Author: Floyd Hawkins

Kia has announced a comprehensive software update for its vehicles from model year 2022 onwards, introducing 153 new features, including an optimized route planner, additional voice commands, and improvements to driver assistance functions. One of the key updates allows drivers to turn off the speed assistance warning using the mute button on the steering wheel, offering greater convenience. Among the new features is a split-screen view, which enhances the display of crucial driving information such as arrival times, charging status, and charging station details. The updated navigation system now automatically recognizes and adds charging stations along the route, eliminating the…

Ford has initiated series production of its new all-electric Capri model at its Cologne plant in Germany, marking a significant development in the company’s electric vehicle lineup. Alongside the Explorer, the Capri is now the second electric model produced at this facility, which is crucial for Ford’s success in the European market. The confirmation of the Start of Production (SoP) for the Capri was reported by Works Council Chairman Benjamin Gruschka, who emphasized the importance of this milestone for the Cologne plant and its workforce during challenging times for the automotive industry. “This is an important milestone for the Cologne…

The German-Luxembourg battery recycling startup Circu Li-ion is collaborating with Amazon to optimize the service life of batteries in logistics processes. By focusing on the effective reuse of batteries from electric vehicles (EVs), Amazon aims to decrease the demand for new batteries and lower its associated carbon footprint. Circu Li-ion is set to analyze Amazon’s operations to enhance the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle batteries. In an automated process, batteries will be disassembled, and individual cells will be evaluated for potential reuse or recycling. The pilot phase is scheduled to commence after September 2024, allowing Circu Li-ion to implement…

Swiss battery manufacturer Leclanché has unveiled the XN50, claiming it to be the world’s first lithium-ion battery cell equipped with Echion Technologies’ XNO, a niobium-based active anode material. This innovative cell is designed to provide integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a differentiated battery solution that surpasses existing chemical compositions, particularly in heavy-duty vehicle, rail, and marine applications. According to Leclanché, the XN50 cells can deliver high power and are estimated to have a lifecycle exceeding 10,000 cycles in demanding applications. The new niobium-based materials reportedly offer a 50% increase in energy density compared to Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO)…

Multinational automaker Stellantis is confronting additional labor unrest, this time in Italy, as unions have announced a strike set for October 18. The announcement follows escalating tensions after U.S. unions also threatened multiple strikes against the company. On Tuesday, Italian metalworkers’ unions FIM-CISL, UILM, and FIOM revealed their plans to protest Stellantis’ declining production output and management of its Italian factories. Data from FIM-CISL showed a 25-percent drop in output from Stellantis’ Italian plants during the first half of 2024, forecasting total production at just over 500,000 units for the year, down significantly from the 751,000 units produced in 2023.…

BYD, one of China’s leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers, is set to introduce additional models in Japan as part of its continued global expansion. According to local media outlet 36kr, BYD plans to bring its 7-seat Tang SUV to the Japanese market, further diversifying its product offerings in the country. The Tang SUV, BYD’s flagship model, will become the fourth vehicle the company has launched in Japan, following the introduction of a compact SUV, a mini vehicle, and a sedan. Additionally, BYD’s popular Han and Qin sedans are also slated for the Japanese market, according to the report. BYD…

The South Korean government has announced plans to expand the use of hydrogen buses in metropolitan areas, aiming for 21,200 hydrogen-powered buses by 2030. This ambitious target, outlined by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee (METC), is intended to make hydrogen buses account for 25 percent of the metropolitan bus fleet by the end of the decade. The plan focuses on converting intercity, city, and charter buses to hydrogen-powered vehicles, as they are well-suited for the extended routes typical of metropolitan areas. The Metropolitan Transportation Policy Bureau is…

Hyundai Motor Group is set to kick off its European expansion from its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing base in the Czech Republic. The Czech plant, Hyundai’s only European facility capable of producing EVs, is a crucial part of the company’s strategy to grow its presence in the region. During a recent visit to the Czech Republic facility, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun expressed his appreciation to the plant’s staff for their dedication. “I want to express my gratitude to the members of HMMC for their commitment, expertise, and strong support. As the key hub for future investments in…

Munich-based electric motor startup DeepDrive has successfully raised €30 million in its Series B financing round, aimed at expanding and industrializing its production capacities. The company plans to utilize the new funds to advance high-volume projects with eight of the world’s top ten automakers in its customer pipeline. DeepDrive intends to enhance its in-house production capabilities and further develop its patented Dual Rotor technology, which is projected to improve the range of electric vehicles by 20%. Co-founder and co-CEO Felix Pörnbacher emphasized the company’s mission to revolutionize the automotive industry by providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for electric vehicle production.…

Siemens announced plans to spin off its electric vehicle charging unit, eMobility, into an independent business to enhance agility and capitalize on growth opportunities in the expanding EV market. The move is intended to create a more focused and flexible entity capable of responding to market demands more effectively. The eMobility business offers a comprehensive range of hardware, software, and charging infrastructure solutions, serving public, residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Siemens emphasized that the separation would enable the business to operate with greater entrepreneurial freedom. “The carve out of Siemens eMobility, which today has a strong technological core and portfolio,…

Fiat Professional has introduced the new Fiat E-Ducato Cargo Box at the IAA Transportation event, set to be available from October 2024. This model transforms the electric transporter into an electric box truck, marking the first in a planned series of conversion options as part of the Fiat Professional CustomFit factory conversion and customization program. The initiative aims to provide more vehicles tailored to the operational needs of commercial customers. The showcased E-Ducato Cargo Box features a cargo volume of 18.3 m³, with interior dimensions of 4,230 mm in length, 2,032 mm in width, and 2,150 mm in height. It…

SAIC Volkswagen, a joint venture between Volkswagen and China’s SAIC Motor, addressed reports on Saturday regarding the potential closure of its Nanjing plant, stating that production adjustments are “normal and necessary” as part of strategic business planning, according to Chinese media outlet Yicai. The comments follow reports earlier in the week suggesting that Volkswagen may halt production at one of its combustion engine plants in China. While some reports indicated that the Nanjing plant could be closed, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that no decision had been made about whether to close or sell the…