Author: Derick Munoz

Stellantis, in collaboration with Samsung SDI, has established two battery factories in Indiana and is now eyeing the construction of a third facility in the United States. Under a preliminary agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, Stellantis has committed to building a new battery plant with an as-yet-unnamed partner. This $3.2 billion cell factory is slated to be constructed in Belvidere, Illinois, creating approximately 1,000 job opportunities in the region. At first glance, the choice of location might appear unusual, given that the Belvidere vehicle plant ceased operations in February. However, the provisional agreement aims to restart production…

Jeep is gearing up for a significant electrification push in North America over the next five years. According to details from a tentative agreement between Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, iconic models such as the Wrangler and Wagoneer are in line to receive electric variants. In the latest developments, the current-generation JL Wrangler, which is already available as a hybrid, will continue production until 2028 at the Stellantis factory in Toledo, Ohio. In 2025, the 4xe hybrid variant, along with potentially the conventional gasoline versions, is scheduled for an update. Following the JL Wrangler’s…

In a surprising turn of events in 2021, Ferrari broke with tradition by appointing a new CEO with a background in the tech industry rather than the automotive world. The choice of Benedetto Vigna for the role seemed unconventional at the time, but the strategy behind it is becoming clearer as the luxury carmaker employs tech-inspired techniques to advance its foray into fully electric vehicles. Ferrari has announced its ambitious plan to launch its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) in 2025 and to progressively electrify a significant portion of its vehicle lineup. The CEO, Benedetto Vigna, is now shedding light on…

Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary, CARIAD, has announced a significant milestone in its partnership with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, unveiling a joint lab aimed at enhancing the connectivity between smartphones and smart cars. The lab is a pivotal component of their long-term collaboration, with the ultimate goal of delivering a seamless and efficient digital mobility experience to consumers. CARIAD China, the software company’s first subsidiary outside of Europe, is leading this venture, operating from its Research and Development (R&D) center, known as Forward! Lab. The collaboration will primarily focus on the development of intelligent connected vehicle-related software and hardware, telematics service…

Rotwild, a renowned name in the world of mountain bikes, is set to make a splash in the e-bike market with the introduction of two innovative electric bicycles. The Rotwild R.X1000 e-MTB and Rotwild R.C1000 e-crossover promise an exciting blend of technology and design, with a key highlight being the groundbreaking Pinion MGU E1.12 motor/gearbox unit. The Rotwild R.X1000 is an all-terrain electric mountain bike that boasts full suspension, catering to the needs of adventure seekers who seek thrills off the beaten path. On the other hand, the Rotwild R.C1000 offers similar features but is positioned as an e-crossover, making…

The surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is causing a growing rift between consumer interest and the investments made by automakers. While sales of battery-electric vehicles are on a steady incline, the significant capital poured into the sector by major manufacturers is raising concerns that expected returns may not materialize as swiftly as anticipated. One prevailing factor contributing to industry anxiety is the impact of high-interest rates, a concern shared by industry analysts and even Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. Musk emphasized the potential hurdles created by the high-interest rate environment during an earnings call, stating, “The vast majority of people…

Car dealerships across the United States have been granted the opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking program designed to streamline electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. Launched jointly by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this initiative aims to make EV purchases more accessible for consumers starting next year. Under this program, consumers can expeditiously transfer the $7,500 EV tax credit for new vehicle acquisitions or the $4,000 tax credit for eligible used EV purchases to the dealer at the time of sale. This innovative approach effectively reduces the upfront cost of these vehicles, eliminating…

Nio is considering the acquisition of manufacturing assets from its vehicle production partner, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), in a strategic move aimed at enhancing self-reliance. While Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) did not explicitly mention Nio in its recent announcement, the local media has reported that the assets in question are linked to Nio’s F1 and F2 factories. Notably, Nio has stated that this transfer of assets by its manufacturing partner will not disrupt its operations. An official statement from Shanghai-listed JAC revealed plans to transfer assets through a public listing, including fixed assets and ongoing construction at its…

Electra and SPIE Belgium have announced the construction of 21 new fast-charging sites across Belgium. Each site will feature three to six fast-charging stations. The collaboration marks a significant step in Electra’s ambition to become the largest EV charging provider in Belgium and Luxembourg by 2030 with a target of 250 installed stations. The project’s first construction work commenced in September 2023 and is supported by SPIE, a leading multi-technical services provider. While the timeline for completion and the stations’ performance capabilities remain undisclosed, SPIE will undertake essential roles beyond initial installation. The service provider is responsible for ensuring the…

Cruise, General Motors (GM), and Honda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the formation of a joint venture. The partnership aims to offer a driverless ridehailing service in Japan, with initial roll-out slated for early 2026 in central Tokyo. The service will feature the Cruise Origin, a purpose-built autonomous vehicle co-developed by GM and Honda, capable of carrying up to six passengers. GM will manufacture approximately 500 units of the Cruise Origin at its Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan for the initial launch. Pending regulatory approvals, the companies will commence testing in 2024 and aim to…

Volta Trucks, the Sweden-based electric truck manufacturer with operations in the United Kingdom, is actively seeking an acquisition deal to rescue the company from administration, according to a source close to the matter. The move comes after the company filed for bankruptcy earlier this week, a decision driven by the bankruptcy of its key supplier, Proterra, and difficulties with its battery supply chain. “We were 30 days out from production,” said the source, who requested anonymity. “The startup had raised around 460 million euros ($488 million) from investors.” Volta Trucks had selected an Austrian factory for mass production and taken…

Volvo is making a bold move into the compact electric crossover segment with the 2025 Volvo EX30. This entrance into a competitive arena occupied by vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Kia Niro EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric signifies a significant shift, as it marks the first offering from an upscale automaker in this category. Furthermore, the compact EV crossover segment has often been associated with unremarkable powertrains featuring front-wheel-drive (FWD) configurations and approximately 200 horsepower. Volvo intends to disrupt this status quo. The 2025 Volvo EX30 not only brings a distinctive and premium package to the table but…

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is making significant strides in growing its ORA brand footprint in the United Kingdom, with the recent opening of eight new test drive centers across the country and the introduction of an enhanced variant of the Funky Cat model. Scheduled to hit the local market on October 12, the Ora Funky Cat First Edition+ is poised to offer UK customers an enticing blend of performance and features at a starting price of £33,795 ($40,777). Notably, this variant distinguishes itself with a larger 63 kWh battery, a step up from the standard Funky Cat’s 48 kWh battery.…

The UK government has confirmed its commitment to existing electric vehicle (EV) targets for the upcoming years, despite extending the ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to 2035. This decision is set to have minimal impact on the EV industry. Under the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mandate scheme, the core principle remains unaltered. Vehicle manufacturers are annually assigned a target, expressed as a percentage of their total sales, that must consist of zero-emission vehicles. Starting in January, UK carmakers are required to ensure that a minimum of 22 percent of their vehicle sales are locally emission-free, with a corresponding…

EVgo, a player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure landscape and one of the nation’s largest public fast-charging networks, has announced significant updates to its network under the ReNew program. With a strong commitment to enhancing reliability and elevating the overall customer experience, EVgo has outlined its strategy, centered around six key pillars: Resilience, Prevention, Diagnostics, Rapid Response, Analysis, and Continuous Customer Service. In terms of hardware upgrades, EVgo has undertaken substantial initiatives during the first half of this year. Over 120 charging stalls in critical markets across the United States have witnessed upgrades, replacements, or decommissioning of legacy…

In the latest data released by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), September brought a significant year-over-year decrease in new passenger car registrations, with numbers plummeting by over 29 percent to a total of 10,342 vehicles. The year-to-date figures also show a dip, with 95,499 units registered, marking a 7.1 percent decline compared to the previous year. One of the notable findings from the report is the intriguing trend in rechargeable car sales. Despite a year-over-year decrease, the drop was slightly less severe than the overall market average. As a result, the market share of rechargeable cars reached its highest level…

As Tesla continues to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) market, a recent study sheds light on the intriguing disparities in global online searches for EVs across different countries. Gridserve, a sustainable energy company, compiled a comprehensive database of the most sought-after EVs worldwide, drawing data from 317 distinct vehicle models and spanning more than 200 countries. While it’s essential to recognize that online searches may not directly correlate with sales, this study offers valuable insights into the EV models that capture the imaginations of people worldwide. At the forefront of the online search volume ranking, Tesla’s Model 3 emerges as…

Members of Parliament (MPs) serving on the United Kingdom’s cross-party Transport Committee have issued a report urging immediate legislative changes to effectively handle the advent of self-driving vehicles (SDVs). The comprehensive report encompasses a range of recommendations aimed at updating regulations to address critical issues concerning safety, legal liability, and the necessary infrastructure to support the integration of SDVs. Iain Stewart, Transport Committee Chair and Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South in Buckinghamshire, stressed the urgency of these measures, asserting, “Self-driving vehicles are a great British success story in the making, and we have a competitive advantage over many other…

May Mobility, the Michigan-based autonomous driving technology company, has unveiled a significant software update that positions it closer to achieving fully driverless operations by the close of 2023. This milestone comes as part of May Mobility’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize transportation options in areas with limited public transit access. The software upgrade promises substantial performance enhancements for May Mobility’s autonomous vehicles (AVs), with a specific focus on improving passenger comfort. The company operates a fleet of Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles equipped with radar, lidar, cameras, and their proprietary Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system across diverse locations in the United States.…

BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) have joined forces with ZeroAvia to advance the development of high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell technology for the aviation industry. This collaboration centers on the supply of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and collaborative research to enhance the performance and efficiency of ZeroAvia’s HT-PEM fuel cell stacks. Under this agreement, the companies will work together to expedite the commercialization of a lightweight and high-powered MEA tailored for HT-PEM fuel cells, specifically designed for aviation applications. ZeroAvia’s HT-PEM fuel cell technology, which incorporates ECMS’s Celtec innovation and catalyst expertise, promises to be a…