Author: Harding Greenwood

The Australian government is investing 3 million AUD in a university-led research project aimed at developing wireless charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), particularly focusing on heavy vehicles. Swinburne University of Technology is spearheading the project, which has a total budget of 8.2 million AUD. The goal is to create an advanced wireless charging infrastructure on regional roads. Researchers believe that electrifying heavy vehicles could lead to significant savings for Australia, estimated at $324 billion by 2050. However, the lack of charging infrastructure for long-haul trucks remains a major hurdle. The integration of wireless charging into Australia’s roads could address…

Fisker’s launch of its electric Ocean SUV has been marked by a series of setbacks, hindering the timely delivery of vehicles to eager customers. Marques Brownlee, popularly known as MKBHD, recently added to the company’s challenges with a scathing review, dubbing the Fisker Ocean as the “worst car he’s ever reviewed.” In a detailed video shared on his Auto Focus channel, Brownlee didn’t hold back, describing the Ocean as quirky yet deeply disappointing. He criticized several design decisions, going so far as to say he wouldn’t even accept the car as a gift. “This might be the single weirdest automotive…

Volvo CE is pushing back against the notion that electric vehicles struggle in cold weather, showcasing their effectiveness by deploying a fleet of battery electric equipment at Swedish ski resorts. Teaming up with SkiStar, Sweden’s largest ski resort operator, Volvo CE is committed to achieving fully fossil-free operations. The collaboration with SkiStar is part of Volvo CE’s broader initiative to develop a roadmap towards more sustainable, fossil-free ski resorts. The pilot project aims to demonstrate the viability of climate-neutral construction projects by implementing holistic decarbonization solutions at job sites. See also: Volvo CE’s EC230 Electric Excavator Begins Operations at French Stud…

Chinese automaker BYD is poised to introduce its latest addition to its luxury Yangwang brand, the highly anticipated Yangwang U9 electric supercar, scheduled for launch on February 25, 2024. The Yangwang U9, a two-door coupe boasting impressive performance metrics, is set to make waves in the electric vehicle market. With a reported sprint capability of 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds, the vehicle’s power is underscored by its quad motor system and utilization of BYD’s cutting-edge e⁴ platform, featuring the DiSus vehicle body control system. See also: BYD Yangwang U8 EV Interior Details Revealed with Luxurious Design According to…

German e-bike specialist Velo de Ville is leading the charge in the evolution of electric bicycles with the introduction of four new models tailored to cater to a wide range of preferences and riding styles. Set to debut in the 2024 riding season, these bicycles are designed with a strong emphasis on customization, allowing riders to personalize their bikes to meet their unique needs. Among the new offerings is the AEB Urban Commuter series, renowned for its versatility and efficiency. Available in various frame and wheel configurations, these bikes are powered by Bosch motors, providing riders with a range of…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks, in partnership with Autobahn GmbH, recently conducted a rigorous assessment of the eActros 600, an electric truck, in challenging winter conditions. This collaborative effort aimed to evaluate the vehicle’s performance and capabilities during winter service operations, particularly in the context of preventive measures against icy road conditions. The testing, which took place in early February, involved utilizing a prototype of the eActros 600 on a designated section of the A2 highway between Hamm and Bielefeld. Autobahn GmbH, equipped with a specially provided semitrailer from Epoke, employed the vehicle to spread brine as an alternative to traditional road salt.…

Tesla has commenced the deployment of its latest iteration of Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta, version 12.2, to its employees, marking a significant step ahead of the anticipated public release later this year. Reportedly, FSD beta v12.2 is being distributed to Tesla employees and select “special groups” for the first time. The version, noted on software version 2023.44.30.15, began its distribution on Friday, according to Teslascope. https://twitter.com/teslascope/status/1756064444835369091 Responding to inquiries within the thread, Teslascope speculated that Tesla might still introduce FSD beta v12 to the wider public before March, underscoring that they have received indications suggesting an imminent update release. https://twitter.com/teslascope/status/1756077647007007208…

Rivian has officially initiated its first cohort of students for a technical training initiative, aimed at bolstering operations at its forthcoming factory in Georgia. The program, originally unveiled in conjunction with the construction of Rivian’s Stanton Springs facility near Atlanta, Georgia, has now commenced with the admission of 26 students into its Technical Trades Program for Stanton Springs North (SSN), as disclosed in a recent LinkedIn post by the company. See also: Rivian Conducts Cold Weather Testing on Potential R1T Pickup Truck Refresh Models Designed as a 16-week foundational training endeavor, the program provides hands-on learning opportunities under the guidance of…

Tesla Inc. has unveiled a strategic move in the American market with a temporary price cut on its Model Y, a decision aimed at bolstering sales and navigating evolving market conditions. In a departure from recent pricing stability, Tesla announced reductions on the Model Y RWD and Long Range AWD variants, effective for deliveries through February 29. Prices are slated to rise by $1,000 or more starting March 1, as indicated on the company’s website. The Model Y RWD now enters the market with a base price of $43,000, while the Dual Motor Long Range variant, renowned for its popularity,…

Luxury car manufacturer Porsche has introduced the updated 2025 Taycan, boasting significant improvements in power, range, and charging speed. Among the highlights of the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) from the renowned performance brand is the integration of the latest iteration of in-car infotainment, labeled Apple CarPlay+. While both Aston Martin and Porsche teased the new technology in the past year, details were scant. The anticipated Apple CarPlay+ was expected to offer seamless integration into the vehicle’s systems, ensuring a streamlined Apple experience and complete control of the car through a familiar interface. An initial review of the revamped Taycan by…

Hyundai recently initiated the construction of its training center, named the Hyundai Mobility Training Center, in Georgia, aimed at bolstering support for the electric vehicle (EV) market in the United States. Operated by Georgia Quick Start, the center aims to provide specialized training for the automotive sector. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Quick Start’s deputy commissioner, Scott McMurray, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the milestone, stating, “Quick Start’s success relies on partnerships, and today’s groundbreaking and training plan signing couldn’t have happened without all of you here today. A groundbreaking can appear to be the first step. But, this milestone has…

Komatsu, a manufacturer of construction equipment, has announced its plans to introduce the PC33E-6 3-ton class electric mini excavator to European equipment buyers at the upcoming Intermat 2024 fair in Paris this April. The PC33E-6 is positioned by Komatsu as a breakthrough in emission-free operations, promising exceptional performance coupled with class-leading features aimed at enhancing job site cleanliness, reducing noise levels, and improving overall safety. See also: Komatsu Unveils 3-Ton Electric Mini Excavator with Lightning-Fast Charging At the Intermat show, attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of the PC33E-6, equipped with a 17.4 kW (approximately 25…

Following the release of the Fisker Ocean SUV, initial optimism regarding the company’s ability to deliver a product in a coveted automotive segment has been tempered by reports of technical issues. TechCrunch’s recent investigation sheds light on a range of concerns raised by Ocean owners, including key fob malfunctions, seat sensor inconsistencies, and instances of brake and drive power failure. See also: Fisker Unveils Ocean OS 2.0 OTA Software Update, Promising Performance Enhancements and User Experience Improvements According to internal documents reviewed by TechCrunch, over 100 instances of power loss have been reported by Fisker Ocean owners. While the company…

Audi’s new CEO, Gernot Döllner, is implementing changes to the company’s structure and personnel as part of his “Audi Agenda,” which aims to adapt to evolving industry trends and streamline operations. According to German magazine Automobilwoche, Audi will prioritize software development in future vehicle development efforts. Döllner plans to establish a “Software Defined Vehicle” hub in February to focus on new vehicle concepts across the Group’s brands, with participation from Volkswagen and its software subsidiary Cariad. Sanjay Lal, a software expert previously from Tesla, will lead the hub on the Cariad side. See also: Audi Considers Mexico and China for…

Canadian electric scooter manufacturer Apollo has introduced its latest model, the Apollo Go, aimed at providing a portable yet powerful option for urban commuters. Departing from the conventional approach of utilizing off-the-shelf components, Apollo has engineered the Apollo Go from scratch to offer a unique blend of performance and portability. With a focus on shedding weight without compromising on performance, the Apollo Go boasts impressive specifications. Equipped with dual motors rated at 350W each, capable of peaking at 750W, the scooter delivers fast speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), making it more than just a neighborhood ride. See…

Rivian has announced the date for the highly anticipated unveiling of its R2 SUV, which promises to offer a more affordable alternative to its predecessor, the R1S. The official debut of the R2 is scheduled for March 7, likely to take place at Rivian’s flagship store in Laguna Beach, California. As anticipation builds, the company has initiated a teaser campaign for the upcoming model. A recent post on social media showcases the driver instruments display seen through the steering wheel of the R2. https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1754959294834086160 Notably, the Rivian logo is prominently displayed on the steering wheel, while the screen appears to…

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) specialist Nuvve and Taiwanese energy solutions provider e-Formula are considering the launch of a groundbreaking V2G hub project in Taiwan. The initiative, slated for realization in the northwest region of the country, aims to enhance the EV infrastructure landscape. Under the proposed project, Nuvve plans to install a range of unidirectional and bidirectional charging stations, varying from 11kW to 150kW. Assuming the role of technical project manager and service provider, Nuvve would work in tandem with e-Formula, who would lead the project. See also: Phoenix Motorcars Partners with Fermata Energy to Equip Electric Fleet with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Capability…

Nikola announces its partnership with what3words to integrate precise location technology into its North American fleet, aiming to instill confidence in address accuracy and streamline delivery operations. In addressing the challenges of navigating complex industrial sites, what3words offers a revolutionary solution by assigning unique three-word combinations to each 10ft square of the globe, ensuring accurate identification of locations such as warehouses, drop-off points, and delivery doors. See also: Nikola Inaugurates First HYLA Hydrogen Refueling Station in Southern California Scheduled for implementation in Nikola’s Class 8 zero-emission trucks by 2024, this integration signals a significant stride in setting new benchmarks for…

Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, has announced a comprehensive plan to establish a coast-to-coast fast electric vehicle (EV) charging network. This initiative is part of Walmart’s broader vision, known as the Store of the Future, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements. As part of the Store of the Future concept, Walmart intends to build new stores and revamp existing ones, incorporating widened product selections, enhanced store layouts, and various technological innovations to benefit both employees and customers. See also: Walmart to Develop Its Own Fast-Charging EV Network at Thousands of Stores by 2030 One prominent customer-centric enhancement…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with European leasing solutions provider Arval to introduce BYD’s electric vehicles into its leasing offerings for private and business customers in Germany, Italy, and Spain. In a joint statement, Michael Shu, Managing Director of BYD Europe, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “The combination of BYD cars utilizing advanced innovation in EV technology and Arval’s scope and expertise in corporate and private customers leasing solutions creates a dynamic cooperation.” See also: BYD Europe and Shell Collaborate to Provide Affordable EV Charging Solutions for 100,000 Customers in Europe…