Author: Derick Munoz

Fantic, an Italian marque, made headlines in January 2021 when it acquired Motori Minarelli from Yamaha. This acquisition not only brought the brand back under Italian ownership but also paved the way for Fantic to transition its production to electric mobility models. After three years of hard work, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are finally ready to start production on the Issimo City electric scooter. To celebrate this milestone, the companies invited several important figures to their Calderara di Reno factory, including the Emilia-Romagna Region Economic Development Councilor Vincenzo Colla, Bologna mayor Marco Panieri, and the Calderara di Reno mayor Giampiero…

Envo Drive Systems, a Canadian recreational company known for its outdoor electric vehicles, has recently launched a new electric bike aimed at commuters and fitness enthusiasts. While the company is best known for its Snow Kart and Hydra Water Bike, the new Stax e-bike is a departure from its usual offerings, but an exciting one nonetheless. At first glance, the Stax impresses with its minimalist design, making it difficult to tell that it is an electric bike. The frame is made of hydroformed 6061 aluminum, giving it a sleek look and ensuring durability. The bike’s sporty design features thick tubes…

RTR (Ride the Revolution) is the latest electric motorbike startup that aims to revolutionize the industry with its flagship offering, the 799e scrambler. But what sets RTR apart from the rest is its founder, Gustavo Lourenço, an internationally famous custom bike builder behind Retrorides by Lourenço, who has been handcrafting custom machines for over 30 years. After dedicating his life to building some of the most intriguing custom bikes, Lourenço has turned his attention to decarbonizing one of his favorite things in the world, and he wants to take riders along for the journey. The 799e scrambler is currently undergoing…

Western Australia has recently announced that it will provide land to a new battery metal processing facility proposed by IGO and Wyloo Metals, backed by billionaire Andrew Forrest. The move comes as Australia seeks to reduce its global reliance on China, which dominates the sector, and to move up the critical mineral value chain. The proposed facility will produce nickel-cobalt-manganese precursor cathode active material, which is used to make components for the lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electric vehicles. The facility will be located in the Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area, and will cover 30 hectares of land. The plant is…

Volvo Car Group has become the first car manufacturer to introduce SunLike LEDs, supplied by Seoul Semiconductor, to its production vehicles with the Polestar 3 and the Volvo EX90. The new lighting addition is designed to enhance the connection with nature, both day and night, and enables a more natural colour expression beyond what’s achievable with LEDs used today in the automotive industry. The SunLike LEDs complement the panoramic roof and open cabin, and deliver low light reflection and a high colour index that expresses natural colours just as they are seen in nature. “By utilising the spectrum of light…

Kea Aerospace has just launched New Zealand’s first solar-powered electric, stratospheric aircraft called the Kea Atmos Mk1, and it’s taking climate change research to new heights. This innovative aircraft is designed to collect high-resolution aerial data, which can be used to monitor weather patterns, tree health, pollution, and much more. Kea Aerospace has been building and testing electric-powered aircraft for several years, and the Kea Atmos Mk1 is the culmination of their efforts to improve life on Earth. The Kea Atmos Mk1 is an uncrewed aircraft that boasts a 12.5-meter wingspan, can fly higher than most commercial airliners, and weighs…

Earlier this year, Tesla sparked an electric vehicle price war that sent shockwaves through the industry. The company has since cut prices five times, with analysts predicting that more reductions could be on the way. The Q1 financial results, set to be released later this month, will provide insight into Tesla’s long-term position. Tesla’s price cuts in January had a significant impact, with the company reducing prices globally by up to 20% depending on the model and configuration. This move led to several companies following suit to remain competitive in the space. However, as prices fell, so did margins. See…

The plummeting price of battery-grade lithium carbonate has prompted major refineries in China’s “lithium capital of Asia” to halt production in an attempt to stem the tide. With two out of four major producers in Jiangxi province reportedly idling their equipment, the future of lithium refinery plans is uncertain. The Yichun hub, one of the largest, is the source of lithium carbonate for Chinese battery stalwarts such as CATL and BYD. The price of lithium has dropped drastically this year, from a November peak of US$85,691 per ton of EV battery-grade lithium carbonate to the current US$32,535, due to softening…

Kia Motors, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, recently shared its ambitious goals for the future at the company’s 2023 CEO Investor Day. The Korean automaker aims to generate gross revenue of 160 trillion Korean Won, equivalent to $122 billion, by 2030 and sell 4.3 million vehicles annually by the end of the decade. Kia’s aspirations are not limited to just revenue and vehicle sales, however. The company is also investing heavily in the development of autonomous driving technology and Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) that are tailored to specific use cases with varying degrees of autonomy. By doing so,…

In a world where cars seem to be getting bigger by the year, it’s refreshing to see that not everyone is following suit. Meet the Ari Motors 902, a tiny electric van that’s designed specifically for light-duty urban cargo transportation in Europe. At just 2.95 meters (9.68 ft) long, 1.50 meters (4.92 ft) wide, and 1.5 meters (4.92 ft) tall, this diminutive German EV is approximately 80 percent the size of a Mazda Miata, but it packs a lot more cargo space with 766 liters (27 cubic feet). While it may technically be a van, it only has about as…

Tesla’s recent success in China continues to make headlines, and the latest data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) confirms that the EV manufacturer achieved near-record vehicle deliveries in the country in March 2023. According to the report, Tesla delivered a total of 76,663 vehicles in China in March, with 12,206 vehicles exported and the rest sold in the local market. The company’s Shanghai plant, which produces the popular Model 3 and Model Y, played a significant role in this achievement, with its second-quarter production cycle focused primarily on local deliveries. Although the plant exported 69.85% fewer vehicles in…

Tesla has just made Supercharger visits easier with its latest app update. The update now allows Tesla owners to see real-time Supercharger wait times, making it easier for them to choose a location that suits their needs. The app also displays the current price per kWh, which varies depending on the time of day. The Supercharger network is becoming increasingly congested, especially in areas where Tesla vehicles are more popular. In an effort to alleviate this issue, Tesla has expanded its Supercharger network through a consistent expansion of stations and stalls. Last year alone, Tesla expanded its number of Supercharger…