Author: James Bryant

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…

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has recently introduced its latest addition to the electric vehicle market, the 2023 VinFast VF 3. Designed specifically for the domestic market, this battery-electric mini car offers a compact and efficient solution for urban commuting. Measuring a mere 3,114 millimeters in length, the VF 3 is approximately 365 millimeters shorter than the compact Suzuki Jimny. Despite its diminutive size, VinFast assures potential buyers that the VF 3 provides ample interior space to comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. The car’s compact yet tall body design ensures sufficient ground clearance and features 16-inch wheels for enhanced stability. The…

Keolis, a public transport operator in Northern Europe, has recently been awarded a prestigious ten-year contract by the Stockholm Regional Transport Authority, Trafikförvaltningen. The contract entails the operation and maintenance of bus routes in and around Stockholm, with a remarkable focus on sustainable transportation. Under this agreement, an impressive eighty percent of the distances covered by Keolis will be served by electric buses, while the remaining vehicles will run on biodiesel. With a total value exceeding 600 million euros, the contract marks a significant milestone for Keolis and reinforces its commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions. The network is scheduled to…

The Austrian police force has launched a significant initiative to assess the viability of electric vehicles (EVs) for their operational needs. A total of 23 electric cars, including 20 VW ID.3 and ID.4 models in both marked and unmarked versions, have been distributed to police stations in Salzburg, Lower Austria, Vienna, and Tyrol. The pilot project, set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, aims to evaluate the suitability of EVs for various police operations. Franz Ruf, the Director General for Public Safety, expressed the police force’s commitment to promoting sustainability and exploring emission-free alternatives. By adopting EVs, the…

Eve Energy, a Chinese lithium battery manufacturer, has announced plans to invest over $1 billion in a battery plant in Hungary, aiming to expand its presence in international markets. The board of directors has given the green light to its subsidiary, EVE Power Hungary Kft, to construct a large-scale cylindrical battery project for passenger cars in Debrecen, Hungary. The investment is expected to reach up to RMB 9.97 billion ($1.4 billion). The project is scheduled to take four years to complete and will contribute to enhancing Eve Energy’s global industrial footprint while facilitating its overseas operations. The company aims to…

Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot SAE Level 3 technology has been granted conditional certification in California, making it the second state in the US, after Nevada, to approve the use of the advanced driving system. The California regulators have given the green light for the system to be implemented in Mercedes-Benz’s EQS Sedan and S-Class vehicles, making the automaker the first to introduce a SAE Level 3 system in a production car for public freeway use in the state. Beginning in late 2023, customers will be able to receive the first vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot, with the option becoming available for…

Aerospace and Defense company BAE Systems has secured a significant contract to provide its Gen3 electric drive system to Nova Bus, a subsidiary of Volvo Group. The order encompasses an impressive 1,229 electric buses, making it the largest battery electric bus order in North America to date. The electric buses, equipped with BAE Systems’ advanced drive units, will be utilized by the 10 transit authorities affiliated with the Association du Transport Urbain du Quebec (ATUQ). These transit authorities represent a staggering 99 percent of public transportation in major urban centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. Nova Bus, responsible for…

Fisker  the American automaker, has announced its intention to enter the Chinese market by selling and potentially manufacturing its flagship Ocean SUV in the country. Executives from the company recently visited Shanghai to explore collaboration opportunities, resulting in plans to open a delivery center later this year and commence Ocean SUV deliveries in 2024. The introduction of the Ocean SUV has been a significant milestone for Fisker Inc. as it expands its global electric vehicle (EV) presence. Although US reservation holders are still awaiting their deliveries, European drivers have begun receiving their Ocean SUVs. With two more production models in…

Volkswagen, the German automaker, is undertaking a significant reorganization of its production operations in China. The company plans to create space for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) by consolidating its manufacturing processes. As part of this restructuring, the assembly of combustion models will be relocated from the Anting plant to other facilities. The German publication Handelsblatt, citing a company spokesperson, reported on these changes. While specific details about the reorganization remain limited, it is confirmed that SAIC Volkswagen’s main plant in Anting will be restructured from its current four-part setup to a three-part configuration. Volkswagen made these plans public…