Author: Harding Greenwood

Renowned entrepreneur and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk is set to embark on a highly anticipated trip to China, marking his first visit to the country in three years. According to three individuals familiar with the matter, Musk’s visit will involve meetings with senior Chinese officials and a tour of Tesla’s prominent manufacturing plant in Shanghai. While details regarding the specific agenda of Musk’s meetings remain undisclosed, the trip signifies Tesla’s dedication to strengthening its presence in China, the automaker’s second-largest market after the United States. Musk’s visit to the Shanghai plant holds particular significance, as it stands as Tesla’s…

Sakuu, a California-based developer specializing in 3D-printed solid-state batteries, has introduced a commercially available lithium metal cell chemistry that can now be licensed by battery manufacturers. The company’s battery pilot plant in Silicon Valley is offering sample 5 Ah pouch cells to interested parties. Founded in 2016, Sakuu claims that their newly developed cell chemistry, called Cypress, delivers high performance with an 8C pulse discharge and 3C continuous discharge, along with an energy density exceeding 750 Wh/l. Lithium metal battery chemistry, according to Sakuu, offers superior energy density and additional performance advantages. However, its high reactivity has posed significant challenges…

Photos posted on Twitter by users @BLKMDL3 and @klwtts indicate that Tesla has started shipping Model Y vehicles equipped with its latest Hardware 4 computer from the Fremont, California factory. These images reveal the presence of upgraded front-facing and side-mounted cameras, which were previously seen on Model S and Model X vehicles. While some vehicles on the lots still possess the previous generation Hardware 3 computer, it appears that Tesla is gradually transitioning to the HW4 for all its production vehicles. https://twitter.com/BLKMDL3/status/1661794003690606592 https://twitter.com/klwtts/status/1661810409949777925 Earlier this year, Tesla introduced the first Model X SUVs in the United States equipped with its…

In a groundbreaking move, Ford Motor Co has announced a partnership with Tesla Inc that will grant Ford electric vehicle (EV) owners access to Tesla’s extensive network of over 12,000 Superchargers in North America. This collaboration marks Ford as the first major automaker to embrace Tesla’s proprietary charging standard, providing them access to the largest network of high-speed Superchargers in the United States. The availability of charging stations has long been regarded as a significant obstacle to widespread electric vehicle adoption, as experts and analysts have emphasized. Recognizing this challenge, Tesla had previously declared its intention to open its charging…

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has announced the recall of its first shipment of vehicles to the United States in response to a safety warning issued by U.S. authorities. The recall was prompted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighting a software error in the dashboard display of 999 VinFast VF 8 vehicles. This error prevents crucial safety information from being shown, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. VinFast acknowledged that out of the 999 affected units, more than 700 are still in the company’s possession and have not yet been delivered to customers or fleet…

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), a new kind of competition is emerging, but it’s not the anticipated “battery war.” Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, recently expressed his reservations about the current fascination with mega battery packs and extended driving ranges. During Ford’s Capital Markets Day event, he revealed the company’s strategy of prioritizing cost savings by keeping battery packs as small as possible. While Ford acknowledges the importance of competitive ranges, evidenced by their promise of a three-row electric SUV capable of traveling 350 miles, the company isn’t aiming to chase ranges exceeding 500 miles. Farley’s comments seemingly took…

Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution have announced their plans to construct a $4.3 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in the United States. This strategic move aims to capitalize on tax credits and comply with new U.S. sourcing requirements for EV battery components and critical minerals. The establishment of the battery plant is particularly significant as it enables buyers of Hyundai and Kia vehicles to qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Presently, vehicles from Hyundai Motor and its sister company, Kia, do not meet the eligibility criteria for these tax credits.…

Blue Bird, a long-standing manufacturer of school buses, has recently inaugurated its “Electric Vehicle Build-Up Center” at its main manufacturing plant in Fort Valley, Georgia. This new facility, covering 40,000 square feet, will play a crucial role in helping the company achieve its target of producing 5,000 electric school buses annually. With its headquarters based in Georgia for the past 91 years, Blue Bird has a strong presence in the state. The Electric Vehicle Build-Up Center will focus on assembling electric versions of Blue Bird’s popular “Vision” and “All American” model buses, capable of accommodating 77 and 84 passengers respectively.…

Opel has recently unveiled the facelifted version of its popular subcompact hatchback, the Corsa, in Europe. The updated model, known as the 2024 Opel Corsa Electric, includes significant enhancements both inside and out, and features an all-electric variant. One of the most notable changes is the adoption of Opel’s latest design language, which gives the Corsa Electric a resemblance to the smaller Astra Electric model. The front end now showcases Opel’s signature Vizor brand face, seamlessly integrating the grille, LED headlights, and Opel Blitz emblem into a single element. The LED headlights and front bumper have also been redesigned, contributing…

Tesla’s new Model Y, equipped with BYD batteries at Gigafactory Berlin, is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with its significantly faster charging capabilities compared to its predecessor. In a surprising turn of events, Tesla and BYD, once regarded as competitors, have formed an unlikely partnership in recent times. There was a time when they didn’t take each other seriously, as evidenced by Elon Musk’s infamous laughter at BYD’s electric vehicles during an interview. However, both companies have since established themselves as major players in the EV industry. Last year, Tesla began procuring battery cells from BYD, with…

The traditional landscape of vehicle ownership is undergoing a rapid transformation as an increasing number of buyers are gravitating towards monthly payment schemes. Recent studies indicate that in 2022, a staggering 60% of buyers opted for financing their cars. Moreover, an impressive 80% of these buyers revealed that the availability of monthly payment options would significantly enhance their likelihood of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV). Fresh data from JATO Dynamics sheds light on the primary factors influencing customers’ preference for financing. Affordability emerged as the most crucial consideration for 31% of respondents who favored monthly installments over a substantial upfront…

Volvo is preparing to introduce a new electric vehicle called the EX30, adding to its lineup of eco-friendly cars. Positioned as a compact crossover, the EX30 is expected to be Volvo’s most affordable electric vehicle, sitting below the C40 and XC40 Recharge models. The Swedish automaker has already released a teaser image of the EX30, and patent images of the final product have also surfaced online. As we await its imminent debut, let’s delve into what else we can expect from this new offering. Volvo is known for its impeccable design, and the EX30 continues this tradition. Unlike other automakers…