Author: Floyd Hawkins

Tesla held its much-anticipated “We, Robot” event, showcasing not only its futuristic Robotaxi but also unveiling a surprise addition: the Robovan, a multi-purpose autonomous electric vehicle. Designed for both passenger transportation and cargo hauling, the Robovan can seat up to 20 passengers, making it ideal for shuttles and logistics. Although the passenger version revealed at the event had only 14 seats, Tesla has promised versatility, with a cargo configuration yet to be displayed. Attendees were given a first look at the interior, but further details on the Robovan’s performance and features remain limited. The event’s main focus was Tesla’s Robotaxi,…

Skoda Motorsport has introduced the Enyaq RS Race concept, a high-performance electric crossover coupe designed for track readiness. This fully electric model showcases a series of enhancements aimed at reducing weight and improving competitive performance. The motorsport focus of the Enyaq RS Race concept is evident in its aggressive styling, featuring enhanced bumpers and an aerodynamic body kit, complemented by a minimalist grille and darkened headlights. Additional design modifications include a ventilated hood and extended fenders, as well as small winglets on the roof to channel airflow toward a substantial rear wing. The vehicle is also equipped with aerodynamically optimized…

Sales of Tesla’s China-made electric vehicles (EVs) rose 19.2% year-on-year in September, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The increase reflects growing demand for the automaker’s locally produced Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which saw a 1.9% rise in deliveries from August. Tesla’s September performance contributed to a 12% growth in China-made EV sales for the third quarter, marking its first quarterly increase of the year. The company has extended various consumer incentives in the competitive Chinese market, including zero-interest financing for certain models through October. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Chinese competitor, BYD, achieved a 45.56% increase…

Volkswagen subsidiary Elli has unveiled the Elli Charger 2, a new smart wallbox for the European market designed to integrate with home photovoltaic (PV) systems for surplus energy charging. The Elli Charger 2 also supports dynamic electricity tariffs, offering customers the ability to optimize charging costs by selecting the cheapest energy periods. The charger is part of Volkswagen’s broader ‘Smart Charging’ initiative, which was first introduced in June 2024. Available in four versions—’Connect 11,’ ‘Connect 22,’ ‘Pro 22,’ and ‘Pro 22 (legally compliant)’—the Elli Charger 2 is compatible with any electric vehicle featuring a Type 2 charging connector. It provides…

Geely’s high-end electric vehicle (NEV) brand, Zeekr, has quickly gained traction with its 7X electric crossover, securing 20,000 firm orders just 18 days after its market debut on September 20. The brand has set an ambitious goal of delivering 10,000 units in the first month of sales. The Zeekr 7X received strong initial interest, with 6,000 firm orders placed within 24 hours of its launch. By October 7, the company had delivered 5,000 vehicles to customers. The rapid sales momentum positions the 7X as a significant player in China’s electric SUV market, although it still lags behind the Tesla Model…

The U.S. Department of Justice has challenged bankrupt electric vehicle maker Fisker’s plan to shift the cost of vehicle recalls to customers, deeming it illegal, according to a court filing on Monday. Fisker, which filed for bankruptcy protection in June, has been struggling to restructure its debt and salvage its operations while managing multiple vehicle recalls related to defective door handles, faulty software, and noncompliance with safety standards. As part of its bankruptcy plan, Fisker is required to fix defective and noncompliant vehicles “without charge” when the vehicle is brought in for repairs, as stipulated by the filing. The Justice…

Arriva, a British transport company, will begin operating 82 fully electric buses in Budapest by the end of 2025, marking the city’s first electric bus fleet. An additional 21 buses could be added under an optional agreement. The move comes after Arriva secured two twelve-year contracts from the Budapest transport company BKK, becoming the first operator to manage an electric bus fleet in the Hungarian capital. The fleet will consist of 58 solo buses and 24 articulated buses, all of which will be low-floor vehicles. The electrification of Arriva’s Andor depot has already been completed, enabling the facility to charge…

Public transport operator Go-Ahead London has placed an order for 32 electric buses from Alexander Dennis (ADL) to enhance its zero-emission fleet in the British capital. The order, announced for early 2025, includes the Enviro100EV, the smallest electric model in ADL’s lineup, designed for navigating narrow streets and housing estates across Transport for London (TfL) routes. The 8.5-meter-long Enviro100EV electric buses can accommodate up to 41 passengers. Equipped with 354 kWh batteries from Impact Clean Power Technology, these buses are capable of covering up to 450 kilometers on a single charge, ensuring a long operating life without the need for…

Britain’s electric vehicle (EV) market is projected to fall short of 2024 targets set by the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a leading trade body warned on Friday. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) urged the newly formed Labour government to implement incentives for private buyers to accelerate the transition to EVs. The appeal came in an open letter to finance minister Rachel Reeves ahead of the upcoming autumn budget on Oct. 30, signed by SMMT CEO Mike Hawes and the UK heads of several automakers. The ZEV mandate, introduced by the former Conservative government, mandates that at least…

Tesla is reportedly working on four new versions of its in-house 4680 battery to power its upcoming Cybertruck, robotaxi, and other electric vehicles, according to a report from The Information, citing sources familiar with the plans. While Tesla has traditionally relied on battery suppliers like Panasonic Energy and LG Energy, the company has been making efforts to increase domestic production of its 4680 battery cells to reduce costs and improve margins. However, Tesla has encountered significant challenges in developing the 4680 battery. The company has been losing 70% to 80% of the cathodes, a crucial battery component that helps generate…

Tier Mobility and Dott have officially completed their merger, resulting in the discontinuation of the Tier brand in favor of Dott. Users of the Tier service will now be redirected to the Dott app, which will offer access to a combined fleet of 250,000 e-scooters and e-bikes across 427 cities in 21 countries. The merger, initially announced in January 2024, was expected to retain both the Tier and Dott brands. However, recent communications from Dott confirmed a shift in strategy, stating, “Tier becomes Dott.” The company emphasized excitement over the consolidation, highlighting the benefits of operating under a unified brand…

Tesla reported a smaller-than-expected increase in third-quarter deliveries, with figures showing a rise to 462,890 vehicles, up 6.4% from a year earlier. This fell short of the 469,828 deliveries anticipated by analysts, leading to a decline in Tesla’s shares of more than 6% as the company faces mounting competition and a potential first-ever decline in annual deliveries after years of rapid growth. The world’s most valuable automaker has been struggling to attract customers to its aging electric vehicle lineup, despite implementing price cuts and extending incentives, such as zero-interest financing and insurance offers, particularly in China, which accounts for one-third…