Author: Harding Greenwood

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has garnered significant acclaim for its R1T electric truck and R1S SUV from reviewers and enthusiasts alike. However, while these vehicles have received praise, their price tags, starting at $74,800, have raised questions about their affordability. Delving deeper into the equation, it becomes apparent that Rivian incurs a staggering $33,000 loss on each vehicle sold, making these EVs appear to be perpetual Cyber Monday deals. The substantial financial hit that Rivian takes on every EV sold, an amount equivalent to the starting price of a base ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Ford F-150, has accelerated…

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in the United Kingdom has witnessed a surge in recent years, driven by promises of lower running costs and environmental benefits. However, many EV drivers are now grappling with unexpectedly high insurance expenses, raising concerns about the affordability of electric mobility. These soaring insurance costs cannot be attributed solely to increased energy prices, which have made charging EVs more expensive than in the past. Rather, the primary issue lies in shocking spikes in insurance premiums, especially for UK-based electric car owners. Some individuals have reported that their insurance premiums have surged more than threefold, while others…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup, Leapmotor, has shown noteworthy growth in its recent delivery figures, particularly in September, reinforcing its positive performance throughout the third quarter. As per the company’s official data, Leapmotor achieved a significant milestone by delivering 15,800 vehicles in September. This represented a notable 43.13 percent year-on-year increase and a substantial 11.35 percent uptick compared to the previous month, August. Zooming out to the third quarter, Leapmotor reported a commendable total of 44,325 vehicle deliveries, showcasing a robust 24.48 percent year-on-year growth and a substantial 30.39 percent surge from the second quarter. Year-to-date figures show that Leapmotor…

The city of Kristianstad in Sweden is set to welcome a fleet of 23 electric buses. VR Kristianstad, the local transport company, has placed an order with the Polish manufacturer Solaris, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The order comprises 20 Urbino 15 Electric buses and three Urbino 12 Electric buses, signifying a substantial commitment to electrifying the city’s public transport system. Scheduled for delivery in July 2024, this acquisition also marks a notable milestone as it introduces Solaris electric buses to the southern Swedish city for the first time. See also: Solaris…

Nio has exceeded the milestone of 1,900 battery swap stations across China. The company also witnessed an unprecedented surge in services on the eve of a major holiday. On the recent day preceding a significant holiday, Nio inaugurated nine new battery swap stations in China, elevating the total count to an impressive 1,904 facilities. Notably, 560 of these stations are strategically positioned along highways, as indicated by the company’s charging map data. During the current month, Nio has been on an expansion spree, adding 130 new battery swap stations in China, with a notable century of them being introduced in…

Terra Motors, a prominent Japanese EV manufacturer, has announced its intention to invest over 10 billion yen (approximately 63.5 million euros) in the development of a robust fast-charging network in Tokyo. This ambitious initiative, as reported by nippon.com, seeks to primarily deploy 150-kilowatt (kW) chargers at commercial and public locations, as well as within the car parks of local authorities across the metropolis. Terra Motors’ vision extends beyond Tokyo, with plans to establish similar fast-charging stations in urban areas of Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka prefectures in the near future. See also: Japan Aims to Double EV Charging Stations to 300,000…

British electric vehicle supplier Bedeo has introduced a new service aimed at converting thousands of diesel vans into electric hybrids, with an initial focus on the French market. This strategic move comes as France extends enticing government subsidies for retrofitting fossil-fuel vehicles, aligning with its commitment to greener transportation alternatives. France’s generous subsidy program offers a significant 9,000-euro ($9,509) incentive for companies involved in electric vehicle retrofitting. However, it’s essential to note that each retrofitted model must successfully pass government vehicle tests, ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance. See also: Hyundai Mobis Develops Electric In-Wheel System for Direct…

The residents of Straßkirchen have overwhelmingly voted in favor of the construction of the new BMW Group facility, which is set to become a crucial component of BMW’s electric vehicle production network. The referendum saw over 75 percent of voters support the council’s motion for a “Yes to a BMW assembly plant for high-voltage batteries.” With approximately 77 percent voter turnout, this decision paves the way for BMW to assemble 600,000 high-voltage batteries annually for its electric cars, supplying its key car plants in Munich, Dingolfing, and Regensburg. The significance of the proposed plant in Straßkirchen cannot be overstated, as…

Edinburgh Airport has taken steps to enhance its commitment to sustainability by introducing 40 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its parking areas. This initiative aims to provide travelers with convenient charging options and aligns with the airport’s sustainability strategy. Among the newly installed chargers, five are available at the FastPark valet parking facility, allowing passengers to charge their vehicles while they travel and return to a fully charged car upon their return. See also: Stuttgart Airport to Electrify Handling Fleet with €5.8m Government-Funded Project Additionally, the airport has positioned fifteen 22kW chargers near the Terminal Parking area, with a maximum…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has unveiled its latest addition to the Mexican market, the BYD Dolphin. This compact electric vehicle marks BYD’s fourth model in Mexico, following the successful launches of the Han, Tang, and Yuan Plus. The official launch event took place on September 20, 2023, and the BYD Dolphin comes with an enticing starting price of 535,990 Mexican pesos (approximately $31,250). Originally introduced in China on August 29, 2021, the BYD Dolphin has already gained traction in its home market. In China, it offers three versions with varying starting prices, ranging from RMB 116,800 (about $16,000)…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers have been making significant strides globally, with estimates suggesting that they will account for 60 percent of global EV sales this year. However, despite their global success, Chinese EVs remain conspicuously absent from the American market, and several factors are contributing to this absence. One prominent barrier is the 27.5 percent tariff on vehicles produced in China, which was implemented during the tenure of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Although this tariff was enacted under unusual circumstances, it continues to affect Chinese brands’ ability to compete effectively in the American market. The current Biden administration…

General Motors (GM) has announced a temporary shutdown of the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, from October through spring 2024. The decision to halt production is attributed to delays in the delivery of Ultium battery modules crucial for powering the BrightDrop Zevo 600 and Zevo 410 electric vans manufactured at the facility. GM spokesperson Maria Violette explained the situation, stating, “CAMI Assembly will take downtime beginning in October, due to previously announced delays in battery-module supply.” She further added, “Vehicle production is expected to resume in the spring of 2024, supported by the launch of CAMI’s new battery-module line,…