Author: Floyd Hawkins

BYD and Huawei have announced a collaboration to develop advanced intelligent driving solutions for the Fang Cheng Bao brand, marking a significant step in off-road vehicle technology. The partnership will focus on integrating Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 3.0 system into BYD’s upcoming Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 model, set to launch later this year. The Qiankun ADS 3.0 system, introduced by Huawei in April, enhances smart driving capabilities with features such as mapless navigation, collision avoidance, and autonomous parking. This system will debut in the Bao 8, making it the world’s first vehicle to offer an off-road intelligent driving solution. BYD’s…

Lilium has officially introduced its electric aerial vehicle (EAV) to the U.S. market with a showcase at Houston’s Hobby Airport. The introduction is being facilitated by EMCJET, a Houston-based aircraft brokerage firm, which plans to feature the jet at Galaxy FBO (fixed base operator) locations, including Houston Hobby Airport, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and The Woodlands Heliport. The Lilium eVTOL jet boasts an operating range of approximately 110 miles, with capabilities to connect key routes such as Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston, Houston Spaceport to College Station, and The Woodlands to Galveston. EMCJET has established a broad partnership with…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of China’s Hozon Auto, has officially commenced sales of its Neta X electric SUV in Indonesia, marking the latest expansion of its presence in Southeast Asia. The company launched the Neta X at an event in Jakarta on September 27, and is set to deliver the first batch of 500 vehicles to customers soon. Indonesia joins Thailand and Malaysia as core markets for Neta in the region. According to the company, the Neta X received over 500 pre-orders following its debut at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in July. The upcoming deliveries will be…

Ford is reportedly preparing to assemble batteries for electric vehicles at its plant in Craiova, Romania, with local sources citing the readiness of the production site. This development would allow the final assembly of battery packs directly at the vehicle manufacturing facility, streamlining the production process for electric models. According to the Romanian outlet Economedia, Ford’s decision to localize battery assembly comes amidst its ongoing project to build a battery assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, intended to supply battery packs for the Explorer and Capri models. While fully assembled battery packs could have been transported to Craiova from Germany, Ford…

BYD has officially launched the Yuan Up, a compact SUV also known locally as the BYD S1 Pro, in Costa Rica. The introduction of this model enhances BYD’s presence in the Costa Rican market, where the company has established itself over the past decade. According to a company statement, the Yuan family of compact SUVs has emerged as the best-selling new energy vehicle (NEV) model in the region. During the launch week, the Yuan Up garnered over 100 pre-sale orders, indicating strong interest among consumers. The vehicle is built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 and utilizes the innovative Cell to…

China has initiated an anti-discriminatory investigation into Canada’s tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminum products imported from China. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the probe on September 26, 2024, stating that the investigation could take up to three months but may be extended under special circumstances. China has expressed strong opposition to Canada’s “discriminatory unilateral restrictive measures” and has requested consultations with Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the tariffs. Earlier in August, Canada announced a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs, along with restrictions on steel and aluminum exports from China. Canada’s Finance Minister…

Bridgestone has been selected by Audi to create ultra-high-performance tyres for the new Audi e-tron GT family, continuing their established partnership. Approximately 20% of Audi vehicles sold globally are equipped with Bridgestone tyres, indicating a strong collaborative history. The new tyre is designed to align with Audi’s commitment to high performance. The tyre, named Bridgestone Potenza Sport A, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Audi e-tron GT. It has undergone extensive testing and has been homologated as an original equipment (OE) tyre by Audi, meeting the performance standards required for Audi’s latest electric models. The Potenza Sport A is…

The Lucid Air Sapphire, regarded as the pinnacle of electric sedans, recently showcased its capabilities on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing a series of hot laps. This has raised speculation about whether Lucid Motors is aiming for a lap record or simply conducting routine testing for future developments. Currently, the record for the fastest series-production four-door electric vehicle around the Nürburgring is held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which completed the circuit in an impressive 7:07.55 earlier this year. This time places it just two seconds behind the Rimac Nevera, a record that may stand for some time. Given that…

BYD, the world’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer and the second-largest battery maker, has projected that widespread adoption of solid-state batteries may take five years. This statement was made by BYD’s chief scientist, Lian Yubo, during the 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC 2024). Lian noted that solid-state batteries are likely to debut in high-end vehicle models before gradually making their way into mid-range and budget options. “Widespread use of solid-state batteries may be difficult to see in the next 3 years, but it’s expected to be realized in 5 years,” he stated. Despite ongoing research in the…

Piersica has secured a $1 million Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Programs. This funding aims to support the research and development of a new class of highly conductive solid polymer separator membranes compatible with high-voltage cathodes. The company is developing a next-generation solid-state battery designed to enhance battery capacity for various rechargeable devices, including mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), and robots. With its focus on high energy density, Piersica expects its solid-state battery technology may enable new applications, such as electric aircraft and long-range electric…

German logistics provider Duvenbeck has signed an agreement with Geely’s commercial vehicle subsidiary, Farizon, to introduce the Homtruck electric truck into its European operations. Announced at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, the partnership will see Duvenbeck incorporate 50 Homtruck electric trucks into its fleet starting next year, positioning the company as Farizon’s preferred logistics partner in Europe. The Farizon Homtruck, first revealed in 2021, is an all-electric truck designed for long-distance transport. It offers multiple powertrain options, including a battery-electric version with a 500-kilometer range and variants equipped with a methanol fuel cell or range extender, which can extend…

Toronto-based Cyclic Materials has raised $53 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate its mission of creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) through advanced recycling technologies. Founded in 2021, the company specializes in recycling rare earth magnets found in end-of-life electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and other electronic waste. Its proprietary processes, “Mag-Cycle” and “REEPure,” have already demonstrated success at both pilot and commercial scales. Cyclic Materials’ CEO Ahmad Ghahreman expressed enthusiasm for the new funding, stating, “We’re energized to partner with the world’s top sustainability-focused infrastructure and corporate investors to scale our technology’s…