Author: David Smith

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast announced on Monday that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Marubeni Corp (8002.T) to facilitate the recycling of used EV batteries. Under the agreement, VinFast will supply used batteries to Marubeni, which will then repurpose them into cost-effective Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) designed for easy manufacturing, according to a statement released by the Vietnamese company. Crucially, the recycling process outlined in the deal eliminates the need for disassembly, processing, and repackaging of the batteries. The memorandum was reportedly signed over the weekend during a regional leaders summit in Japan.…

Automaker General Motors (GM) and heavy equipment manufacturer Komatsu have announced a collaborative effort to co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s electric drive mining truck, the 930E. The partnership aims to design and validate hydrogen fuel cell technology that can cater to the demanding requirements of large-scale mining trucks, which are among the most substantial and capable vehicles across industries. Charlie Freese, the Executive Director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business, highlighted the suitability of hydrogen fuel cells for powering mining trucks, emphasizing their potential to deliver zero-emissions propulsion in challenging applications. GM brings over 50 years of…

Tesla has implemented a $1,000 “early access deposit” for reservation holders of the highly anticipated Cybertruck. CEO Elon Musk had previously announced that over a million individuals had paid a $100 reservation fee for the electric truck. The move to introduce the non-refundable deposit comes as Tesla aims to gauge the genuine interest of potential buyers and streamline the reservation process. Those invited by the company to configure their Cybertruck and proceed with their order are now required to submit the additional $1,000 deposit, which will be deducted from the final purchase price upon completion of the transaction. See also:…

Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled its FT-SE concept vehicle, offering a glimpse of the brand’s forthcoming electric sports car. Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries has hinted at potential features for the GR-branded car, suggesting the ability for owners to download various engine sounds and driving dynamics, providing a personalized and exciting experience. In a conversation with Top Gear, Humphries shared the idea of letting owners download their preferred engine sound and driving characteristics, creating a unique driving experience while emitting only smiles. This feature could be particularly appealing to electric vehicle (EV) owners who miss the distinctive sounds associated with…

Enefit Volt, the electric vehicle (EV) charging subsidiary of Estonia’s state-owned energy company, Eesti Energia, has inked a major deal with the prominent Lithuanian supermarket chain, Norfa. Under this collaboration, Enefit Volt is set to deploy a substantial network of 250 EV charging stations at 107 Norfa locations throughout Lithuania. The ambitious charging infrastructure project is anticipated to reach completion by the end of 2024. Each charging station will be equipped with two connections, providing a comprehensive solution for Norfa’s customers seeking convenient and accessible EV charging options. The charging points will comprise a versatile mix of alternating current (AC)…

Tesla has reintroduced a clause in its Cybertruck purchase contract, warning buyers against attempting to resell their vehicles within the first year of ownership. The clause, initially introduced in November and labeled “For Cybertruck Only,” entails legal consequences, including potential lawsuits by Tesla to recover the sale amount or a minimum of $50,000. The initial inclusion of this provision sparked a mixed public reaction, with some applauding it as a measure against scalping, while others criticized Tesla for imposing usage restrictions on purchased vehicles. Despite the clause being swiftly removed three days after its initial implementation, the reasons behind its…

Samsung’s SDI division, responsible for the development and production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has formed a specialized team focused on the commercialization of solid-state batteries. The anticipated launch aligns with Toyota’s self-imposed deadline of 2027 for introducing the first electric Lexus equipped with solid-state batteries. Leveraging its extensive experience in manufacturing multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), which are in high demand for EV applications, Samsung aims to capitalize on manufacturing advantages. The company’s proficiency in producing solid oxide at elevated temperatures positions it to develop stable oxide electrolytes for solid-state batteries, replacing the flammable liquid electrolytes used in current EV…

BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging arm of BP, is set to bolster its presence in the UK with two major initiatives. The company has inked an agreement with Henderson Group to deploy up to 200 EV charging points at approximately 100 Henderson Retail sites in Northern Ireland over the next two years. This strategic move aims to address the escalating demand for ultra-fast charging infrastructure in the region, driven by a 55% surge in ultra-low emission vehicle registrations in the past two years. As part of the agreement, 30 BP-branded chargers will be installed at Henderson Retail locations, contributing…

Electric vehicle (EV) owners are advised to prioritize battery preconditioning, particularly during the cold season in the northern hemisphere, to optimize charging efficiency, extend battery life, and enhance overall range. This practice involves heating the battery cells before a DC fast charging session, ensuring they reach an ideal temperature for charging. Besides improving range and minimizing charging times, preconditioning also contributes to a safe charging process. A recent test conducted by a Tesla owner in Sweden, documented on the It’s Only Electric YouTube channel, highlighted the impact of battery preconditioning on a Tesla Model Y during cold weather conditions. The…

In a noteworthy development, approximately 50% of London’s famed fleet of black taxis are now electric vehicles (EVs), according to an announcement from manufacturer LEVC and Transport for London (TfL). Most of these EVs are manufactured by Geely’s LEVC, marking a significant shift considering the entire fleet was previously solely diesel-powered. The purpose-built black taxis, recognized for their stringent regulations and cabbies’ unique navigation skills known as “the Knowledge,” are equipped with a battery providing 62.5 miles of range, complemented by a 1.5-liter petrol engine as an onboard generator. Transport for London’s Helen Chapman acknowledged the milestone, stating, “Reaching this…

Nissan’s Ariya, the all-electric SUV, is making waves in the EV market with lease offers as low as $199 per month, following recent price cuts. The Japanese automaker, known for its early foray into mass-market electric vehicles with the LEAF in 2010, has positioned the Ariya as a compelling option in the growing electric SUV segment. Data from the third quarter of this year reveals that the Ariya is outselling its compact predecessor, the LEAF, with over 4,500 units sold compared to around 1,500 LEAFs. To further drive sales, Nissan has introduced competitive lease rates, with the Ariya listed at…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that the upcoming all-electric Cybertruck is anticipated to be “much safer per mile” than other trucks in its category. This statement follows recent scrutiny regarding the Cybertruck’s occupant safety after Tesla shared slow-motion crash test videos during its delivery event. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of visible deformation of the truck during a head-on collision at 35 MPH, leading to questions about the vehicle’s crumple zones. During the Cybertruck’s delivery event, Musk addressed concerns by emphasizing the low center of gravity, suggesting that the vehicle’s design prevents it from rolling over in the…