Author: Derick Munoz

Ontario-based pickup truck specialist Worksport has announced the initiation of its development program for a solar tonneau cover designed specifically for the Ford F-150 Lightning, marking a significant milestone for America’s best-selling electric pickup. The innovative solar tonneau cover aims to provide power to the F-150 Lightning by harnessing solar energy, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional grid charging methods. While the technology is still in its developmental stages, Worksport is focusing on optimizing its performance to ensure efficient charging during daytime hours, considering factors such as the F-150 Lightning’s size, weight, and limited bed area. See also: Ford Halts…

Nio has launched a pilot program utilizing humanoid robots on its EV assembly line at one of its factories. Nio, known for manufacturing EVs at its facilities in Hefei, the largest city in Anhui Province, China, is now incorporating advanced robotics to streamline its production process. The Shenzhen-based company UBTECH ROBOTICS, publicly traded on Hong Kong’s stock exchange, has developed the Walker S robot specifically for this purpose, marking the first instance of its use on an EV assembly line. See also: Nio’s Sub-brand “Firefly” Makes First Appearance in Spy Shots, Set to Debut in Europe in 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCt7qPpTt-g The Walker…

Li Auto, renowned for its extended-range luxury SUVs, is stepping into the purely electric realm with its latest offering – the Mega, a futuristic minivan. While minivans are often associated with practicality over style, Li Auto is aiming to change that perception with the Mega, which wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi movie set. The Mega boasts a range of innovative features, starting with its tech-forward interior. It features a large center screen and an innovative heads-up display, similar to the setup found in Li Auto’s L7 and L9 models, providing a modern driving experience. See also: Li Mega…

Volkswagen’s Tiguan, the company’s most successful model with annual production exceeding half a million units, is set to arrive at VW dealerships with a range of upgrades. Coinciding with its European market launch, the new Tiguan now offers plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) with two outputs (150 kW and 200 kW). Since September 2023, Tiguan models with efficient 48 V mild hybrid drives (eTSI) and turbodiesel engines (TDI) have also been available. The plug-in hybrid drives in the new Tiguan have been completely redesigned by Volkswagen, delivering a system power of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Thanks…

The U.S. Energy Department announced on Thursday that it has granted preliminary approval for nearly $710 million in loans to electric vehicle (EV) technology manufacturing ventures, with $221.8 billion still available for clean-energy projects under the Biden administration. South Korean company SK Siltron CSS is poised to receive $544 million to expand a plant in Bay City, Michigan, that produces high-power silicon carbide wafers crucial for EV drivetrains, including inverters and electrical distribution systems, the department stated. The expansion is expected to create approximately 200 jobs each in the construction and production sectors, according to the department. See also: Canada Grants…

Indonesia has introduced fresh incentives to promote the sales of both domestically produced and imported electric vehicles (EVs), signaling its commitment to fostering a greener automotive sector and attracting investment to its burgeoning EV industry. The latest incentives build upon a tax incentive plan for imported EVs announced in December, which rewards manufacturers matching import numbers with domestically made EVs in the coming years. See also: VinFast Announces Dealership Partnerships for Indonesian Market Entry Outlined in new rules released late on Tuesday, Indonesia will eliminate luxury tax on EVs for the 2024 fiscal year and waive import tax until the end…

Stellantis, the owner of Fiat, has announced its commitment to continue manufacturing the fully electric (BEV) Fiat 500 small car, as well as future versions of the vehicle, in Turin. This decision comes amidst political and media speculation regarding potential plant closures in Italy, particularly at the Mirafiori complex in Turin and Pomigliano near Naples. See also: Stellantis Considers Producing Leapmotor EVs at Fiat’s Historic Mirafiori Plant in Turin CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized the importance of all Italian facilities for Stellantis to achieve its long-term output goals in the country. In a statement released after meetings with local authorities and unions…

Technotrans, a provider of cooling solutions, has announced a significant follow-up order from ADS-TEC Energy in the high single-digit million euro range. This marks the second major order from ADS-TEC Energy for Technotrans cooling solutions for the ChargePost battery storage fast-charging station. The ChargePost is a cutting-edge charging station designed to deliver up to 300 kW of charging capacity. It features a rectangular charging system measuring 1.3 x 1.5 x 2.4 meters, equipped with two HPC connections, a battery capacity ranging from 144 to 201 kWh, and up to two 75-inch advertising displays spanning the height of the outer surface.…

Cupra has introduced the Born VZ, a high-performance variant of its electric hatchback featuring enhanced performance, a sportier chassis setup, and upgraded technology in the cabin. The Born VZ is equipped with a more powerful rear-mounted electric motor, generating 322 horsepower (240 kW / 326 PS) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque. This represents a significant increase compared to the Born e-Boost, with a boost of 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque. According to Cupra, the Born VZ can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, with…

CATL, a Chinese battery supplier, has reportedly restructured the shareholdings of two top executives to avoid being designated as a “Foreign Entity of Concern” (FEOC) under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the United States. The company provided an official reason for the change in shareholdings, stating that it was aimed at adapting to changes in its internal and external environments, enhancing decision-making power, and promoting sustainability. See also: CATL Leads Global EV Battery Market with 36.8% in 2023, BYD Follows with 15.8%: SNE Research Analysts at CruGroup suggested that CATL’s restructuring might be more focused on qualifying for tax incentives…

Luxury automaker Hispano Suiza is gearing up to mark its 120th anniversary with the introduction of a new electric hypercar, the Sagrera. Set to debut in June 2024, the Sagrera represents an evolution of the Carmen model, boasting a revised aerodynamic package and a larger battery pack. Teased last year, the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera was showcased in a brief video emphasizing its prominent rear wing, crafted from carbon fiber with gold accents on the profiles, linking to the center bulge of the tail. The overall sculpted design, including the signature round LED taillights, closely resembles the existing Carmen and…

Amid pressure from the automotive industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to relax emissions targets for new cars. This move comes in response to major US manufacturers’ calls to slow down the electrification process, citing the technology’s high costs. Reported by Reuters, the revised EPA regulation reduces proposed yearly emission targets until the end of the decade. Although specific figures have not been disclosed, it is understood that car manufacturers will now need to achieve less than the previously suggested 60 per cent of their sales with electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. The final version of the…