Author: Harding Greenwood

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled a new grant aimed at subsidizing the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points at educational institutions, offering up to £2,500 in support. Under this initiative, the DfT will cover up to 75% of the purchase and installation expenses for each charging point, with a maximum subsidy of £2,500. This marks a significant increase from the previous Workplace Charging Scheme, which had a cap of £350. According to government information, the cost of installing “chargepoint sockets” typically ranges between £1,500 and £2,500, depending on the location and type of installation. See also:…

Ionity, a player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has named Torsten Kiedel as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective January 1, 2024. In this capacity, Kiedel will collaborate with Dr. Michael Hajesch, CEO, and Dr. Marcus Groll, COO, to spearhead Ionity’s expansion efforts across Europe. Assuming a pivotal role, Kiedel will oversee finance, accounting, controlling, purchasing, and energy management within Ionity. His transition to Ionity comes from Sono Motors, where, from 2020 to 2023, he served as CFO of the publicly listed parent company and Managing Director of the operational subsidiary at the solar startup. During his tenure at…

Lucid Motors is gearing up for the launch of its Gravity SUV later this year, with recent sightings of another prototype undergoing testing in South Korea. Shared by a user on X, images reveal the electric vehicle adorned with a distinctive wrap featuring the words “Gravity” and “Lucid” as it navigates a highway near Uiwang. This latest round of public road testing follows Lucid’s announcement last April about commencing testing of pre-production versions of the Gravity. The company is gradually expanding its reach beyond its current markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. Recently, Lucid disclosed plans…

American regulators are currently examining a potential safety issue related to the power steering systems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the steering assistance of these vehicles, following 2,388 complaints alleging power steering faults. Among these complaints, one crash has been identified as potentially associated with the reported issue. According to NHTSA, drivers who submitted complaints described an increased effort required to turn the steering wheel, with some noting that the resistance became so significant that they were unable to turn their Tesla vehicles at…

Mini has concluded rigorous extreme weather testing for its upcoming Aceman, revealing the debut date for the much-anticipated model. The Aceman is poised to be unveiled at the 18th Auto China show in Beijing on April 24. Drawing design inspiration from the concept car seen earlier, the funky crossover promises commendable performance, increased space compared to the Cooper EV, and an appealing price point. In terms of mechanics, the Aceman shares the same Spotlight architecture with the Cooper but extends it by 192 mm. While this might seem modest, it accommodates 5 passengers, as opposed to the Cooper’s 4. The…

Despite recent growth, hydrogen-powered cars continue to occupy a limited niche in the United States, primarily hindered by inadequate infrastructure. In 2023, the two available models, Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, collectively sold 2,737 and 241 units, respectively, constituting a total of 2,968 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (H2 cars) sold in the country. This figure reflects a modest 10% increase compared to 2022. In stark contrast, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales surged by 48%, reaching approximately 1.1 million units in 2023. See also: Michelin’s Watèa Expands Fleet Solutions to Include Hydrogen Vehicles Both the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, although…

Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, emerged as a front-runner in the electric vehicle (EV) market in the United States last year, surpassing both Lexus and Lucid in EV sales. The brand experienced an exceptional growth trajectory, with EV sales nearly quadrupling in 2023 as Genesis solidifies its presence in the luxury EV segment. Pioneering a commitment to cease new gas-powered vehicle sales by 2026, Genesis is swiftly expanding its footprint in the US with the introduction of new models. As of October 2023, Genesis EVs were available in 33 states, a remarkable increase from early 2023, showcasing the brand’s dedication to…

As the new year unfolds, BMW gears up for a series of noteworthy updates, set to enrich its vehicle lineup in 2024. Among the key unveilings are the introduction of fresh models within the i5 and 5-Series categories, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to innovation and electrification. Leading the charge is the i5 xDrive40, a poised addition to the i5 lineup scheduled for production commencement in March. Striking a balance between performance and efficiency, this variant boasts a dual-motor configuration strategically positioned at the front and rear axles. The combined power output reaches an impressive 389 horsepower, accompanied by a robust…

The United States is on track to achieve, or even surpass, President Joe Biden’s goal of establishing a nationwide network of 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2030, according to a statement from a White House official. The ambitious target was initially set by President Biden in 2021 and is showing promising progress, with approximately 170,000 chargers already operational across the country by the end of 2023. During a press briefing, Ali Zaidi, the White House’s national climate adviser, expressed confidence that the U.S. is on an “accelerating trajectory” to meet the ambitious charging infrastructure goal within the next…

Videos circulating online depict Tesla’s Cybertruck struggling in snowy conditions, fueling discussions among enthusiasts about the touted ruggedness of the electric pickup. Tesla has positioned the Cybertruck as a robust, all-electric option capable of navigating challenging terrains, even dubbing it suitable for apocalyptic scenarios, according to CEO Elon Musk. However, recent footage of Cybertrucks encountering difficulties in the snow has prompted critics to question the vehicle’s capabilities. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Demonstrates Off-Road Prowess in Steep Hill Climb in Latest Video https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1ySCGtL7qR/ A viral video showing a Cybertruck stuck in a snowy driveway has gained attention, leading to debates about…

In the face of a challenging electric vehicle (EV) market, startup Mullen has revealed its commitment to breaking into the industry with the introduction of the Five RS, a high-performance variant of its crossover, showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. While high-performance figures for EVs are not uncommon, the Mullen Five RS is making bold claims, equipped with dual motors on both front and rear axles, delivering an impressive 1,000 horsepower and over 850 lb-ft of torque. Mullen asserts that the crossover can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds, with a top…

Japanese automaker Toyota has rolled out its 2024 model of the bZ4X, maintaining the distinctive design that has garnered admiration. However, the vehicle, previously criticized for recalls, limited range, and unimpressive power outputs, has received modest updates for the new model year in the United States. Despite not addressing concerns related to wheel recalls, range figures, and power outputs, Toyota has introduced some enhancements to improve the overall experience for bZ4X owners. The 2024 model retains the same powertrain as its predecessor but incorporates several additions aimed at enhancing usability. See also: Toyota Launches Enhanced Bozhi 4X, an Upgraded Version…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has announced the appointment of its founder and primary financial supporter, Pham Nhat Vuong, as the new chief executive officer. Vuong, aged 55, replaces Le Thi Thu Thuy, who held the position since late 2021. Thuy will transition to the role of chairwoman, focusing on external stakeholder engagement. As the founder and chairman of Vingroup, VinFast’s parent company and Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, Vuong will now directly oversee the electric vehicle (EV) maker’s global operations, including production, sales, and marketing. See also: VinFast Initiates U.S. Dealer Network Expansion for Electric Vehicles This leadership change marks VinFast’s fourth CEO,…

The Netherlands witnessed a notable surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023, with electric cars constituting approximately 31% of new car registrations, according to official data from the RAI Association, BOVAG, and management consultancy RDC. When considering hybrid vehicles, the combined market share of electrified drive systems surpassed two-thirds of total car sales, marking a significant shift in consumer preferences. Pure electric cars captured a market share of 30.8%, representing a 7.5% increase from 2022, while hybrids, without distinguishing between plug-in and full hybrids, achieved a market share of 37.1%. In comparison, pure petrol cars and electric…

In a strategic move to capture the American electric motorcycle market, Chinese manufacturer Horwin is gearing up to make a notable debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. The company plans to unveil a trio of electric motorcycles, each designed to offer a unique blend of performance, style, and cutting-edge technology. Leading the charge is the Senmenti 0, a sporty and versatile urban adventure bike priced at $16,800. Horwin, while remaining tight-lipped on specific details, highlights the model’s distinctive angular lines and unique lighting units. Measuring 84.4 inches in length with a seat height of 31.2 inches, the Senmenti…

Yamaha Motor has officially announced the establishment of ENYRING GmbH, a Berlin-based company poised to collaborate with partners in delivering replaceable batteries for compact urban electric vehicles, primarily focusing on electric bikes. The innovative service will be facilitated through subscription-based models. Scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2025, ENYRING’s initial deployment will be in Germany and the Netherlands. The company proposes a flexible battery rental system, allowing customers to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones at various designated stations throughout participating cities. See also: Yamaha Unveils PWseries C2: The Ultimate Urban E-Bike Motor for Commuters However,…

Tesla reported fourth-quarter deliveries that surpassed analysts’ expectations, driven by an effort to accelerate shipments of Model 3 electric cars before certain variants of the compact sedan lose federal tax credits in the New Year under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As the world’s most valuable automaker, Tesla achieved a record-breaking number of vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter, successfully meeting its 2023 target of 1.8 million units. See also: Tesla Model 3 Refresh Spotted in US Testing, Indicating Imminent North American Launch The company delivered 484,507 vehicles in the last quarter of the year, surpassing estimates of 473,253 units…

Lucid Motors, known for its premium electric vehicles like the Air sedan and Gravity SUV, is actively developing an affordable electric car targeted at the market segment dominated by Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, according to Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson. Rawlinson clarified that the company is aiming to release the cost-effective electric vehicle (EV) by the mid-to-late decade, disputing some misinterpretations suggesting a 2030 timeline. He stated, “What I mean is ‘not 2025.’ It’s a few years away, but it’s close,” emphasizing that development has already commenced. See also: Lucid Motors’ Saudi Facility Successfully Assembles Nearly 800 Cars in…

Ford has restated its dedication to maintaining compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a move in contrast to its competitor General Motors (GM), which had earlier announced its intention to phase out these popular smartphone connectivity features citing safety concerns. GM’s decision earlier this year raised skepticism and criticism from customers, both current and prospective. In an interview with Motor Trend, Tim Babbitt, GM’s head of product for infotainment, highlighted safety concerns related to driver distraction, attributing them to issues such as bad connections, poor rendering, slow responses, and dropped connections associated with phone-mirroring programs. See also: Ford Adjusts…

Fisker has commenced the deployment of its final over-the-air (OTA) software update for the Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV in 2023. The rollout of Version 1.11 commenced on December 14, and the company anticipates completing the update for all customer cars by the end of January 2024. This OTA update follows the significant Version 1.10 release in November and can be remotely authorized by Fisker Ocean owners. Henrik Fisker, Chairman, and CEO, emphasized the importance of using OTA updates to introduce new features, address customer feedback, and resolve bugs as a key competitive advantage for the company. He noted that both…