Author: David Smith

In a recent development, VinFast, the Vietnamese car manufacturer, has opted to withdraw its participation from the highly anticipated IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany, scheduled for next month. While the reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, it appears to be aligned with the company’s shifting focus towards the U.S. market following challenges encountered during its European expansion efforts. Last year, VinFast had ambitious plans to launch its VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs in Europe, but faced hurdles in meeting the necessary homologation requirements within the stipulated timeframe. In addition, the company’s planned launches in key European markets, including…

In a move to bolster their economic ties and advance the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the governments of South Korea and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to joint investments in EV and battery production in Indonesia. A particular focus will be placed on strengthening the supply chain for crucial battery materials, such as nickel. According to an official statement by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, both countries have reached an agreement to intensify their collaboration on various aspects of the burgeoning EV market. Although specific financial figures were not disclosed in the released document, the pledge…

In a strategic move to facilitate the transition to greener transportation, Shell Low Carbon Solutions announced the launch of a hydrogen pay-per-use service for heavy-duty Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) trucks in Germany. The service, starting this month, offers customers a convenient and cost-effective solution to adopt sustainable fleet options with reduced upfront investment, risk, and complexity. Operating under a monthly fee arrangement, customers gain access to a 15-tonne Mercedes-Benz AG Atego fuel cell vehicle, complete with comprehensive insurance coverage, maintenance support, and remarkably quick 15-minute refueling times. See also: Shell to Establish Nationwide Network of Fast and Ultra-Fast Charging…

In a significant move towards sustainable urban transportation, state-owned utility Stadtwerke München (SWM) has placed an order for 71 new electric buses for the Munich Transport Company (MVG). The order, initially announced by Dutch manufacturer Ebusco for 28 electric buses, will now include an additional 30 articulated electric buses from Daimler Buses and 14 solo electric buses from MAN, bringing the total to 71 vehicles. The investment in this eco-friendly fleet will amount to nearly 54 million euros, with deliveries scheduled from spring 2024 to spring 2025. The move towards electrification is supported by financial subsidies from both the federal…

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Italian Volt is preparing to showcase the production-ready version of its revolutionary electric motorcycle, the Lacama 2.0, at the prestigious EICMA event scheduled for November 7, 2022. Originally introduced as a concept in 2017, the motorcycle has undergone significant improvements and refinements to meet the demands of discerning motorcyclists worldwide. Crafted entirely in Italy by Italian Volt, a brand under the Tazzari Group, the Lacama 2.0 exemplifies modern-day engineering excellence. The motorcycle’s design philosophy centers around delivering unparalleled performance while offering an extensive range of customization options to cater to individual preferences. At the core of the…

BasiGo has marked its second foray into the African market with the introduction of BasiGo Rwanda. The new entity is set to play a crucial role in transforming Rwanda’s public transport system through the widespread adoption of electric buses. In a strategic partnership with AC Mobility, a leading provider of automated fare collection systems for public transport in Rwanda, BasiGo aims to deliver 200 electric buses, as previously announced in June. The targeted timeline for this endeavor is to provide these buses to various bus operators in Rwanda by the end of 2024, leveraging a practical pay-as-you-drive financing system. See…

In a bid to cater to the rising demand for electric vehicles in North America, Toyota is in talks to establish a joint venture with SK Nexilis. The collaboration aims to focus on the production of copper foils, an essential component for electric car battery anodes. As per the initial arrangement, SK Nexilis will take charge of copper foil production, while Toyota’s trading company, Toyota Tsusho, will work towards attracting battery manufacturers in North America to procure these foils. SK Nexilis’ parent company, SKC, released a statement in Korean outlining the proposed division of tasks between the two entities. SKC,…

Fisker deal with Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn to produce a sub-$30,000 electric crossover in the United States is yet to reach a definitive conclusion, according to remarks made by Fisker founder and CEO Henrik Fisker during an interview with TechCrunch. The Foxconn-Fisker agreement, initiated in February 2021 through a memorandum of understanding, aimed to produce 250,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually. Though the specific model to be manufactured was initially unclear, Fisker had been working on the Personal Automotive Electric Revolution (PEAR) – an affordable EV designed for city and urban environments, priced below $30,000. By May 2021, the two companies…

BMW has recently introduced its state-of-the-art testing facility, the Future Mobility Development Center, in Sokolov, Czech Republic, signifying a significant step in the advancement of automated driving and parking technologies. With an investment exceeding €300 million ($329 million), the sprawling site expands BMW’s existing test locations, including those in Aschheim, Munich, Miramas (France), and Arjeplog (Sweden). Spanning over 600 hectares, the Future Mobility Development Center offers BMW a diverse range of driving conditions to thoroughly evaluate autonomous systems, encompassing cityscapes, rural areas, and highway settings. The testing activities have already commenced, with Ars Technica granted access to witness some of…

Ford, in partnership with Canadian fuel cell specialist Ballard Power Systems, has announced the development of a heavy fuel cell truck prototype for the European Union (EU) project ZEFES (Zero Emission Freight EcoSystem). The project aims to accelerate the advancement of long-range heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the commercial trucking sector. The prototype will see the transformation of Ford Otosan’s 44-tonne F-MAX, an existing model in the joint venture’s lineup, into a fuel cell-powered truck. The conversion will involve equipping the F-MAX with two Ballard FCmove-XD modules, each boasting a power output of…

BMW enthusiasts and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike can mark their calendars for September 2, as that’s the date when the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept will be unveiled at the IAA Mobility in Munich. The concept will serve as a close preview of the forthcoming production models from BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup, which is set to enter production in 2025. According to Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, the choice of September 2 for the concept’s debut holds significance, as it aligns with the anniversary of BMW staking its claim on the Neue Klasse nearly…

In a strategic move to boost the appeal of their electric vehicles, Kia has adjusted its lease prices for the popular EV6 model, now making it available for the same monthly rate as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Despite having a higher Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), the Kia EV6 now presents a compelling value proposition for potential EV buyers, thanks to this pricing alignment. The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, built upon the same E-GMP electric vehicle platform, have distinctive designs and pricing structures. In the United States, the Kia EV6 Wind’s starting price stands at $50,025, which is…