Author: Floyd Hawkins

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has revealed the official EPA range ratings for its highly anticipated VF9 three-row electric SUV, showcasing impressive figures that surpass initial expectations. The VF9, a full-size, seven-passenger, all-electric SUV, is poised to make a splash in the electric vehicle market with its remarkable performance and competitive pricing. In an official statement, VinFast announced that the VF9 boasts an EPA range of 330 miles in the Eco trim variant, and an equally commendable 291 miles in the Plus trim version. These ratings have garnered significant attention, as they position the VF9 among the top contenders in terms of…

In the wake of its recent grand unveiling of three cutting-edge electric vehicles, Fisker has provided additional insights and visuals of its upcoming Alaska electric truck. The revelation took place during the Fisker Product Vision Day event a fortnight ago, where the brand’s Pear electric hatchback and the Ronin super GT also took the spotlight. The Alaska truck, anticipated to debut in the first quarter of 2025, will utilize a modified Ocean platform known as the FM31, boasting an impressive projected range of up to 340 miles. At the high-profile event, Henrik Fisker, the CEO of the company, boldly proclaimed…

In a groundbreaking announcement, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. LTD (CATL), a prominent Chinese battery supplier collaborating with major American automakers including Tesla and Ford, has introduced the revolutionary Shenxing battery. This cutting-edge battery boasts the remarkable capability to charge an electric vehicle to an impressive range of 400 km (248 miles) in just 10 minutes. Set to commence production later this year, the Shenxing cell joins a competitive lineup of similar rapid-charging offerings in the market. The moniker “Shenxing” translates to “god-like movement,” a term evoking ambition and aspiration. While the nomenclature might appear ambitious, for electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking…

Mercedes has revealed its plan to introduce automated parking technology to the all-electric EQE sedan in Germany. Following successful implementation in models like the EQS and S-Class, this advanced feature enables the vehicle to autonomously park itself in specific parking garages. The operational process of the system is designed for simplicity and ease. To engage the automated parking feature, drivers are prompted to reserve a parking space in a compatible garage using their smart devices. Upon arriving at the parking location, drivers can exit the vehicle, allowing the EQE to independently navigate and locate an available parking spot. See also:…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Canoo has announced its second-quarter results, revealing a smaller-than-anticipated loss due to decreased research and development expenses. The news has triggered a 2% surge in the company’s shares during extended trading. In addition to the financial update, Canoo introduced its latest product, the lifestyle delivery vehicle 190. This model boasts an augmented payload capacity and increased body length in comparison to its predecessor, the lifestyle delivery vehicle 130. The recently released financial report indicated that Canoo’s loss for the second quarter was $70.9 million, a notable reduction from the $164.4 million loss reported in the same…

In a significant move within the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Fisker, an emerging EV manufacturer, announced its strategic collaboration with Tesla, the pioneering electric car company. The partnership involves Fisker’s adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), facilitating expanded charging options for Fisker’s customers by the year 2025. This transformative step comes amid a notable shift in the automotive landscape, as several established manufacturers, including Ford Motor and General Motors, pivot from the widely adopted Combined Charging System (CCS) connector to Tesla’s proprietary charging design. This strategic maneuver positions Tesla’s charging infrastructure to take a dominant position within the…

In a sneak peek ahead of its scheduled release later this month, images of Kia’s forthcoming EV5 electric SUV have surfaced, offering a comprehensive view of the compact vehicle’s design and features. First introduced in conceptual form in March, shortly after the debut of its flagship EV9 SUV, the Kia EV5 is set to make its mark as a smaller counterpart to the existing EV6, which stands as Kia’s inaugural dedicated electric car. Building on Kia’s “opposites united” design philosophy, evident across its lineup, the EV5 boasts notable style enhancements, such as the distinctive Digital Tiger Face at its front,…

Fisker has unveiled further insights into the Ronin electric supercar shortly after its introduction at the Product Vision Day event in California. Set to commence production in the latter half of 2025, the Ronin aims to redefine the concept of a “super GT convertible,” merging high-performance capabilities with an extended driving range. The recent unveiling was accompanied by a comprehensive gallery of images showcasing the Ronin’s meticulously crafted bodywork, captured from various angles. When its retractable hardtop is lowered, the model’s appearance evokes comparisons to the Ferrari Roma Spider, albeit with an elongated four-door configuration. See also: Fisker Ronin New…

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has emerged as an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers. While its array of features garners attention, the focus on driver assist technologies sets this electric vehicle apart. Such systems not only elevate the driving experience but also bolster safety measures for both driver and passengers. Recent advancements in driver assist technology have led to remarkable progress, enabling automakers to introduce hands-free driving capabilities. General Motors, for example, has pioneered this trend through its Super Cruise system, which allows for hands-free driving on supported models. Similarly, Ford has unveiled plans…

ZeroAvia, a pioneering name in the field of hydrogen-electric aviation, has unveiled a significant advancement in its pursuit of zero-emission flight. The company has successfully developed a high-performance compressor tailored for fuel cell-based aviation propulsion systems. This achievement marks a crucial step towards the realization of true zero-emission flight, leveraging the potential of hydrogen fuel cells to electrify aircraft. One of the primary challenges in harnessing hydrogen fuel cells for aviation lies in ensuring a steady and high flow of oxygen to facilitate the chemical reactions within the fuel cell stacks. These reactions are vital for generating the necessary electricity…

Fang Cheng Bao, the latest sub-brand introduced by Chinese automaker BYD, has unveiled the first official images of its inaugural model, the Leopard 5. Building upon months of anticipation and preview details, the brand shared exterior images of the Leopard 5 across various Chinese social media platforms. This move offers a comprehensive look at the model’s intricate design and bold aesthetics. The Leopard 5 stands as a testament to BYD’s commitment to merging power, technology, and off-road aesthetics. The sub-brand’s debut model is a representation of their pursuit of excellence in design and engineering. According to a poster released by…

Recent developments at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas have prompted industry speculation regarding progress in the production of the much-anticipated Cybertruck. A drone flyover conducted by Joe Tegtmeyer, known for his monitoring of the factory’s operations, has shed light on the ongoing activities within the facility and the potential advancement in the production timeline. Tesla’s latest projections indicate that the company is drawing closer to the commencement of Cybertruck production, with initial deliveries targeted at employees in the near future. The drone footage, taken during a flyover by Joe Tegtmeyer, has revealed what appears to be a group of 9 Cybertrucks…

The city of Suzhou in East China’s Jiangsu province has unveiled a groundbreaking development in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with the launch of two integrated EV charging piles that offer both plug-in and wireless charging options. Situated within the Suzhou New District, these charging piles mark a significant stride in facilitating the region’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Wireless charging for new energy vehicles (NEVs) has taken a cue from smartphone technology, according to Zhao Meng, a spokesperson from the marketing department of the State Grid Suzhou Power Supply Company. With over 90 percent efficiency, these innovative charging piles boast…

Mullen Automotive, an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer founded in 2014, has reached a significant milestone as it enters the production phase of its Mullen THREE Class 3 electric trucks. With an extensive history marked by innovation and strategic shifts, the company is now focused on delivering its promise of domestically manufactured affordable EVs. This accomplishment comes after Mullen Automotive’s recent merger in 2020, a pivotal moment in which the company redirected its business strategy towards crafting its own unique EV model, the FIVE crossover SUV. However, it was in September 2022 that the company caught industry attention by acquiring a…

In the realm of cutting-edge electric vehicles, the Rivian R1T and R1S have garnered significant attention for their powerful performance, impressive range capabilities, and distinctive design. While these EVs offer an exhilarating driving experience, recent reports suggest a notable issue with tire wear that owners have encountered, shedding light on the complexities of EV engineering. Owners of the Rivian R1T and R1S have taken to online forums to discuss an unexpected concern – accelerated tire wear, particularly in the front tires. Some have even reported replacing their tires after a mere 6,000 miles, a considerably shorter lifespan than anticipated given…

In a move indicative of expanding global ambitions, Innovusion, the LiDAR supplier for electric vehicle manufacturer NIO, is gearing up for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) revealed that Innovusion is contemplating the issuance of up to 21,382,252 ordinary shares for listing on the Nasdaq exchange. This decision comes as the CSRC’s heightened oversight on Chinese companies’ US listings continues following incidents such as the Luckin Coffee financial scandal and Didi’s listing debacle. Founded in 2016, Innovusion boasts a prominent presence across multiple research and development centers situated in Silicon…

German luxury automaker BMW has initiated a recall of a limited number of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, citing an anomaly in the vehicle’s charging unit. The recall involves a total of 29 EVs and is attributed to an error in the production process of a supplier, as stated in an official notification on China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website. The vehicles affected by the recall comprise seven domestically manufactured iX3 EVs produced between August 29, 2022, and November 23, 2022; thirteen imported i4s manufactured between June 21, 2022, and August 1, 2022; eight imported iXs manufactured between…

German automotive supplier Mahle has introduced a groundbreaking battery cooling plate that it heralds as a significant stride in technology advancement. Drawing inspiration from nature, Mahle’s engineers have crafted a bionic structure for the cooling channels, facilitating a novel flow of coolant. According to Mahle, this innovative approach markedly enhances both the thermodynamic performance and structural-mechanical attributes of the cooling plate. The outcome of this engineering feat is a 10% surge in cooling capacity and a substantial 20% decrease in pressure loss. The pivotal role of maintaining optimal battery temperatures, especially during demanding scenarios like rapid charging, cannot be overstated.…

In a recent preview event held in Metro Detroit, Global Cadillac Vice President John Roth revealed that the luxury car manufacturer is set to introduce two additional electric vehicles (EVs) to its lineup before the close of the year. As the automotive world witnesses the impressive debut of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the company is evidently committed to furthering its electric ambitions. Although Roth did not divulge extensive details, sources suggest that one of these forthcoming models could be the Optiq. This compact crossover, which was recently unveiled by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, is positioned below…

In a striking release of images, BMW’s latest iteration of the 7 Series model has turned heads with its formidable appearance. The window glasses, despite bearing severe cracks, stand remarkably resilient. The body showcases hundreds of bullet holes, yet the interior exudes an air of tranquility. This is no ordinary 7 Series; it’s the cutting-edge Protection model. This innovative development sees both the BMW i7 and the 7 Series G70 models receiving the prestigious VR9 treatment, which represents the zenith of ballistic certification for civilian vehicles. Distinctively crafted in-house by BMW and produced at the esteemed BMW Plant Dingolfing, the…