Author: Floyd Hawkins

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled the Yuan UP, expanding its Dynasty range of vehicles, featuring the distinctive Dragon Face design language. In comparison to the Atto 3, the Yuan UP exhibits a slightly more rugged aesthetic, drawing parallels to the design approach seen in Jeep’s compact Avenger model. The unconventional appearance suggests potential popularity among a younger demographic. See also: BYD Unveils Official Images of New Yuan Up SUV as it Joins A0-Segment Lineup Official specifications from China indicate that the Yuan UP measures 4,310 mm (170 inches) in length, 1,830 mm (72 inches) in width, and stands at a…

German-Swiss multinational equipment manufacturer, Liebherr, has officially launched its initial foray into battery electric wheel loaders, introducing the L 507 E. This innovative high-voltage battery-powered system, specifically designed for wheel loader applications, offers an operational span of up to eight hours, contingent upon varying operating conditions. The modular battery concept allows for the optional installation of a second lithium-ion battery, extending the running time as per customer requirements. See also: Fortescue and Liebherr Unveil 1.4 MWh Battery System for 240t Electric Mining Haul Truck Promoted as a zero-emission and low-noise alternative for construction sites, the L 507 E boasts performance…

BYD has taken a significant step forward in establishing its first passenger EV production facility in Europe by finalizing a preliminary sales agreement for the chosen land in Hungary. Just two months after announcing Hungary as the preferred location, BYD is accelerating its plans to set up operations in the region. Entering 2024 as the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) volume, surpassing industry giant Tesla, BYD is gearing up to expand its footprint in Europe. Having entered the European market four years ago, BYD continues to introduce new EV models to compete with established players in the EU automotive…

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors, has confirmed that it is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. This revelation comes in the wake of a 2023 accident involving a Cruise-branded Chevy Bolt and a pedestrian, prompting scrutiny into Cruise’s response. Originally reported by TechCrunch and disclosed in a comprehensive 200-page report by Quinn Emanuel, a law firm hired by Cruise to evaluate its handling of the incident, the investigations are acknowledged, but details about their scope remain undisclosed. See also: General Motors Reportedly Ends Ultra Cruise Program as Focus…

General Motors is recalling 66 of its BrightDrop EV600 all-electric delivery vans following reports of fires caused by a manufacturing error in the front drive unit. The automaker initiated the recall after becoming aware of the issue on December 8, prompted by a fire incident reported a day earlier. Subsequent to the initial report, another fire incident at the front of one of the vehicles was reported on December 13, leading GM to launch an investigation into the front drive units. The company determined that a manufacturing error during a specific production window may have resulted in the installation of…

In response to evolving customer preferences in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Hyundai has extended its sporty N Line trim to the Kona Electric, marking the first instance of performance styling options for one of the brand’s EV models. It is important to note that this introduction is primarily a styling exercise and not indicative of a full-fledged N derivative, akin to the gas-powered Kona N. The N Line treatment introduces a more dynamic aesthetic with aggressive front and rear bumpers, gloss black mirror caps, distinctive 19-inch wheels, and an optional two-tone black roof—features not found on other models. Interior…

European car rental company SIXT has recently finalized an agreement with automotive manufacturer Stellantis, securing 250,000 vehicles for its fleet. The deal encompasses a variety of Stellantis brands, such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, and Maserati. Notably, some of the acquired units will be electric vehicles (EVs), aligning with both companies’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The collaboration comes shortly after SIXT’s decision to phase out Tesla electric vehicles from its fleet, opting for a diverse range of offerings from Stellantis. In a press release on Tuesday, SIXT announced plans…

Mercury Marine showcased its latest electric outboard motor models, the Avator 75e and 110e, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, expanding its electric propulsion offerings for larger vessels. With the introduction of these two models, Mercury now completes its five-model lineup, featuring the Avator 7.5e, 20e, and 35e. This development marks a significant step for electric boating enthusiasts, offering enhanced power for higher performance and larger boats. See also: Kempower and Aqua Superpower Team Up for Electric Boat Charging Solutions John Buelow, President of Mercury Marine, expressed excitement about unveiling the Avator 75e and 110e at CES,…

In response to rising living costs, millions of individuals may be trimming down on streaming subscriptions, but this economic constraint is not reflected in BMW’s recent sales performance. The German automaker has just announced its best-ever annual sales figures, asserting that the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) remains on track, in contrast to a slowdown seen by other brands in the electric car sector. For the year 2023, the BMW Group successfully sold 2,555,341 vehicles encompassing BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands, marking a noteworthy 6.5 percent increase from the previous year’s figures. December alone saw sales surge by over 10…

Kansas has secured $39.5 million from President Biden’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, aimed at expanding the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS) announced the allocation of over $4.6 million in federal funds for the establishment of six strategically selected EV charging locations, addressing gaps along major highways and the interstate system. The NEVI Formula program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with $5 billion over five years, aims to assist U.S. states in establishing a comprehensive network of EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. See also: Ohio Inaugurates First EV Charging…

ScotRail, the Scottish train operator, is set to implement charges at all charging points within its parking network starting January 8, 2024. The move is aimed at dissuading non-rail users from occupying the charging locations, a recurring concern raised by ScotRail customers. Additionally, the provision of free charging at ScotRail stations currently incurs an annual cost of approximately £700,000 for the train operator. The new fee structure will entail a charge of 43 pence per kilowatt hour, a rate comparable to that of most local authorities, according to ScotRail. The operator clarifies that these charges are intended to assist in…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Yuanhang Auto, part of the Dayun Group, unveiled its Y6 all-electric sedan on December 28, targeting the high-end segment of the EV market. Priced between RMB 329,800 and RMB 529,800 yuan (approximately €42,000 to €68,000), the Y6 boasts a noteworthy feature – an impressive 1,020 km range. Measuring 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, the Y6 presents itself as a sizable sedan. Characterized by a grille-less design, a fastback silhouette, frameless doors, and through-type taillights, the Y6 seeks to stand out in…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is reportedly preparing to introduce a second interior trim option for the Cybertruck, specifically for those who opt for the Foundation Series model. An image shared on the Cybertruck Owners Forum, sourced from the Cybertruck’s ordering page, showcases the Foundation Series version featuring what Tesla terms as ‘Tactical Grey’ décor. Contrary to the previously observed dark grey leather cabins with white dashboards and accents in other Cybertrucks, the Tactical Grey configuration replaces the white trim with subtler grey materials on the dash and door panels. Notably, a ‘Foundation Series’ badge is visible on the dashboard. See…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng has officially introduced its first Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) model, the X9, designed to target the family car market with its emphasis on spacious interiors, high safety standards, and smart driving capabilities. Unveiled at a launch event in Guangzhou, the X9 is priced at RMB 359,800 ($50,680) for the base model, with additional versions priced at RMB 379,800, RMB 399,800, and RMB 419,800. The starting price is notably RMB 28,200 lower than the pre-sale price of RMB 388,000, a strategy commonly used by Chinese EV manufacturers. Xpeng revealed that deliveries of the X9 will commence…

Volkswagen Anhui, the Chinese joint venture primarily owned by German automaker Volkswagen, has initiated the production of its inaugural electric vehicle (EV), the Cupra Tavascan. This move underscores the venture’s strategic focus on leveraging the local industry chain to manufacture electric vehicles for both European and Chinese consumers. The Cupra Tavascan, an all-electric model designed for export to the European market, has recently entered production. Additionally, Volkswagen Anhui plans to roll out another Volkswagen-branded electric model for the Chinese market in 2024, according to a report in Anhui Daily. Established in 2017, Volkswagen Anhui represents Volkswagen’s first joint venture in…

Chinese automaker Geely marked a milestone on December 23 as the initial batch of its Zeekr 007 mass-produced pure electric sedans rolled off the production line in China. The vehicle, available for presale since November’s Guangzhou Auto Show at a starting price of 229,900 yuan (31,800 USD), is set to launch two versions, standard (CLTC 688 km) and ultra-long-range (CLTC 870 km), on December 27, with deliveries scheduled to commence on January 1, 2024. Designed with Geely’s new minimalist design language, Hidden Energy, the Zeekr 007 boasts a medium-sized sedan profile, measuring 4880(4865)/1900/1450 mm with a 2928 mm wheelbase and…

Volvo has initiated the prototype production of its forthcoming luxury electric sedan, tentatively named the ES90, also known internally as the V551. The leak, originating from Volvo’s internal board, featured an image of the V551 team alongside a prominently displayed “CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRET” sign underlining the significance of the project, with a banner reading “Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration.” Initial reports by Swedish outlet TeknikensVärld divulged notable technical specifications, including a 111 kWh battery (with 107 kWh usable), an estimated range of 600 km (372 miles), a 3100mm wheelbase, a curb weight of 2600 kg (approximately 5700 lbs),…

General Motors (GM) has announced a further nine-month delay in the start of production for its electric vehicle (EV) drive unit at the Toledo plant. This decision follows GM’s previous postponement of production for the Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra EV. Surprisingly, workers at the plant seem receptive to the delay. On Wednesday, GM informed Toledo plant employees about the extended timeline, aligning the start of production more closely with the Orion Assembly plant’s commencement of work on the Silverado and Sierra EVs. See also: General Motors to Shift Focus to Larger Bolt EUV Amid Strong Sales Performance Formerly…

Volvo’s highly anticipated electric SUV, the EX30, is experiencing a delay in its launch in China, with the expected rollout now pushed back to 2024. Originally slated to hit the Chinese market by the end of this year, the electric vehicle (EV) will now open orders in January, leading to a shift in its anticipated delivery timeline. The postponement has prompted the removal of the EX30 from consideration in the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) awards. Reservations for the compact electric crossover are now expected to commence after the new year, causing it to miss…

The opening of the initial electric vehicle (EV) charging station, part of President Joe Biden’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, has been announced in Ohio. The station, situated at a Pilot Travel Center in Madison County, west of Columbus, was installed by EVgo and features four charging stalls capable of delivering up to 350 kW for a single EV or 175 kW when four EVs are charging simultaneously. See also: Biden-Harris Launch $2.5B Program to Expand EV Charging and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Ohio is anticipated to receive up to $140 million in NEVI funds over a five-year period, with…