Author: Floyd Hawkins

BMW has reportedly abandoned plans to develop a convertible variant of its Mini Cooper E, despite strong demand for its predecessor, the Mini Cooper SE Convertible, industry sources revealed. The decision comes as the automaker grapples with shifting EV market dynamics and pressure to enhance profitability on entry-level electric models. The previous generation’s Mini Cooper SE Convertible, launched as a limited-edition model in 2023 with just 999 units, was met with overwhelming interest, following the success of an unsellable show car showcased in 2022. The high demand spurred hopes for a convertible version of the latest electric Mini, unveiled in…

Trucks Venture Capital (Trucks VC), co-founded by Reilly Brennan, is setting out to invest in the next wave of early-stage startups with the launch of its largest fund to date—worth $70 million. The firm, based in San Francisco, has already made several investments from the new fund, including in companies like Treehouse, a charger installation-as-a-service startup; JetZero, a zero-emissions jet aircraft company; and Carvis, which has developed AI technology for mechanics. The fund will target around 30 seed-stage investments, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. “We’ve never looked for startups to fill a specific sector,” Brennan explained.…

Xpeng and Volkswagen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on establishing one of China’s largest superfast charging networks, targeting the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) market. The partnership will make over 20,000 charging piles, spanning 420 cities, accessible to customers of both Xpeng and Volkswagen, the companies announced on Friday. Additionally, they plan to explore co-branded superfast charging stations to accelerate network expansion and boost operational efficiency. “This collaboration marks the fourth major milestone in our long-term strategic partnership with Volkswagen, further strengthening our commitment to innovation and growth in the EV sector,” said Xpeng in a…

Denza, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY), has outlined its key product developments for 2025. The brand announced plans to launch the Denza N9 SUV in the first quarter and a new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) later in the year, according to an open letter shared by Zhao Changjiang, Denza’s sales chief, on Weibo. The Denza N9, previewed since October 2024, will feature BYD’s e3 technology, a scaled-down adaptation of the e⁴ platform used in BYD’s ultra-luxury vehicles. The e3 system includes tri-motor independent drive with dual-motor steering at the rear wheels, enhancing performance…

SAIC-GM-Wuling has announced price reductions for its all-electric Binguo SUV, making the affordable model even more accessible. The adjustments apply to two of the three variants, leaving the entry-level option unchanged. The variant with a CLTC range of 401 kilometers now starts at RMB 82,800 ($11,340), marking a reduction of RMB 2,000 or 2.36% from its original price of RMB 84,800. The variant with a 510-kilometer range has undergone a more significant price cut, now starting at RMB 89,800, down RMB 6,000 or 6.26% from RMB 95,800. This pricing adjustment is noteworthy for positioning an electric vehicle with a 500-kilometer…

Phoenix Tailings, a U.S. startup focused on processing rare earth metals, has raised $43 million in a Series B funding round. The round, led by Envisioning Partners, attracted prominent investors, including automotive giants BMW and Yamaha, alongside other backers such as Escape Velocity and IQT. The company, based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is aiming to reduce the U.S. dependency on Asia for the supply of rare earth metals, which are crucial for industries such as automotive, defense, and medical devices. Phoenix Tailings closed a $10 million Series A funding round in 2021 and has now secured additional capital to expand its…

Lucid has introduced a new AI assistant, Lucid Assistant, which offers a hands-free voice experience powered by SoundHound’s Chat AI platform. This development allows Lucid EV owners to interact with their vehicles in innovative ways, similar to how Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri function. The Lucid Assistant can be activated by simply saying, “Hey, Lucid,” enabling drivers to access a range of information, such as sports scores, stock updates, weather forecasts, and more. In addition, the assistant allows users to control vehicle features, including navigation. A standout feature is its ability to answer questions about the vehicle’s functionality by referencing…

Tesla’s Cybertruck, initially revealed in 2019 with a bold pricing strategy, has undergone several adjustments since its prototype debut. The original concept placed the base model at $39,900, while the top-tier tri-motor version was expected to cost under $70,000. However, the current pricing now starts at $79,990 for the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive version, and the tri-motor variant is priced just under $100,000. The good news for potential buyers is that the dual-motor Cybertruck now qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, effectively reducing the price to approximately $72,490 before delivery and taxes. This eligibility was included in the updated list…

Xiaomi has bolstered its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in China through partnerships with Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto, granting its users access to approximately 30,000 charging stations nationwide. The collaboration with Nio provides Xiaomi EV users access to around 14,000 chargers, now integrated into Xiaomi’s charging map and operable via its app, which displays real-time charger availability. Similarly, agreements with Xpeng and Li Auto have added more than 9,000 and 6,000 charging stations to Xiaomi’s network, respectively. Xiaomi began delivering its first EV, the SU7 sedan, in April 2024, surpassing 130,000 units delivered by year-end. The company is also…

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, including whether it was an act of terrorism. The explosion occurred early Wednesday morning, hours after a separate truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 people. Witnesses captured videos of the Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel, which is part of the Trump Organization, owned by President-elect Donald Trump. 🚨 #BREAKING: The Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas is now being investigated as a possible ACT…

The American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has been awarded a $144 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery recycling facility capable of processing up to 100,000 tonnes of battery materials annually. The project marks a significant step forward in strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical battery-grade metals. The new facility will boast a processing capacity five times larger than ABTC’s existing plant in Reno, Nevada. It is designed to handle a wide range of input materials, including production waste and end-of-life battery components, and will produce battery-grade nickel, cobalt, manganese, and…

Polish public transport operator Tyskie Linie Trolejbusowe (TLT Tychy) has placed an order for 18 Trollino 12 trolleybuses from Solaris, with delivery scheduled to be completed by early 2026. This deal strengthens the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. The Trollino 12 is part of Solaris’ low-floor trolleybus range, which also includes the Trollino 18 and Trollino 24 models. While specific configurations for TLT Tychy’s order have not been disclosed, the trolleybuses will feature onboard batteries, enabling operation in areas without overhead lines. These vehicles can charge via the overhead line network or dedicated depot charging stations, enhancing their operational…

Illinois has been awarded $19.9 million under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to deploy 70 electric school buses and expand charging infrastructure across nine school districts, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced Friday. The funding comes from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. The grant will facilitate the replacement of retired internal combustion engine (ICE) school buses with electric models, along with workforce training and support for clean energy programming. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the initiative’s environmental and health benefits. “Through this program, we are reducing emissions and improving air quality for students…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday unveiled a proposal aimed at expediting the review process for automaker petitions to deploy self-driving vehicles without traditional human controls, such as steering wheels and brake pedals. NHTSA holds the authority to grant exemptions for up to 2,500 vehicles per manufacturer to operate on U.S. roads without meeting existing human control requirements. However, automakers have criticized the agency for years of inaction on pending petitions. Efforts in Congress to relax restrictions on deploying fully autonomous vehicles have also stalled. Automakers have expressed growing frustration with regulatory delays. While fully self-driving vehicles…

Cadillac has revealed the pricing details for its upcoming 2026 Vistiq electric SUV, which is set to become the smaller sibling to the Escalade IQ. The base Luxury trim starts at $78,790, including the destination fee, while higher trims, such as the Sport, Premium, and Platinum models, are priced from $79,290 to $97,890. Options and higher trims could push the price over $100,000. The Vistiq is positioned between Cadillac’s Lyriq and Escalade IQ in the brand’s expanding EV lineup. Powered by a 102 kWh battery, it offers an estimated range of 300 miles and delivers up to 615 hp and…

Lancia has confirmed that its next new model will be named Gamma, reviving a nameplate from the brand’s history as part of its broader comeback plans. The upcoming Gamma will share a platform with the newly revealed DS No8 and is set for production in 2026 at Lancia’s Melfi, Italy plant. However, despite the brand’s revitalization efforts, Lancia has no plans to re-enter the U.S. market in the near future. The original Lancia Gamma was a flagship model produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, available as either a two-door coupe or a fastback sedan. It featured a flat…

Solaris has delivered the first of 50 newly ordered electric articulated buses to Berlin’s public transport operator, BVG. The Urbino 18 electric, featuring a battery capacity of around 700 kWh and 41 seats, marks the beginning of an order placed by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) at the end of 2023. The first unit was handed over exactly one year later, with the full order expected to be completed by 2025. A unique feature of the first bus is its battery passport, a digital document providing detailed information about the battery’s origin and composition. Solaris states that all 49 remaining buses for…

ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso has received approval from Germany’s State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) to explore lithium in Lower Saxony. The permit, covering four areas across 1,443 square kilometers, will be valid for an initial five-year period, starting January 1, 2025. However, Esso must first obtain approval for its operating plans under mining law before commencing any excavation. The timeline for this approval remains uncertain. Lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, will be the focus of the exploration. LBEG President Carsten Mühlenmeier stated, “In order to phase out fossil fuels, we…

Amazon has officially reached a significant milestone in its transition to electric vehicles, incorporating 20,000 Rivian EDVs (electric delivery vans) into its fleet. This achievement marks one-fifth of the company’s goal to have 100,000 all-electric delivery vehicles on the road by 2030, as part of its Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Since the first Rivian EDV hit the road in 2022, Amazon has expanded its fleet to cover locations nationwide, from Anaheim to Boston, and even to Europe, where more than 300 of the vans are now operating in Germany. By 2024, Amazon used these electric…

Shaquille O’Neal, standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch tall, has taken customization to new heights with a unique Lucid Air luxury electric vehicle designed specifically for him. Known for his larger-than-life presence, Shaq required a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate his size, and the standard four-door Lucid Air was not up to the task. So, he turned to West Coast Customs, a renowned customization shop famous for its celebrity designs, to transform the luxury sedan into a sleek two-door coupe. The custom Lucid Air, which Shaq shared on Instagram with the caption, “When you’re 7’1”, you’ve got to…