Author: Jonathan Collins

Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) has been widely adopted by the majority of automakers in the United States, signaling a growing standardization in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This move was further highlighted when Tesla was recently spotted filming what appears to be a promotional video featuring its Supercharger Network and a range of non-Tesla electric cars. Images from the filming session surfaced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, shared by user @houmanhemmati. According to the post, the video was being shot at Tesla’s expansive 62-stall Santa Monica Supercharger. Notable non-Tesla EVs, including the…

MAN Truck & Bus is set to establish battery repair centers in eight European countries in 2024 and 2025, using existing hubs in Germany and Spain as blueprints. The multi-million-euro investment aims to prepare MAN’s service network for the upcoming eTruck and a closed-loop battery supply. The company has confirmed battery repair centers in Italy, Denmark/Norway, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and the UK, with plans for further European locations. MAN will invest millions over the next two years. Two battery repair centers are already operational in Germany (Hanover-Laatzen) and Spain (Barcelona). See also: MAN Truck & Bus Commences Orders…

The first DC fast charging station in the US Southeast funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program has broken ground, marking a significant milestone in the region’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development. Located at Circle K in Richmond, Kentucky, along the Interstate 75 corridor, the charging station will be the Southeast’s first NEVI-funded and compliant facility. It will feature 180 kW ABB E-mobility Terra 184 chargers that are Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliant and meet the NEVI technical minimum standards. Initially installed with CCS 1 connectors, NACS connectors will be added later this year. See also: Massachusetts Allocates…

The landscape of electric mobility is rapidly evolving, with innovations like e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles reshaping transportation worldwide. While these vehicles are often viewed as recreational toys in the United States, a broader perspective reveals significant advancements in lightweight, two-wheeled transportation. Ghanaian company Kofa has partnered with Chinese e-mobility firm TAILG to introduce the Jidi, a compact and rugged electric motorcycle designed to excel in Africa’s challenging terrain and harsh climate. Marketed with the slogan “Designed in Ghana. Built for Africa,” the Jidi promises impressive performance, range, and safety, emphasizing its utility-focused design. See also: Revolt Motors Unveils Affordable RV400…

The residents of Grünheide have voiced their opposition to Tesla’s proposed expansion of its German gigafactory, rejecting the plan in a recent vote. The electric car manufacturer, known for its ambitious growth plans, aimed to add a freight depot, warehouses, and a company kindergarten to the existing 300-hectare site, along with an additional 170 hectares. While these plans have been public since 2022, the vote specifically concerned the new areas, with no decision made regarding expansion on the existing factory site. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain. While not legally binding, Grünheide’s mayor, Arne Christiani, stated that the rejected…

Building on the success of the autonomous GUSS sprayer launched in 2023, John Deere and GUSS Automation have introduced the Electric GUSS, a fully electric and autonomous sprayer that allows growers to manage multiple sprayers remotely. Debuting at the 2024 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, the Electric GUSS is being hailed by Deere executives as “the world’s first and only fully electric autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer.” See also: John Deere to Introduce Fully Electric Tractors, Production Facility Set for North Carolina Equipped with the new Smart Apply weed detection system, the Electric GUSS can measure chlorophyll in plants to identify…

Tesla is gearing up to unveil an enhanced version of its Model 3 Performance, addressing issues from its last performance iteration. Among the updates are sportier seats with improved side support, which have been spotted prominently displayed. Rumors suggest that one of the key upgrades in the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland Performance will be better sports seats with enhanced lumbar support for sharper cornering. With the imminent release of the Model 3 Performance and its anticipated Ludicrous acceleration, enthusiasts seeking a more exhilarating drive will be pleased to learn about the potential inclusion of these sportier seats, which have…

Massachusetts has allocated $50 million for charging infrastructure across the state, aiming to enhance access to charging stations, promote the electrification of state fleets, and manage the impact of EV charging on the grid. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $12.5 million will be used for public “pole-mounted and streetlight chargers” near multi-unit dwelling neighborhoods. Additionally, a technical consultant will offer guidance to municipalities for future implementation of such chargers. See also: XCharge North America to Build EV Charging Superhub at Watters Creek Village Another $9.5 million is designated for chargers for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles, focusing on…

Tata Group is reportedly considering spinning off its battery cell subsidiary, Agratas, in a move that could see the division raise funds and go public in Mumbai. Bloomberg reports, citing insiders, that Tata Group’s electric vehicle (EV) business may also be in line for a similar fate. According to the report, Tata is in the early stages of discussions regarding the potential separation of its battery business into an independent unit. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the matter, suggested that a listing could value Agratas at between $5 billion and…

Octopus Energy has launched what it claims to be the UK’s first mass-market-ready vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tariff, aiming to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging by offering significant cost savings. The Octopus Power Pack, as it’s called, could potentially save an average driver around £850 a year, although there are certain limitations. The new tariff utilizes V2G technology and the Kraken tech platform to balance charging processes, prioritizing the use of green electricity during off-peak times. Octopus Energy expects drivers to plug in for about six hours daily to fully benefit from the bidirectional smart charging features. The estimated savings are based…

Luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors has revealed significant price reductions across its model lineup in response to recent price cuts from competitors Tesla and Rivian. The company announced that its flagship sedan, the Lucid Air, will now start at $71,400, down from $78,900, inclusive of a $1,500 delivery fee. The price adjustments extend to other models as well, with the 2024 Air Touring now priced at $79,400, marking a reduction of $8,000 from its initial price of $87,400. Meanwhile, the Grand Touring model sees a $1,000 drop, starting at $111,400. See also: Lucid Motors Designer Envisions Hypothetical Electric SUV for…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, known as the world’s largest producer of EVs, is poised to venture into South Korea’s passenger EV market, raising apprehensions among domestic giants like Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. According to individuals familiar with the matter on Monday, BYD is scheduled to hold meetings with South Korea’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy next month to secure approval for selling electric cars in the country. See also: BYD Secures Over 20% of Japan’s EV Imports Last Year, Signifying Rapid Market Growth Foreign automakers seeking to market electric models in…