Author: Derick Munoz

Renowned for its high-performance Nevera electric hypercar, Croatian automaker Rimac is gearing up to reveal its maiden driverless robotaxi in the coming months, with plans for operational services by 2026, according to a recent report. While Rimac’s focus on electric hypercars, exemplified by the Nevera, has gained notable attention, the company has long signaled its intention to enter the robotaxi arena. Details surrounding the autonomous cabs and the Project 3 Mobility program remain undisclosed, but the initiative has received input from Kia, and its sister company Hyundai, which jointly acquired a $90 million stake in Rimac in 2019. Rimac CEO…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) brand Aito, supported by tech giant Huawei, reported a significant surge in vehicle deliveries for December, setting a new record driven by high demand for its recently launched Aito M7 model. According to the company’s recent announcement, Aito achieved a milestone by delivering 24,468 vehicles in December, marking a notable increase of 141.23% compared to the same month in 2022 and a 29.69% rise from November’s figures, which stood at 18,827. The latest addition to Aito’s lineup, the Aito M7, played a prominent role in this success, contributing 20,611 units, accounting for 84% of the…

A Tennessee-based trucking company, IMC Transport, is facing financial hurdles due to the costs associated with operating electric semis mandated by the state of California. The company has reportedly had to raise delivery prices to break even, citing additional expenses compared to diesel trucks. The increased operational costs stem from prolonged idle hours spent on chargers, for which drivers must still be compensated, and reduced carrying loads due to the added weight of the electric vehicle (EV) batteries. IMC Transport currently relies on Volvo electric semis to comply with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation. According to a Wall Street Journal…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery developer Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd. has achieved a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy by rolling out its inaugural battery pack from its newly established assembly line near Silicon Valley. This marks the company’s first product manufactured in the United States. Specializing in battery research and development, as well as energy solutions, Gotion High-Tech, headquartered in China, continues to extend its production capabilities to various global regions. In addition to its recent venture into the United States, the company is currently expanding into Vietnam through a joint venture with VinES, the energy division of…

Geely Holding Group’s premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Zeekr, is set to make its foray into the Singapore market in 2024 as part of its global expansion strategy. The company has inked a distribution deal with Premium Automobiles, an Audi retail dealer in Singapore, solidifying its presence in the region. According to a report in The Straits Times, Premium Automobiles signed the distribution agreement with Zeekr in late December. The upcoming Zeekr showroom, situated in the Leng Kee Road area, is expected to be operational in the first half of 2024, dedicated exclusively to Zeekr vehicles and distinct from Audi…

The U.S. Treasury has reported that several electric vehicles, including including the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive, and Chevrolet Blazer EV no longer qualify for tax credits of up to $7,500, following the implementation of new battery sourcing rules on Monday. In December, the Treasury issued guidelines outlining updated requirements for battery sourcing, with the aim of reducing dependence on Chinese suppliers in the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain. As of Monday, the guidelines have come into effect, impacting the eligibility of various electric vehicle models for federal tax credits. The number of electric vehicle models qualifying for U.S.…

Automaker Ford is adjusting its approach in response to the industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) by placing emphasis on its hybrid offerings. In a move reminiscent of Toyota’s strategy, Ford has opted to slow down its transition to EVs and focus on bolstering its hybrid lineup. Despite achieving a new record in EV sales with 8,958 units sold in November, Ford has chosen to recalibrate its trajectory. Notably, the F-150 Lightning, with 4,393 units sold last month, outpaced sales for the entire third quarter (3,503) and secured the top spot among electric trucks through November, surpassing Rivian’s R1T. During…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian, often viewed as a rival to Tesla, is drawing parallels between its forthcoming R2 model and Tesla’s widely successful Model 3. Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, highlighted the strategic similarity between the two models, emphasizing the intent to follow a trajectory akin to Tesla’s evolution from premium flagship models to a mass-market offering. While the physical appearance of Rivian’s R2 may differ from Tesla’s Model 3, Scaringe explained that, strategically, the two models share common ground. Much like Tesla’s journey from premium models like the Roadster and Model S to the more affordable Model 3, Rivian…

The highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck has made its debut, albeit in limited quantities for now. Elon Musk has publicly announced plans to ramp up production to 250,000 units by 2025, sparking speculation among some forecasters who believe the automaker may intentionally adopt a slow production ramp strategy to sustain higher margins and demand over an extended period. Drawing parallels to Apple’s iPhone X launch, which featured both a higher-than-expected price and limited availability, the Cybertruck seems to follow a similar pattern. Noteworthy for its extreme engineering, restricted availability, and a starting price higher than initially anticipated, the Cybertruck’s exclusivity could contribute…

French automaker Citroën has provided detailed insights into the revamped edition of its ë-Berlingo electric panel van. Initially showcased at Stellantis Commercial Vehicles Ambition Day in October, the latest version introduces more significant changes than initially anticipated. Despite the exterior adjustments aligning with the current brand identity, enhanced connectivity features, and practical additions like a heat pump, Citroën surprised observers by incorporating a crucial innovation: the adoption of a battery with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry. Contrary to previous information, the stated 50 kWh energy content now represents the usable net energy content, marking a shift from the previously mentioned…

The Tesla Cybertruck has garnered attention not only for its unconventional design but also for its commendable aerodynamic performance, especially within the pickup truck category. Computational fluid dynamics expert and AirShaper CEO Wouter Remmerie recently delved into the aerodynamic changes implemented in the production variant compared to the original 2019 concept. Despite the initial concept’s drag coefficient estimated at 0.43, the production Cybertruck boasts a claimed drag coefficient of 0.34, positioning it favorably in its class. Remmerie’s analysis sheds light on several key modifications contributing to this enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Gets Stranded Off-Road, Prompting Rescue by…

Vienna’s public transport operator, Wiener Linien, is introducing 60 electric buses from Daimler Buses into its fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation. The procurement involves the gradual inclusion of Daimler’s eCitaro electric buses, with the initial deployment of four units marking the commencement of this initiative. Charging infrastructure for the electric buses includes fast chargers positioned along the bus routes and plug-in chargers within the depot. These buses are anticipated to contribute to Wiener Linien’s goal of transitioning nine bus routes to battery-powered vehicles by 2025, aligning with the broader shift toward eco-friendly mobility. Wiener Linien’s…