Author: Floyd Hawkins

Volkswagen is ramping up efforts to introduce new hybrid models in the United States, responding to a growing demand for plug-in hybrids and some consumer pushback against electric vehicles (EVs). Despite a slowdown in EV demand, VW remains steadfast in its long-term commitment to electric mobility. In a recent interview with Auto News, VW Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si shared insights from discussions with dealerships, noting a positive trend toward plug-in hybrids and a slight resistance toward EVs among consumers. He highlighted concerns about charging infrastructure as a key factor influencing consumer sentiment but emphasized that this would…

Lucid Group has announced plans to cut its United States workforce by 6%, affecting approximately 400 employees, as the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer responds to a challenging market with slower growth. The company’s decision reflects a broader trend in the industry, with automakers seeking to streamline operations amid economic headwinds such as inflation and high interest rates, which have dampened demand for higher-priced EVs in favor of more affordable hybrid alternatives. CEO Peter Rawlinson communicated the layoffs to employees, stating that they would impact staff at all levels, including leadership and mid-level management, but assured that the hourly manufacturing and…

Bedrock Materials, a U.S. startup spun out of Stanford University in 2023, is gearing up to produce materials for sodium-ion batteries to help make electric vehicles more affordable. The company’s CEO, Spencer Gore, is a former Tesla engineer. According to a company press release, Bedrock Materials specializes in the production of materials for sodium-ion batteries. Currently headquartered in an incubator building in Chicago, Bedrock plans to move to a larger, permanent location by the end of the year. The startup recently closed a seed financing round of $9 million and opened a research and development center in Chicago. Since last…

In a bid to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation, the Philippines has extended its duty-free policy for electric vehicles (EVs) and expanded it to include hybrid vehicles, electric motorcycles, and e-bikes. The policy, which was initially introduced in 2022 and implemented in early 2023, was set to expire in 2023 but will now remain in effect until 2028, coinciding with the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the importance of the extended policy, stating, “By encouraging consumers to adopt EVs, we are promoting a cleaner, more resilient, and more environmentally friendly transportation…

Milence, the truck charging joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group, and Volvo Group, is set to establish its inaugural two truck charging parks in Germany during the latter half of 2024. These parks, strategically situated to the north and south of Leipzig, mark a significant milestone for the industry. The upcoming German charging parks follow the successful opening of Milence’s facilities in the Netherlands and France, with additional sites planned in France and Sweden. The absence of a German presence had been notable, given the involvement of Daimler Truck and the Traton Group. However, this is set to change…

An intriguing Tesla Model 3 test vehicle was recently sighted in Palo Alto, California, featuring a distinct setup that caught the attention of electric vehicle enthusiasts. Images of the vehicle, shared by advocate Nic Cruz Patane on social media platform X, revealed a Model 3 stripped of its side mirrors and equipped with cameras in unconventional locations. Among the notable changes observed in the test vehicle were cameras mounted inside the cabin, positioned behind the driver’s seat and seemingly pointing out the rear windows. Additionally, the vehicle’s front fender cameras appeared to be different, while the trunk camera was raised…

Chinese battery manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom are set to establish separate plants in Morocco, as the country aims to adapt its growing automotive sector to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Moroccan officials announced on Tuesday. According to authorities overseeing the development of the Moroccan northern industrial zone, Tanger Tech, Hailiang plans to invest $450 million in building a copper plant spanning 30 hectares, while Shinzoom, a part of Hunan Zhongke, will invest $460 million in an anodes plant covering 20 hectares. In April, the Moroccan government approved plans for Chinese EV battery maker BTR New Material Group…

Recent filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hint at a potential advancement for the R-wing of the new-generation Dodge Charger, suggesting Dodge’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic performance. The standard R-wing, designed as an aero pass-through in the Charger’s front fascia, may undergo further development, as revealed by a new patent discovered by Carbuzz. The patent depicts a revised R-wing with adjustable flaps that could enhance downforce, akin to the active aerodynamic flaps found on the Pagani Huayra. Dodge’s engineers aim to integrate actuators for the flaps within the central beam of the R-wing,…

Vietnam-based automaker VinFast Auto is poised to enter the Philippines’ electric vehicle market in late May 2024, following a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and VinFast CEO Pham Nhat Vuong in January 2024. The official launch of the VinFast brand is scheduled for June 1 to 2, allowing the public to explore VinFast’s lineup of EVs, including the VF e34, VF 5, VF 7, and VF 9, six electric motorcycles, and the VF DrgnFly electric bicycle. VinFast aims to establish a dealer network across the Philippines, capitalizing on the increasing pace of EV adoption in the country. Sales…

IM Motors, the electric vehicle (EV) arm of SAIC Motor Corp, has unveiled its latest electric sedan, the IM L6, in a bid to challenge competitors like Tesla’s Model 3 and Xiaomi’s SU7. The IM L6, the company’s fourth model and second sedan, was introduced at a launch event, with a starting price of RMB 219,900 ($30,400). However, a limited-time offer brings the starting price down to RMB 199,900. Available in five variants, the IM L6 offers a range of features and specifications. It measures 4,931 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,474 mm in height, with a…

Rivian has informed state officials of its plans to implement further layoffs in California. In a communication dated April 24 to the state’s Employment Development Department, Scott Griffin, Rivian’s vice president of people, outlined the company’s intention to lay off more than 120 employees, including 89 in Irvine and 28 in Palo Alto. Griffin stated that these job cuts, scheduled to start in June, are expected to be permanent. Despite efforts to reach Rivian officials for comment, including via email and phone, no response was received. This announcement follows a prior round of layoffs in February, when Rivian announced a…

President Joe Biden is poised to unveil new tariffs on China as early as next week, focusing on strategic sectors, a source familiar with the matter revealed. The announcement, likely to occur on Tuesday, is expected to mostly maintain current levies. While specifics regarding the tariffs’ value or categories remain unclear, the administration is honing in on areas of interest within strategic competitive and national security realms. The move contrasts with the broad tariff approach proposed by Republican candidate Donald Trump. The targeted sectors are expected to include electric vehicles, batteries, and solar equipment, according to Bloomberg News. However, the…