Author: Jonathan Collins

Geely’s electric car brand, Zeekr, has revealed its latest model, the Zeekr 007, at the Guangzhou Auto Show, marking the brand’s entry into the mid-range market. Priced competitively at 229,900 yuan (approximately 29,000 euros), the Zeekr 007 is based on an 800-volt platform, presenting a more affordable option compared to Zeekr’s existing premium models. The Zeekr 007, measuring 4.87 meters in length, is offered in two variants: a 310 kW rear-wheel-drive version and a more powerful 475 kW all-wheel-drive option. Two battery configurations provide an impressive range of up to 688 and 870 kilometers, respectively, according to the Chinese standard.…

Tesla has formally entered the Australian electricity market, signaling its intention to reshape the landscape of electricity retailing in the region. The move comes as the Australian Energy Regulator accepted Tesla’s application, allowing the company to combine the sales of rooftop solar, energy storage batteries, and its flagship product – electric vehicles. Tesla is no stranger to the energy sector in Australia, having previously engaged in supplying batteries for various energy storage projects, including the Hornsdale Power Reserve and Victoria Big Battery. The company has also made Powerwall batteries available for household use and established Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in…

Two Tesla Cybertrucks were recently observed maneuvering energetically around the Fremont Test Track in Northern California, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s handling capabilities ahead of its impending deliveries. While the nature of the laps did not seem focused on testing acceleration, the sight of the Cybertrucks navigating the track outside the Fremont plant stirred anticipation among onlookers. Tesla has been showcasing the Cybertruck on public roads for several months, offering glimpses of the vehicle’s design, but the recent track footage did not showcase the full potential of its touted acceleration capabilities. Tesla has emphasized the Cybertruck’s impressive performance, claiming…

Solid Power, a developer of solid-state battery cells, has reached a significant milestone by delivering its first A Sample EV cells to BMW, according to information disclosed in Solid Power’s Q3 annual report. This marks the initiation of the formal automotive qualification process for the cutting-edge battery cells, which will also be integrated into BMW’s demonstration programme. John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power, expressed the company’s achievement, stating, “It is a reflection of our team’s strong execution that we produced and delivered our first A Sample EV cells for BMW a little over a week…

Automaker Polestar is undertaking a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project in Gothenburg, Sweden, supported by the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova. Funded by Vinnova, the project involves a comprehensive V2G initiative piloting a fleet of Polestar 3 cars, with collaboration from key stakeholders in the electricity grid sector. Teaming up with entities such as the Swedish National Grid authority Svenska kraftnät, local grid owner Göteborg Energi Nät, regional energy distributor Vattenfall Eldistribution, home charging provider Easee, and research partner Chalmers University of Technology, Polestar aims to explore potential business models for V2G. The project also seeks to trial tangible use cases that can…

In a pivotal announcement at the Reuters Events Automotive USA 2023 conference in Detroit, executives from Volkswagen outlined their ambitious plan to introduce an under $35,000 electric vehicle (EV) to the U.S. market within the next 3-4 years. Concurrently, Chinese automaker Nio expressed deliberation over a potential entry into North America by 2025, citing considerations tied to infrastructure and partnerships. Reinhard Fischer, senior vice president and head of strategy at VW Group of America, reassured stakeholders that Volkswagen remains resolute in its commitment to advancing EV plans in the U.S. market. Fischer disclosed that changes in geopolitics and global supply…

Tesla, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has made a strategic hire from Stellantis, a global automotive company, to oversee quality operations at its Gigafactory Texas facility. Kahiree Gans, a seasoned manufacturing executive, has joined Tesla to take charge of quality operations at a crucial juncture for the Gigafactory. Tesla has been actively expanding its manufacturing leadership team, with a focus on bolstering its production capacity, aiming to increase its annual electric vehicle output from approximately 2 million to a staggering 20 million vehicles by the end of the decade. Gans brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having…

As the prevalence of electric bicycles continues to grow, the focus on safety for both e-bike riders and other road users has become more pronounced. In this context, third-party manufacturers are contributing to safety advancements, introducing technology aimed at elevating e-bike safety. Alps Alpine has introduced the Ride Safety System RS 1000 as an example of such technology. This device is designed to inform e-bike riders about potential road hazards, employing AI-powered detection systems for instant alerts about hazards approaching from behind. The system can integrate with smartphones, providing real-time traffic information and navigation on the handlebars, effectively functioning as…

Chinese automaker BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao (FCB) brand is making swift strides in the Chinese automotive market, with the recent preview of their third model, named the Bao 3. Positioned between BYD’s Denza and YangWang brands, FCB’s strategy is to kick off with the Bao 5 and subsequently introduce a flagship SUV, the Bao 8. Screenshots shared by Chinese media outlets offer a glimpse of the Bao 3, showcasing a small SUV with a distinctive and robust exterior design that’s certain to turn heads on the road. The front fascia is dominated by twin LED light bars, flanked by main…

Ford Otosan, the joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding, has announced a substantial €2 billion investment in the expansion and transformation of its Kocaeli site, including the Yeniköy plant. This manufacturing facility, which first opened its doors in 2014, is poised to reach its full production capacity by the mid-2020s after undergoing extensive renovations. The ambitious goal is to produce 405,000 vehicles annually, establishing new benchmarks for multi-energy commercial vehicle manufacturing at scale. The noteworthy innovations at the Yeniköy plant include the integration of photovoltaic glass walls and solar panels on the roof, effectively harnessing solar energy…

Japanese firm NTT Communications pours a hefty investment of nearly $67 million into the Michigan-based self-driving startup, May Mobility, supported by Toyota. The move, unveiled by Nikkei Asia, showcases NTT’s commitment to self-driving technology, with an infusion of approximately 10 billion yen ($66.9 million) into May Mobility. The startup’s vision revolves around developing self-driving buses and taxis, with an ambitious target set for 2025. Joining the ranks of investors are automotive giant Bridgestone, Toyota, and a cohort of others. May Mobility boasts technology that aligns with Level 4 automated driving standards, signaling a future where drivers will not be mandatory…

Tesla China appears to be on the cusp of increasing the price of its popular Model Y crossover, a move that follows closely on the heels of a recent price hike for the Model Y Performance, which saw an increase of RMB 14,000 (approximately $1,920). Keen observers in China’s automotive industry have taken note of numerous Tesla sales representatives updating their WeChat status to signal an impending price hike for the Model Y within the country. These Tesla employees reportedly emphasized that the upcoming price adjustment would be an extension of the RMB 14,000 increase implemented for the Model Y…