Author: Jonathan Collins

The Stellantis plant in Mirafiori, near Turin, is continuing to operate on a one-shift basis instead of the usual two shifts due to sluggish demand for the electric Fiat 500 and Maserati models produced there. This reduced production volume is expected to continue until 20 April, according to a report by Automotive News Europa, citing a statement from the Italian trade union UILM. A spokesperson for Stellantis reportedly confirmed the continuation of the single-shift operation. Short-time working at the plant has been in effect since 12 February, initially planned to last until 3 March, then extended to 30 March, and…

Uber Technologies and EV charging startup Revel have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and enhancing benefits for rideshare drivers. The collaboration, announced today, will see Uber providing financial support to Revel for the expansion of its fast-charging network, initially focusing on New York City before rolling out to other major U.S. cities. Revel, known for its distinctive sky blue Tesla Model Ys and Kia Niro EVs that zip through New York City, was established in 2018 with a mission to support all-electric taxi fleets through robust charging infrastructure. The company made headlines…

San Diego-based electric bike retailer, Ride1Up, celebrated for offering exceptional value in commuter e-bikes, has broadened its product range over the past year. Expanding into new categories such as electric mopeds and adventure e-bikes, the company has continued to innovate while solidifying its presence in the road market. The latest addition to its lineup is the upgraded Ride1Up LMT’D V2, a refreshed version of its popular commuter-focused model. The Ride1Up LMT’D V2 retains the core features that made its predecessor a hit among riders but introduces several key upgrades. One of the most significant enhancements is the inclusion of a…

Volkswagen (VW) is temporarily reducing the production of electric cars at its factory in Emden, Germany. The assembly of the ID.4 and ID.7 electric models has been suspended since yesterday and is expected to continue until Monday due to a shortage of electric motors, similar to the situation at the Zwickau plant. Production line 2 in Zwickau has also been affected, with production paused due to insufficient drive system deliveries. The assembly line is expected to remain idle until 1 December, impacting more than 1,000 of the total of around 8,000 employees at the plant. The ID.4 and ID.5 from…

LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Honda have reached a significant milestone in the construction of their joint venture electric vehicle (EV) battery production facility in Ohio. The companies recently erected the final structural steel beam at the new facility, located near Jeffersonville, Ohio. Expected to be completed by the end of 2024, the facility represents a substantial investment of $4.4 billion and is projected to create approximately 2,200 new jobs. Once operational, the joint venture aims to start mass production of pouch-type lithium-ion batteries in 2025. These batteries will be supplied to Honda auto plants to produce EVs for the…

Honda is set to unveil its XR Mobility Experience at SXSW 2024 in Austin, Texas, from March 10 to 13, 2024. The experience will feature the UNI-ONE, a two-wheeled, self-balancing wheelchair, integrated with virtual reality (VR) goggles. Users will be able to navigate virtual worlds while experiencing real movement, enhancing the immersive virtual experience. The XR Mobility Experience will showcase the potential uses of the UNI-ONE wheelchair for virtual reality and extended reality entertainment. The wheelchair features six wheels, with four small corner wheels providing stability in lowered mode and two larger drive wheels enabling self-balanced motion in raised mode.…

ChargeLab has released findings from its recent report, “Industry Survey: 500 EV Drivers on Public Charging.” The survey, which polled 500 EV drivers in the United States, revealed a key insight: While 86.0% of EV drivers now have access to a home charger, 59.6% still use public chargers weekly. This highlights the ongoing need for continued investment in public charging infrastructure. The survey also shed light on factors that impact driver satisfaction at public charging stations. These include the need for faster charging, emphasizing the importance of efficient DC fast chargers. See also: U.S. EV Charging Study: Average Session Time at…

Buick is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of a new design inspired by the Wildcat EV concept and a fresh brand campaign featuring the tagline “Exceptional by design.” The company’s evolution is evident in its revamped tri-shield logo unveiled in June 2022, followed by the stunning Wildcat EV concept. Although Buick has yet to launch its first EV in the US, the brand is gearing up for its next chapter. The new design, showcased by a sleek gold Wildcat EV model, is set to influence the entire Buick lineup. See also: Buick’s Aesthetic Odyssey: Tracing the Journey of the…

FREY has introduced its latest model, the FREY Dopamine 2.0, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and performance in the e-bike industry. Unveiled recently, the FREY Dopamine 2.0 boasts several upgrades, including a unique pedal drivetrain featuring both an upper and lower idler pulley. This design eliminates pedal kickback, offering riders a smoother pedaling experience. Paired with a high-pivot suspension system utilizing a RockShox Deluxe 20565mm rear shock and RockShox YARI 29160mm front fork, the bike is well-equipped to handle challenging trails with ease. See also: Bulls Unveils 2024 Sonic Eva TR 1 29 Electric Mountain Bike in Europe While FREY…

BYD unveiled SEAL U DM-i, at the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show 2024. This marks the vehicle’s inaugural appearance in Europe, offering consumers a glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility. The SEAL U DM-i is a five-seater plug-in hybrid SUV, positioned in the competitive D-Segment. What sets this model apart is its integration of BYD’s groundbreaking Super DM Technology, a revolutionary approach that emphasizes electric driving while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency. See also: BYD Seal and Dolphin Earn 5-Star ANCAP Ratings in Australia At the heart of the DM-i (Dual Mode) technology lies a sophisticated blend of components, including a…

U.S. automaker General Motors unveiled its luxury electric Cadillac Lyriq in France on Monday, marking an expansion of its presence in Europe following its return to the region last year. The move also serves as a test of whether online-only sales will attract affluent car buyers. In October, GM announced the launch of sales in Switzerland, marking its first step in an all-electric return to European markets since selling off the Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017. See also: GM’s Cadillac Lyriq Eligible for $7,500 EV Tax Credit Following Battery Sourcing Change In contrast to its approach in the U.S., where…

Tesla has installed over 500 free charging posts in a parking lot at its Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, making them available to the public, the company announced on X. These chargers are open to employees, visitors, and guests alike. The announcement was made by the company’s manufacturing account on Friday morning, accompanied by an image showing Tesla and other electric vehicles (EVs) using the chargers, which appear to be Tesla’s Gen 3 Wall Connectors. See also: Tesla’s Giga Berlin Employees Hint at 6,000 Model Y Production Milestone Amid Supply Chain Challenges https://twitter.com/gigafactories/status/1761071149142708363 Tesla’s Gen 3 Wall Connectors are compatible with all EVs featuring…