Author: Floyd Hawkins

A team of Chinese researchers has introduced a novel, eco-friendly method for recycling NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) lithium-ion batteries using citric acid. This innovative process offers an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional recycling techniques, as detailed in the journal Angewandte Chemie. The researchers, representing institutions including the China University of Mining and Technology and Tsinghua University, devised a method that uses minimal citric acid to extract over 99% of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese from NCM cathodes. The process eliminates the need for additional chemicals, reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to conventional hydrometallurgical methods. The…

Honda’s Alabama assembly plant has begun utilizing the all-electric Peterbilt 579EV semi truck as part of a pilot program aimed at advancing the electrification of transport. The electric truck, which is being used to transport newly-built Honda vehicles to a nearby railhead for shipment, is part of a collaboration between Honda, Alabama Power, Virginia Transportation Corp., and other key stakeholders, including the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Peterbilt. Leo Doire, CEO of Virginia Transportation Corp., emphasized the importance of testing the new Peterbilt 579EV under the demanding conditions of short-haul and drayage applications. “Our new Peterbilt 579EV model will be…

Renault has expanded its Renault 5 E-Tech Electric lineup with the introduction of a new battery version, the ‘Urban Range,’ featuring a 40 kWh battery. This version is designed to lower the entry price of the small electric vehicle, although the long-awaited €25,000 model will not be available until next year. The ‘Urban Range’ version, available with the new ‘Evolution’ trim, starts at €27,900, making the Renault 5 accessible for under €30,000. Renault previously offered the 52-kWh battery variant, starting at €32,900. The 40-kWh version differs not only in battery capacity but also in equipment. While initially set for release…

Chinese flying taxi pioneer Ehang has successfully completed test flights of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the EH216-S, in Bangkok without a pilot, but with passengers on board. This marks the latest milestone for the company, with Thailand becoming the 18th country to approve the aircraft for flight. The demonstration flights took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center during the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024. Ehang received prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to conduct these flights. The company plans to conduct further flight tests in the country and aims…

e.Volution GmbH, the parent company of StreetScooter, has filed for provisional insolvency after announcing the discontinuation of production at its Düren plant. Despite the insolvency proceedings, the company has confirmed that its business operations will continue as it works on restructuring. The Aachen Local Court confirmed the application for provisional insolvency on November 14, 2024. Lawyer Mark Boddenberg, a partner at Eckert Rechtsanwälte, has been appointed as the provisional insolvency administrator. The company stated that the aim of the proceedings is to secure wages and salaries for employees through insolvency substitute benefits. In a statement, e.Volution explained that the decision…

Volkswagen has named Kjell Gruner, a former executive at Rivian, as the head of its U.S. operations, succeeding Pablo Di Si, who held the role since 2022. Gruner, previously Rivian’s chief commercial officer, brings experience that could aid Volkswagen as it navigates a shifting automotive landscape marked by electrification and labor negotiations. The appointment comes as Volkswagen faces multiple challenges, including adapting to an evolving electric vehicle (EV) market and ongoing talks with the United Auto Workers (UAW) at its Tennessee manufacturing facility. Workers at the plant voted earlier this year to unionize, with contract discussions now underway. Globally, Volkswagen…

Elon Musk has hinted at the development of a larger vehicle aimed at big families, following conversations with prospective customers on X (formerly Twitter). The CEO’s comments suggest Tesla is considering expanding its vehicle lineup to cater to a market segment that currently lacks an electric minivan or spacious family-oriented options. Earlier this year, Tesla unveiled its Robovan concept, designed for mass transport rather than individual family use, and Musk’s recent exchanges point to a potential solution for families seeking more room. Responding to a user who expressed dissatisfaction with the Model X’s capacity for their family, Musk simply replied…

UltraTech, the cement subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group, is increasing its use of electric trucks as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The company plans to deploy around 100 electric trucks to support its logistics operations. The electric trucks will be used to transport clinker between Dhar Cement Works in Madhya Pradesh and Dhule Cement Works in Maharashtra, covering a roundtrip distance of approximately 400 kilometres. The trucks are expected to carry 75,000 metric tonnes of clinker each month. This move is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 17,000 metric tonnes annually. While the specific model of…

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant turned electric vehicle (EV) maker, has exceeded its 2024 delivery target for its first EV model, the SU7, well ahead of schedule and has raised its full-year target to 130,000 units. “Xiaomi SU7 deliveries have exceeded 100,000 units, and we have achieved our full-year target ahead of schedule,” Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder, chairman, and CEO, announced on Weibo on Tuesday. The company had previously revised its target upward to 120,000 units and has now set its sights on an ambitious 130,000 units for 2024. The SU7, Xiaomi’s debut EV, was launched on March 28 in…

Abarth, Fiat’s high-performance Scorpion brand, has fully transitioned to electric vehicles in Europe, forgoing internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrids as part of its commitment to sustainability and performance. The decision comes as stricter emissions regulations reshape the automotive landscape across the region. With the retirement of its 595/695 range, Abarth’s European portfolio now consists exclusively of the electric 500e and 600e models. Gaetano Thorel, Fiat and Abarth’s head in Europe, emphasized the rationale behind the shift: “If you make a combustion sports hatch that emits 180g/km, road tax in Italy alone can reach €2000 annually. By offering electric cars…

Tesla has reduced the monthly lease price for its Model Y Long Range, marking the latest in a series of incentives aimed at achieving record vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2024. The automaker, which must deliver over 515,000 vehicles this quarter to set a new milestone, is deploying various strategies to boost demand. The new lease pricing trims $50 per month from the base lease rate for the Model Y Long Range RWD, aligning it with the lease cost of the Model 3 Long Range RWD, despite the Model Y’s higher purchase price. The adjusted lease terms reflect…

Kubota’s new autonomous farm tractor concept, the KATR, has been recognized with the “Best of Innovation” award at the 2024 CES Innovation Awards. The award highlights the tractor’s potential to advance zero-emission farming technologies, marking a significant milestone in autonomous agricultural machinery. The KATR is a compact, four-wheeled robot equipped with a stable cargo deck platform and advanced stability control features. These capabilities allow the KATR to perform tasks in off-road agricultural and construction environments, including on steep hills and slopes. The tractor’s design is based on Kubota’s previous New Agri Concept, but it incorporates enhancements for increased versatility and…

The RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah, built by Damen Shipyards, has made history as the first fully electric tugboat deployed in the Middle East. Its remarkable performance at Khalifa Port during ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy conference, led to the tugboat setting a Guinness World Record for its capabilities. The RSD-E Tug 2513 is a revolutionary advancement in maritime technology, boasting zero-emission operations and powerful performance. The tugboat is based on the efficient hull design of the standard, diesel-powered RSD Tug 2513, but with a fully electric propulsion system. This new propulsion arrangement enables it to operate without emissions, making…

Enwin Utilities, based in Windsor, Ontario, has added a dozen new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet, including a cutting-edge 55-foot Terex electric bucket truck, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the utility. The new vehicles include a variety of electric models, with the electric bucket truck standing out as the centerpiece of the fleet. The Terex electric bucket truck is built on the International eMV Series Class 7 electric chassis, featuring a 291 kWh battery and equipped with the Terex Optima 55-foot aerial device and the HyPower SmartPTO system. This fully electrified vehicle is designed…

Jiyue, the electric vehicle maker established by Baidu and Geely Holding Group, revealed its futuristic Robo X electric supercar at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show on Friday. Designed to showcase the brand’s innovative capabilities, the Robo X is a high-performance AI-driven vehicle that integrates advanced autonomous driving technology and bold aerodynamic design. The Robo X, Jiyue’s most ambitious project to date, is equipped with a high-performance drive system capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 1.9 seconds. It also features a lightweight unibody carbon fiber frame and 5052 aluminum alloy structure, resulting in a total weight of…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, has revealed plans to develop a new electric-hybrid technology designed for larger vehicles, including SUVs and MPVs. The announcement was made by Zeekr CEO An Conghui during an earnings call, with the new hybrid models expected to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025, followed by an official launch in the second half of the year. Initially, Zeekr’s mission was to focus solely on the pure electric vehicle market. However, in August 2023, An Conghui had emphasized that the brand had no intentions of entering the hybrid segment. A shift…

Volkswagen has launched the pilot phase of the GenFarm Project in Africa, introducing electric tractors and e-scooters as part of its push into sustainable farming technology. The initiative aims to modernize rural agriculture while reducing environmental impact, the company announced. Central to the project are VW-branded electric tractors, designed to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered equipment. Powered by a 32 kWh battery and delivering 27 horsepower (20 kW), the tractors feature swappable batteries and solar-powered charging, addressing challenges like limited electricity access and operational downtime in rural areas. Yesterday we celebrated the launch of the GenFarm project along…

Avatr Technology, previously known as Changan Nio, has joined Nio’s (NYSE: NIO) charging network, becoming the 14th electric vehicle (EV) brand to collaborate with the platform. Avatr Technology announced its partnership with Nio Power, enabling its customers to access Nio’s charging stations through the Avatr App. This integration aims to provide broader coverage, simplified inquiries, and greater convenience for Avatr users. Established in 2018 as a joint venture between Changan Automobile and Nio, Avatr Technology has since transitioned to operate independently of Nio. The new partnership reflects a trend among automakers leveraging Nio’s established charging infrastructure to enhance their own…

Tesla’s ambitious push into next-generation battery technology has reached a significant milestone, with the company announcing the production of its 100 millionth 4680 battery cell. The proprietary cylindrical cell powers Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck and has been featured in select Model Y crossovers. The 4680 battery, introduced in 2020, promises higher energy density, lower manufacturing costs, and streamlined assembly compared to its predecessors, the 2170 and 1865 cells, used across Tesla’s Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Tesla’s ramp-up to an average production rate of 495,000 cells daily is sufficient to supply 368 Cybertrucks. Despite Tesla’s achievements,…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has expanded its presence in Chile with the launch of the Song Pro DM-i hybrid SUV, marking its tenth model in the South American market. The vehicle was unveiled during the third Experience E event held from November 7 to 10. The Song Pro DM-i is priced from 31,990,000 Chilean pesos ($32,690) and offers three color options. Equipped with BYD’s super hybrid system, it boasts an NEDC electric-only range of up to 100 kilometers and a combined WLTC range of 1,011 kilometers. The compact SUV accelerates from 0 to…