Author: Jonathan Collins

German automaker Volkswagen has revealed its latest electric SUV-coupe, the ID.CODE concept, at the Beijing Auto Show, showcasing a sleek design and advanced autonomous driving features. The ID.CODE concept serves as a preview of Volkswagen’s upcoming electric models developed in partnership with Chinese joint venture partners. One of the most notable features of the concept is its capability for fully autonomous driving at Level 4, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers. Volkswagen describes the ID.CODE’s autonomous driving system as an “autopilot” function, distinct from Tesla’s Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. The concept is equipped with advanced sensor, light,…

MG Motor UK has announced the opening of order books for its electric roadster, the Cyberster, with prices starting at £54,995. The company has scheduled the first deliveries for August, offering two variants: the entry-level Cyberster Trophy and the more powerful Cyberster GT. The Cyberster Trophy features a single motor delivering up to 250kW (340 PS) and 475 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (about 100 kph) in five seconds, with a top speed of 121 mph (about 200 kph). This model is equipped with a 77 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up…

Rivian has unveiled paint protection film (PPF) wraps for its R1T electric pickup truck, offering a limited-time discount for early orders. The company announced the launch of Xpel Stealth wraps in an email on Saturday, providing the upgrade at no additional cost for orders placed before April 30. After this date, the price for the upgrade will rise to $5,000 as the promotional period concludes. “This month only! Get a sleek satin finish with XPEL STEALTH™ paint protection on select R1 configurations at no extra charge. That’s a $5,000 value,” Rivian stated in the email. “Help protect your vehicle from…

First Bus South, operator of First Bus Solent, has introduced the first electric buses in Portsmouth, Fareham, and Gosport, marking the region’s debut of zero-emissions buses. The initial electric bus fleet is just the beginning of an order for 62 electric buses, which will be gradually introduced on various routes in the area over the coming weeks, according to First Bus. The project, funded at approximately £28.6 million, received support from a partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council. The UK’s ZEBRA funding programme contributed £12.7 million, with an additional £15.9 million investment from public transport operator First…

Audi is gearing up for the debut of its refreshed e-tron GT, with prototypes hitting the streets for testing. The new electric sports car is expected to incorporate upgrades from the new Porsche Taycan Turbo, including a larger battery, increased range, and improved performance. The e-tron GT, much like the Porsche Taycan, was among the first EVs to be discussed in terms of performance and style alongside the Tesla Model S. Porsche recently unveiled significant upgrades for the 2025 Taycan, boasting longer range, faster charging, and enhanced performance. According to Kevin Giek, head of the product line, the new Taycan…

Lucid has announced upgrades to its 2024 Air Grand Touring model, enhancing its efficiency and charging capabilities to make it the longest-range EV in the US even more appealing. The new GT model now features the high-performance Air Sapphires’ heat pump, which improves efficiency and allows the Grand Touring to maintain outstanding range even in extremely cold conditions. Improvements to the motor design, battery cell chemistry, and thermal features have been made to reduce wasted energy as heat, even during sustained spirited driving. Lucid claims that the 2024 GT model offers about 15% to 30% faster DC charging speeds, ensuring…

Details of the Stellantis-Leapmotor C16 SUV have been leaked following the companies’ filing for a sales license with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The C16 SUV is set to be a mid-to-large SUV offering two powertrain variants: battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Featuring six seats, the new SUV is expected to compete with models like the Aito M7. While the initial launch is slated for China, the Stellantis-Leapmotor collaboration intends to enter the global market, with rumors suggesting plans for releases in Poland and Malaysia. Stellantis recently obtained approval for its joint venture…

Nissan Motor announced plans to commence large-scale production of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) by early 2029, leveraging massive casting machines to enhance efficiency and reduce costs on future models. The move reflects Nissan’s strategic focus on technological advancements to stay competitive against rivals like Tesla and BYD, which have made significant strides in the production of battery-powered vehicles. The Japanese automaker, ranked third in volume in its home market, will initially conduct prototype tests and develop solid-state batteries at an in-progress pilot plant in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Solid-state batteries are anticipated to offer faster charging times and longer…

New images of the Cadillac Optiq have emerged from China, offering a glimpse into the EV’s interior just before its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show. The pictures showcase the Optiq’s cabin, drawing comparisons to the Cadillac Lyriq. Similar to the Lyriq, the Optiq features a spacious, curved display that integrates the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. The center console houses two cupholders and a rotary dial for the screen, with a slim air vent positioned between the screen and a row of physical climate control buttons. The steering wheel and stalks bear a striking resemblance to those…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO is set to launch its new ET7 sedan, equipped with a massive 150 kWh semi-solid state battery pack, later this month. Pre-orders for the vehicle will open on April 16, with the official debut scheduled for April 25 at the Beijing Auto Show. To showcase the impressive capabilities of the ET7, NIO is organizing an endurance challenge to see if the luxury sedan can surpass its own record of 650 miles (1044 km) on a single charge. NIO’s founder and CEO, William Li, tested the ET7 with the 150 kWh semi-solid state EV battery…

Maserati has thrown its hat into the ring of electric sports cars with the introduction of the GranCabrio Folgore, a stunning electric convertible that aims to captivate enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next-generation Tesla Roadster. The GranCabrio Folgore stays true to its heritage while embracing an aerodynamically optimized design. The car boasts a new front bumper, a redesigned grille, and eye-catching staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels, offering a blend of style and efficiency with optional low rolling resistance tires. The highlight of the GranCabrio Folgore is its power retractable soft top, which can be lowered in just 14 seconds at speeds…

Voltpost, a company specializing in EV charging solutions, has launched its innovative lamppost EV charger in several major US cities. The company is actively involved in developing and deploying EV charging projects in urban centers like New York, Chicago, Detroit, and others. The unique feature of Voltpost’s technology is its ability to retrofit lampposts into a modular and upgradable Level 2 EV charging platform, controlled through a mobile app. According to Voltpost, this platform offers EV drivers convenient and affordable charging options while significantly reducing installation costs, time, maintenance, and the chargers’ physical footprint. An important advantage of Voltpost’s solution…