Author: Floyd Hawkins

Mercedes-Benz will postpone its planned expansion of battery cell capacity as it monitors electric vehicle (EV) demand, a strategy shift prompted by lower-than-expected sales projections, the company’s technology chief revealed on Monday. Originally aiming for over 200 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cell capacity by 2030, Mercedes-Benz now reassesses its timeline due to revised forecasts indicating electrified vehicles, including hybrids, will not comprise up to 50% of its total sales until 2030, five years later than previously anticipated. Markus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Mercedes-Benz, acknowledged the evolving strategy, stating, “Is the 200 gigawatt hour capacity still necessary? It’s…

Spanish construction and energy group Acciona unveiled its latest initiative aimed at overcoming key barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Europe, launching the NanoCar Silence S04 on Monday. The electric car, tailored for urban commuting, introduces a novel subscription-based battery exchange service to enhance affordability and convenience. Designed to accommodate one or two lithium-ion batteries, the NanoCar Silence S04 allows drivers to own the vehicle while subscribing to battery services. This approach, according to developers, positions the NanoCar as one of the most economical options in the EV market. Under the subscription model, drivers can swap depleted batteries for…

Tesla has marked a significant milestone with its Cybertruck becoming the best-selling electric pickup truck in the United States, as confirmed by recent reports. The company reported delivering a total of approximately 443,956 vehicles in the second quarter of 2024, with a notable portion attributed to its Model Y and Model 3 units. Specific figures for the Cybertruck were not disclosed by Tesla, but official sources affirmed its leading status in the electric pickup segment. See also: Tesla Begins Deliveries of Rare Cybertruck Foundation Series with Tactical Grey Interior Wes, Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck, expressed jubilation over the achievement…

Hydrovolt, a joint venture between Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt and Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro, has announced plans to establish a recycling facility in Hordain, northern France. This decision marks a significant move aimed at bolstering Hydrovolt’s presence in Europe’s burgeoning battery recycling sector. Located strategically near other key players in the region’s battery industry, including ProLogium and Renault partner Verkor in Dunkirk, Hydrovolt’s new facility in Hordain is set to serve as a collection point for discharging and dismantling electric vehicle and industrial batteries. Operations are slated to commence in 2025, pending necessary approvals, leveraging existing infrastructure spanning approximately…

Tesla has introduced a special discount program just in time for Independence Day, offering $1,000 off the purchase price of Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y to active military members, veterans, retirees, and their spouses. The initiative aims to recognize and honor those who have served the country. “To honor those who have served our country, we’re offering members of the U.S. military $1,000 off the purchase price of Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X,” Tesla announced in a statement. “This offer is available to military veterans, retirees, active duty members and their spouses.…

Kia Motors America has achieved record-breaking sales figures in the first half of 2024, underscoring its growing influence in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Doubling its EV sales compared to previous periods, Kia sold an impressive 29,392 electric cars in the US, marking a significant milestone for the automaker. The success has been largely attributed to Kia’s popular models such as the three-row EV9 and the sleek EV6, which have captured the attention of American buyers seeking affordability and extended range. Reflecting on this achievement, a Kia spokesperson stated, “We are thrilled to see such robust demand for our EV…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr has introduced its latest offering, the 2025 Zeekr X, in China, marking a significant expansion in its lineup of electric SUVs. The new model is available in three trims, including a 5-seater sports trim with all-wheel drive (AWD), and two 4-seater configurations with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD, priced between 200,000 and 220,000 yuan (approximately $27,500 to $30,200 USD). Positioned as a compact SUV, the 2025 Zeekr X measures 4450/1836/1572mm, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm. It features a facelift design maintaining the aesthetic appeal of its predecessor, offering seven exterior body colors, including a…

Finnish charging infrastructure service provider Virta has announced a partnership with Gentari, a subsidiary of Malaysian Petronas Group, to bolster the electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, Gentari Green Mobility, through its partnership with Virta, will leverage Virta’s digital platform services and industry expertise to enhance the development and operation of EV charging infrastructure in the region. The collaboration also aims to ensure interoperability of charging stations with third-party companies. Southeast Asia has witnessed significant growth in EV registrations, prompting increased demand for fast chargers. Virta anticipates faster market development in the region compared to…

Luxembourg’s National Railway Company CFL is embarking on a 692 million euro investment to replace its entire diesel bus fleet with electric buses by 2030. This initiative, recently greenlit by the country’s parliament, underscores CFL’s commitment to sustainable public transportation. The transition will see all 80 diesel-powered buses currently in operation phased out over the next decade. The investment covers not only the acquisition of electric buses but also the development of essential charging infrastructure. Additionally, CFL employees will benefit from a 1.50 per cent annual salary increase as part of the investment plan. To kickstart the transformation, CFL plans…

General Motors (GM) has announced a new recall affecting the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV models due to potential issues with the installation of battery fire detection software. This recall adds to a series of recalls impacting the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, which previously underwent extensive recalls from 2020 to 2022 to replace faulty battery packs. According to GM’s latest recall bulletin, certain units of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV may have improperly installed diagnostic software designed to detect defective battery modules requiring replacement. See also: GM Claims Next-Gen Chevrolet Bolt to Be the Most Affordable EV…

Antonio Felix da Costa dominated the Formula E race weekend in Portland, securing victories in both rounds and tightening the championship standings ahead of the final races in London. Driving for Porsche, da Costa’s triumph not only marked a double win at the permanent track in Portland but also extended his winning streak to three consecutive races, a feat last achieved in 2020 when he drove for DS. The first race on Saturday initially saw Jaguar’s Mitch Evans cross the finish line first, but a time penalty for a collision relegated him to eighth place, handing da Costa the win.…

Nio reported impressive delivery figures for June, marking a second consecutive record-breaking month with 21,209 vehicles delivered, up 98.09 percent from the same period last year and 3.24 percent from May. The company’s strong performance in June is attributed to enhancements made to its BaaS battery rental service in March and a broader recovery in China’s EV sector. See also: Nio CEO Confirms Dedicated Battery Swap Stations for New Firefly Brand In Q2, Nio delivered a total of 57,373 vehicles, surpassing its previous record set in Q3 2023 by 143.93 percent year-on-year. This exceeded the upper end of its guidance range…