Author: Harding Greenwood

LG Business Solutions USA has announced the launch of its first Level 3 DC Charger, model LG EVD175SK-PN, for the U.S. market. This new charger complements LG’s existing Level 2 AC chargers, offering commercial customers flexible options to support the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Assembly of the chargers is set to begin this fall at LG’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The LG EVD175SK-PN features a 24-inch high-resolution LCD touch-screen display, dynamic load management capabilities, and a liquid-cooled charging cable, enabling charging speeds of up to 175 kW. The Level 3 DC Charger includes a…

BYD has achieved a significant milestone by becoming China’s largest auto group, overtaking SAIC in September sales. Previously recognized as the best-selling brand in China, BYD has solidified its position with a remarkable surge in sales, reporting a 62% increase and surpassing 3 million vehicles sold in the previous year. In September, BYD recorded a historic sales figure of 419,426 vehicles, marking a 45% increase compared to September 2023. This achievement encompasses vehicles from BYD’s various subbrands, including Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, and Yangwang. The month also marked BYD’s fourth consecutive record-breaking sales performance, demonstrating resilience amid rising competition and…

GM Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Co. based in Detroit, announced today the launch of the GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage solution designed to empower electric vehicle (EV) owners by enabling them to store and transfer energy from the grid. The product also offers options for integration with solar power systems. The company has expanded access to its energy management products across all 50 states, further enhancing its offerings. The GM Energy PowerBank is available in two battery capacity variants—10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh—and can provide power to homes during outages or help offset higher electricity…

Tesla unveiled its new electric robotaxi, the Cybercab, during an event at Warner Bros. studios, revealing a vehicle that promises to redefine the autonomous driving landscape. With a price tag of less than $30,000, the Cybercab is expected to hit the roads in the next two years, though Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the timeline might extend to 2027. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1844584092605579397 The vehicle features a futuristic design with butterfly-wing doors, no steering wheel or pedals, and is equipped with wireless induction charging as standard, making it Tesla’s first vehicle to adopt this feature. The Cybercab, also referred to as a…

A recent report from Germany indicates that Tesla’s Giga Berlin facility achieved a significant milestone by producing its 400,000th vehicle by the end of September, just two and a half years after commencing Model Y production. Internal communications cited by Handelsblatt revealed that Tesla celebrated this achievement with an extended break and a pizza party for employees on September 25. However, plant manager André Thierig expressed caution regarding the milestone, suggesting that while impressive, the production figures should be viewed in light of challenges faced by other automakers in Germany. Thierig reportedly raised concerns about the situation at Volkswagen, which…

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has unveiled a groundbreaking facility designed for agile battery cell production, a project made possible through collaboration between researchers and mid-sized machine manufacturers as part of the AgiloBat initiative. This new facility is characterized by its robot-based, modular production system, enabling the production of customized battery cells in the required quantities. KIT’s new production facility is described as the “world’s first agile battery cell production facility.” The innovative system, developed in partnership with Exyte and various mechanical engineering companies, aims to provide flexibility in battery cell production while also automating processes. The facility is…

Porsche has announced another recall for the Taycan electric vehicle, this time affecting approximately 27,527 units produced between 2021 and 2024. The recall, posted on Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is due to potential short circuits within the high-voltage battery pack, which could increase the risk of fire. The root cause of the issue appears to be linked to a production problem at the supplier level, specifically with the battery packs manufactured by LG and assembled in Poland. “There’s no identification or early warning that a short circuit is about to take place with the battery…

Mercedes-Benz has officially released images of its upcoming next-generation vans, offering a respite for spy photographers who have been tracking the development of these vehicles. The new vans are built on the innovative Mercedes-Benz Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), which the company describes as “modular, flexible and scalable.” The latest prototypes, while still covered in camouflage and padding, showcase design elements closer to the final production models. Notable features include updated headlights and flush-mounted door handles, along with a redesigned greenhouse and a more upright front fascia. The new design also incorporates lower door-mounted mirrors and alterations to the rear liftgate.…

Battery manufacturer Varta has taken a major step toward financial recovery, aided by a bridge loan and agreements with creditors, bondholders, Austrian investor Michael Tojner, and sports car manufacturer Porsche. These measures include a total equity injection of €60 million from Tojner and Porsche, with Porsche acquiring a 50 percent stake in Varta AG and aiming to secure a 70 percent share in its subsidiary, V4 Drive Battery. This subsidiary specializes in large-format lithium-ion cylindrical cells, which are used in high-performance hybrids like the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. For Porsche, maintaining Varta and V4 Drive Battery is vital to its…

HL Group announced on October 8 its intention to acquire the French robotic parking company Stanley Robotics, a significant move within the growing autonomous parking market. The acquisition will be carried out through HL Robotics, a subsidiary established by HL Group in September. Stanley Robotics is recognized as the first company to commercialize parking robots, having introduced its autonomous parking robot, ‘Stan,’ at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in 2018. ‘Stan’ utilizes digital twin technology and a fleet management system (FMS) to autonomously park vehicles without spatial constraints, establishing the company as a leader in the autonomous parking sector. In September 2023,…

Chevrolet has officially released details on the highly anticipated 2025 Silverado EV, the battery-powered version of its iconic pickup truck. This all-electric truck marks a major advancement in General Motors’ electrification strategy, offering a combination of lower starting prices, increased driving range, and new trim options that broaden the vehicle’s appeal. With the introduction of new models, Chevrolet is positioning the Silverado EV to compete more aggressively in the electric truck market against rivals like Ford and Rivian. The 2025 Silverado EV will start at a more affordable price point of $57,095, making it a compelling option for a wider…

Fortescue Metals Group has announced a new partnership with Canadian manufacturer MacLean to further its decarbonization efforts in mining. The collaboration will see the delivery of 30 electric graders, known as GR8 EVs, for Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia. The fleet will be supplied between 2026 and 2029, marking the latest step in Fortescue’s ongoing push toward electrifying its vehicle fleet. This deal follows a recent major order from Liebherr, in which Fortescue secured 475 electric vehicles for its mines in Western Australia. Like the agreement with Liebherr, Fortescue is not merely a customer; it will be contributing its…