Author: Floyd Hawkins

The first Audi Q6L e-tron has rolled off the production line at a new state-of-the-art facility in Changchun, China, operated jointly by Audi and FAW. The plant, part of the Audi FAW NEV Company, is dedicated solely to manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) based on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The Q6L e-tron, a long-wheelbase variant of the Q6 e-tron produced in Ingolstadt, marks the debut model from the factory, with a locally tailored A6L e-tron expected to follow. Audi has designed the Q6L e-tron specifically for the Chinese market, incorporating market-specific features and innovations beyond the traditional extended wheelbase. The…

Orense-based logistics provider Planway Logística has expanded its fleet with 22 Fuso eCanter electric trucks, which will be deployed as part of Correos, Spain’s national postal service. The addition demonstrates the growing adoption of zero-emission vehicles in urban logistics. Daimler Truck revealed that Planway Logística opted for the largest variant of the eCanter, with a gross vehicle weight of 8.55 tonnes and a wheelbase of 4.45 meters. This configuration is the highest available among the eCanter’s five weight classes (3.5 to 8.55 tonnes) and six wheelbase options (2.50 to 4.75 meters). The trucks are equipped with the L battery pack,…

Norge Mining has acquired the Skaland graphite plant in Norway from Australian mining company Mineral Commodities (MRC) for $11.75 million (€11.2 million), a move expected to rescue the plant from potential insolvency. The purchase marks a strategic shift for Norge Mining, primarily known for phosphate mining projects in southern Norway, as Skaland becomes its first operational mine. Graphite, a critical material in battery production for electric vehicles, requires high-purity levels of 99.9% to be suitable for battery anodes. While Skaland has achieved a purity level of 94%, ongoing laboratory tests suggest it could reach 99% with further refinement. Norge Mining…

Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has outlined plans to boost the domestic electric vehicle (EV) market with tax incentives exclusively benefiting electric cars “made in Germany.” The proposal, part of the SPD’s newly unveiled election manifesto, aims to stimulate sales while emphasizing local production. According to reports by Handelsblatt and Reuters, the initiative includes a temporary tax deduction for German-produced EVs, offering buyers a direct subsidy via tax declarations. The manifesto calls for EU Commission collaboration to either implement similar measures across Europe or approve Germany’s national program. Additional proposals include extending the motor vehicle tax exemption for electric cars…

Ford has unveiled a new version of its E-Transit electric van in Germany, featuring an upgraded 89 kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 402 kilometers (WLTP). This marks a 27% increase over the standard model’s 316 km range, aiming to meet the demands of a competitive market where rivals like the Renault Master E-Tech, Mercedes eSprinter, and Stellantis models now offer ranges of 400 km or more. The new long-range E-Transit is priced from €64,590 net for the chassis variant and €65,990 net for the panel van, approximately €4,000 above the entry-level model with a smaller battery.…

SAIC Motor’s MG brand is set to debut its first model featuring a semi-solid state battery in 2025, marking a shift in its electrification strategy. Zhou Yu, General Manager of the MG brand division, shared the update on Weibo, asserting the battery technology would be standard and cost-effective. He also announced plans to roll out MG’s DMH plug-in hybrid powertrain system in the same year. “MG’s first new car in 2025 will have a semi-solid state battery as standard, and it won’t be expensive,” Zhou stated. The brand’s 2025 lineup will include two all-new models and two facelifted versions, according…

Xiaodi Hou, co-founder and former CEO of autonomous trucking firm TuSimple, has intensified his campaign to overhaul the company’s leadership ahead of a critical shareholder meeting on Friday. The meeting will determine the composition of TuSimple’s board of directors, but Hou is already signaling he may take the fight beyond the event. In recent weeks, Hou has filed legal actions against TuSimple, seeking control of his voting rights, urging the company to liquidate its assets and return cash to shareholders, and attempting to block the transfer of funds to China. His latest move involves a written consent solicitation to remove…

BYD has established a new division aimed at accelerating its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and large models, focusing on enhancing vehicle intelligence. According to local media reports, the company has launched an advanced technology research and development (R&D) center, which includes divisions dedicated to AI, AI supercomputing, and big data platforms. The new R&D center, which opened in September, is designed to drive advancements in AI algorithms, AI infrastructure, and large models. Its primary goal is to provide technical support for BYD’s smart driving, smart cockpit, and Dual Mode businesses. Currently employing approximately 500 people, the center plans to…

Tesla’s Cybertruck is beginning to capitalize on its 800V architecture with the introduction of upgraded 325 kW charging at select V4 Supercharger locations in the United States. According to Tesla Charging, 19 sites now offer these enhanced speeds, marking a significant improvement over the previous 250 kW peak available at V3 and earlier V4 Superchargers. The rollout is expected to expand further next year, alongside the deployment of new Supercharger hardware. While the 325 kW peak is a step forward, early user experiences suggest Tesla’s Cybertruck still has room for optimization. The vehicle’s charging curve, influenced by the 4680 battery…

Indonesia will offer tax incentives to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including China’s BYD and GAC Aion, as well as French company Citroen, in a bid to strengthen its domestic EV production and sales. The incentives, which will take effect in January 2025, will include exemptions from import taxes and a reduced 15% rate on the local luxury sales tax (PPnBM), according to Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. The move is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to establish itself as a production hub for electric vehicles in Southeast Asia. “This is in line with the government’s efforts to make…

Tesla has begun rolling out its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software update, v13.2.1, to customers with the company’s Hardware 4 (HW4) computers this week. The expanded rollout follows an initial deployment of the version earlier this month, with a broader distribution now underway for those using the latest AI4 technology. Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Autopilot program lead, confirmed the update via X on Monday, noting that FSD Supervised v13.2.1 is now available for a wider range of AI4-equipped vehicles. Additionally, customers with older Hardware 3 (HW3) units can expect a new version of the software, v12.6, by the end of…

New England energy company Avangrid has announced plans to purchase 130 diesel-electric hybrid bucket trucks as part of its broader strategy to transition its utility service fleets to more sustainable alternatives. The move aligns with Avangrid’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while maintaining operational reliability during emergencies. The hybrid trucks, based on a Freightliner M2 chassis with a Tier 4 Final diesel powertrain, utilize a large onboard battery to power and control the Altec-manufactured bucket arm. This innovative design allows operators to work without idling the diesel engine, significantly cutting emissions in residential and work areas. Additionally, the trucks can…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Zeekr has unveiled the Zeekr 7X family SUV in Europe, marking its third offering on the continent following the Zeekr 001 shooting brake and the Zeekr X compact SUV. Pre-sales for the model have officially begun in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, with customer deliveries expected in the summer of 2025. The Zeekr 7X starts at 52,990 euros ($55,710) in the Netherlands, 529,000 Swedish kronor ($48,240) in Sweden, and 539,900 Norwegian kronor ($48,360) in Norway. The model, launched in China in September 2023, offers three variants and is the second mainstream EV model from Zeekr…

Blink Charging has announced new agreements and projects in the UK, including a partnership with Power Design, an expansion of charging stations in Norfolk County, and a contract with the NHS. Under the agreement with Power Design, Blink Charging will supply 429 EV chargers, totaling 723 charging plugs, for Power Design’s projects across the UK. These chargers are intended for use by residents living and working in the development areas. Mike Battaglia, President and CEO-Elect of Blink Charging, noted that contractors like Power Design are contributing to the accessibility and adoption of electric vehicle (EV) technology. Blink Charging is continuing…

Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a $2.5 billion investment to expand its Rincon lithium project in Argentina, with plans to produce up to 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. The expansion, pending regulatory approval, is expected to commence in mid-2025, with production slated for 2028. Located in Argentina’s renowned “lithium triangle,” the Rincon mine will feature a two-phase production strategy. A starter plant will initially yield 3,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually, while an expansion facility will add another 57,000 tonnes. The company aims to reach full operational capacity three years after production begins. The project employs direct…

Lucid Motors (LCID) is exploring new partnerships with other automakers to share its advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology, according to CEO Peter Rawlinson. Following a record-breaking third quarter in 2024, the company is seeking to play a larger role in the growing EV market. Lucid delivered more than 7,100 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the previous year’s total of 6,001 vehicles. With the launch of its first electric SUV, the Gravity, the company expects to maintain this momentum. Lucid has already established a technology partnership with Aston Martin, where it will supply its proprietary EV powertrain…

BYD has announced that the SEALION 7, a new electric SUV, will be available in the UK starting from £44,990 in Q1 2025. The vehicle is the latest addition to BYD’s growing European portfolio, joining other models in the Ocean Series. The SEALION 7 offers a range of advanced features, including rapid charging capabilities, a spacious interior, and cutting-edge EV technology. As the seventh pure-electric model from BYD in Europe, the SEALION 7 is built for tech-savvy families seeking both performance and sustainability. It boasts a WLTP range of up to 312 miles, a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.5…

BMW has unveiled a new wind tunnel at its Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich, marking a significant upgrade from its previous facility. The new structure, part of the Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC), is described as the world’s largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, with a length of 100 meters, a width of 25 meters, and a height of 45 meters. It is also noted for its exceptional quietness, with background noise at 54.3 dB (A) at a speed of 140 kph, comparable to a quiet conversation or air conditioning system. The wind tunnel is powered by a…

Audi has announced the closure of its Brussels plant on February 28, 2025, following unsuccessful attempts to sell the factory. The site, which currently produces the Q8 E-tron electric SUV, faces shutdown as production shifts to other facilities, with the model’s successor reportedly moving to Mexico. Audi’s head of production, Gerd Walker, described the decision as “painful,” adding, “Personally, it was the toughest decision I have ever had to make in my professional career.” Efforts to find a buyer, including discussions with several automakers, were unsuccessful. Belgian media suggested that Nio was a potential suitor, but the Chinese EV maker’s…

Avatr Technology, the electric vehicle (EV) company backed by Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei, has signed a new agreement with Huawei to enhance their collaboration, unveiling a novel partnership model. The agreement, signed at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen on December 12, signifies an evolution in their strategic relationship to foster innovation in product development, marketing, and ecological services for future car models, the companies announced. This new phase builds upon a partnership established in January 2019 and expands Huawei’s role in Avatr’s operations. While detailed specifics of the partnership remain undisclosed, it marks the first time in years that Huawei’s…