Author: Derick Munoz

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…

Tesla has recently released its latest public safety data, including statistics on owners who have activated Autopilot, drawing attention to discussions about the electric vehicle manufacturer’s safety record. The data, which covers the first quarter of 2024, appears to show positive trends for the automaker, although a deeper analysis reveals more nuanced insights. Autopilot, which encompasses cruise control and lane-keeping assistance features, is a key focus of Tesla’s safety data. It’s important to note that the data does not appear to include users of Full Self-Driving (FSD), a more advanced version of Autopilot labeled as “beta.” According to Tesla’s internal…

A consortium known as the Software République has introduced the U1st Vision (You First Vision) concept, a “technology demonstrator” that signifies a shift from “mobility services” to “services being mobile.” The concept, resembling a pop-up store on wheels, envisions a future where services such as healthcare and bike repair are mobile and can be deployed as needed. This innovative idea is built on the FlexEVan, an electric light commercial vehicle platform. Renault provided limited details, but the concept features a distinctive front end with headlights connected by a slender bar, a unique bumper with circular accents illuminated, digital side mirrors,…

Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, already collaborators in the Milence truck charging venture, have unveiled plans to establish a 50:50 joint venture focused on developing digital vehicle functions. This partnership aims to create a standard for software-defined commercial vehicles, with a dedicated truck operating system and a common software-defined vehicle platform at its core. Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of the Volvo Group, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in the rapidly evolving industry: “Given the rapid transformation of our industry, it makes sense to collaborate to accelerate development, increase volumes, and share costs. Software-defined heavy-duty trucks represent a paradigm…

A massive fire broke out overnight on May 16 at a BYD showroom, leaving the building gutted and several vehicles destroyed, but thankfully no casualties were reported. Videos circulated online depict thick smoke billowing from the showroom, casting an orange glow over the area as flames engulfed the building. The blaze, which started at 12:32 a.m. in Qingkou, Fujian Province, prompted the dispatch of seven fire trucks to the scene. Firefighters initially struggled to approach the intense flames but managed to largely extinguish the fire by 1:18 a.m. BYD acknowledged the incident, stating that the fire likely originated in the…

Gilbarco Veeder-Root (GVR), a leading provider of gas pump and convenience store equipment technology, has introduced a new DC fast charging system designed to seamlessly integrate into its retailers’ gas stations. The new turnkey solution, named Konect DC fast charging system, was co-developed by GVR in collaboration with EV charging tech company SK Signet. With over 500,000 installations worldwide, GVR aims to leverage its extensive network to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Unlike traditional standalone charging stations, Konect is integrated into GVR’s existing full-site fueling payment and service systems. This integration allows for a more cohesive…

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has made a significant impact on China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, becoming the country’s eighth-largest EV upstart after selling over 7,000 units of its first model, the SU7 sedan, in April. This move further intensifies competition in the world’s largest auto market, which has been witnessing a fierce price war amid weakening demand. Xiaomi, known for its popular smartphones and home appliances, has quickly established itself as a serious contender in the EV space. Xiaomi joins other upstarts such as Nio and Xpeng as new automakers focused on EV production, challenging established players like Volkswagen and…

Berlin’s iconic ‘Kaiser Friedrich,’ the city’s oldest passenger ship with a storied history dating back to 1886, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Torqeedo, a renowned specialist in electric boat engines, has converted the vessel from diesel to electric propulsion, marking a significant milestone in the shift towards sustainable maritime transportation. The ‘Kaiser Friedrich’ had a long and illustrious career, serving as a twin-screw steamer on Berlin’s waters for nearly 80 years before being repurposed as offices and living quarters in 1967. In 1986, the German Museum of Technology acquired the 100-tonne ship and meticulously restored it to its original grandeur.…

Leapmotor International, a new joint venture between Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor and European automotive giant Stellantis NV, has been officially unveiled, heralding the arrival of Leapmotor vehicles in global markets. The joint venture was announced today at a joint press event, with plans to commence vehicle sales in Europe starting in September. Initially targeting markets such as Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and Portugal, Leapmotor International aims to expand its European sales network to 200 outlets by year-end. The venture will then look to enter South America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific…