Author: Jonathan Collins

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the award of nearly $900 million to 530 school districts across the country as part of its Clean Bus Rebate Program. This funding will support the purchase of more than 3,400 new school buses, the majority of which will be electric. This marks the third round of funding through the program, which includes grants and rebates. The EPA has highlighted that 67 percent of the funding went to 45 percent of the selected projects, with a focus on school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. Originally, the EPA had planned to…

Tesla has recently highlighted various Full Self-Driving (FSD) experiences from customers using the v12 software, as shared in a mega-thread on its platform X this week. The thread includes several videos demonstrating the capabilities of FSD in handling different edge cases on the road. In a post on Tuesday, the official Tesla X account shared an article featuring multiple FSD videos from customers, showcasing how the vehicles handled various scenarios. The drivers in the videos are utilizing either FSD Supervised v12.3.4 or v12.3.6, with Tesla specifically noting the situations addressed by the semi-automated driving system in each video. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1795194936964366377 The…

Volkswagen has expanded its Golf series with two new variants, both featuring plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology. The new GTE and eHybrid models are equipped with second-generation powertrains, delivering up to 272 horsepower and fast DC charging capabilities. These new models also come standard with Discover Media navigation and Digital Cockpit Pro infotainment features, with optional extras like Lane Assist. The latest iterations of the Golf series, the GTE and eHybrid, boast Volkswagen’s latest and fastest charging rates, offering up to 11 kilowatts (kW) over AC and up to 50 kW over DC. The new powertrains in the Golf…

Following the TDI emissions scandal, Volkswagen underwent a transformative period under the leadership of Herbert Diess, who envisioned electric vehicles (EVs) as the future of the industry and sought to rebuild the brand’s tarnished reputation. However, with Diess stepping down, Volkswagen’s new leadership is reassessing its approach. Volkswagen has joined other automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes in scaling back its ambitious EV commitments. The brand now intends to focus more on expanding its range of plug-in hybrid vehicles, citing growing customer demand, particularly in markets like China and the U.S. “We see that customers want plug-in hybrids now, including…

Lilium, the developer of an electric vertical take-off aircraft, is in advanced discussions with the French government regarding plans to expand its production capacity in France. The company is also exploring the possibility of receiving state subsidies and loan guarantees to support its growth. The announcement was made during the ‘Choose France’ economic summit in Versailles, an event aimed at attracting foreign investors to the country, spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron. To qualify for the state aid, Lilium, headquartered in Munich, would need to establish a production site in France. The company is currently evaluating several potential locations, including…

Ford has revealed the culmination of two years of development: a rally-inspired version of the Mustang Mach-E designed for optimal performance on gravel tracks. Dubbed the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, this variant offers a unique blend of performance and off-road capability, setting it apart in the competitive electric crossover segment. Unlike many concept vehicles, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is not a one-off special but a production variant priced starting at $59,995. It comes equipped with the 91-kilowatt-hour extended-range battery pack, although the EPA range slightly drops from 280 miles to 265 miles due to the rally modifications. The Mach-E Rally…

Canoo faced a challenging first quarter, posting a larger-than-expected loss. The company, however, maintained its outlook for the year. Factors such as slowing demand in the United States and fierce competition from Chinese EV makers have impacted Canoo and other companies in the EV space. Fisker raised concerns about its ability to continue operations in February. This was followed by the delisting of its stock from the New York Stock Exchange and the collapse of talks with a major automaker in March. Canoo had previously expressed doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern in 2022 and has…

Electric vehicle (EV) startup Canoo appears to have delivered at least one of its electric delivery vans to the United States Postal Service (USPS), according to recently posted images. The images show a customized Canoo LDV 190 bearing USPS badging and a design slightly different from the original renderings. Canoo has been an intriguing player in the EV market, balancing between actual vehicle production and conceptual ideas. Despite facing challenges, the company has consistently managed to rebound with positive news, keeping its stock buoyant. For instance, in March, Canoo executed a reverse stock split when its share prices hit an…

Tesla, the U.S. automaker, sold 62,167 China-made electric vehicles in April, marking an 18% drop from the same period last year, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) released on Tuesday. The decline in deliveries of China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles was even steeper, sliding 30.2% from March. Despite this, Tesla’s China-made cars are also exported to various markets, including Europe, although the CPCA did not provide a breakdown of Tesla exports by destination. “The sharp slide in Tesla’s China-made EV sales contrasts with rising EV sales in the world’s largest auto market, albeit at…

WattEV has unveiled the inaugural electric truck charging depot in the United States to utilize the revolutionary Megawatt Charge System (MCS), boasting a remarkable capability to deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of power. Located in Bakersfield, CA, this site marks a significant milestone in the EV industry, offering the highest-speed charger currently available in the US. The Bakersfield facility houses the first MCS charger in North America, setting a new standard for charging speed and accessibility. While Tesla has deployed 750kW chargers in select facilities, WattEV’s 1.2MW charger surpasses these in both speed and public availability. The MCS, developed by…

In a recent firsthand experience with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system version 12.3.6, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas expressed his admiration for the advanced driver-assist system’s capabilities. Jonas highlighted the system’s ability to adapt its driving style, becoming either cautious or assertive as needed. He also noted significant improvements from the previous version, 12.3.4, indicating a promising trajectory for Tesla’s autonomous driving technology. While version 12.3.6 included minor tweaks, Jonas anticipates a more substantial leap with the upcoming FSD (Supervised) V12.4 release. According to Jonas, this new version eliminates most training compute limitations, suggesting a potentially significant advancement in the…

Walmart has reportedly received a Tesla Semi, as sightings of the electric semi-truck were reported on a California highway over the weekend. Photos of a Walmart-branded Tesla Semi were shared by a user on Saturday, showcasing the vehicle towing a Walmart trailer and featuring branding indicating “Walmart Transportation LLC” on the Tesla cab. This suggests that Walmart has officially taken delivery of the vehicle, marking a significant step as Tesla expands its pilot programs beyond its initial deliveries to PepsiCo in 2022. Dan Priestley, Tesla Senior Manager of Semi-Truck Engineering, recently expressed gratitude to new clients at Martin Brower, which…

The European Union (EU) has issued warnings to three Chinese car manufacturers – SAIC, Geely, and BYD – indicating potential tariffs on their electric vehicle imports. According to Politico, the EU Commission sent letters to the manufacturers at the end of April, suggesting that extra tariffs could be introduced from the summer onwards. The EU initiated an “anti-subsidy investigation” in October 2023, based on the assumption that Chinese electric vehicle importers benefit from excessive state subsidies, distorting competition in Europe. Politico reports that SAIC has been criticized for lack of cooperation, with the Commission stating, “Your client has almost systematically…

Nissan has introduced the seven-seater Evalia variant of its Townstar, offering an all-electric drive option for private customers. This model represents the passenger car version of the Townstar EV electric panel van, catering to private consumers. The Townstar Evalia EV features a 90 kW output and a 45 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up to 265 kilometers. The panel van version achieves up to 300 kilometers in the WLTP test, as it is measured with an empty load compartment, unlike the Evalia with additional seats and more equipment. AC charging operates at 22 kW, while DC charging uses…

Phillips 66, the parent company of the Jet brand, has announced plans to sell its entire petrol station network in Germany and Austria, comprising 815 stations in Germany and 154 in Austria. The decision comes as part of Phillips 66’s strategy to “monetise assets that no longer fit its long-term strategy,” as stated in its latest quarterly statement. The sale of the Jet brand petrol stations is expected to fetch around 2.8 billion euros, according to industry experts cited by the Handelsblatt. The move follows a trend in the industry, with other major players like Shell and TotalEnergies also divesting…

Inverted, a UK-based firm renowned for its electrified Range Rovers, has revealed its latest venture: a project centered around the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. This classic off-roader from the 1960s receives a complete electric powertrain conversion as part of a meticulous restoration process, offering a range of customization options for potential buyers. The electrification process involves replacing the original noisy internal combustion engine (ICE) with a single electric motor seamlessly integrated into the original gearbox. This motor delivers 215 horsepower (160 kW / 218 PS) and 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) of torque. See also: Toyota Plans Land Cruiser Electric Brand…

Tesla, Inc., in the wake of a challenging first quarter, is experiencing a wave of departures among its senior executives. Allie Arebalo, the head of Human Resources and one of the company’s most senior women, is the latest high-profile departure from the electric vehicle giant. Arebalo, who had been with Tesla for over six years, served as the Senior Director of North American HR since February 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. While the circumstances of her departure are unclear, Bloomberg reports, citing two unnamed sources, that she has left the company. Her exit follows closely on the heels of…

Tesla has opted to pause its ambitious one-piece gigacasting plans, according to recent reports. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring and cost-cutting effort by the electric vehicle giant. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, acknowledged the need for a more cautious approach in a recent discussion with investors, stating that the company will utilize only those aspects of its next-gen platform that can be seamlessly integrated into its existing production lines. This adjustment, while still aimed at reducing production costs, avoids the need for significant upfront investments in new manufacturing processes. The one-piece gigacasting method was initially envisioned as…

Tesla has rolled out a new software update that introduces a three-point turning feature, enhancing the maneuverability of its vehicles. The update, version 2024.14.3, brings several enhancements, including an upgraded Auto Shift option, initially available on the Model S and Model X. The Auto Shift feature, which automatically selects between Drive and Reverse, now includes the ability to execute K-turns, allowing the vehicle to go into Drive, then Reverse, and back to Drive to change direction. This functionality was first hinted at in a leaked interface for the Model 3 Performance and is now being implemented in Tesla’s higher-end sedan…

Tesla’s energy business achieved significant milestones in the first quarter of 2024, with Megapack deployments reaching an all-time high and the company achieving record profit margins. During the Q1 2024 earnings call last Tuesday, CEO Elon Musk highlighted these achievements, noting that Megapack deployments soared while the energy business reached a remarkable profit margin of 24.6 percent, surpassing automotive margins which stood at 18.5 percent for the same period. Tesla anticipates this positive trend to continue, with energy storage deployments expected to increase by at least 75 percent compared to the previous year. The company’s total energy storage deployments in…