Author: Harding Greenwood

Lucid Motors, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has started accepting orders for the Grand Touring variant of its Gravity SUV in Saudi Arabia, with prices beginning at SAR 487,715 ($130,035). The move follows the company’s launch of orders in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to open orders in the UAE in the coming weeks. The Grand Touring trim is available for immediate purchase in Saudi Arabia, while a lower-priced Touring variant will be “available to order soon,” Lucid said. The company notes that the SAR 487,715 starting price is based on configurations expected in June 2025, cautioning that some…

California-based electric vehicle startup Mullen Automotive said on Thursday it had acquired a high-volume standard battery chemistry production line and an electro-dynamic shaker system from Nikola, the Phoenix-based truck manufacturer exploring strategic options. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The purchase follows Mullen’s acquisition in September 2023 of battery production assets from Nikola’s subsidiary, Romeo Power, for about $3.5 million. That transaction included equipment, inventory, and intellectual property for EV battery pack and module production. Mullen said the newly acquired equipment would be integrated into its Fullerton, California, facility, which manufactures battery packs, modules, and solid-state polymer technology.…

Volkswagen Group is considering establishing production facilities in the United States for its premium brands, Audi and Porsche, in response to potential tariffs on car imports proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Currently, both brands manufacture their vehicles outside the U.S., with Audi operating a plant in Mexico and Porsche producing exclusively in Europe. The proposed tariffs could impact imports from neighboring countries, potentially affecting models like Audi’s Q5 and the upcoming Q8 e-tron, as well as Porsche’s European-manufactured vehicles. According to sources cited by Handelsblatt, the group is exploring several options to mitigate these potential challenges. One proposal involves…

Rightech has expanded its lineup of battery-electric vehicles with the introduction of two new buses designed for urban transport: the Rightech RB9 and Rightech RB6. These models bring sustainable mobility solutions with advanced battery technology and impressive range capabilities, catering to both short and medium-distance transit needs. The Rightech RB9 is a nine-meter-long battery-electric bus built to accommodate urban transit demands efficiently. It is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL, offering a driving range of up to 300 kilometers on a full charge. The RB9 supports fast charging at 150 kW, allowing it to recharge from…

Ford has introduced an electric NASCAR prototype based on the Mustang Mach-E, continuing its push to make electric vehicles more thrilling for motorsports audiences. The prototype follows NASCAR’s own electric concept, unveiled in 2024, which delivered over 1,300 horsepower with a tri-motor setup. See also: Ford Confident in EV Strategy Despite Potential Policy Revisions Ford has not disclosed power figures for its latest prototype, but industry analysts suggest it could exceed 1,500 horsepower, given the automaker’s previous high-performance EV demonstrators. The vehicle retains key components from Ford’s current NASCAR Cup car, including suspension, brakes, and wheels, while integrating a 78.0-kWh…

Polestar has introduced a trio of one-off electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its “Arctic Circle” collection, designed to demonstrate the brand’s performance capabilities in extreme winter conditions. The modified Polestar 2, 3, and 4 models, featuring rally-inspired upgrades, underwent testing in the Arctic before their public showcase at the 2025 FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, on February 1. The Arctic Circle EVs are not production models but design exercises highlighting Polestar’s engineering focus on cold-weather performance. Key modifications include raised ride heights, 3-way adjustable Öhlins dampers, Pirelli studded winter tires, and OZ Racing wheels. Additional features…

The Port of Long Beach will test wireless charging technology for electric cargo-handling vehicles under a state-funded project. International Transportation Service, LLC (ITS), a terminal operator at the port, secured a $3.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to install inductive charging systems developed by InductEV, a Pennsylvania-based company. The initiative involves deploying ground-embedded wireless charging pads to power five battery-electric cargo vehicles. InductEV’s system, capable of delivering up to 450 kW, uses inductive technology to transfer energy without physical cables. This marks the company’s first installation at a West Coast port, following a similar project at APM…

Nissan has been using its all-electric Ariya SUV as part of the security fleet at its Arizona Testing Center (ATC) in the Sonoran Desert since fall 2023, replacing gasoline-powered vehicles. Over the past year, the vehicles have accumulated approximately 30,000 miles while patrolling the 3,000-acre facility, where temperatures often surpass 115°F (46°C). The Ariya models deployed at ATC are equipped with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, a system designed to manage traction on uneven terrain. See also: Nissan Expands Charging Options for Ariya Owners with Tesla Supercharger Access According to Nissan, the vehicles have been driven on dirt roads, gravel paths, and…

Tesla reported a modest 1% increase in total revenue for 2024, reaching $97.7 billion, as the electric vehicle maker faced slowing growth in its core automotive business. The company’s expansion was primarily driven by a surge in energy and service revenues, offsetting a decline in vehicle-related earnings. Total automotive revenue fell 6% year-over-year to $77.1 billion, marking the first time since 2020 that Tesla reported lower vehicle revenue compared to the previous year. In contrast, the company’s energy business grew by 67% to $10.1 billion, while service and other revenues rose 27% to $10.5 billion. Tesla’s net profit for the…

Swedish micromobility operator Voi reported its first profitable year in 2024, with €132.8 million ($138 million) in net revenue and an adjusted EBIT profit of around €100,000 ($104,000), according to preliminary results. The company credited cost-cutting measures and operational efficiencies for its improved financial performance. “Now we’re starting to show real cash positive financials and EBIT profitability,” said CEO Frederik Hjelm, noting that Voi has strengthened its position in a competitive industry. “We’re getting to a place where we’d be a good candidate for the public markets in, say, two to three years from now.” See also: Segway GT3 Pro…

UVeye, a startup specializing in AI-driven vehicle inspection technology, announced on Wednesday it has secured $191 million in debt and equity funding to expand production in North America and Europe. The company raised $41 million in a funding round led by Woven Capital, the investment arm of Toyota, while asset management firm Trinity Capital structured a $150 million debt facility. With this latest investment, UVeye’s total capital raised has reached $380.5 million. See also: Enapi Secures €7.5 Million in Seed Funding to Simplify EV Charging Connectivity Based in Teaneck, New Jersey, UVeye utilizes external scanners to conduct rapid vehicle inspections,…

Volvo Cars has signed an agreement to acquire Swedish battery maker Northvolt’s stake in their joint venture, NOVO Energy, the automaker said on Wednesday. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The agreement marks a significant step for Volvo Cars as it seeks to secure the future of its planned battery factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. The two companies formed NOVO Energy in 2021 to develop the facility, but Northvolt’s financial struggles, including its recent bankruptcy protection filing, have complicated the venture. See also: Northvolt Shareholders Back Operations Amid Restructuring Efforts In October, Volvo Cars announced its intention to take…