Author: Derick Munoz

SAE International, a engineering organization, has announced its intention to establish the official standardization of the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move aims to diminish reliance on Tesla by making the connector more widely accessible. Last November, Tesla made a significant announcement by opening up its proprietary connector, designating it as the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for adoption across the continent. Encouragingly, major automakers including GM, Ford, Rivian, and Volvo have now declared their intentions to embrace this connector. However, the CharIN association, responsible for the Combined Charging System (CCS), expressed discontentment with the situation, primarily due to…

In a notable departure from its previous stance, Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has commenced an advertising campaign via Google. This development comes shortly after CEO Elon Musk declared a shift in the company’s long-standing strategy, which emphasized investing in product enhancement and relying on customer advocacy rather than traditional advertising. Tesla investors had consistently suggested that strategic advertising could effectively highlight the distinctive features and advantages of Tesla vehicles. Acknowledging this feedback, Musk announced during Tesla’s annual meeting that the company would experiment with advertising, aiming to assess its impact. Recent reports indicate that Tesla’s advertisements have started…

Yamaha, renowned for its innovation in the motorcycle industry, is gearing up to introduce its electric scooter, the E01, in the European market. After successful testing and leasing programs in several Asian countries, the company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for electric mobility across Europe. The Yamaha E01 stands out by combining the convenience and practicality of a traditional scooter with a cutting-edge electric drivetrain, promising a thrilling ride for urban commuters. Originally unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2019, the Yamaha E01 has undergone significant development to meet the expectations of electric…

Electrify America, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has recently announced an expansion of its partnership with ride-hailing platform Lyft. As part of this collaboration, Lyft drivers operating EVs across the United States will now have access to discounted charging rates at Electrify America’s extensive network of chargers, spanning coast-to-coast. With a robust presence in 46 states and the District of Columbia, Electrify America operates one of the largest DC charging networks in the country. The company has made significant investments in EV infrastructure to alleviate concerns related to range anxiety and facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.…

Opel, the renowned German automaker, has joined the ranks of brands revamping their logos in anticipation of the electric vehicle (EV) era. The latest iteration of Opel’s emblem, known as the Blitz, presents a subtle yet contemporary transformation, coming just three years after its previous update. The redesigned symbol is expected to enhance the brand’s visual identity, with the first production vehicle showcasing the emblem set to debut in 2024. However, Opel has tantalized enthusiasts by announcing a surprise unveiling at the upcoming IAA Mobility Show in Munich this September. Distinguishing the new emblem from its minimalist predecessor are several…

In a bid to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, British supermarket chain Asda has extended its home delivery services using electric vehicles (EVs). Asda currently operates three stores in and around London and Sheffield, namely Gillingham Pier, Old Kent Road, and Sheffield Chaucer, which exclusively offer grocery deliveries through EVs. Furthermore, two additional stores located in Cardiff Bay and Leith are scheduled to join the initiative by the year’s end. Although the specific type of EVs utilized for deliveries remains undisclosed, Asda has disclosed that these vehicles boast an impressive range of 120 miles (or 193 kilometers) and require seven…

Porsche, renowned for its luxury sports cars, has joined forces with Austrian shipyard Frauscher in an exciting collaboration to create a cutting-edge, all-electric sports boat. The remarkable 28.4-foot vessel will feature the same advanced powertrain as the highly anticipated Macan EV, which has been revealed through an official sketch shared by the two companies. While spy shots of the forthcoming emission-free Macan have previously surfaced during testing, this new digital rendering provides a fresh perspective on its design aesthetics. The side view showcases a notably sleeker rear profile compared to its current-generation counterpart, bearing a striking resemblance to Porsche’s iconic…

During Audi’s Capital Markets Day, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume acknowledged that the luxury brand has been trailing behind its competitors, attributing the lag to software-related issues. To remedy the situation, the automaker has committed to expediting the development of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for Audi. Blume’s comments on Wednesday shed light on Audi’s position within the industry. He stated, “We have faced severe software problems that delayed the launch of exciting electric products,” as reported by Automotive News Europe. See also: Audi Sells 81,894 electric vehicles last year, increase 57.5% year on year The software challenges within the VW Group…

Rivian, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently acquired Iternio, the Swedish mapping company responsible for developing the widely-used A Better Routeplanner (ABRP). This strategic move by Rivian aims to enhance the trip-planning experience for EV owners, introducing a range of exciting upgrades. In an official press release issued on Thursday, Rivian confirmed its acquisition of the popular EV route planner, ABRP. The ABRP app has gained immense popularity across five platforms, including iOS, Android, Web, CarPlay, and Android Auto. Notably, it has already been incorporated into the Polestar 2. With millions of users in the US and Europe,…

Luxury division Infiniti, a subsidiary of Nissan, has introduced a modern brand refresh in a bid to reverse a multi-year sales slump. The revamp encompasses a fresh logo and Apple-inspired stores that incorporate distinct scents and sounds. However, notably absent from these showrooms are fully electric vehicles, although Infiniti recently showcased its inaugural EV at a dealer meeting, which dealers have likened to a Tesla Model-like electric sedan. Following a sharp decline in car sales in the US, dropping from 79,500 in 2020 to 46,619 in the previous year, and with 58,553 sales in 2021, Infiniti has outlined a roadmap…

Ionity, a high-power charging (HPC) joint venture between Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, has announced plans to deploy Alpitronic charging stations in its network. The company is set to install the first Alpitronic chargers at various Ionity locations before the end of the year. Although no specific details on the number and locations of the stations have been provided, expanding its supplier base with Alpitronic is expected to accelerate Ionity’s network expansion. Initially, Ionity primarily relied on hardware provided by Tritium and ABB. However, according to a recent LinkedIn post from the company, Ionity will now collaborate with…

The Bandit X-Trail Pro, is making waves on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. Boasting unparalleled speed capabilities, the company claims it to be the fastest street-legal e-bike available in North America, with an impressive top speed of 42 mph (~68 kph). This cutting-edge e-bike is equipped with an AWD system featuring a powerful 750W front motor and a 1,000W rear motor, ensuring effortless hill-climbing and acceleration with a simple twist throttle. Enhancing the riding experience further, the X-Trail Pro offers a seven-stage pedal assistance system and a sophisticated cadence sensor for intelligently adjusted assistance. With this technology, riders can effortlessly conquer…

In a recent development, Rivian, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, has decided to disable the driver-facing camera in its R1T and R1S models. The camera, which was initially intended for driver-monitoring purposes when utilizing the Driver+ driver-assist technologies, has proven incapable of accurately detecting whether the driver is paying attention. Rather than formally announcing the removal of the camera from production, Rivian discreetly mentioned its deactivation in the release notes accompanying the latest 2023.22.00 software update. The company reassured users that disabling the camera would have no impact on the safety or functionality of the R1T and R1S vehicles. To…

Texas has made a significant move in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry by announcing its requirement of Tesla’s NACS connector on charging stations throughout the state. This decision has given a boost to the NACS connector’s bid to become the standard for charging in North America. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed the news, stating that both NACS and CCS connectors would be mandated at charging stations in the state. This requirement comes as a result of Ford, GM, and Rivian adopting the NACS connector, leading to a change in the rollout plan’s initial phase. The department clarified that…

Toyota Motor Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Harrison, has shed light on the automaker’s timeline for transitioning to a fully electric vehicle (EV) lineup. While Toyota has long been recognized for its pioneering role in hybrid technology, it has lagged behind in the fully electric vehicle sector. However, with the appointment of new CEO Koji Sato, the company has ramped up its efforts in the EV space, making a series of recent announcements. Toyota has acknowledged the importance of incorporating fully electric models into its portfolio, alongside its hybrid strategy that includes plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric…

Canada’s Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO) has made a significant investment of $400 million in Northvolt, a leading battery producer based in Sweden. This investment will support Northvolt in expanding its production of lithium-ion batteries as the company prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO). Rossitsa Stoyanova, IMCO’s Chief Investment Officer, expressed the organization’s confidence in the investment, stating, “Northvolt really fits with a lot of the trends we are trying to invest in,” in an interview with Reuters. She referred to themes including the transition to a lower-carbon economy and the restructuring of global supply chains. IMCO’s…

Alpine, the French automaker known for its sporty and iconic A110 model, has recently revealed its plans to proceed with the development of an electric successor to the A110. This decision comes after the news that Alpine and Lotus would not be collaborating on the project as initially anticipated. While the announcement of the separation was made last month, Alpine had remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that it was a mutual decision reached amicably. However, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has shed some light on the situation, disclosing that Alpine has opted to create its own platform…

Aehra, the Italian luxury electric car brand, has taken the automotive industry by storm once again with the grand unveiling of its highly anticipated second model, the Aehra Sedan. Building on the success of their previously introduced SUV, Aehra has managed to seamlessly blend the essence of their SUV’s design language with the sedan, creating a harmonious and visually captivating lineup. The Aehra Sedan boasts a striking and aerodynamic body, distinguished by its sleek, flat front and elegantly curved roof arch. This design approach, which garnered much attention for the SUV, has been artfully translated to the sedan model, albeit…

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced its ambitious plan to significantly increase its electric bus fleet by purchasing 22 new electric buses. The decision comes as part of the CTA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce harmful emissions in the city. The Chicago Transit Board has authorized the exercise of a contract option, valued at $26.2 million, to procure additional standard 40-foot electric buses. The original contract, awarded to Proterra in 2018 through a competitive procurement process, included an initial order of 23 electric buses and an option to purchase up to 25 more. Having already received the…

California-based battery developer OneD Battery Sciences has formed a strategic alliance with German battery manufacturer Customcells, with the aim of collaborating on the development and delivery of prototype cells for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to a global automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). As part of this partnership, OneD is also establishing a presence in Europe. While the specifics of the initial joint project have not been disclosed, Customcells has stated that it will support OneD in scaling up the industrialization of cells using Sinanode technology. OneD, on the other hand, will leverage Customcells’ expertise in automotive applications, although the exact…