Author: Derick Munoz

Rivian Automotive’s forthcoming R2 and R3 midsize electric vehicles are unlikely to adopt an 800-volt architecture, a technology that enables faster charging and improved efficiency, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. Instead, the automaker is focusing on battery chemistry and cost optimization to deliver competitive charging speeds while maintaining affordability. “The move [to 800-volt systems] is just not as critical for R2,” Scaringe told reporters during a media roundtable. “R2 we’ve optimized more around cost, to make sure we deliver great performance but [at] these price points.” While Scaringe stopped short of confirming the vehicles would use a 400-volt system, he…

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of NFI Group, has delivered the first of nine battery-electric coaches from its Pembina, North Dakota plant, a facility previously slated for closure in 2025. Increased demand for MCI’s electric coaches has led to a strategic decision to keep the plant operational. Chris Stoddart, President of North American Bus and Coach at NFI, highlighted the company’s investment in both infrastructure and workforce development to ensure a smooth transition to zero-emission coach production. “We are pleased to see these first electric coaches come off the assembly line in Pembina following a significant investment in training…

China, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market, is set to maintain its dominance in public EV charging infrastructure, with 3.6 million public charging piles projected by the end of 2024. This would account for nearly 70% of the global total, according to a report by market research firm TrendForce. South Korea is poised to lead in growth, with an annual increase of 39% in public charging pile deployment, aiming to achieve 500,000 units by 2025. However, global public EV charging pile expansion is expected to slow, with growth rates declining from 60% in 2023 to 30% in 2024. TrendForce…

Nio’s sub-brand Onvo is setting ambitious goals for expansion in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market, with plans to open 500 stores by March 2025 and a target of 800-1,000 by the end of 2025, according to local media outlet Xchuxing. Onvo, which launched its first model, the L60, on September 19 as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y, has already opened 120 stores as of September 19. The brand’s initial target was to have 200 stores across 68 cities by the end of 2024. Onvo’s goal is to deliver 20,000 units monthly by March 2025, with monthly orders…

Kreisel Electric, an Austrian battery technology company, has entered into a partnership with BASF to recycle batteries using hydrometallurgical processes in Europe. The aim of the collaboration is to retain valuable secondary raw materials for the production of new batteries within the region. Recycling plays a significant role in Kreisel Electric’s battery strategy, with the company achieving a recycling rate of 79% for its battery systems, exceeding the required 50%. “Our recycled batteries are not only meeting today’s standards but are designed to support the sustainability benchmarks of the next decade. In fact, we are already meeting the ambitious EU…

Saldivar’s Trucking has become the first independent owner-operator in the U.S. to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 truck, signaling a shift in the heavy truck market, where smaller fleets have been hesitant to transition from diesel to electric. The milestone demonstrates the growing accessibility of battery-electric trucks for owner-operators through funding programs and dealer support. The move was facilitated by TEC Equipment, a Volvo Trucks dealership, in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Together, they secured $410,000 in funding from California’s On-Road Heavy-Duty Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP). This program, aimed at small fleets of 10…

Hyzon Motors, a U.S.-based leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, has successfully concluded a trial of North America’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered refuse collection truck. Conducted in partnership with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR) and New Way Trucks, the trial demonstrated hydrogen as a sustainable, zero-emission alternative for heavy-duty waste collection. The truck was tested on various routes across California, including Concord, Pittsburg, Oakley, Rio Vista, and Contra Costa. Key trial outcomes included fuel efficiency gains of up to 300% compared to diesel trucks and a demonstrated range of at least 125 miles with 1,300 cart lifts. The trial aligns…

Lexus has significantly reduced the cost of its RZ electric SUV, positioning the 2025 model as a compelling choice in the EV market. Starting at $43,975, including destination fees, the updated pricing makes the RZ $11,200 cheaper than its predecessor and even $490 less expensive than the 2024 Toyota bZ4X. The new entry-level trim, the RZ 300e, introduces affordability without compromising on features. It boasts LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, two-tone 18-inch wheels, and a well-appointed interior with heated NuLuxe seats, a 14-inch infotainment system, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Powered by a 201 hp motor and a 72.8 kWh battery,…

BYD announced the production of its 10 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), a Denza Z9 sedan. The milestone vehicle was showcased at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15 and delivered to Feng Ji, CEO of Game Science, a video game development company. The achievement aligns with BYD’s recent partnership with Game Science, established in October. The collaboration focuses on digitizing cultural relics and monuments to support restoration efforts. The Denza Z9, available in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions, features BYD’s e3 technology, offering advanced drivetrain and steering capabilities. Deliveries of the Denza…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, has secured critical backing from the Nanning Industrial Investment Group as it undertakes a significant organizational restructuring and international market push. The move comes as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker faces operational challenges and intensifies efforts to stabilize its supply chain and reduce costs. The Nanning Industrial Investment Group, under the leadership of the Nanning city government, has entered a strategic partnership with Hozon Auto to provide financial and logistical support, local media Yicai reported, citing a Neta source. The partnership will assist with sourcing raw materials, production, logistics, and the export…

Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson remains confident in the company’s resilience amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump may eliminate federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs). Despite this assurance, Lucid’s stock reached an all-time low of under $2 per share on Friday, reflecting broader market unease. Lucid recently reported its third consecutive record quarter, with 2,781 deliveries in Q3, bringing its total to 7,142 vehicles sold in the first nine months of 2024. This surpasses the 6,001 deliveries achieved in 2023. However, market sentiment was shaken by a Reuters report suggesting Trump’s transition team is considering ending the $7,500 federal EV…

Swedish lithium-ion battery manufacturer Northvolt is reportedly considering bankruptcy protection under the U.S. Chapter 11 code as one of several options to navigate its financial struggles, according to two individuals familiar with the matter. The company, once seen as Europe’s leading hope for a homegrown electric vehicle battery leader, has faced mounting difficulties due to production setbacks, the loss of a major customer, and stalled efforts to secure additional funding. Northvolt, which has raised approximately €10 billion ($10.57 billion) since its establishment in 2016, initiated a comprehensive review of its strategy last July. Swedish business publication Dagens Industri recently reported…

Tesla announced plans to roll out its advanced V4 Supercharger Cabinet in 2025, expected to support record-breaking charging speeds of up to 500 kW for passenger vehicles and 1.2 MW for the Tesla Semi. The company’s new charging technology will cater to both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs, enhancing the versatility of its network. The V4 Superchargers, first deployed in Europe in 2023, currently deliver 350 kW speeds, a slight upgrade from the previous V3 chargers but built primarily to support higher-voltage architectures, which are still gaining traction in the EV market. Tesla’s established models, including the Model S, 3, X,…

At the start of the year, there was optimism surrounding the future of the electric StreetScooter delivery van, especially after its inventor, Günther Schuh, regained control following the bankruptcy of B-ON GmbH in 2023. However, it has now been confirmed that production will no longer continue in Düren, Germany, and will instead be relocated to Thailand, beginning in 2025. In early 2024, Schuh, along with his company e.Volution, purchased the rights to the electric vehicle and entered into a strategic partnership with Neapco, a contract manufacturer. This partnership was expected to restart production in Düren, but the site has been…

To mark America Recycles Day, Cirba Solutions released a report titled The Consumers Lithium Landscape, identifying gaps in public awareness about lithium battery recycling. According to the survey, 53% of respondents are unsure how to recycle lithium batteries, while 41% are unaware of the risks linked to improper disposal. The findings underscore the importance of education as the U.S. advances toward more sustainable energy practices. The report points out that lithium-ion batteries, widely used in products such as phones and laptops, present safety and environmental concerns if disposed of improperly. Despite the average person owning nine battery-powered devices, 55% of…

MAN Engines is set to showcase its latest innovation, the “MAN BatteryPack,” at the EnergyDecentral 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The battery solution, which features a modular nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cell design, offers flexible integration options for various mobile and stationary applications. A configuration of six MAN BatteryPacks can deliver a gross energy capacity of up to 534 kWh (480 kWh net), according to the company. Each MAN BatteryPack has a capacity of 89 kWh, of which 80 kWh is usable, and contains multiple battery modules arranged in two to four layers. MAN offers three shape variations for the packs—from nearly square…

The Buses of Somerset, operated by First Bus South, has initiated the electrification of its depots in Taunton and Minehead in preparation for the arrival of 26 electric buses scheduled for deployment in spring 2025. The upgrade, which includes charging infrastructure installation, is part of Somerset’s £14.7 million investment in sustainable public transportation, with £2.2 million funded through the UK Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) programme and the remaining costs covered by First Bus. “Today is an important milestone as work starts to transform Taunton and Minehead depots into electric-ready bases for our new EVs,” said…

Hertz Global Holdings revealed during its Q3 Earnings Call on Tuesday that it continues to grapple with financial impacts from its significant electric vehicle (EV) purchases. The company’s investment, including the high-profile acquisition of 100,000 Tesla EVs for $4.2 billion in October 2021, has seen considerable depreciation, driven in part by recent price cuts to Tesla’s lineup. The 2021 purchase was initially intended to modernize Hertz’s fleet with sustainable powertrains, capitalizing on Tesla’s established presence in the EV industry. However, reductions in Tesla’s vehicle prices subsequently diminished the value of Hertz’s fleet, creating financial strain. Hertz has since initiated large-scale…

The government of Uzbekistan has announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to install 32,400 charging stations by the end of 2025. The initiative seeks to encourage EV adoption and support the country’s growing electric mobility sector. From February 1, 2025, all public parking areas, including those at government buildings, shopping centers, petrol stations, hotels, and roadside stops, must provide at least one EV charging space. The regulation stipulates that at least 5% of parking spaces in such areas, or a minimum of one space per location, must be equipped with a charging facility. The report…

Australian battery manufacturer Novonix announced on Monday that it has entered into a binding off-take agreement with automaker Stellantis to supply synthetic graphite for Stellantis’ cell manufacturing partners in North America. The agreement spans from 2026 to 2031, with Novonix committing to deliver between 86,250 and 115,000 metric tons of high-performance synthetic graphite from its Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “This contract allocates the remainder of our available volumes at our Riverside facility and a portion of volumes to be produced at our planned greenfield facility,” said Novonix CEO Chris Burns. The agreement underscores the company’s continued expansion in the…