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…

Pony.ai, a player in autonomous mobility, has joined forces with the government of Luxembourg to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles in the country. The collaboration, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster research, development, and deployment efforts in Luxembourg’s autonomous mobility sector. As part of the agreement, Pony.ai is set to establish a regional hub in Luxembourg, which will serve as a focal point for the company’s research and development initiatives in autonomous vehicle technology. This hub is expected to drive technological advancements tailored to the European market. Furthermore, the partnership between the government and Pony.ai…

Electric vehicle startup Canoo (GOEV) has taken decisive action to safeguard its NASDAQ listing by announcing a 1-for-23 reverse stock split as its share prices hit a new all-time low. The reverse stock split, scheduled to go into effect on March 8, 2024, before the market opens, is aimed at bolstering the company’s share price and ensuring compliance with NASDAQ’s minimum per-share requirement of $1.00. For existing shareholders, the reverse stock split means that every 23 shares of Canoo stock will be combined into one share. For example, if an investor owns 230 shares of GOEV stock, they will now…

Paccar Parts Europe has installed an advanced power supply system at Best Trucks, a DAF Electric Truck Centre in Barendrecht, the Netherlands. This system includes solar panels, power storage, and three fast-charging connections, showcasing a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions for the transportation industry. The microgrid at Best Trucks is comprised of 750 roof-mounted solar panels and a 480 kWh battery storage capacity. An energy management system coordinates these components efficiently. Additionally, three fast-charging connections, with a maximum output of 360 kW, have been installed. Two of these charging stations are located within the workshop, capable of charging electric…

Our Next Energy (ONE), a Novi-based battery startup, is once again reducing its workforce, this time by 37 jobs, including 24 positions in Michigan, as it refocuses on technical roles over administrative functions. The move comes after the company cut a quarter of its staff and appointed a new CEO, Paul Humphries, in December. In a statement, spokesperson Dan Pierce explained, “ONE is reinforcing its commitment to its research & development, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing functions,” adding that the company is realigning resources to enhance financial efficiency and attract additional investors. See also: Electric-Vehicle Battery Startup Our Next Energy (ONE)…

In the United States, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E presents a compelling offer with VIN-specific discounts of up to $18,500. However, finding a Mach-E eligible for such a substantial discount could be challenging, according to a report by Cars Direct. Until April 2, Ford is offering a ‘VIN Specific Bonus Cash’ incentive ranging from $3,100 to $18,500 for select Mustang Mach-E models. This offer applies specifically to vehicles that have been part of the Ford Courtesy Transportation Program (FCTP) or used as demo models. See also: Ford Rolls Out Free Adapters for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning Owners to Access Tesla Superchargers It’s…

Chinese autonomous driving startup Pony.ai is gearing up for further international expansion with plans to establish a joint venture in South Korea. Pony.ai recently inked a deal with South Korean tech company GemVaxLink in Seoul to form a joint venture aimed at providing autonomous driving mobility technology and services in the region, according to a press release. See also: Pony.ai Secures Autonomous Truck Test License for Formation Driving in Guangzhou The joint venture, slated to be set up in Seoul within this year, will see Pony.ai and GemVaxLink collaborate on autonomous driving technology and application development. The initial phase will involve…

Bosch and Microsoft have joined forces to investigate the potential of generative AI in enhancing vehicle safety and performance, as announced at Bosch Connected World (BCW) in Berlin. The collaboration aims to utilize generative AI to improve automated driving functions, making them more responsive and safer. This move aligns with a growing demand for increased road safety, with sixty percent of respondents in Bosch’s Tech Compass survey highlighting it as a top priority. See also: VW’s Cariad and Bosch Collaborate on Automated Parking and Charging Tech Bosch’s expertise in automotive technology and AI, coupled with access to vehicle sensor data, will…

Tesla has recently launched the online service and owner’s manuals for its Cybertruck electric pickup, providing in-depth information on the electric pickup and guidance on specific repairs for qualified technicians. Both the Cybertruck owner’s manual and the vehicle’s service manual are now available on Tesla’s website, alongside other vehicle models. See also: Tesla’s Cybertruck Gets Extreme Makeover with Snow Track Wheels While the service manual emphasizes that maintenance should be carried out by qualified technicians, Tesla has also shared instructions for certain repairs, allowing owners to make informed decisions regarding their Cybertruck repairs. Although a YouTube channel leaked the Cybertruck owner’s…