Author: Ivan Popov

General Motors (GM) is poised for a potential turnaround in the electric vehicle (EV) market this year, aiming to leave behind the production challenges that have plagued its EV ambitions. Despite missing its EV sales targets for the past two years, GM executives are optimistic that 2024 will be a year of execution. In 2023, GM delivered 75,883 EVs, falling short of its goal of selling 100,000 vehicles in the second half of the year alone. The company faced various obstacles, including freight delays, software glitches, and a stop-sale order on the Blazer EV, which was lifted after almost three…

Gazelle Bikes, the largest Dutch bicycle maker renowned for its wide array of popular bicycle models, has announced the launch of its Gazelle Eclipse trekking model for the US market. With over 130 years of continuous production and design legacy, Gazelle is celebrated worldwide for its Dutch e-bikes and pedal bikes. In recent years, the brand has been expanding its electric models into the US market. The Gazelle Eclipse marks a significant milestone as the first Bosch-powered 28 mph (45 km/h) e-bike with the new Bosch Smart System to be launched in the US. Combining classic commuter styling with trail-ready…

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, which received the automaker’s first N-brand treatment, is now set to undergo a rugged, off-road XRT upgrade. This development raises questions about how it will stack up against Rivian’s recently unveiled R3X. The refreshed Ioniq 5, revealed earlier this month, boasts several design enhancements, a larger battery with increased range, and a newly added rear wiper. In Korea, Hyundai has augmented the new Ioniq 5 with an additional 7 kWh of battery capacity, bringing the total to 84 kWh. This upgrade extends the EV’s range to 485 km (301 mi), up from 458 km (285 mi) previously.…

The perception that electric vehicle (EV) owners are getting a free ride on America’s roads and highways by avoiding gas taxes may not be entirely accurate, according to a recent study by Atlas Public Policy, a policy and data research firm. Contrary to popular belief, the study found that in a majority of U.S. states, EV owners could end up paying more to the government annually than drivers of internal combustion-engine cars. This is due to a combination of registration fees targeted at EV buyers and taxes levied at charging stations. See also: New Jersey to Phase Out Sales Tax Waiver…

Kia, the South Korean automotive giant, is set to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the EV3 and EV4 models, following the successful launch of its flagship, seven-seat Kia EV9. The company previewed the two new models late last year through concept vehicles, signaling its intent to tap into the more affordable segment of the EV market. While Kia has not disclosed specific pricing for the EV3 and EV4, industry experts, including AutoPacific president Ed Kim, suggest that pricing them around the $35,000 mark would be a strategic move. This pricing strategy would position Kia competitively in…

Storedot has taken a major step towards commercialization and mass production through a strategic partnership with EVE Energy. The collaboration grants StoreDot access to EVE’s manufacturing capabilities, enabling the mass production of its groundbreaking 100in5 extreme fast charging battery cells. Under the agreement, StoreDot will secure manufacturing capacity from EVE to produce its XFC batteries. Additionally, the company will license its technology to EVE and continue to explore licensing agreements with other third parties. See also: StoreDot’s Ultrafast Charging Batteries Show Resilience in Sub-Freezing Temperatures StoreDot’s battery technology, outlined in its ‘100inX’ product roadmap, promises ‘Range on Demand,’ with milestones including…

Australia has witnessed a remarkable surge in the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), with February’s monthly sales showing the strongest appetite for the technology to date, reaching a record 9.6% share for the month. According to the latest data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a record 10,011 full-battery electric cars were sold in Australia in February, marking a substantial increase from the 4,893 sales in January. See also: Toyota Launches bZ4X Electric SUV in Australia, Facing Competition from Tesla The 9.6% share exceeds the previous record set in June last year, when EV uptake accounted for 8.8% of…

Zeekr has teamed up with Autohub Group, a Philippine dealer, to bolster its international presence. The partnership, formalized with an agreement signed on March 4 in Hangzhou, where Zeekr is headquartered, marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy. As part of the partnership, Zeekr will introduce its Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X models to the Philippine market. Local pre-sales and deliveries of both battery electric vehicle (BEV) models are slated to commence in the second quarter of this year. See also: 2024 Zeekr 001 Specifications : Everything You Should Know Additionally, the first Zeekr Space in the Philippines is…

Xiaomi has revealed its latest electric scooter, the Electric Scooter 4 Pro Max, on its global website. The new model, which is foldable for easy storage and transport, was previously teased alongside the launch of the Xiaomi Electric Scooter Fast Charger earlier this year. This fast charger is compatible with both the 4 Pro Max and the previously unveiled 4 Pro Plus model. The Electric Scooter 4 Pro Max shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Pro Plus, which was introduced in January. Both models are equipped with a 960W peak power motor offering three speed settings and a maximum…

Andy Slye, a prominent YouTuber and car reviewer known for his in-depth analysis of electric vehicles, recently had the opportunity to test the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland. Slye, who currently owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3 with an impressive 140,000 miles on the odometer, was initially intrigued by the prospect of upgrading to the latest model. However, after an extensive test drive, Slye ultimately decided against upgrading, citing the remarkable qualities of his current vehicle. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland boasts a range of enhancements over its predecessor, including improved ride quality, enhanced aerodynamics, and a quieter…

California regulators have approved Waymo’s proposal to expand its fully driverless robotaxi services to Los Angeles and select cities near San Francisco, effective immediately. Waymo, which already operates in San Francisco and Phoenix, submitted the expansion application on January 19, pledging to collaborate with policymakers, first responders, and community organizations. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had previously suspended the application for further staff review. In a notice posted on its website on Friday, the CPUC announced, “Waymo may begin fared driverless passenger service operations in the specified areas of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Peninsula, effective today.” However,…

EV startup Canoo (GOEV) continues to make strides in the electric vehicle market, with its rugged American Bulldog electric pickup recently spotted undergoing testing near its Oklahoma City manufacturing facility. After successfully delivering the first EV built at its new Oklahoma City plant late last year, Canoo has now unveiled its latest model, the American Bulldog electric pickup. Launched in November, the vehicle is described by the company as being “woven into the American spirit” with its iron and grit. The American Bulldog electric pickup is a derivative of the Screaming Eagle, which Canoo delivered to the US Army in…