further incentivize EV adoption. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment, highlighted the steady rise of EV popularity in Thailand, driven by existing…

InterGlobe Enterprises, the major stakeholder of India’s leading airline, IndiGo, and U.S.-based Archer Aviation, a prominent player in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have unveiled their joint initiative to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The collaboration, contingent on regulatory approvals, seeks to tap into the escalating demand for efficient transport solutions in India, grappling with escalating ground travel congestion and urban pollution. Archer Aviation, boasting support from industry giants such as Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines, specializes in the production of electric aircraft, particularly the ‘Midnight’ eVTOL model. Capable of carrying four…

Polestar has officially confirmed its plans to broaden the manufacturing base for the Polestar 4 model, now including Busan, South Korea, in addition to its existing facility in Hangzhou Bay, China. The extension of manufacturing operations is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025. A collaborative agreement has been established among Polestar, Geely Holding, and Renault Korea Motors (RKM) to facilitate the contract manufacturing of Polestar 4 vehicles, catering to both the North American and domestic South Korean markets at RKM’s Busan plant. The Busan plant, strategically located with direct access to exporting ports, brings with it 23…

Amid the tumultuous impact of the pandemic on the automotive industry, vehicle prices saw significant fluctuations. However, with automakers now better equipped to meet consumer demand, prices are beginning to stabilize, leading to increased satisfaction among new vehicle shoppers. This shift in the market dynamics is a key driver of the overall rise in customer satisfaction, as highlighted in the 2023 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index study by J.D. Power. In the previous year, the average satisfaction rating across the industry stood at 786 out of 1,000. This year, the industry’s performance has improved, with the satisfaction rating climbing to 793.…

As Tesla’s eagerly anticipated Cybertruck delivery event approaches, a recently shared video on YouTube claims to have received insider information about the electric vehicle’s specifications. The video, posted by the channel TFLEV, suggests that an anonymous insider provided details on the Cybertruck’s measurements, including a photo revealing special power outlets near the vehicle’s tailgate. The image shared in the video displays three outlets, comprising one 220-volt outlet and two 110-volt outlets, potentially allowing Cybertruck owners to use the vehicle to power other devices, vehicles, or homes. The inclusion of these power outlets has been a topic of interest for many…

The automotive industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the emergence of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where cars evolve and introduce new features primarily through software updates. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates, popularized by Tesla, have become a driving force in the industry, particularly as electric vehicles gain prominence for their seamless integration with software-defined technology. Audi, a well-established automaker, is making strides in this direction by considering the expansion of “on-demand” features in its upcoming vehicle models. Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s technical development chief, recently shared insights with Autocar about the company’s intentions. “With our next generation of electronic architecture, we will…

BMW reaffirms its commitment to developing fuel cell vehicles for passenger cars, with the goal of achieving series production readiness by the end of this decade. According to Group CEO Oliver Zipse, fuel cell technology plays a crucial role in regions with inadequate electric vehicle charging infrastructure and should coexist with battery electric vehicles to meet diverse customer needs and global regulatory requirements. Zipse’s recent visits to China and Japan further emphasized the significance of fuel cell technology in areas where charging infrastructure is limited. He stated, “It’s also an advantage if no one else goes into this technology.” BMW…

Volvo is contemplating a substantial expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) production footprint in the United States. According to a recent report, the company is exploring the possibility of either expanding its existing factory in Charleston, South Carolina, or establishing a brand new manufacturing facility in the country. The driving force behind this expansion strategy is, to a significant extent, the aim to leverage the green incentives offered under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This act offers tax credits to EV buyers, provided their chosen vehicle meets specific criteria. Eligible buyers can receive tax credits of up to…

In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Kia is set to give its acclaimed EV6 a fresh and contemporary facelift. The EV6, initially unveiled in March 2021, marked Kia’s entry into the electric vehicle market and was warmly received for its impressive range, spacious interior, and dynamic performance. Over two years have passed since the EV6’s debut, and the electric vehicle landscape has evolved substantially. Kia itself has introduced a range of innovative electric models, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. During Kia’s recent inaugural EV day, the company introduced three new models, including the compact electric SUV,…

During a recent conference call, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse shed light on a range of forthcoming models and the brand’s evolving electrification strategy, underlining the company’s commitment to embracing electric mobility. Zipse disclosed that the redesigned 5-Series Touring is set to make its global debut in the spring of the upcoming year. Notably, the wagon version will offer the “same drivetrain portfolio as the sedan,” including an electric i5 Touring variant. This revelation comes as no surprise, considering recent sightings of the model by spy photographers. Drawing attention to the Neue Klasse, scheduled for production in 2025, Zipse described it…

Skoda has recently pulled the curtains back on the fourth generation of its Superb, available in both estate and saloon versions. The latest iteration, however, reserves the cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology exclusively for the Superb Combi model. Taking cues from the ninth-generation Passat, unveiled in September, the Superb is set to feature the same advanced drive technology. The Passat B9, available exclusively as an estate, transitioned away from a saloon variant during a generation and plant changeover, relocating production from Emden to Bratislava. Although the Superb will continue offering a saloon model, it will not come equipped with a plug-in…

SK On and Polestar, the renowned Swedish electric car manufacturer affiliated with Volvo, have inked a landmark agreement to bolster the supply of cutting-edge EV batteries. This milestone pact, announced on Monday, sets the stage for SK On to furnish Polestar with high-performance nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries tailored for the forthcoming all-electric Polestar 5 sedan, set to hit the roads in 2025. While the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership between SK On and Polestar promises to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle sector. The Polestar 5, poised for production in 2025, will be an automotive…

Lotus, the legendary British automotive manufacturer, has taken a bold leap into the world of high-performance electric road bikes with the launch of its stunning Lotus Type 136. In an era where electrified two-wheelers have gained traction, Lotus is making a resounding statement by introducing a cutting-edge electric road bike that sets a new standard in both design and performance. Inspired by the design of the Hope HB.T track bike developed in collaboration with the Great Britain cycling team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Lotus Type 136 boasts an aesthetic that is both sleek and streamlined. With contoured lines…

Anthro Energy is making waves in the world of energy storage with their groundbreaking flexible battery systems, which are set to revolutionize electronic devices and play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change. These innovative energy solutions are already being embraced by wearable manufacturers and have the potential to transform various sectors, including electric vehicles and laptops. One of the standout features of Anthro Energy’s cutting-edge batteries is their exceptional fire safety. Unlike traditional batteries, which often rely on flammable liquid electrolytes like those found in lithium-ion batteries, Anthro Energy has engineered a fireproof solution. By utilizing new…

Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA) and Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, have unveiled a transformative strategic partnership. This collaboration centers around Mercedes-Benz HPC NA’s endeavor to establish a network of premium EV charging hubs across the United States and Canada, with Simon providing the ideal platform for these charging facilities. The agreement between these two esteemed brands signifies a significant milestone in their shared commitment to delivering top-notch experiences to their customers. For Mercedes-Benz, this initiative reaffirms its dedication to providing a high-quality charging experience to drivers of all electric vehicle…

In a bid to enhance its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market and counter growing competition from Chinese rivals, Toyota (7203.T) is set to trial a new electric pickup truck in Thailand, as disclosed by a company executive. This move reflects Toyota’s efforts to strengthen its position in the country, where Chinese EV manufacturers are rapidly gaining market share. Chinese EV makers have been increasingly investing in Thailand, committing around $1.5 billion to establish new manufacturing facilities, as part of their strategy to expand their global footprint in response to slowing domestic sales. Pras Ganesh, the executive vice president…

Tesla has achieved a second courtroom victory this year concerning its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technologies. This recent triumph, which centers on a fatality case, reinforces Tesla’s stance that drivers bear the ultimate responsibility for their vehicle’s operation. The case in question unfolded in Riverside County Superior Court and revolved around a civil lawsuit. The plaintiffs alleged that Autopilot was the primary cause of an accident involving Micah Lee, who was driving a Tesla Model 3. The claim sought damages exceeding $400 million for the incident. The accident resulted in Mr. Lee’s vehicle veering off the highway and colliding with…

Texas-based electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has released its Q3 2023 financial report, shedding light on its recent performance in the automotive industry. While the company reported a revenue of $23.35 billion in the most recent quarter, with $19.6 billion coming from its automotive division, it showed a 9% increase in sales compared to Q3 2022. However, these figures fall short of the record-breaking Q2 2023 results, where Tesla raked in $24.93 billion in sales and deliveries. Despite robust sales figures, Tesla’s profitability faced challenges, with a net profit of $1.85 billion in the past three months. This represents a substantial…

Aito, supported by tech giant Huawei, has released a feature update to its compatible vehicles, introducing a suite of functionalities that include Valet Parking Assistance and Smart Guard. These core features are supplemented by two entertainment-based additions—a new music-learning app and a game for the infotainment system. The Valet Parking Assistance system is designed to simplify the parking process. Applicable to Aito vehicles equipped with the Smart Driving package, this feature enables cars to map out parking areas, be it an open space or a multi-story parking lot, during the first entry. Utilizing built-in sensors, the car then maps the…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian reported its third-quarter results on Monday, stunning Wall Street by surpassing expectations in both production and deliveries. The company’s production facility in Normal, Illinois, churned out 16,304 vehicles during the third quarter and successfully delivered 15,564 of those to eager customers. These figures not only exceeded analysts’ consensus but also positioned Rivian on a promising trajectory to outperform its annual production estimate of 52,000 vehicles for 2023. This quarter’s performance showcases a remarkable improvement, with a notable 23% increase in both production and deliveries compared to the previous quarter. Perhaps even more astonishing, it marks an…