Author: Floyd Hawkins

Kia has recently disclosed the pricing details for its upcoming 2025 EV5 in China, positioning it as a formidable contender against the Tesla Model Y. Launched last Friday, the entry-level EV5 model, dubbed the 530 series, comes in three grades: the 530 Light, the 530 Air, and the 530 Land. Remarkably, the base model starts at a competitive 149,800 yuan (~$20,900), nearly half the price of the Tesla Model Y’s base RWD model, which begins at 266,400 yuan (~$37,000). The entry-level EV5 is equipped with BYD’s LFP Blade battery boasting a 64.2 kWh capacity, a 160 kW (215 hp) and…

New York State is gearing up to become the latest battleground for autonomous vehicles (AVs) as Waymo announces plans to commence testing in Buffalo. The revelation has stirred an intense response from the Teamsters union, signaling its intent to lobby legislators against permitting what it deems “unsafe robotaxis” on the streets. The Teamsters, actively involved in opposing driverless testing of trucks in California, now turns its attention to the potential deployment of AVs on the other side of the United States. Waymo’s Nov. 6 blog post disclosed the company’s intention to conduct testing in regions with different driving cultures and…

Despite a recent economic downturn and a global slowdown in electric vehicle demand, South Korea’s three major battery companies have collectively invested over 16 trillion won (US$12.34 billion) this year, doubling last year’s figure. The substantial surge in investments, confirmed by industry sources on November 19, reflects a resilient commitment to long-term perspectives on electric vehicles, even in the face of temporary market challenges. LG Energy Solution emerged as the leader in investment during the third quarter, contributing 7.65 trillion won, followed by SK On with 6.66 trillion won and Samsung SDI with 2.44 trillion won. Notably, SK On experienced…

Tesla is making strides in the expansion of its V4 Supercharger network across the United States, following its earlier debut in Europe this year. Recent sightings indicate that V4 Superchargers are now becoming increasingly available in various states, with reports of installations in Oregon, Nevada, and Alabama. Notably, a new V4 Supercharger was recently spotted in Atlanta, Georgia, as highlighted by YouTuber Kim Java. The V4 Superchargers have garnered attention for their enhanced design, featuring an integrated Magic Dock (or CCS-1 adapter), a digital credit card reader, and a compact display. In addition to a sleeker and more streamlined structure,…

Fisker, the California-based automaker, has announced that its upcoming sub-$30,000 electric vehicle, the Pear EV, is set to feature a cutting-edge digital see-through A-pillar designed to improve visibility and safety. Scheduled for production in Ohio starting July 2025, the system utilizes a surround-view camera setup to capture obscured areas during left-hand turns, providing a live image feed to an interior display. While no visuals of the feature in action were released, Fisker plans to showcase the innovation on a production-intent model at its flagship Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles. The Pear EV, along with the Alaska pickup prototype,…

ChargeZone, an EV charging company, has introduced the country’s inaugural “SuperCharging Network.” Set to roll out this month, the network will feature the first charging stations, boasting capacities of 180 kW and 360 kW, equipped with two and four charging points, respectively. ChargeZone’s charging points are designed to deliver 60 kW at 200 amps for each charge point in the 360 kW stations, and the company underscores the capability of at least one charge point to provide 400/500 A DC current—an innovative feature in the Indian market. A distinguishing factor in ChargeZone’s approach is the incorporation of liquid cooling technology…

Tenet announced the successful conclusion of a funding round exceeding $30 million, comprising over $10 million in Series A investment and a $20 million warehouse debt facility. Nyca Partners, a venture capital firm, led the Series A funding round, which aims to facilitate the expansion of Tenet’s electric vehicle (EV) financing product. The funds will also be utilized to scale TenetConnect, the company’s recently launched digital renewable energy platform designed to reduce EV charging costs on owners’ utility bills. Assurant Ventures and Giant Ventures, alongside new and existing investors, participated in the Series A funding. Silicon Valley Bank provided a…

Quantron AG and Oilinvest Group, through their subsidiaries operating under the Tamoil and HEM brands, have entered into a strategic joint venture named “Hemtron.” The venture aims to establish a comprehensive network of hydrogen (H2) filling stations across Europe, providing a foundation for the growing demand for zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Oilinvest subsidiaries, which oversee approximately 2,450 petrol stations under the Tamoil brand in Europe, including Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, will collaborate with Quantron to set up H2 filling stations. In Germany, the Group operates petrol stations under its HEM brand. The partners plan to develop…

Propel Bikes and Vela Bikes have joined forces to establish Bloom, a collaborative venture focused on strengthening e-bike manufacturing in the United States. Based in Detroit, this strategic move signals a departure from the industry’s reliance on international manufacturing, emphasizing local production, assembly, delivery, and servicing of light electric vehicles. The founding of Bloom is a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disruptions in the global supply chain that impacted overseas manufacturing. By introducing domestic contract manufacturing, Bloom seeks to empower partner brands with increased control over their supply chains and shorter production windows. This shift…

Luxeed, the electric vehicle (EV) brand jointly developed by Huawei and Chery, has reported significant pre-order interest for its inaugural model, the Luxeed S7. As of today, the Luxeed S7 has amassed over 10,000 pre-orders, according to an announcement made by Luxeed on Weibo. The Luxeed S7, a mid-to-large size all-electric sedan, was officially introduced at a launch event on November 9, with the official market launch scheduled for November 28. Positioned as the electrified equivalent of BMW, Luxeed’s collaboration with Huawei underscores the tech giant’s foray into the burgeoning EV market. The Luxeed S7, the first sedan jointly produced…

In a distinctive move, Tesla introduces “Giga Sounds,” a musical endeavor integrating sounds sourced from its factories into a captivating composition. The auditory experience, comprising alarms, car honks, human voices, and industrial sounds, creates an intriguing fusion that, when listened to without context, could easily be mistaken for synthesized music rather than an amalgamation of manufacturing noises. The origin of the audio remains unclear, with no confirmation on whether it stems from a specific Tesla factory or combines sounds from multiple plants. The uncertainty adds an air of mystery to the project, leaving enthusiasts curious about the unique sonic elements…

Pepper Motion has officially announced its strategic move to establish a significant manufacturing facility in India, confirming previous reports. The German company is set to undertake a fully integrated vertical production in Andhra Pradesh, converting diesel buses and trucks to electric and manufacturing new electric vehicles and batteries. News of Pepper Motion’s investment initially surfaced on social media, with reports indicating that Andhra Pradesh had greenlit an investment of 46.4 billion rupees (approximately 525 million euros) for an industrial complex in Punganur. The proposed facility is expected to generate around 8,000 jobs, focusing on the conversion and assembly of electric…

Nio is reportedly in deliberation regarding its potential entry into the North American market by the year 2025. The information, disclosed by Nio US CEO Ganesh Iyer at the Reuters Events Automotive USA 2023 conference, highlighted the company’s contemplation of various partnership possibilities as part of its strategic approach to North American expansion. Speaking at the conference, Iyer emphasized the significance of building infrastructure before introducing Nio’s EVs to the North American market. This consideration aligns with Nio’s commitment to delivering an “immersive user experience” as a distinguishing factor for the brand, as conveyed by Iyer in statements reported by…

A recent confirmation by IDRA Group, the Italian manufacturer of high-pressure die-casting machines, reveals that Volvo Cars has acquired two 9,000-ton giga press machines for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) factory in Košice, Slovakia. The move aligns with the growing industry trend of utilizing giga presses, pioneered by Tesla, to enhance the cost-effective mass production of electric vehicles. IDRA Group, known for supplying Tesla with similar equipment for the Model Y and Cybertruck, announced the contract on its LinkedIn page, describing the 9,000-ton aluminum casting machines as a substantial leap forward in automotive manufacturing technology. The machines are anticipated to…

Samsung SDI, the battery-making arm of South Korean tech conglomerate Samsung, and automotive giant Volvo are commemorating their successful five-year partnership. The collaboration, initiated in 2018, recently saw Samsung SDI becoming a direct supplier of electric vehicle (EV) battery cells to Volvo. During a visit by Volvo’s President and CEO to Samsung SDI’s battery plant in Cheonan, the two companies announced their commitment to continue collaborating on crucial EV technologies. Furthermore, there are plans to broaden their partnership, encompassing the manufacturing of construction equipment and energy storage systems. Volvo’s FM Electric truck, introduced last year, utilizes Samsung’s 21700 high-nickel cylindrical…

Switzerland has announced its decision to terminate the tax exemption for electric vehicles (EVs), with the new policy scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024. The Swiss Federal Council revealed this move in a press release on Wednesday, stating that EVs will be subjected to a 4 percent import duty, aligning them with other vehicles. The council highlighted that the exemption, in place since 1997, is deemed unnecessary due to the rapid growth in EV adoption. “The Federal Council takes the view that the exemption from duty as an incentive is no longer necessary, given the sharp rise in…

Redwood Materials has recently expanded its recycling endeavors to encompass stationary energy storage systems, marking a pivotal development in its mission to promote sustainability. The company, known for its comprehensive battery recycling initiatives, is making notable strides in the sector, notably with its recent collaboration with the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). The partnership with KIUC centered on a decommissioning project for a first-generation energy storage system located at the Anahola station, initially initiated by the Anahola Solar Initiative. This project involved the recycling of a substantial 4.6 MWh battery storage system and represents a significant step forward for Redwood…

Peugeot has recently revealed its revamped range of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), and among them, the E-Rifter stands out as a notable addition. This latest iteration of the minivan combines a more distinctive design, upgraded technological features, and a modest boost in driving range while retaining the familiar electric powertrain from its predecessor. The E-Rifter serves as the passenger version of the E-Partner LCV, and both models have adopted a new approach to their exterior styling. One of the key visual updates on the E-Rifter is its redesigned headlights, which now sport triple LED “claws” set against a black backdrop.…

Atos, the global technology and digital services company, unveiled its integral role in advancing ACC’s lithium-ion battery manufacturing capabilities. ACC, an emerging player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, is gearing up to produce over two million lithium-ion batteries annually. To meet this ambitious target, ACC recognized the crucial need for a “best-in-class IT infrastructure.” Atos’ involvement in this strategic initiative extends to its teams in Bordeaux, which will be responsible for project management and systems expertise. Renowned for their proficiency in managed infrastructure services, these teams are well-positioned to ensure the project’s seamless execution. Furthermore, Atos’ Global Delivery…

BMW, the renowned Bavarian automaker, is gearing up to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio with a range of new models, according to credible insider information. The company’s strategic move towards electrification is set to include the introduction of a new i3 sedan, alongside enhanced versions of the iX3, iX4, and iX5 SUVs. As reported by a reputable source on the Bimmerpost forum, the upcoming next-generation i3 (NA0) and iX3 (NA5) will be available in a variety of configurations, including the 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50xDrive, and M60 xDrive trims. The closely related iX4 (NA7) is expected to come exclusively…