Author: Floyd Hawkins

Founded in 2022, Italian-American EV startup Aehra is providing more details about its first products after signing a deal with Austrian battery manufacturer Miba. Thanks to the supplier’s bespoke battery packs, Aehra expects its first SUV to offer up to 497 miles (800 km) of range. “Miba is particularly well suited to provide the type of features we wish to have in our batteries to provide optimum range and efficiency and integration with the body structure of our SUV and Sedan,” said Stefano Mazzetti, Aehra’s head of purchasing and procurement. “Miba is at the forefront of battery technology and production.”…

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced a significant boost in funding for electric vehicle (EV) programs, with an additional $99.5 million allocated towards advancing the development and adoption of next-generation EV technologies. This funding is in addition to the $87 million already granted to support 45 electric vehicle projects across the country. The primary objective of these funding initiatives is to promote the production of advanced EV technologies, facilitate the training of a future workforce skilled in electrified transportation, and ensure the equitable deployment of clean mobility options in underserved communities. The recently announced funding opportunity is…

In a recent announcement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the highly anticipated second-generation Roadster will experience additional delays, pushing its production timeline to the end of 2024. Musk, speaking on Twitter Spaces, acknowledged the frustration of Roadster reservation holders, as Tesla tests their patience with the prolonged wait. Initially unveiled in 2017, the Roadster was originally slated to enter production in 2020. Boasting impressive performance metrics, such as a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration in just 1.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 mph, the Roadster also promises a remarkable range of 620 miles, thanks to its 200…

In response to recent legislation introduced by lawmakers, Ford CEO Jim Farley announced on Tuesday that the company will not remove AM broadcast radio as a feature in its new vehicles. Farley took to Twitter to confirm that all 2024 Ford vehicles will include AM broadcast capability, and existing Ford electric vehicles without this feature will receive a software update. Farley expressed gratitude towards the product development and manufacturing teams for promptly addressing the concerns raised by customers. The bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Senator Ed Markey, introduced the legislation last week to prevent automakers from eliminating AM broadcast radio…

A group of 27 Senate Republicans has called on the Biden administration to abandon its ambitious plan to significantly reduce vehicle emissions by 2032 and promote the sale of electric vehicles (EVs). Led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito, the lawmakers argue that the administration’s proposal would effectively force a costly transition to EVs without proper congressional direction. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previously issued a proposal in April, estimating that such emissions cuts would result in 67% of new light-duty vehicle sales being electric by 2032. The EPA’s proposal, which includes a 56% reduction in projected emissions from the…

Texas-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Ayro has recently announced that its all-electric Vanish mini truck is now available for pre-order in the United States and Canada. Customers can secure their orders by visiting the company’s website and paying a refundable fee of $250. The Ayro Vanish is categorized as a low-speed electric vehicle (LSEV) and is designed to accommodate two passengers. The non-street-legal variant of the Vanish boasts a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds (816 kilograms). While the vehicle is primarily marketed as an ideal option for campuses, last-mile deliveries, and micro distribution, its pricing has raised some eyebrows.…

In a significant development regarding California’s Clean Cars II Act, which aims to ban the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from 2035, the responsibility now lies with the Biden-Harris administration to make a decision. According to a report by Automotive News, the state of California has formally approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking approval for a waiver that would enable them to implement the regulations approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) last year. The CARB, in August 2022, sanctioned a series of regulations pertaining to ICE vehicles that will be phased in over time. By…

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Tesla Model Y has secured the title of the world’s best-selling car in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing all expectations for electric vehicles (EVs). This significant achievement was confirmed by industry analyst JATO Dynamics, solidifying the Model Y’s remarkable rise to prominence in the automotive market. Over the past few years, sales of the Model Y have witnessed substantial growth across the globe, positioning the car on a trajectory to claim the top spot as the world’s best-selling vehicle. Tesla had foreseen this accomplishment even before the car’s launch, with expectations of…

Volta Trucks, the Swedish electric truck start-up, is making significant strides towards its market launch in its home country. In an unexpected move, the company has decided to accelerate its plans and aims to have its vehicles on Swedish roads as early as the middle of this year, defying the previously set target of 2024. This bold decision comes as a result of a surge in demand from Scandinavian customers who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Volta Trucks’ innovative electric vehicles. The Volta Zero, an all-electric truck available in 16- and 18-tonne versions, is deemed particularly well-suited for Scandinavian…

The Volkswagen Group is embarking on an ambitious billion-euro savings program for its renowned brand VW, aiming to enhance profitability and secure funds for investments in the transition to electric mobility. Unveiling its comprehensive restructuring plans to investors on 21 June, the group envisions a strategic overhaul that could potentially yield an annual upswing of at least three billion euros, with the possibility of even greater gains as it evaluates a reconfiguration of its model range. This transformative initiative encompasses the introduction of new vehicle models and the seamless integration of production processes with the group’s sister companies, namely Skoda,…

Introducing the revolutionary Comate CT e-bike, now seeking support through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, exclusively for the European market. This remarkable e-bike sets itself apart by promising unparalleled comfort and a riding experience like no other. With its advanced torque sensor technology and meticulously designed frame, Comate claims that the CT e-bike offers an optimal riding posture for maximum ergonomic benefits. One of the key design features that contributes to the exceptional comfort of the CT e-bike is the ingenious adjustment made to the handlebar and seat tube. By raising the handlebar by an impressive 50 mm (~2.0 inches)…

Geely, the Chinese automaker and owner of Volvo/Polestar and Lotus, has increased its stake in Aston Martin. Geely previously owned 7.6% of the luxury automaker, but now holds a 17% stake, making it the third largest stakeholder in Aston Martin, following Lawrence Stroll and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The increased stake signifies Geely’s growing involvement in Aston Martin, as expressed by Geely CEO Eric Li who mentioned the partnership’s focus on “exploring joint technology synergies and new growth opportunities.” Besides the financial boost, Geely’s expanded share of the Chinese luxury market and expertise in electrification present two significant…