Author: Floyd Hawkins

Nio is reportedly in deliberation regarding its potential entry into the North American market by the year 2025. The information, disclosed by Nio US CEO Ganesh Iyer at the Reuters Events Automotive USA 2023 conference, highlighted the company’s contemplation of various partnership possibilities as part of its strategic approach to North American expansion. Speaking at the conference, Iyer emphasized the significance of building infrastructure before introducing Nio’s EVs to the North American market. This consideration aligns with Nio’s commitment to delivering an “immersive user experience” as a distinguishing factor for the brand, as conveyed by Iyer in statements reported by…

A recent confirmation by IDRA Group, the Italian manufacturer of high-pressure die-casting machines, reveals that Volvo Cars has acquired two 9,000-ton giga press machines for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) factory in Košice, Slovakia. The move aligns with the growing industry trend of utilizing giga presses, pioneered by Tesla, to enhance the cost-effective mass production of electric vehicles. IDRA Group, known for supplying Tesla with similar equipment for the Model Y and Cybertruck, announced the contract on its LinkedIn page, describing the 9,000-ton aluminum casting machines as a substantial leap forward in automotive manufacturing technology. The machines are anticipated to…

Samsung SDI, the battery-making arm of South Korean tech conglomerate Samsung, and automotive giant Volvo are commemorating their successful five-year partnership. The collaboration, initiated in 2018, recently saw Samsung SDI becoming a direct supplier of electric vehicle (EV) battery cells to Volvo. During a visit by Volvo’s President and CEO to Samsung SDI’s battery plant in Cheonan, the two companies announced their commitment to continue collaborating on crucial EV technologies. Furthermore, there are plans to broaden their partnership, encompassing the manufacturing of construction equipment and energy storage systems. Volvo’s FM Electric truck, introduced last year, utilizes Samsung’s 21700 high-nickel cylindrical…

Switzerland has announced its decision to terminate the tax exemption for electric vehicles (EVs), with the new policy scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024. The Swiss Federal Council revealed this move in a press release on Wednesday, stating that EVs will be subjected to a 4 percent import duty, aligning them with other vehicles. The council highlighted that the exemption, in place since 1997, is deemed unnecessary due to the rapid growth in EV adoption. “The Federal Council takes the view that the exemption from duty as an incentive is no longer necessary, given the sharp rise in…

Redwood Materials has recently expanded its recycling endeavors to encompass stationary energy storage systems, marking a pivotal development in its mission to promote sustainability. The company, known for its comprehensive battery recycling initiatives, is making notable strides in the sector, notably with its recent collaboration with the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). The partnership with KIUC centered on a decommissioning project for a first-generation energy storage system located at the Anahola station, initially initiated by the Anahola Solar Initiative. This project involved the recycling of a substantial 4.6 MWh battery storage system and represents a significant step forward for Redwood…

Peugeot has recently revealed its revamped range of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), and among them, the E-Rifter stands out as a notable addition. This latest iteration of the minivan combines a more distinctive design, upgraded technological features, and a modest boost in driving range while retaining the familiar electric powertrain from its predecessor. The E-Rifter serves as the passenger version of the E-Partner LCV, and both models have adopted a new approach to their exterior styling. One of the key visual updates on the E-Rifter is its redesigned headlights, which now sport triple LED “claws” set against a black backdrop.…

Atos, the global technology and digital services company, unveiled its integral role in advancing ACC’s lithium-ion battery manufacturing capabilities. ACC, an emerging player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, is gearing up to produce over two million lithium-ion batteries annually. To meet this ambitious target, ACC recognized the crucial need for a “best-in-class IT infrastructure.” Atos’ involvement in this strategic initiative extends to its teams in Bordeaux, which will be responsible for project management and systems expertise. Renowned for their proficiency in managed infrastructure services, these teams are well-positioned to ensure the project’s seamless execution. Furthermore, Atos’ Global Delivery…

BMW, the renowned Bavarian automaker, is gearing up to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio with a range of new models, according to credible insider information. The company’s strategic move towards electrification is set to include the introduction of a new i3 sedan, alongside enhanced versions of the iX3, iX4, and iX5 SUVs. As reported by a reputable source on the Bimmerpost forum, the upcoming next-generation i3 (NA0) and iX3 (NA5) will be available in a variety of configurations, including the 40, 40 xDrive, 50, 50xDrive, and M60 xDrive trims. The closely related iX4 (NA7) is expected to come exclusively…

Volvo has revealed the prices for its entire 2024 lineup, introducing electrifying enhancements to its popular C40 and XC40 Recharge electric models. For the first time in a quarter-century, Volvo is making a significant stride by offering a rear-wheel drive variant in the United States, alongside other notable improvements. The Swedish automaker has heeded the most pressing demands from its customers – increased range and expedited charging times. This significant leap forward comes with the introduction of all-new, in-house developed electric powertrain options. Volvo’s freshly minted Single Motor Extended Range C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge come equipped with a potent…

As concerns mount over a potential slowdown in the global electric vehicle (EV) adoption rate, the world’s largest lithium producers have reaffirmed their bullish outlook on the long-term demand for this crucial battery material, despite recent price drops. Lithium giants, including LG Energy Solution, General Motors, and Honda, have, in recent weeks, adjusted their EV expansion plans, partially in response to rising interest rates, which have subsequently sparked fears of a supply surplus in the lithium market. A basket of lithium prices, which exhibits regional and type-based variations and is monitored by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, has witnessed a drop of…

An intriguing video has surfaced, revealing the Tesla Cybertruck’s capability to execute a distinctive ‘crab walk’ maneuver. Joe Tegtmeyer, an ardent Tesla enthusiast who closely monitors activities at the Gigafactory in Texas, recorded this footage, sparking curiosity and conjecture regarding concealed functionalities within this electric pickup truck. The footage captured the Cybertruck undergoing what appears to be a test, with the vehicle temporarily halted, potentially for the adjustment of driving settings or mode selection. Subsequently, the Cybertruck began to move in a diagonal direction, reminiscent of a driving technique referred to as ‘crab walking.’ https://twitter.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/1719772718709576087 This particular maneuver, famously demonstrated…

Tesla has issued a recall for 4,787 imported Model X electric vehicles in China due to concerns related to brake fluid sensor calibration. The recall, initiated on October 20, 2023, was announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The affected vehicles, produced between October 13, 2021, and September 28, 2023, may not adequately alert drivers to low brake fluid levels due to issues with the calibration range of the brake fluid level sensor signal received by the vehicle controller. The safety concern stems from the possibility that this failure to alert drivers could compromise the vehicle’s braking system,…