Author: Derick Munoz

Chrysler is planning to expand its lineup with a fully electric version of the Pacifica minivan, according to CEO Christine Feuell, who shared the news at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. While specific details on the design or launch timeline remain under wraps, Feuell hinted that the EV would draw styling inspiration from the Halcyon concept, unveiled earlier this year. Chrysler did not immediately comment further when reached for confirmation. The Halcyon concept, introduced in February 2024, is a sleek sedan built on the STLA Large platform. It reflects Chrysler’s shift towards modern, future-oriented designs. This follows the 2022…

Spanish bus manufacturer Irizar has delivered its first right-hand drive electric bus, the ie tram, to Go-Ahead London, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transition to zero-emission public transport. The 20 units will operate on one of London’s longest bus routes, utilizing advanced ultra-fast charging technology. The ie tram features a design reminiscent of a tram and is equipped with cutting-edge charging capabilities. Two 450 kW pantograph chargers, installed by Jema Energy, a subsidiary of Irizar Group, enable the buses to recharge sufficient energy in just six minutes at either end of the route. Additionally, Jema Energy has provided…

Ford has filed a patent for an automated brake light detection system, which it claims could enhance driver-assist systems and potentially benefit future autonomous vehicles. The patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on September 14, 2023, and filed in May of the same year, outlines a technology designed to improve the vehicle’s ability to detect when a car’s brake lights are illuminated. According to the patent application, the system would use lidar and cameras to scan the road ahead, with software processing the data to determine whether a vehicle’s brake lights are on. The application…

Ola Electric, India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced its foray into the electric three-wheeler market, with its first model expected to debut in the second half of 2025. The expansion comes as part of the company’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio, which includes plans to launch 20 new products by 2026. “Yes, we are building three-wheelers,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of Ola Electric, during the company’s Q2 FY2025 earnings call, confirming recent media speculation. Aggarwal highlighted that Ola Electric aims to leverage components from its high-volume electric two-wheelers, such as the S1 series, to lower production…

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,…