Author: Floyd Hawkins

German logistics firm TST has unveiled plans to invest €150 million in collaboration with local utility EWR to establish fast-charging stations for electric lorries across Germany. According to a report by Handelsblatt magazine, the joint venture, named PVSM Energy, aims to construct 41 charging stations along the country’s main motorways by the end of 2025. These stations will be equipped with large batteries capable of storing up to three megawatts of green electricity, enabling charging powers of up to 400 kW. “EWR announced in December that it had founded a JV with TST to combine ‘expertise in the expansion of…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry into the effectiveness and safety of Lucid Motors’ recent recall solution following a safety recall announcement. The recall, issued in January for Lucid’s 2022 and 2023 Air models, addressed a high-voltage coolant heater error potentially affecting 2,042 vehicles. The defect could impede windshield defrosting, posing risks to driver visibility and increasing the likelihood of accidents. See also: Lucid Recalls Over 2,000 Air Sedans in the US Due to HVCH Concerns, Addresses with (OTA) Software Update In a official statement, Lucid Motors responded to the recall query, stating: “NHTSA’s Recall Query…

In response to consumer feedback, Mercedes-Benz is set to revamp its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with a renewed focus on aesthetic appeal, aiming to strike a balance between efficiency and style. Christoph Starzynski, Vice President of Car Engineering at Mercedes-Benz, affirmed the company’s responsiveness to customer input, stating, “We have had that comment, and we are taking this comment seriously.” He pointed to the Concept CLA as a preview of the brand’s evolving design ethos, indicating a departure from the ultra-smooth aesthetic towards more conventionally proportioned yet aerodynamically efficient models. Starzynski emphasized the significance of the Concept CLA in shaping…

German company Webasto has confirmed reports initially published by the German Handelsblatt regarding the sale of a majority stake in its charging solutions business. The purchase price for this transaction amounts to 250 million euros, although this information stems from “financial circles” rather than the involved parties themselves. According to Handelsblatt, Webasto’s charging cables, mobile charging stations, and wallboxes generated sales of 92 million euros, but also incurred an operating loss of 82 million euros. Investment bank Jefferies reportedly sought a buyer for almost two years before finalizing this partial sale, which will enable Webasto to refocus on its core…

Luxury automaker Genesis has made waves in the automotive world with the announcement of legendary racer Jacky Ickx joining its team, signaling a strategic move to revitalize the brand. However, during the presentation, keen observers noticed what appears to be a glimpse of the facelifted version of the GV60 electric SUV, inadvertently leaked by the brand. If confirmed, the subtle yet effective changes showcased in the leaked images could further align the GV60 with the Genesis family aesthetic. Despite being relatively recent to the market, the GV60 has enjoyed modest success since its launch a few years ago. Positioned alongside…

SAP, a prominent software company, has opted to remove Tesla vehicles from its fleet, citing concerns over price volatility and logistical challenges, according to a fleet manager’s statement. Steffen Krautwasser, fleet manager at SAP, expressed the company’s decision to discontinue Tesla as a company car supplier, highlighting the fluctuations in Tesla’s list prices as a significant factor impacting planning and posing heightened risks for SAP. “The list prices fluctuate more at Tesla than at other manufacturers, which makes planning more difficult and poses a higher risk for us,” Krautwasser stated. While Tesla’s consistent price reductions over the past two years…

The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant depreciation, prompting buyers to turn to the used car market for bargains. Notably, models like the Audi e-tron SUV, now renamed Q8 e-tron, and the Jaguar I-Pace, both once regarded as premium offerings, have seen substantial decreases in their pre-owned prices. In 2020, the Audi e-tron lineup started at nearly $80,000 for the Premium Plus grade, reaching over $84,000 for the Prestige trim with the Sportback rear-end design. Similarly, the Jaguar I-Pace ranged from $71,000 to $82,000, depending on the model variant. However, early examples of both models are now available in…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a postponement in the release of two crucial electric models due to unexpected consumer interest in its plug-in hybrid vehicles. This decision coincides with the company’s observation of robust demand for its inaugural electric Range Rover following the commencement of orders in December. Following a commendable performance in third-quarter fiscal sales, JLR disclosed its intention to introduce four new electric vehicles (EVs) within the next two years. Initially, Land Rover had outlined plans in 2021 to unveil six all-electric vehicles across its Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender lineups by 2026. CEO Adrian Mardell acknowledged…

Italian luxury car manufacturer Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephen Winkelmann, has unveiled the company’s ambitious vision for its forthcoming battery-electric vehicles (EVs). Winkelmann emphasized that these electric offerings will not only deliver exceptional performance but will also prioritize emotional appeal, mirroring the brand’s ethos. Scheduled for its debut in 2028, Lamborghini’s first foray into the EV market will feature the production version of the Lanzador GT crossover, with subsequent expansion into electric supercars. In a recent interview with Autocar, Winkelmann highlighted the comprehensive efforts of Lamborghini’s engineers in developing a diverse range of EVs, stressing the importance of not only raw power…

Siemens has launched new software designed to assist electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and their suppliers in predicting the performance of electric motors, including axial flux motors. Marketed as ‘Simcenter E-Machine Design’ by Siemens Digital Industries Software, the tool is part of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio and offers electromagnetic and thermal simulation capabilities to reduce reliance on physical prototyping. Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President of Simulation and Test Solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software, commented on the challenges facing the EV industry, stating, “By adopting cutting-edge simulation capabilities to develop new products and technologies in shorter timescales than ever achieved, the EV…

Rivian has recently announced an expansion in the battery options available for its flagship R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV models. The move comes just a month after the company debuted its second line of all-electric vehicles. In a bid to offer customers more choices, Rivian’s configurator now includes the Standard pack as a selectable option, alongside the previously available Large and Max packs. Additionally, the company introduced a new battery pack called Standard+, which promises increased range at a lower cost. See also: Rivian Conducts Cold Weather Testing on Potential R1T Pickup Truck Refresh Models Previously, Rivian’s configurator limited…

FedEx Express Europe has commenced a trial of a hydrogen-powered vehicle in its pickup and delivery operations in Utrecht, Netherlands. This marks the first time FedEx Express has explored hydrogen technologies in Europe, aiming to gain early insights into new solutions for sectors striving to decarbonize, with potential applications in transportation networks. The vehicle under trial, the Renault Master Van H2-TECH, is manufactured by HYVIA, a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug. It boasts the ability to be refueled in under 5 minutes with 6kg of hydrogen gas, powering a 30kW fuel cell that generates electricity for the eMotor.…