Author: James Bryant

The Mercedes G-Class, known for its iconic boxy shape and substantial curb weight, may not seem like the most natural candidate for an electric vehicle (EV) conversion. However, Mercedes surprised many with the recent unveiling of the new G580 EQ, despite its sub-300-mile WLTP driving range. Now, reports indicate that Mercedes engineers are already working on improving the electric G-Wagon’s touring ability by over 35 percent. Equipped with a sizable 116 kWh battery, the 2025 G580 with EQ Technology offers a range of 272 miles (438 km) before requiring a recharge, according to Mercedes figures. However, Mercedes officials revealed at…

Troubles continue to mount for Fisker as reports surface alleging the automaker’s use of parts from prototypes and inventory vehicles to repair customer cars. The company, which has faced financial challenges and regulatory scrutiny in recent times, now confronts accusations of using unconventional methods to address customer service needs. Citing sources within Fisker, a report from Business Insider details claims from three current employees and five former employees. These individuals assert that Fisker’s La Palma, California facility has been utilizing parts from production and pre-production vehicles to fulfill service requests for damaged customer cars. According to one employee, between 10…

Chinese electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer Xpeng reported a slight rebound in deliveries last month, with its new brand MONA (Made of New AI) slated to debut in June. In April, Xpeng delivered 9,393 vehicles, marking a 4.07 percent increase from March and a 32.69 percent rise year-on-year. The company’s deliveries for the January-April period totaled 31,214 vehicles, up 23.33 percent compared to the same period last year. The Xpeng X9 MPV, priced at RMB 359,800 ($49,700), recorded 1,959 deliveries in April, bringing its cumulative deliveries close to 10,000 vehicles since its launch at the 2023 Guangzhou auto show on November…

Henrik Fisker, the CEO of Fisker Inc., has put his Los Angeles home on the market for $35 million, which is $8 million more than the current market value of his electric vehicle (EV) company. Fisker Inc. has faced significant challenges, with its stock plummeting by over 96% in 2024, leading to its delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. The Hollywood Hills mansion, purchased by Fisker and his wife Geeta Gupta-Fisker for $21.8 million in 2021, boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the city. The property features a retractable glass wall…

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) emerged victorious at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) held at Yas Marina Circuit, showcasing exceptional coding and engineering skills in a groundbreaking four-car race finale. TUM secured the winner’s share of the $2.25 million prize pot, highlighting their dominance in the field of autonomous racing. The competition featured customised Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars, all equipped with antennae, sensors, AI capabilities, and drive-by-wire systems, eliminating the need for human drivers. This unique setup was designed to test both human ingenuity and AI capability in a high-stakes racing environment. Each team participating…

Rivian is poised to disrupt the market with its upcoming R2 model, priced starting at approximately $45,000, aiming to attract a new segment of buyers. The company’s strategy to maintain its rugged luxury appeal at a lower price point is a topic of interest, as explained by Rivian’s design chief. Following the unveiling of the more compact and affordable R2, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe announced that the new electric SUV has already garnered over 68,000 reservations in less than 24 hours. Compared to the current R1S and R1T models, which start at $74,900 and $69,900 respectively, the R2 represents a…

Norway has launched a new funding program aimed at promoting the adoption of electric commercial vehicles, with funds allocated on a monthly basis. The initiative, led by the business development agency Enova, will initially subsidize the procurement of 108 heavy-duty electric vehicles equipped with battery-electric or fuel cell drives. Enova has set aside 136.5 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 11.6 million euros) to support the purchase of these electric commercial vehicles, marking the first round of funding under the new program for “heavy zero-emission vehicles.” The program consolidates two previous funding schemes in Norway and covers various vehicle categories in the…

Xiaomi has announced that customers who pre-ordered the standard variant of the SU7 electric vehicle (EV) will have the opportunity to make changes to their orders for a limited time. However, these customizations could result in longer wait times for the EV, as the company will recalculate the order delivery time. Currently, delivery times for the standard SKU of the SU7 range between 13-16 weeks. The reception of the Xiaomi SU7 suggests that Xiaomi is poised to become a prominent name in the EV industry. The EV has reportedly received over 100,000 pre-orders during its initial offering. While Xiaomi plans…

Hyundai Motor Co has increased its production capacity for hydrogen buses at its Jeonju plant in South Korea six-fold, from 500 units in 2023 to 3,000 units in 2024, as it aims to meet growing demand and fend off competition from Chinese manufacturers. The expansion at the Jeonju plant, which serves as a production center for buses and other large commercial vehicles, is part of the latest modernization step for the facility, according to local media reports. Hyundai’s move comes as Chinese electric buses have outsold domestic buses in South Korea for the first time in 2023. Chinese buses are…

Ford has resumed taking orders for its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, following a temporary halt in shipments earlier this year. The automaker announced the reopening of online orders for the F-150 Lightning in a press release on Tuesday, after implementing significant price cuts for the vehicle last week. Ford’s decision to pause shipments and reduce its F-150 Lightning workforce at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, was driven by concerns over demand. However, the company did not specify when production would ramp up again after the stop-sale. In February, Ford slashed its 2024 production forecast for the…

Fisker, the manufacturer of the all-electric Ocean crossover, has expanded its dealership network in the United States, adding another franchised dealership in Miami, Florida. This brings the total number of Fisker dealerships in the country to six, with the latest addition being the company’s second presence in the Sunshine State. Currently, Fisker has dealerships in Georgia, Indiana, New York, Florida, and South Carolina, along with three Fisker Centers in California and New York. In Europe, the startup has expanded to 12 dealerships, up from four previously, and operates 18 self-operated centers where customers can test drive, order, and take delivery…

In a bid to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the USA, Invisible Urban Charging (IUC) has joined forces with the CBRE Group. The ambitious plan aims to deploy one million EV chargers over the next five years, targeting properties currently under CBRE’s management. Founded in 2019, IUC specializes in charging infrastructure, while CBRE is a leading provider of commercial property services and investment. Under the partnership, CBRE will handle site selection, project management, installation, and maintenance services. On the other hand, IUC will finance the project, supply charging hardware and software, and manage operations through its Charging-as-a-Service platform.…

Juiced Bikes, known for its powerful and fast electric bicycles, has taken the wraps off its latest creation, the Juiced JetCurrent Pro. This new e-bike promises more speed and power than ever before, representing a new form factor for the brand. According to Tora Harris, founder and CEO of Juiced Bikes, the JetCurrent Pro has been in development for over 15 years. The company, one of the first US e-bike companies, has been a key player in the industry since its early days. “The folding e-bike category is dominated by toy-like products, so we saw an opportunity to redefine what…

Eve Energy, a Chinese battery cell manufacturer and BMW partner, is reportedly in talks to establish a factory at Coventry Airport, according to British media. The company is looking to initially invest around £1.2 billion for a factory with 20 GWh of annual capacity, with plans to later expand it to 60 GWh. If realized, the Coventry plant would likely become the largest battery factory in the UK upon completion. For comparison, the AESC factory under construction in Sunderland is designed for a maximum of 35 GWh, and the announced Tata project in Somerset is planned for 40 GWh. The…

Fisker, the electric-vehicle startup, faces mounting challenges as talks with a large automaker for a potential deal have collapsed, leading the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to plan the delisting of its shares due to “abnormally low” price levels. The NYSE suspended trading in Fisker’s stock on Monday, hours after it was halted pending an announcement. Fisker’s shares were trading at $0.09 before the halt and closed at $0.13 on Friday. The termination of talks with the unnamed automaker has forced Fisker to explore strategic options, including in- or out-of-court restructurings and capital markets transactions. The company stated that in…

In a groundbreaking demonstration, MAN Truck & Bus, in collaboration with ABB E-mobility, showcased the capabilities of their megawatt charging system (MCS) by successfully charging a MAN eTruck with over 700 kilowatts and 1,000 amps at a prototype charging station. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the advancement of sustainable long-distance transport for electric trucks and buses. The event, held at MAN’s development centre in Munich, highlighted the potential of the MCS to rapidly charge electric vehicle batteries, offering a range extension of 300 to 400 kilometers within a 45-minute statutory driving time break. The charging process, from…

ADS-TEC Energy, a German provider of battery-buffered ultra-fast charging technology, has appointed Renato Gross as Senior Vice President of ADSE Inc., its US subsidiary. Gross, known for his extensive international experience in production and sales, will oversee the company’s office in Alabama and lead efforts to expand the US market for ADS-TEC Energy’s battery-buffered, ultra-fast EV charging products. Thomas Speidel, CEO of ADS-TEC Energy, praised Gross’s track record, stating, “His skills and commitment to excellence are well aligned with our needs and goals, and we are pleased that he is now part of our company.” In response, Gross expressed his…

Renault CEO Luca de Meo has penned a compelling open letter to the European continent ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry. In his address, de Meo emphasizes the need for the industry to decarbonize while embracing technological advancements that are reshaping the sector. De Meo expresses concern that European automakers are at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in China and the U.S., citing significant investments in the Chinese auto sector and tax advantages for American-made electric vehicles (EVs). He argues that stringent environmental regulations in Europe are further hindering…

Tesla’s Cybertruck has once again stirred controversy, this time over concerns raised by an owner in a colder climate regarding the headlights becoming obscured by snow. The owner expressed frustration on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the significant impairment to nighttime visibility on the road. The complaint was voiced by @teslainventory, who tweeted, “Wondering why I didn’t have any lights when I turned onto my street without streetlights…” alongside a photo showing the front of the truck covered in snow, obscuring the headlights. https://twitter.com/teslainventory/status/1768103807450308922 Living in frigid climates, many are familiar with vehicles collecting snow on…

Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric mobility, transitioning its cutting-edge electric technologies from the lab to real-world testing. The Mercedes-AMG’s future electric platform, known as the AMG.EA platform, is currently undergoing rigorous winter testing in northern Sweden. Meanwhile, the Vision EQXX technology demonstrator has recently been seen on the roads of the Arabian Desert, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation in electric vehicles. The AMG.EA platform, short for AMG Electric Architecture, is being developed for future performance models from Mercedes-AMG, with the first vehicles expected to be produced at the Sindelfingen plant in Germany by the end of 2024. Mercedes-Benz…