Author: James Bryant

In the month of June, the global sales of plug-in electric cars displayed remarkable growth, nearly setting a new all-time monthly record. Falling just short of the previous best result by a slight margin, the sales figures underscore the escalating adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the globe. According to data provided by EV-Volumes and shared by Jose Pontes, a total of 1,260,470 new passenger plug-in electric cars were registered on a global scale during June. This figure indicates an impressive 38 percent surge when compared to the figures from the previous year. Moreover, these registrations accounted for approximately 19…

In an initiative to enhance the nation’s access to battery-grade lithium resources, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding allocation of $10.9 million for ten projects spanning nine states. The projects will focus on the development of cutting-edge technologies for extracting and converting lithium from geothermal brine sources within the United States. The two primary areas of focus for these projects are “Field Validation of Lithium Hydroxide Production from Geothermal Brines” and “Applied Research & Development for Direct Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Brines.” Both topics are solely dedicated to procuring battery-relevant resources domestically. See also: Electric Vehicle…

In a recent surge, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are celebrating robust sales in their home market, with BYD, Li Auto, Nio, and Xpeng leading the charge. BYD, as disclosed in its report to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, achieved a remarkable milestone by delivering 262,105 plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles in July. This figure represents a 3.6% increase from the previous month and marks the third consecutive month of record-breaking sales for the company. However, specific details regarding the distribution of sales between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were not provided. Not to be outdone, Li Auto…

In a significant move, the Detroit City Council has greenlit a pioneering deal with May Mobility, a local company based in Ann Arbor, to introduce self-driving shuttles aimed at providing assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents. The contract, valued at $2.5 million, will facilitate transport for individuals who face challenges in moving around independently within the city. Named the “Detroit Automated Driving Systems Shuttle” program, this groundbreaking initiative aims to cater specifically to locals aged 65 or older and those living with disabilities. Its primary objective is to offer support for attending medical appointments, shopping, and engaging in other essential…

In a significant achievement for the electric vehicle (EV) market, Kia UK reached a noteworthy milestone in July 2023, surpassing 50,000 EV sales. This milestone comes after another record-breaking month, securing Kia’s position as the UK’s fourth best-selling brand. During the month of July, Kia sold a remarkable 9,624 units across all models, marking the brand’s best July performance on record. Among these sales, 1,555 fully electric vehicles were delivered, driving the total number of Kia EVs sold in the UK to an impressive 50,614. The landmark 50,000th Kia EV was none other than the rear-wheel drive EV6 ‘GT-Line S’…

In a recent development, owners of all-electric vehicles sold by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis in the United States have come together to file a nationwide class-action lawsuit against the car manufacturers. The lawsuit claims that certain models feature defective charging ports that result in longer than advertised charging times or, in some cases, a complete failure to charge, potentially leaving users stranded. The lawsuit, filed last month with the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that the automakers advertised vehicle charging times between five to seven hours, depending on the vehicle make, using a Level 2…

Hyundai Mobis, the innovation and technology development branch of Hyundai, has introduced its latest breakthrough in automotive interior design – the ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox for electric vehicles (EVs). This new glovebox design takes advantage of the unique packaging possibilities presented by EVs, offering increased storage capacity and improved safety features. While gloveboxes are often overlooked as mundane components of a car, insufficient interior storage can be a hindrance, especially in family-oriented vehicles like the forthcoming Kia EV9 SUV. However, the ‘Parabolic Motion’ glovebox promises to address this issue, setting it apart as a standout feature in the upcoming EV9 SUV.…

MG Motor, a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker SAIC, is exploring the possibility of establishing a European manufacturing plant for its electric compact model, the MG4. Although the exact location for the facility remains uncertain, a decision is expected within the next two to three years. William Wang, European head of MG Motor, revealed that European production would entail higher costs compared to their operations in China. Factors such as energy costs and labour expenses will be thoroughly assessed to identify the most favourable country for the plant. See also: MG4 electric hatchback earns five star Euro NCAP crash test Despite…

Electric vehicles, with their absence of traditional engines, have brought some unintended consequences, as demonstrated by a recent recall of 668 Jaguar I-Paces in the United States. The recall targets model year 2021-2022 vehicles that do not feature a heated windshield. In these specific I-Pace models, the High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) may fail due to delamination of the aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide coatings in the heating elements. The failure of the HVCH can lead to more than just discomfort during cold drives. Without a functioning heater or a heated windshield, the electric I-Pace may struggle to defrost the…

Volkswagen’s compact electric car, the ID.3, has experienced a surge in orders in China after the company implemented significant price reductions last month. The automaker’s joint venture with SAIC, known as VW-SAIC, announced a limited-time offer for the VW ID.3 at the beginning of July, offering a “historical low price” starting at 125,900 yuan (approximately $17,500) until the end of the month. This move comes as Volkswagen faces increased competition in China’s evolving electric vehicle market. As China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD had outpaced Volkswagen in passenger car sales during the first three months of the year, extending its…

As the United States aims to reduce China’s involvement in the Electric Vehicle (EV) supply chain, Chinese companies have taken a strategic step forward by announcing partnerships with Korean counterparts. These collaborations enable Chinese companies to ship batteries to the US and take advantage of generous tax breaks offered under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With a pre-existing free trade agreement between Korea and the US, batteries manufactured in South Korea and incorporated into EVs assembled in the United States qualify for tax breaks. While this measure was initially intended to reduce China’s hold on the battery supply chain, it…

In a recent development, Nissan, the renowned Japanese carmaker, has officially confirmed its investment in Renault’s Ampere electric car division. As part of the final agreements for the realignment of the manufacturer alliance, Nissan has pledged to invest up to €600 million in Ampere, securing a strategic position on the board. The investment aligns with Nissan’s electrification strategy and promises several potential benefits and synergies that complement the company’s goals and initiatives in Europe and other potential markets. The investment comes in the wake of the alliance’s announcement in early February, with the completion of the realignment expected in the…

In June, the Netherlands experienced a remarkable surge in new passenger car registrations, with a year-over-year increase of 38 percent, reaching a total of 41,366 units. However, this impressive growth rate pales in comparison to the soaring sales of plug-in cars, which saw an astounding 86 percent surge compared to the previous year. According to EV Volumes’ data, shared by Jose Pontes, the country registered a staggering 18,792 new plug-in cars last month, making up an impressive 45 percent share of all new passenger cars. With the continuous upward trajectory, there is a strong possibility that plug-in car sales will…

WAE Technologies, a UK-based engineering company, is revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience with their groundbreaking software called Elysia. As the market sees an influx of EV models, the demand for faster charging times becomes increasingly evident, and Elysia aims to address this crucial need. According to WAE Technologies, Elysia boasts a suite of battery management algorithms that promise to provide a staggering 25% faster EV charging time. This translates to saving EV owners approximately 10 minutes when using a fast charger. The significance of this improvement is especially pronounced during peak travel times like holidays or the summer…

Blue Bird has unveiled its latest electric school bus, the next-generation Vision, at the renowned STN Expo West in North America. This milestone launch signifies the ongoing partnership between Blue Bird and Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions technology division of Cummins. The Type C electric school bus features an advanced powertrain platform and an upgraded battery with an impressive 196kWh capacity, representing a significant increase compared to its predecessor. The Vision electric bus boasts a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge and supports fast-charging at 80kW, allowing for a quick full recharge in only three hours.…

Leading Canadian-based automotive firm, Magna International, is set to make a significant mark on Tennessee’s thriving automotive industry with its latest announcement. The company revealed plans to invest a staggering $790 million in constructing three cutting-edge manufacturing facilities within the state. Magna’s ambitious project aims to have all three plants fully operational by 2025. The first of these facilities will be established in Lawrenceburg, a quaint town nestled between Memphis and Chattanooga. The other two plants will be strategically located within Ford’s Tennessee manufacturing campus, aptly named Blue Oval City, situated northeast of Memphis. Magna International has a diverse presence…

The Swedish Land and Environment Court has granted Volvo Cars and Northvolt the necessary approval to proceed with their collaborative battery cell factory project in Gothenburg, originally announced in the previous year. The establishment of Novo Energy, their joint venture, will now initiate construction later this year. Anticipated to have an annual capacity of up to 50 GWh, the factory is projected to commence operations in 2026 and provide employment opportunities for over 3,000 individuals. Novo Energy’s Gothenburg-based gigafactory will be the second battery cell production facility for Northvolt in Sweden, with their existing facility located in Skellefteå. Adrian Clarke,…

Sightings of Tesla’s Cybertruck prototype have become a common occurrence, yet they continue to spark a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and curiosity among fans each time. Just a day prior to Tesla’s unveiling of a picture showcasing the first production Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas, a keen-eyed Twitter user stumbled upon a camouflaged Cybertruck on 280 between Alpine Road and Page Hill Road, near Palo Alto in California. In a short video captured by the observer, not much can be deciphered apart from a fleeting glimpse of the electric truck effortlessly overtaking another vehicle on the highway. It is no surprise…

In a surprising comeback, the renowned Triumph Motor Company has unveiled its latest creation after a four-decade hiatus from car manufacturing. Introducing the Triumph TR25, an awe-inspiring electric concept vehicle, the Makkina design house pays homage to the iconic Triumph TR2 MCV575 “Jabbeke” that made history in 1953. Drawing inspiration from the TR2’s timeless design, the TR25 incorporates several distinctive styling cues. Notably, the front fascia boasts two headlights, with a prominent number 25 showcased in the center to commemorate Makkina’s 25th anniversary. While the concept maintains the minimalist essence of its predecessor, its exterior adopts a more angular aesthetic,…

In an effort to expand its operations, Tesla has revealed plans to increase its production capacity for both electric cars and batteries at its factory in Grünheide, Germany. The Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment has announced that public participation in the approval process for the Tesla factory expansion will commence on July 19, 2023. Earlier this year, Tesla submitted its initial application for expanding the Grünheide plant. It was already known that the company intended to raise its production capacity from the current 500,000 units to one million electric cars annually in the future. However, the recent statement by the…