Author: Harding Greenwood

Fisker Inc. made an announcement stating that the Fisker Ocean SUV has received certification from European regulators. The company is eager to commence deliveries to European customers on May 5. Henrik Fisker, the Chairman and CEO, expressed his team’s excitement about delivering the Fisker Ocean One launch edition to their reservation holders. The first delivery is scheduled for May 5, followed by the completion of all Ocean One deliveries by the end of September. Additionally, they plan to initiate deliveries of the Fisker Ocean Extreme, starting in Europe and subsequently in the U.S. See also: Fisker showed off the Fisker…

According to Bloomberg, Tesla’s recent adjustments to its electric car lineup have resulted in the entry-level Model Y crossover being more affordable than the average new car or truck in the United States. In fact, the least expensive Tesla Model Y now carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $46,990, excluding the destination charge. This price is $759 lower than the average price of a new car or truck sold in the US. This development is significant as it challenges the perception held by some individuals that electric vehicles (EVs) are excessively priced. However, it is worth noting that…

South Korean battery material manufacturer, EcoPro BM, has started construction on its new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, aimed at producing cathode materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The plant will produce 108,000 tonnes of cathode materials per year and employ 631 people. According to the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), the project is on track and progressing according to schedule. Phase one of construction is set for completion in the second half of 2024, with phase two following a year later. See also: GEM to Build EV Battery Material Plant in South Korea to Meet US Requirements EcoPro BM will…

Frito-Lay, the popular food company owned by PepsiCo, has recently made a significant commitment towards achieving a more sustainable future. The company announced that it will be adding 700 electric delivery vans to its fleet in the United States by the end of 2023. Last year, Frito-Lay had already introduced 41 Ford E-Transits in Texas as part of its transition to cleaner energy. Moreover, the company has also placed an order for 100 all-electric heavy-duty trucks from Tesla, becoming the launch customer for the Swedish service provider Einride in Great Britain. Frito-Lay is now focused on making its entire supply…

APCOA, one of the leading parking providers in Europe, has recently announced the opening of its first Urban Mobility Hub in the UK. Located in St Catherine’s Walk Car Park in Carmarthen, Wales, the charging hub boasts five AC chargers with a capacity of 22 kW and twelve latest-generation Tesla Superchargers. The launch of this hub is a part of APCOA’s plan to install 500 EV charging points across the UK. Although APCOA has not disclosed any further details about additional mobility hubs, the company has stated that it will install another 250 charging points with a similar combination of…

The Volkswagen Group has reported a significant increase in battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries, with 141,000 vehicles handed over to customers worldwide in the first quarter of 2023. This represents a 42% increase compared to the same period in 2022, which was impacted by supply bottlenecks. The BEV share of total deliveries has also risen to 6.9%, up from 5.2% in the first three months of the previous year, according to VW. Europe was the biggest growth driver for VW, with a 68% increase in BEV deliveries to 98,300 vehicles. The company’s BEV order book in Western Europe stands at…

President Joe Biden’s ambitious plan to have half of all new vehicle sales in the US be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 is facing significant challenges. A new survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago highlights the difficulties the government might face in meeting this target. The survey of 5,408 individuals found that only 19% of American adults are “very” or “extremely” likely to purchase an EV for their next vehicle, with 22% saying it is “somewhat likely.” This means that 47% of respondents indicated that…

Skoda, a brand under the Volkswagen Group, has reported global vehicle sales of 209,600 for Q1 2023, a 12.6% increase from the previous year. However, the figure falls short of the company’s 2019 sales. On a positive note, Skoda’s all-electric car sales surged by 41% YoY in Q1, totaling 12,400 units and representing 5.9% of the total volume. This is an increase from 4.7% in the previous year, with the Skoda Enyaq iV (including the Coupe version) being the brand’s only BEV. It was also the fourth most popular BEV in the wider Volkswagen Group during Q1 2023. In 2022,…

Panasonic, one of Tesla’s battery suppliers, has announced plans for a new battery production facility in the United States to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles. According to a statement made to Reuters, the plant could be built in Oklahoma, with Panasonic already entering an agreement with the State of Oklahoma. The Large-scale Economic Activity and Development (LEAD) Act would provide the company access to almost $700 million in capital investment rebates. While nothing else has been agreed upon, Panasonic is also requesting an additional $245 million for community and infrastructure upgrades. See also: Tesla pushing Panasonic for faster…

The Fisker Ocean has been named the Best Electric Vehicle of 2023 in the Red Dot Product Design Awards. The prestigious award, which has been presented annually since 1955, recognizes outstanding design quality. A panel of more than 50 international design experts evaluated the Fisker Ocean based on four key design qualities: product function, aesthetics, ease of use, and responsibility/sustainability. Fisker’s all-electric SUV was judged against global competition and stood out for its well-balanced, sculptural surface, elegant arcs, clean surfaces, and smooth highlights. Fisker’s Chairman and CEO, Henrik Fisker, expressed pride in the win, especially given the importance placed on…

Daimler Buses has won a major order from Dutch public transport operators Qbuzz and OV-bureau Groningen Drenthe for the construction of 35 fully electric articulated Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G buses. This marks the first major order of public transport vehicles from the Netherlands for Daimler Buses. The 18-metre-long low-floor electric buses will be used for both urban and regional transport in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, with deliveries set to be completed by 2026. See also: Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric bus gets hydrogen-based fuel cell as range extender The electric buses are equipped with the latest-generation NMC 3 batteries with…

BMW has been making waves in the world of electric vehicles with the release of its first fully electric 7 series last year, the i7. With a range of over 300 miles and top-of-the-line luxury features, including an impressive 31-inch “theatre screen,” massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more, the i7 quickly became a hit in Europe and China before landing in US dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2022. Now, the German luxury automaker has taken things up a notch with the release of its most powerful electric vehicle yet, the i7 M70 xDrive. This latest addition to BMW’s…

Ferla Bikes has recently launched its latest cargo bike, Lagom, which boasts being the most powerful long-tail electric cargo bike ever constructed. This cargo bike is specifically designed for city dwellers and has a sleek design that offers upright storage capabilities, making it suitable for apartments and lofts. Lagom is equipped with a 1000W Ferla Performance Line Mid-Drive Motor and offers a dual battery option that allows for a 140 mile range, which is the longest range currently available on the market. Additionally, Lagom has a chain-replacing carbon drive system and an Enviolo heavy-duty internal gear hub system, which sets…

Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai, has announced the launch of its newest product: Genesis Home. This residential electrification ecosystem aims to provide customers with access to solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging from their homes, and is now available on a one-stop marketplace platform. Genesis Home includes a top-rated residential AC EV charger, solar panels, and energy storage systems, and is designed to streamline the home electrification process by pairing top products and pre-vetted installers with dedicated Energy Advisors. These Advisors will guide clients through the entire home electrification journey to ensure that each client receives a…

Ford Performance has announced its latest electric Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 prototype, designed specifically for motor sports. The all-electric Mustang is an evolution of the Cobra Jet 1400, which made its debut as a prototype in 2020 and set a quarter-mile time of around 8 seconds. In the summer of 2021, driver Bob Tasca III set a world record quarter-mile time for a full-bodied electric vehicle at 8.128 seconds, reaching a top speed of 171.97 mph, which still stands today. The Super Cobra Jet 1800 is a nod to Ford’s history in performance, with the first “Super Cobra Jet”…

Chery, one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, has recently launched an impressive range of new vehicles, including two electric models under its new Sterra brand. The Sterra ES and ET are built on Chery’s EOX high-performance platform, featuring advanced 800-volt architecture and equipped with features such as air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a double-wishbone setup at the front end. The Sterra ES is a sleek sedan that measures around 4,950 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and boasts a generous 2,900 mm wheelbase. The vehicle’s front end features a distinctive LED light bar, two prominent air intakes, and a…

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed a reduction in mileage ratings for electric vehicles (EVs) to meet the government’s fuel economy requirements. The move could force automakers to sell more low-emissions cars or improve conventional models. The proposed regulation would significantly revise how the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy rating for electric and plug-in electric hybrids is calculated for use in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program. The current system has not been updated for more than two decades. The DOE argues that encouraging the adoption of EVs can reduce petroleum consumption, but giving…

Domino’s Pizza has just made life a whole lot easier for pizza lovers who own an Apple CarPlay-enabled car. With the company’s app now available on the CarPlay system, you can order your favorite pizza without ever leaving the comfort of your car. For years, long lines at the drive-thru have been a problem for Domino’s customers. Recognizing the issue, the company has introduced the CarPlay integration to streamline the ordering process. Now, you can choose between “tap to order” or “call to order” options, with just two simple buttons. The “call to order” button is self-explanatory. The “tap to…

Tesla is set to release a new and improved version of its controversial Yoke steering wheel in July 2023, according to a Service Advisor who spoke to Reddit user u/Global_Chaos. The new Yoke will feature “improved materials” and will be available for servicing from July 2023. “We do not recommend replacing the Yoke until improved parts are available,” the Tesla Service Advisor advised. This news comes just weeks after Tesla began offering a retrofit round steering wheel kit for the Yoke for $700 on its website. The Yoke, which was first implemented on Model S and Model X refreshes in…

The global automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years as the push for sustainable, zero-emission vehicles gains momentum. As automakers worldwide invest in electrification, Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, has been criticized for its slow response to the changing landscape. However, with the appointment of Koji Sato as CEO in January, there is renewed hope that Toyota will take a new direction and move towards a sustainable future. Sato has a challenging task ahead of him, as he must steer Toyota out of its comfort zone and into the modern era of electric vehicles. While…