Author: Derick Munoz
Derick Munoz is an EV journalist at EVMagz.com, focusing on the business and regulatory side of the electric mobility transition, including automaker strategy, clean transport policy, investment trends, and the expansion of EV infrastructure across major global markets.
Lordstown (RIDE), the American electric vehicle (EV) startup, is embroiled in a contentious dispute with Foxconn over their investment agreement. In response, Lordstown announced its intention to pursue legal action against Foxconn, as stated in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday. The troubles for Lordstown began when it experienced a setback after the initial production of its Endurance models at its Ohio plant in November. The company had to halt production in February and issue a voluntary recall, further exacerbating the situation. The situation worsened when Lordstown received a delisting notice from the Nasdaq stock…
Zeekr X, a compact electric crossover developed by Zeekr, has commenced production at the company’s manufacturing facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China. The vehicle, which shares its platform with the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30, was previewed in February and officially launched in April. Impressively, just two months later, the Zeekr X has already started rolling off the assembly line, and deliveries are scheduled to begin later this month in the Chinese market. The Zeekr X is built on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA), the same platform utilized by the recently unveiled Volvo EX30 and Smart #1 crossover. With a…
Internal documents leaked from Tesla have revealed that the development program for the highly anticipated Cybertruck has been grappling with fundamental engineering issues that plague all new vehicles. Engineers involved in the program have disclosed that while some aspects of the development are simply delayed, certain flaws appear to have no clear solution. The leaked data, which recently made its way to the media, initially garnered attention for highlighting problems faced by drivers utilizing Tesla’s advanced driver assistance systems. However, the documents also shed light on the significant difficulties the automaker is facing in the development of the Cybertruck. Andy…
Mixed Results: EV Tax Incentives Boost Adoption, but Reliance on ICE Vehicles and Charging Challenges Persist
The implementation of federal tax incentives in the US has aimed to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) while promoting their widespread adoption and bolstering the domestic electric vehicle manufacturing industry. These incentives have effectively lowered the entry cost and overall lifetime expenses associated with EV ownership, extending their reach to even rural areas, such as those in Texas. However, potential buyers often express concerns about the rising costs of recharging electric vehicles, as reported by Electrek. While these tax incentives have succeeded in driving the adoption of electric vehicles, recent findings indicate that a significant proportion…
Skoda, an automobile manufacturer, has revealed the Enyaq Coupe Respectline, a new electric crossover, as part of its celebration of Pride Month. The vehicle showcases Skoda Auto’s core values of diversity, equity, fairness, and inclusion. With its eye-catching design, the Enyaq Coupe Respectline highlights the concept of diversity through a vibrant and colorful prism. While the standout feature is the attention-grabbing wrap, the model also boasts a distinctive Crystal Face grille. Illuminated by 131 white and multicolored LEDs, the grille has a gaming aesthetic. Inside the vehicle, the expressive theme continues with rainbow ambient lighting and matte white trim adorned…
BYD, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has achieved remarkable sales figures for its latest offering, the Seagull, in the month of May. After its initial release in April, where it sold 1,500 units, the Seagull saw a significant boost in demand, with sales skyrocketing to 14,300 units in May. Among the total number of pure electric vehicles sold by BYD in May, which amounted to an impressive 119,603 units, the Seagull contributed approximately 12% to the overall sales. This demonstrates the strong appeal and market reception of BYD’s newest addition to its electric vehicle lineup. The Seagull presents potential…
Jeep surprised many by sharing video footage of its Grand Cherokee 4xe undergoing testing of AI and autonomous off-road technology in Moab, Utah. While the brand may not be commonly associated with electric vehicles (EVs) or autonomous driving, Jeep’s strong connection with off-roading prompted them to prioritize the development of autonomous capabilities for rugged terrains rather than focusing solely on highways like many other automakers. Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, has been somewhat slower in embracing full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) adoption. However, the Jeep brand is steadily moving towards electrification, with plans to introduce four all-electric SUVs by 2025. Among these…
In the ever-evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles, the competition to develop the most effective self-driving technology is intensifying. As history has shown, great technological advances often face challenges from alternative solutions to the same problem. Whether it was Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla’s clash over AC and DC current or Sony’s Betamax facing off against the VHS tape system, the quest for supremacy in innovation is rife with rivalries. Now, a key battleground for self-driving technologies has emerged, pitting companies advocating for highly detailed maps against those favoring a mapless approach. Certain firms firmly believe that self-driving cars should rely…
Zeekr, Geely’s Premium EV Brand, Achieves 7.12% Monthly Growth with 8,678 Vehicles Delivered in May
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely, achieved a remarkable milestone in May by delivering 8,678 vehicles. This figure represents a substantial growth of 100.42 percent compared to the same period last year, when they delivered 4,330 vehicles. Furthermore, it signifies a 7.12 percent increase from the 8,101 deliveries in April. This marks the fourth consecutive month of rising delivery numbers for Zeekr, a commendable feat following a significant drop in January due to a temporary plant shutdown for upgrades. During the January-May period, Zeekr exhibited impressive performance by delivering 32,013 vehicles, reflecting a remarkable surge of 117.66…
First Mode Collaborates with ABB to Supply Battery Systems for Zero-Emission Dump Trucks
First Mode, a US-based company, has partnered with ABB to procure 80 battery systems capable of storing a total of 2.6 MWh. These cutting-edge battery systems will be installed in a fleet of zero-emission dump trucks. Equipped with Bordline ESS lithium-ion systems, the converted dump trucks will utilize a combination of fuel cell and battery propulsion. The primary purpose of these batteries is twofold. Firstly, they will enhance the trucks’ power output while ascending uphill terrains. Secondly, they will capture and store recuperation energy during downhill drives. A press release from ABB states that this order comes on the heels…
Fisker to Commence Volume Deliveries of All-Electric Ocean SUV to US Customers in June 19
Fisker, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced its plans to begin delivering a large volume of vehicles to customers in the United States during the week of June 19. Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that the all-electric Fisker Ocean Extreme, equipped with standard 20-inch wheels and tires, boasts an estimated total range of 360 miles. This surpasses Fisker’s previous range estimates. In addition to its impressive range, the Fisker Ocean Extreme has obtained both an EPA Certificate of Conformity and a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO). These approvals authorize the sale and delivery…
Volvo Boosts Apple CarPlay Experience in Over 650,000 Cars with Latest Over-the-Air Update
Volvo, the renowned automaker, has unveiled its latest over-the-air update, aimed at enhancing the Apple CarPlay experience in over 650,000 vehicles. The update focuses on seamlessly integrating Apple’s features throughout the cabin, providing drivers with a more comprehensive and user-friendly interface. Notable improvements include the integration of Apple Maps and other navigation applications into the driver display, placing vital information directly behind the steering wheel. Additionally, the center infotainment screen has received tweaks to optimize the layout and functionality of the CarPlay feature. One of the most significant enhancements of this update is the native support for Apple Maps and…