Author: David Smith

Thailand has given the green light to a subsidy package aimed at supporting its thriving electric vehicle (EV) industry, as the country seeks to maintain its position as the leading regional auto hub for EVs. The new package, sanctioned by the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee, will provide subsidies of up to 100,000 baht ($2,764) per EV car. Running from next year until 2027, the scheme also encompasses reduced import duties and excise taxes to further incentivize EV adoption. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment, highlighted the steady rise of EV popularity in Thailand, driven by existing…

InterGlobe Enterprises, the major stakeholder of India’s leading airline, IndiGo, and U.S.-based Archer Aviation, a prominent player in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have unveiled their joint initiative to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The collaboration, contingent on regulatory approvals, seeks to tap into the escalating demand for efficient transport solutions in India, grappling with escalating ground travel congestion and urban pollution. Archer Aviation, boasting support from industry giants such as Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines, specializes in the production of electric aircraft, particularly the ‘Midnight’ eVTOL model. Capable of carrying four…

Polestar has officially confirmed its plans to broaden the manufacturing base for the Polestar 4 model, now including Busan, South Korea, in addition to its existing facility in Hangzhou Bay, China. The extension of manufacturing operations is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025. A collaborative agreement has been established among Polestar, Geely Holding, and Renault Korea Motors (RKM) to facilitate the contract manufacturing of Polestar 4 vehicles, catering to both the North American and domestic South Korean markets at RKM’s Busan plant. The Busan plant, strategically located with direct access to exporting ports, brings with it 23…

Amid the tumultuous impact of the pandemic on the automotive industry, vehicle prices saw significant fluctuations. However, with automakers now better equipped to meet consumer demand, prices are beginning to stabilize, leading to increased satisfaction among new vehicle shoppers. This shift in the market dynamics is a key driver of the overall rise in customer satisfaction, as highlighted in the 2023 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index study by J.D. Power. In the previous year, the average satisfaction rating across the industry stood at 786 out of 1,000. This year, the industry’s performance has improved, with the satisfaction rating climbing to 793.…

As Tesla’s eagerly anticipated Cybertruck delivery event approaches, a recently shared video on YouTube claims to have received insider information about the electric vehicle’s specifications. The video, posted by the channel TFLEV, suggests that an anonymous insider provided details on the Cybertruck’s measurements, including a photo revealing special power outlets near the vehicle’s tailgate. The image shared in the video displays three outlets, comprising one 220-volt outlet and two 110-volt outlets, potentially allowing Cybertruck owners to use the vehicle to power other devices, vehicles, or homes. The inclusion of these power outlets has been a topic of interest for many…

The automotive industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the emergence of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where cars evolve and introduce new features primarily through software updates. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates, popularized by Tesla, have become a driving force in the industry, particularly as electric vehicles gain prominence for their seamless integration with software-defined technology. Audi, a well-established automaker, is making strides in this direction by considering the expansion of “on-demand” features in its upcoming vehicle models. Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s technical development chief, recently shared insights with Autocar about the company’s intentions. “With our next generation of electronic architecture, we will…

BMW reaffirms its commitment to developing fuel cell vehicles for passenger cars, with the goal of achieving series production readiness by the end of this decade. According to Group CEO Oliver Zipse, fuel cell technology plays a crucial role in regions with inadequate electric vehicle charging infrastructure and should coexist with battery electric vehicles to meet diverse customer needs and global regulatory requirements. Zipse’s recent visits to China and Japan further emphasized the significance of fuel cell technology in areas where charging infrastructure is limited. He stated, “It’s also an advantage if no one else goes into this technology.” BMW…

Volvo is contemplating a substantial expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) production footprint in the United States. According to a recent report, the company is exploring the possibility of either expanding its existing factory in Charleston, South Carolina, or establishing a brand new manufacturing facility in the country. The driving force behind this expansion strategy is, to a significant extent, the aim to leverage the green incentives offered under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This act offers tax credits to EV buyers, provided their chosen vehicle meets specific criteria. Eligible buyers can receive tax credits of up to…

In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Kia is set to give its acclaimed EV6 a fresh and contemporary facelift. The EV6, initially unveiled in March 2021, marked Kia’s entry into the electric vehicle market and was warmly received for its impressive range, spacious interior, and dynamic performance. Over two years have passed since the EV6’s debut, and the electric vehicle landscape has evolved substantially. Kia itself has introduced a range of innovative electric models, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. During Kia’s recent inaugural EV day, the company introduced three new models, including the compact electric SUV,…

During a recent conference call, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse shed light on a range of forthcoming models and the brand’s evolving electrification strategy, underlining the company’s commitment to embracing electric mobility. Zipse disclosed that the redesigned 5-Series Touring is set to make its global debut in the spring of the upcoming year. Notably, the wagon version will offer the “same drivetrain portfolio as the sedan,” including an electric i5 Touring variant. This revelation comes as no surprise, considering recent sightings of the model by spy photographers. Drawing attention to the Neue Klasse, scheduled for production in 2025, Zipse described it…

Skoda has recently pulled the curtains back on the fourth generation of its Superb, available in both estate and saloon versions. The latest iteration, however, reserves the cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology exclusively for the Superb Combi model. Taking cues from the ninth-generation Passat, unveiled in September, the Superb is set to feature the same advanced drive technology. The Passat B9, available exclusively as an estate, transitioned away from a saloon variant during a generation and plant changeover, relocating production from Emden to Bratislava. Although the Superb will continue offering a saloon model, it will not come equipped with a plug-in…

SK On and Polestar, the renowned Swedish electric car manufacturer affiliated with Volvo, have inked a landmark agreement to bolster the supply of cutting-edge EV batteries. This milestone pact, announced on Monday, sets the stage for SK On to furnish Polestar with high-performance nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries tailored for the forthcoming all-electric Polestar 5 sedan, set to hit the roads in 2025. While the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership between SK On and Polestar promises to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle sector. The Polestar 5, poised for production in 2025, will be an automotive…