Author: David Smith

In a determined effort to tackle escalating vehicle emissions in the city, the Jakarta government has announced its ambitious project to bolster the electric bus fleet to a remarkable 100 vehicles. Spearheaded by TransJakarta, the municipally-owned land transport company, this initiative forms a pivotal part of the city’s comprehensive strategy to curtail pollution levels. Commencing from September 1, a groundbreaking policy will be implemented, mandating emission tests for all vehicles operating within the city limits. Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono, speaking on Sunday, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “We will introduce an additional 22 electric buses in October,…

DAF Trucks is embracing the electric future with the introduction of the DAF XB Electric truck series, aimed at addressing the demands of urban and regional distribution. The renowned Dutch truck manufacturer is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio to include 12, 16, and 19-tonne variants, offering a range of options for sustainable transportation. Diversifying Electrified Transport The new DAF XB Electric series comes equipped with an electric motor delivering either 120 or 190 kW of rated power, depending on the chosen specification. Paired with LFP batteries, these trucks boast a gross energy content ranging from 141 to 282 kWh. While…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has embarked on a transformative journey, opting to produce its own Enduro motors for the dual-motor versions of its sought-after R1T and R1S models. By bringing motor production under its own roof, the company is steadfast in its pursuit to expedite production and dissolve the existing backlog fueled by overwhelming consumer interest. Amidst the humming of machinery, Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, has evolved into a round-the-clock operation, engaging in three shifts to address production shortfalls that have been impacting the R1T and R1S models. A captivating behind-the-scenes video peels back the curtain on these…

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging, Tesla has secured official approval from the city of Los Angeles to introduce a one-of-a-kind establishment that combines a diner, a movie theater, and Superchargers. This visionary concept, initially proposed by CEO Elon Musk in 2018, is set to offer Tesla owners an unparalleled charging experience while combining entertainment and convenience. The Tesla Diner, located prominently at the intersection of 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, embodies the essence of Musk’s earlier tweet: “Gonna put an old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger…

Geely Galaxy, the new energy vehicle (NEV) sub-brand of Geely Auto Group, has ignited excitement at the Chengdu auto show by introducing its second model, the Geely Galaxy L6. The compact plug-in hybrid sedan is set to captivate consumers with its alluring design and eco-conscious features, marking another stride towards Geely’s ambitious electrification goals. Designed to cater to diverse preferences, the Geely Galaxy L6 arrives in four distinctive variants, each boasting a unique blend of features and performance attributes. The starting prices for these models range from an accessible RMB 128,000 ($17,560) to RMB 158,000, providing options for a wide…

Kodiak Robotics and Pilot Company have joined forces to launch a cutting-edge autonomous truck port in Villa Rica, Georgia. Serving as a vital hub for Kodiak’s expansive 18,000-mile autonomous network, this facility promises to reshape the future of transportation. Located at the Pilot Travel Center, the truckport offers refueling, light maintenance, and specialized pre-trip inspections tailored for self-driving trucks. This innovative approach underlines the collaboration’s commitment to seamless autonomous operations. See also: Kodiak Robotics Unveils Fifth-Generation Self-Driving Technology with Improved Perception and Appearance Don Burnette, CEO of Kodiak Robotics, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Pilot…

Keeping true to his promise, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, took the unreleased Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta V12 edition for a notable spin during the rush hour, impressing observers with the advancements made in the driver-assist technology. The 45-minute drive through the bustling streets of Palo Alto exhibited the software’s ability to adeptly navigate challenging tasks like unprotected left turns, with Musk commending the smoother acceleration, intuitive control, and seamless turns provided by the software. Underlining the progress made in FSD Beta V12, Musk elaborated that the software’s eight HW3 cameras functioned at their maximum capacity, capturing 36 frames per…

dcbel, a pioneering player in the intelligent home energy sector, has successfully concluded a substantial Series B funding round, securing a substantial $50 million investment. This latest influx of capital was led by Idealist Capital and saw participation from existing backers including Volvo Cars, Coatue, Kevin Mahaffey, and Real Ventures. The injection of funds is poised to provide a significant boost to dcbel’s mission of expediting the deployment of their innovative Home Energy Station across targeted regions. A standout feature of this innovative product is its seamless integration of renewable assets, including solar panels, stationary batteries, and electric vehicles, into…

Fraport, the renowned airport operator, has taken a pioneering stride towards greener transportation solutions with its recent two-year framework agreement alongside Dutch manufacturer Ebusco. The landmark deal encompasses the procurement of up to eight Ebusco 3.0 electric buses, each measuring an impressive twelve meters in length. Notably, this partnership marks the inaugural use of the Ebusco 3.0 model within an airport setting, highlighting Fraport’s commitment to cutting-edge sustainable practices. The contractual arrangement features an initial order of four Ebusco 3.0 electric buses, with the provision for an additional four units under consideration. The introduction of these cutting-edge electric buses, equipped…

EarthCruiser, a recognized name in the overlanding community, has unveiled an intriguing adaptation: a pop-top camper version designed for the GMC Hummer EV. This retrofit aims to merge the capabilities of the all-electric pickup with the conveniences of a fully-fledged camper, presenting outdoor enthusiasts with a fresh avenue for self-sufficient exploration. Lance Gillies, the CEO and Founder of EarthCruiser, expressed satisfaction in partnering with GMC for this endeavor. “It feels right, it feels like it belongs,” Gillies remarked, underscoring the collaboration’s seamless integration of EarthCruiser’s expertise with the GMC Hummer EV’s framework. The result is a camper that prides itself…

In a year marked by significant milestones and challenges, VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has been navigating a diverse landscape in the automotive industry. The company’s strides include a remarkable NASDAQ listing and a strategic marketing campaign, while also facing initial skepticism and modest sales. In the early months of 2023, VinFast’s debut of its VF8 model faced a notable wave of criticism, with sentiment leaning toward the negative. The unveiling event was met with some skepticism, and from February to May of the same year, approximately 128 units were reportedly sold. These initial hurdles, however, were only part of VinFast’s…

Volkswagen has officially initiated the production of its highly anticipated all-electric ID.7 sedan at its Emden plant in Germany. This significant milestone comes on the heels of a preliminary production run in June, with the first customer deliveries slated to commence this upcoming fall. The Emden facility, which also manufactures the popular ID.4 model, has been the focal point of attention due to recent market fluctuations. Specifically, insufficient demand for the ID.4 prompted a series of adjustments at the plant. This included a temporary halt to late shifts, an extension of plant vacations, and a deferral of the planned launch…

Hanoi-based electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, has successfully concluded its merger with Black Spade Acquisition Company through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) arrangement. The merger gained approval from shareholders of Black Spade, paving the way for VinFast’s much-anticipated debut on the NASDAQ Stock Market on August 15, 2023. In a significant stride towards its international expansion strategy, VinFast, a prominent player in the electric vehicle sector headquartered in Hanoi, unveiled the finalization of its merger with Black Spade Acquisition Company. This pivotal announcement was made in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony of VinFast’s forthcoming manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Following…

The Ford Explorer first came out in 1997 and was known as one of the best all American SUVs on the market. Since then, the Ford Explorer has been a strong contender on the market with new releases being available every year. Whether you’re looking for a family SUV that is ideal for adventures and off-roading, or a car that will also double as a sleek option that gets you to work and back, the Ford Explorers design and durability make it an ideal option for both. If you’re environmentally conscious and want to choose an SUV that does its…

Lucid Motors, the prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently announced that it remains on course to meet its production target of over 10,000 vehicles for the year 2023. The company has marked significant achievements in the second quarter of this year, demonstrating its commitment to the EV market’s growth. In its Q2 2023 financial report, Lucid Motors disclosed an impressive revenue of $150.9 million, accompanied by the delivery of 1,404 vehicles. The company’s CEO and CTO, Peter Rawlinson, highlighted the accomplishment of several major milestones during this period, notably the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership with the renowned…

In a notable appearance at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, Everrati, the renowned UK-based electric vehicle (EV) conversion specialist, will exhibit their converted battery-powered Mexico Blue Porsche 911 alongside a vintage Porsche 911 S. The event, scheduled for August 20, marks Everrati’s endeavor to showcase the evolution of Porsche’s powertrain technology over time. Everrati’s Mexico Blue Porsche 911, a 964-gen restomod, has undergone a meticulous restoration process followed by the installation of a cutting-edge OEM-grade electric powertrain. This transformation endows the classic sports car with 500 horsepower, powered by a 62-kilowatt-hour battery pack, granting an estimated range…

Tesla’s manufacturing stronghold in China, Giga Shanghai, continues to exhibit a robust production trajectory, reaffirming its significance since its establishment in 2019. The latest production statistics, sourced from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), reveal that Giga Shanghai’s output remains stable, with a manufacturing total of 80,345 cars in the past month. While this figure registers a slight decrease from the previous month’s 80,365 units, the factory has consistently maintained a pattern of producing around 80,000 vehicles or more for four consecutive months. A closer look at the breakdown of production by model indicates that Giga Shanghai is currently witnessing…

Automobili Pininfarina, the renowned Italian luxury automobile manufacturer, has raised anticipation within the automotive community with the announcement of their latest creation, the B95. Scheduled to be revealed on August 17, this new model marks the initiation of a fresh line of vehicles from the esteemed marque. While details regarding the B95 are kept under wraps, the company has promised an entirely novel offering that draws inspiration from their recently unveiled Pura Vision design concept. Prominent features of this forthcoming automobile are anticipated to include exquisite design elements and technical ingenuity, catering to the discerning preferences of their esteemed clientele.…

Zeekr has taken a strategic move to bolster its sales figures for the latter half of the year. The company has initiated a compelling promotional campaign for its inaugural model, the Zeekr 001 shooting brake, aimed at achieving its annual sales targets. In an official announcement made today, Zeekr disclosed a compelling incentive for prospective buyers of the Zeekr 001. Those who acquire this pioneering model within the current year will be eligible for a noteworthy discount, with potential savings reaching an impressive RMB 37,000 ($5,130). The Zeekr 001, introduced to the market on April 17, 2021, with deliveries commencing…

In the ever-expanding landscape of electric bicycles, consumers find themselves amidst a diverse array of choices. Established biking brands such as Trek, Giant, and Cannondale, along with emerging players, are driving innovation in the e-bike domain. Among these contenders, Rad Power Bikes has garnered attention as a prominent choice for commuting and versatile e-biking in the United States. Rad Power Bikes’ Notable Presence With a reported count of over 550,000 of their e-bikes gracing American streets, Rad Power Bikes asserts itself as the premier e-bike brand in the country. This achievement underscores the brand’s popularity and market reach. The appeal…