Author: Jonathan Collins

Xiaomi has announced a significant milestone with its SU7 Ultra prototype achieving a record lap time at Germany’s Nürburgring, just as the production version is poised for unveiling later today. The prototype completed the challenging track in an impressive 6:46.874, establishing it as the fastest four-door car to conquer the Nürburgring. Xiaomi EV shared the news on Weibo, describing the achievement as “a miracle and a new beginning.” The SU7 electric sedan, Xiaomi’s inaugural EV model, was launched on March 28, featuring three variants: Standard, Pro, and Max, with starting prices of RMB 215,900 ($30,260), RMB 245,900, and RMB 299,900,…

Toyota Motor and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are set to invest 500 billion yen ($3.26 billion) in artificial intelligence research and development aimed at enhancing autonomous driving technology, according to a report by Nikkei on Tuesday. The Japanese automaker and telecommunications giant plan to develop AI-driven automotive software designed to anticipate accidents and, if needed, assume control of the vehicle. The companies target 2028 to debut a working system, which they aim to license to other automakers. This partnership marks a strategic step by Japanese automakers to expand their footprint in the advanced autonomous driving sector, which has been…

ADS-TEC Energy and Paragon Mobility have announced a strategic partnership to roll out ultra-fast, battery-buffered EV charging stations across France, aiming to boost the nation’s charging infrastructure. The collaboration has already launched the first ChargePost EV chargers, capable of delivering up to 300 kW of power, even in areas with limited grid capacity. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for EV infrastructure, driven by over 206,000 new EV registrations in France this year alone. Henrik Langwald, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at ADS-TEC Energy, expressed optimism about the partnership: “With Paragon Mobility, we have a strong and…

Electric Era has collaborated with Costco to establish electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations in an expedited timeframe, achieving a significant milestone in the industry. The installation of a charging station at Costco’s new store in Ridgefield, Washington, took just seven weeks from contract signing to launch, demonstrating a streamlined approach to EV infrastructure for retailers. As the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, Costco sought to implement solutions quickly to expand its network. The partnership with Electric Era enabled the retailer to install an EV charging solution efficiently, highlighting the growing recognition of EV charging as a vital aspect of…

Nio  has now established over 2,600 battery swap stations across China, as the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer continues to advance its infrastructure network. On Friday, the company added three new swap stations, bringing the total to 2,601. This growth includes the addition of 45 new stations in October alone, a notable uptick compared to earlier months this year. Nio achieved a record monthly high in September 2023 with 155 new stations, up from 123 added last October. However, the pace slowed in early 2024, with additions falling below 20 stations per month from February to July. The expansion momentum resumed…

Hyundai has introduced a limited-edition version of its electric SUV, the Kona EV Mauna Loa, tailored with exclusive features and enhanced styling aimed at adventurous drivers. Officially launched on Friday, the special model brings a bold, rugged aesthetic with features geared toward off-road functionality and everyday versatility. “More freedom, more adventure,” Hyundai stated in its announcement of the Mauna Loa edition, describing it as a “powerful companion” capable of handling diverse environments. The vehicle is equipped with scratch-resistant black paint on the front bumper, side sills, and rear, along with front and rear mudguards, black window molding, and upgraded leather…

A recent survey by Consumer Reports reveals that 50% of prospective car buyers in the United States are interested in test driving a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for their next car purchase, underscoring the growing curiosity surrounding sustainable vehicle options. This interest holds even among consumers who may not be ready to commit to an electric vehicle (EV) purchase immediately, suggesting broader consumer openness to cleaner technologies. Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy at Consumer Reports, emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in fostering consumer confidence in new technologies. “Test drives can be a really important tool…

The English city of Plymouth is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, investing £2.415 million from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The Plymouth City Council’s plan will see new on-street and public charging options implemented across the city to enhance access for EV owners. As part of this initiative, the Council will pilot a new method for on-street charging with 100 pavement channels, allowing residents to run cables from their homes to charge vehicles parked nearby. This system, a first for Plymouth, is aimed at residents who can park near their homes and will…

Fiido has unveiled the C11 Pro, a new premium variant of its urban e-bike flagship, featuring an upgraded S200 dual-sided torque sensor from Mivice for improved pedal responsiveness. The upgraded sensor, with a response latency as low as 0.01 seconds, promises a smoother start by adapting instantly to pedal pressure, and retains IP67 weatherproofing for durability. The C11 Pro is built on the same 700C aluminum alloy frame as the standard model and includes premium components such as a custom-designed Velo saddle and dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes. However, it extends its range to approximately 104 kilometers (64 miles) per charge,…

Struggling battery manufacturer Northvolt has raised a small amount of fresh capital, sufficient to ensure that employee salaries are paid at the end of this week. Simultaneously, discussions are underway regarding a larger support package that could exceed $300 million by the end of the month, according to internal sources cited by the Swedish publication Dagens industri. This potential funding would bolster Northvolt’s liquidity into the coming year. According to a report by Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs’ investment subsidiary is considering collaborating with other investors to assist Northvolt, with a commitment dependent on additional backing. Goldman Sachs Asset Management, the company’s…

First Bus has commissioned Heliox to electrify five additional bus depots in the UK, as part of its broader plan to expand its electric vehicle charging network. The public transport operator aims to operate 14 depots and more than 800 electric buses by 2025, enhancing its contribution to the country’s zero-emission goals. The depots, located in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Minehead, Taunton, and Basildon, will be equipped with charging infrastructure developed by Heliox, a Dutch company now owned by Siemens. First Bus is investing £89 million in the project, with an additional £16 million from the UK government’s ZEBRA 2 funding programme.…

On September 24, the Luxeed R7 officially launched, marking the latest entry into the electric vehicle market from Luxeed, a brand co-developed by Chery and Huawei. Built around Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) ecosystem, the Luxeed R7 offers a mix of technology, performance, and luxury, aimed at competing with top electric SUVs. The pre-sales for the R7 began on September 10, but the official launch revealed an additional fourth variant, offering more choices for consumers. Prices for the R7 range from 259,800 to 339,800 yuan (36,950 – 48,300 USD), with the following versions available: RWD 82 kWh Pro: 259,800…