Author: Ivan Popov

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer Leapmotor, supported by Stellantis NV, achieved a significant milestone in August with record vehicle deliveries, largely attributed to the success of its new C16 model. Leapmotor delivered 30,305 vehicles last month, marking the first instance in the company’s history of surpassing 30,000 deliveries in a single month. This represents a substantial 113.57 percent increase from 14,190 vehicles delivered in August of the previous year and a 37.17 percent rise from 22,093 units in July. The new C16 SUV played a major role in this achievement, contributing over 8,000 units to the total, according to…

Wallbox has received a $45 million investment aimed at ramping up production and increasing sales, particularly in the North American market. The majority of the investment, $35 million, comes from Wallbox’s existing partner, Generac Power Systems. This marks Generac’s second minority investment in Wallbox. Generac, a global designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions and power products, enhances Wallbox’s capability to manufacture and sell its chargers. The company announced in May the launch of the next generation of its Supernova DC fast charging station, the Supernova 220, which will debut in European markets with a 220 kW output capacity. In…

A Tesla driver involved in a fatal crash with a motorcyclist in Seattle in April was distracted while using the vehicle’s automated driving system, according to Washington authorities. The crash resulted in the motorcyclist’s death at the scene. Washington State Patrol investigators determined the use of the Tesla Model S’ driver-assist system by analyzing data from the vehicle’s event data recorder. “The investigation is still ongoing in this case,” said Capt. Deion Glover in an email to the Associated Press, adding that the Snohomish County Prosecutor will decide if charges will be filed. https://evmagz.com/tesla-model-s-plaid-sets-new-record-with-8-56-second-quarter-mile-run/ Following the crash, the Tesla driver…

Chinese automaker Xpeng is preparing to launch a self-driving taxi within the next two years, with plans to debut the vehicle in 2026. Unlike Tesla, which aims to handle both the development and operation of its robotaxis, Xpeng intends to focus solely on vehicle development and will collaborate with partners for operation. He Xiaopeng, CEO of Xpeng, outlined the company’s strategy in a LinkedIn post, stating, “Regarding Robotaxi, Tesla aims to handle everything from the vehicle to operations, which differs from our approach. XPENG’s Robotaxi will follow a set pace and launch a highly competitive Robotaxi in 2026. Moreover, we…

Mitsubishi Motors has signed a nondisclosure agreement with Honda and Nissan, marking the beginning of discussions to join their automotive alliance. The collaboration will focus on software development and may extend to vehicle development. According to the Japanese business publication Nikkei, Mitsubishi is set to become a part of the alliance announced in March between Nissan and Honda. The primary goal of the partnership is to jointly develop software to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness in the electromobility sector. https://evmagz.com/mitsubishi-secures-order-for-3000-minicab-ev-units-from-japan-post/ Nissan currently holds a 34.01% stake in Mitsubishi. With the NDA in place, Mitsubishi is now negotiating with both Honda…

Opel has unveiled updated pricing for the revised Zafira Electric, with the base model now starting at €47,550 in Germany, a reduction of over €15,000 from previous prices. The revised pricing reflects changes in the standard equipment of the vehicle. Originally presented in December 2023, the updated Zafira Electric features Opel’s new ‘Vizor’ design, part of a broader initiative by the Stellantis Group that includes the introduction of twelve new light commercial vehicles. The Zafira Electric, along with the Combo Electric, is part of this initiative. https://evmagz.com/opel-launches-frontera-electric-across-europe-starting-at-e28990-in-germany/ The vehicle is based on the EMP2 platform, a legacy from the PSA…

Porsche has released the first images of the camouflaged prototypes for its all-electric Cayenne, marking a significant milestone in the vehicle’s development. The German automaker confirmed that the new electric Cayenne will not be the sole variant offered in the model lineup. The all-electric Cayenne, part of its fourth generation, will utilize a “comprehensive further development” of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with an 800-volt architecture. Porsche plans to debut this platform with the new Macan, which will be exclusively electric in Europe. The PPE aims to enhance high-voltage systems, powertrain, and chassis technologies. “The flexibility of the PPE architecture…

Tesla’s Cybertruck, a vehicle that has sparked both admiration and criticism, is proving to be a commercial success. Contrary to claims that the all-electric pickup truck is a failure, recent sales data indicates otherwise. In May, the Cybertruck registered 3,907 units, making it the fifth best-selling electric vehicle in the United States for the month, according to S&P Global Mobility. This performance is notable given that the Cybertruck is still in its limited edition Foundation Series, priced at over $100,000. Tom Libby, associate director of industry analysis at S&P Global Mobility, expressed surprise at the Cybertruck’s rapid ascent in the…

BYD executive Lu Tian today unveiled a video on Weibo showcasing the upcoming hybrid SUV, Song L DM-i, suggesting its launch may be on the horizon. Lu Tian, general manager of BYD’s Dynasty lineup sales division, highlighted distinct features of the Song L DM-i, contrasting it with the previously launched Song L battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the Sea Lion 07 EV under BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo platform. The Song L DM-i, positioned as a mid-size SUV, is anticipated to integrate BYD’s DM 5.0 hybrid system, akin to the Qin L DM-i hybrid sedan. This technology promises improved fuel efficiency…

Hyundai Motor Company is set to introduce a new electric micro SUV tailored specifically for the Indian market, aiming for a 2026 launch as part of its strategy to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. According to a report by Autocar Professional, the South Korean automaker is developing the EV codenamed ‘HE1i’ to directly compete with Tata’s Punch.ev in India. Unlike its existing models like the Inster (Casper EV), Hyundai will differentiate the HE1i by catering to local customer preferences rather than deriving it from petrol-powered or other electric vehicle platforms. The HE1i will be built on Hyundai’s born-electric car…

Samsung SDI  has clinched a significant deal worth 1 trillion won ($726 million) to supply batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) to NextEra Energy Inc., a major US clean energy company. Under the deal, Samsung SDI will provide 6.3 gigawatt hours (GWh) of ESS batteries, marking approximately 11.5% of the total ESG capacity in North America last year. This agreement is poised to bolster Samsung SDI’s position in the ESS market, which has seen a surge in demand amidst global efforts to expand solar power installations. The news has already buoyed Samsung SDI’s stock prices, rising by as much as…

Delhi-based MegaCabs, a prominent player in India’s taxi service sector, is set to bolster its fleet with 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across key metro cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa, according to a recent announcement. “We are deploying these 2,000 electric vehicles in strategic locations such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa,” said Kunal Lalani, Founder of MegaCabs Limited. Partnering with Gurugram-based XPulse, MegaCabs aims to ensure its EV fleet remains fully operational with dedicated charging hubs and public charging stations strategically located in these urban centers and tourist hotspots. “Our advanced charging infrastructure will ensure that MegaCabs’ EV…

Skoda Auto continues its longstanding sponsorship of the Tour de France for the 21st consecutive year, providing race organisers with a fleet of 205 vehicles, predominantly electric cars and plug-in hybrids. This year, Skoda’s sponsorship includes supplying alternative drive system vehicles to support the iconic cycling event. Most notably, Tour director Christian Prudhomme will lead the peloton in the all-electric Skoda Enyaq, dubbed as the ‘Red Car’ for the majority of stages. “The Tour de France is a symbol of endurance and innovation, and we are proud to support it with our sustainable vehicle lineup,” said a spokesperson from Skoda…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon Auto, has unveiled the battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant of its Neta L SUV, following the earlier release of the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version two months ago. The Neta L BEV is offered in three configurations, priced from RMB 139,900 to RMB 162,900, with deliveries slated to commence in July. All variants are equipped with a 68 kWh Shenxing Battery pack based on lithium iron phosphate chemistry supplied by CATL, supporting a CLTC range of 510 km and 3C fast charging capability, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in 21 minutes. See also:…

Porsche has initiated a recall for certain 2020 to 2025 models of its Taycan electric sports car due to a defective front brake hose that could potentially leak brake fluid, Reuters reported based on information from the automaker. Introduced in 2019 as Porsche’s first all-electric sports car, the Taycan has garnered global sales exceeding 150,000 units. Despite its popularity, the model has faced several minor recalls in recent years. Previously, in December, over 41,000 Taycan vehicles were recalled due to faulty charging cables, followed by a recall in March involving a few hundred models due to possible battery module short…

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is intensifying its efforts to electrify logistics operations across the United States, with logistics partner Salem Carriers set to deploy DTNA’s Freightliner eCascadia vehicles for daily inbound routes in North Carolina. Based in Charlotte, Salem Carriers plays a pivotal role in DTNA’s supply chain network across the Carolinas, connecting manufacturing sites and supply hubs. The exact number of electric trucks slated for deployment remains undisclosed. The charging infrastructure for these vehicles will be managed by Electrada, under their Charging as a Service (CaaS) offering. Electrada will provide comprehensive depot electrification at Salem’s Statesville depot and…

Celebrating four decades of automotive excellence, BMW M GmbH unveils the seventh generation of its iconic high-performance saloon, the BMW M5, now equipped with its first-ever electrified drive system. The model-specific M HYBRID system propels the new BMW M5 to unprecedented levels of power, boasting a maximum output of 727 hp and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm. “The new BMW M5 represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of exhilarating performance combined with cutting-edge technology,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. Combining a high-revving V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology with an electric motor integrated into…

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has garnered widespread acclaim among car enthusiasts, being hailed as the most driver-focused electric vehicle (EV) currently available. BMW’s M division has taken notice, with its CEO revealing plans to introduce emulated gear shifts and fake sounds for its future EVs, following in Hyundai’s footsteps. Rather than simply enhancing the power and performance of the regular Ioniq 5, Hyundai went above and beyond when developing the first EV to bear the N badge. The vehicle features various systems and features that contribute to its exceptional driving experience, including the ability to shift through gears of…

US semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi has revealed plans to invest up to two billion US dollars in building a silicon carbide production facility in the Czech Republic. The plant will focus on producing SiC power semiconductors for electric vehicles, among other applications. The investment is contingent upon final regulatory approval and the granting of subsidies by the Czech government. The new facility is slated to be constructed on a brownfield site. Onsemi already operates in the Czech Republic, with facilities in Brno and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm producing silicon crystals as well as silicon and silicon carbide wafers. See also: Onsemi Introduces Nine…

HW Vassen will assume the role of Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo on 1 August 2024. He will succeed Soonho Ahn, who is set to leave his post at the end of July. Soonho Ahn’s appointment was regarded as a significant milestone for PowerCo, as he was recruited directly from Apple, where he served as the Global Head of Battery Development. His recruitment was seen as a major success, bringing a leading battery developer from Silicon Valley to develop battery cells for cars in Salzgitter. Ahn, born in 1960, brought…