Author: David Smith

In the rapidly evolving landscape of solid-state battery research and development, SK On, the battery supplier for automotive giants Ford and Volkswagen, has made a significant stride. The South Korean company has revealed a stable solid electrolyte that promises to increase lithium-ion conductivity by a remarkable 70%. Similar to its South Korean counterpart, Samsung, SK On has employed a proprietary oxide formula for the electrolyte. This formulation, developed in collaboration with Dankook University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is set to advance the state of solid-state battery technology. Notably, the increase in lithium-ion conductivity achieved by SK On’s unique…

Cologne’s regional transport company, RVK, has inked a significant deal with Polish manufacturer Solaris to acquire 18 articulated hydrogen buses, scheduled for deployment in the summer of 2024. These state-of-the-art vehicles will play a crucial role in expanding the presence of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in the greater Cologne/Bonn area. This marks a milestone for RVK as it represents their first order of articulated buses from Solaris. The Urbino 18 Hydrogen, Solaris’ latest model unveiled in September 2022, has already undergone successful testing with RVK. See also: Solaris launches new hydrogen articulated bus with a length of 18 meters,…

Nissan has partnered with JVCKenwood Corp. and 4R Energy Corp. to create a portable power source. This innovative development utilizes modules sourced from aging Nissan Leaf electric hatchbacks, as reported by the Associated Press. Weighing in at a mere 32 pounds (14.4 kilograms), this portable generator features two modules salvaged from first-generation Nissan Leaf vehicles. It is currently available for purchase in Japan at a price of $1,170 (equivalent to 170,500 yen). Detailed information regarding its capacity has not been disclosed, and plans for international availability remain undisclosed at this time. Examining the unit’s specifications reveals two high-power outputs, along…

In a significant move to stay competitive in China’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, Volkswagen’s joint venture with FAW, FAW-VW, has implemented substantial price reductions on the ID.4 electric SUV, marking a substantial price drop from its initial launch in January 2021. The ID.4, which initially hit the Chinese market with a price tag of 193,900 yuan ($26,700), now boasts a much more appealing starting price of 145,900 yuan ($20,060), following FAW-VW’s price adjustment strategy. Volkswagen operates in China through two prominent joint ventures, SAIC-VW and FAW-VW, both offering variations of Volkswagen’s popular ID.4 and ID.6 electric models. Typically, when…

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, the Polestar Synergy hypercar, at the IAA Mobility Show. The Synergy hypercar is the remarkable result of the 2022 Polestar Design Contest, where three winning entries were combined into a full-scale prototype. As part of a new collaboration with Mattel, the concept will also be immortalized as a scale model, offering enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of sustainable performance. The theme of the 2022 Polestar Design Contest was “sustainable performance,” and it drew over 600 entries, primarily focused on zero-emission sportscars, supercars, and hypercars. The winning…

Gotion High-tech, a prominent Chinese lithium battery manufacturer, has successfully acquired a substantial 25 percent stake in InoBat AS, a leading European battery company. The partnership, which was formalized through a memorandum of cooperation earlier this year, marks a pivotal step towards fostering research and development initiatives and establishing a large-scale localized battery value chain spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. InoBat, an innovative battery firm originating from Slovakia but incorporated in Norway, distinguishes itself by offering tailored, high-performance NMC batteries through its unique C2C circular value chain development platform, as highlighted in their press release. This strategic investment…

In a statement made at the IAA car show in Munich, BMW’s Chief Executive, Oliver Zipse, expressed confidence that the forthcoming “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle (EV) range will prove to be just as profitable as the existing battery-powered cars in the luxury automaker’s portfolio. The Neue Klasse, scheduled for launch in 2025, stands as a pivotal component of BMW’s strategy to emulate past achievements and compete with EV pioneer Tesla, who is also making a prominent appearance at this year’s IAA event. “We are very profitable with electric cars… already today,” Zipse emphasized during his interaction with reporters, highlighting that…

Audi has taken the stage at the Munich Motor Show to provide a sneak peek into the interior of its forthcoming Q6 e-tron. Building upon previous revelations regarding the crossover’s powertrain and exterior design, Audi has now offered an in-depth look at the technology-rich cabin that awaits future owners. At the heart of this high-tech interior is a panoramic display system. Comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a substantial 14.5-inch infotainment screen, this setup is powered by Android Automotive. Beyond the basic functionalities, the infotainment system includes an app store and a digital assistant, represented by an avatar. See…

McLaren Applied has recently introduced the IPG5-x, an innovative 800-volt silicon carbide inverter. The company’s latest creation is aimed at catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), providing them with a cutting-edge solution for seamless integration into electric drive units (EDUs) for upcoming electric vehicles. Dubbed the IPG5-x, this forward-looking inverter has been meticulously designed in collaboration with Tier 1 suppliers and OEM partners. With versatility at its core, the IPG5-x is engineered to be compatible with a wide array of motors and transmissions. Notably, McLaren Applied is already in the midst of a collaboration with prominent transmission manufacturer Tremec. Together,…

Tesla has once again implemented significant price reductions on its brand-new Model 3 vehicles within its North American inventory. Coinciding with speculation surrounding the imminent unveiling of the Model 3 refresh, dubbed Project Highland, in China on September 1, the automaker aims to entice potential buyers with substantial savings. Having previously offered discounts of up to $2,500 on various Model 3 trims back in June, Tesla has now escalated the discounts to even greater heights. The Model 3 RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) sees a markdown exceeding $4,100, while the Model 3 Long Range boasts a price reduction surpassing $5,000. Notably, the…

In a bid to keep up with the electric vehicle revolution, South Korea is seeing a surge in the adoption of Chinese lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, sparking concerns about their environmental impact. While electric buses and scooters equipped with LFP batteries are gaining traction in the Korean market, recycling these batteries after their useful life remains a significant challenge. Experts argue that this trend could undermine the goal of creating a more eco-friendly electric ecosystem. Industry insiders report that sales of new electric vehicles featuring LFP batteries are set to kick off in earnest next month. Among the notable…

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group has announced the successful spin-off of three internal startups, marking a significant step in its pursuit of innovation that transcends the traditional automotive sector. The startups – PIT IN, MADDE, and EVA CYCLE – have now transitioned into independent entities after a remarkable journey of technology development and commercialization spanning just nine months. Hyundai Motor Group’s proprietary startup incubation initiative, the ZERO1NE Company Builder, played a pivotal role in nurturing these enterprises to maturity. PIT IN, the brainchild of this program, presents a unique offering in the form of commercial electric vehicles, including taxis, powered…

Swedish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Polestar, has shown signs of recovery in its second-quarter financial results, with its operating loss significantly reducing as the global auto industry gradually overcomes pandemic-induced supply chain challenges. The company, a joint venture between China’s Geely and Volvo Cars, revealed on Thursday a narrowed operating loss of $274.4 million for the second quarter, marking a notable improvement from the $627.3 million loss reported during the same period the previous year. Concurrently, Polestar’s revenue demonstrated positive growth, climbing to $685.2 million from $589.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Polestar successfully delivered a total of 15,765 vehicles…

In a groundbreaking move, Fisker has revealed further intricacies surrounding the Fisker PEAR, an innovative crossover that has captured attention with its affordable price tag of $29,900. Chairman and CEO of Fisker, Henrik Fisker, commented on the unconventional design approach, stating, “With PEAR, we threw convention out the window. We created this vehicle with the idea that young people living in the world’s big cities need innovative, versatile, and affordable mobility.” The unveiling of the PEAR took place on August 3 at Fisker’s inaugural Product Vision Day. The company has collaborated with Foxconn to produce the vehicle at a facility…

Mercedes-Benz has officially disclosed the pricing details for its inaugural fully electric van, the all-new eSprinter, catering to the North American market. Based on Mercedes-Benz Vans’ innovative Electric Versatility Platform, the eSprinter is now available for ordering at authorized dealerships across the United States, starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $74,181. This starting price includes a $2,295 destination and delivery charge. Notably, the new eSprinter sidesteps the Chicken Tax – a tariff imposed on light trucks – as it is slated for assembly at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina. In contrast to the Ford E-Transit,…

In a recent move signaling strong faith in leadership and optimistic growth prospects, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has been awarded a substantial pay increase, accompanied by a generous stock award and bonus. The decision, endorsed by Rivian’s board, underscores their confidence in Scaringe’s stewardship and the upward trajectory of the company. According to official documentation filed on Tuesday, Scaringe’s annual base salary has been elevated to $1 million, marking a notable surge of over 50% from the previous figure of $650,000. Additionally, his target annual incentive bonus has been raised to 100% of his base salary, a substantial increase from…

The United States auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is delving into Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system, demanding answers regarding a recent software alteration that allows drivers to keep their hands off the steering wheel for an extended period, potentially heightening the risk of collisions. Documents made public on Tuesday unveil the regulatory body’s concerns and inquiries. In a special order dated July 26, the NHTSA summoned Tesla to provide clarification on the modifications to the Autopilot system and to furnish relevant documentation. This order, while not mandating a vehicle recall, does underscore the growing challenges…

In a strategic maneuver reflecting the shifting landscape of the automotive industry, Ford is bidding farewell to three of its gas-powered stalwarts – the Escape, Edge, and Transit Connect models. This decision marks the American automaker’s resolute step toward clearing the road for its new wave of electric vehicles (EVs), underpinned by an in-house developed EV platform. Ford’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Farley, confirmed earlier this year that the company was diligently working on an internal EV architecture, known as Project T3 (Trust The Truck). This platform will serve as the foundation for a forthcoming full-size electric pickup and a…

BYD, China’s foremost electric vehicle (EV) producer, has reported a staggering 145% surge in profits during the second quarter, propelled by an impressive volume of deliveries. This remarkable growth comes at a time when an EV price war is sweeping through China, exerting pressure on profit margins across the sector. Having already overtaken Volkswagen to become China’s top-selling car brand earlier this year, BYD has successfully upheld its market leadership throughout the first half of the year. In the second quarter alone, BYD achieved a record-breaking feat by delivering an astounding 703,000 new energy vehicles (comprising both EVs and plug-in…

In a dynamic turn of events, VinFast, the emerging electric vehicle (EV) startup, continues to experience erratic shifts in its share prices after an initially turbulent market entry. On Monday, the company’s shares achieved unprecedented heights, propelling its overall valuation beyond that of renowned automakers such as GM, Ford, Volkswagen (VW), and Mercedes-Benz, according to statements from investors. VinFast made its NASDAQ debut on August 15, commencing trading at $22 per share. The stock’s trajectory was initially meteoric, soaring to an impressive $38.78 valuation, only to plummet to $13.94 later within the same week. However, as of Monday, August 28,…