Author: Harding Greenwood

Steer-by-wire (SBW) technology is revolutionizing the driving experience, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), by replacing traditional mechanical steering connections with electronic systems. Nio, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has been at the forefront of this innovation, offering a detailed look at how SBW enhances vehicle performance and driver control. With this technology, the vehicle’s steering is managed by electrical signals, eliminating the need for a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the turning wheels. This advancement offers numerous benefits, including more precise control, greater efficiency, and increased flexibility in vehicle design. How SBW Works and Its Advantages The key…

Costco Wholesale has partnered with North American EV charging network Electrify America to install a series of DC fast chargers at select store locations, now operational in three states. This collaboration aims to provide a more convenient and fast charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The chargers are located at five Costco stores in California, Colorado, and Florida. The network of chargers, which can deliver up to 350 kW of power, is part of Electrify America’s growing infrastructure, which currently boasts over 4,000 charging stations across 47 states and the District of Columbia. While Electrify America remains a significant…

A new survey conducted by the Global EV Alliance reveals that the majority of electric vehicle (EV) drivers are committed to staying electric, with over 90% planning to buy another EV once they trade in their gas-powered cars. According to the study, only 1% of respondents expressed interest in returning to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The study, which surveyed over 23,000 EV drivers across 18 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, India, and Brazil, highlights the growing preference for electric vehicles. The results show that 92% of respondents are inclined to purchase another EV, while 4%…

Keolis Sverige, one of Sweden’s leading public transport operators, has placed an order for 46 electric buses with Polish manufacturer Solaris. The vehicles will be deployed in the Dalarna region, with deliveries staggered over the next three years. The order includes 19 Solaris Urbino 12 electric buses and 27 Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric models. According to Solaris, the 15-metre buses are slated for delivery in 2025, followed by the 12-metre variants in 2026. The Urbino 15 LE, introduced in 2020, was specifically designed to meet the demands of Scandinavian markets, where this size is highly sought after. The Urbino…

Ionity has opened a major new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at the Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin, marking the largest high-power charging (HPC) location in Ireland to date. The hub features 12 fast chargers, each capable of delivering up to 350 kW, enabling drivers to recharge their EVs from 10 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes. The chargers are accessible to the public 24/7, and the location, situated near Junction 5 of the M50, one of Ireland’s busiest highways, offers convenience with retail, dining, and entertainment options on-site. Dan O’Connor, Centre Manager at Charlestown Shopping Centre, expressed pride…

Tesla has announced plans to expand a feature allowing drivers to customize their vehicle’s infotainment center avatar to models beyond the Cybertruck. The feature, which debuted in the recent 2024 Holiday Update, enables owners to create and display personalized digital wraps and license plates on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. A post from Tesla’s Cybertruck account on X earlier this week showcased the new customization capabilities, along with a GitHub link detailing instructions for creating and uploading custom virtual wraps. Responding to a query, the account confirmed, “wrap & license plate customization coming to other models in future updates.” Give in…

Solid-state battery specialist QuantumScape has taken a significant step toward scaling production of its B-sample cells, targeting larger quantities by 2025. The U.S.-based company has completed the installation of a critical separator production plant, an essential component for manufacturing its solid-state batteries at scale. The proprietary separator system, dubbed ‘Cobra,’ has been fully developed, installed, and commissioned for initial processing. This breakthrough enables QuantumScape to transition from small-scale production, initiated in October, to a level supporting gigawatt-hour-scale production in the future. Tim Holme, QuantumScape’s co-founder and CTO, described Cobra as a “true breakthrough in ceramics manufacturing,” critical for scaling battery…

Thailand will extend the production timeframe for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and introduce incentives for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to bolster its automobile industry, the nation’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced on Wednesday. The moves come amid a slowdown in the domestic auto market and broader economic challenges. Under the current EV 3.0 incentive package, automakers are required to produce one locally manufactured vehicle for each imported BEV by the end of this year, increasing to 1.5 vehicles per imported unit in 2025. The newly implemented EV 3.5 package, effective 2024, will further escalate these ratios, requiring two vehicles per…

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the United Kingdom rose by 58% in November, marking the eleventh consecutive month of growth, as automakers offered steep discounts to comply with the country’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed on Thursday. While BEV sales climbed, overall new car registrations fell 1.9% year-on-year to 153,610 units, driven by reduced private buyer demand, the SMMT reported. BEVs accounted for a 25% market share in November, exceeding the mandated levels for the month but falling short of the 22% yearly target set for 2024. Jamie…

Hyundai’s logistics subsidiary, Glovis America, has announced plans to deploy 21 units of the Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel-cell trucks to support operations at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia. The fuel-cell trucks will transport vehicle parts from HMGMA suppliers to the factory, marking a significant step towards sustainable logistics. The Xcient hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, part of the Class 8 heavy-duty category, will make up more than one-third of Glovis America’s truck fleet at HMGMA. These trucks are equipped with two 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems, providing a total output of 180 kW,…

General Motors (GM) and fast-charging provider EVgo have reached a significant milestone in their partnership, inaugurating their 2,000th public fast-charging station in the U.S. The stations, located across 390 sites in 45 major cities spanning 32 states, serve as crucial infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, particularly those unable to charge at home or work. These charging stations are strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as grocery stores, retail centers, and city hubs. The 2,000th charging station, located in Murrieta near Los Angeles, features five 350 kW fast chargers, capable of simultaneously charging up to 10 vehicles. Situated along the…

Mazda is poised to set a new all-time sales record in the U.S. for 2024, with the Japanese automaker forecasting sales to reach between 410,000 and 420,000 units by the end of the year. This would represent a significant achievement, especially considering the volatility in the automotive market. CEO Masahiro Moro expressed optimism for continued growth, with projections extending into 2025, potentially reaching 450,000 units. “Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 384,181 vehicles in the U.S., marking an 18.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023,” Moro told Auto News. “November alone was a record setter for us, with 33,422 units…

Lucid Motors has commenced production of its all-electric Gravity SUV at its manufacturing facility in Arizona, marking a significant milestone for the luxury electric vehicle maker. The announcement was shared on X, where Lucid highlighted the Gravity’s blend of performance, range, and spaciousness. “This milestone is a celebration of the hard work by our passionate and dedicated team to bring this groundbreaking SUV to life. Its combination of space for seven passengers and their luggage, more than 440 miles of range, and outstanding performance redefines all expectations,” the company stated. Today marks an exciting landmark for our company. Production of…

Ford UK’s chief has urged the government to introduce consumer incentives of up to £5,000 per vehicle to stimulate demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and help the industry meet ambitious climate goals. Lisa Brankin, chair of Ford UK & Ireland, emphasized that direct support for consumers is essential to ensure the sector’s viability and to meet the UK’s challenging net-zero milestones. Speaking to Sky News, Brankin highlighted the gap between projected consumer demand and actual sales, noting that incentives like a potential scrappage scheme or VAT cuts on electric vehicles are crucial. “The number one thing we want is direct…

A Chinese consortium led by CBC has signed a landmark agreement with Bolivia to invest at least $1 billion in constructing two lithium extraction plants in the Uyuni salt flat, a key site within the lithium triangle shared by Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The Bolivian government, which will hold a 51% stake in the extraction plants, aims to leverage the project to boost its standing in the global lithium market. According to Omar Alarcon, head of Bolivia’s state-run lithium company YLB, the two facilities are expected to produce a combined 35,000 metric tons of lithium annually. “This service contract will…

General Motors announced plans to sell its stake in the Ultium Cells LLC battery cell plant in Lansing, Michigan, to LG Energy Solution (LGES), while extending their collaboration to include prismatic cell technology. The decision to divest the Lansing plant follows earlier reports of a construction halt due to slowing global demand for electric vehicles (EVs). GM clarified that the move does not alter its ownership interest in Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture with LGES. This transaction is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2025, providing LGES access to the near-complete facility for equipment installation. GM…

Tesla has reduced lease prices for its Cybertruck, marking another move to stimulate demand for the polarizing vehicle. The base lease price now starts at $899 per month for the AWD model and $999 for the Tri-Motor Cyberbeast, both requiring a $7,500 down payment for a 36-month term. This adjustment represents a reduction of over 10%, according to the automaker. Initially met with massive interest, Tesla reported over 1 million reservations for the Cybertruck. However, challenges such as higher-than-expected production costs and reduced range estimates have dampened enthusiasm. Analysts estimate Tesla delivered between 40,000 and 50,000 Cybertrucks before its reservation…

Tesla has reversed its long-standing policy of prohibiting lease buyouts in the United States, a move seen as a shift in the company’s approach to its robotaxi ambitions. Effective November 27, Tesla now allows U.S. customers to purchase their vehicles at the end of their lease, except in Iowa and Louisiana, where local regulations still prevent such transactions. The updated policy includes an option for customers to sell leased vehicles to third-party providers, with an additional fee of up to $350 for the buyout. Tesla announced the change through its website over the Thanksgiving weekend, signaling a significant departure from…

Australian mining giant Fortescue has inked a major deal with Chinese engineering firm XCMG, securing over 100 electric mining vehicles for its Pilbara operations in a contract worth more than $400 million. The agreement marks XCMG’s largest mining equipment order outside China, underlining its global expansion ambitions. The equipment delivery, scheduled through 2030, includes battery-powered wheel loaders, bulldozers, graders, and other machinery. This deal follows Fortescue’s ongoing efforts to electrify its fleet, a commitment that has seen significant investments in partnerships with global equipment manufacturers. In September 2024, Fortescue signed a $2.8 billion contract with Liebherr for 360 autonomous electric…

Thomas Schultze, Chief Operating Officer at Italian EV charging station manufacturer Alpitronic, has announced his departure from the company and the electric vehicle sector after nearly three years in the role. In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Schultze reflected on his time at Alpitronic and the company’s growth trajectory. “After very exciting and enriching years as COO of Alpitronic, I would like to say goodbye to a great team and our unbeatable Hyperchargers. It has been an incredible journey of innovation and growth,” he wrote. Schultze hinted at moving to a different industry, stating he was “off to a different…