Author: Floyd Hawkins

Tesla’s much-anticipated Cybertruck appears to be delivering on its claim to navigate water with a feature aptly named “Wade Mode.” The electric vehicle manufacturer asserts that this mode “pressurizes the battery pack,” allowing the pickup truck to traverse through water. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has previously made unconventional claims about the ability of Tesla vehicles to float, even suggesting they could serve as makeshift boats. While such statements were not taken seriously in the past, the Cybertruck’s off-road focus seems to lend some credibility to Musk’s assertions. Last year, Musk declared that the Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough” to briefly…

Luxury automaker Genesis has introduced an entry-level Advanced trim for its all-electric 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 sedan, offering consumers a more affordable option. Priced at $75,570, the Advanced trim is $5,380 cheaper than the previous model, providing an enticing proposition for prospective buyers. Genesis initially launched the Electrified G80 in 2021, marking the brand’s foray into the all-electric segment. The 2023 model, starting at $80,900, featured a 282-mile range, a premium interior, and an array of features. Responding to market dynamics, the addition of the new Advanced trim aims to broaden the model’s appeal with a more accessible starting point.…

A recent study based on EV-Volumes data, shared by researcher Jose Pontes, reveals that global registrations of plug-in electric cars in October approached 1.3 million units, closely trailing the September record. The report indicates that 1,279,000 new passenger plug-in electric cars were registered globally in October, marking a 37% increase compared to the previous year and falling just short of the September figure by approximately 12,000 units. The study highlights the growing popularity of rechargeable cars, constituting 17% of total global car registrations, with all-electric cars accounting for 12% and plug-in hybrids representing 5%. Notably, the year-over-year growth rates are…

In response to customer feedback regarding the perceived lackluster nature of Tesla’s 2023 Holiday Update, the electric vehicle manufacturer has addressed concerns by introducing additional features to enhance user experience. The initial release notes for version 2023.44.25 primarily highlighted quality-of-life improvements, prompting some Tesla owners to express dissatisfaction on social media. Tesla’s official software tracker, Teslascope, clarified that the initially disclosed release notes did not encompass specific changes for vehicles running Full Self-Driving Beta. Furthermore, Teslascope suggested that more features might be forthcoming, alleviating concerns raised by Tesla enthusiasts. Acknowledging customer discontent, Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to a post…

A coalition of industry groups, including the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, has called on the U.S. Transportation Department to provide robust support for the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs). In a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the groups emphasized the critical juncture at which the AV industry currently finds itself, asserting that strong leadership from the department is essential. The letter highlighted the importance of the U.S. maintaining its competitive edge in the AV sector, especially in the face of aggressive investments and technological advancements by countries like…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng is currently offering a time-limited promotion on its flagship sedan, the P7i, following the recent introduction of more affordable variants. The company has announced a reduction of up to RMB 26,000 ($3,630) on all versions of the P7i, effectively lowering the starting price of the Max version to RMB 224,900. Customers opting for P7i versions with a range of 702 km and 610 km are eligible for various discounts, including a RMB 10,000 cash subsidy (or a 24-period 0 percent interest loan), a RMB 5,000 insurance subsidy, and a complimentary Dynaudio stereo valued at RMB…

General Motors (GM) has announced plans to discontinue the smaller Chevrolet Bolt EV in favor of its larger counterpart, the Bolt EUV, due to the overwhelming popularity of the crossover model. Despite the success of the Bolt EV in achieving its best sales year to date, GM officials confirmed that the upcoming next-generation Bolt, set to debut in 2025, will exclusively feature the larger EUV variant. A GM spokesperson acknowledged the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming release, stating, “We are glad to see the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt. We will share details as we get closer to its launch…

Brazilian company Moya Aero has achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight of its electric vertical landing and takeoff vehicle (eVTOL), marking the commencement of the flight testing phase. The event took place over the SDA4 airfield near São José dos Campos, Brazil, signaling a crucial step before the eVTOLs are slated to enter service in 2026. Designed as high-capacity, autonomous cargo drones, Moya Aero’s eVTOLs have a payload capacity of up to 440 pounds and a travel range of 68 miles. The electric vehicles aim to address logistical challenges and provide access to hard-to-reach locations, offering potential…

Electreon has successfully finalized the construction of a wireless charging solution for parked electric city buses. The innovative solution has been implemented at a bus terminal owned by public transport operator Electra Afikim in Rosh HaAyin, Israel. The wireless charging system enables electric buses to charge inductively without the need for plugging in a cable, allowing for continuous charging throughout the day. Electreon managed the entire project, overseeing electrical infrastructure, obtaining necessary permits, and conducting civil engineering work. Additionally, the company implemented its charging software to remotely manage and monitor the wireless charging of electric buses at the terminal. Electra…

Following the first deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck, the electric automaker has unveiled official add-ons for new owners, including the Range Extender. This accessory aims to enhance the Cybertruck’s range, originally promised to be close to 500 miles when the concept was revealed in 2019. However, questions arise about its cost and practicality, particularly concerning its weight and ease of handling. Online discussions express concerns about lifting the Range Extender in and out of the Cybertruck’s bed due to the potential added weight, considering batteries’ inherent heaviness. EPA-sourced documents suggest the Cybertruck’s main battery has an estimated 123 kWh usable…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio disclosed that it delivered 15,959 vehicles in November, maintaining a steady trend compared to the 16,074 units delivered in October. The figures indicate a 12.56% year-on-year increase, with a marginal 0.72% decline from the previous month. Breaking down the November deliveries, Nio distributed 10,545 SUVs and 5,414 sedans. The company’s product lineup includes the ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and ET5 Touring, encompassing both SUVs and sedans. As of the end of November, Nio’s year-to-date deliveries reached 142,026 units, reflecting a notable 33.14% year-on-year growth. The cumulative deliveries since the company’s inception…

Range anxiety, a common concern among potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers, tends to decrease significantly after ownership, according to a survey conducted by Recurrent Auto. The study, based on data from around 17,000 EVs in the United States, indicated that range anxiety peaks for individuals approximately 1-2 years away from purchasing their first battery-powered car but steadily diminishes over time. The survey, which involved over 250 EV drivers and prospective buyers, found that 78% of current electric car owners experienced a reduction in range anxiety as they became more familiar with their vehicles. In contrast, 76% of individuals considering an…

Hyundai Auto Canada has disclosed the pricing details for its upcoming 2024 Kona Electric, the battery-powered variant of the latest Kona generation. The base model of this electric vehicle will commence at $46,399, while the fully-equipped Ultimate trim is set to start at $51,199. The extensively revamped Kona promises an array of enhanced features and technological advancements, all within a competitively priced range. Fitted with a 64.8 kWh battery, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric boasts an estimated range of 420 kilometers, along with impressive acceleration facilitated by its 150 kW (201 HP) electric motor. Standard features on the 2024 Hyundai…

oyota and its affiliated companies are set to sell approximately 700 billion yen (US$4.7 billion) worth of shares in automotive parts supplier Denso. The sale, equivalent to around 10 percent of Denso, will see Toyota retain its position as the largest stakeholder despite divesting about half of its shares. Toyota Industries and Aisin, subsidiaries of the automaker, will contribute to the share sale. Denso, in response to the impending share offload, plans to repurchase some of the sold shares to prevent a significant drop in its stock price. However, early reports have already led to a 4.9 percent decline in…

Belgium’s public transport company, De Lijn, has entered into a framework contract spanning eight years for the acquisition of up to 1,600 new depot charging points to facilitate the charging of electric buses. The contract, recently granted, is a collaboration between two providers: ABB and SPIE-Ekoenergetyka. This substantial order for electric bus chargers in Belgium is the result of a partnership between SPIE Belgium and Ekoenergetyka, a Polish charging infrastructure manufacturer. Notably, De Lijn had previously procured 252 charging stations from SPIE-Ekoenergetyka approximately a year ago. The newly introduced framework agreement envisages the initial acquisition of 320 to 490 charging…

Volkswagen’s pursuit of enhanced competitiveness in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market seems poised for a new addition, as revealed by a recent trademark filing with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The filing, dated November 11, 2023, for the name “ID. Cross” suggests the imminent arrival of a potential electric crossover or SUV in Volkswagen’s expanding ID family. As global electric vehicle sales continue to ascend, automakers like Volkswagen are strategically diversifying their EV offerings to stay abreast of market trends. The recent trademark filing sparks curiosity about the specific details of the forthcoming ID. Cross model, as no…

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is scheduled to engage in discussions with Chinese leadership in Beijing on Friday, focusing on people-to-people exchanges, but overshadowed by escalating trade tensions following the launch of a European Union anti-subsidy probe into Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). Amidst concerns over the EU investigation, labeled as “protectionist” by Beijing, Colonna’s dialogue with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is anticipated to navigate the strained trade relations. This visit precedes the upcoming in-person summit between European Commission and Council presidents Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel and Chinese President Xi Jinping in early December. See also: France…

French automaker Renault Trucks has initiated the mass production of its all-electric E-Tech T and E-Tech C trucks, designed for regional distribution and urban construction, respectively. The electric models, unveiled in November 2022, are now being manufactured at the company’s plant in Bourg-en-Bresse, France. The electric trucks incorporate battery cells and modules from Samsung SDI, assembled at a new facility in Ghent, Belgium, owned by the Volvo Group, which includes Renault Trucks. Volvo Trucks commenced series production of its FH Electric, FM Electric, and FMX Electric heavy-duty models in Ghent in September 2023. See also: Renault opens orders for 2…

Tesla said its ongoing efforts to bring the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature to China, marking the first explicit acknowledgment of the initiative by the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. This development comes amidst a series of new policies in China’s autonomous driving sector. According to a report from China Fund News, Tesla responded affirmatively to inquiries regarding the progress of introducing FSD in the country. Speculation regarding FSD’s potential arrival in China has been fueled by recent policy changes in autonomous driving. Several Chinese government departments have jointly issued notices allowing vehicles supporting L3 and L4 autonomous driving conditions to conduct…

In Europe and Asia, the growing appreciation for electric bicycles in urban commuting has led to an array of options, from cargo bikes to lightweight fitness e-bikes. German brand Geos enters the scene with its latest offering, the Geos e-bike, a stylish and practical choice for those seeking a sleek urban mobility solution. Characterized by a minimalist and almost retro-inspired design, the Geos e-bike features slim tubing and streamlined geometry, creating an elegant aesthetic. Constructed with a steel frame, the bike maintains a lightweight profile, weighing less than 15 kilograms. This weight efficiency is attributed to a carbon fork and…