Author: Floyd Hawkins

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker announced during the automaker’s recent earnings call that development work on the affordable Fisker Pear electric vehicle has been paused. The Pear, expected to cost less than $30,000, will be delayed as the company explores investment opportunities from other automakers. “Fisker is in negotiations with a large automaker for a potential transaction which could include an investment in Fisker, joint development of one or more electric vehicle platforms, and North America manufacturing,” said Henrik Fisker. See also: Nissan in Advanced Talks for Partnership and Investment in Fisker While the CEO did not disclose the name of the…

In February, Norway saw a surge in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, with 6,647 new electric cars hitting the roads. This figure represents an increase from both January and the same period last year. The Tesla Model Y emerged as the top choice, accounting for over a quarter of all new electric car registrations. Compared to February 2023, there were 464 more electric cars registered, and 1,930 more compared to January 2024. January typically experiences lower registration numbers, making direct month-to-month comparisons less meaningful. However, the growth compared to February 2023 is significant, especially as new registrations across all drive types…

Fisker saw its shares tumble nearly 40% on Friday after the electric-vehicle startup disclosed risks related to its ability to continue operations. The company announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15% and pause investments in future projects until it finalizes a partnership with a manufacturer. “We are facing a difficult year ahead,” said a spokesperson for Fisker, highlighting the challenges in the EV sector. This announcement follows weak production forecasts from competitors Rivian and Lucid, indicating broader struggles within the industry. See also: Fisker’s Q4 Revenue Misses Estimates, Warns of Going Concern Status The company’s shares, which traded down 38.9%…

Electronic mobility company Orbic showcased its groundbreaking 5G-enabled eBike at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona this week, marking a significant advancement in smart transportation. Orbic’s eBike, equipped with AI object detection and avoidance technology, is touted as the world’s first to leverage 5G connectivity, heralding what the company calls “a new era in smart transportation” with a strong focus on sustainability and rider safety. The eBike continuously monitors its surroundings for obstacles and potential hazards, providing riders with real-time alerts if anything is detected. This innovative safety feature aims to enhance the overall riding experience and improve road safety.…

Hyundai’s N performance arm, known for its compelling models like the original i30 N, has now ventured into the realm of sporty EVs with the debut of the new Ioniq 5 N. However, the brand’s executive technical advisor, Albert Biermann, revealed that creating a more affordable EV is a top priority for N, though it poses significant challenges. During the Australian launch of the Ioniq 5 N, Biermann expressed N’s interest in a more affordable EV, stating, “of course,” N would be interested in such a model. However, he noted the current reliance on existing platforms, stating that N is…

The White House announced on Thursday that the United States is launching an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports could pose national security risks. The investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department comes amid concerns about “connected” car technology, which could potentially allow Chinese-assembled smart vehicles to collect sensitive data about U.S. citizens and infrastructure and transmit it to China. President Joe Biden stated, “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.” However, White House officials emphasized that it is too early to determine…

Ford is on the brink of releasing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, allowing its electric vehicles to directly access Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This move follows Ford’s early adoption of Tesla’s open-source NACS, pledging to equip its EVs with ports to connect to the Supercharger network. While new Ford vehicles will come standard with NACS ports and connectors next year, the company has collaborated with Tesla to provide complimentary Supercharger adapters to current owners of F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E models. Ford had initially announced a spring 2024 release for these adapters, and it appears they are set…

Honda has announced the launch of the CR-V e:FCEV, marking its debut as the first Japanese automaker to introduce a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) featuring a plug-in charging function. The CR-V e:FCEV boasts a range of 434 kilometers (according to EPA) and an additional 46 kilometers (according to EPA) thanks to its 17.7 kWh battery, which can be externally charged. Unlike typical fuel cell systems, the battery in the CR-V e:FCEV does not serve as a buffer for braking energy but supports the system when needed most. Moreover, the vehicle’s charging port can be used bi-directionally for charging external…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon New Energy Automobile, began preparations for its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2023, with cornerstone investments exceeding RMB 2 billion ($280 million), according to local automotive media outlet D1EV, citing sources close to the company. Founded in October 2014, Neta has completed over 10 rounds of financing, with publicly disclosed funding exceeding RMB 20 billion, the report stated. Neta’s parent company, Hozon New Energy Automobile, was established in 2014 and introduced the Neta brand in 2018. See also: Neta Auto Accelerates Global Presence with Debut of Electric Vehicles…

Ayvens, the merged mobility brand from ALD Automotive and Leaseplan, has finalized a framework agreement with Stellantis to acquire up to half a million vehicles by 2026. The deal includes various Stellantis brands and vehicles with different drivetrains, including electric options. According to a press release from the car manufacturer, significant delivery volumes are expected to commence in the first half of 2024 and continue throughout the year. Ayvens aims to add up to 500,000 Stellantis vehicles to its European leasing fleet by 2026. The agreement allows for flexible ordering quantities and delivery dates beyond 2024, accommodating fleet requirements and…

Renault’s Scenic E-Tech has clinched the prestigious Car of the Year 2024 award, highlighting the growing dominance of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. The French SUV’s victory adds to Renault’s impressive track record with multiple wins in the past. One of the standout features of the Scenic E-Tech is its claimed range of 625 km on the WLTP cycle, setting a high standard in the electric vehicle market. However, real-world driving conditions often result in lower ranges than those advertised. See also: Renault Introduces Affordable Variant of Scenic E-Tech Electric SUV The Scenic E-Tech faced tough competition from the likes…

In a bid to attract buyers, Hyundai has launched a fire sale on its 2024 IONIQ 5 electric SUV, offering a rare 0% finance offer. This incentive could translate to savings of up to $7,800 compared to a similarly priced Tesla model. The IONIQ 5, which sold nearly 34,000 models last year, ranked as the sixth best-selling electric vehicle in the US in 2023. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 5 boasts a longer wheelbase than the three-row Palisade, thanks to its flat floor design, despite being similar in length to the Tucson. See also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Named Best…

SAIC Motors, the parent company of MG, is expanding its presence in Europe with the introduction of a new electric-only brand, IM (Intelligent Mobility). The brand will debut with the IM L6, a premium electric sedan set to make its global premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show on February 26. The IM L6 is positioned to compete in the premium market segment, boasting impressive range and performance. While specific horsepower figures have not been disclosed, IM Motors claims the L6 will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in under three seconds, outpacing rivals like the Lucid Air Grand Touring…

Finnish charging hardware manufacturer Kempower has clinched substantial funding from the state economic development agency Business Finland to fuel its ambitious “Heavy Electric Traffic Ecosystem” development program, aimed at revolutionizing high-power charging solutions for electric trucks. Under the agreement, Kempower is set to receive a generous infusion of 10 million euros over a span of five years to drive forward its groundbreaking program. Additionally, Business Finland has allocated an impressive sum of 20 million euros to support partner projects aligned with the program’s overarching goals. As the driving force behind the initiative, Kempower is actively seeking over 60 collaborators to…

A California regulator has decided to postpone until June 19 an application by Alphabet’s Waymo to expand its robotaxi services to parts of the Los Angeles area and San Francisco’s peninsula, citing rising safety concerns over autonomous vehicles. The application has been “suspended for further staff review,” as indicated by a notification on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website, although the exact posting date of the notification remains unclear. See also: Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicle Attacked and Burned in San Francisco “The ‘suspension’ of an advice letter is a procedural part of the CPUC’s standard and robust review process,” Waymo stated…

Lotus Technology, the luxury electric vehicle subsidiary of British sports car maker Lotus Group, is set to commence trading its American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on the Nasdaq on Friday. This move comes as the company nears the finalization of its merger with Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp (LCAA). The business combination, expected to close on February 22, will see the combined entity retaining the name “Lotus Technology Inc,” according to a statement released yesterday. Lotus Technology’s ADSs will trade under the symbol “LOT.” See also: Lotus Confirms Apple Car Key Compatibility for New Emeya Electric Vehicles…

Lucid Motors, the American electric vehicle startup recognized for its luxurious offerings, is extending its reach into the European market with the unveiling of the Lucid Air Pure RWD, a new entry-level model in Germany. This rear-wheel-drive variant, boasting a remarkable 747 km range on the WLTP cycle and delivering an impressive 325 kW (442 hp), is set to significantly broaden accessibility with its starting price of €85,000. In a statement, a Lucid Motors spokesperson elaborated on the company’s strategy, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the Lucid Air Pure RWD to the European market, offering exceptional performance and range…

Despite Kia’s explicit request not to mark up prices, some dealers are adding as much as $7,000 over the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new Kia EV9 electric SUV. The EV9, Kia’s first three-row electric SUV, opened for orders in November after generating significant consumer interest with pre-orders, according to Erica Watson, Kia America’s VP of sales. The EV9’s starting price of $54,900 is seen as a “wake-up call to the industry” by Kia. Recognizing the importance of maintaining price transparency, Kia urged dealers in November to avoid marking up the EV9. A letter from Kia, read by…

Japanese conglomerates Sony Group and Honda Motor Co. are gearing up to make a significant foray into the electric vehicle market with their joint venture, Afeela. The collaboration, announced in 2022 under the banner of Sony Honda Mobility, is poised to debut three electric vehicles by the late 2020s, marking a concerted effort to challenge established players like Tesla in the U.S. The venture’s initial prototype, an advanced all-electric sedan, was unveiled at CES 2023, showcasing a blend of spacious interiors and cutting-edge technology. This sedan, slated for production in 2025, will be the flagship model under the Afeela brand.…

Bollinger Motors has achieved a significant milestone with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granting the company “qualified manufacturer” status for clean vehicle credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. This designation allows Bollinger’s B4 chassis cab to qualify for the IRA’s newly established credit for emissions-free commercial vehicles, providing a potential tax credit of up to $40,000 per vehicle. Under the provisions of Section 45W of the Internal Revenue Code, purchasers of Bollinger’s B4 chassis cab have the option to choose between two credit options. They can either claim a purchase credit amounting to 15% of the vehicle’s…