Author: James Bryant

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:…