Author: Floyd Hawkins

Volvo has revealed the prices for its entire 2024 lineup, introducing electrifying enhancements to its popular C40 and XC40 Recharge electric models. For the first time in a quarter-century, Volvo is making a significant stride by offering a rear-wheel drive variant in the United States, alongside other notable improvements. The Swedish automaker has heeded the most pressing demands from its customers – increased range and expedited charging times. This significant leap forward comes with the introduction of all-new, in-house developed electric powertrain options. Volvo’s freshly minted Single Motor Extended Range C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge come equipped with a potent…

As concerns mount over a potential slowdown in the global electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate, the world’s largest lithium producers have reaffirmed their bullish outlook on the long-term demand for this crucial battery material, despite recent price drops. Lithium giants, including LG Energy Solution, General Motors, and Honda, have, in recent weeks, adjusted their EV expansion plans, partially in response to rising interest rates, which have subsequently sparked fears of a supply surplus in the lithium market. A basket of lithium prices, which exhibits regional and type-based variations and is monitored by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, has witnessed a drop of…

An intriguing video has surfaced, revealing the Tesla Cybertruck’s capability to execute a distinctive ‘crab walk’ maneuver. Joe Tegtmeyer, an ardent Tesla enthusiast who closely monitors activities at the Gigafactory in Texas, recorded this footage, sparking curiosity and conjecture regarding concealed functionalities within this electric pickup truck. The footage captured the Cybertruck undergoing what appears to be a test, with the vehicle temporarily halted, potentially for the adjustment of driving settings or mode selection. Subsequently, the Cybertruck began to move in a diagonal direction, reminiscent of a driving technique referred to as ‘crab walking.’ https://twitter.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/1719772718709576087 This particular maneuver, famously demonstrated…

Tesla has issued a recall for 4,787 imported Model X electric vehicles in China due to concerns related to brake fluid sensor calibration. The recall, initiated on October 20, 2023, was announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The affected vehicles, produced between October 13, 2021, and September 28, 2023, may not adequately alert drivers to low brake fluid levels due to issues with the calibration range of the brake fluid level sensor signal received by the vehicle controller. The safety concern stems from the possibility that this failure to alert drivers could compromise the vehicle’s braking system,…

Tesla has raised the price of its Model X Plaid all-wheel drive in the United States to $94,990, up from $89,990, according to information available on the company’s website as of Thursday. This adjustment comes just a day after Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed mixed feelings about the company’s pricing strategy in a climate of increasing interest rates. “We’ve managed to maintain demand through a series of price cuts, but rising interest rates are a concern for affordability,” Elon Musk stated. He pointed out that higher financing costs have essentially neutralized any consumer benefit from previous price cuts on Tesla’s…

Scania, the Swedish automotive manufacturer, has initiated the series production of its electric trucks designed for regional transport in Södertälje, Sweden. First introduced in June 2022, these electric trucks, with a gross vehicle weight of up to 64 tonnes, have undergone significant enhancements, according to the recent announcement by Scania. The improvements include the incorporation of new electric drive systems with five power levels ranging from 270 kW to 400 kW, along with updated batteries featuring cells sourced from Northvolt. These batteries will be assembled into packs at Scania’s battery assembly plant in Södertälje, enabling these electric trucks to achieve…

Ford has recently revealed that it will reduce the production rate of its all-electric F-150 Lightning. This announcement comes despite the company securing 200,000 reservations for the electric vehicle (EV) in less than six months after orders began in early 2022. The decision to slow down production is attributed to supply chain disruptions and quality checks, but also shines a light on the rising politicization of electric vehicles in the United States. Bill Ford, the company’s executive chair, discussed the complexities of the current U.S. EV market in a recent interview with The New York Times. “EV sales are still…

Tesla has initiated the release of its latest software update for its vehicles, as per its routine practice of delivering new features and enhancements. Among the notable additions is an automatic hazard light function, aimed at improving visibility in the event of an accident. Tesla demonstrated the new hazard lights feature on its North America X account through a video posted on Tuesday. This feature is part of the software update 2023.32.7, which is now being deployed to Tesla vehicles, bringing several improvements. https://twitter.com/tesla_na/status/1709225468195426405 With this update, Tesla’s hazard lights are designed to activate automatically if an airbag deploys during…

France has signaled reluctance to postpone the implementation of post-Brexit tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) traded between the United Kingdom and the European Union, potentially affecting carmakers in both regions. This stance comes as a consequence of the EU-UK post-Brexit trade deal, which mandates that EVs must contain at least 45% EU or British content from 2024, with a higher requirement of 50%-60% for their battery cells and packs. Failure to meet these criteria would result in the imposition of import tariffs of 10% by either the UK or the EU. The challenge lies in the fact that neither British…

Ford has made significant adjustments to its production plans for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, impacting both dealer orders and the manufacturing process. While this may pose challenges for potential buyers looking to purchase the 2023 model from dealership lots, the company has assured that they are preparing to ramp up production for the 2024 F-150 Lightning later this year. According to Marty Gunsberg, a representative from Ford, the company has decided to cancel certain dealer orders for the 2023 F-150 Lightning that were not submitted as pre-sold units. This strategic move aligns with their focus on fulfilling existing customer…

In the realm of automotive enthusiasts, there exists a fascination with videos showcasing before-and-after transformations, whether through meticulous detailing or the mesmerizing process of dry-ice blasting. However, perhaps the most captivating of all are the videos that capture the artistry of a paintless dent repair specialist at work, breathing new life into damaged body panels without the need for extensive metal replacement or time-consuming paintwork. A recent video featuring the talents of Matt “Dent Slayer” Boyette stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring capabilities of paintless dent repair. In this particular instance, Boyette undertook the formidable challenge of restoring a…

According to data released by the company, Zeekr achieved the delivery of 12,053 vehicles in September. This figure represents an impressive 45.64 percent year-on-year increase, underscoring the company’s continued momentum in the market. It is noteworthy, however, that this total marked a marginal decrease of 2.03 percent compared to the previous month, August. Zooming out to the third quarter as a whole, Zeekr reported a remarkable record of 36,395 vehicle deliveries, reflecting a robust 77.85 percent year-on-year growth and a substantial 32.83 percent surge from the second quarter. Taking a broader perspective, Zeekr’s cumulative deliveries for the period from January…

Honda has launched a captivating new advertising campaign titled “Keep Dreaming,” aiming to strike a balance between honoring its storied past and offering a glimpse into the future. The commercial embarks on a cinematic voyage, celebrating Honda’s commitment to environmental stewardship, all while subtly showcasing the forthcoming 2024 Prologue EV. The journey commences with a 1975 Civic, equipped with a groundbreaking 1.5-liter CVCC engine. Notably, this engine was the first to meet the stringent emissions standards of the U.S. Clean Air Act without relying on a catalytic converter. As the commercial unfolds, it pays homage to the 1999 Honda Insight,…

Skoda, the Czech automaker, is set to introduce significant updates to its Enyaq lineup for the 2024 models. These upgrades encompass a fresh design approach in line with Skoda’s evolving brand identity, accompanied by a notable alteration – the removal of the “iV” designation from the vehicle’s name, though the electric essence remains integral. The most exciting enhancements come in the form of improved electric motors, advanced battery management, and, notably, extended driving ranges. See also: Skoda Unveils Enyaq Coupe Respectline to Celebrate Pride Month Replacing its predecessor, the Enyaq 85 takes the helm as the new base model. Impressively,…

The Tesla Semi, long met with skepticism by some, has shown its mettle in recent independent testing, signaling its potential to disrupt the traditional diesel-powered semi-truck market. These independent tests occurred within the framework of the Run On Less event organized by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE). Three of PepsiCo’s 21 Tesla Semis stationed in Sacramento participated in the program. Over the course of 18 days, these electric trucks completed daily runs, with their performance statistics reported back to NACFE, which promptly shared the results on its website. See also: PepsiCo’s Tesla Semis Cover 1,600 Miles in…

In a collaborative effort with Veolia, Kingston Council is set to introduce a fleet of 27 new electric collection vehicles this September, replacing their existing diesel models. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Kingston Council’s steadfast commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2030, maintaining their pledge despite shifting decarbonization dynamics in the UK. The deployment of these electric vehicles heralds a new era for waste collection in the borough, characterized by reduced noise pollution and significantly lowered harmful emissions. These emissions have long been identified as contributors to poor air quality, affecting the health and well-being of…

In a surprising turn of events, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles were recently captured in a photoshoot scenario at a Tesla Supercharger station. This unexpected rendezvous has ignited speculation about the possibility of these Korean automakers making a significant move towards adopting Tesla’s NACS charging connector, a development that could reshape the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape. The NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector has been gaining traction in the automotive industry since Ford’s groundbreaking announcement in May to embrace this technology. Subsequently, General Motors and a host of other manufacturers followed suit, signaling a collective shift towards the NACS…

Volvo Cars and Northvolt, in a joint venture announced in February 2022, have reached a significant milestone in their plan to establish a battery cell factory in Sweden. This ambitious project recently received building permission from the Swedish Land and Environment Court, and in August, the city planning committee in Gothenburg granted building permits for the initial construction phase. The factory, set to be operated by the Volvo-Northvolt joint venture known as Novo Energy, officially initiated its construction process with a groundbreaking ceremony. While the construction work will officially commence on October 1st, preliminary preparations are already underway, focusing on…

American Honda has announced a strategic partnership with Electrify America and EVgo to establish a comprehensive nationwide charging network for future Honda and Acura electric vehicle (EV) owners. While Honda and Acura currently do not have a fully electric vehicle in their US portfolio, this is set to change in 2024 with the introduction of the Honda Prologue EV and the 2024 Acura ZDX electric SUVs. As part of this collaboration, Honda anticipates that its commitment to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) in partnership with Tesla, combined with agreements with Electrify America and EVgo, will make 100,000 DC fast…

European Union (EU) is launching an investigation into whether electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured by Chinese automakers benefit from unfair subsidies. This inquiry comes amid fears that China’s early lead in EV production may give its automakers a competitive edge over their European counterparts. Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU’s executive vice president, emphasized that the investigation is not limited solely to vehicles produced by Chinese companies. He stated, “Strictly speaking, it’s not limited only to Chinese brand electric vehicles; it can also include other producers’ vehicles if they are receiving production-side subsidies.” This statement raises questions about the potential impact on nominally…