Author: David Smith

It has been a mere 56 days since Zeekr, the innovative electric vehicle startup, commenced production of its groundbreaking 007 sedan, and already the company has achieved a significant milestone by rolling out its 10,000th unit. The 007, a revolutionary model from a brand that has emerged only in recent years, has garnered immense popularity in China. Prior to its global debut in December, over 51,000 orders had been placed for the vehicle, indicating a strong demand. Zeekr is optimistic that the 007 has the potential to surpass the Tesla Model 3 in sales within China this year. See also: Zeekr…

Charging software provider ev.energy has secured a $41 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a dynamic Electric Vehicle (EV) Virtual Power Plant (VPP). The goal of the initiative is to enhance access to affordable charging for EV drivers while bolstering grid reliability and integrating renewable energy sources. As part of its “ChargeWise program,” ev.energy will collaborate with select California utilities and Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs), including MCE, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Peninsula Clean Energy, and Southern California Edison, to enroll thousands of EV drivers for the VPP in the first phase. The second phase, slated to…

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin have delved into the potential of enhancing the stability of sodium-ion batteries through cathode material doping with foreign elements. The study, which specifically focused on scandium and magnesium, revealed two pivotal mechanisms governing the cathodes’ stability. Sodium-ion batteries, while promising for energy storage, still face challenges that could be mitigated by refining battery materials. The researchers honed in on cathode materials comprising layered transition metal oxides with nickel and manganese (NMO cathodes), known for their capacity to host sodium ions during discharge and recharge cycles. However,…

Stellantis, the multinational automotive manufacturer, has announced its plans to commence the production of medium-sized electric vans at its plant in Luton, UK, during the first half of 2025. The decision marks a significant move for the British market, as the plant will primarily cater to local demands. The Luton facility will be responsible for manufacturing the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Peugeot E-Expert, Citroën ë-Dispatch (known as ë-Jumpy in other markets), and Fiat E-Scudo in both right-hand and left-hand drive configurations. Currently, Stellantis produces the electric variants of these models at its Hordain plant in France, while combustion versions are already…

Rivian has disclosed its financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023, revealing a substantial net loss of $5.4 billion. Despite a significant increase in production and sales, the company’s bottom line remains in the red, with no expectations for production growth in 2024. The company’s revenue for 2023, however, presents a more positive picture, with Rivian reporting $4.4 billion, equivalent to around four billion euros. This marks a 167 percent increase from the $1.66 billion recorded in 2022. The surge in revenue aligns with the increase in deliveries, as Rivian delivered 50,122 vehicles in 2023, compared…

Plummeting values of electric vehicles (EVs) are causing ripples in both the new and used car markets, leading to concerns among drivers and challenges for lease companies. Some potential buyers are hesitant to invest in an electric car due to fears of significant depreciation when it comes time to trade it in. Meanwhile, existing EV owners are dismayed to discover that their vehicles are worth far less than anticipated. See also: Stellantis CEO Cautions Against Price Wars in the Auto Industry, Emphasizes Profitability Sustainability This issue is particularly troublesome for lease companies, which base their rates on the projected depreciation of…

Zeekr, a prominent player in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, is gearing up to launch an updated version of its flagship model, the Zeekr 001, on February 27, potentially igniting a fierce price competition with its predecessor. In an announcement today, Zeekr revealed that the launch event for the revamped Zeekr 001 is scheduled to commence at 8 pm Beijing Time on February 27, with display models already available in stores across the country. See also: Updated Zeekr 001 Come With 95-kWh LFP Battery, Extending Range to 722 km Adding to the excitement, Zeekr disclosed that Zhou Guanyu, China’s inaugural Formula…

Deepal, the electric vehicle subsidiary of Changan Automobile, has launched an updated version of its SL03 electric sedan amid a fierce price war coinciding with the Chinese Lunar Year of the Dragon. The SL03 is available in battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants, with the BEV receiving the latest updates. For the 2024 model year, Deepal is offering three versions of the SL03 BEV, priced at RMB 156,900 ($21,820), RMB 163,900, and RMB 173,900, respectively. The two lower-priced models feature a 58.89 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 530 kilometers. The highest-priced variant is…

Renault is set to unveil its much-anticipated Renault 5 E-Tech electric at the Geneva International Motor Show on Monday, February 26, at 9:30 AM local time. The long-teased electric vehicle (EV) marks a significant step in Renault’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The official name of the car, Renault 5 E-Tech electric, maintains the brand’s “E-Tech electric” suffix, emphasizing its electric propulsion system. This unveiling comes after over a year of anticipation, with Renault enthusiasts eagerly awaiting details on the new model. See also: Renault Unveils Flagship Colors for Upcoming Electric Renault 5 A standout feature of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric…

Excitement is brewing as the highly anticipated Alpine A290, an all-electric hot hatch, is scheduled to be unveiled in June 2024. The A290 promises to deliver a driving experience so delightful, it could earn its own Michelin star upon release. While the A290-beta concept featured a unique centrally placed driving position and steering wheel, this design, unfortunately, did not make it to the production model. However, the steering wheel of the A290 does incorporate some functionality inspired by Formula 1, offering Overtake, Recharge, and Drive modes at the touch of a button. Equipped with 19-inch rims wrapped in Michelin-developed tires…

GM’s electric vehicle strategy seems to be taking a cautious step forward, with the recent launch of the Chevy Blazer EV facing challenges while the Cadillac Lyriq SUV gains traction. Despite a slow start for the Blazer, the Lyriq is attracting more customers, bolstered by a significant software update aimed at enhancing its competitiveness against Tesla. Cadillac’s Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, is receiving substantial improvements. The system’s coverage has expanded, offering a more hands-off driving experience for Lyriq owners, especially on highways. Additionally, updates to the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems aim to provide a smoother ride,…

When Tesla rolled out its initial batch of Cybertrucks to eager customers, it came with a caveat: there would be delays for the remaining reservation holders. However, the company has now introduced a new option for those looking to expedite their Cybertruck delivery: redeeming their referral credits. In a recent message sent through Tesla’s app, the company announced that customers could “redeem referral credits to accelerate [their] Cybertruck Delivery.” This offer, priced at 30,000 credits, aims to provide a faster path to receiving the highly anticipated electric truck. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Receives 2024.2.3 Software Update: Enhanced Handling, Charging Efficiency, and…