Author: David Smith

Baltimore City Public Schools has introduced 25 electric school buses, marking Maryland’s second-largest electric school bus fleet, following Montgomery County Public Schools. The initiative, funded by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program with over $9.4 million, aims to enhance sustainability and address environmental concerns, particularly in marginalized communities. The electric buses, part of an ambitious effort to create a cleaner and quieter transportation system, are set to serve an initial group of approximately 350 students daily, including those with special education needs. The funding, allocated in Round 1 of the EPA program, emphasizes deploying eco-friendly solutions in communities that need…

Gogoro has introduced its latest flagship two-wheeler, the Pulse, featuring the cutting-edge Hyper Drive electric motor and AEROFORCE design. The company boasts that the scooter can accelerate from 0 to approximately 32 mph in less than 5 seconds, courtesy of its new Hyper Drive electric motor. Promoted as a “smartscooter,” the Pulse integrates a “panoramic” iQ Touch HD screen powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis silicon. The vehicle’s compatibility with Apple Find My and digital key technology is highlighted, promising potential advancements in security measures. The Pulse is equipped with a high-performance 11,000 rpm H1 motor, capable of delivering up…

Insurers in the United Kingdom have pushed back against allegations of profiteering following a substantial 50 percent increase in the cost of insuring electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023. This surge has resulted in drivers in the country now paying nearly double the insurance premiums compared to owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Insurers assert that they are constrained by factors beyond their control, emphasizing that premiums are dictated by claim costs and frequency. According to their explanation, accidental damage claims on EVs are reportedly 35 percent more expensive than comparable repairs for combustion engine vehicles. At the close of…

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has underscored the importance of avoiding a price war within the automotive sector, emphasizing the potential threat to profitability and the risk of automakers becoming takeover targets. Tavares made these remarks on Friday during the unveiling of Stellantis’ latest platform for large battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Positioning Stellantis as one of the most profitable companies in the industry, Tavares expressed confidence in the company’s resilience against a downturn in prices that could pose challenges for other players in the market. He warned against hasty price cuts that ignore the reality of production costs, stating, “If you…

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast acknowledged on Thursday that it delivered nearly 35,000 cars in 2023, just below its target of at least 40,000 units. The company cited slow EV adoption in certain regions, fierce competition, and economic uncertainties as contributing factors. “We saw a significant ramp up in vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to previous quarters,” said Tran Mai Hoa, VinFast’s Deputy CEO of sales and marketing. “However, against a challenging market backdrop, EV adoption rate in certain regions has been slow, leading to fewer deliveries than we anticipated.” See also: VinFast Unveils Mid-Sized…

Ford is preparing to commence production of its first electric Explorer models in Europe this summer, with the initial deliveries anticipated in August. The delay in launching the all-electric Explorer, attributed to a new battery standard, has pushed the production start to June, approximately eight months later than originally expected. Unveiled in March of the previous year, the electric Explorer is a result of Ford’s collaboration with Volkswagen in 2020, utilizing the MEB platform. Ford emphasizes that the electric SUV combines German engineering with distinctive American style. See also: Ford Ends Production of Best-Selling Fiesta Model to Make Way for…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD (OTCMKTS: BYDDF) is engaged in discussions with Sigma Lithium, a Brazilian lithium producer, exploring possibilities for a supply agreement, joint venture, or potential acquisition. This move is aimed at securing a stable supply of lithium, a crucial raw material for battery production. According to Alexandre Baldy, BYD’s chair in Brazil, the talks with Sigma Lithium, valued at $2.9 billion, are ongoing and encompass various options, including supply agreements, joint ventures, and potential acquisitions. Baldy mentioned an “active” dialogue with Sigma but emphasized that nothing has been finalized. See also: BYD Commences Construction on Sodium-Ion…

Hyundai has successfully delivered 500 fuel cell commercial vehicles to businesses in Guangzhou, marking a significant step in what is anticipated to be a larger deployment. The government of Guangdong Province, of which Guangzhou is the capital, has placed an order for fuel cell systems for a total of 1,500 vehicles, representing one of the largest fuel cell vehicle deployments in China. The vehicles were distributed by H2 Solution, a joint venture involving Hyundai HTWO Guangzhou and two local state-owned enterprises. The delivery includes a range of vehicles such as logistic vehicles, freezer trucks, road sweepers, and buses. See also:…

Tesla’s Model 3 maintained its position as the most popular used electric vehicle (EV) in the United States for the past year, while the Model Y secured the second spot. As EV adoption increased, cheaper models gained prominence, leading to shifts in rankings for other Tesla vehicles. In 2023, the Model 3 accounted for 34.9% of used EV sales (1 to 5-year-old vehicles), solidifying its dominance. The Model Y claimed the second position with a 11.9% share. Notably, Tesla secured the top four spots last year with the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, respectively. See also:…

In adherence to its tradition of producing some of the most American-made vehicles, Tesla has now included the Cybertruck in this distinguished list. A notable aspect that sets Tesla apart from many other automakers is its commitment to deep vertical integration. While conventional automakers over the past century have heavily relied on external suppliers, often sourcing up to half of their vehicle parts from abroad, Tesla has pursued a strategy of internalizing production processes and focusing on localizing overall production. See also: Online Sleuths Uncover Intriguing Details about Cybertruck’s New ‘Tactical Grey’ Interior Option This strategy has consistently positioned Tesla…

The results are in for the North America’s Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards, with the Toyota Prius, Ford F-Series Super Duty, and Kia EV9 claiming the respective titles. Chosen by a panel of 50 journalists across North America, this marks the 30th anniversary of the NACTOY awards, with the truck category seeing a continued dominance by Ford. For the fourth consecutive year, a Ford product has secured the North American Truck of the Year. The F-Series Super Duty triumphed over competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the all-electric Chevrolet Silverado EV, garnering 189 votes.…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is set to make its debut at CES 2024 by introducing its newest electric vehicle (EV) concept and the mini eSUV VF 3 to a global audience. This marks the company’s inaugural appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show, showcasing its commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and promoting sustainable mobility. The unveiling of the two new models underscores VinFast’s dedication to making EVs more accessible. Alongside these additions, the company will also feature its all-electric VF 9 full-size SUV, which integrates a new streaming service directly into the vehicle. Attendees at CES 2024 will have the…