Author: Derick Munoz

Automotive supplier Marelli has announced a significant order to supply around five million units of its Battery Thermal Plate (BTP) for future battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from a major global car manufacturer. The deliveries are scheduled to commence this year. The order includes various vehicle platforms and segments for the Chinese, North American, and European markets, according to Marelli. While the customer remains unnamed in the press release, the scale of the order suggests involvement with large corporations such as the Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, or General Motors. Marelli’s Battery Thermal Plate is a critical component of the battery’s thermal management…

A recent analysis by car experts from Chemnitz has revealed that approximately 100,000 electric cars, already manufactured, are currently sitting in stockpiles across Germany. This surprising revelation comes despite a significant increase in exports of electric vehicles (EVs) from the country last year. Werner Olle, an automotive researcher, discovered that these electric cars are temporarily parked in car parks near factories, dealerships, or ports. The backlog includes vehicles from German manufacturers as well as imports. The record number of unsold vehicles in 2023 is attributed to the abrupt end of the electric car subsidy in December of that year. Stockpiling…

Kia has officially launched its newest affordable electric car, the EV3, in Korea, with orders now being accepted starting at $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million). This marks Kia’s third electric vehicle and the first of its next-generation affordable lineup, following its unveiling in October during the first annual EV Day. The EV3 inherits design and technology updates from Kia’s flagship EV9 but is packaged into a smaller, more affordable vehicle. Kia emphasizes that the EV3 has its own unique identity, distinguishing it from others in its segment. Notable design changes include the “Tiger Face” grille, a departure from Kia’s traditional “Tiger…

Honda Motor has commenced assembly of the first fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to be built in the United States — the CR-V e:FCEV. The fuel cell version of Honda’s popular CR-V crossover is the first plug-in hybrid fuel cell vehicle to be both sold and manufactured in the U.S., marking a significant milestone for the company. The CR-V e:FCEV is capable of being plugged into charging ports and running on both electricity and hydrogen, making it a versatile and eco-friendly choice. Presently, there are 56 fuel cell stations in the United States, all located in California, according to the…

LG Energy Solution (LGES) and General Motors’ joint battery facility in Tennessee, known as Ultium Cells Plant 2, is making significant strides in battery production for electric vehicles. The plant is expected to reach a total production capacity of 50 GWh, supporting the production of 600,000 high-performance electric cars with a range of 500 km (310 miles) per charge. Kim Young-deuk, head of Ultium Cells’ second factory, highlighted the facility’s rapid progress, stating, “We achieved the target yield of over 90% in just one month of mass production, the shortest period in history.” Covering an area of 257,000 square meters…

Cruise, the self-driving car subsidiary of General Motors, has made a significant comeback by resuming manual driving of its vehicles in Dallas, Texas, as part of its efforts to rebuild its reputation and regain the public’s trust. The move comes after Cruise had to suspend operations last October when one of its driverless cars was involved in an incident where it dragged a pedestrian for roughly 20 feet. This led to the revocation of its license to operate in California, a fleet recall, layoffs, and the departure of several executives. Following the incident, Cruise has been working to regain trust,…

Nissan has announced that it will not be investing in new gas or diesel-powered engines. This decision sets Nissan apart from several other Japanese automakers who recently collaborated to develop new internal combustion engines (ICE). Despite facing some setbacks in the EV market, Nissan remains committed to its electric vision. The brand’s iconic electric hatchback, the LEAF, once dominated global EV sales until Tesla’s Model 3 surpassed it in early 2020. Now, Nissan is banking on its first electric SUV, the Ariya, to lead the charge. See also: Toyota Unveils Adaptable Next-Generation Engines for Diverse Vehicle Range Although the Ariya initially…

BMW has revealed the latest iteration of its 3 Series Sedan and Touring models, featuring an upgraded plug-in hybrid lineup designed to offer increased electric range and efficiency. The new lineup includes the BMW 330e Sedan and BMW 330e Touring, both available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive. These models are equipped with a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, delivering a combined system output of 215 kW/292 hp. One of the key upgrades is the adoption of a new high-voltage battery with 19.5 kWh of usable energy, a significant…

After more than a century of history, the Geneva International Auto Show has announced its discontinuation, citing industry pressures and lack of consumer interest. The decision was made by the organizers following the re-launch of the event in February 2024, which was intended to reposition the show but failed to meet expectations. In a press release on Friday, Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation, expressed regret over the decision. He stated, “This extremely regrettable decision should not detract from the efforts and determination with which we have tried to regain our success.”…

Spanish energy company Acciona Energia has announced agreements with various retailers to install 1,000 new EV charging points at restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels in Spain by next year. The expansion will include a mix of AC and DC charging options with outputs between 22 and 180 kW, with more than 400 of the new charging points offering between 100 and 120 kW. The company has not disclosed details about the hardware suppliers or the investment volume. The new charging points will be strategically located in areas with high traffic density and will be operational by next year. Although the…

At its Volvo Days customer event, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) showcased new electric wheel loaders and excavators, along with an off-grid charging station for construction sites. These new offerings expand Volvo CE’s electric product lineup, which already includes models like the EC230 Electric excavator and the corded EW240 Electric MH. The new machines introduced at the event include Volvo’s first electric wheeled excavator, the EWR150 Electric, as well as the L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders. These new models will be gradually introduced in limited quantities in selected markets from the beginning of 2025. Additionally, Volvo CE is…

The European Union’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) could result in Beijing losing nearly $4 billion in trade with the bloc, according to a study by a German economic research institute. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy’s analysis suggests that if Brussels were to impose a 20 percent import tariff, the number of Chinese EVs imported to the EU would drop by a quarter, or approximately 125,000 vehicles. Concurrently, sales of locally produced vehicles would likely increase by a similar amount. See also: European Commission Delays Decision on Chinese Electric Vehicle Tariffs The looming prospect of a…

Zeekr achieved a remarkable milestone in May, delivering 18,616 vehicles, marking its second consecutive record-breaking month. This figure surpasses the previous record of 16,089 vehicles delivered in April, showcasing a significant 114.52% year-on-year increase and a 15.71% month-on-month growth. The company, which has been delivering exceptional results since its inception in April 2021, has now delivered a cumulative total of 264,397 vehicles. In the January-May period alone, Zeekr delivered 67,764 vehicles, representing a remarkable 111.68% year-on-year growth. See also: Waymo’s Partnership with Zeekr Threatened by New U.S. Tariffs on Chinese-Built EVs Zeekr’s current lineup includes popular models such as the Zeekr…

Dutch transport company Hermes has introduced its new generation of Citea electric buses in Eindhoven, marking a significant step towards a fully emission-free fleet in Southeast Brabant. The deployment of the first 32 buses of a total of 64 from VDL Bus & Coach celebrates their premiere in North Brabant. Operated by Transdev subsidiary Hermes, the new buses will serve city routes in Eindhoven and neighboring municipalities. To mark the launch, Hermes is offering Eindhoven residents a ‘Zero Emission Day Pass,’ allowing free travel on the electric buses outside peak times until June 30th, enabling them to experience the comfort…

The United Kingdom is poised to introduce self-driving vehicles on its roads as soon as 2026, following the enactment of the Automated Vehicles Act into law. The legislation, which received Royal Assent, formalizes the UK’s commitment to embracing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Transport Secretary Mark Harper hailed the new law as a significant milestone, stating, “Britain stands at the threshold of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone moment for our self-driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever.” See also: Autonomous Vehicle Regulations Urgently Needed in the UK, Parliamentary Report Urges The…

Archer Aviation, a leading developer of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is expanding its global reach with a new partnership in South Korea. The company has announced a collaboration with KaKaoMobility, Korea’s leading mobility-as-a-service provider, to participate in the country’s Grand Challenge and introduce eVTOL travel to the region. Archer Aviation has gained significant momentum in the eVTOL space, with airworthiness certification from the FAA and investments from major players like United, Stellantis, and the US Air Force. The company has already made strides in expanding its operations beyond its California headquarters, including launching air taxi services in…

Volkswagen has announced the addition of three new trims to its popular ID.3 lineup, offering consumers more options for the small all-electric car. The new trims include a sportier variant, a more powerful model, and a lower-priced option, all updated with enhanced technology and software. Introduced in 2019 as Volkswagen’s first fully electric vehicle on the MEB platform, the ID.3 has seen significant success, with 140,800 units sold last year, making it the VW Group’s second best-selling EV after the combined sales of the ID.4 and ID.5 reaching 223,100. The momentum has continued into 2024, with over 26,000 ID.3s delivered…

Luxury electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors is in negotiations with Genesis, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, to supply its high-performance electric drive system for an upcoming sports car model. If the deal is finalized, Genesis will join Aston Martin as a partner of Lucid Motors in utilizing its cutting-edge electric drive technology. Aston Martin, known for its luxury sports cars, has already signed a deal with Lucid Motors to use its dual-motor drive unit, battery technology, and the Lucid charging system, known as the ‘Wunderbox,’ in a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. This collaboration is set to enable…

Despite advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology and increasing efforts by automakers to promote sustainable transportation, a recent study by KPMG revealed that Americans still favor traditional gas-powered vehicles over hybrids or electric models, even when offered at the same price and with similar features. The study, part of KPMG’s American Perspectives Survey, surveyed 1,100 U.S. adults nationwide and found that only one-fifth of respondents said they would choose an EV over a gas-powered or hybrid vehicle. This preference for gas vehicles highlights a significant gap in consumer behavior compared to the industry’s push for electric mobility. See also: U.S. Interest…

German supplier Vitesco Technologies has secured a deal to supply its EMR3 axle drive for another Honda model, the new CR-V e:FCEV. This marks the first integration of Vitesco’s drive system into an electric car featuring a hydrogen fuel cell. The EMR3 axle drive will be used in the CR-V e:FCEV without significant modifications, a testament to its adaptability. Additionally, Honda will incorporate a special bypass valve from Vitesco in the vehicle, which controls airflow to and from the fuel cell stack. While this is the first use of the EMR3 in a fuel cell vehicle, it has been previously…