Author: Floyd Hawkins

In the anticipation of the forthcoming release of the Project Highland Model 3 in China, Tesla is reportedly priming its Giga Shanghai facility to boost battery production. A recent report by local news outlet 36kr has indicated that Tesla is in the process of reactivating operations for Phase 1 of the battery production line at its Chinese manufacturing facility. This move is aimed at accommodating the projected surge in orders that is expected to follow the official launch of the new Model 3 variant. The battery production capability at the Shanghai plant is organized into three distinct phases: Phase 1,…

Tork Motors, an Indian startup, has unveiled the Kratos-R Urban, expanding its diverse range of electric motorcycles. This new variant, priced at Rs 167,499 (approximately $2,017 USD), presents an attractive entry point into the Kratos lineup while emphasizing urban utility and stylish aesthetics. Introduced on August 14, 2023, the Kratos-R Urban builds upon the foundation of the existing Kratos-R model, with a specific focus on urban commuting needs. While it retains the striking design elements that set it apart, this variant places a particular emphasis on practicality for city environments. Notably, a specialized “City” riding mode has been introduced, tailored…

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has taken steps to ensure public safety by requesting General Motors’ Cruise robotaxi business to scale back its autonomous vehicle fleet by 50 percent within San Francisco. This decision comes in the wake of a recent collision involving one of Cruise’s Chevrolet Bolts and a fire truck. The incident has prompted the state DMV to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. According to sources at TechCrunch, the state DMV’s inquiry has been prompted by a series of “recent concerning incidents” involving Cruise’s autonomous vehicles operating within San Francisco. The regulatory…

Tesla has revealed that a data breach compromised the personal information of more than 75,000 individuals, including both staff and external parties. The breach was orchestrated by two former Tesla employees, according to a legal disclosure by the company. The breach, which occurred earlier, saw a significant amount of personal data being exposed. This data subsequently made its way to German media outlet Handelsblatt. Steven Elentukh, Tesla’s data privacy officer, disclosed this information in a submission made to the attorney general’s office in Maine. Tesla’s legal submission further indicated that Handelsblatt had informed the company about the receipt of confidential…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has revealed the official EPA range ratings for its highly anticipated VF9 three-row electric SUV, showcasing impressive figures that surpass initial expectations. The VF9, a full-size, seven-passenger, all-electric SUV, is poised to make a splash in the electric vehicle market with its remarkable performance and competitive pricing. In an official statement, VinFast announced that the VF9 boasts an EPA range of 330 miles in the Eco trim variant, and an equally commendable 291 miles in the Plus trim version. These ratings have garnered significant attention, as they position the VF9 among the top contenders in terms of…

In the wake of its recent grand unveiling of three cutting-edge electric vehicles, Fisker has provided additional insights and visuals of its upcoming Alaska electric truck. The revelation took place during the Fisker Product Vision Day event a fortnight ago, where the brand’s Pear electric hatchback and the Ronin super GT also took the spotlight. The Alaska truck, anticipated to debut in the first quarter of 2025, will utilize a modified Ocean platform known as the FM31, boasting an impressive projected range of up to 340 miles. At the high-profile event, Henrik Fisker, the CEO of the company, boldly proclaimed…

In a groundbreaking announcement, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. LTD (CATL), a prominent Chinese battery supplier collaborating with major American automakers including Tesla and Ford, has introduced the revolutionary Shenxing battery. This cutting-edge battery boasts the remarkable capability to charge an electric vehicle to an impressive range of 400 km (248 miles) in just 10 minutes. Set to commence production later this year, the Shenxing cell joins a competitive lineup of similar rapid-charging offerings in the market. The moniker “Shenxing” translates to “god-like movement,” a term evoking ambition and aspiration. While the nomenclature might appear ambitious, for electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking…

Mercedes has revealed its plan to introduce automated parking technology to the all-electric EQE sedan in Germany. Following successful implementation in models like the EQS and S-Class, this advanced feature enables the vehicle to autonomously park itself in specific parking garages. The operational process of the system is designed for simplicity and ease. To engage the automated parking feature, drivers are prompted to reserve a parking space in a compatible garage using their smart devices. Upon arriving at the parking location, drivers can exit the vehicle, allowing the EQE to independently navigate and locate an available parking spot. See also:…

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Canoo has announced its second-quarter results, revealing a smaller-than-anticipated loss due to decreased research and development expenses. The news has triggered a 2% surge in the company’s shares during extended trading. In addition to the financial update, Canoo introduced its latest product, the lifestyle delivery vehicle 190. This model boasts an augmented payload capacity and increased body length in comparison to its predecessor, the lifestyle delivery vehicle 130. The recently released financial report indicated that Canoo’s loss for the second quarter was $70.9 million, a notable reduction from the $164.4 million loss reported in the same…

In a significant move within the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Fisker, an emerging EV manufacturer, announced its strategic collaboration with Tesla, the pioneering electric car company. The partnership involves Fisker’s adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), facilitating expanded charging options for Fisker’s customers by the year 2025. This transformative step comes amid a notable shift in the automotive landscape, as several established manufacturers, including Ford Motor and General Motors, pivot from the widely adopted Combined Charging System (CCS) connector to Tesla’s proprietary charging design. This strategic maneuver positions Tesla’s charging infrastructure to take a dominant position within the…

In a sneak peek ahead of its scheduled release later this month, images of Kia’s forthcoming EV5 electric SUV have surfaced, offering a comprehensive view of the compact vehicle’s design and features. First introduced in conceptual form in March, shortly after the debut of its flagship EV9 SUV, the Kia EV5 is set to make its mark as a smaller counterpart to the existing EV6, which stands as Kia’s inaugural dedicated electric car. Building on Kia’s “opposites united” design philosophy, evident across its lineup, the EV5 boasts notable style enhancements, such as the distinctive Digital Tiger Face at its front,…

Fisker has unveiled further insights into the Ronin electric supercar shortly after its introduction at the Product Vision Day event in California. Set to commence production in the latter half of 2025, the Ronin aims to redefine the concept of a “super GT convertible,” merging high-performance capabilities with an extended driving range. The recent unveiling was accompanied by a comprehensive gallery of images showcasing the Ronin’s meticulously crafted bodywork, captured from various angles. When its retractable hardtop is lowered, the model’s appearance evokes comparisons to the Ferrari Roma Spider, albeit with an elongated four-door configuration. See also: Fisker Ronin New…