Author: Derick Munoz

Ubitricity, a prominent player in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has been selected by the Middlesbrough Council to install and manage 160 alternating current (AC) lamp-charging posts across the city. These bollard charging points, embedded in existing infrastructure, are set to offer capacities of up to 5 kW. The Middlesbrough Council’s initiative aims to enhance accessibility to EV charging infrastructure, particularly for residents without private driveways. The deployment, slated to commence in January 2024, covers 90 locations spanning Linthorpe, Newport, Ayresome, and the University area. This project, marking the first of its kind in North East England, signifies the commencement…

Ford has revised its production targets for the all-electric F-150 Lightning, intending to scale back output by approximately half in 2024. The new plan aims to produce around 1,600 units of the electric pickup truck weekly at Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, as opposed to the initially envisioned 3,200 units per week. This decision, driven by a need to align production with customer demand, is expected to be implemented by January 2024, according to a statement from a Ford spokeswoman. The adjustment in production plans is outlined in a memo obtained by Automotive News, citing changing market…

In a demonstration of its prowess in crafting all-electric performance vehicles, Hyundai has unveiled the Ioniq 5 N, showcasing the brand’s commitment to electric mobility. Now, the company’s technical advisor, Albert Biermann, formerly head of R&D at Hyundai and ex-leader of BMW’s M division, is hinting at the potential development of an affordable compact performance electric vehicle (EV) within the N brand. Biermann emphasizes the significance of introducing a smaller and more affordable N car EV, stating, “That small N car EV – that is something we have to do. Otherwise, we leave our customers in the dark. We have…

On December 7, LG Energy Solution, in collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), announced the successful development of next-generation battery technology capable of achieving an impressive 900 kilometers of driving range on a single charge. The breakthrough is attributed to the core technology for lithium-metal batteries, which the joint research team claims enhances driving range by approximately 50% compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, while also improving charging and discharging efficiency and lifespan. Their findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature Energy. Lithium-metal batteries, featuring lithium metal instead of the graphite-based anode material found…

Ionity has inaugurated one of its largest charging parks in Merklingen, near Ulm, featuring a total of 24 High Power Charger (HPC) points. Notably, this facility marks the introduction of Alpitronic’s HYC400 charging points in collaboration with Ionity. The HPC chargers at the Merklingen site are equipped with two charging points, each boasting a maximum capacity of 200 kW. Ionity refers to these chargers as Hyperchargers, distinguishing them from the regular Hypercharger software. Typically, when only one charging point is in use, higher outputs can be achieved, distributed between the two points in 50 kW increments. This deviates from the…

Italian bus manufacturer Iveco Bus has clinched a substantial order for 140 electric buses from Dutch public transport operator Qbuzz. The order encompasses two distinct models, set to be deployed in the province of South Holland starting from late 2024. Under the agreement, Qbuzz will integrate 102 units of the Iveco Crossway Low Entry Elec and 38 Iveco E-Way vehicles into its fleet. These buses, with lengths of 10.7 and 12 meters respectively, are slated to commence operations in the Zuid-Holland Noord (ZHN) concession area from December 2024. Zuid-Holland encompasses the region around Rotterdam and The Hague, with the northern…

Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer and a key supplier for Tesla and various OEMs, recently announced the development of a groundbreaking skateboard chassis named the CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis (CIIC). This platform features a structural battery pack capable of delivering an impressive 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) of range, emphasizing the industry-wide trend of streamlining manufacturing processes to reduce complexity and costs. The CIIC integrates essential components such as batteries and electric motors into a unified platform, aiming to enhance efficiency while minimizing weight, costs, and maximizing interior space, according to reports from CarNewsChina. This innovative…

Lucid Motors has recently announced a series of updates to its all-electric Air sedan lineup for the 2024 model year. The range includes the entry-level Air Pure, followed by the Air Touring, Air Grand Touring, and Air Sapphire, building on the foundation set by the 2023 Air models. Pricing for the 2024 Air Pure starts at $77,400, equipped with an 88 kWh battery pack and a 430 hp electric motor, achieving 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. Retaining the same 419-mile (674 km) range as its predecessor, the Air Pure now offers an optional Comfort & Convenience Package, featuring…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian has disclosed its end-of-year goals and outlined its trajectory for 2024, including the development of a new simplified battery pack structure set to be integrated into upcoming R1 electric vehicles (EVs). Entering Q4 with notable momentum, Rivian has navigated through supply chain delays and varying demand for EVs, presenting better-than-expected production numbers in its Q3 report. The American automaker has maintained price points, with continued interest from U.S. consumers aiding in the ramp-up of electric delivery vehicles (EDVs) and R1 EV production at its Normal, IL plant. According to Claire McDonough, Rivian’s Chief Financial Officer,…

Automaker Hyundai has introduced a groundbreaking technology named the “Uni Wheel,” aiming to address space constraints in electric vehicles (EVs) by significantly reducing the size of electric drive units. Unlike traditional in-hub motors, the Uni Wheel drive system strategically relocates specific drive components inside the wheel, while maintaining the power unit outside. This innovation allows Hyundai to utilize a compact motor per wheel, as opposed to a larger drive unit for the entire axle. By incorporating reduction gears into the wheel hub, the Uni Wheel successfully diminishes the motor’s overall size. The individual powering of each wheel brings performance and…

Trek, a leading bicycle manufacturer, is broadening its extensive range of e-bikes with the introduction of the Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS T-Type. In a departure from the carbon frame, the full-suspension e-bike maintains a reasonable weight of 20.25 kilograms. The TQ HPR50, a lightweight mid-motor with a maximum torque of 50 Nm and a peak output of 300 watts, powers the bike. Despite the relatively modest 360 Wh battery capacity, there may be concerns about its endurance in demanding off-road conditions, especially on steep inclines. The e-bike features an LED display with Bluetooth and ANT+ support. See also: Trek…

In the wake of a recent incident involving one of its driverless vehicles in San Francisco, Cruise, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has announced a temporary halt in the production of its Origin self-driving vans. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to scale back operations significantly in the coming months. According to a report from Automotive News, Cruise revealed on Wednesday that it does not plan to manufacture any of its Origin driverless vehicles in 2024. Instead, the company will shift its immediate focus towards the Bolt-based Cruise AVs, with a longer-term strategy for…