Author: James Bryant

Hyundai is accelerating towards an electrified future, leaving behind the roar of internal combustion engines in favor of the silent speed of electric motors. The latest casualty of this electric revolution is the i30 N and i20 N, two beloved models that have been discontinued in Europe to make way for Hyundai’s electric ambitions. The all-electric Ioniq 5 N has quickly become the star of Hyundai’s lineup, winning over testers and enthusiasts alike with its thrilling performance. In Europe, it now stands alone as the sole full N car, carrying the torch for Hyundai’s high-performance division. See also: Watch the Drift…

In the quest to democratize electric vehicles (EVs), affordability is a key factor. In countries like China, where EVs have seen widespread adoption, low raw material prices play a crucial role. However, in the United States, the path to electrification is more intricate, with the impact of decreasing raw material prices expected to be felt significantly by the end of the decade, according to new research by the International Council On Clean Transportation (ICCT). EV batteries, a critical component of electric vehicles, require minerals such as lithium, nickel, manganese, and graphite. The demand for these minerals has surged in recent…

Volvo Cars intends to decrease its stake in the electric car brand Polestar to 18% by selling shares worth 9.5 billion crowns (approximately 850 million euros) to its shareholders. The transaction, expected to be finalized this spring, marks Volvo’s strategic shift to focus on its core development while maintaining operational ties with Polestar. The decision to reduce its financial involvement in Polestar, a joint venture with Geely, was announced earlier this month. Volvo Cars plans to sell 62.7% of its shares in Polestar to its shareholders, leaving it with an 18% stake post-transaction, down from its current 48%. See also: Polestar…

The recent imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China to the United States aims to prevent a flood of inexpensive imports that could threaten domestic jobs in the auto industry. However, Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, has expressed a lack of concern regarding the Biden administration’s moves to protect Western carmakers from their Far Eastern rivals. Tavares stated, “I’m not asking for any kind of protection because we are a global company, so I will not be protected everywhere.” He emphasized that Stellantis must compete globally, including against Chinese automakers in various regions such as Latin…

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…