Author: Derick Munoz

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…