Author: Harding Greenwood

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor is taking ambitious steps to expand its global footprint and ensure its survival in a rapidly consolidating EV market. The company’s CEO, Zhu Jiangming, revealed in an interview at the Munich auto show that Leapmotor is targeting a substantial increase in sales and exploring partnerships outside China to license its cutting-edge EV technology. Leapmotor, an eight-year-old player in the EV sector, is embarking on a mission to export its EVs, starting with markets in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is also set to launch five new models, all built on a fresh…

Ola Kaellenius, the Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz, has stated that the variable costs associated with the production of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to remain higher than those of combustion engine models for the foreseeable future. This revelation was made during the IAA car show in Munich, where Mercedes-Benz provided insights into its upcoming electric vehicle architecture, specifically the CLA compact electric sedan set to launch next year. The new CLA is anticipated to offer 30% to 35% more driving range than its predecessors. Kaellenius acknowledged that the higher variable costs associated with EVs, including raw materials for batteries, software…

Tesla reported robust sales figures for its China-made vehicles in August, as per data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer sold 84,159 China-made vehicles during the month, including exports, marking a significant increase of 30.92 percent from the previous month and a 9.35 percent rise from August the previous year. In the broader context, Tesla has experienced remarkable success in the January-August period of 2023, with a total of 624,983 China-made vehicles sold. This represents a substantial year-on-year growth of 56.27 percent, underscoring the company’s enduring popularity in the Chinese EV market. See…

Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Zinc, a leading non-ferrous metal smelting company based in Korea. The collaborative agreement sets the groundwork for a comprehensive partnership across the nickel value chain, with the shared goal of advancing the EV industry’s critical raw material supply. The MOU signing ceremony, graced by the presence of Heung-soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office at Hyundai Motor Group, and Ki Duk Park, President and Co-CEO of Korea Zinc, marks a significant milestone in the partnership. The strategic collaboration encompasses various facets, including joint…

Hankook Tire & Technology, a prominent player in the global tire industry, has introduced the ‘iON Innovative Technology’ system, designed to bolster Research & Development (R&D) processes and improve customer engagement for its electric vehicle (EV) tire brand, ‘iON.’ This initiative reflects Hankook’s commitment to advancing innovation within the evolving electric mobility sector. The newly established ‘iON Innovative Technology’ system signifies Hankook Tire’s strategic effort to build upon its existing expertise in EV tire technology. This system takes its name from the successful ‘iON’ brand, which is recognized for its high-performance tires catering specifically to electric vehicles. See also: Hankook…

The University of Texas at Austin’s Discovery to Impact has invested $250,000 in Group1, a local startup focused on advancing Potassium-ion battery (KIB) technology. Group1’s mission is to reshape the energy sector by offering an alternative to Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) through their innovative KIB technology, potentially reducing dependence on critical minerals. This investment, the fourth from UT Austin’s $10 million Seed Fund, will assist Group1 in expanding its team, scaling up production of its proprietary potassium cathode material, Kristonite™, and forming collaborations with Tier1 cell and automotive manufacturers interested in exploring lithium-alternative solutions. Discovery to Impact, UT Austin’s research commercialization…

After its recent unveiling, the Kia EV5’s price has stunned the market by coming in lower than anticipated. The compact electric SUV, which is poised to enter the burgeoning Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sector, is set to provide a strong competition to established players. Kia’s Chinese joint venture disclosed on Tuesday that the EV5 will have a starting price of approximately $22,000 (159,800 yuan), revealing an unexpectedly affordable entry point for the compact electric SUV. Set to make its market debut on November 17 in China, the EV5 was unveiled to the public at the Chengdu Motor Show last week.…

In a strategic move towards bolstering its commitment to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, Ford Pro, a subsidiary of Ford, has introduced an updated range of EV chargers tailored specifically for fleet applications. With the recent launches of groundbreaking electric models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and E-Transit, the automotive giant is addressing the crucial need for accessible and dependable charging infrastructure for its commercial customers, further solidifying its position in the evolving EV landscape. The cornerstone of Ford Pro’s new charging lineup is the ‘Series 2’ 80-amp AC charger. What sets this charger apart is its ISO-15118 compatibility, a…

In a strategic move that underscores international collaboration within the realm of battery technology, Japanese chemical manufacturer Zeon Corporation has made an undisclosed investment in the US-based startup Mitra Chem. The startup is dedicated to the development of cathode materials tailored for LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, a promising solution in the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. The collaboration between Zeon and Mitra Chem will primarily focus on the advancement of electrode processes compatible with Mitra Chem’s pioneering battery materials. Drawing from its extensive expertise in formulating binders and meticulously assessing lithium-ion batteries, Zeon aims to pioneer a…

After announcing a deal with Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global, Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng said its new brand code-named Mona is the start of more brands to come. The Mona project will be the start of Xpeng’s second, or even third, brand, which will be predominantly for consumers, but also for corporate customers, Mr. He said in a communication session after the deal was announced, according to local media outlet Sina Tech. See also: Xpeng’s Mona Project Set to Introduce Two Models by Late 2024 Mr. He is very optimistic about the competitiveness of the Mona…

BMW has embarked on the construction of a cutting-edge logistics center dedicated to high-voltage batteries adjacent to its Leipzig manufacturing facility. The sprawling 12-hectare site is set to play a pivotal role in BMW’s future operations, with an initial eight-hectare phase slated for completion by mid-2024. The upcoming facility is poised to encompass a comprehensive array of features, including a dedicated logistics hall tailored for the current fifth-generation high-voltage battery technology. This phase will also see the establishment of a loading tunnel and an adjoining office complex. Notably, the ongoing fifth-generation battery iteration employs prismatic cells, with the transition to…

In recent years, the automotive landscape has been revolutionized by the advent of electric vehicles (EVs), characterized by their cutting-edge technology and futuristic features. However, while these innovations have captivated consumers, the industry is grappling with the inherent complexities of delivering on these promises, mirroring the struggles observed in the pioneering Tesla. A recent study by J.D. Power delved into the realm of automotive technology, revealing that EVs face higher instances of technical glitches compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The J.D. Power Tech Experience Study investigated various advanced tech features present in both EVs and traditional ICE…