Author: David Smith

Chinese battery materials company CNGR Advanced Materials has unveiled ambitious plans to commence the production of critical battery components for electric vehicles (EVs) in Morocco. To bring this vision to fruition, CNGR intends to establish a strategic joint venture with Al Mada, one of Africa’s largest private investment funds. Together, they aim to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Jorf Lasfar, situated within the El Jadida region of Morocco, with the primary goal of processing indigenous raw materials, including cobalt, phosphate, and manganese, into essential battery components. The primary focus of this collaborative effort will center on the production of precursors…

Candela, the Swedish electric boat manufacturer, has shattered the previous endurance record for electric boats, showcasing the potential of electric marine transportation. The previous record, standing at 79 nautical miles (146 km) in 20 hours, was eclipsed by the Candela C-8’s astonishing performance. The groundbreaking record run took place on a 20-nautical-mile circuit, running between Stockholm Freeport and the island of Tynningö. The primary objective of this endeavor was to demonstrate fast-charging capabilities, underscoring the viability of electric boats for extended journeys. See also: Candela C-8: The First Electric Hydrofoil Boat Powered by Polestar Technology After completing each lap, the…

Volvo has unveiled an innovative approach to its advanced driver assist suite. The company’s representatives recently shared their insights during the inaugural public crash test of the EX90 EV, emphasising the need to minimise unnecessary warnings. Mikael Ljung, Senior Safety Technical Lead at Volvo, explained, “You spend about 80% of your time looking at the road ahead and 20% elsewhere. People have learned to do this in a way that works for safe driving.” Ljung highlighted that the 80/20 division of attention is effective in ensuring safe driving, with accidents primarily occurring due to sporadic distractions. Volvo’s new system takes…

Bird Globa has acquired Spin, a shared electric bike and scooter operator, from Berlin-based TIER Mobility. The acquisition, valued at $19 million, with $10 million in upfront cash, cements Bird’s status as the largest micromobility operator in North America, both in terms of market share and the number of markets served. Spin, headquartered in San Francisco, boasts a robust presence in North America, operating in over 50 cities and on various university campuses. Importantly, this footprint has minimal overlap with Bird’s existing operations, ensuring geographic expansion for the micromobility giant. This strategic acquisition significantly bolsters Bird’s geographical reach, consolidating its…

Takashi Watanabe, President of Lexus, confirmed the luxury automaker’s stance on producing its versions of Toyota’s existing internal combustion engine (ICE) pickup lineup, which includes well-known models like the Hilux, the Tacoma, and the Tundra. While Lexus currently has no plans to venture into this segment, it remains open to the possibility of developing a fully electric truck in response to customer demand. Watanabe emphasized that Toyota holds the responsibility for the development of pickups within the larger Toyota Group, leaving Lexus and Gazoo Racing with distinct roles and priorities. However, for those who have been dreaming of a Lexus-branded…

Steve Girsky, the newly appointed CEO of Nikola, has drawn intriguing parallels between his company’s current position and Tesla’s early days when it was underestimated by the industry. Girsky, who assumed the role in August this year, served on GM’s board of directors from 2009 to 2016, giving him a unique perspective on the automotive landscape. Girsky reminisced about how, during his tenure at GM, Tesla was often regarded as “just a bunch of engineers playing with laptop batteries.” However, he noted that Tesla’s relentless drive and innovation ultimately allowed it to gain a remarkable ten-year head start on the…

The coastal city of Kiel in northern Germany is set to bolster its public transportation fleet with an order of 50 electric buses from Dutch manufacturer VDL. Commencing in July of next year and spanning a year-long period, Kiel’s capital of Schleswig-Holstein will witness a steady influx of three to five new electric buses each month, marking a noteworthy development in the city’s commitment to environmentally friendly transportation. The substantial order comprises 30 Citea LF-181 articulated electric buses and 20 Citea LF-122 electric solo buses, all of the latest generation models. Valued at 800,000 euros for an articulated bus and…

German automaker BMW has officially announced that its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles (EVs), set to debut in the coming years, will feature a new-generation design language showcased in the Vision Neue Klasse concept. CEO Oliver Zipse has confirmed that this design approach will not only extend to the electric platform but also to customized models exclusive to the Chinese market. Speaking at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress, Zipse revealed that BMW Design Shanghai is already actively engaged in crafting unique designs and functionalities for Neue Klasse vehicles specifically tailored for Chinese consumers. While Zipse did not provide specific…

In an exclusive report by Reuters, five anonymous sources familiar with Tesla’s plans have revealed potential groundbreaking production techniques that could significantly reduce production costs and bring Elon Musk’s dream of an affordable, entry-level electric vehicle (EV) priced around $25,000 closer to reality. Tesla has already made notable strides in cost-effective production methods with the Model Y, utilizing “gigacasting,” which involves the use of massive presses with clamping pressures of up to 9,000 tons to mold front and rear structures. This innovation has helped the automaker streamline production processes and reduce complexity. Now, Tesla is exploring the possibility of die-casting…

The United States Department of Transportation has unveiled a Notice of Funding Opportunity, making $100 million in public funds available for the repair or replacement of existing non-operational electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative, which is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021, aims to address the growing concerns of American drivers regarding the reliability and functionality of EV charging stations. One of the primary objectives of this funding allocation is to improve the accessibility of EV charging for American motorists. The move comes in response to widespread complaints about malfunctioning charging stations, emphasizing the…

Slovenia may not be the first name that comes to mind, but Aljoša Tušek is determined to change that perception. The former racecar driver and his company, Tushek, have recently unveiled the Aeon, a pair of electrified hypercars designed to not just compete but to “dominate” the hypercar market. Tushek’s ambitious project offers two distinct powertrain options, both boasting impressive power-to-weight ratios. The Aeon E represents the all-electric variant, with a staggering power output exceeding 2,500 horsepower (1,864 kW/2,535 PS). What’s equally impressive is its relatively lightweight construction, tipping the scales at 3,527 pounds (1,600 kg), resulting in a remarkable…

Rivian, the American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making significant strides in the US EV market, outpacing its competitors like Lucid and VinFast. Recent data from Experian, as reported by Automotive News, reveals that Rivian secured the eighth spot in US EV registrations from January through July, capturing 2.8% of the overall EV market. In July alone, Rivian recorded 2,750 registrations for its R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV, a modest improvement compared to its monthly average of 2,596 in the first half of the year. From January to July, Rivian amassed a total of 18,359 new registrations, excluding…

In an unexpected move, Tesla has discreetly removed its Texas-built, entry-level Model Y variant from its official website. This adjustment has resulted in an increase in the base price of a new Model Y, now starting at a minimum of $52,130, up from the previous $49,130. Industry experts speculate that this strategic pricing shift may be part of a broader plan to expedite the production of Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck. The alteration was first noticed by Teslarati, and while it may appear as a minor pricing adjustment, it is unlikely to ruffle many feathers among potential buyers. The new base…

In a recent interview with CNBC Overtime, Ford CEO Jim Farley voiced his concerns over the ongoing negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, cautioning that the union’s demands could potentially drive the company into bankruptcy. The UAW’s demands, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, encompass a range of requests including the reinstatement of defined benefit pensions for all workers, a four-day workweek, and a substantial raise of around 30%. Initially, the UAW had sought a 40% wage increase to align with the salary hikes received by Detroit automotive executives in recent years. https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1702432016304931029 Farley clarified that negotiations…

California-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has announced a substantial software update, version 2023.34.0, for its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck models. The update brings notable improvements to ride quality, handling, and user experience, further underscoring Rivian’s commitment to refining its offerings over time. One of the standout enhancements in this update is the significant improvement in ride quality across various drive modes and ride heights. According to Rivian’s release notes, Sport Mode now offers a more balanced blend of ride comfort and handling, while the All-Purpose Soft Ride Mode delivers enhanced comfort. See also: Rivian Rolls Out OTA Updates…

Verkor, a French start-up backed by Renault, has successfully secured more than €2 billion in financing for its groundbreaking gigafactory project in Dunkirk, France. This remarkable achievement comes after the recent signing of a minimum €850 million Series C funding round, the approval of European Investment Bank debt support, and substantial subsidies from the French government. Verkor’s ambitious endeavor aims to accelerate the manufacturing of high-performance, low-carbon battery cells and construct its first gigafactory in the Port of Dunkirk. With an initial production capacity of 16 GWh/year, the gigafactory is anticipated to become operational by 2025, generating approximately 1,200 direct…

Gotion High-tech Co Ltd, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, is set to establish a state-of-the-art lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, Illinois, with a substantial investment of $2 billion. This significant development is poised to generate approximately 2,600 new job opportunities, as confirmed by the office of the Illinois state governor on Friday. In recent times, global EV battery manufacturers and automakers have been actively exploring opportunities within the North American market. This expansion drive aims to diversify supply chains while capitalizing on incentives provided under the Inflation Reduction Act. See also: Vingroup, Gotion start construction of…

Stellantis, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, is setting its sights on crafting lighter electric vehicle (EV) batteries to significantly enhance sustainability. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Ned Curic, emphasized the urgency of this endeavor during the inauguration of Stellantis’ Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy. Curic expressed concerns about the weight of current EV batteries, stating that they are “just too heavy” and render vehicles “not compatible” with sustainability objectives. To address this issue, he outlined an ambitious goal for his team, aiming to achieve a 50% reduction in battery weight by 2030. However, Curic admitted that the…

Hyundai Mobis, a player in the automotive industry and a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, has unveiled its comprehensive European expansion strategy, titled ‘Mobis Mobility Move 2.0,’ at the IAA Mobility event. The company is poised to make significant inroads into the European market with an ambitious growth plan, aiming for a 50% increase in 2023, followed by sustained annual growth rates exceeding 30% in the coming years. Hyundai Mobis’ confidence in its European expansion is bolstered by recent strategic agreements, including a noteworthy contract with Volkswagen. Axel Maschka, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Division at Hyundai…

Tesla has recently increased the price of its Yoke steering wheel option for the Model S and Model X by $1,000, as indicated by the company’s online configurator. This move comes as part of Tesla’s ongoing adjustments to its pricing and options availability. The Yoke steering wheel first garnered attention when it was introduced in 2021 as part of the refresh for Tesla’s two flagship electric vehicles. Initially, it was the sole choice for newly configured cars, with the traditional round steering wheel conspicuously absent from the options list. See also: Tesla Cybertruck May Offer Optional Round Steering Wheel Alongside…