Author: Floyd Hawkins

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system for the Multivan and California models, bringing electric efficiency and off-road traction to these iconic vehicles. The new hybrid system combines a 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine with dual electric motors, offering a total power output of 180 kW (245 PS). This system provides an electric range of up to 95 kilometers for the Multivan and 91 kilometers for the California, making these vehicles ideal for both everyday electric driving and longer trips. The hybrid setup includes a high-tech four-cylinder engine, front and rear electric motors, and a…

Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard plans to meet with Tesla CEO Elon Musk to discuss the company’s potential electric vehicle factory in northern Mexico, he announced Thursday. This meeting is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s car manufacturing sector. Ebrard, a seasoned political figure, aims to revive plans for a Tesla gigafactory in the Nuevo Leon state, which could mark a significant early achievement for the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office last month. “I’m going to set up a meeting with (Musk) soon so that he tells me exactly what he’s thinking and see…

BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle and electronics manufacturer, has signed a strategic deal with Cosco Shipping to expand its export capacity, leveraging Cosco’s extensive global transport network to distribute products ranging from electronics to hybrid and all-electric vehicles. According to BYD, overseas sales rose sharply in the first half of 2024, with volume increasing by 151% year-over-year. Through the partnership, Cosco Shipping Special Transport, a subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Group with the world’s largest special transport fleet, will facilitate BYD’s global deliveries. This collaboration aims to enhance the automobile industry supply chain and create integrated logistics solutions to support…

The first dually Cybertruck has been showcased at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, marking the entrance of Tesla’s electric pickup into the realm of traditional truck modifications. After seeing the Cybertruck’s stainless steel body transformed with various wraps and its battery utilized to power everything from welding tools to washing machines, this latest mod brings a new level of rugged appeal to Tesla’s flagship truck. Crafted by Red’s Miami, a shop known for custom truck builds, this widebody Cybertruck features 26-inch Diesel Wheels paired with 35-inch Fury tires, giving it a bold, heavy-duty look. The front wheels are bolt-on,…

A recent survey by charge point manufacturer GARO reveals that most UK electric vehicle (EV) owners are open to paying extra to reduce charging times. According to the findings, 90% of respondents expressed a willingness to pay more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) if it could cut charging wait times by up to 15 minutes. This preference highlights the growing demand for convenience among EV users. The survey uncovered regional variations in attitudes, with Cardiff leading in support for faster charging options, where 55% of EV owners would pay more to reduce waiting times. In contrast, the southwest of England showed the…

Bentley Motors has set a 2026 launch date for its first electric vehicle (EV), marking a pivotal step in the British luxury brand’s new Beyond100+ electrification strategy, which extends its EV goals to 2035 and beyond. The carmaker shared that this initial EV, described as the “first true Luxury Urban SUV,” is designed to open a new segment in the market. Although Bentley had previously targeted 2030 for an all-electric lineup, this goal has now shifted to 2035 in response to evolving market conditions. The EV, teased in a shadowed silhouette, shows a profile that resembles the existing Bentayga SUV,…

Xpeng officially launched its latest electric sedan, the P7+, in Guangzhou today, with a starting price of RMB 186,800 ($26,100), marking an 11% reduction from its pre-sale price of RMB 209,800 set in mid-October. The P7+ aims to become Xpeng’s next high-demand model following the successful release of the Mona M03 sedan. The P7+, available in two standard versions starting at RMB 186,800 and RMB 198,800, and a limited edition of 500 units starting at RMB 218,800, boasts dimensions larger than its predecessor, the P7i, and includes a powerful 60.7 kWh or 76.3 kWh battery. The entry model has a…

Archer Aviation, a California-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced it has entered the Japanese market through a partnership with Soracle Corporation. This joint venture positions Archer to implement air taxi services in Japan, with Soracle signing on to potentially purchase up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, in a deal valued at approximately $500 million. Japan, though slow in adopting all-electric road vehicles, is rapidly becoming a hub for advanced air mobility (AAM). The country has been preparing to establish an eVTOL network since 2021, when the Osaka Roundtable partnered with Germany’s Volocopter to…

The year 2026 could see an influx of affordable used electric vehicles (EVs) as a wave of lease returns is set to expand the secondary EV market, which remains relatively young despite over a decade of growth in EV sales. According to a recent J.D. Power report, a 230% increase in EV lease returns is anticipated in 2026, marking a pivotal year for used EV buyers. The substantial growth in EV leases has been driven by a federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit “lease loophole,” enabling dealers to transfer a $7,500 tax credit to EV lessees. This provision has fueled a…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finalized a $475 million loan for Li-Cycle Holdings on Thursday, supporting the Toronto-based recycler’s project to build a large-scale battery recycling facility in Rochester, New York. The loan, which is $100 million higher than the initial proposal last year, is aimed at helping the Glencore-backed  firm expand its role in the battery supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs), a key component of President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda. “This loan demonstrates the Energy Department’s commitment to strengthening America’s national and energy security by supporting a robust domestic EV battery and critical materials supply chain,”…

BYD plans to incorporate smart driving features across its entire lineup next year, aiming to boost sales amid diminishing returns from its price advantage. This strategic shift aligns with an increased focus on in-house technology development, as reported by Chinese media outlet 36Kr. The initiative will cover models ranging from the low-cost BYD Seagull, priced around RMB 60,000 (approximately $8,360), to the premium Yangwang U8, priced near RMB 1 million, according to the report. This move underscores BYD’s ambition to make advanced driving technology accessible to a broader consumer base, extending from budget-friendly models to luxury segments. “We hope to…

The Belgian region of Flanders is set to cancel its electric vehicle (EV) purchase premium earlier than anticipated, following overwhelming demand from consumers. The subsidy program, which was reintroduced in February 2024, was intended to run through the end of the year but will now conclude on November 22, 2024. The region’s treasury has already exhausted its funding, which was significantly over-subscribed. The purchase premium offered consumers a 5,000-euro bonus for new electric cars with a list price under 40,000 euros and a 3,000-euro bonus for used EVs priced below 60,000 euros. By mid-October, more than 11,500 applications had been…

Xpeng transformed its annual AI Day event in Guangzhou into a showcase of breakthrough technologies, revealing plans and products that highlight the company’s vision for an AI-powered future in mobility and robotics. CEO He Xiaopeng took the stage to introduce the Kunpeng Super Electric System for extended-range hybrids, a new Turing AI chip, and innovative autonomous systems—signaling Xpeng’s ambitions to lead in both automotive technology and artificial intelligence. Kunpeng Super Electric System: Redefining Range for Hybrid EVs At the core of Xpeng’s latest offerings is the Kunpeng Super Electric System, an extended-range hybrid solution poised to challenge current industry limits…

Despite an expanding range of electric light commercial vehicle models on offer, diesel engines remain the dominant choice among EU buyers. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), electric van registrations in the European Union dropped in the first nine months of 2024. Out of 1,170,310 vans newly registered in the EU—an 8.5% year-over-year increase—diesel maintained a significant 85% market share. Even with the EU market growth, electric vans (ECVs) have lost traction, as ACEA reports a decline in their market share from 7.1% to 5.7% within the EU, and from 7.4% to 6.0% when considering the EU, EFTA…

Nissan’s Interstar van, now available in an electric variant, is set to hit dealerships this month with a range of up to 460 kilometers on a single charge. Built in collaboration with Renault, the Interstar shares a platform with the Renault Master E-Tech, first introduced by the French automaker last year. The electric Interstar offers two battery options: a 40 kWh version and an 87 kWh variant. The larger battery, supporting up to 130 kW of charging power, allows for a quick 30-minute recharge, adding up to 252 kilometers of range. Standard for both battery configurations is an 11 kW…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $44.8 million to fund eight projects focused on advancing battery recycling technologies, a key step in strengthening the domestic electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. The funding, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to reduce the cost of recycling EV batteries and components, thereby supporting the transition to cost-effective electric vehicles. The selected projects will promote the development of new technologies to enhance battery recycling processes and explore second-life applications for EV batteries. Among the funded projects is B2U Storage Solutions, which will receive $3.5 million to create a low-cost,…

UK battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations grew by 24.5% in October, with 29,802 BEVs registered, marking a positive shift in the UK’s electric vehicle market despite a decline in other vehicle types. Plug-in hybrid registrations fell 3.2%, totaling 13,832 vehicles, while diesel and petrol registrations continued to slide amid an industry-wide shift towards cleaner options. The BEV sector’s growth starkly contrasts with declines in combustion engine sales. Diesel registrations saw the largest decrease, falling 20.5% year-on-year to 8,961 units. Petrol registrations, though down by 14.2%, still accounted for the largest share, with 72,681 units, or 50.4% of the total market. Overall,…

Tesla’s Model S Plaid, known for its record-breaking acceleration, has been converted into a police cruiser for the first time, thanks to a specialized buildout by Tesla mod kit manufacturer Unplugged Performance. The modified Model S Plaid was revealed on the opening day of the SEMA automotive trade show in Las Vegas, marking the latest addition to Unplugged Performance’s lineup of Tesla vehicles adapted for law enforcement. The Model S Plaid, recognized as one of the world’s fastest production cars, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 mph, with a…

Kia America presented two new electric vehicle (EV) concepts at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Los Angeles, featuring off-road-ready designs aimed at outdoor use. Known as the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR, the concepts were created by the Kia Design Center America (KDCA) team in Irvine, California, and showcase ideas that blend functionality with sustainability. The EV9 ADVNTR concept, based on Kia’s three-row SUV, includes custom front and rear facias, reinforced rocker panels, and larger tires intended for off-road environments. The vehicle has a modified suspension that raises it by 3 inches over the standard model,…

Zero Motorcycles, a leader in premium electric motorcycles, introduced its All Access initiative at EICMA, aiming to attract a broader customer base with six new models priced under $10,000. This bold step into the affordable electric motorcycle market is supported by Zero’s collaboration with China-based Zongshen, enabling cost efficiencies on motor and battery components for the U.S.-based company. The first models in the All Access lineup are the Zero XE and Zero XB, which offer trail-ready features at notably accessible price points. The Zero XE, positioned as the brand’s first true trail bike, is equipped with a 4.3 kWh removable…