Author: Jonathan Collins

Vitesco Technologies, a German powertrain supplier, has recently inaugurated a new research and development centre in China, with a focus on advancing hardware and software for electric drives. Situated at Vitesco Technologies’ production site in Changchun, Jilin province, the new R&D centre covers an area of nearly 8,000 square metres and houses twelve laboratories. The facility will be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge hardware and software, including battery management systems, to support the ongoing progress of electric powertrains. See also: Vitesco recieves major order worth around two billion euros for electric vehicles drive system The primary aim of this…

In a significant move, Lucid Motors has announced the issuance of three distinct recalls for its Air sedan model, all on the same day. These recalls, released on July 27, 2023, have ramifications for a total of more than 6,200 vehicles, drawing attention to various issues that require attention and correction. The first recall pertains to 778 Air sedans manufactured between October 22, 2021, and June 29, 2023. This recall centers around a software flaw that has come to light in these vehicles. The flaw holds the potential for an unexpected power loss in rare instances of a power module…

In a recent development, Tesla unveiled its latest self-driving hardware iteration, the Hardware 4 (HW4), earlier this year. Initially introduced in the Model S and Model X, this advanced computer system was subsequently incorporated into the Model Y, albeit with certain distinctions. The HW4 release is accompanied by a noteworthy upgrade in camera technology, a factor that could hold significant implications for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities of Tesla’s vehicles. An intriguing comparison video, compiled by AIDRIVR, an FSD Beta tester, has surfaced, juxtaposing the visual output of the HW3-equipped cameras with those of the new HW4 system. This visual…

In an exciting development for automotive enthusiasts, the renowned Audi RS6 sedan is poised to make a triumphant return in 2025, but with a notable twist – it will be an all-electric powerhouse. Breaking away from its Avant-only iteration of the past 13 years, the forthcoming RS6 electric sedan promises a thrilling driving experience, showcasing Audi’s commitment to embracing electric mobility. With the last RS6 sedan gracing the roads in 2010, which featured the impressive V10 engine akin to that found in the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8, anticipation for the electric rendition is steadily building. Reports from the respected…

Lucid Motors, the prominent American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has unveiled its financial report for the second quarter of 2023. The announcement comes in anticipation of an investor call scheduled for later today. The newly revealed financial figures follow a previous production report released last month, which indicated a consecutive decline in deliveries over the past two quarters. Despite these delivery challenges, Lucid’s revenue remains steady, and its robust liquidity position offers hope that the company can achieve its annual production targets, albeit at the lower end. The last three months have been notably active for Lucid Motors since the…

In a groundbreaking achievement, California has demonstrated its dominance in electric vehicle (EV) sales, marking a significant milestone for the state’s ambitious efforts to combat climate change. Governor Gavin Newsom proudly announced that, for the first time, one EV was sold for every four cars in the last quarter, showcasing the growing popularity of eco-friendly transportation options. This remarkable progress reflects California’s unwavering commitment to its ultimate goal of mandating all new vehicle sales to be electric or hybrid by 2035, in an earnest attempt to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. The state has positioned itself as a trailblazer in fostering…

In a significant development for the autonomous driving industry, South Korea’s HL Group, formerly known as Halla Group, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lucid Motors. Through its subsidiary HL Klemove, HL Group will be providing cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions for Lucid’s highly-anticipated large electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Gravity. As per the terms of the agreement, HL Klemove will supply Lucid Motors with essential components such as the virtual engine sound system (AVAS), all-around radar, and forward-facing cameras for the Gravity. The AVAS system is designed to emit distinctive sounds at low…

In a significant step towards achieving a sustainable and zero-emission future, New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a groundbreaking $12 million initiative aimed at facilitating the integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the grid. The primary focus of this program is to address hard-to-decarbonize applications, including heavy trucking and construction vehicles, fleet operations, and residential EV ownership. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the competitive initiative aims to accelerate the advancement of EV charging infrastructure while simultaneously reducing grid integration costs. The governor’s office has invited projects that concentrate on developing and demonstrating innovative…

QuantumScape, the American solid-state battery pioneer, has made a significant development in its quest to introduce its first commercial product to the automotive industry. In a recent investor letter, the company announced that it is collaborating with a potential launch customer, although the identity of this partner remains undisclosed. QuantumScape’s previous partnership with Volkswagen has sparked speculation about the automaker’s involvement, but no confirmation has been provided yet. The key objective of this collaboration is to fast-track the entry of QuantumScape’s cutting-edge solid-state battery technology into the electric vehicle market. The company firmly believes that its technology, capable of delivering…

Tesla is preparing for a significant update to its highly popular Model 3, with production reportedly set to switch to the revised version known as the ‘Highland’ Model 3. Observers in China have reported that the current Model 3 production at the Tesla factory in Shanghai will cease on August 14, making way for the upcoming model. According to sources on Twitter, the ‘Highland’ Model 3 has been in test production in China and is expected to enter series production in September. The switch to the new model involves alternating two days of production of the current Model 3 with…

In a captivating video shedding light on the future of trucking, Pepsico delves into the extensive utilization of its fleet of Tesla Semi electric trucks. While Tesla’s electric semi trucks remain limited in numbers, a substantial portion is believed to be actively operating within Pepsico’s fleet, particularly at its fully electrified and solar-powered facility in Sacramento. Produced by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), the recently released video provides comprehensive insights into Pepsico’s seamless integration of the Tesla Semi trucks into their operations. See also: Einride and PepsiCo Partner to Launch Electric Truck Fleet in the UK, Saving…

Nikola, the US-based electric truck manufacturer, has received an additional $16.3 million in funding from California to support the expansion of its HYLA brand of open-network hydrogen refuelling stations. The funds will be allocated to develop seven new refuelling stations, adding to the previously planned stations along Californian freight corridors. While specific locations have not been disclosed, Nikola aims to create an extensive network of commercial hydrogen refuelling stations, initially concentrated in California and eventually expanding throughout North America. Additionally, Nikola’s infrastructure brand, HYLA, is actively working on a fleet of hydrogen mobile stations, known as Hydrogen Flex Fueling (H2F2).…