Author: Jonathan Collins

The residents of Grünheide have voiced their opposition to Tesla’s proposed expansion of its German gigafactory, rejecting the plan in a recent vote. The electric car manufacturer, known for its ambitious growth plans, aimed to add a freight depot, warehouses, and a company kindergarten to the existing 300-hectare site, along with an additional 170 hectares. While these plans have been public since 2022, the vote specifically concerned the new areas, with no decision made regarding expansion on the existing factory site. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain. While not legally binding, Grünheide’s mayor, Arne Christiani, stated that the rejected…

Building on the success of the autonomous GUSS sprayer launched in 2023, John Deere and GUSS Automation have introduced the Electric GUSS, a fully electric and autonomous sprayer that allows growers to manage multiple sprayers remotely. Debuting at the 2024 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, the Electric GUSS is being hailed by Deere executives as “the world’s first and only fully electric autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer.” See also: John Deere to Introduce Fully Electric Tractors, Production Facility Set for North Carolina Equipped with the new Smart Apply weed detection system, the Electric GUSS can measure chlorophyll in plants to identify…

Tesla is gearing up to unveil an enhanced version of its Model 3 Performance, addressing issues from its last performance iteration. Among the updates are sportier seats with improved side support, which have been spotted prominently displayed. Rumors suggest that one of the key upgrades in the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Performance will be better sports seats with enhanced lumbar support for sharper cornering. With the imminent release of the Model 3 Performance and its anticipated Ludicrous acceleration, enthusiasts seeking a more exhilarating drive will be pleased to learn about the potential inclusion of these sportier seats, which have…

Massachusetts has allocated $50 million for charging infrastructure across the state, aiming to enhance access to charging stations, promote the electrification of state fleets, and manage the impact of EV charging on the grid. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $12.5 million will be used for public “pole-mounted and streetlight chargers” near multi-unit dwelling neighborhoods. Additionally, a technical consultant will offer guidance to municipalities for future implementation of such chargers. See also: XCharge North America to Build EV Charging Superhub at Watters Creek Village Another $9.5 million is designated for chargers for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles, focusing on…

Tata Group is reportedly considering spinning off its battery cell subsidiary, Agratas, in a move that could see the division raise funds and go public in Mumbai. Bloomberg reports, citing insiders, that Tata Group’s electric vehicle (EV) business may also be in line for a similar fate. According to the report, Tata is in the early stages of discussions regarding the potential separation of its battery business into an independent unit. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the matter, suggested that a listing could value Agratas at between $5 billion and…

Octopus Energy has launched what it claims to be the UK’s first mass-market-ready vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tariff, aiming to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging by offering significant cost savings. The Octopus Power Pack, as it’s called, could potentially save an average driver around £850 a year, although there are certain limitations. The new tariff utilizes V2G technology and the Kraken tech platform to balance charging processes, prioritizing the use of green electricity during off-peak times. Octopus Energy expects drivers to plug in for about six hours daily to fully benefit from the bidirectional smart charging features. The estimated savings are based…

Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors has revealed significant price reductions across its model lineup in response to recent price cuts from competitors Tesla and Rivian. The company announced that its flagship sedan, the Lucid Air, will now start at $71,400, down from $78,900, inclusive of a $1,500 delivery fee. The price adjustments extend to other models as well, with the 2024 Air Touring now priced at $79,400, marking a reduction of $8,000 from its initial price of $87,400. Meanwhile, the Grand Touring model sees a $1,000 drop, starting at $111,400. See also: Lucid Motors Designer Envisions Hypothetical Electric SUV for…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, known as the world’s largest producer of EVs, is poised to venture into South Korea’s passenger EV market, raising apprehensions among domestic giants like Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. According to individuals familiar with the matter on Monday, BYD is scheduled to hold meetings with South Korea’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy next month to secure approval for selling electric cars in the country. See also: BYD Secures Over 20% of Japan’s EV Imports Last Year, Signifying Rapid Market Growth Foreign automakers seeking to market electric models in…

Geely’s electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Zeekr, has reduced the price of its Zeekr X model in European launch markets, albeit not as significantly as some Chinese competitors, as it seeks to entice new European customers with a special promotion until the end of April. Zeekr is currently available in the Netherlands and Sweden, with previously anticipated deliveries in Germany for the beginning of 2024 yet to commence. Under pressure from competitors’ declining prices, the Geely subsidiary has adjusted the price of the Zeekr X in its European debut markets. See also: Geely Auto’s Zeekr Brand to Enter Mexican EV Market…

Choice Hotels has announced a collaboration with Tesla this week to deploy Universal Wall Connectors, enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across select hospitality brands within the company’s portfolio. Revealed through a press release on Tuesday, the initiative will see the installation of four or more Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at various Choice Hotel locations in the U.S., including Radisson, Cambria, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, among others. As part of the partnership, Cambria hotels aim to introduce at least one Universal Wall Connector at all their properties by the end of this year. Currently, around 41 percent…

In a bid to address the ongoing financial challenges plaguing its Model E electric car division, Ford Corporation announced significant losses totaling approximately $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. Despite witnessing sales of $1.6 billion during the same period, the division’s bottom line remained deeply entrenched in negative territory, reflecting a pattern consistent with previous quarters. This development underscores the formidable hurdles facing traditional automakers as they navigate the transition to electrification in an increasingly competitive market. Throughout the entirety of 2023, Ford’s EV division experienced a commendable revenue uptick of 12%, reaching a total of $5.9 billion.…

With the NFL’s “big game” just around the corner, anticipation is building not only for the clash on the field but also for the array of advertisements set to captivate millions of viewers. Among the commercials scheduled for this year’s event, a notable trend is the continued dominance of all-electric vehicle (EV) models in the automotive ad category, catering to enthusiasts of eco-friendly transportation. As Americans prepare for Super Bowl Sunday—a day marked by indulgence, camaraderie, and the pinnacle of American football—companies are seizing the opportunity to showcase their brands and products to an audience that averaged 115.1 million viewers…

Tesla experienced a 10% decline in vehicle registrations in California during the fourth quarter of 2023, marking the first dip in over three years. Notably, this downturn occurred despite the absence of pandemic-related factors, raising questions about the potential shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics. Data from the California New Car Dealers Association reveals that Tesla registered 47,592 vehicles in the last quarter of 2023, down from 52,782 in the same period the previous year. While Tesla’s overall vehicle sales increased by 24.6% for the full year, the decline in registrations indicates a changing landscape in the electric vehicle…

British automaker Lotus has officially announced that Apple Car Key capabilities are set to be available for new owners of its all-electric Emeya model. After almost a year of pending compatibility, Lotus has joined the ranks of select vehicles that enable drivers to perform key access functions directly from the Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch. Apple Car Key, initially introduced on certain BMW models in 2021, allows users to utilize their iPhone or Apple Watch as a digital alternative to traditional key fobs. This feature permits Emeya owners to lock, unlock, control climate settings, and, in certain instances,…

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has expanded its fast-charging infrastructure, adding new locations in China and activating the first Mercedes Charging Hubs in Europe and the USA in recent weeks. Since the inauguration of the first charging hub in Chengdu, China, in autumn 2023, Mercedes-Benz has extended its footprint to cities including Foshan, Qingdao, Chongqing, Suzhou, Wuhan, Kunming, and Changzhou, with additional details about these new locations yet to be disclosed. The initial charging facility in Chengdu served as a model for the company’s approach. Comprising four columns, each equipped with one charging point, the Chengdu hub was highlighted for its 480…

Solar EV startup Aptera marks a significant milestone with the successful closure of its Accelerator program, raising nearly $34 million in funds just over a year after its launch. The program, designed to secure commitments from customers and provide crucial financial support for scaled production, exceeded expectations, positioning Aptera as a key player in the quest to deliver sustainable mobility solutions. Aptera’s journey, characterized by consistent progress updates and transparent communication, reached a pivotal moment in January 2023 with the announcement of the Launch Edition of its Solar Electric Vehicles (SEVs). See also: Aptera Motors Advances Solar EV Production Goals…

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, known for its extensive range of products including smartphones and smart devices, has made a notable entry into the automotive sector with the launch of the Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle (EV). This move marks the company’s first step into the electric vehicle market, showcasing its commitment to diversifying its product portfolio. The Xiaomi SU7 EV has garnered attention for its innovative features, signaling Xiaomi’s ambition to carve a niche in the competitive electric vehicle industry. Xiaomi, under the leadership of CEO Lei Jun, has expanded beyond its roots as a smartphone manufacturer to include diverse products…

Volkswagen is set to introduce a low-cost electric SUV in India in the latter half of this decade, as announced by Piyush Arora, CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. The move comes after the company’s previously planned low-cost combustion car for the Indian market did not materialize into series production. Arora stated, “We are actively working on an entry-level EV. We are evaluating which VW Group platform can be best adapted to build a compact electric SUV in India,” in an interview with Reuters. The model’s success would hinge on achieving sufficient volumes to justify a “three-digit million investment.” In…

Volkswagen is currently engaged in discussions with international technology firms to explore potential collaborations aimed at creating digital prototypes for new products and features using artificial intelligence (AI), the company announced on Wednesday. As part of this initiative, Volkswagen has established a new ‘artificial intelligence lab’ dedicated to generating innovative product ideas. The focus of the lab includes exploring potential partnerships with technology companies across China, North America, and Europe, according to a company statement. See also: Volkswagen to Invest $1.83 Billion in Brazil, Introducing 16 New Models, Including Hybrids and Electric Vehicles The primary goal of the AI lab…

Electric vehicle pioneer Tesla is purportedly considering an expansion of its battery cell production in Nevada through the acquisition of production equipment from Chinese battery giant CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited). According to sources, Tesla aims to purchase equipment for a new battery plant in Sparks, Nevada, which is expected to commence operations in 2025. The insider reports highlight that CATL will not engage in the actual production process, a move likely made to mitigate potential concerns over Chinese involvement in U.S. manufacturing. The forthcoming facility in Sparks is slated to focus on producing LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells…