Author: Floyd Hawkins

Tesla is ramping up efforts to boost vehicle deliveries by the year’s end, introducing three months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD) as part of its promotional offerings in North America. The incentives, effective from November 14 through December 31, 2024, apply to new inventory vehicles. “Customers who take delivery of a new inventory vehicle… are eligible for three months of free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and Supercharging,” Tesla stated, emphasizing that the offer cannot be transferred or postponed. Used vehicles and business orders are excluded. These perks join existing discounts, 0% APR financing, and FSD transfer options as Tesla…

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has introduced its innovative electric car chassis, showcasing cutting-edge features including a quad-motor drive system, intelligent chassis, and 48-volt electronic systems. The upgraded platform, integrated into a modified SU7 model, aims to deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and energy efficiency. The quad-motor drive system boasts an impressive output of 1,511 kW, equivalent to over 2,000 horsepower. This includes two “Super Motor V8” units, each delivering up to 425 kW, and likely enhanced motors on the front axle for torque vectoring. This capability allows precise power distribution to individual wheels, enabling advanced maneuvers such as turning on the…

Lectric Ebikes has unveiled the XPedition 2.0, the latest version of its popular cargo e-bike, offering several new features while keeping the starting price at $1,399. Building on the original XPedition’s success, the updated model is designed for enhanced versatility and performance. The XPedition 2.0 now includes a redesigned frame with a rear rack capable of supporting up to 450 lbs, suitable for carrying various types of cargo or passengers. Notable additions include a custom-designed torque sensor for refined pedal assist, along with a 750W motor capable of reaching a peak output of 1,310W, supporting smoother acceleration and increased climbing…

General Motors (GM) announced Friday it would lay off nearly 1,000 salaried workers globally, sparking speculation about a shift in its operations due to underwhelming electric vehicle (EV) sales. Automotive expert Jan Griffiths, founder of Gravitas Detroit, believes this move indicates a strategic realignment, as GM and other automakers reassess their approach to the EV market. “GM had quite a shift in strategy lately; as you know, they were all in on EVs, and when the EV demand didn’t come through as we all expected, they had to change the strategy, and now they’re looking at right-sizing their operations,” Griffiths…

A coalition representing electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturers has called on President-elect Donald Trump to retain key tax credits supporting EV sales and production, warning that eliminating them could harm job growth in pivotal states that backed the Republican in the election. The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), whose members include Tesla, Rivian, LG, Lucid, Uber, and Panasonic, emphasized that production tax credits have been instrumental in driving employment gains in states such as Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Georgia. ZETA Executive Director Albert Gore stressed the strategic importance of the credits, stating they are essential for the U.S. to…

President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly planning to eliminate the federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs), a policy offering consumers up to $7,500 in savings per EV purchase. The move, part of the administration’s broader tax reform agenda, reflects its aim to reduce federal incentives for electric mobility, according to sources familiar with the discussions. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, speaking at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, warned that such a decision could harm the country’s ability to compete globally in the EV sector. “It would be so counterproductive,” Granholm stated. “You eliminate these credits, and what do…

Tesla’s Cybercab Robotaxi, unveiled in the United States this October, will make its European debut as an exhibit in several Tesla stores across Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. For now, the Cybercab will remain a display-only model during its European tour, which begins on November 22, 2024, in Berlin, London, and Paris. The Cybercab will be available for viewing at the Tesla Store in Berlin’s Mall of Berlin from November 22 to December 8, with simultaneous displays in London and Paris. Following these locations, the tour will continue to Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Oslo. Interested visitors must…

Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.AI is pursuing a U.S. initial public offering (IPO) with a valuation target of up to $4.48 billion, marking a significant move as it prepares for a Nasdaq listing, the company disclosed on Thursday. Backed by Japanese automaker Toyota, Pony AI aims to raise as much as $195 million by offering 15 million American Depositary Shares (ADS) priced between $11 and $13 each. The Guangzhou-based firm is seeking to advance its capital-raising efforts amid heightened competition in the autonomous driving industry, with rivals like WeRide recently debuting on Nasdaq. Two investors, including Beijing-based automaker BAIC Group,…

Mihogo has launched a new crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for its Air and Air Max carbon fiber e-bikes, promising innovative features and competitive pricing for backers. The campaign, which has already raised nearly $15,000 from its first ten backers, has 45 days remaining, with an initial target of $514 exceeded early on. The Mihogo Air e-bike, touted for its ultra-light carbon fiber frame weighing just 3.5 kg (~7.7 lbs), has a total weight of 22.6 kg (~49.8 lbs) once the motor and battery are included, making it comparable to other e-bikes in terms of weight. Despite the marketing claim that…

At the Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham, Turkish manufacturer Karsan unveiled the right-hand drive version of its e-Jest electric minibus, marking the model’s official market launch in the UK. The debut is part of Karsan’s expansion into the British market through an exclusive sales partnership with EVM. The e-Jest, which has already achieved success in Europe and North America with over 700 units sold, now enters the UK market with a right-hand drive variant. The model has also been introduced in Japan at the end of 2023. Both the right-hand and left-hand drive versions of the e-Jest are powered by…

Cadillac has introduced the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ, a luxury three-row SUV set to be sold globally, including in the US and Canada. Production is slated to begin in early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. The VISTIQ will feature a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering impressive performance with 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft (880 N·m) of near-instant torque. Powered by a 102 kWh battery pack, Cadillac estimates the VISTIQ will offer a driving range of 300 miles. The vehicle is designed for a smooth and controlled driving experience, with features such as standard chassis damping control…

Volkswagen has officially begun U.S. deliveries of its retro-inspired electric van, the ID. Buzz, with the first model handed over to comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias by Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Pablo Di Si. The event took place in California, where Iglesias, an avid Volkswagen enthusiast, welcomed the ID. Buzz into his extensive “Fluffy Volkswagen Museum,” a private collection of vintage VW vans and memorabilia. The ID. Buzz, with a starting price of $59,995, comes with a 91 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 234 miles (377 km). Equipped with a rear-mounted motor producing 282 hp…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng announced its expansion into Nepal, marking its official entry into the market with the delivery of its first 25 G6 SUVs in the capital city of Kathmandu. The company inaugurated its flagship showroom on November 9 in collaboration with its local distributor, CG Motors. With more than 20 sales and service outlets already established in Nepal, CG Motors plans to increase service points to 40 by the end of the year to support Xpeng’s growing customer base. Additionally, CG Motors aims to expand its existing DC fast-charging network by adding 200 charging points to accommodate…

Toyota is expanding its efforts in the Chinese market with plans to increase its annual vehicle production to up to 3 million units, as the Japanese automaker seeks to reclaim market share lost to fast-growing domestic competitors like BYD. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Toyota intends to scale up its China production by the end of the decade, a move reflecting the brand’s acknowledgment of its current challenges in the highly competitive Chinese auto market. Toyota’s target would represent a significant increase from the 1.75 million vehicles produced in China last year and a 63% jump from…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast announced on Wednesday it has secured a fresh round of funding worth 85 trillion dong ($3.35 billion) from its founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, and parent company, Vingroup, to support its expansion efforts. The funding, expected to be disbursed by 2026, aligns with the company’s goal to reach financial break-even. The company, which began operations in 2019, has seen significant growth internationally but continues to face increasing losses amid lower demand and sectoral challenges. According to the statement, around 50 trillion dong ($1.97 billion) of the funding will come from Vuong, while Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s…

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is committing 100 million Australian dollars to its “Driving the Nation Program” to support the electrification of the country’s heavy transport sector. With a focus on “Trucks, Charging, and Innovation,” ARENA has already earmarked $28.6 million for two projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in freight transportation. Of the allocated funds, $19.6 million has been awarded to logistics company Linfox to deploy 26 battery electric trucks and charging infrastructure across three distribution centers in Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. Meanwhile, Toll has been granted $9 million to support its “Project TruckVolt,” which will involve…

VoltAero has opened a new 2,400-square-meter assembly facility in Saint Agnant, located in the Charente-Maritime department of eastern France, to manufacture its Cassio aircraft family. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet growing demand for regional air mobility and is equipped to produce up to 150 aircraft annually. The Cassio aircraft will feature an electric-hybrid propulsion system, making them suitable for regional commercial operations, cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation services. Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technology Officer of VoltAero, emphasized the importance of the facility in meeting the market demand for sustainable and efficient air travel. “We are addressing…

Hyundai has officially released pricing and EPA range details for its upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5, now starting at $43,975, including a $1,475 destination fee. With a base driving range of up to 245 miles, the SE RWD Standard Range model sets a new entry point for the popular electric SUV. The extended-range SE RWD trim, priced at $46,550, offers up to 318 miles per charge, while the off-road-oriented XRT trim debuts at $56,875 with features like Terrain Mode and tow hooks. The top-tier Limited AWD model rounds out the lineup, starting at $58,100 with a host of premium features. The…

The city of Madison, Wisconsin, has incorporated two Class 8 electric garbage trucks into its fleet as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality for city operations by 2030. The new vehicles, Mack Electric LR heavy-duty electric trucks, represent an effort to reduce emissions in the area, with plans in place to add two additional electric trucks in the future. Madison established its zero-net carbon target in 2017, joining other North American cities in setting emissions goals. As part of this transition, the city has begun electrifying its heavy-duty truck fleet, including garbage collection vehicles, in a step toward…

Tesla surged back into the elite $1 trillion market capitalization club on November 8, following a stock rally fueled by Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States. Tesla’s shares have risen over 23% since the election results, reaching approximately $322 per share on Friday. This marks the first time Tesla has achieved this price point since early 2022, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the electric vehicle giant. The stock rally follows CEO Elon Musk’s visible support for Trump during the election, including public endorsements and significant campaign contributions. This alliance has sparked investor optimism for Tesla’s future, particularly…