Author: Derick Munoz

Ferrari is set to bolster its expertise in battery cells through a partnership with Bologna University and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors, aiming to enhance its understanding of cell technology without venturing into manufacturing them. While the iconic Italian brand plans to introduce its first all-electric vehicle by late 2025, details about the model remain scarce. Ferrari’s CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized the importance of this upcoming EV, stating that it must meet high standards to persuade customers of the viability of electric vehicles. Speaking about the collaboration, Vigna stated, “Production will always be done through external manufacturers, based on the know-how we…

In the first quarter of 2024, the Volkswagen Group sold 136,400 electric cars, marking a slight decline of around three per cent compared to the same period last year. Despite this decrease, the global automotive giant remains optimistic about its electric vehicle (EV) prospects, highlighting significant growth in some markets. One notable trend is the increase in EV sales in China, where Volkswagen experienced a remarkable 91 per cent growth, with 41,000 EVs delivered to customers. However, EVs still make up only 5.9 per cent of total sales in China for the group. In contrast, the European market saw a…

Following the declaration of insolvency of Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool on Monday, the company’s future has been clarified with the acceptance of a joint bid from Dutch competitor VDL and German trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull. Considered as favorites, VDL and Schmitz Cargobull’s bid was chosen over a counter-bid from Flemish entrepreneur Guido Dumarey and ABC Companies, Van Hool’s US dealer. The accepted bid will result in only 650 to 950 of the 2,500 employees being able to keep their jobs. Schmitz Cargobull is interested in Van Hool’s Belgian-based trailer division, while VDL is focused on the coach business. Van…

Ford has recently unveiled its 2024 Mustang Mach-E lineup, introducing several upgrades that enhance the electric SUV’s performance and usability. Despite the late model year update, the improvements make the wait worthwhile for enthusiasts. One of the significant enhancements across all models is the increase in estimated EPA range. The extended-range battery now offers up to 320 miles of range in the rear-wheel-drive motor configuration, thanks to a new rear motor and various efficiency improvements. Additionally, Ford has improved fast-charging times significantly. The 2024 Mustang Mach-E with the extended-range battery can now charge from 10-80% in approximately 36.2 minutes, which…

China’s Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Sunday for discussions expected to focus on China’s burgeoning export of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market. The talks are set against the backdrop of an ongoing European Commission investigation into whether China’s EV industry has benefitted from unfair subsidies. According to four sources briefed on Wang’s trip, the discussions will address the European Commission’s concerns that Chinese EVs are benefiting from substantial state subsidies, potentially giving them an unfair advantage in the market. The European Commission has warned that China’s share of EVs sold in…

Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer, made a significant stride into the automotive industry with the launch of its first electric vehicle, the SU7. Amid a ceremony in Beijing celebrating the commencement of deliveries, Xiaomi’s CEO and founder Lei Jun expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Xiaomi’s car officially debuts, the real revolution in smart cars has officially begun, and China will surely give birth to a great company like Tesla.” The initial deliveries of the SU7, from a limited batch of 5,000 cars known as the “Founder’s Edition,” have already received more than 100,000 orders, highlighting the strong demand for Xiaomi’s…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo delivered a disappointing forecast for its 2024 revenue on Monday, falling well below analyst expectations. This comes amidst a broader slowdown in the demand for battery-powered cars, impacting startups and leading major automakers to revise their EV investment plans. Canoo’s shares tumbled 38% in extended trading following the announcement. The EV industry is grappling with challenges, including high-interest rates aimed at curbing inflation, which have dampened consumer interest in EVs – typically priced higher than their gas-powered counterparts. In response, automakers, including industry leader Tesla, have slashed prices to stimulate demand. Canoo, based in Texas, specializes…

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has announced a recall of 1,867 Polestar 4 electric vehicles produced in China between November 29, 2023, and February 1, 2024. The recall, effective immediately, addresses a potential software issue with the all-electric crossover SUV’s brake controller software. According to a report by CNEV Post, the software fault could lead to brake control degradation and failures in features like electronic brake assist. SAMR has warned that the fault could pose a serious safety hazard. The administration advises Polestar 4 drivers to maintain increased following distances from other cars and apply greater pressure to…

British startup LiNa Energy, a spin-off from Lancaster University specializing in solid-state sodium battery technology, has successfully concluded a funding round to support the scaling of its operations. The investment, led by Jacob Wolff-Petersen, consists of £2.7 million in equity and an £815,000 grant from the Future Enterprise Investor Partnership, administered by Innovate UK. Additionally, LiNa Energy has secured an advanced commitment for future funding. The funding will enable LiNa Energy to establish an automated solid-state electrolyte manufacturing line at its first pilot-scale production facility. This investment marks a significant step towards increasing the production capacity of LiNa’s patented battery…

New York City is set to build its largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Queens, near JFK airport, with a focus on accommodating electric trucks. The charge park, slated to be operational by 2025, will initially feature 65 charging stations, including 12 fast chargers, with the capacity to scale up for more electric vehicles and trucks. The project is a collaboration between the city’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Wildflower, a developer of urban infrastructure for sustainability. The charge park will occupy a 2.3-acre land parcel between Nassau Expressway and Rockaway Boulevard, offering 24/7 accessibility. NYCEDC President & CEO…

Tesla’s venture into supplying charger hardware to non-Tesla entities has taken a significant step forward with the deployment of the first non-Tesla-branded V4 Supercharger stations in the UK. Last year, Tesla surprised the industry by announcing a deal with BP to sell $100 million worth of Supercharger hardware, which would be installed at BP gas stations across the US under the BP brand. This marked a departure for Tesla, as it was one of the few times the company sold Superchargers to third parties and the first instance of doing so on a large scale to create a non-Tesla branded…

BYD has made waves in the industry with the unveiling of its new Seagull (Dolphin Mini), boasting starting prices as low as $9,700 (69,800 yuan). Despite not being available in the US, American automakers are taking note of the disruptive potential of BYD’s latest offering. The new Seagull EV Honor Edition (Dolphin Mini overseas) was launched earlier this month, featuring a “shocking price” starting at around $9,700 (69,800 yuan). Equipped with BYD’s Blade batteries, the EV comes in 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh versions, offering ranges of up to 190 miles (305 km) and 252 miles (405 km) respectively. Additionally,…