Author: James Bryant

In the world of drag racing, the Tesla Model S Plaid has often dominated the track against high-priced supercars. However, a thrilling twist in the battle between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles emerged as the Rivian R1T electric pickup challenged the Ford Explorer ST SUV in an exhilarating speed duel, captured in an embedded video at the top of this page. What makes this showdown even more captivating is that both contenders hail from the same state, with Rivian assembling its cutting-edge vehicles in Normal, Illinois, while the Explorer is proudly made in Chicago. With both boasting all-wheel drive capabilities (optional…

Dacia, renowned for its affordability, plans to revamp the Dacia Spring, one of Europe’s most cost-effective electric vehicles (EVs), in 2024. This strategic move aims to attract more customers in an increasingly crowded EV market. The Dacia Spring, manufactured in China and imported to Europe, initially debuted in the European market in 2021 as the most affordable new EV on sale. With a compact size, seating capacity for four individuals, and a length of just 147.2 inches (3,740 millimeters), the baby SUV garnered attention. Its starting price of approximately $22,700 (20,800 Euro) made it an enticing option, especially with incentives…

In a move aimed at bolstering its customer service capabilities, Rivian has commenced the utilization of its large commercial vans, initially built for Amazon, as mobile service vehicles. These vans, known as Rivian Service Vans, offer superior cargo capacity of 500 cubic feet, making them more suitable for the task compared to the R1T pickup trucks that were previously utilized for light service jobs in the field. The advantage of the Rivian Service Van lies in its ability to handle heavier and bulkier hardware, while also offering customization options to accommodate various mobile service requirements, such as wheel and tire…

In a move aimed at reducing costs and expediting the development of electric vehicles (EVs), luxury British carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to obtain a selection of parts from its major shareholder, Geely. This revelation comes hot on the heels of Aston Martin’s substantial $450 million supply deal with EV manufacturer Lucid, wherein the company secured access to Lucid electric motors and battery packs. Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s development chief, disclosed that key components to be sourced from Geely include seats and HVAC systems. By leveraging its relationship with Geely, Aston Martin anticipates streamlining its supplier list by up…

n a significant industry development, ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has announced its adoption of Tesla’s NACS connector. The decision to offer this connector option on both new and existing charging stations underscores ChargePoint’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the expanding EV market. The NACS connector gained widespread acceptance after Ford and GM/Rivian recently declared their adoption of the proprietary Tesla connector, prompting a wave of announcements from other charging station manufacturers and operators committing to offer NACS connectors. Until now, ChargePoint was notably absent from the list of…

Lotus, the renowned British automotive manufacturer, has officially opened the order books for its groundbreaking all-electric SUV, the Lotus Eletre, in the United Kingdom and Europe. The company, acclaimed for its engineering prowess and high-performance vehicles, has positioned the Eletre as its first mass-market electric offering, following the success of its limited-run Evija hypercar. Alongside the availability announcement, Lotus has revealed comprehensive pricing details for its key European markets. The Lotus Eletre has been aptly described as a “technical tour de force,” earning praise for its cutting-edge design and exceptional capabilities. This remarkable SUV will be offered in three configurations:…

In a recent interview with AutoCar, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark revealed exciting details about the luxury automaker’s inaugural all-electric vehicle (EV). The highly anticipated EV will boast partial hands-off driving capabilities on motorways right from the start, with full autonomous driving potentially being added later through convenient over-the-air software updates. Hallmark also confirmed that Bentley will be utilizing Mobileye’s cutting-edge SuperVision technology for their EV. This advanced system incorporates an impressive array of 11 cameras and will also be employed in the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, showcasing the strong partnership between the two esteemed brands. See also: Bentley Launch Quality…

Opel, a German automaker, continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) design with the introduction of the one-off prototype, the Rocks e-Xtreme. This radical electric buggy is a result of Opel’s promise to build the project of the winner of the #OpelDesignHack contest, design student Lukas Wenzhöfer. Transforming the existing Rocks-e micro EV into an all-terrain fun vehicle, Opel aims to showcase the limitless potential of electromobility. The Rocks e-Xtreme is a departure from the regular production vehicles, highlighting Opel’s commitment to innovation and unique design. Wenzhöfer’s vision was to create an extreme version of the Rocks-e, a…

In a groundbreaking patent recently obtained by our sources, Tesla has unveiled never-before-seen details about the highly anticipated Cybertruck’s tailgate. This patent sheds light on a remarkable power tailgate mechanism that will revolutionize the way drivers interact with the rear door panels of this all-electric pickup truck. According to the patent, the Tesla Cybertruck will feature an advanced button or switch system that enables seamless opening and closing of the tailgate. This cutting-edge technology will grant Cybertruck owners unprecedented control over their vehicle’s rear section, with the ability to manipulate the tailgate via a smartphone or a wireless key fob.…

Fortescue Metals Group, the Australian mining company, is set to bolster its UK manufacturing capabilities by establishing a new battery and electric powertrain production facility in Banbury, Oxfordshire. This expansion marks a significant step for Fortescue as it seeks to delve deeper into the off-road sector, specifically focusing on electric and zero-emission powertrain systems for trucks and trains. Spanning over 13,500 square meters, the state-of-the-art factory will house automated battery module and pack assembly, along with power conversion and power system assembly. Additionally, the facility will provide comprehensive production support for trucks and trains. Fortescue anticipates that this venture will…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup XPeng has taken a significant step in addressing the challenge of providing a localized infotainment system for its entry into the European market. The company has chosen to collaborate with ACCESS Twine for Car (Twine4Car), a supplier that offers a proven solution to meet the needs of local consumers. XPeng plans to equip its new range of electric vehicles, including the highly anticipated XPeng P7 sedan, with the ACCESS Twine4Car in-car infotainment solution. The European deliveries of the P7 sedan are scheduled to commence this summer, marking the initial implementation of this collaboration. Moreover, existing…

Europe’s ambition to become a leading force in global battery production is under threat due to various challenges, including limited access to raw materials, increasing costs, and intense competition, according to a report released by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) on Monday. The report emphasized that the European Union’s (EU) efforts to achieve its climate goals heavily rely on the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which in turn depend on batteries containing a mix of essential metals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. The ECA, an independent external auditor of the EU, revealed that nearly one in every…

DHL Express, a leading logistics company, has recently expanded its electric vehicle fleet in Indonesia with the addition of 24 electric transporter vans. These new vans will be deployed in the bustling capital city of Jakarta as well as in Bandung, a major city in West Java province. Furthermore, DHL Express aims to electrify its delivery fleet beyond this initial deployment. While this is not the first foray into electric vehicles for DHL Express in Indonesia, as they had previously operated four electric vans and six electric bikes in Jakarta and Surabaya, the introduction of the 24 electric transporters marks…

Lightning eMotors, a provider of zero-emission medium-duty commercial vehicles and EV technology for fleets, has announced the production launch of its latest generation Lightning ZEV4™ work trucks. This follows the company’s recent efforts to meet the growing demand for Class 4 school buses and shuttle buses on the same platform. The Lightning ZEV4 is a versatile model that caters to various vehicle applications, including box trucks, stake bed trucks, utility trucks, dump bed trucks, and daily work/landscaping trucks, in addition to cargo delivery vehicles, shuttle buses, and school buses. According to Lightning eMotors CEO Tim Reeser, their success in the…

Fortum, a Finnish energy company, has joined forces with Terrafame, a mining company, in an innovative initiative aimed at recycling battery materials. The collaboration involves the utilization of raw recycled materials from Fortum to manufacture battery chemicals, which will subsequently be employed in the production of new batteries. Under the terms of the agreement, Fortum will provide Terrafame with nickel and cobalt extracted from the black battery mass of electric vehicles. These valuable metals will be obtained from discarded batteries sourced from Fortum’s recycling facility located in Harjavalta. Terrafame will then employ these recycled raw materials to create battery chemicals…

In a remarkable display of growth and infrastructure development, the Tesla Supercharging network has reached new milestones across Europe, North America, and China. With over 5,000 fast-charging stations globally, Tesla continues to solidify its position as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. As of June 16, 2023, Europe boasts more than 1,000 Tesla Supercharging stations, providing EV owners with convenient and efficient charging options throughout the continent. Meanwhile, in North America, the number of Supercharging stations recently crossed the 2,000 mark on June 3, 2023, ensuring widespread accessibility for Tesla drivers across the region. https://twitter.com/teslaeurope/status/1669639964601057280 Although the exact…

JAC, the Chinese automotive manufacturer, has unveiled its latest addition to the electric vehicle (EV) market – the Yiwei 3. This pure electric hatchback comes in six different models, catering to various price ranges between 89,900 and 127,900 yuan (approximately $12,600 to $17,900 USD). With an impressive maximum cruising range of 505 kilometers, the Yiwei 3 aims to offer consumers a compelling and eco-friendly driving experience. Sporting a distinctive retro design, the Yiwei 3 exudes a sense of nostalgia with its two-color body and concealed door handles. Available in an array of attractive colors, such as white, beige, gray, green,…

Analysts are conducting assessments to determine the value of Tesla’s Supercharger network, particularly as the NACS connector becomes the standard in North America, potentially reinforcing Tesla’s position in the charging industry. A prominent Tesla analyst, Adam Jonas of Morgan Stanley, believes that the network could be worth more than $100 billion. The Supercharger network, which remains the only global fast-charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), holds a significant advantage in North America due to its extensive coverage and reliable infrastructure. Initially, Tesla developed the network as a service for its own vehicle owners, without aiming for profitability. However, the company…

Electric vehicle (EV) startups, including Nikola and Lordstown Motors, are experiencing a remarkable surge in their stock prices this week, despite the absence of any significant news or catalyst. Analysts and traders speculate that this rally could be attributed to a potential short squeeze in these heavily shorted stocks. Nikola, for example, has seen its value more than double, while Lordstown and Workhorse Group have also witnessed substantial gains. Additionally, Carvana, a used-car retailer with a high short interest, has seen a significant increase in its value. These EV startups have collectively added over $500 million to their market capitalization…

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Dodge, has revealed that it is currently evaluating Tesla’s NACS connector as a potential option for its future electric vehicles. While the automaker has not made a firm commitment, its consideration indicates the growing significance of the NACS connector, which has already been adopted by GM and Ford as the standard connector for their upcoming electric vehicle models in North America. Following the announcements by GM and Ford, the NACS connector has quickly gained momentum and is on track to become the prevailing charging standard in the region. Virtually all major charging station…