Author: David Smith

Consumer Reports recently conducted a comprehensive test on the highway ranges of 22 popular electric vehicles (EVs), uncovering discrepancies between the actual and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated figures. In contrast to the EPA’s combined city and highway range assessments, Consumer Reports focused solely on highway driving conditions to evaluate the EVs. Each vehicle, with odometer readings ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 miles, underwent a consistent highway range test, maintaining a constant speed of 70 mph until depletion. All tests occurred in temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F, with standardized settings such as a climate control set to 72°F, cruise…

Kia and Electrify America have jointly announced a promotional offer for first-time buyers of the 2024 Kia EV9 in the United States. Under this arrangement, purchasers will receive a complimentary 1,000 kWh of charging through Electrify America’s extensive network, comprising over 3,000 charging stations nationwide. This incentive, available exclusively through the Electrify America app, allows users to manage payments, locate stations, and monitor charger status. It’s important to note that the 1,000 kWh free allowance cannot be utilized when initiating charging via the interface screen or buttons on the charging station. Additionally, the benefit does not cover idle fees or…

Volkswagen has officially introduced bidirectional charging capabilities, known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), for its ID electric models, including the ID.4. The long-anticipated technology allows VW EV drivers to actively contribute to home energy management. Initially scheduled for implementation last year, V2G capabilities faced software challenges, causing delays. This week, Volkswagen announced that several ID electric models will now support bidirectional charging, enabling users to utilize their electric vehicles to cover energy needs at home. With the integration of a home power station and a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), VW EV drivers can optimize charging times based on…

German automaker Volkswagen has completed its financial investment in the Chinese electric car manufacturer Xpeng, as initially announced in July. The transaction involved Volkswagen acquiring 4.99% of Xpeng’s shares for approximately $705.6 million, granting the German company a non-voting observer seat on Xpeng’s board. The purchase price, equivalent to 654.5 million euros, slightly exceeded the initially mentioned figure of “around 700 million dollars.” Following the transaction’s closure, Volkswagen now holds just over 94 million Class A ordinary shares in Xpeng. The identities of individuals Volkswagen may appoint to Xpeng’s management and supervisory board remain undisclosed. However, it was previously established…

Zeekr is poised to unveil its inaugural in-house developed battery, with plans to incorporate it into the upcoming Zeekr 007 electric sedan. This announcement comes amid recent reports suggesting that Nio (NYSE: NIO) is contemplating a spin-off of its battery business. Guan Haitao, Chief Marketing Officer at Zeekr, disclosed via Weibo that the Zeekr 007 will be the first model to feature the internally developed battery. While specific details were not divulged, Zeekr has scheduled a Zeekr Power Day 2023 event on December 14, where additional information about the new battery will be disclosed. According to reports from local media…

Tesla is reportedly considering resuming the third phase of its Shanghai plant project, with a potential focus on producing its future $25,000 model, as per a report from local media outlet LatePost. The company had initiated preparations for the Giga Shanghai phase three factory in 2021 but halted the progress midway through last year. If the project moves forward, it could center on Tesla’s anticipated $25,000-priced model, a key component of the company’s ambitious goal to achieve 20 million annual sales by 2030, the report stated. The Shanghai plant, renowned for its efficiency, could further enhance Tesla’s overall production capacity.…

Honda is poised to showcase a comprehensive series of all-electric models at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, providing electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts with an array of choices. The cars are expected to incorporate key technologies and will be part of a global marketing strategy. This move aligns with Honda’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As a crucial component of its strategy, the company aims to introduce up to 30 new electric vehicle models globally by 2030, with a target of selling 2 million units annually by that time—surpassing the current sales volume of Tesla. Regionally,…

Ford Motor Company disclosed on Wednesday that it is unlikely that the currently available Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles in dealer showrooms will qualify for federal tax credits starting in January. Last week, the U.S. Treasury issued guidance introducing new battery sourcing restrictions effective January 1, with the intention of reducing reliance on China within the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. The existing model of the Mach-E currently qualifies for a $3,750 federal tax credit. While Ford is still evaluating the eligibility of its F-150 Lightning EV truck for tax credits after January 1, the company did not provide specific…

In a recent announcement, Volkswagen revealed that its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) models will now support bidirectional charging, allowing EV owners to power their homes. Despite initial plans to implement this feature in 2022, software delays hindered its release. According to Imelda Labbe, VW’s sales leader, bidirectional charging offers potential energy cost savings for EV owners, positioning their vehicles as rolling energy storage banks. Volkswagen initiated a pilot project in collaboration with HagerEnergy GmbH in Sweden. This project integrates a home power station and a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), enabling EV owners to utilize their solar power systems to…

Toyota Motor announced on Monday its intention to bolster its battery electric vehicle (BEV) offerings in Europe, aiming to introduce six models by 2026. The automaker anticipates that BEVs will constitute over 20% of new car sales in the region by that time. The global automotive giant outlined its projection to achieve sales exceeding 250,000 battery-powered vehicles annually in Europe by 2026, signaling a strategic push for growth in a market where it has faced stiff competition from rivals. In addition to the existing battery EV in Toyota’s European portfolio and a compact SUV concept unveiled last year, the company…

In the ongoing negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) regarding rules of origin for electric cars, three potential solutions are currently under discussion among EU member states. The imperative is to secure an agreement by the year-end, first within the EU and subsequently with the UK. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the EU Commission has informally presented three options to member states, recognizing that any resolution necessitating an amendment to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) would require approval from the member states. Background: As part of the post-Brexit arrangements, the UK and…

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has solidified its position as one of the most popular all-electric car models in the United States, boasting over 28,000 sales through October of this year. The 2024 model year maintains its appeal, albeit with minimal technical alterations, primarily featuring new safety and convenience features. While the 2024 model is considered a carry-over, a slight adjustment in pricing is notable. The entry-level 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE, equipped with a Standard Range battery (58 kilowatt-hours) and a rear-wheel drive powertrain (125 kilowatts), starts at an MSRP of $41,650 (plus $1,335 destination charge). This reflects a modest…