Author: David Smith

General Motors (GM) has recently announced a recall affecting a limited number of vehicles, including a single 2022 GMC Hummer EV and four 2023 Cadillac Lyriq models. The recall has been initiated to address potential issues with the high-voltage batteries installed in these vehicles. The reason behind the recall stems from concerns regarding certain connections within the battery packs of the affected vehicles. During the manufacturing process, it has been discovered that these connections may be improperly positioned or inadequately welded. This defect poses a risk of reduced or complete power loss, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents in specific…

In a significant development for the Vietnamese electric vehicle market, VinFast, the prominent domestic electric car manufacturer, has clinched a substantial order from Sun Taxi. The order entails 3,000 units of VinFast’s latest electric car model, the VF 5 Plus, which are scheduled for successive delivery until 2025. Sun Taxi plans to employ these electric vehicles across numerous cities and provinces in Vietnam, marking a noteworthy stride towards sustainable transportation in the country. The VF 5 Plus represents VinFast’s most compact electric model to date. Initially introduced in January 2022 alongside four other electric vehicle models, the manufacturer commenced deliveries…

Autonomous electric vehicle (EV) freight developer Einride is making remarkable strides to establish itself as a global leader in zero-emission commercial vehicle technologies. In an exciting announcement, the company revealed that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) to deploy Einride’s full electric and autonomous freight portfolio across a vast expanse of over 550 km. This latest development marks another impressive chapter in Einride’s journey, considering that the company was founded only seven years ago. From its origins in Sweden, Einride has expanded its operations into the…

Europe welcomes the arrival of the highly anticipated 2023 Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 500 S and 520 S electric mountain bikes. These e-bikes were initially unveiled late last year and have finally made their way to the European market. With a 500 Wh battery, riders can enjoy an impressive range of approximately 64 km (about 40 miles), which can be extended by an additional 44 km (around 27 miles) with the help of an extender. Both models offer a top assistance speed of 25 kph (approximately 16 mph). Distinguishing the two electric bicycles is the powertrain setup. The 500 S features…

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture by Stellantis, Total, and Mercedes-Benz, recently opened its first factory in France. While the inauguration marks a significant milestone, the commissioning process will occur later this year. The new facility, located in Billy-Berclau/Douvrin in the Hauts-de-France region, boasts a production area exceeding 60,000 square meters. The initial production line, scheduled to commence battery cell production before the end of 2023, has an annual capacity of over 13 GWh. ACC aims to achieve this output by the end of 2024. Furthermore, two additional production lines are planned, which will increase the plant’s capacity to…

According to market research firm JATO, Tesla’s Model Y electric sport utility vehicle has emerged as the top-selling vehicle globally in the first quarter of this year. The data reveals that China played a crucial role in this achievement, as it became the largest market for Tesla’s Model Y, surpassing both the United States and Europe. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently made his first visit to China in three years, underscoring the significance of the world’s largest electric vehicle market. In the first quarter, Tesla sold an impressive 267,171 Model Ys worldwide, with 94,469 units sold in China. This…

In a significant move that underscores China’s prominent position in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, BYD, the renowned new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, has emerged as the primary supplier for Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, PT Blue Bird. The partnership is a testament to BYD’s continued expansion into overseas markets and the growing demand for affordable EV options. According to a report by Bloomberg, PT Blue Bird will acquire 80 percent of its EV fleet from BYD while reevaluating its orders with Tesla. The decision to prioritize BYD’s offerings stems from the appeal of their lower-cost models, which have gained…

The Volkswagen Group is reportedly making plans to establish a battery factory for electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia. According to local media, Ikmal Lukma, the Secretary of the Indonesian Ministry of Investment, has revealed that Volkswagen intends to invest approximately €4.7 billion in the factory. Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence this year, although the exact location has not yet been disclosed. Ikmal Lukma mentioned that the investment would be made through Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo. Additionally, it is said that the automaker will also produce EVs at the site. However, specific details such as production capacity and…

ElDorado National (California) (ENC), a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., has recently secured a notable order from Foothill Transit, a public transit provider in California. The order includes 19 Axess EVO-FC hydrogen fuel cell buses, further solidifying Foothill Transit’s commitment to operating a fully zero-emissions bus fleet. Foothill Transit serves the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys in Southern California, encompassing Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. With a current fleet of 359 buses, which already includes zero-emission models, the addition of the Axess EVO-FC buses will contribute to their ongoing sustainability efforts. The Axess EVO-FC buses stand out with their exceptional…

In a recent statement at the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Finance Summit, Ford Motor Co’s CEO, Jim Farley, emphasized that Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are the primary rivals in the sector, surpassing renowned companies such as GM and Toyota. Farley expressed his conviction that the Chinese automakers would emerge as the powerhouse in the industry. Farley commended China, the world’s largest auto market, for its exceptional battery technology and dominance in EV production. Notably, he acknowledged BYD, Geely, Great Wall, Changan, and SAIC as the “winners” among Chinese automakers. Recognizing these accomplishments, Farley identified the need for Ford to establish…

In a bid to enhance convenience and alleviate range anxiety for Tesla drivers, a recent update enables them to synchronize their vehicles with the Uber app, scheduling rides based on the remaining battery charge of their electric cars. This integration was initially discovered by Tesla enthusiast and former Uber driver, Sofiaan, who shared the findings with the online community. Notably, the new feature is contingent upon the user’s authorization. Once granted permission, the Uber app will allocate rides exclusively to Tesla drivers, provided their electric vehicle has sufficient range to complete the requested trip. The app incorporates a small buffer…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has hinted that the location of the company’s next assembly plant will likely be revealed by the end of 2023. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Musk mentioned that Mexico has been selected as the next destination outside the United States for a Tesla factory. However, he also indicated that another location will probably be chosen later this year. When asked about the possibility of building a Tesla plant in India, Musk expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Absolutely!” Expanding into India would offer Tesla access to a cost-effective labor force compared to Western rates. While no…

Lucid Motors, the US-based electric car manufacturer, has unveiled the pricing details for two new variants of its luxury sedan, the Lucid Air, for several European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Norway. The newly introduced models are the Air Pure AWD and the Air Touring, both equipped with a smaller 92 kWh battery pack that allows for an impressive range of up to 725 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. Lucid plans to begin deliveries of the Air Touring in the third quarter of 2023, followed by the Air Pure AWD in the fourth quarter of the same…

BMW is set to manufacture its “Neue Klasse” electric cars in China, adding to its global production capabilities. Starting from 2025, the next-generation electric vehicle models will be produced in Shenyang by the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture. Furthermore, the batteries required for these vehicles will also be produced at the same location. In November 2022, BBA announced a substantial investment of ten billion yuan (approximately €1.3 billion) in the new site. The facility will assemble sixth-generation battery cells into battery packs starting from 2026. While BMW has not disclosed the specific battery cell supplier, it has existing partnerships…

Fuso, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, has embarked on the production of the innovative eCanter in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the realm of electric light trucks. Unveiled in September 2022, the latest generation of these fully electric marvels is now being meticulously crafted at the esteemed production plant nestled in the enchanting Tramagal, Portugal. According to the recent announcement by Daimler Trucks, the renowned Mitsubishi Fuso Europe (MFTE) facility has proudly manufactured over a staggering 250,000 Fuso Canter trucks since the advent of 1980. Building on this illustrious legacy, the factory is now gearing up to fabricate the…

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is taking bold steps towards a greener future. Last Friday, all local governing parties agreed on a resolution to ban cars with combustion engines from the city by 2030. This move aligns with the city’s ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2025. While the plan still requires the go-ahead from the Danish government, the city is already conducting feasibility studies to determine how it can expand the number of charging stations to accommodate the influx of electric vehicles. It is also unclear if the ban would apply to Frederiksberg, an enclave surrounded by Copenhagen’s…

Volvo Trucks has announced that it is testing its fuel cell electric truck on public roads in Sweden for the first time. The tests are being conducted seven days a week and in all types of weather, according to Helena Alsiö, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks. The company says the harsh conditions in northern Sweden make for an ideal testing environment. The manufacturer first presented its FCEV prototypes last year, but they were only tested on closed tracks at that time. The new FCEV prototype features a hydrogen fuel cell unit and two fuel cells that generate up…

Ford has completed upgrades to its factory in Mexico and is opening order books for its improved Mustang Mach-E on May 3. The upgraded Mustang Mach-E boasts a higher EPA rating of 250 miles for the RWD version and 226 miles for the AWD model, thanks to the installation of a new LFP battery. The RWD version now starts at $42,995, while the AWD version starts at $45,995 – both of which are $3,000 lower than before. In addition to the extended range, the AWD version of the Mustang Mach-E also gets a power bump, increasing the total output to…

Hyundai has unveiled its Xcient fuel cell tractor for the US market, joining the five other countries where the vehicle is already available. The class 8 vehicle is equipped with two 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems, providing a total of 180 kW power, and a 350 kW electric motor. According to Hyundai, the 6×4 tractor boasts a range of over 450 miles (724 km) when fully loaded. The Xcient has already garnered interest from the US, with Hyundai announcing the NorCal Zero project in 2021, which will feature 30 Xcient FCEVs operating in California by the second quarter of…

Two UK-based companies, Biffa and Lunaz, have teamed up to sign a groundbreaking agreement to electrify and upcycle Biffa’s diesel refuse truck fleet over the next decade. This partnership marks a significant milestone towards achieving a sustainable future in the waste management sector. Lunaz will provide its proprietary upcycling and electrification process and technology to help Biffa achieve its goal of reducing emissions and carbon expenditure. The multi-year programme will begin with an initial order of up to ten 26-tonne upcycled electric refuse trucks, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2023. See also: Lunaz Design Transforms Rare 1961 Bentley S2…