Author: Floyd Hawkins

In a recent development, Ford has announced two separate recalls affecting approximately 1 million vehicles sold in the United States. While one recall focuses on a crucial issue with the taillights of the 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning, the other pertains to the absence of instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints in various models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice regarding the first recall, which affects 16,375 units of the 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning. The reason behind the recall is the potential development of microcracks in the rear LED lightbar during the assembly plant tailgate installation process…

Porsche is reportedly shifting its focus towards producing high-performance battery cells on a larger scale than previously planned. The German automaker is now expected to undertake this endeavor independently, as it has taken full control of the battery joint venture, the Cellforce Group, previously formed with partner Customcells. While official confirmation from both parties is still pending, insiders revealed this development to German business magazine Manager Magazin. The magazine disclosed that the battery development and production facility in the Reutlingen-Nord/Kirchentellinsfurt region, initially intended for a capacity of 100 megawatts, will now be designed to produce 20 gigawatt hours annually. Previously,…

A recent study conducted by S&P Global Mobility has shed light on the priorities of consumers when it comes to purchasing a new car. In a surprising turn of events, it appears that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have taken precedence over autonomous driving technology, despite the automakers’ persistent emphasis on the latter. ADAS features, including blind-spot detection, backup cameras, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, have emerged as the most coveted tech features among modern consumers. The study, which surveyed drivers in 2023, revealed that a remarkable 80 percent or more of the…

During the ongoing ees Europe conference in Munich, Germany, ProLongium has taken the opportunity to reveal its latest breakthrough in solid-state battery technology. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes, the company’s second-generation solid-state battery has the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Building upon the success of their first-generation 100% silicon oxide anode technology, which paved the way for high energy density, ProLongium has adopted a simple yet effective approach with its new battery innovation. By employing larger battery cells, similar to Tesla’s 4680 cells that deviate from the 2170 standard, the company has introduced the Large footprint Lithium…

Mercedes-Benz is expanding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its vehicles by introducing ChatGPT, powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, to its MBUX equipped vehicles for customers in the United States. This advancement enables users to engage with a voice assistant that not only understands natural voice commands but also conducts conversations, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their focus on the road. Unlike conventional voice assistants that have limited capabilities, ChatGPT utilizes a sophisticated language model to enhance natural language understanding and expand the range of topics it can respond to. This means that…

A prototype of the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck has been spotted arriving in New Zealand by plane, suggesting that the electric pickup truck is undergoing final winter testing. With approximately 1.5 million reservation holders eagerly awaiting the vehicle’s release, there has been significant interest in when deliveries will commence and in what quantities. Tesla has stated that a delivery event is planned for “around the end of Q3,” which aligns with the end of September 2023. Earlier indications from Tesla to suppliers pointed to the release of Cybertruck prototypes in late August, followed by production starting in early October. The…

In a groundbreaking joint initiative, the Volkswagen Group and the municipality of Astypalea in Greece have successfully completed their ambitious project to electrify all transportation on the island. What began in 2020 as an innovative endeavor has now become a thriving test bed for zero-emissions mobility, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the German carmaker and the local community. Astypalea, a picturesque island nestled in the Aegean Sea, has garnered attention for its remarkable transformation, driven by Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial, Ducati, and Seat MÓ. These prominent entities have played a pivotal role in developing a robust public charging infrastructure and…

In a recent move, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla has once again increased the price of its popular Wall Connector, marking the second price hike this year. Previously priced at $350, the Wall Connector’s cost was raised to $425 in January 2023. Now, Tesla has raised it by an additional $50, bringing the new price to $475. Despite the price increase, the Tesla Wall Connector remains one of the more affordable options for home charging solutions. Comparatively, the Ford Connected Charge Station, equipped with the J1772 port, is priced at $800. Another competitor, the Pulsar Plus 48 EV wall box…

The electric vehicle (EV) market in the United States continues to gain momentum as sales of all-electric cars experienced significant growth in April. The latest registration data from Experian, reported by Automotive News, reveals that the number of battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations during the first four months of 2023 reached 348,258, marking a substantial 72 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in registrations accounted for approximately 7 percent of the total car market, a notable rise from the 4.4 percent market share observed in 2022. In comparison, the total number of registrations for light-duty…

French bicycle company, Lapierre, continues to captivate cyclists worldwide with its exceptional road and mountain bikes that cater to both professional racers and passionate enthusiasts. While Lapierre has long been celebrated for its high-end models, the company has recently expanded its product line to include a diverse range of electric bikes. Making a significant impact this year is Lapierre’s latest creation, the E-Zesty—an innovative full-suspension electric mountain bike that has set the industry abuzz. The E-Zesty, set to debut in 2023, boasts a geometric design inspired by classic trail bikes and features 140 millimeters of suspension travel in both the…

Tesla has made changes to its production plans at the Giga Berlin manufacturing facility in Germany. The American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer will be reducing the number of temporary workers and eliminating Saturday shifts, while remaining confident in achieving its production targets. This decision comes following reports of a potential delay in Tesla’s goal of reaching a weekly production rate of 6,000 cars at the Berlin-Brandenburg site. Earlier this year, Tesla achieved a significant milestone by producing 5,000 Model Y vehicles per week at its German factory. In order to further ramp up production, the company added a third shift…

London-based EV startup, Ark, has entered the competitive market of oddball micro electric vehicles (EVs) with its latest offering, the Zero. While quadricycles like the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, Opel Rocks Electric, and Renault Twizy may seem unconventional to North American observers, these vehicles have carved out a small but significant niche that is projected to expand in the coming years. At present, the Zero is exclusively available in the United Kingdom, where its price of £5,995 ($7,620) positions it as the country’s most affordable electric vehicle, undercutting the Ami and offering a cost-saving of £1,700 ($2,160). However, it should…