Author: James Bryant

In a significant stride towards enhancing battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), US battery start-up Our Next Energy (ONE) has unveiled the second generation of its Aries battery pack, aptly named Aries II. Supported by notable backers including BMW, ONE’s Aries II boasts Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry and is designed to push the boundaries of energy density in battery packs. The Aries II battery pack has made remarkable progress, achieving an energy density of 263 Wh/L and 162 Wh/kg at the system level. This marks an impressive improvement of 34% and 23% respectively compared to its predecessor, representing a…

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its presence and diversifying its portfolio in the thriving Chinese mobility market, Volkswagen recently announced a substantial deal. The deal entails Volkswagen’s intention to acquire a five percent stake in Xpeng, a technology-oriented automaker, pending regulatory approval. The proposed investment, valued at $700 million, signifies Volkswagen’s shrewd initiative to tap into China’s rapid growth in the new-energy vehicle (NEV) sector while fostering technological collaboration. By securing this deal, Volkswagen not only positions itself more solidly in one of the world’s fastest-expanding markets for electric vehicles (EVs) but also gains access to the innovative…

The anticipation is building as the Kia EV9, an electrifying addition to the SUV market, prepares to roll into United States dealerships later this year. With a sizeable footprint measuring around 197 inches, the EV9 positions itself within the same dimensions as its combustion-engine counterpart, the Telluride. As pre-order holders eagerly await the arrival of their new electric rides, Kia has recently unveiled a comprehensive list of features that will be available across the lineup. While the veil has been lifted on the features, the pricing details are still kept under wraps by Kia. However, enthusiasts can now get a…

In a move signaling Geely Holding Group’s determination to assert itself in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, its premium EV subsidiary, Zeekr, has taken a significant stride by filing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. This strategic move comes as part of Zeekr’s plan to capitalize on the surging demand for sustainable transportation solutions and secure additional funding for its ambitious growth trajectory. Zeekr’s overseas listing application, submitted to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), outlines the company’s intention to issue up to 926,074,300 ordinary shares, with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) being the…

Globally acclaimed electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar (PSNY) has reached a significant production milestone with the completion of its 150,000th Polestar 2 electric sedan. The momentous occasion underscores the brand’s rapid expansion on the international stage. With its roots intertwined with Volvo’s high-performance legacy for over two decades, Polestar transitioned into an independent Swedish EV manufacturer in 2017, following Geely’s acquisition of Volvo. Its debut offering, the Polestar 1, a visually striking hybrid boasting an electric range of up to 78 miles, heralded the company’s foray into the sustainable mobility landscape. In February 2019, the unveiling of the Polestar 2 marked…

In a recent development, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, unveiled an image of what he terms a “production candidate” for the Tesla Cybertruck. Musk asserted that he personally put the vehicle to the test earlier today and hailed it as the company’s “best product ever.” This revelation follows Tesla’s announcement last month that they had successfully “constructed the inaugural Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas.” This proclamation took many by surprise, as earlier reports from Electrek indicated that Tesla had informed suppliers to anticipate the availability of Cybertruck release candidates towards the end of August, with production slated for early October. Tesla…

In a significant move, EV charging leader NaaS Technology has revealed plans to acquire EV charging provider Charge Amps for a reported $66.4 million. The strategic acquisition aims to establish a strong foothold in the European market. With an extensive network boasting over 575,000 chargers spanning 55,000 charging stations, NaaS Technology holds substantial influence in China’s public charging sector, commanding 40% and 49% of the market share, respectively. Distinguished as the inaugural US-listed EV charging service firm in China, NaaS has solidified its commitment to international expansion by entering into a definitive agreement to obtain 100% ownership of Charge Amps.…

Tesla’s production output at its Grünheide factory in Germany has reportedly fallen below expectations due to an alleged shortage of staff. The electric car manufacturer, known for its ambitious production goals, is facing challenges in maintaining its initial production rate of the Model Y as a result of workforce constraints. According to reliable sources, including internal documents and accounts from Tesla employees, the initial milestone of producing 5,000 Model Y vehicles per week, achieved in March, has proven to be a singular accomplishment rather than a sustained benchmark. Detailed analysis of internal documentation from July and August reveals that the…

Rivian, known for its all-electric R1S SUV and R1T pickup, has recently been granted a patent unveiling an inventive Camp Kitchen concept designed exclusively for its emission-free, four-door SUV. The patent, initially brought to public attention by a Rivian Forums user, was filed on July 18 and approved within a month. It reveals a versatile countertop arrangement that includes a compact cutting board on the left, a central cooktop, and a collapsible bin. Positioned above are two storage compartments, all of which are mounted on rails within the vehicle’s trunk. This design aims to simplify camping and overlanding experiences. The…

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has embarked on a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing with the initiation of electric machine production at its Shippensburg headquarters in Pennsylvania. The inaugural production features the company’s latest innovation, the DD25 Electric Compactor. Anticipated to be dispatched later this year, the initial units mark a pivotal move towards the company’s target of achieving a 35% fully electric product lineup by the year 2030. It should be noted, however, that Volvo’s communication also alludes to the first shipments commencing in early 2024. This timing clarification is expected to be resolved upon the manufacturer’s elucidation of…

Vietnamese electric car manufacturer VinFast has made its long-anticipated entry into the US stock market following the successful completion of a merger with Black Spade Acquisition. The merger, which received unanimous approval from Black Spade shareholders on August 10, 2023, has paved the way for VinFast’s listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbols ‘VFS’ and ‘VFSWW’, effective from August 15. VinFast’s journey towards its US stock market debut was greenlit by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which granted approval for the company’s planned initial public offering (IPO). The IPO, initially projected to value VinFast at…

Canada’s federal electric vehicle (EV) rebate program has marked a remarkable surge in recent months, granting an unprecedented number of EV rebates. Since its inception in May 2019, the program has consistently issued an average of around 4,200 rebates monthly. However, a notable departure from this norm was observed between May and June of the current year, when an impressive tally of over 30,000 rebates was distributed, averaging 10,000 rebates per month. According to a comprehensive report by the Canadian Press, this surge in rebates holds a broader significance, possibly indicating a shifting consumer sentiment towards EVs as a viable…