Author: Derick Munoz

In a bid to bolster its emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry, Indonesia has granted automakers an additional two years to meet the criteria for electric vehicle incentives. This announcement was made during the Jakarta auto show and was swiftly followed by investment commitments from China’s Neta EV brand and Mitsubishi Motors, signifying growing interest in the region’s automotive market. Under the revised regulations unveiled on Thursday, automakers now have until 2026 to ensure that at least 40% of the content of their EVs is produced domestically in Indonesia, in order to qualify for incentives. This deadline extension comes in response…

Silicon Valley carmaker Tesla has dispelled the notion that its vehicles are optimized solely for California’s temperate climate, showcasing its commitment to cold weather performance in a recent YouTube video. The company’s dedication to extreme cold weather testing, conducted just kilometers away from the Arctic Circle, underscores its determination to ensure all-electric vehicles can excel in harsh winter conditions. In a succinct video lasting around three and a half minutes, Tesla spotlighted its rigorous approach to ensuring its vehicles can thrive even in the most demanding cold environments. While routine winter tests are a given, the company’s commitment goes a…

Rivian is poised to introduce a series of intriguing software updates for its acclaimed R1T pickup and R1S SUV, according to revelations made by Wassym Bensaid, the company’s Senior Vice President of Software Development. During a recent call with analysts, Bensaid offered a glimpse into the forthcoming enhancements, including adaptive battery range tracking and a captivating “drone mode” featuring augmented reality elements. While specifics were withheld, these advancements could potentially revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) user experiences. The innovation of an adaptive battery range tracking feature holds significant promise for EV enthusiasts. If executed effectively, this feature could provide drivers with…

With the rapid surge in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), it’s clear that numerous companies have embraced the electric future of mobility. While the technology boasts impressive potential to tackle modern-world issues, concerns about industry monopolization have emerged among stakeholders. Currently, China holds a dominant position in the EV battery industry, owing to its cost-effective labor force and abundant reserves of minerals essential for battery production. Furthermore, China’s advanced battery recycling technology has granted it a substantial edge in the sector. A report from Energy Portal reveals that China possesses triple the lithium battery recycling capacity of the United States.…

In a recent development, Turkish bus builder Karsan has successfully secured a noteworthy framework contract in Italy. The contract, awarded following a competitive tender conducted by the central procurement agency Consip, stipulates the delivery of 320 electric minibuses to various operators across Italy. Under the terms of the framework agreement, Karsan’s acclaimed six-metre e-Jest electric bus and the eight-metre e-Atak will be provided. This contract encompasses a span of 18 months, during which Karsan anticipates receiving new orders from Italian operators. Notably, Karsan has not disclosed a fixed allocation between the two minibus models. The e-Jest model boasts a robust…

The House of Lords’ environment and climate change committee has announced the commencement of an inquiry focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) in the United Kingdom. The inquiry aims to delve into the government’s roadmap for transitioning away from fossil-fuel models, the development of charging infrastructure, and the sustainable management of EVs at the end of their life cycle. As part of its environmental commitment, the UK government recently unveiled plans to prohibit the sale of new vehicles solely reliant on fossil fuels by 2030, and hybrid cars featuring both combustion engines and substantial batteries by 2035. See also: European Union…

In a recent earnings call, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its pricing strategy, even as competitors resort to price cuts in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The announcement comes as Rivian experiences robust demand for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV models, positioning the company uniquely in the EV landscape. During the second-quarter earnings call held on August 8, Scaringe asserted that Rivian was steadfast in its decision not to succumb to market pressure and engage in price reductions to bolster sales. Unlike its contemporaries such as Tesla and Lucid, which have opted for…

In a recent development within the electric trucking sector, Motiv Power Systems has unveiled the Argo, a new medium-duty Class 4-6 electric truck designed for release in 2024. This announcement aligns with the growing interest in electric trucks, primarily driven by California’s regulations mandating the swift electrification of commercial fleets. The regulations necessitate the deployment of roughly 20,000 medium-duty electric trucks by the end of 2024. Motiv’s plan is to commence production of the Argo in late 2023, with an initial target of delivering around a thousand units. Despite currently having only 180 vehicles deployed, the company remains optimistic about…

French sporting and outdoor retailer Decathlon continues to make strides in the global cycling industry with its array of specialized bikes, including the Rockrider for mountain biking enthusiasts, Triban for premium road and commuter biking, and B’Twin for versatile all-purpose cycling. In a bid to redefine the perception of “department store bicycles,” Decathlon has not only been expanding its cycling expertise but also delving into the realm of electric bicycles. One such notable addition to its lineup is the revamped B’Twin LD 920 E, a model that gained popularity in their collection. Introduced last year as a long-distance touring bicycle…

In a strategic move, Tesla, Inc. has revealed the departure of its longstanding Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Zachary Kirkhorn. The reins of financial leadership will be handed over to Vaibhav Taneja, currently serving as Tesla’s Chief Accounting Officer. Unlike some of Tesla’s past leadership transitions, the CFO role has remained remarkably stable. A decade-long tenure by Deepak Ahuja was succeeded by Kirkhorn in 2019, who seamlessly took over the position after serving over six years within the Tesla fold. Kirkhorn’s ascent within the company’s finance division has been noteworthy, and his elevation to the helm came at a time when…

In a significant stride towards the future of urban air mobility, Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of aviation giant Boeing, has triumphantly executed a public demonstration flight of its 5th Generation autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. The momentous flight took place during the EAA AirVenture event and not only marked a pivotal milestone for the company but also showcased the groundbreaking capabilities of its technology demonstrator, Cora. During the accomplished flight, Wisk Aero demonstrated the seamless transition of their innovative air taxi from hovering to wing-borne flight on four separate occasions. The exhibition of various maneuvers, including…

WeLion New Energy Technology, a leading Chinese manufacturer of long-range electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has announced its plans to go public by 2025. The company’s breakthrough advancements in next-generation semi-solid state cells, boasting a remarkable 1,000km range on a single charge, have garnered attention in the EV market. With aspirations of a twenty-fold increase in revenue, totaling 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion) by 2025, WeLion is positioning itself to be a prominent player in the evolving automotive landscape. WeLion’s semi-solid state cells are already being utilized in vehicles produced by prominent Chinese EV manufacturer Nio Inc., showcasing the technology’s potential…