Author: Jonathan Collins

Nio has announced the start of production for its 900-volt drive system, known as Thunder, which will debut in the company’s upcoming flagship model, the ET9, next year. The Nio ET9, a 5.33-meter-long vehicle blending SUV and luxury sedan features, will be the first model to utilize the 900-volt platform, with deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. Pre-orders for the ET9 are already available, starting at approximately 800,000 yuan or around 100,000 euros. Equipped with a 120 kWh battery composed of self-developed round cells in a 46105 format, the ET9 boasts an impressive energy density of…

Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV has marked a significant milestone, surpassing 262,000 sales across 24 countries, solidifying its position as a key player in the EV market. Launched in February 2021, the IONIQ 5 represents Hyundai’s inaugural model under its dedicated EV brand, signaling a new chapter for the Korean automaker. Built on Hyundai’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the IONIQ 5 boasts a sizable battery capacity, providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious consumers. The E-GMP platform’s standout feature is its 800V fast charging capability, enabling the IONIQ 5…

UK-based firm Motability Operations, in collaboration with design studio Callum, has introduced the eVITA concept, a fully electric van designed to enhance the mobility of wheelchair users. The eVITA, crafted by Callum with insights from Motability Operations’ customer clinics, represents a pioneering approach to electric wheelchair-accessible vehicles (eWAV). It aims to tackle common challenges associated with EV conversions, such as restricted interior height due to floor-mounted batteries, accessibility, and practicality. See also: Fiat Reveals Electric Future with Five Concept Vehicles Measuring 4,520 mm (178 inches) long, 1,908 mm (75.1 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of…

Citroen has announced the availability of the New ë-Berlingo electric van in the UK, with prices starting at £37,990. The new model features a significant upgrade, including a new LFP battery with a usable energy content of 50 kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 345 kilometers. The new battery, combined with a standard heat pump, allows for improved range even in challenging conditions. Citroen claims that the ë-Berlingo can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just 30 minutes using a 100 kW DC rapid charger. In addition to the technical improvements, the New ë-Berlingo offers enhanced…

Mercedes-Benz has once again demonstrated the prowess of its electric concept vehicle, the Vision EQXX, by completing a long-distance drive on the Arabian Peninsula to test its efficiency under extreme conditions. The journey spanned 627.6 miles (1,010 km) from the Mercedes-Benz Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai, UAE, lasting 14 hours and 42 minutes. Despite facing temperatures of up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius), the Vision EQXX showcased remarkable efficiency, consuming just 7.4 kWh of energy per 100 km (62 miles). This efficiency surpassed its previous best of 8.3 kWh/100 km during…

Hertz Global Holdings Inc announced on Friday that CEO Stephen Scherr would be stepping down, to be replaced by Gil West, a former executive at Delta Airlines and General Motors. West, who is set to take over on April 1, comes with a wealth of experience, having served as COO at Delta and overseeing GM’s self-driving Cruise unit. The decision for Scherr to resign follows what he described as a “distraction” stemming from the company’s investment in electric vehicles (EVs). Hertz had previously positioned itself as a leader in the EV rental market, boasting the largest fleet of EVs in…

Renault and XPO Logistics have inked a purchase agreement for 165 fully electric lorries, marking a significant step in XPO’s efforts to replace its diesel fleet on short-haul routes with cleaner alternatives. The order includes 105 Renault Trucks E-Tech T (44 tonnes) and 60 Renault Trucks E-Tech D and D Wide (16 and 19 tonnes). This represents Renault’s largest order for electric trucks to date from a single customer. XPO had previously ordered 100 electric trucks from Renault in 2022, scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2024, making this the second major order from the logistics giant. The Renault E-Tech…

Endolla Barcelona, the public charging network for electric vehicles managed by the municipal company Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM), has reached a milestone of 1,000 charging points. The network covers all neighborhoods in Barcelona and currently offers 50 kW DC chargers or 3.7 kW AC connections. However, this is just the beginning for Endolla, as the company plans to install an additional 2,000 charging points beginning next year. The existing charging stations will also see an increase in capacity, with plans to triple the power of fast chargers on the roads to 160 kW and double the power of AC…

Tesla has initiated the rollout of its latest software update, version 2024.8, introducing a new one-time charge limit feature and adding support for adaptive high beams in select regions. The software update, which is currently being deployed to Tesla vehicles, includes the new one-time charge feature. It also introduces support for adaptive high beams in Europe, specifically for the redesigned Model S and Model X vehicles, as well as the Model Y and legacy Model 3 units, as previously reported by Not a Tesla App. See also: Tesla Unveils Two-Seater Model Y Tailored for Business Use, Expands Reach in France https://twitter.com/larsmoravy/status/1767336351622664424…

Blink Charging, a leading provider of EV charging infrastructure, is ramping up its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of a new 30,000-square-foot factory in Bowie, Maryland. The new facility, which is LEED Gold-certified, will serve as Blink’s primary manufacturing hub in North America. It will feature an additional production line to enhance efficiency and boost production of EV chargers. See also: Blink Charging Launches EQ 200 Charger, Supporting Vehicle-to-Grid Technology By establishing this new factory, Blink Charging aims to shift its production from overseas to domestic manufacturing, aligning with the Build America, Buy America Act. In addition to the manufacturing facility,…

Subscriptions for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta could be headed to Canada soon, according to a recent update from Tesla Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development Rohan Patel. Patel stated on Saturday that he expects the FSD beta rollout in Canada to take place “in the coming weeks, barring any setbacks.” He confirmed that CEO Elon Musk has approved the update for Canada and that the team is currently working on technical and regulatory procedures in the country’s provinces. See also: Tesla Executive Aims for Cybertruck Sales in Canada Soon https://twitter.com/rohanspatel/status/1766464018187690309 The update from Patel came in response to…

Shares of Rivian surged approximately 4% on Friday, following the unveiling of its more affordable R2 SUV, which garnered an impressive number of reservations within hours of its launch. The electric vehicle (EV) maker’s stock climb reflects growing optimism that Rivian could make significant inroads into the mass-market segment. CEO RJ Scaringe revealed that the smaller R2 SUV, priced at $45,000, has already amassed over 68,000 reservations since its debut on Thursday. This development has prompted analysts at Bank of America to suggest that Rivian might be poised to capture a larger share of the mass-market segment, which constitutes about…