Author: Floyd Hawkins

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been crowned the most fuel-efficient vehicle among 2024 models sold in the U.S. market, according to Fuel Economy, a fuel-saving information site jointly operated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Ioniq 6 Long Range Rear Wheel Drive model, equipped with 18-inch wheels, achieved an impressive combined fuel efficiency rating of 140 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent). This marks the second consecutive year that the Ioniq 6 has received recognition from the EPA as the most efficient electric vehicle, following the certification of the 2023 model last year. See…

Volchar, a player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging market, has unveiled its latest offering: a 9.6 kilowatt (kW), 240V outlet designed for residential use. This new charger boasts UV resistance and carries a NEMA 4 rating, providing maximum protection against harsh weather conditions. The charger is designed for universal EV compatibility in the US, catering to a wide range of EV models, with the notable exception of Tesla vehicles. Despite this limitation, Volchar is confident that its durable, waterproof, and compact chargers will make a significant impact in the market. This latest model is specifically tailored for home use,…

Tesla has made its Supercharger network in the US accessible to non-Tesla vehicles using CCS to NACS adapters. This move follows the industry’s shift to the Tesla-developed NACS connector in North America over the past few months, with Ford being the first company to start shipping adapters for its existing models. Ford owners can now obtain a free adapter to access Superchargers. However, there’s a catch: Supercharging rates for non-Tesla vehicles are approximately 30-35% higher than for Tesla vehicles. Pricing is dynamic and varies based on location, time of day, and load, making it challenging to provide exact numbers, but…

Young urban air mobility (UAM) developer Doroni Aerospace has emerged from the shadows of the eVTOL startup world, revealing its flagship aircraft, the H1-X, during a livestream event. The two-seat eVTOL is nearing market readiness, boasting impressive specifications. Founded in 2016 by Doron Merdinger, an entrepreneur with 25 years of design and manufacturing experience, Doroni Aerospace aims to democratize flight in the growing eVTOL sector. See also: Volocopter Receives Production Approval Extension for VoloCity eVTOL The H1-X represents the culmination of Doroni’s efforts, designed as a two-seat personal aircraft rather than a larger cabin for air taxi services. It features a…

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker announced during the automaker’s recent earnings call that development work on the affordable Fisker Pear electric vehicle has been paused. The Pear, expected to cost less than $30,000, will be delayed as the company explores investment opportunities from other automakers. “Fisker is in negotiations with a large automaker for a potential transaction which could include an investment in Fisker, joint development of one or more electric vehicle platforms, and North America manufacturing,” said Henrik Fisker. See also: Nissan in Advanced Talks for Partnership and Investment in Fisker While the CEO did not disclose the name of the…

In February, Norway saw a surge in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, with 6,647 new electric cars hitting the roads. This figure represents an increase from both January and the same period last year. The Tesla Model Y emerged as the top choice, accounting for over a quarter of all new electric car registrations. Compared to February 2023, there were 464 more electric cars registered, and 1,930 more compared to January 2024. January typically experiences lower registration numbers, making direct month-to-month comparisons less meaningful. However, the growth compared to February 2023 is significant, especially as new registrations across all drive types…

Fisker saw its shares tumble nearly 40% on Friday after the electric-vehicle startup disclosed risks related to its ability to continue operations. The company announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15% and pause investments in future projects until it finalizes a partnership with a manufacturer. “We are facing a difficult year ahead,” said a spokesperson for Fisker, highlighting the challenges in the EV sector. This announcement follows weak production forecasts from competitors Rivian and Lucid, indicating broader struggles within the industry. See also: Fisker’s Q4 Revenue Misses Estimates, Warns of Going Concern Status The company’s shares, which traded down 38.9%…

Electronic mobility company Orbic showcased its groundbreaking 5G-enabled eBike at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona this week, marking a significant advancement in smart transportation. Orbic’s eBike, equipped with AI object detection and avoidance technology, is touted as the world’s first to leverage 5G connectivity, heralding what the company calls “a new era in smart transportation” with a strong focus on sustainability and rider safety. The eBike continuously monitors its surroundings for obstacles and potential hazards, providing riders with real-time alerts if anything is detected. This innovative safety feature aims to enhance the overall riding experience and improve road safety.…

Hyundai’s N performance arm, known for its compelling models like the original i30 N, has now ventured into the realm of sporty EVs with the debut of the new Ioniq 5 N. However, the brand’s executive technical advisor, Albert Biermann, revealed that creating a more affordable EV is a top priority for N, though it poses significant challenges. During the Australian launch of the Ioniq 5 N, Biermann expressed N’s interest in a more affordable EV, stating, “of course,” N would be interested in such a model. However, he noted the current reliance on existing platforms, stating that N is…

The White House announced on Thursday that the United States is launching an investigation into whether Chinese vehicle imports could pose national security risks. The investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department comes amid concerns about “connected” car technology, which could potentially allow Chinese-assembled smart vehicles to collect sensitive data about U.S. citizens and infrastructure and transmit it to China. President Joe Biden stated, “China’s policies could flood our market with its vehicles, posing risks to our national security. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch.” However, White House officials emphasized that it is too early to determine…

Ford is on the brink of releasing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, allowing its electric vehicles to directly access Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This move follows Ford’s early adoption of Tesla’s open-source NACS, pledging to equip its EVs with ports to connect to the Supercharger network. While new Ford vehicles will come standard with NACS ports and connectors next year, the company has collaborated with Tesla to provide complimentary Supercharger adapters to current owners of F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E models. Ford had initially announced a spring 2024 release for these adapters, and it appears they are set…

Honda has announced the launch of the CR-V e:FCEV, marking its debut as the first Japanese automaker to introduce a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) featuring a plug-in charging function. The CR-V e:FCEV boasts a range of 434 kilometers (according to EPA) and an additional 46 kilometers (according to EPA) thanks to its 17.7 kWh battery, which can be externally charged. Unlike typical fuel cell systems, the battery in the CR-V e:FCEV does not serve as a buffer for braking energy but supports the system when needed most. Moreover, the vehicle’s charging port can be used bi-directionally for charging external…