Author: Jonathan Collins

In 2023, the global deployment of hydrogen refuelling stations witnessed a notable upswing, according to the 16th annual analysis by H2stations.org, a service provided by Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST). The report reveals the opening of 37 new stations in Europe, twelve in Japan, 29 in South Korea, and seven in North America. Notably, 92% of the newly established hydrogen stations in Europe are equipped to refuel heavy commercial vehicles. The total count of operational hydrogen refuelling stations worldwide reached 921 by the end of 2023, illustrating a growing global interest in hydrogen infrastructure. However, the distribution remains uneven, with concentration observed in…

The Tesla Cybertruck, currently a focal point of attention among enthusiasts, is poised to be a strong seller, contingent upon production scaling. However, persistent safety concerns, particularly regarding the absence of crucial safety features, have surfaced, potentially impacting its image. One video from Out of Spec reviews intensifies these worries, focusing on the lack of pinch sensors in certain areas of the Cybertruck. The concern revolves around the sharp stainless steel panels adorning the vehicle’s exterior, posing potential hazards, especially with regard to inadvertent closures of doors, frunk, or trunk. See also: After 10,000 Miles: Unveiling the Tesla Cybertruck –…

Tesla has temporarily halted deliveries of the updated 2024 Model 3 in Australia following concerns that the vehicle does not comply with local motor-vehicle regulations. This pause comes after a recent media report disclosed that Tesla had eliminated access to a child-seat anchor point in the revised Model 3, rendering it non-compliant with Australian Design Rules. See also: Tesla Expands Presence in Australian Energy Market, Targets Electricity Retail Disruption The investigation initiated by Australian authorities revealed that the updated Model 3 lacked a top-tether point for securing child seats in the middle rear seat, a requirement for all five-seat passenger…

The Tesla Cybertruck is making headlines not only for its distinctive design and features on the surface but also for its potential role in The Boring Company’s underground tunnel in Las Vegas. The Vegas Loop, a network of tunnels connecting various stations beneath Las Vegas, initially featured autonomous vehicles transporting passengers. However, recent developments suggest that the Cybertruck is set to become part of this tunnel system. In late December, The Boring Company shared images of the Cybertruck within the tunnel system and at one of the stations. A recent video posted by the city of Las Vegas depicted a…

Hyundai Autoever, Hyundai’s software division, is joining forces with Mapbox to introduce new features in Hyundai’s electric vehicles (EVs). The collaboration aims to integrate 3D navigation and an AI voice assistant named MapGPT to enhance the overall driving experience. Hyundai and Mapbox have successfully demonstrated the viability of the AI solution and are now progressing towards commercialization. MapGPT, powered by Mapbox location data, is designed to provide dynamic routing for traffic avoidance and real-time weather warnings, facilitating a seamless travel experience. See also: Hyundai Partners with Samsung to Enhance Connected Services, Aiding EV Owners in Time and Cost Savings The…

In December, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority reported 54,654 new electric car registrations, reflecting a notable 21.6% increase compared to November but a substantial 47.6% decline from the record-setting figures of December 2022. The month witnessed a surge in registrations, likely prompted by the abrupt announcement of the end of the environmental bonus, contributing to a spike in electric vehicle demand. December 2023 marked the strongest month for electric car registrations after August, with a total of 524,219 electric cars newly registered throughout the year. The overall passenger car market experienced a 23% decline in new registrations, closing the…

South Korean manufacturer SK On has announced strategic cooperation agreements with both foreign and domestic companies, marking a significant move towards enhancing the efficiency of its battery production processes. The initiative is part of the company’s broader vision to establish a “smart factory.” In pursuit of increased competitiveness in battery production, SK On aims to streamline costs and elevate output. The collaboration entails rigorous testing of the performance, quality, and stability of technologies and services offered by the newly forged partnerships, with a specific focus on enhancing control and communication systems of battery production equipment. See also: SK ecoplant, EcoPro,…

Norwegian driving schools are implementing bans on new Tesla vehicles due to concerns surrounding the electric automaker’s unconventional turn signal feature. In Norway, where electric vehicles dominate, and Tesla holds a significant market share, the lack of a traditional stalk for turn signals has raised safety apprehensions among driving instructors. The turn signal functionality, introduced in Tesla’s Model S and Model X and later incorporated into the popular Model 3, relies on force touch buttons located on the steering wheel. Tesla’s rationale for deviating from the universally adopted turn signal method, utilizing a physical stalk, is rooted in the company’s…

Tesla released its delivery and production figures for the year, announcing the successful achievement of its ambitious 1.8 million unit goal. Fueled by substantial market shares in both the United States and Europe, Tesla appears poised to maintain its dominance in these crucial regions. While Tesla faced stiff competition in China from BYD, its performance in Europe showcased a clear and substantial lead. According to data from EU-EVs, a platform tracking registration figures in EU countries, Tesla’s market share in key European nations stood out prominently. See also: Tesla Beats Q4 Delivery Estimates, Achieves 2023 Target Amid Tax Credit Push…

In the dynamic landscape of autonomous long-haul trucks, Kodiak Robotics stood out as a notable success in 2023, outpacing several high-profile competitors who exited the sector. While industry players like Embark Trucks and TuSimple faced challenges, Kodiak, based in Silicon Valley, continued expanding its self-driving freight solutions across the southern states of the U.S., covering more than 70,000 miles per month over 18,000 miles of highways. In an exclusive interview with IoT World Today, Kodiak’s CEO and co-founder, Don Burnette, likened the company’s steady progress to the “tortoise and the hare” fable, emphasizing their methodical and calculated approach. Burnette highlighted…

Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck showcases its off-road capabilities in a recent video, effortlessly conquering a steep and rock-filled hill climb. Despite equipped with 35-inch wheels designed for both on- and off-road use, a size notably smaller than dedicated off-road vehicles, the Cybertruck navigates challenging terrain with apparent ease. The video captures the “Tesla Cybertruck team” testing the electric pickup on a steep, rutted, and rocky trail, successfully ascending the hill in two out of three attempts. Traction, a crucial factor in off-road scenarios, doesn’t seem to pose a challenge for the Cybertruck, emphasizing its prowess in maintaining momentum and overcoming…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has introduced its latest and most sophisticated model, the ET9 flagship, priced at 800,000 yuan (approximately $113,500) in China. Unveiled at the Nio Day 2023 event, the ET9 is positioned as a “smart electric executive flagship” and represents a significant technological leap for the company. The ET9 showcases Nio’s cutting-edge technology, featuring an in-house developed battery consisting of 46105 large cylindrical cells, a 900-volt electrical architecture supporting 600 kW fast charging, and a unique “SkyRide” intelligent chassis system incorporating steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering. The vehicle also incorporates the Aquila 2.0 super sensing system with…

Videos surfaced online capturing a Tesla Cybertruck in a stranded situation off-road, requiring assistance from other pickup trucks to recover. The incident unfolded on the Corral Hollow OHV trail in Bear Valley, California, as the electric pickup truck encountered difficulties and ended up off the trail. Despite Tesla promoting the Cybertruck as an off-road-capable vehicle with impressive specifications, real-world testing has been limited, and the incident highlights challenges that may arise in practical off-road scenarios. The images reveal the Cybertruck stuck on the side of the trail, prompting speculation among observers about potential issues, such as a reported software problem…

Tesla’s Cybertruck Foundation Series edition, currently extending purchase invitations to select early reservation holders, continues to reveal insights into Cybertruck options and accessories not officially disclosed. Among the revelations is the intriguing “range extender,” a mysterious component in the Cybertruck specs. Elon Musk, responding to inquiries, clarified that the range extender is an “optional pack fitting in about 1/3 of the truck bed, designed for very long trips or towing heavy loads.” Recent details from a Cybertruck review suggest that the range extender’s battery pack has a capacity of 50 kWh. Initial pricing was identified in Tesla’s website code at…

Manfred Weber, Chairman of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament, has expressed intentions to revisit the recently established ban on combustion engines in the EU by 2035 if his group secures a majority following the mid-2024 elections. The ban, ratified in late March, prohibits the registration of new cars and light commercial vehicles with combustion engines. Despite the earlier decision, conservatives, led by Weber, are pushing for a review of the regulation in 2026, aiming to reverse the combustion engine ban. Weber highlighted the desire to address what he perceives as a disadvantageous decision, particularly the competitive challenges…

In a strategic move to tap into the growing European electric vehicle (EV) market, Arcfox, the EV brand under Chinese automaker BAIC Group, is set to invest “tens of millions of dollars.” Following the approval for two of its models to be sold in Europe, the company aims to capitalize on the projected 25 percent market share that Chinese EV manufacturers are expected to hold in the region. According to Ohad Seligmann, Chairman of EV Motors Ltd, the overseas distributor for Arcfox, the brand’s unique advantage lies in its collaboration between BAIC and Canadian auto parts supplier Magna, bringing 70…

Tesla has initiated the offering of a fully-equipped ‘Foundation Series’ of its Cybertruck model, priced at $120,000, to customers in the United States. The move comes following the delivery of the first 10 Cybertrucks at a recent Tesla event. Addressing concerns of potential delays reminiscent of the “Tesla Semi” situation from the previous year, where initial deliveries were followed by a hiatus, recent reports indicate that Tesla is proactively engaging with Cybertruck reservation holders, encouraging them to convert their reservations into orders. The newly introduced ‘Foundation Series’ of the Cybertruck is positioned as a fully-optioned version, featuring limited-edition laser-etched badging,…

Ford Motor Co.’s commercial division is teaming with utility Xcel Energy Inc. to make available 30,000 electric-vehicle charging ports in several U.S. states by 2030. Xcel’s coverage territory includes Gogebic and Ontonagon counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Wisconsin as well as Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, the Dakotas, Texas and Wisconsin. Most of the charging ports’ costs for the equipment and installation will be offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers. Ford Pro will provide the charging hardware and customer service and support over the equipment’s lifetime. Business fleets also can get access to the automaker’s telematics services. The 30×30…

Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies is set to invest $41 million in the expansion of its existing facility at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York. The site is slated to become a manufacturing and final assembly center for Beta’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVOTLs). Headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, Beta Technologies is directing the investment to enhance its facilities at Plattsburgh International Airport. The funding comprises $41 million from the company’s budget and an additional $20 million from U.S. funding. In return, Beta commits to generating 85 full-time jobs at the site. The expanded facility at Plattsburgh International…

Chinese firm Gotion High-Tech and Slovakian battery company InoBat have signed a letter of intent with the Slovakian government, solidifying plans for their joint battery cell factory in Šurany, south of Slovakia. The location had previously been identified as the “Central European region” in the initial announcement made in September. The agreement outlines that Gotion InoBat Batteries (GIB) will commence construction of the factory in 2024, with the Slovakian government providing subsidies, a 65-hectare site, plot preparation, and power grid connectivity. Production is anticipated to commence in Q2 2026, with series production slated for 2027. The Gotion InoBat Batteries factory…