Author: David Smith

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture by Stellantis, Total, and Mercedes-Benz, recently opened its first factory in France. While the inauguration marks a significant milestone, the commissioning process will occur later this year. The new facility, located in Billy-Berclau/Douvrin in the Hauts-de-France region, boasts a production area exceeding 60,000 square meters. The initial production line, scheduled to commence battery cell production before the end of 2023, has an annual capacity of over 13 GWh. ACC aims to achieve this output by the end of 2024. Furthermore, two additional production lines are planned, which will increase the plant’s capacity to…

According to market research firm JATO, Tesla’s Model Y electric sport utility vehicle has emerged as the top-selling vehicle globally in the first quarter of this year. The data reveals that China played a crucial role in this achievement, as it became the largest market for Tesla’s Model Y, surpassing both the United States and Europe. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently made his first visit to China in three years, underscoring the significance of the world’s largest electric vehicle market. In the first quarter, Tesla sold an impressive 267,171 Model Ys worldwide, with 94,469 units sold in China. This…

In a significant move that underscores China’s prominent position in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, BYD, the renowned new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, has emerged as the primary supplier for Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, PT Blue Bird. The partnership is a testament to BYD’s continued expansion into overseas markets and the growing demand for affordable EV options. According to a report by Bloomberg, PT Blue Bird will acquire 80 percent of its EV fleet from BYD while reevaluating its orders with Tesla. The decision to prioritize BYD’s offerings stems from the appeal of their lower-cost models, which have gained…

The Volkswagen Group is reportedly making plans to establish a battery factory for electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia. According to local media, Ikmal Lukma, the Secretary of the Indonesian Ministry of Investment, has revealed that Volkswagen intends to invest approximately €4.7 billion in the factory. Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence this year, although the exact location has not yet been disclosed. Ikmal Lukma mentioned that the investment would be made through Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo. Additionally, it is said that the automaker will also produce EVs at the site. However, specific details such as production capacity and…

ElDorado National (California) (ENC), a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., has recently secured a notable order from Foothill Transit, a public transit provider in California. The order includes 19 Axess EVO-FC hydrogen fuel cell buses, further solidifying Foothill Transit’s commitment to operating a fully zero-emissions bus fleet. Foothill Transit serves the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys in Southern California, encompassing Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. With a current fleet of 359 buses, which already includes zero-emission models, the addition of the Axess EVO-FC buses will contribute to their ongoing sustainability efforts. The Axess EVO-FC buses stand out with their exceptional…

In a recent statement at the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Finance Summit, Ford Motor Co’s CEO, Jim Farley, emphasized that Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are the primary rivals in the sector, surpassing renowned companies such as GM and Toyota. Farley expressed his conviction that the Chinese automakers would emerge as the powerhouse in the industry. Farley commended China, the world’s largest auto market, for its exceptional battery technology and dominance in EV production. Notably, he acknowledged BYD, Geely, Great Wall, Changan, and SAIC as the “winners” among Chinese automakers. Recognizing these accomplishments, Farley identified the need for Ford to establish…

In a bid to enhance convenience and alleviate range anxiety for Tesla drivers, a recent update enables them to synchronize their vehicles with the Uber app, scheduling rides based on the remaining battery charge of their electric cars. This integration was initially discovered by Tesla enthusiast and former Uber driver, Sofiaan, who shared the findings with the online community. Notably, the new feature is contingent upon the user’s authorization. Once granted permission, the Uber app will allocate rides exclusively to Tesla drivers, provided their electric vehicle has sufficient range to complete the requested trip. The app incorporates a small buffer…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has hinted that the location of the company’s next assembly plant will likely be revealed by the end of 2023. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Musk mentioned that Mexico has been selected as the next destination outside the United States for a Tesla factory. However, he also indicated that another location will probably be chosen later this year. When asked about the possibility of building a Tesla plant in India, Musk expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Absolutely!” Expanding into India would offer Tesla access to a cost-effective labor force compared to Western rates. While no…

Lucid Motors, the US-based electric car manufacturer, has unveiled the pricing details for two new variants of its luxury sedan, the Lucid Air, for several European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Norway. The newly introduced models are the Air Pure AWD and the Air Touring, both equipped with a smaller 92 kWh battery pack that allows for an impressive range of up to 725 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. Lucid plans to begin deliveries of the Air Touring in the third quarter of 2023, followed by the Air Pure AWD in the fourth quarter of the same…

BMW is set to manufacture its “Neue Klasse” electric cars in China, adding to its global production capabilities. Starting from 2025, the next-generation electric vehicle models will be produced in Shenyang by the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture. Furthermore, the batteries required for these vehicles will also be produced at the same location. In November 2022, BBA announced a substantial investment of ten billion yuan (approximately €1.3 billion) in the new site. The facility will assemble sixth-generation battery cells into battery packs starting from 2026. While BMW has not disclosed the specific battery cell supplier, it has existing partnerships…

Fuso, a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, has embarked on the production of the innovative eCanter in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the realm of electric light trucks. Unveiled in September 2022, the latest generation of these fully electric marvels is now being meticulously crafted at the esteemed production plant nestled in the enchanting Tramagal, Portugal. According to the recent announcement by Daimler Trucks, the renowned Mitsubishi Fuso Europe (MFTE) facility has proudly manufactured over a staggering 250,000 Fuso Canter trucks since the advent of 1980. Building on this illustrious legacy, the factory is now gearing up to fabricate the…

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is taking bold steps towards a greener future. Last Friday, all local governing parties agreed on a resolution to ban cars with combustion engines from the city by 2030. This move aligns with the city’s ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2025. While the plan still requires the go-ahead from the Danish government, the city is already conducting feasibility studies to determine how it can expand the number of charging stations to accommodate the influx of electric vehicles. It is also unclear if the ban would apply to Frederiksberg, an enclave surrounded by Copenhagen’s…