Author: Harding Greenwood

Audi is set to introduce a new entry-level electric model below the Q4 e-tron in 2027, aiming for an accelerated development time of around three years to compete against Chinese rivals. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated that the compact model will be a “wonderful, unique independent vehicle concept, produced in Ingolstadt,” promising an exciting addition to the lineup. While details about the vehicle are scarce, Döllner did not rule out the possibility of it being based on the MEB platform. He mentioned, “the final decision on which platform we will use has not yet been made.” The PPE platform, which…

Isuzu has revealed its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), based on the D-Max midsize pickup, which retains the payload and towing capabilities of the turbodiesel versions. The Isuzu D-Max BEV, previewed in a pre-production prototype, will debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand on March 27 before its planned market launch in Europe in 2025. Isuzu will also showcase another D-Max prototype featuring a mild-hybrid diesel, although its production status remains uncertain. The zero-emission D-Max BEV, built on the same ladder-frame chassis as its diesel counterpart, features a “full-time 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles in front and…

Ferrari, known for its iconic combustion-engined supercars, is gearing up to join the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first all-electric car in 2025. The move marks a significant shift for the Italian automaker, which has been cautious in embracing the EV trend. CEO Benedetto Vigna expressed confidence that Ferrari’s electric offering will “stir the emotions” just like its legendary combustion-engined cars. He emphasized the potential of electric technology, stating, “If you know the technology, you know you can do a lot of things also with electric cars,” and dispelled the notion that electric cars are…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has recently trademarked the R1X, sparking speculation about a potential new addition to its flagship R1 lineup. The move comes on the heels of Rivian’s unveiling event for the R2 platform, where the company surprised audiences by introducing the R3 and R3X vehicles. Describing the R3 as a compact yet powerful vehicle with impressive performance and off-road capabilities, Rivian emphasized its commitment to passenger comfort and storage. The R3X, on the other hand, is positioned as the performance variant of the R3, promising even greater dynamic abilities both on and off the road. See also: Rivian Designer…

Around 2.1 million electric bikes were sold in Germany in 2023, surpassing the number of bikes without an electric motor (1.9 million) for the first time. This surge in e-bike sales has propelled the total number of bicycles in Germany to a record 84 million, with approximately 11 million being e-bikes. The two-wheeler industry has defied the general negative consumer climate, with e-bikes leading the way despite being a significant investment. Sales in 2023 reached a level “comparable to the bicycle boom year 2020,” according to the industry association ZIV. E-bikes have now taken the majority share, accounting for 53…

The Milence Electric Truck Charging Joint Venture, a collaboration between Daimler Truck, the Traton Group, and the Volvo Group, is set to inaugurate its premier charge park located south of Rouen. Expected to commence operations in April, this hub marks a significant milestone in the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. Initially, the facility will be equipped with four cutting-edge Combined Charging Systems (CCS) chargers, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW of charging power. As part of a subsequent phase, Milence plans to incorporate additional chargers, including its pioneering Megawatt Charging System (MSC) chargers. However, specific details regarding the…

Volvo Cars has announced a strategic investment in UK startup Breathe Battery Technologies, aiming to leverage its battery software to slash charging time for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) lineup by 30%. The collaboration between the two companies was revealed on Tuesday, highlighting Volvo’s commitment to advancing its next generation of EVs. The exact amount of the investment from the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the automaker’s corporate venture capital arm, was not disclosed. See also: Volvo Cars’ Electric Vehicle Sales Surge 14% Globally, Account for 22% of Total Sales in February Breathe’s cutting-edge technology is expected to be integrated into new…

Porsche has officially introduced the Taycan Turbo GT, the latest addition to its electric vehicle lineup, at the Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey, California. This unveiling comes after the Taycan prototype set a new electric production-car lap record at the Nürburgring earlier this year. The Taycan Turbo GT boasts impressive performance figures, with a power output of up to 1,092 hp (815 kW / 1,108 PS). This is made possible by a series of aerodynamic and chassis upgrades, in line with Porsche’s GT-branded models. The optional Weissach package further enhances the car’s performance by reducing weight and transforming it into…

Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, has expressed a strong desire to introduce an all-electric SUV akin to the Ferrari Purosangue for the U.S. and Chinese markets. However, he acknowledges that the outcome of European elections and the U.S. presidential election could compel the company to reassess its strategies. Alfa Romeo’s roadmap includes an all-electric fastback SUV based on the STLA Large platform, slated for a 2027 release. Yet, the potential reelection of Donald Trump in the U.S. raises concerns, as it could lead to delays or freezes in state bans on new combustion-powered car sales and a rollback…

EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and Plastic Omnium, has inked a significant deal with Chinese automaker FAW Group for the development and supply of fuel cell stack modules. The agreement marks a milestone in the partnership between the companies, with the prototypes of the ‘NM12-Single’ platform set to be integrated into FAW’s next-generation fuel cell vehicle under its premium brand Hongqi. The ‘NM12-Single’ stack module, based on PEM fuel cell technology, is tailored for use in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. ElringKlinger highlights its high power density, compact design, and low weight, emphasizing its efficiency…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc (LI.O) said on Friday it would significantly boost its charging network this year and next as it officially enters the battery electric vehicle (BEV) space. The company aims to have more than 5,000 supercharging stations online by 2025, covering 90% of main highway routes and core urban areas in Tier 4 and more developed cities, Li Auto said in a statement. Li Auto will invest over RMB 6 billion ($835 million) in the next few years to increase the number of stations with 5C charging piles to over 5,000, it said in…

Mate Rimac, the visionary CEO behind the electric supercar manufacturers Rimac and Bugatti, has shared his thoughts on Elon Musk’s recent claim about the upcoming Tesla Roadster. Musk boasted that the new Roadster would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 1 second, thanks to the integration of thrusters. Tesla’s next-generation Roadster was initially unveiled in 2017 with a projected release in 2020, a date that has been pushed back every subsequent year. Musk recently announced that the much-anticipated vehicle is now expected in 2024, with an updated version set to be unveiled later this year. See also: Elon…