Author: Derick Munoz

Fang Cheng Bao, the personalized sub-brand of BYD, has officially unveiled its inaugural model, the Bao 5, with the commencement of deliveries slated for this month. The launch event, which took place recently, showcased the off-road SUV with three available variants, featuring starting prices of RMB 289,800 ($39,780), RMB 309,800, and RMB 352,800, respectively. Having initiated pre-sales on August 25 during the Chengdu auto show, the plug-in hybrid model garnered attention with a pre-sale price range of RMB 300,000 – RMB 400,000 yuan. Notably, deliveries for the two lower-priced versions of the Bao 5 are scheduled to commence this month,…

In the wake of the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) successful strike against major US automakers, President Joe Biden has voiced his support for the UAW’s endeavor to unionize Tesla and Toyota. This announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting between President Biden and UAW president Shawn Fain. The UAW recently concluded a historic strike against GM, Ford, and Stellantis, securing improved pay and contract provisions for its workers at all three companies. However, the UAW has already outlined its future plans, indicating a desire to expand its unionization efforts to include more automakers. In a statement following the resolution of…

Tesla is issuing a recall for select Model S and Model X vehicles, citing a mix-up in the installation of airbags during steering wheel replacements. The electric carmaker revealed that some vehicles with the yoke steering wheel may have been equipped with airbags designed for the round steering wheel, and vice versa. The recall, affecting 159 vehicles, raises concerns about potential safety risks associated with decreased airbag performance. According to the recall notice, the issue arose during service center visits when certain Model S and Model X vehicles had the yoke steering wheel replaced with the round steering wheel, and…

Polestar, the Geely-backed car manufacturer, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Polestar 5 in its production form during the Polestar Day event held in Los Angeles, California. The sedan, set to launch in 2025, made its debut alongside other models from the brand. Following two years of development and teasers, the Polestar 5 maintains the sleek sedan design with distinct styling characteristics, echoing the brand’s identity while expressing its unique personality. The front features split headlights akin to the Polestar 4, and although lacking a traditional grille, the carefully crafted lines and creases add character. The flowing roofline extends to…

Tesla enthusiasts rejoice as the electric car giant introduces a highly detailed 1:18 scale diecast of the Model Y, now available on their online shop. The miniature replica comes to the market more than three and a half years post the initial launch of the full-sized electric SUV. The Tesla Shop proudly boasts that the Model Y diecast is a faithful recreation, capturing every nuance, curve, and surface with precision. Utilizing the same 3D CAD data employed in manufacturing the actual Model Y vehicles, this miniature version promises an authentic experience. However, keen-eyed fans may notice some intriguing inaccuracies, such…

As urban cargo solutions and last-mile delivery services rapidly transition to electrification, a unique entrant has emerged in the form of the PNY Ponie, an electric cargo motorcycle tailored for heavy hauling in congested urban environments. Designed primarily for cargo and delivery applications, the PNY Ponie boasts a remarkable cargo capacity, capable of accommodating up to 120 kg (265 lb) of goods. It features a generous 400 liters (14 cubic feet) of onboard storage space, exceeding the storage volume found in many city cars’ trunks, which typically offer around 300 liters or less. To put this into perspective, the PNY…

Mercedes-Benz has taken a significant stride in advancing its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art charging hub in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. The facility, unveiled by Mercedes-Benz, boasts four fast-charging columns, each equipped with a charging point. While the official Mercedes-Benz LinkedIn post mentions a charging capacity of 480 kW, it remains unclear whether this rating applies to each individual charging point or the facility as a whole. It’s worth noting that 480 kW charging points are not entirely novel in the Chinese EV market, with GAC Aion showcasing a…

Lime has unveiled its Gen4 Seated e-scooter in San Francisco and Chicago. Initially piloted earlier this year, the Gen4 Seated model is designed to cater to older users with reduced physical mobility. This latest addition to Lime’s fleet will soon be introduced in several other U.S. cities, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. The introduction of the Gen4 Seated e-scooter follows a period of strong financial performance for Lime. The company recently disclosed its half-year performance figures, revealing a revenue of $250 million generated from gross vehicle bookings. These H1, 2023 results outperformed the previous year’s figures by…

Stellantis, in collaboration with Samsung SDI, has established two battery factories in Indiana and is now eyeing the construction of a third facility in the United States. Under a preliminary agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, Stellantis has committed to building a new battery plant with an as-yet-unnamed partner. This $3.2 billion cell factory is slated to be constructed in Belvidere, Illinois, creating approximately 1,000 job opportunities in the region. At first glance, the choice of location might appear unusual, given that the Belvidere vehicle plant ceased operations in February. However, the provisional agreement aims to restart production…

Jeep is gearing up for a significant electrification push in North America over the next five years. According to details from a tentative agreement between Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, iconic models such as the Wrangler and Wagoneer are in line to receive electric variants. In the latest developments, the current-generation JL Wrangler, which is already available as a hybrid, will continue production until 2028 at the Stellantis factory in Toledo, Ohio. In 2025, the 4xe hybrid variant, along with potentially the conventional gasoline versions, is scheduled for an update. Following the JL Wrangler’s…

In a surprising turn of events in 2021, Ferrari broke with tradition by appointing a new CEO with a background in the tech industry rather than the automotive world. The choice of Benedetto Vigna for the role seemed unconventional at the time, but the strategy behind it is becoming clearer as the luxury carmaker employs tech-inspired techniques to advance its foray into fully electric vehicles. Ferrari has announced its ambitious plan to launch its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) in 2025 and to progressively electrify a significant portion of its vehicle lineup. The CEO, Benedetto Vigna, is now shedding light on…

Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary, CARIAD, has announced a significant milestone in its partnership with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, unveiling a joint lab aimed at enhancing the connectivity between smartphones and smart cars. The lab is a pivotal component of their long-term collaboration, with the ultimate goal of delivering a seamless and efficient digital mobility experience to consumers. CARIAD China, the software company’s first subsidiary outside of Europe, is leading this venture, operating from its Research and Development (R&D) center, known as Forward! Lab. The collaboration will primarily focus on the development of intelligent connected vehicle-related software and hardware, telematics service…