Author: Jonathan Collins

Li Auto has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 800,000 cumulative deliveries, the company announced today. This milestone comes 54 months after the delivery of its inaugural vehicle, marking a notable achievement for the Chinese extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) manufacturer. Founded in July 2015, Li Auto quickly established itself as a key player in the EREV market in China. The company’s first model, the Li One EREV, debuted in October 2018, with deliveries commencing in December 2019. However, the Li One has since been discontinued, and Li Auto now focuses on its L-series EREV models, including the Li L6, Li L7,…

Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, casting doubt on its status as an automaker and its ability to support customers who have purchased its vehicles. The company’s financial struggles have been ongoing, leading to concerns about its ability to provide customer service. Owners of the Fisker Ocean, the company’s first EV, are struggling to contact the company for assistance with issues such as cars being rendered inoperable, or “bricked.” See also: Fisker Faces Ocean SUV Power Loss Recall in North America and Europe https://www.reddit.com/r/Fisker/comments/1diu1ng/fisker_ocean_dead_company_not_responding_we_have/?utm_source=embedv2&utm_medium=post_embed&utm_content=whitespace&embed_host_url=https://www.teslarati.com/fisker-bankruptcy-leaves-owners-without-answers-scrambling-for-help/ One distressed owner expressed frustration, stating, “It’s my aunt’s car and she’s…

Samsung SDI Co. revealed an upgraded version of its Samsung Battery Box (SBB) energy storage system at the Intersolar Europe trade fair in Germany, aiming to strengthen its position in the global market for renewable energy storage. The new SBB 1.5 boasts a total capacity of 5.26 megawatt-hours, representing a 37 percent increase in energy density compared to its predecessor. The key enhancement is the inclusion of enhanced direct injection technology, designed to prevent the spread of fires by injecting extinguishing agents directly into the affected cell module. See also: Samsung SDI Targets 900 Wh/L Energy Density with Solid-State Batteries, Eyes…

Ford Performance is set to return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the all-new F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, aiming to build on its success from the 2023 event where the SuperVan 4.2 captured multiple records. Developed in collaboration with Ford Design and STARD Advanced Research and Development, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is designed to excel in the extreme conditions of Pikes Peak. The vehicle boasts advanced aerodynamics, generating 6,000 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, and features optimized electric motors for peak performance. “For the 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the SuperTruck’s powertrain will consist…

EV charging company char.gy has received a significant commitment increase to £100 million to accelerate the rollout of its on-street charging infrastructure across the UK. The renewed investment from Zouk Capital, in collaboration with the UK Government-anchored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), aims to bolster char.gy’s network, which currently comprises over 3,000 charge points and is projected to grow to about 100,000 by 2030. Established in 2019, the CIIF is a public-private fund with a total funding of £420 million, managed by Zouk Capital. The fund’s partnership with the Church underscores a community-focused approach to sustainable transport initiatives. John Lewis,…

The German statistics office reported a decline in Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports to Germany in the first four months of the year, but noted that China still managed to increase its EV import market share in Germany during this period. According to Destatis, imports of Chinese EVs to Germany fell by 15.7% to 31,500 vehicles between January and April. Despite this decline, China increased its EV import market share in Germany to 40.9% during the same period, maintaining its position as the largest importer of electric cars to the country. See also: EU to Impose Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Excluding…

In a strategic move set to revolutionize urban air mobility, Archer Aviation has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Signature Aviation, a premier operator of private airport terminals. This landmark agreement paves the way for the integration of eVTOL air taxi services at key United Airlines hubs and a network of private airport terminals across the United States. With this collaboration, Archer Aviation, a California-based leader in electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is poised to democratize commercial air travel, offering seamless, efficient, and sustainable urban transportation solutions. The company’s innovative approach has garnered widespread acclaim, propelling it…

Ferrari’s first electric car is set to cost at least 500,000 euros ($535,000), according to a source familiar with the matter, as the luxury automaker prepares to open a new plant that could increase group production by up to a third. The Italian brand, known for its powerful petrol engines, has announced plans to launch an electric car in late 2023, demonstrating its confidence that ultra-wealthy drivers are ready for electric vehicles. The planned price tag exceeds the average sale price of around 350,000 euros, including extras, for a Ferrari in the first quarter of this year, and surpasses many…

German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer Lilium has announced the opening of its regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) in Shenzhen, China. The move is part of Lilium’s strategy to introduce its air taxis to the region as soon as they are market-ready. Lilium has signed a cooperation agreement with the Bao’an district in Shenzhen to establish its regional headquarters. Through this partnership, Lilium aims to actively participate in the region’s low-flying economy and build relationships with local infrastructure partners, customers, and regulators. Initially, the focus will be on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao metropolitan area, home to over…

The Watford Borough Council in the UK has secured a grant worth £386,250 to install new public electric vehicle (EV) chargers, furthering its commitment to sustainable transportation. The funding, provided by the UK government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust, will cover 50 per cent of the installation costs. The project includes the installation of 24 twin charge points and 40 lamp column charge points, bringing the total number of on-street charging locations in Watford to 115. Each location will be equipped with two to four charge points, ensuring convenient access for residents and visitors.…

Renault Group has unveiled its state-of-the-art logistics facility in Villeroy, France, showcasing a new era of innovation in the automotive industry. The facility is 100% automated, featuring cutting-edge robotics technology from Exotec, a leading French industrial robotics company. The centerpiece of the facility is Exotec’s Skypod robots, which autonomously pick items at height, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for operators. These robots are equipped with advanced navigation and handling capabilities, allowing them to swiftly and efficiently navigate complex logistics environments, even in the presence of other equipment and workers. At the Villeroy site, 191 robots have been deployed according…

Altilium and Enva, a prominent recycling and resource recovery specialist, have announced a strategic partnership for the collection and recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the UK. This collaboration aims to address the increasing number of EVs and battery-powered devices, creating a circular economy for battery minerals in the UK. The partnership leverages Enva’s nationwide collection infrastructure and relationships with car dealerships, along with Altilium’s expertise in EV battery recycling and recovery of critical materials like lithium. Altilium’s EcoCathode™ process enables the recovery of over 95% of battery metals for reuse in new battery production. Under the memorandum of…