Author: Floyd Hawkins

Hongqi, a brand under China FAW Group, introduced the Tiangong 08 on [day], an all-electric mid-to-large-size SUV aimed at expanding its lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The Tiangong 08 offers a range of battery configurations, catering to varying consumer preferences. Built on the Tiangong modular platform, which supports a variety of vehicle types including SUVs, MPVs, and crossovers, the Tiangong 08 comes in five variants. Prices start at RMB 239,800 ($32,730) and go up to RMB 339,800. The five-seat SUV measures 4,925 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. It is available with both single-motor rear-wheel…

Dacia, Renault’s low-cost brand, announced on Tuesday a reduction of €2,000 ($2,086) in the price of its electric Spring model in France. This move comes as part of a broader trend of expected price cuts across Europe aimed at stimulating flagging electric vehicle (EV) sales. The price of the entry-level Spring is now set at €16,900, positioning it closer to the price point of Chinese EV maker Leapmotor’s T03, which recently dropped to €14,900. Dacia’s price cut is part of the strategy to remain competitive in a market where carmakers are relying on discounts to meet tougher emissions regulations set…

Tesla has asked a Swedish court to compel the Transport Agency to provide access to vehicle licence plates, which have been blocked by postal workers participating in a broader labour dispute. The conflict stems from Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement, a move that has drawn criticism from unions across Sweden. The labour dispute began in October 2023 when a group of Tesla mechanics initiated a strike. Over a dozen unions, including dockworkers, electricians, and postal workers, have since launched solidarity actions, complicating Tesla’s operations in the country. One such measure includes a postal blockade that restricts the…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr used CES 2025 to provide a glimpse into its future lineup, teasing three new models set to launch in 2025. The company also showcased its use of NVIDIA DRIVE Thor, a next-generation smart driving platform, as part of its efforts to advance autonomous vehicle technology. Zeekr announced that the NVIDIA DRIVE Thor platform would power its upcoming vehicles, enabling functions like automated driving, parking, driver monitoring, and infotainment within a unified system. “As the first automaker to integrate NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor, Zeekr is advancing vehicle intelligence and efficiency,” the company shared during the event. At…

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…