Author: Floyd Hawkins

Polestar, the electric vehicle (EV) brand owned by Geely and Volvo, has seen its upcoming smartphone, developed in collaboration with Chinese tech company Meizu, listed on Google’s API website as compatible with the Play Store. The smartphone, touted to support drivers of Polestar’s new Polestar 4 crossover, has been making waves since its initial details and images were shared a few months ago. Details about the Polestar Phone remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that the device will operate on the Android platform and will offer support for Google Play services. At a media event in China last fall,…

Unplugged Performance, a Tesla-focused aftermarket parts brand, recently demonstrated the capabilities of the Tesla Cybertruck by using it to tow one of its Tesla race cars to an event and subsequently lapping the track in Baja mode. The company lauded these achievements as pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) capabilities, although opinions on their impressiveness may vary depending on one’s affinity for Tesla. Towing with an EV presents challenges, and while the Cybertruck boasts a promised towing capacity of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg), its actual maximum capacity falls short at 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg), still lower than some conventional…

Japanese firm Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB Traction have achieved a significant milestone in their collaborative effort to develop a massive, fully electric dump truck designed for demanding operations. The completion of their first prototype marks a key stage in the initiative initially announced in 2021, aiming to convert Hitachi’s fleet of 2500 HP EH4000 244-ton diesel mining trucks into electric vehicles. See also: First Mode Collaborates with ABB to Supply Battery Systems for Zero-Emission Dump Trucks The unique perspective taken by ABB involved not just focusing on the operational tasks but also on managing the energy required for the…

German electric vehicle developer ElectricBrands has filed for insolvency under self-administration as part of a strategy to completely reorganize the company. Based in Eppertshausen, ElectricBrands is on the verge of launching its lightweight electric vehicles in the market. The company filed an application for insolvency under self-administration with the Darmstadt Local Court, and provisional self-administration was ordered by the court on January 29, 2024. The restructuring process will also involve affiliated companies ElectricBrands Financial Service GmbH, Evetta GmbH, and XBUS GmbH. ElectricBrands, active in electric light vehicle development since 2018, attributes the insolvency to a recent increase in development costs…

In a recent development, Tesla has made a slight adjustment to the price of its upgraded Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) just weeks after its North American release. The vehicle, previously priced at $45,990 before options, now starts at $46,990. The Model 3 LR AWD is part of Tesla’s current offerings, which also include the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant priced at $38,990 before options. While the specific reason for the price increase has not been officially disclosed by Tesla, it coincides with a shift in the estimated delivery date for the LR AWD model…

Hyundai and Kia are currently conducting tests on a new aerodynamic feature for electric vehicles (EVs) known as the “Active Air Skirt.” This device aims to enhance range efficiency and provide increased stability at higher speeds, particularly for EVs built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The Active Air Skirt functions as a deployable flap positioned in front of a vehicle’s front tires and is currently being demonstrated on a Genesis GV60 crossover, a luxury brand under the Hyundai Motor Group. See also: Hyundai’s Latest Ioniq 5 Concept Takes Maneuverability to the Next Level with 360-Degree Spins and Beyond This…

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a stowable bed and roof rack system designed for pickup trucks and SUVs. The patent, named the “Folding Vehicle Rack system,” was submitted on December 27, 2022, and published on January 11, 2024. The patent outlines a simple yet innovative system comprising two vertical bars that clip into the sides of the vehicle bed. These bars are connected by hinged horizontal bars, forming U-shaped structures on each side of the bed. When dismantling, disconnecting the cross braces allows…

Stellantis, the global automotive company, has introduced its latest electric vehicle (EV) platform, the STLA Large, set to be employed in eight upcoming models, including the recently revealed Jeep Wagoneer S. The versatile chassis is tailored for diverse vehicles in the D and E segments, such as cars, crossovers, and SUVs. Comprising 400V and 800V variants, the STLA Large platform boasts an integrated battery with a substantial 118 kWh capacity, offering an estimated range of up to 800 km (~500 miles). For perspective, competing models like the Kia EV9, Tesla Model S P100D, and Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range feature…

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled the Yuan UP, expanding its Dynasty range of vehicles, featuring the distinctive Dragon Face design language. In comparison to the Atto 3, the Yuan UP exhibits a slightly more rugged aesthetic, drawing parallels to the design approach seen in Jeep’s compact Avenger model. The unconventional appearance suggests potential popularity among a younger demographic. See also: BYD Unveils Official Images of New Yuan Up SUV as it Joins A0-Segment Lineup Official specifications from China indicate that the Yuan UP measures 4,310 mm (170 inches) in length, 1,830 mm (72 inches) in width, and stands at a…

German-Swiss multinational equipment manufacturer, Liebherr, has officially launched its initial foray into battery electric wheel loaders, introducing the L 507 E. This innovative high-voltage battery-powered system, specifically designed for wheel loader applications, offers an operational span of up to eight hours, contingent upon varying operating conditions. The modular battery concept allows for the optional installation of a second lithium-ion battery, extending the running time as per customer requirements. See also: Fortescue and Liebherr Unveil 1.4 MWh Battery System for 240t Electric Mining Haul Truck Promoted as a zero-emission and low-noise alternative for construction sites, the L 507 E boasts performance…

BYD has taken a significant step forward in establishing its first passenger EV production facility in Europe by finalizing a preliminary sales agreement for the chosen land in Hungary. Just two months after announcing Hungary as the preferred location, BYD is accelerating its plans to set up operations in the region. Entering 2024 as the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) volume, surpassing industry giant Tesla, BYD is gearing up to expand its footprint in Europe. Having entered the European market four years ago, BYD continues to introduce new EV models to compete with established players in the EU automotive…

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors, has confirmed that it is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. This revelation comes in the wake of a 2023 accident involving a Cruise-branded Chevy Bolt and a pedestrian, prompting scrutiny into Cruise’s response. Originally reported by TechCrunch and disclosed in a comprehensive 200-page report by Quinn Emanuel, a law firm hired by Cruise to evaluate its handling of the incident, the investigations are acknowledged, but details about their scope remain undisclosed. See also: General Motors Reportedly Ends Ultra Cruise Program as Focus…