Author: David Smith

GreenPower, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has made its debut in Arizona by delivering an electric purpose-built Type D BEAST school bus to the Phoenix Elementary School District #1. This marks the first deployment of a GreenPower electric school bus in the state, signaling a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions in the region. The BEAST, which stands for “battery electric automotive school transportation,” is a 40-foot electric school bus capable of seating up to 90 passengers. It boasts an aluminum body mounted on a high-strength steel truss chassis, ensuring durability and safety for students and drivers alike. See…

British transport company First Bus is set to introduce 57 electric buses from Wrightbus to its fleet in Leeds this month, comprising 32 GB Kite Electroliner solo buses and 25 StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers. The deployment of these electric buses was contingent on the installation of charging infrastructure at the Bramley depot in Leeds. First Bus has completed the electrification of the depot, equipping it with charging infrastructure from Heliox. By the end of March, one-third of the buses stationed in Bramley will be electric, with further electric buses planned for introduction in the summer of 2024. See also: First Bus Makes…

A proposed joint venture between Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, and Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has received approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), according to sources familiar with the matter. The approval from the NDRC allows Stellantis to proceed with its plans to build and sell Leapmotor’s electric vehicles outside of China. However, the deal still awaits regulatory approval in other markets. See also: Stellantis Considers Producing Leapmotor EVs at Fiat’s Historic Mirafiori Plant in Turin Last October, Stellantis announced its intention to acquire a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6 billion, signaling its ambitions…

The forthcoming 2024 Honda Prologue has received official recognition from the IRS, being listed among electric vehicles eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. This significant advantage represents approximately 15% of the vehicle’s base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $47,400. After factoring in the $1,395 destination charge and subtracting the tax credit, the effective starting price is reduced to $41,295. See also: 2024 Honda Prologue Promises 300-Mile Range, Priced in Upper $40k Range The eligibility of the Honda Prologue for the $7,500 federal tax credit suggests that other models based on the Ultium platform, such as the Acura ZDX,…

Kia has unveiled a tempting offer for those eyeing its inaugural three-row electric SUV, the 2024 EV9. With a $5,000 customer cash discount now in play, the timing might be perfect for prospective buyers. The EV9 made its market debut in November last year, boasting a starting price of $54,900. Kia positioned it as a groundbreaking addition to the electric vehicle landscape, signaling a bold shift in the industry. Demand for the spacious electric SUV has been robust, with 2,726 units sold in the US during the first two months of this year. Surpassing the sales figures of Kia’s first…

French energy group EDF and infrastructure investor Morrison are joining forces to invest up to 450 million euros in the construction of nearly 8,000 high-power charge points in France by 2030. The investment will be made through a joint financing platform, with EDF subsidiary Izivia set to operate the high-power charging (HPC) stations. The HPC chargers will be installed on roads or in publicly accessible private car parks. However, details regarding the planned charging capacity and the starting date for the rollout are yet to be provided by the partners. The initiative is driven by the expectation that the number…

Hyundai’s foray into the three-row electric SUV segment will be marked by the Ioniq 9, a departure from its previously expected name, the Ioniq 7. The decision reflects Hyundai’s strategy to capitalize on Kia’s success with the EV9. The Ioniq 9 joins Hyundai’s lineup of dedicated EVs, which includes the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, solidifying the brand’s position as a key player in key markets. See also: Hyundai’s IONIQ 7 Electric SUV Set to Debut at Busan Motor Show Data from S&P Global indicates that Hyundai ranked as the fourth best-selling EV brand in the US last year, capturing 4.5%…

Munich-based automotive giant BMW has commenced the construction of its dedicated production facility for fifth-generation high-voltage batteries in Thailand. The new assembly plant, located in Rayong, is poised to play a pivotal role in the company’s foray into purely electric vehicles. Scheduled to kick off in the latter half of 2025, the local production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) marks a significant milestone for BMW Group Thailand. The decision to invest in battery production underscores BMW’s commitment to leveraging Thailand’s strategic position in the automotive market. The forthcoming high-voltage battery assembly plant, spanning 4,000 square meters, signifies a substantial expansion…

BMW, known for its luxurious and high-performance vehicles, has unveiled a groundbreaking creation at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, a collaboration with E Ink and South African artist Esther Mahlangu, is turning heads for its ability to change colors on command. This innovative vehicle builds on BMW’s earlier introduction of color-changing E Ink technology with the iX Flow concept SUV at CES 2022. The i5 Flow NOSTOKANA features sections of E Ink film, similar to that found in e-readers, which contain millions of microcapsules filled with color pigments that can be rearranged using an…

A new analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that without the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), solar, wind, and nuclear power, the global increase in emissions over the last five years would have been three times larger. The IEA’s annual update on global energy-related CO2 emissions and the inaugural edition of the Clean Energy Market Monitor track clean energy deployment and its implications for global energy markets. See also: IEA Projects Decline in Fossil Fuel Demand Before 2030 Due to Green Energy Advancements and EV Adoption Despite a rise in energy-related emissions in 2023, the expansion of clean energy…

Leapmotor has officially launched its much-anticipated C10 SUV, marking a significant milestone as the company’s first global model. The C10 made its world debut at the prestigious Munich auto show in September 2023 and has since captured the attention of electric vehicle enthusiasts worldwide. Following its successful unveiling, the C10 went on pre-sale in China on January 10 this year, generating considerable buzz among consumers. In addition to the launch of the C10, Leapmotor has announced updates to its existing models, the T03, C01, and C11. These models have been enhanced with upgraded specifications and lower prices, further enhancing Leapmotor’s…

Nissan is reportedly in advanced negotiations to invest in electric vehicle maker Fisker, potentially providing the Japanese automaker access to an electric pickup truck while offering the struggling startup a much-needed financial lifeline. Two sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that the deal could be finalized this month, although they requested anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the talks. The terms under consideration include Nissan investing over $400 million in Fisker’s truck platform and manufacturing Fisker’s planned Alaska pickup beginning in 2026 at one of Nissan’s U.S. assembly plants. Additionally, Nissan would develop its electric pickup using the same…