Author: Derick Munoz

Automotive supplier ZF has announced plans to produce two additional electric passenger car axle drives at its Saarbrücken facility in Germany, with series production set to begin in 2025. This expansion follows the company’s 2022 commitment to convert the Saarbrücken plant into a central hub for all-electric drive systems, involving a substantial investment. ZF began production of its first electric axle drive at Saarbrücken earlier this year, catering to European car manufacturers. The company’s recent decision to add two more electric axle drives marks a significant milestone in the site’s transformation, according to Andreas Hubbuch, site manager. “With the addition…

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company will invest 1 billion baht ($28 million) to establish an electric vehicle and battery assembly facility in Thailand, the country’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced on Wednesday. Thailand’s rapidly growing electric vehicle sector is currently led by Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Great Wall Motors, which utilize the country as a hub for exporting vehicles across Southeast Asia. The new Hyundai factory, planned to be situated just southeast of Bangkok, is set to begin production in 2026, according to a BOI statement. “Thailand’s strong existing supply chain will allow Hyundai to source not…

Rivian has launched a new financing promotion for its Dual Max R1S, offering a 2.99% APR for 60 months. The promotion, aimed at celebrating summer adventures, is part of a broader strategy to make its upgraded R1S more accessible. The new Dual Max R1S, which starts at $89,900, features significant enhancements over its predecessor. These include over 400 miles of range, a re-engineered suspension system, and Rivian’s in-house Dual-Motor system. “Rivian has introduced hundreds of hardware improvements, performance upgrades, and a fully redesigned software experience in the Gen 2 R1S,” the company noted in its announcement. https://evmagz.com/rivians-r2-will-redefine-the-ev-game-how-it-stacks-up-against-the-tesla-model-y/ The upgraded R1S…

Volvo Cars announced a 6% increase in global sales for July, reaching 57,447 vehicles, primarily due to rising demand for fully electric vehicles in Europe. The Sweden-based automaker, which is majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding, noted that European sales surged by 40%, while sales in the United States and China declined by 11% and 31%, respectively. Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Bjorn Annwall remarked, “We are pleased to report another month of sales growth, which is driven largely by the sales in Europe despite a generally challenging market environment.” Sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models grew by…

Researchers at the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) are developing predictive energy management strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles. An initial field test demonstrated a six percent reduction in hydrogen consumption. Fuel cell vehicles typically include a battery that serves as a buffer for dynamic load changes and increases overall efficiency, thereby reducing the aging of the fuel cell. The system works optimally when the fuel cell operates with a constant output, while the battery handles fluctuating power demands, such as during overtaking maneuvers. The effectiveness of this energy management depends on continuously distributing…

US manufacturer Hyster has introduced the new Hyster J2.0-3.5XTLG series of fully electric forklift trucks, equipped with lithium-ion batteries. These forklifts, which can lift up to 3.5 tonnes, are designed for a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors. According to Hyster, the new electric forklift models are well-suited for use in industrial warehouses, outdoor logistics, yards, and loading areas in industries such as wood, metal, chemical, and building materials. The J2.0-3.5XTLG series aims to provide a durable, flexible, and emission-free solution for various scenarios, offering performance comparable to combustion engine forklifts. “Many industrial businesses are looking to drive…

Belgian materials technology and recycling group Umicore has announced it will review and suspend its investment in a planned cathode material factory in Loyalist, Ontario, Canada. The construction of the $2.7 billion facility, initially scheduled to commence operations by late 2025, is on hold pending further evaluation. Umicore revealed the decision in its half-year report, citing a shift in market conditions. The company stated that it is adjusting its investment plans due to a significant reduction in the demand forecast for its battery materials. As a result, Umicore will focus on utilizing existing production capacities before proceeding with new investments.…

Tesla has issued a warning regarding a new method circulating online that involves wrapping a wet towel around the Supercharger connector to expedite the charging process. The practice is aimed at cooling the connector to prevent overheating and thus avoid a reduction in charging power. The technique, which has been shared on social media, primarily concerns the older V2 Superchargers. Some Tesla drivers have observed that these connectors become excessively hot during high ambient temperatures, which in turn reduces charging power. This reduction is intended to protect the components from overheating by lowering the power output. https://twitter.com/TeslaCharging/status/1816284411425673578 Tesla’s official Charging…

Volkswagen is experiencing ongoing software challenges that have delayed several next-generation vehicle models, including the electric ID.4. The delays stem from issues with the company’s Scalable System Platform (SSP) software, according to a recent report from German outlet Handelsblatt. Originally, Volkswagen planned to debut its first SSP-based vehicles in 2028. However, the next-generation ID.4 is now expected to launch no earlier than 2029, while the electric T-Sport has been postponed from 2028 to at least 2031. The SSP was intended to be featured in nearly all Volkswagen models from 2025 onwards, but the automaker has faced persistent problems with its…

US electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors has entered into a supply agreement with Graphite One for synthetic active anode materials to be used in its vehicle batteries. The agreement stipulates that the graphite materials and battery anodes will be mined and manufactured entirely in the United States. The non-binding agreement outlines a supply of 5,000 tonnes per year once Graphite One begins production of synthetic graphite. The initial term of the agreement is five years, with provisions for earlier termination. Pricing will be based on a formula reflecting future market conditions and agreed base prices. The agreement also includes customary…

Nantes Métropole has commissioned Iveco to supply 70 Heuliez electric buses, including both standard and articulated models, to be used in the Naolib network serving Nantes and its surrounding areas. The order includes twelve-metre GX 337 ELEC and eighteen-metre GX 437 ELEC buses. Approximately 30 standard buses are expected to enter service between late 2025 and early 2026, with the articulated buses joining from 2027. Nantes Métropole is financing the 62 million euro purchase. The buses will be operated by Semitan, a semi-public transport company owned 65% by Nantes Métropole and 35% by private individuals, including Transdev. https://evmagz.com/ups-to-add-100-all-electric-iveco-edaily-to-paris-fleet-as-part-of-european-expansion/ The Naolib…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of the Geely Holding Group, has introduced its Zeekr 001 shooting brake EV and Zeekr X compact SUV in Mexico as part of its international growth strategy. The Zeekr 001 is priced at 988,000 Mexican pesos ($54,790), while the Zeekr X starts at 799,000 Mexican pesos. In China, these models are priced at RMB 269,000 ($36,990) and RMB 200,000, respectively. The Zeekr 001, launched on April 17, 2021, with deliveries beginning in October 2021, has been a major seller, accounting for 64% of Zeekr’s 118,685 units sold in 2023. See also: Zeekr Launches 2025…

South Korea expects to surpass the milestone of 1,000 hydrogen buses on its roads by the end of July, underscoring its commitment to a multi-energy strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in the transport sector. As of July 1, South Korea had registered 992 hydrogen buses, with the Ministry of Environment (MoE) anticipating the cumulative sales to reach 1,000 units in the first week of the month. Official figures for the final count are yet to be confirmed. “The deployment of hydrogen buses in South Korea marks a significant step towards enhancing sustainable mobility options,” said Jung Sun-hwa, Director of…

Volocopter, the German developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has received clearance to conduct flight demonstrations during the 2024 Paris Olympics, commencing from July 26. The French government has approved the establishment of a dedicated takeoff and landing facility named Vertiport de Paris-Austerlitz exclusively for Volocopter’s electric aerial vehicles (EAVs). Only Volocopter’s EAVs, including the VoloCity among its fleet, will be permitted to utilize the new vertiport and showcase their capabilities throughout the Paris Games. Flight operations will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., limited to two flights per hour and totaling up to 900…

Rimac Automobili, marking its 15th year in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, has unveiled the Nevera 15th Anniversary Edition, a bespoke variant of its high-performance electric supercar. Limited to just nine units, the Nevera 15th Anniversary Edition features a distinctive matte copper exterior, designed to evoke themes of celebration and energy, as well as practical applications resembling electrical cables. This unique finish is complemented by a carbon fiber split providing a glossy contrast, along with two-tone wheels, special badging, and graphics inspired by circuit board connections. Inside, the anniversary model boasts copper-painted surfaces, anodized copper switchgear, and seats adorned in…

Michigan has reduced its incentive package for Ford Motor’s Marshall battery plant following the automaker’s decision to lower expected production in alignment with subdued electric vehicle (EV) demand. Originally slated for a $1.03 billion incentive, the new package from the Michigan Strategic Fund now offers a maximum of $409 million. Ford, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, plans to utilize technology licensed from China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) at the Marshall facility to produce low-cost lithium-iron batteries. The company announced in November a reduction in battery production capacity from 35 gigawatt hours to 20 gigawatt hours, alongside a decrease in…

China’s commerce ministry rebutted assertions on Monday, stating that Beijing has demonstrated “utmost sincerity” in consultations with the European Union regarding an investigation into electric vehicle subsidies. The ministry criticized comments attributed to EU official Jorge Toledo as “grossly inconsistent with the facts.” Reports had cited Toledo, the EU’s ambassador to China, suggesting that Beijing had only recently responded to the EU’s request for talks. In response, the Chinese commerce ministry emphasized its commitment to the consultation process, expressing hope for sincere engagement from the European side to swiftly achieve a mutually agreeable resolution. “China is bound to take all…

Spotlight Automotive, a collaboration between BMW and Great Wall Motor (GWM), has unveiled the latest electric Mini Cooper in China, marking the debut of the fifth-generation model with a blend of classic design elements and modern enhancements. The new Mini Cooper, available in five distinct trims and priced between 189,800 and 266,800 yuan (approximately $26,100 to $36,700), offers consumers a range of options tailored to diverse preferences and needs. Measuring 3858 mm in length, 1756 mm in width, and 1458 mm in height, with a wheelbase extended to 2526 mm, the new Mini Cooper retains its iconic three-door, four-seater layout.…

Nyobolt, a British startup specializing in advanced battery technology, has showcased a significant advancement in electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities, achieving a rapid charging time for an electric sports car prototype. Using its proprietary niobium-based battery technology, Nyobolt demonstrated the charging of its Nyobolt EV prototype from 10 to 80 percent state of charge (SoC) in just four minutes and thirty-nine seconds. See also: Nyobolt Unveils Breakthrough: Fully Charge Your Electric Vehicle in Just Six Minutes The prototype, developed in collaboration with engineering firm Callum and based on the Lotus Elise platform, utilized a 350 kW charger during the process. The…

The long-awaited Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh has been sighted in recent spy shots, offering a glimpse into its anticipated design updates and potential launch timeline. The photos, captured by Reddit user u/JacklJack at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, reveal the camouflaged front of the new crossover. Despite the disguise, notable changes suggest a departure from the current model’s design language. The refreshed Model Y appears to adopt a simplified hood and front bumper akin to the Model 3 Highland, featuring less pronounced wheel wells and smoother front quarter panels for a more streamlined aesthetic. https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModelY/comments/1dxjg83/possible_new_model_y_sighting/ Speculations abound regarding…