Author: Derick Munoz

In a recent study conducted by iSeeCars, notable changes in the pricing dynamics of electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged, reflecting the impact of the global semiconductor shortage and shifting market demands. As interest rates rise and the semiconductor shortage gradually recedes, some electric models are now available at or below their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), offering consumers unprecedented savings. According to the study, the average price of new electric cars is currently 8.5 percent above MSRP, showcasing a noticeable improvement compared to July 2022’s figure of 10.2 percent. This decline in markups is attributed to dealerships’ willingness to sell…

French automaker Citroën is reportedly in the testing phase of a further development of its small electric car, the Ami. The upgraded version aims to achieve a top speed of 80 kph, a significant improvement from its previous 45 km/h limit. The anticipated enhancements include a more potent drive system and a larger battery, promising improved performance and extended range. Currently, both the Citroën Ami and its Opel/Vauxhall counterpart, the Rocks-e, are categorized as L6e vehicles, featuring a power output of 6 kW and a top speed of 45 km/h. Similarly, the recently unveiled Fiat variant, the Topolino, shares these…

General Motors announced its decision to commence electric vehicle (EV) battery pack assembly near its BrightDrop commercial van plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, during the second quarter of 2024. The move comes in response to the recent battery shortage that led to a temporary halt in production of BrightDrop’s Zevo electric vans at the CAMI Assembly facility. The 400,000-square-foot Ingersoll facility will be responsible for manufacturing battery packs intended for CAMI Assembly. Additionally, GM has revealed plans to expand pack assembly at its other North American plants. The company is actively working to install more battery module capacity at its various…

Amprius Technologies and BAE Systems marked a significant milestone as the high-density silicon anode batteries from Amprius played a crucial role in powering BAE Systems’ first successful stratospheric flight trial. The trial involved PHASA-35, a High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) developed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary, Prismatic Ltd., with plans for operation in the stratosphere, above weather conditions and conventional air traffic. During a recent test-flight in New Mexico, PHASA-35 achieved an impressive altitude of over 66,000 feet, reaching the stratosphere and returning to the ground safely. This flight allowed engineers to assess the experimental solar-electric drone’s performance…

WattEV, an electric vehicle charging company, has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating a 26-port charging depot directly at the Port of Long Beach, solidifying its position as the nation’s largest heavy-duty public access charging station. This strategic move comes as California pushes forward with stringent truck emissions regulations, targeting a complete transition to electric drayage trucks by January 1, 2024, a mere six months from now. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles jointly represent the Western Hemisphere’s busiest container ports, accounting for a staggering 40% of the nation’s containerized imports. However, the extensive trucking activity in the…

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is set to make a significant announcement at this year’s IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany. In September, the company plans to offer a sneak peek of its new entry-level electric sedan, which is comparable in size to the CLA model. The eagerly awaited EV is expected to rival the Tesla Model 3, boasting an impressive estimated range of 400 miles and featuring a tech-focused interior tailored to attract younger buyers. Embracing the electric revolution, Mercedes-Benz aims to solidify its position as an industry leader by ensuring that an electric vehicle is available in every category, including…

In a bid to cater to the increasing mobility demands in the Central Ohio region, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has placed an order for 26 battery-electric Xcelsior Charge NG 40-foot transit buses with New Flyer, a leading bus manufacturer in the USA. This latest order comes as a continuation of COTA’s commitment to embracing sustainable transportation solutions. In January of the current year, COTA had announced its purchase of 14 battery-electric buses (BEV). Prior to that, in May 2022, they had already acquired eight Xcelsior Charge NG transit buses. See also: New Flyer Secures 14 Zero-Emission Bus Order…

The automotive world has been eagerly awaiting Fisker’s entry into the pickup truck market, and new details about their forthcoming all-electric pickup are finally emerging. Following the successful launch of their all-electric SUVs, Fisker has been hard at work on this exciting project codenamed the “Alaska program.” CEO Henrik Fisker has revealed that the pickup will embody both luxury and athleticism, drawing comparisons to what a pickup from Ferrari would look like. This high-end appeal, combined with an all-electric powertrain, promises to set the Alaska apart from any other pickup on the market. Despite its sporty aspirations, Fisker assures that…

German automaker Volkswagen has announced significant progress in its research efforts at the US innovation center located in Tennessee. The company’s team of developers is focused on enhancing the range of electric vehicles through advancements in materials and the further exploration of inductive charging. The research projects, which are deemed highly relevant, are taking place at the Knoxville Innovation Hub, operated by Volkswagen Group of America. This facility, in collaboration with esteemed institutions such as the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the US Department of Energy, is set to open its doors in 2020. Knoxville…

VinFast, the automaker based in Vietnam, has announced its upcoming construction of an electric vehicle (EV) factory in the United States. The company plans to commence construction next week at its North Carolina plant and aims to produce 150,000 units per year during the initial phase. VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC (VIC.HM), Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, revealed its intention to establish a $4 billion EV factory on a 1,800-acre plot of land in Chatham County back in March of last year. The target for the factory’s completion has been adjusted to 2025, one year later than the original plan. In…

General Motors’ CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario has faced an unexpected shutdown, leaving its workforce idle for the month. The closure is reportedly due to a shortage of batteries, according to the Unifor union representing the workers, as reported by The London Free Press via Electrek. The facility is responsible for producing the BrightDrop Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric delivery vans, which rely on General Motors’ Ultium battery. The high demand for the Ultium battery in other GM electric vehicles has led the automaker to temporarily close the CAMI Assembly plant. Despite strong sales of the BrightDrop vans,…

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has achieved a significant victory as the Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal challenging the legitimacy of the expected property tax breaks for its forthcoming EV facility. The company unveiled plans for an expansive $5 billion, 2,000-acre plant in Georgia back in December 2021. With an anticipated maximum annual production capacity of 400,000 EVs, the Georgia facility will surpass Rivian’s existing plant in Normal, IL, which can manufacture up to 150,000 EVs per year. Rivian originally intended to commence construction last summer, aiming to begin production by 2024. Despite facing opposition, Rivian…