Author: James Bryant

Tesla has introduced a promotional offer for buyers of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV in North America. The electric car manufacturer revealed that customers purchasing these models can avail six months of complimentary Supercharging by utilizing a valid referral link and completing their vehicle delivery before December 31. This move is in line with Tesla’s strategy of providing additional incentives to stimulate sales, particularly towards the end of the year or specific quarter closes. Last December, the company offered discounts of up to $7,500 on inventory Model 3 and Model Y units and provided up to 10,000…

Human Horizons, the Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, renowned for its HiPhi brand, is reportedly in negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), for a potential investment of at least $250 million. This strategic move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its domestic auto industry by supporting local carmakers. Citing individuals familiar with the matter, a report by Bloomberg on November 7 revealed that discussions are underway, with the PIF considering a stake in the Shanghai-based company valuing it at approximately $3 billion. An agreement could materialize as early as this year. Human…

China’s lithium battery industry is set to grapple with overcapacity issues through 2024, leading to a further decline in power battery prices in the coming year, according to a report released by market research firm TrendForce. Despite a positive outlook for China’s lithium battery exports in 2024, the ongoing expansion of production capacity throughout this year will contribute to a persistent overcapacity situation, the report highlighted. In October, China’s average power battery cell prices continued to experience a downward trend, although the rate of decline was somewhat moderated compared to previous months, the report noted. Specifically, power cells for electric…

Hyundai has expanded its Australian line-up with a new entry-level version of the Ioniq 6, aiming to compete with the Tesla Model 3 in the region. Priced at AU$65,500 ($42,123) plus on-road costs, the base model features a smaller battery and reduced power, offering a more affordable starting point for consumers. This development aligns with a series of changes introduced for the 2024 model year. Equipped with a 53 kWh battery pack and a 111 kW (149 hp) rear axle motor, the base model claims a range of 429 km (266 miles) per charge with standard 18-inch wheels. Charging times…

Honda, a prominent player in the automotive and motorcycle industry, has taken a cue from its counterparts by introducing its very first electric bicycle, the Honda e-MTB Concept. This innovative e-bike made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, where it shared the spotlight with other groundbreaking revelations from leading Japanese motorcycle companies and automakers. The Honda e-MTB Concept stands out as a departure from the usual futuristic and sometimes far-fetched e-bike concepts. Rather, it boasts a design that appears ready for production, signaling an encouraging trend in the world of e-bike concepts. This development hints that some…

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric bikes, manufacturers are continuously pushing the boundaries of range and performance. Chinese e-mobility brand Fiido has just introduced its latest creation, the Fiido Titan, a robust, all-terrain electric bicycle that redefines the limits of endurance. This trailblazing e-bike is equipped with not one, not two, but three batteries, boasting a remarkable claimed range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge. Fiido, renowned for its budget-friendly yet dependable two-wheelers, takes a departure from its typical offerings with the Titan. This fat-tire e-bike, designed to tackle various terrains, combines elements of a commuter bike…

Volkswagen, a key player in the automotive industry, has postponed its decision regarding the construction of its fourth battery plant in an eastern European location due to diminishing demand for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This decision follows Volkswagen’s earlier announcement of remarkable BEV sales growth in the first nine months of 2023, alongside shrinking order banks, reflecting a broader trend of sluggish demand impacting multiple automakers. In a statement released by Skoda, Volkswagen Group’s CEO, Oliver Blume, cited market conditions, particularly the sluggish progress of the BEV market in Europe, as the primary reason for deferring the decision. He emphasized…

Ghana is set to open its inaugural lithium mine, as Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, secures a 15-year mining lease agreement with special provisions for state revenue. The deal marks a policy shift in the country’s resource management, increasing both the state’s stake and royalty fees in the mining project. Scheduled to commence operations in Q2 2025, the mine aims to reach a full production capacity of 365,000 tonnes of lithium per year by 2026. The Ghanaian government has renegotiated the royalty rate from a standard 5% to an elevated 10%, while the state’s “free carried…

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership with Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG to secure essential power semiconductors for their expanding electric vehicle (EV) lineups. This long-term agreement guarantees a stable supply of these crucial components through the year 2030. These power semiconductors serve a wide array of functions in modern vehicles, from controlling powertrains and managing batteries to operating safety systems and infotainment platforms. Through this partnership, Hyundai and Kia plan to collaborate intensively with Infineon to further enhance the performance across their range of electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This strategic move builds…

New car sales in the European Union jumped 9.2% this September, propelled by a notable uptick in electric and hybrid vehicle sales, according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on Friday. The increase marks the 14th consecutive month of sales growth in the region. Electric car sales rose by 14.3% year-over-year, while full hybrid sales surged by more than 30%. “Fully-electric cars constituted 14.8% of total sales. When you add in plug-in hybrids and full hybrids, these greener options make up just over half of all new car sales,” stated an ACEA spokesperson. Meanwhile, diesel car…

In the ever-expanding landscape of electric bicycles, Möve, a well-established German bicycle manufacturer with roots dating back to 1897, has unveiled its latest premium model, the Voyager V10. Building on their legacy, Möve ventured into the e-bike realm in 2014 and now sets its sights on meeting the demands of daily commuters with the Voyager V10. Performance-wise, the Voyager V10 is propelled by a rear hub motor from Neodrives, the Z20 E, boasting an impressive torque output of 40 Newton-meters and a peak power of 600 watts. This robust powertrain ensures effortless urban commuting, characterized by brisk acceleration and smooth…

Ford’s ambitious plans to challenge Tesla’s Model Y with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E in China have encountered substantial hurdles, leading to a significant shift in its sales strategy. Initially, the automaker sought to emulate Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model through its ‘Ford China 2.0’ initiative. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, prompting a change in direction. The company embarked on its direct-sales venture in 2021, taking inspiration from Tesla’s successful approach. Simultaneously, Ford established an electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary in Nanjiang and introduced the Mustang Mach-E to the local market, with prices starting at 265,000 yuan ($36,275). Yet, by…