Author: David Smith

In a recent crash test conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF), the Rivian R1T, an electric truck weighing 7,000 pounds, crashed through a guardrail designed for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The research, sponsored by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in collaboration with Auburn University’s Transportation Research Institute, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing guardrail protection against the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. The footage captured during the test reveals the limitations of the Federal Highway Administration’s standardized guardrail when faced with…

In January, the Ford brand experienced a 3.6% year-on-year increase in overall U.S. vehicle sales, totaling 145,632 units. However, the company’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales registered a sluggish start to the year. Last month, Ford sold 4,674 all-electric vehicles, reflecting an 11% decline from the same period last year and marking the lowest level since April 2023. Notably, this accounts for just 3.2% of the brand’s total volume, down from 5-6% in late 2023. See also: Tesla Charging Adaptors on the Horizon for Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning Owners A closer look reveals that the primary reason for the…

Skarper has officially launched its eagerly awaited e-bike conversion kit, a unique entry in the market that harnesses the power of the bike’s rear disc brake. Initially introduced in 2022, production of the innovative conversion kit began in 2023, and the product is now available for purchase. Distinguishing itself from a plethora of bicycle conversion kits, Skarper’s e-bike kit stands out by utilizing the bicycle’s disc brake system to propel the converted e-bike. The kit includes a sleek 4kg clip-on mount designed to seamlessly integrate the motor, battery, and electronics into the bicycle. See also: Desiknio Expands Presence in the…

The global lithium battery market experienced a lackluster performance in January, with the average prices of various power battery cell products continuing to decline in China, according to a report by market research firm TrendForce. Pouch-type automotive ternary power battery cells witnessed the most substantial decrease, dropping by 7.3 percent to RMB 0.51 yuan ($0.071) per Wh in January. TrendForce noted that the average price is anticipated to persist on a downward trend throughout February. In January, the average price of prismatic ternary battery cells declined by 5.9 percent compared to the previous year, reaching RMB 0.48 per Wh. Similarly,…

In a dynamic move to challenge Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta V12, several burgeoning Chinese automakers are strategically investing in the development of autonomous driving architecture models grounded in end-to-end neural networks, as reported by local media outlet LatePost. Nio, a notable player in the electric vehicle (EV) realm, is gearing up to introduce active safety features based on end-to-end technology in the first half of this year. An insider at Nio shared insights, stating, “If it moves forward smoothly, Nio will be the fastest among Chinese companies to mass-produce end-to-end features. To that end, a team of nearly 100…

Gocycle, the British e-bike company founded by former McLaren car designer Richard Thorpe, has introduced its latest offering, the CX series of electric cargo bikes. Designed to be elegant, lightweight, and foldable, the CX series targets families and includes the CX Plus model, featuring an intriguing new handlebar for improved rider comfort, and the CXi. The CX series incorporates the Flofit adaptable handlebar setup, deemed by Gocycle as one of the most adjustable-for-comfort handlebars ever developed. Offering adjustability in reach, grip angle, and multiple hand positions for urban riders, the handlebar innovation enhances the overall riding experience. See also: Specialized…

Samsung SDI has begun the comprehensive shipment of its solid-state battery, commonly referred to as the “dream battery.” The disclosure was made during a routine performance report meeting on January 30 by Park Jong-sun, Vice President of Samsung SDI’s Large Business Division. The company confirmed the commencement of sample shipments from its solid-state battery pilot line (S-line) during the fourth quarter of the previous year. Distinguished by its utilization of a solid electrolyte, the solid-state battery offers a lower risk of fire compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Samsung SDI initiated sample production at its Suwon research center in Gyeonggi Province,…

Tesla witnessed a dip in sales of its China-made vehicles last month, attributing the decline to seasonal factors that affected major electric vehicle makers in China. According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) today, Tesla sold 71,447 vehicles produced in China in January. This figure represents an 8.17 percent increase from the same month last year, when 66,051 vehicles were sold. However, it marks a 24.1 percent decrease from December’s sales of 94,139 units. Tesla’s manufacturing facility in Shanghai, boasting an annual production capacity exceeding 950,000 vehicles, stands as the company’s largest globally. The plant focuses…

Volvo Trucks is set to launch its latest addition, the Volvo FM Low Entry, a low-entry truck designed exclusively for electric operation. With a gross vehicle weight ranging from 19 to 32 tonnes, the new electric truck, named “Low Entry” due to its lowered cab design, aims to cater to urban transport tasks such as waste management, distribution transport, and construction. Sales for the electric truck will commence in the current quarter, with production scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. The Volvo FM Low Entry is part of Volvo Trucks’ commitment to sustainable urban transport, offering a specialized solution…

Auto parts supplier Aptiv has announced its decision to reduce its stake in the self-driving technology joint venture, Motional, and cease further funding after facing substantial losses associated with the investment. Motional, formed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor, utilizes the IONIQ5 electric car for its robotaxi service, currently operational in Las Vegas through ride-hailing platforms Uber and Lyft. Aptiv CEO Kevin Clark revealed during an earnings call that, despite Motional’s progress on its technology roadmap, the company has opted to discontinue capital allocation to the joint venture. Aptiv’s 2024 profit forecast includes a non-cash equity loss of approximately $340 million,…

General Motors’ self-driving car unit, Cruise, is anticipated to face a prolonged effort throughout this year to reassure regulators and the public about the safety of its robotaxis, according to industry officials. Following the release of a critical safety report commissioned by Cruise, GM revealed a substantial reduction of about $1 billion in Cruise’s annual budget. The company pledged to provide a timeline for the unit’s return to operations soon but indefinitely postponed a March update that was expected to outline its plans. The delay has prompted questions about when Cruise will be able to resume its vehicles on the…

A consortium of 25 California counties, including Los Angeles, Alameda, San Joaquin, and San Francisco, has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, alleging the mishandling of hazardous waste at the company’s facilities across the state. The legal action, initiated on Tuesday in California state court, seeks civil penalties and an injunction compelling Tesla to appropriately manage its waste in the future. As of now, Tesla has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The counties claim that Tesla violated state unfair business and hazardous waste management laws by inaccurately labeling waste and disposing of…