Author: Jonathan Collins

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has intensified its labor contract negotiations, targeting the joint venture between General Motors (GM) and LG, known as Ultium Cells LLC. The UAW aims to secure its share of the substantial funding, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, allocated to Ultium Cells through tax credits. In its ongoing negotiations with major automakers GM, Ford, and Stellantis, the UAW is particularly focused on ensuring fair compensation for workers employed at GM and LG-operated Ultium sites. The union argues that the work environment at Ultium facilities poses greater risks compared to traditional automotive factories, yet the…

The European Union (EU) is set to implement comprehensive battery market regulations following the approval by both the EU Parliament in mid-June and the EU member states. This milestone marks the conclusion of the legislative process, with the regulation expected to take effect in a few weeks. To foster a circular economy and regulate all types of batteries, including electric vehicle batteries, throughout their lifecycle, the new rules aim to address the growing demand for batteries, projected to increase more than ten-fold by 2030, particularly due to the rapid development of electric mobility, as envisioned by the EU Council. The…

Customcells, a German battery cell developer and producer based in Itzehoe, has recently announced a collaborative effort with Vaeridion, an electric aircraft start-up headquartered in Munich. The partnership aims to jointly develop cylindrical cells that meet the necessary certification requirements for implementation in electrically powered aircraft. Vaeridion’s ambitious plan involves the construction of compact electric aircraft capable of accommodating two pilots and up to nine passengers. Known as the Microliner, this cutting-edge aircraft boasts an impressive range of up to 500 kilometers. Notably, the batteries will be seamlessly integrated into the wings rather than the fuselage. The collective goal is…

Volkswagen, the renowned automotive manufacturer, is encountering difficulties with demand for its electric vehicle (EV) models in Europe. Reports suggest that incoming orders for private customers in Germany are significantly below the projected targets for the year. Insider sources from dealer circles initially shared this news with the German publication Handelsblatt. All battery-electric models under the Volkswagen brand, including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz, are experiencing a decline in orders. A spokesperson for Volkswagen confirmed to the business newspaper that the company is currently facing a general reluctance to purchase electric cars, a challenge also affecting other automakers.…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has captured the spotlight once again by showcasing three innovative electric cars and introducing new electric bike models. Under the banner of “VinFast – For a Greener Future,” the manufacturer proudly presents the VF 3, VF 6, and VF 7 as part of its exhibition series. The VF 3, specifically designed for the Vietnamese market, stands out as VinFast’s smallest electric vehicle, measuring just over 3 meters in length. Although technical specifications and pricing details are currently undisclosed, the VF 3 is expected to be available for order in the near future, promising to deliver further…

General Motors has recently announced a significant price reduction for its Cadillac Lyriq in China, following in the footsteps of Volkswagen’s move to lower prices for electric vehicles (EVs). The luxury crossover, built on GM’s Ultium EV architecture, will now start at 379,700 yuan ($52,466), down nearly 14% from its previous price of 439,700 yuan ($60,784), according to GM’s China website. To further entice potential buyers, GM is offering an additional discount of approximately $2,500 to customers who place a deposit for the Lyriq in China before the end of August. This decision by GM comes shortly after Volkswagen implemented…

MG Motor is making waves in the electric vehicle market with its latest release, the MG4 XPower. This top-of-the-line model boasts an impressive 320 kW all-wheel drive, with the front electric motor contributing 150 kW and the rear motor providing 170 kW. Acceleration is a breeze for the MG4 XPower, as it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. With the equivalent of 435 hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque packed into a compact 4.29-meter-long model, this comes as no surprise. While MG has not revealed specific details about the battery in their announcement, they…

Toyota’s newly appointed CEO, Koji Sato, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the company into a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) market, countering fierce competition from the likes of Tesla. To achieve this goal, Toyota is considering sharing its cutting-edge battery technology with partners such as Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, and others. Under its future-oriented strategy, Toyota aims to sell a staggering 3.5 million EVs annually by 2030. Approximately half of these vehicles will be built on a groundbreaking EV platform set to launch in 2026. This new platform holds the potential for remarkable driving ranges of up to…

Stellantis, the multinational automotive company, made a significant announcement on Tuesday as it unveiled its latest electric SUV, the FIAT 600e. This new compact electric SUV is set to be a strong contender in the highly profitable crossover market and will rival the upcoming Volvo EX30. The FIAT 600e draws inspiration from its predecessor, the family-friendly Fiat 600 from the 1950s, which was Fiat’s response to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Designed as a five-door vehicle, the compact electric SUV offers ample space for up to five passengers and boasts generous interior storage capacity. Measuring 4.17 meters in length, it will…

In a significant development for Chevrolet Blazer EV reservation holders, General Motors’ Ramos Arizpe assembly plant in Mexico saw the first customer car roll off the production line yesterday. This achievement marks another positive step forward in the company’s ambitious electrification efforts. The news was shared on the plant’s unofficial Facebook page, accompanied by pictures showcasing the sleek and vibrant 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. The vehicle was adorned in eye-catching Riptide Blue Metallic paint, while a Sterling Gray Metallic version was also spotted at the facility. GM is set to offer two variants of the Blazer EV starting in the…

Gigafactory Texas, Tesla’s highly anticipated automotive facility, is gearing up for a series of upgrades and shift changes in the coming weeks. Recent reports suggest that the Model Y production line will be temporarily paused at the beginning of July to facilitate these enhancements. Additionally, some employees from the electric vehicle production facility will be reassigned to the Cybertruck line to aid in the final stages of testing and calibration. The Gigafactories, renowned for their innovation and significance in the automotive industry, consistently attract attention and observations from the electric vehicle community. Among the dedicated observers of Gigafactory Texas is…

In a significant move towards advancing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Electrify America, renowned for operating one of the largest charging networks in the United States, has announced its decision to embrace the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This development marks a crucial step towards making the Combined Charging System (CCS) the go-to standard for the next generation, solidifying the network’s commitment to broadening charging solutions for EV drivers. Today’s announcement revealed that Electrify America and its affiliate, Electrify Canada, plan to integrate NACS connectors into their charging network by the year 2025. This strategic decision aims to provide…

Germany, known for its love of bicycles, is witnessing a remarkable surge in the adoption of electric bikes. Embracing the advantages of two-wheeled electric mobility, both for the economy and the overall well-being of its population, the country has seen a notable increase in e-bike sales. Despite facing initial reluctance due to adverse weather conditions, the market experienced a significant boost in May, leading to the production of over one million electric bikes by the end of May 2023, marking a remarkable five-percent growth compared to the same period last year. The beginning of the year witnessed a cautious approach…

Electreon, the Israeli company specializing in inductive electric vehicle (EV) charging, has recently received its first order from Norway. The Transportation Authority of Trøndelag County (AtB) has chosen Electreon’s wireless charging technology for a testing phase on bus routes in Trondheim, set to commence in mid-2024. The initial stage of the project will involve preparing a section of a public road adjacent to AtB’s primary bus depot. This road segment will serve as the testing ground for Electreon’s charging capabilities, encompassing both drive and stop modes. AtB has a long-term vision of establishing an electric road in Trondheim, which will…

A new comprehensive study commissioned by Shell and conducted by LCP Delta reveals that the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly gaining momentum in several crucial European markets. The report highlights the significant impact of this surge in EV adoption on driver perceptions, including the alleviation of range anxiety. These findings align with the remarkable global growth witnessed in EV sales over the past year. The Shell Recharge EV Driver Survey 2023 stands as one of the most extensive research projects examining the attitudes and behaviors of European EV drivers. Now in its sixth consecutive year, this latest report…

Hungary is set to become a major hub for electric vehicle (EV) production with the announcement of Huayou Cobalt, one of the world’s leading battery raw material suppliers, establishing its first European factory in the country. The new facility, to be located in Ács, just a stone’s throw away from Audi’s manufacturing plant in Győr, marks a significant milestone in Hungary’s pursuit of becoming a prominent player in the EV revolution. Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó revealed that Huayou Cobalt will invest approximately 520 billion forints (equivalent to around 1.4 billion euros) to construct a state-of-the-art cathode…

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), Mercedes-Benz has been diligently working on their forthcoming all-electric SUV, the EQG. As automotive enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its official unveiling, a recent video has surfaced, showcasing the heavily camouflaged prototype during its ongoing testing phase. Mercedes-Benz has taken great care to conceal specific design elements with a comprehensive camouflage wrap, including the grille and other distinguishing features. Nevertheless, the unmistakably boxy and iconic shape of the EQG, a distinctive characteristic that has resonated since its inception, remains visible beneath the coverings. Drawing inspiration from the EQG Concept, which made its grand debut at…

In the realm of e-bike systems, manufacturers have traditionally focused on striking a balance between performance and weight. Powerful systems often come with a considerable weight penalty but offer exceptional power and torque. On the other hand, lightweight systems are compact and easy to handle, but they demand more physical effort from the rider. Now, a new contender has emerged in the market, aiming to revolutionize the industry with a breakthrough offering. German manufacturer Brose has introduced its latest creation, the 48-volt Drive 3 Peak, which combines impressive power with a lightweight design. See also: Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 BASH/MTB electric…

Volvo, renowned for its association with wagons, remains committed to its heritage even as SUVs dominate the automotive landscape. In an exclusive interview with WhichCar, Warren Davidson, Volvo’s head of global offer, assures wagon enthusiasts that the company holds its legacy dear. “Volvo is not a company that disregards its heritage,” Davidson asserts, emphasizing their history of crafting exquisite wagons over the years. Looking ahead, Davidson reveals that Volvo’s collaboration with Geely and its scalable electric vehicle (EV) platform will pave the way for a fully electric wagon in the “not-so-distant future.” This development demonstrates the carmaker’s dedication to blending…

Range anxiety, a prominent concern among prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers, may have found an unconventional solution. The Warped Perception YouTube channel embarked on a groundbreaking project, retrofitting a Tesla Model S P85D with a turbo diesel engine as a range extender for a 2,500-mile (4,023 km) road trip, aiming to minimize the need for frequent charging. Despite the visually appealing setup, which includes a partially external installation, one drawback becomes immediately evident: the diesel engine’s excessive noise. The addition of the engine compromises the tranquil luxury associated with EVs, raising questions about the desirability of affixing an engine to…