Author: Floyd Hawkins

German logistics firm TST has unveiled plans to invest €150 million in collaboration with local utility EWR to establish fast-charging stations for electric lorries across Germany. According to a report by Handelsblatt magazine, the joint venture, named PVSM Energy, aims to construct 41 charging stations along the country’s main motorways by the end of 2025. These stations will be equipped with large batteries capable of storing up to three megawatts of green electricity, enabling charging powers of up to 400 kW. “EWR announced in December that it had founded a JV with TST to combine ‘expertise in the expansion of…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry into the effectiveness and safety of Lucid Motors’ recent recall solution following a safety recall announcement. The recall, issued in January for Lucid’s 2022 and 2023 Air models, addressed a high-voltage coolant heater error potentially affecting 2,042 vehicles. The defect could impede windshield defrosting, posing risks to driver visibility and increasing the likelihood of accidents. See also: Lucid Recalls Over 2,000 Air Sedans in the US Due to HVCH Concerns, Addresses with (OTA) Software Update In a official statement, Lucid Motors responded to the recall query, stating: “NHTSA’s Recall Query…

In response to consumer feedback, Mercedes-Benz is set to revamp its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with a renewed focus on aesthetic appeal, aiming to strike a balance between efficiency and style. Christoph Starzynski, Vice President of Car Engineering at Mercedes-Benz, affirmed the company’s responsiveness to customer input, stating, “We have had that comment, and we are taking this comment seriously.” He pointed to the Concept CLA as a preview of the brand’s evolving design ethos, indicating a departure from the ultra-smooth aesthetic towards more conventionally proportioned yet aerodynamically efficient models. Starzynski emphasized the significance of the Concept CLA in shaping…

German company Webasto has confirmed reports initially published by the German Handelsblatt regarding the sale of a majority stake in its charging solutions business. The purchase price for this transaction amounts to 250 million euros, although this information stems from “financial circles” rather than the involved parties themselves. According to Handelsblatt, Webasto’s charging cables, mobile charging stations, and wallboxes generated sales of 92 million euros, but also incurred an operating loss of 82 million euros. Investment bank Jefferies reportedly sought a buyer for almost two years before finalizing this partial sale, which will enable Webasto to refocus on its core…

Luxury automaker Genesis has made waves in the automotive world with the announcement of legendary racer Jacky Ickx joining its team, signaling a strategic move to revitalize the brand. However, during the presentation, keen observers noticed what appears to be a glimpse of the facelifted version of the GV60 electric SUV, inadvertently leaked by the brand. If confirmed, the subtle yet effective changes showcased in the leaked images could further align the GV60 with the Genesis family aesthetic. Despite being relatively recent to the market, the GV60 has enjoyed modest success since its launch a few years ago. Positioned alongside…

SAP, a prominent software company, has opted to remove Tesla vehicles from its fleet, citing concerns over price volatility and logistical challenges, according to a fleet manager’s statement. Steffen Krautwasser, fleet manager at SAP, expressed the company’s decision to discontinue Tesla as a company car supplier, highlighting the fluctuations in Tesla’s list prices as a significant factor impacting planning and posing heightened risks for SAP. “The list prices fluctuate more at Tesla than at other manufacturers, which makes planning more difficult and poses a higher risk for us,” Krautwasser stated. While Tesla’s consistent price reductions over the past two years…

The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant depreciation, prompting buyers to turn to the used car market for bargains. Notably, models like the Audi e-tron SUV, now renamed Q8 e-tron, and the Jaguar I-Pace, both once regarded as premium offerings, have seen substantial decreases in their pre-owned prices. In 2020, the Audi e-tron lineup started at nearly $80,000 for the Premium Plus grade, reaching over $84,000 for the Prestige trim with the Sportback rear-end design. Similarly, the Jaguar I-Pace ranged from $71,000 to $82,000, depending on the model variant. However, early examples of both models are now available in…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a postponement in the release of two crucial electric models due to unexpected consumer interest in its plug-in hybrid vehicles. This decision coincides with the company’s observation of robust demand for its inaugural electric Range Rover following the commencement of orders in December. Following a commendable performance in third-quarter fiscal sales, JLR disclosed its intention to introduce four new electric vehicles (EVs) within the next two years. Initially, Land Rover had outlined plans in 2021 to unveil six all-electric vehicles across its Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender lineups by 2026. CEO Adrian Mardell acknowledged…

Italian luxury car manufacturer Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephen Winkelmann, has unveiled the company’s ambitious vision for its forthcoming battery-electric vehicles (EVs). Winkelmann emphasized that these electric offerings will not only deliver exceptional performance but will also prioritize emotional appeal, mirroring the brand’s ethos. Scheduled for its debut in 2028, Lamborghini’s first foray into the EV market will feature the production version of the Lanzador GT crossover, with subsequent expansion into electric supercars. In a recent interview with Autocar, Winkelmann highlighted the comprehensive efforts of Lamborghini’s engineers in developing a diverse range of EVs, stressing the importance of not only raw power…

Siemens has launched new software designed to assist electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and their suppliers in predicting the performance of electric motors, including axial flux motors. Marketed as ‘Simcenter E-Machine Design’ by Siemens Digital Industries Software, the tool is part of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio and offers electromagnetic and thermal simulation capabilities to reduce reliance on physical prototyping. Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President of Simulation and Test Solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software, commented on the challenges facing the EV industry, stating, “By adopting cutting-edge simulation capabilities to develop new products and technologies in shorter timescales than ever achieved, the EV…

Rivian has recently announced an expansion in the battery options available for its flagship R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV models. The move comes just a month after the company debuted its second line of all-electric vehicles. In a bid to offer customers more choices, Rivian’s configurator now includes the Standard pack as a selectable option, alongside the previously available Large and Max packs. Additionally, the company introduced a new battery pack called Standard+, which promises increased range at a lower cost. See also: Rivian Conducts Cold Weather Testing on Potential R1T Pickup Truck Refresh Models Previously, Rivian’s configurator limited…

FedEx Express Europe has commenced a trial of a hydrogen-powered vehicle in its pickup and delivery operations in Utrecht, Netherlands. This marks the first time FedEx Express has explored hydrogen technologies in Europe, aiming to gain early insights into new solutions for sectors striving to decarbonize, with potential applications in transportation networks. The vehicle under trial, the Renault Master Van H2-TECH, is manufactured by HYVIA, a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug. It boasts the ability to be refueled in under 5 minutes with 6kg of hydrogen gas, powering a 30kW fuel cell that generates electricity for the eMotor.…

Polestar, the electric vehicle (EV) brand owned by Geely and Volvo, has seen its upcoming smartphone, developed in collaboration with Chinese tech company Meizu, listed on Google’s API website as compatible with the Play Store. The smartphone, touted to support drivers of Polestar’s new Polestar 4 crossover, has been making waves since its initial details and images were shared a few months ago. Details about the Polestar Phone remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that the device will operate on the Android platform and will offer support for Google Play services. At a media event in China last fall,…

Unplugged Performance, a Tesla-focused aftermarket parts brand, recently demonstrated the capabilities of the Tesla Cybertruck by using it to tow one of its Tesla race cars to an event and subsequently lapping the track in Baja mode. The company lauded these achievements as pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) capabilities, although opinions on their impressiveness may vary depending on one’s affinity for Tesla. Towing with an EV presents challenges, and while the Cybertruck boasts a promised towing capacity of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg), its actual maximum capacity falls short at 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg), still lower than some conventional…

Japanese firm Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB Traction have achieved a significant milestone in their collaborative effort to develop a massive, fully electric dump truck designed for demanding operations. The completion of their first prototype marks a key stage in the initiative initially announced in 2021, aiming to convert Hitachi’s fleet of 2500 HP EH4000 244-ton diesel mining trucks into electric vehicles. See also: First Mode Collaborates with ABB to Supply Battery Systems for Zero-Emission Dump Trucks The unique perspective taken by ABB involved not just focusing on the operational tasks but also on managing the energy required for the…

German electric vehicle developer ElectricBrands has filed for insolvency under self-administration as part of a strategy to completely reorganize the company. Based in Eppertshausen, ElectricBrands is on the verge of launching its lightweight electric vehicles in the market. The company filed an application for insolvency under self-administration with the Darmstadt Local Court, and provisional self-administration was ordered by the court on January 29, 2024. The restructuring process will also involve affiliated companies ElectricBrands Financial Service GmbH, Evetta GmbH, and XBUS GmbH. ElectricBrands, active in electric light vehicle development since 2018, attributes the insolvency to a recent increase in development costs…

In a recent development, Tesla has made a slight adjustment to the price of its upgraded Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) just weeks after its North American release. The vehicle, previously priced at $45,990 before options, now starts at $46,990. The Model 3 LR AWD is part of Tesla’s current offerings, which also include the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant priced at $38,990 before options. While the specific reason for the price increase has not been officially disclosed by Tesla, it coincides with a shift in the estimated delivery date for the LR AWD model…

Hyundai and Kia are currently conducting tests on a new aerodynamic feature for electric vehicles (EVs) known as the “Active Air Skirt.” This device aims to enhance range efficiency and provide increased stability at higher speeds, particularly for EVs built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The Active Air Skirt functions as a deployable flap positioned in front of a vehicle’s front tires and is currently being demonstrated on a Genesis GV60 crossover, a luxury brand under the Hyundai Motor Group. See also: Hyundai’s Latest Ioniq 5 Concept Takes Maneuverability to the Next Level with 360-Degree Spins and Beyond This…

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a stowable bed and roof rack system designed for pickup trucks and SUVs. The patent, named the “Folding Vehicle Rack system,” was submitted on December 27, 2022, and published on January 11, 2024. The patent outlines a simple yet innovative system comprising two vertical bars that clip into the sides of the vehicle bed. These bars are connected by hinged horizontal bars, forming U-shaped structures on each side of the bed. When dismantling, disconnecting the cross braces allows…

Stellantis, the global automotive company, has introduced its latest electric vehicle (EV) platform, the STLA Large, set to be employed in eight upcoming models, including the recently revealed Jeep Wagoneer S. The versatile chassis is tailored for diverse vehicles in the D and E segments, such as cars, crossovers, and SUVs. Comprising 400V and 800V variants, the STLA Large platform boasts an integrated battery with a substantial 118 kWh capacity, offering an estimated range of up to 800 km (~500 miles). For perspective, competing models like the Kia EV9, Tesla Model S P100D, and Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range feature…