Author: Floyd Hawkins

President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly exploring the possibility of eliminating the federal requirement for automakers to report crashes involving advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or fully automated driving technologies, Reuters reported. This potential policy shift could significantly streamline regulatory processes for companies like Tesla and other developers of autonomous technologies. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that automakers disclose any crash that occurs when ADAS or automated driving systems were active within 30 seconds of the incident. According to Reuters, Tesla, which has reported over 1,500 such incidents since 2021, could particularly benefit from removing this…

China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has pledged financial assistance to its suppliers to accelerate innovation in battery materials and equipment. According to a letter seen by Reuters and confirmed by CATL, the company is prepared to fund research and development costs and provide advance payments for projects to ensure technological progress and market competitiveness. The December 2024 letter outlined CATL’s commitment to aiding suppliers with certification processes to fast-track the adoption and production of new battery technologies. These initiatives aim to mitigate the challenges suppliers face as the ongoing electric vehicle (EV) price…

Tesla is developing new parking features for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, including the ability to park in residential garages, according to Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Head of Autopilot and AI. The update is part of Tesla’s broader efforts to refine its autonomous driving capabilities and bring fully autonomous rides closer to reality. The company has made significant progress with the release of FSD version 13.2, which has been well-received by users for its robustness and performance since its launch in late November. While FSD can already navigate parking garages, parking in residential garages remains a gap in its functionality. Tesla’s…

Chinese automaker BYD is set to bolster its European presence by starting local production of its Dolphin and Atto 3 electric vehicles (EVs) next year. The vehicles will be manufactured at a new facility in Hungary, marking a significant step in BYD’s strategy to deepen its footprint in Europe. The plant is expected to begin ramping up production by late 2025, according to Stella Li, BYD’s European chief. The Hungarian facility was initially planned to produce BYD’s compact Seagull EV, but the focus has shifted to models like the Dolphin and Atto 3, which are expected to attract greater demand.…

Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain have launched autonomous freight delivery operations in Texas, utilizing the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck powered by the Aurora Driver. The new operations, which begin on two key routes—Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso—will initially involve a safety driver to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration with existing logistics networks. Sasko Cuklev, head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, highlighted the importance of early adoption in advancing autonomous technology. “Early adopters play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment and acceptance of autonomous technology, enabling us to validate both…

SAIC-GM-Wuling has unveiled a revamped version of its best-selling Hong Guang Mini EV, marking a significant departure from the model’s boxy design in favor of a more modern, rounded aesthetic. In addition, the new model introduces a five-door variant for improved practicality, reflecting the joint venture’s effort to stay competitive in China’s ultra-budget EV market. Since its debut in 2020, the Hong Guang Mini EV family has sold more than 1.4 million units, dominating the affordable EV segment. However, increasing competition has led to a decline in sales over the past two years, prompting this comprehensive redesign. The new Mini…

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has firmly opposed calls to delay the European Union’s CO2 targets for 2025, emphasizing that the targets have been known since 2019 and that BMW has aligned its model policy accordingly. In an interview with Automobilwoche, Zipse reiterated his stance on the importance of technological openness while highlighting electric cars as having the greatest growth potential for the future. Zipse rejected the notion of postponing the 2025 CO2 targets, stating that BMW has already increased the efficiency of powertrains, including advancements in combustion engine technologies such as 48-volt systems. “We see no reason to postpone the…

Automotive supplier Marelli has announced advancements in its battery management systems (BMS) for electric vehicles, focusing on the integration of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). According to the company, the updated BMS is designed to “elevate the standard for battery cell management,” ensuring optimal performance and improved efficiency in battery packs. The system offers valuable insights into the degradation of lithium-ion batteries, which includes monitoring capacity reduction and increased resistance. This data is crucial for determining the remaining useful life (RUL) of batteries, helping to better assess their residual economic value. Marelli highlights that the adoption of EIS in battery management…

China’s tech giant Huawei, in collaboration with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), has unveiled key specifications of its Maextro S800 sedan, a model under its new automotive brand Maextro. The vehicle, which made a brief appearance at the end of November, is now included in the latest batch of vehicles that have been approved by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for public comment, marking a significant step toward its official market release. The Maextro S800 is available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants. The MIIT catalog lists four versions of the…

Nio has received mass production approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for the steer-by-wire (SBW) technology in its flagship sedan, the ET9. This marks a significant milestone, as the ET9 becomes the first mass-produced vehicle in China to feature SBW technology. The approval ensures that the ET9 will be able to meet its scheduled delivery timeline. SBW technology, which decouples the steering wheel from the wheels, is a key component of the ET9’s advanced technical capabilities. Nio has announced that it will play a central role in developing national standards for SBW, being the only automaker…

Tesla’s autonomous driving ambitions continue to evolve, with the company planning to launch robotaxi services in 2025. However, these vehicles may not be entirely driverless, as Tesla envisions employing remote teleoperators as an initial safety measure, according to a report from Deutsche Bank’s Autonomous Driving Day in New York City on December 5. Tesla executive Travis Axelrod confirmed that the first wave of robotaxis will incorporate human oversight to ensure safety and redundancy. The report, reviewed by Carscoops, noted that Tesla expects teleoperators to play a pivotal role during the early stages of deployment. However, key questions remain unanswered, such…

BYD is set to roll out a mid-lifecycle update for its Dolphin electric hatchback, four years after its initial debut. The refreshed model is expected to launch in mid-to-late 2025, introducing updated styling and a new powertrain option to the popular EV lineup. Images of the 2026 BYD Dolphin surfaced on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website, revealing key design changes. The facelifted Dolphin features redesigned headlights extending into the front fenders, evoking a resemblance to the original Chevrolet Bolt. Additional updates include a slimmer grille, smaller bumper intakes, and a cleaner rear bumper design with updated taillight…