Author: Floyd Hawkins

General Motors (GM) and Samsung SDI have announced a joint battery cell factory investment of more than $3 billion to be built in the US, with operations commencing in 2026. The factory, whose location has yet to be announced, is expected to have an annual capacity of over 30 GWh. GM’s investment in the joint venture, including its existing partnership with LG Energy Solution, is projected to increase its total battery cell capacity in the US to about 160 GWh at full production. See also: Samsung and Stellantis open up opportunities to build electric vehicle battery factories in the US…

Siemens and Freyr Battery, two major players in the industrial technology and sustainable energy fields, have joined forces to develop sustainable battery production. The partnership was announced at Hannover Messe and will see Siemens become Freyr’s preferred supplier of automation and digitalization technology. The aim of this collaboration is to design and operate Freyr’s planned gigafactories in Norway and the US using Siemens’ ‘Industrial Operations X’ portfolio, a suite of hardware and software solutions that combines operational technology (OT) with integrated information technology (IT). The partnership will encompass the entire battery design and manufacturing process, including production design, product design,…

Skoda, the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary, has recently launched a new app for its Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupé iV infotainment systems. The app, called Powerpass Map, offers EV drivers a range of features that make it easier to locate charging stations across Europe. One of the most notable features of the Powerpass Map is its ability to show public charging points directly on the central display of the Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupé iV. The app provides essential information such as operating hours, the number of charge points available, maximum charging power, and prices. The map displays available charging points…

In a significant step towards achieving a net-zero UK bus fleet by 2035, Stagecoach has added 39 new electric buses to its Scottish fleet. The delivery, made by BYD UK and Alexander Dennis, includes 24 Enviro200EV solo buses and 15 Enviro400EV double-deckers. These new electric buses will operate in several Scottish cities, including Perth, Dunfermline, Aberdeen and Ayrshire. With this delivery, Stagecoach now operates a total fleet of 85 BYD-ADL electric buses in Scotland. See also: Alexander Dennis and Stagecoach to Launch UK’s First Full-Size Autonomous Bus Service in East Scotland “We are delighted to deliver the UK’s first all-electric…

Ford has announced the launch of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup in Europe, starting with a limited number of launch edition units available for pre-order in Norway. The move is in response to what Ford claims is “overwhelming public demand” for the vehicle in the country, where customers have reportedly been “banging on the door” to get their hands on the highly-anticipated EV. While the carmaker has not disclosed the exact number of launch edition vehicles available in Norway, it has stated that the EV will be exclusively offered in the Super Crew Cab body style and Antimatter Blue metallic…

Researchers at Fraunhofer IWS have launched a new research project called ‘MaSSiF – Material Innovations for Solid-State Sulfur-Silicon Batteries’ to develop high-performance sulfur-based prototype cells. The team expects the cells to become “very lightweight and cost-effective” while securing the battery’s longevity. The research team will apply silicon as the anode material to “significantly improve” the cycle life of the battery cells. Meanwhile, the combination with sulfur as the cathode active material holds “particular promise” due to its high energy densities. Unlike lithium-ion technology, sulfur is free of the critical elements cobalt and nickel. See also: Fraunhofer IFAM Develops New Method…

Powerland ATV, an Indian company, is making waves in the nascent electric ATV market with the upcoming Tachyon electric ATV. Although the market for electric ATVs is still limited, Powerland ATV believes that the Tachyon has what it takes to stand out in terms of speed, power, and efficiency. The Tachyon is equipped with four in-wheel motors that provide all-wheel-drive and 50 hp (37 kW) of peak power, with a torque output of 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) per wheel. Unlike traditional ATVs, the Tachyon has no differential, transmission, gearbox, or CV joints, resulting in a simplified mechanical design that requires…

Nick Cassidy has secured his first Formula E race victory of the season in Berlin, and it was no easy feat. The race was disrupted by protesters, who gained access to the track during the start procedure, sitting down on the circuit and delaying the start. The race director, Scot Elkins, sent marshals to examine the track surface amid fears that something had been put on it. Despite this, the race eventually got underway, with pole-sitter Robin Frijns leading the pack away. As the race progressed, it became apparent that the leaders were taking their attack modes early, dropping into…

Tesla has made a surprise move by increasing the prices of its Model S and Model X, just weeks after slashing prices on the flagship models. The electric vehicle maker has raised the starting price of the Model S by $2,500 and the Model X by $1,000, but is also offering three years of free Supercharging to new buyers. This latest pricing update follows several rounds of price cuts across Tesla’s entire vehicle lineup since the start of the year. The Model S and Model X saw the most significant reductions and are now priced at $85,000 and $95,000, respectively.…

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, has long been criticized for its lack of commitment to electric vehicles. However, with the recent change in leadership, the Japanese conglomerate seems to be turning over a new leaf. The new CEO, Koji Sato, has released an ambitious EV strategy that is reminiscent of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s master plan. Sato’s three-step strategy aims to cover lost ground and significantly enhance productivity and profitability by 2030. According to Automotive News, Toyota is in the first stage of the plan, which includes the bZ4X. This electric SUV did not get off to a great start,…

Hexagon Purus, a Norwegian zero-emission vehicle technology company, has recently signed a multi-year supply contract with Panasonic in North America. The contract entails Panasonic delivering battery cells for use in electric trucks. This move will help the company to secure key production capacity from Panasonic’s new Kansas plant, with deliveries set to start in 2026. As part of the agreement, Hexagon Purus has committed to making an upfront payment of approximately $43 million (€39.3 million) by 2025, provided Panasonic reaches certain milestones. This payment will help Hexagon Purus secure production capacity from the battery factory that is reported to have…

The development of efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions is crucial for the transition towards a greener future. Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the most promising technology for powering electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems. However, their widespread adoption is still hindered by several challenges, including high production costs, limited resources, and safety concerns. In this context, the PEM Chair at RWTH Aachen University has launched a new collaborative project to advance the state-of-the-art in lithium-ion battery production. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, involves seven partners from science and…

Skoda is conducting a trial scheme to make roads safer for pedestrians, particularly children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, by developing unique technology that displays signals through the car’s grille. According to Skoda, the trial is part of its commitment to sustainable mobility, focusing on the safety of pedestrians and reducing the number of accidents involving vulnerable road users. “We are constantly exploring new ways to make our vehicles safer and more user-friendly, and this trial scheme is another important step towards achieving this goal,” said Christian Strube, Skoda Board Member for Technical Development. “The technology developed by Skoda…

Shell collaborates with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to reduce emissions and promote electric harbor craft in the nation. The oil giant revealed its first fully electric passenger ferry, the Penguin Refresh, on Monday, as part of the partnership. With the trend towards zero-emission electric transportation gaining momentum, major oil companies are diversifying their interests to include renewables and electric alternatives. Shell has been acquiring and investing in various companies over the past several years to move away from fossil fuel-related sales. The company recognizes that as more electric vehicles hit the road, fewer gas stations will…

Lotus, the renowned British car manufacturer, has revealed a new electric car charging system at the Shanghai Motor Show that could change the game for the EV industry. The system, which reportedly delivers up to 500 kW, is a breakthrough for the industry, as few electric cars on the market today can accept such high levels of power. The Lotus charging system is also automated, making it unique among the current crop of prototypes. The charging cable is revealed when the cover opens, and a robotic arm guides it into the car’s charging port with ease. The charging station is…

Volkswagen, the German auto giant, has announced plans to invest approximately 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in a new company called “100%TechCo” in Hefei, Anhui province, eastern China. The company aims to focus on the development, innovation, and procurement of smart connected electric vehicles, with functions including vehicle and component development. The new company is expected to reduce the development time for new products and technologies by around 30%, according to Volkswagen. The 100%TechCo is set to become operational in early 2024, and it will employ more than 2,000 people from procurement and R&D. The new CEO of the company…

Magna International, a global leader in automotive contract manufacturing, is expanding its operations in Michigan and Ontario while also adding a new model to its complete vehicle manufacturing branch. The company is investing $500 million in Michigan and $470 million in Ontario, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the process. Magna Steyr, Magna’s plant in Graz, Austria, is responsible for the assembly of the Fisker Ocean, which began production in November 2022. Now, Magna is adding another exciting build to its Austrian operations in the form of an off-road electric vehicle (EV) for its existing customer, INEOS Automotive. See also:…

Arizona is making strides towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and becoming a leader in renewable energy generation. As the fifth top producer of solar energy in the United States, Arizona is now embarking on a new project that will significantly increase the state’s energy storage capabilities. A new Tesla Megapack energy storage system is currently under construction by utility company Salt River Project (SRP) and energy system constructor Plus Power LLC in the Sierra Estrella region, which is set to become the largest energy storage system in the state upon completion in 2024. See also: US and Europe…

Nikola has announced the retirement of three members of its Board of Directors. Gerrit Marx, Lynn Forester de Rothschild, and Mark Russell will retire from their positions at the company’s annual meeting on June 7, 2023. Nikola’s chairman, Steve Girsky, expressed gratitude for the invaluable contributions made by the retiring board members to the company’s growth over the years. As the company evolves, Girsky emphasized that the size and composition of the board would evolve to meet the needs of Nikola’s core business units of zero-emission trucking and energy infrastructure solutions. Gerrit Marx, CEO of Iveco Group, has been a…

Changan, a Chinese automaker that has been making waves in the automotive industry for several years now, has unveiled its latest creation: the Qiyuan A07 sedan. This new model is set to compete with some of the most popular sedans on the market, including the Volkswagen ID.7. What immediately stands out about the Qiyuan A07 is its sleek and minimalist design. The LED headlights are seamlessly integrated with a light bar, and the front end also features a blacked-out lower grille and air intakes. The door handles sit flush with the bodywork, and there are black accents running along the…