Author: Derick Munoz

In a keynote speech at the IAA auto show in Munich, BMW’s Chief Executive, Oliver Zipse, revealed an ambitious plan to introduce six new electric models within a span of just 24 months. These vehicles will be part of the forthcoming “Neue Klasse” electric-only lineup, set to make its debut in the mid-2020s. This announcement underscores BMW’s commitment to electrification and its determination to compete with established electric vehicle pioneer, Tesla. The production of the Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform is slated to commence in 2025 at BMW’s facility in Debrecen, Hungary. Zipse, speaking at the event, emphasized the rapid…

Pepper Motion, the German electric converter, has inked a supplier agreement with Toyota Tsusho Nexty Electronics Europe to incorporate Toyota’s fuel cells into its hydrogen-driven conversion kit. This partnership aims to bring state-of-the-art hydrogen technology to the forefront of commercial transportation. The foundation of Pepper Motion’s hydrogen version of their conversion kit will be Toyota’s renowned fuel cells. These fuel cells will debut in a fleet of 25 hydrogen-powered trucks based on the Mercedes Benz Atego platform. The trucks are currently being deployed by Paul Nutzfahrzeuge, marking a pivotal moment in the journey towards zero emissions and carbon neutrality in…

Tesla has upgraded the quality of its side repeater cameras, as reported by multiple Full-Self Driving (FSD) beta testers. While the physical cameras remain unchanged, the Austin-based automaker has introduced software enhancements and boosted processing capabilities to provide a sharper and more refined visual experience. Tesla employs a comprehensive camera setup, consisting of eight cameras, to create a detailed map of its surroundings, facilitating semi-autonomous driving features. Two of these cameras are strategically positioned on the front quarter panel, between the fenders and the doors. One FSD beta tester, Chuck Coo, shared a comparison of footage between versions 11.4.6 and…

In a bid to address the pressing environmental concerns associated with battery production and recycling within the e-mobility sector, the ‘High-Quality Life Cycle Analysis’ (HiQ-LCA) project has been launched in Europe. This new initiative, backed by the European Union and EIT RawMaterials with a substantial funding of 3.5 million euros, seeks to revolutionize the practices of electric mobility companies by providing them with improved tools for producing and recycling batteries in an environmentally responsible manner. Spanning the course of five years, from its inception until 2025, the HiQ-LCA project aims to bolster the battery value chain’s shift towards sustainability by…

Rimac Nevera, hailed as the world’s swiftest electric vehicle around the Nürburgring, showcases its exceptional capabilities in a head-to-head encounter with a modified Lamborghini Huracan boasting a staggering 1,800 horsepower. The automotive enthusiasts at CarWow orchestrated this showdown, featuring high-speed duels and rigorous challenges to determine the ultimate performance champion. The Rimac Nevera distinguishes itself with a quartet of electric motors, meticulously distributed to empower each wheel. This harmonious setup bequeaths a remarkable 1,914 horsepower and an impressive 1,741 pound-feet of torque. Fueled by a substantial 120-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the Nevera’s official specifications proclaim its ability to surge from 0…

Xpeng, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced the completion of its 233rd S4 supercharging station in Zhangzhou, situated in the southeastern province of Fujian, China. With this milestone, Xpeng has extended its ultrafast charging network’s reach to encompass 100 cities across the country. Xpeng has expanded its charging infrastructure to encompass more than 1,000 Xpeng-branded charging stations, offering both supercharging and destination charging options. The company’s S4 supercharging stations have collectively provided over 470,110 services to date. Furthermore, Xpeng has outlined its intention to equip all forthcoming self-operated supercharging stations with S4 charging capabilities. The journey towards this achievement commenced…

Chinese automaker BYD has announced its plans to introduce its second EV model, the Dolphin, for sale in Japan. The company’s entry into this competitive arena presents a potential concern for Japanese automakers grappling with increased competition from international players and a shift towards EVs. BYD disclosed its intention to accept orders for the Dolphin EV starting from September 20th. The decision to venture into the Japanese market underscores the automaker’s aspiration to gain a foothold in a region known for nurturing some of the world’s top-selling automobile brands. See also: BYD starts EV sales in Japan, first model Atto…

In the stride towards an all-electric future in the United States and Canada by 2030, Buick, the renowned automaker, appears to be progressing at a deliberate pace. While the brand currently boasts four Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the Chinese market, including the Velite 6 compact wagon, Velite 7 subcompact crossover, and the Ultium-based Electra E4 and Electra E5 SUVs, it has yet to introduce an all-electric model within its domestic market. Assurances are now in place that Buick’s electric vehicles will soon grace the roads of the US, with the inaugural model anticipated to debut in late 2024. This…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automotive company, has experienced a sharp decline in its stock price. After going public in the United States, the company’s shares initially surged well beyond their opening price of $22 per share, soaring to an impressive $93 during intraday trading earlier this week. However, a dramatic reversal occurred on Tuesday, as prices plummeted by approximately 44%, resulting in a staggering loss of over $90 billion in market value. This downturn also translated to a significant reduction of $67 billion in the wealth of VinFast’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong. At the time of this report, VinFast’s stock price…

Tech giant Apple has filed a patent for an augmented reality (AR) windshield, aimed at reshaping the way drivers interact with the road. Going beyond conventional vehicle infotainment systems, this futuristic concept could utilize augmented reality technology to superimpose digital information onto the real-world view. The patent details a comprehensive system that leverages an array of sensors including visible light cameras, infrared cameras, and radar devices to construct a detailed 3D model of the external environment around the vehicle. This model would serve as a dynamic canvas onto which a myriad of pertinent, and possibly distracting, information could be projected.…

In a strategic move to explore sustainable transportation options, BMW Group Australia has introduced the LDV eDeliver 9 electric van to its operational fleet. While BMW boasts an array of battery-electric vehicles, the absence of an electric commercial van prompted the organization to partner with LDV for this innovative endeavor. The LDV eDeliver 9, marketed as Maxus in other regions, has been enlisted to serve the BMW Sydney and Mini Garage Sydney dealerships. Its primary purpose will be the efficient delivery of BMW parts and accessories to accredited BMW body shops and various locations across the city. The introduction of…

The increasing adoption of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China is met with a concerning decline in customer experience satisfaction ratings, highlighting a substantial area of improvement for automakers. The Chinese branch of J.D. Power, renowned for its consumer insights, has unveiled its latest findings for this year, showcasing Zeekr’s strong performance among local automakers and Mercedes-Benz’s lead over international counterparts, even surpassing Tesla. This comprehensive study meticulously assesses the experience of NEV purchasers during their first 2 to 12 months of ownership. The journey is dissected into three pivotal stages: the initial purchase, vehicle usage, and the after-sales service…