Author: James Bryant

British battery firm Altilium and UK vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling specialist Synetiq have announced a new commercial collaboration to recycle electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This partnership aims to recycle EV batteries from cars that have reached the end of their life cycle, recovering lithium and nickel “for direct reuse in the production of new batteries.” Synetiq, which processes thousands of cars each year and inventories them in its technology center in Devon, plans to launch an end-of-life program in the UK. Currently, the UK exports battery waste to Europe and Asia for processing. The companies aim to address the…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a second investigation into Fisker’s Ocean SUV following four complaints about the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, including one resulting in an injury. Fisker stated that it is “fully cooperating” with the safety agency. This investigation follows closely on the heels of NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation probing complaints of sudden loss of braking performance. Fisker claims to have addressed this issue with a software update released to vehicles in December. See also: Internal Documents Highlight Technical Challenges Faced by Fisker Ocean Owners Fisker has faced challenges with the Ocean since its initial SUV…

In a significant effort to bolster European competitiveness in the electric vehicle (EV) sector vis-à-vis China, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz have successfully raised close to €4.4 billion. This substantial sum aims to facilitate the construction of four new EV gigafactories across the European Union in the coming years. According to a recent press announcement, the companies, in collaboration with Total Energies, have executed one of the largest debt fundraising operations witnessed in the European auto sector. The anticipated total funds to be raised stand at approximately €7 billion, earmarked for the construction of factories for their jointly owned battery maker, ACC.…

The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has prohibited advertisements by BMW and MG, citing their claim that electric cars are “zero-emission cars” as misleading. BMW had run a paid Google advertisement asserting ‘Zero Emissions Cars – Download Your Brochure Today,’ while MG had similarly used the slogan ‘Zero Emissions’ in a Google advert for its electric vehicles. The ASA objected to both adverts, contending that they provided a “misleading representation of the vehicles’ environmental impact,” reported British magazine Auto Express. ASA spokesman Toby King stated, “While we accepted this was true when driving, we determined this was misleading as they…

Electrify America, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the United States, is set to unveil its inaugural indoor charging station in San Francisco, offering drivers a convenient and sheltered charging experience. The new indoor facility, located in the SoMa neighborhood near the Bay Bridge, features 20 DC fast chargers capable of delivering up to 350 kW of power, catering to various EV models. Equipped with amenities such as 24/7 access, temperature-controlled lounges, vending options, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi, the charging station aims to enhance the EV charging experience for customers. See also: American Honda Teams Up with Electrify…

Speculation abounds in automotive circles as Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Corporation, appears to be laying the groundwork for a high-performance iteration of its electric SUV, the Lexus RZ. Recent trademark filings in Europe and Australia for the names ‘Lexus RZ F’ and ‘RZ F’ have ignited rumors of an imminent debut of a performance-focused model. While official details remain elusive, industry observers are dissecting the clues offered by these patent filings. The move signals Lexus’ potential ambition to compete head-on with formidable rivals in the electric vehicle (EV) space, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the…

Volvo marked a significant milestone as the first all-electric EM90 minivan officially rolled off the assembly line, signaling the Swedish automaker’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market segment. Introduced in November, the EM90 represents Volvo’s commitment to combining innovative technology with luxurious comfort. Volvo CEO Jim Rowan emphasized the vehicle’s unique selling proposition, describing it as more than just a means of transportation but rather a mobile sanctuary designed to enhance the overall experience of passengers. See also: Volvo EM90 Specifications : Everything You Should Know Crafted with a “Scandinavian living room” interior concept, the EM90 boasts premium lounge…

Data released by South Korean market researcher SNE Research on February 7 revealed a significant uptick in global battery consumption for electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023, marking a notable increase from the previous year. According to the report, total global battery consumption for EVs reached 705.5 GWh in 2023, marking a substantial surge of 38.6 percent from the 509.2 GWh recorded in the same period in 2022. See also: LG Chem Signs $19 Billion Deal with General Motors for EV Battery Materials Leading the charge in this growth trajectory was Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), a Chinese power battery…

Parisians have taken a significant step in addressing the global issue of increasing vehicle weight, commonly referred to as ‘autobesity,’ by voting in favor of a parking fee for heavy SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs) in Paris. The referendum, championed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, aims to combat vehicle pollution and energy inefficiency associated with the rising average weight of vehicles on roads worldwide. Gas-powered vehicles exceeding 1.6 tons and electric vehicles weighing over 2 tons will be subject to parking fees ranging from €12 to €18 (approximately $12.94 to $19.40) per hour when parked in or near the center of…

Cellcentric, the fuel cell joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, has confirmed significant delays in the construction of its fuel cell factory in Weilheim/Teck. The joint venture acknowledges a setback of one and a half years from the original schedule due to delayed land acquisition. Despite this, Cellcentric is committed to meeting the production start deadline through alternative means. Originally, the German town of Weilheim an der Teck had expected construction to commence in autumn 2024, following an agreement with the last remaining landowner. The excavators were initially scheduled to start rolling in 2023. However, Cellcentric CEO…

Toyota has outlined ambitious plans to expand its iconic Land Cruiser lineup by transforming it into a dedicated electric brand, with the introduction of two new electric models set to hit the market. Building on the legacy of the revered Land Cruiser, Toyota is poised to introduce a smaller model targeting younger consumers and a larger, more luxurious variant. The Land Cruiser’s electric evolution was hinted at with the preview of the Land Cruiser SE in 2023, signaling a departure from the J250 series Land Cruiser (Prado) and a heightened focus on comfort. The upcoming electric model is anticipated to…

Tesla has reintroduced a discount for customers with early Cybertruck reservations, offering a $1,000 reduction on the purchase or leasing price of select models. The promotion, initially presented as a year-end special for Cybertruck reservation holders, has been officially reinstated, with the offer valid for those taking delivery by March 31. In messages sent to early Cybertruck reservation holders, Tesla conveyed, “Tesla: You loved it, so we brought it back.” Eligible customers can receive a $1,000 discount on a new Model Y, Model S, or Model X when ordering and taking delivery by the end of March. Tesla encouraged recipients…

Nio is contemplating the introduction of new variants with shorter ranges for its existing models. This strategic move aims to potentially lower the purchasing barrier for consumers, contributing to an expansion in sales, industry sources revealed. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China recently unveiled a new batch of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) eligible for vehicle purchase tax reductions. Nio’s eight on-sale models, including the ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and ET5 Touring, were listed in the catalog. See also: Nio Partners with Longi Green Energy for Solar Solutions at Battery Swap Stations While the…

Recent insights from Tesla Giga Berlin employees suggest that the facility may have achieved a notable production milestone of 6,000 Model Y crossovers per week. This information surfaced through a video posted by Tesla, showcasing Giga Berlin workers discussing the plant’s work culture. In the video, Tesla Quality Engineer Lars Lengacker shared sentiments about the company’s growth opportunities, accompanied by footage of his Quicksilver Model Y adorned with commemorative shirts. See also: Tesla to Introduce Adaptive Headlights in Model Y and Legacy Model 3 through Software Update Notably, the shirts displayed production milestones, with markings such as “1k,” “2k,” “3k,”…

Tesla has temporarily suspended the delivery of Cybertrucks with wheel covers due to a newly identified issue causing wear on the tire sidewalls. Deliveries will proceed without the covers until a redesign, anticipated no earlier than March. Tesla’s incorporation of wheel covers across its vehicle range is aimed at optimizing efficiency, potentially boosting the range by up to 10 miles. These removable covers afford owners the choice of sacrificing a slight efficiency gain for an enhanced aesthetic appeal, revealing the underlying rim. See also: Safety Concerns Arise Over Lack of Pinch Sensors in Tesla Cybertruck, Comparative Tests Highlight Risks The…

Iveco, the commercial vehicle manufacturer, has revealed plans to introduce a new battery-electric commercial vehicle in European markets, set to be unveiled at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, Germany, in September 2024. The vehicle will be based on a global battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 tons, utilizing a platform supplied by Hyundai Motor Company. See also: IVECO BUS Officially Opens E-BENCH Testing Facility Under the collaboration, Hyundai will provide Iveco with the chassis cab for the model, which will be completed and exclusively distributed by Iveco in Europe under…

In recent discussions, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has hinted at the prospect of showcasing the newly released Cybertruck in China, primarily as a display item. Responding to user Ray4Tesla’s mention of rumors surrounding the Cybertruck’s arrival in China for a store display, Musk acknowledged the possibility of shipping prototype units to the country. However, he emphasized the challenges associated with making the electric pickup road-legal in China, suggesting it might remain confined to display status for the time being. See also: Glaring Panel Gaps and Glitches: Non-Employee’s Report Highlights Quality Concerns in Tesla Cybertruck https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1746382137769799718 In the conversation, Ray sought…

Chinese extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) manufacturer Li Auto has selected Nvidia’s Drive Thor centralized car computer to power its upcoming fleet, as announced by the U.S. chip giant. Nvidia introduced Drive Thor, a new system for autonomous driving, on September 20, 2022, positioning it as the successor to Drive Orin with a focus on Li Auto’s 2025 models. The Drive Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC) offers a substantial 2,000 teraflops (Tops) of performance. Manufacturers can allocate the computing power for various purposes, including the autonomous driving pipeline, in-vehicle AI, infotainment, and driver assistance. See also: Li Auto Anticipates March Launch for Debut…

Bucharest-based energy company OMV Petrom is set to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by acquiring Renovatio’s network. The company plans to increase the number of Renovatio charging points to approximately 650 by 2026, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of this year, subject to certain conditions. In line with its commitment to bolster the EV charging landscape, OMV Petrom previously announced plans in July 2023 to install over 400 new High Power Charging (HPC) points with a capacity of 150 kW each at 98 locations in Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary by the end of…

French automotive supplier Valeo is set to showcase its latest innovation, the Ineez Air Charging, at CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week. The wireless charging solution, equipped with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, is designed for use across both public and private charging locations. Valeo claims that Ineez Air Charging is compatible with any wallbox globally, accommodating all power grids (1-phase or 3-phase) and electric vehicles equipped with 400- and 800-volt batteries. Distinguishing itself, the technology utilizes an ultra-low operating frequency of around 3kHz, resulting in a lighter design (50% of other systems’ weight) and a simplified charging experience. See also:…