Author: Joshua Morris

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have entered into a partnership with Samsung to leverage the “SmartThings” Internet of Things (IoT) platform for their connected car services. This collaboration aims to streamline the user experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners, offering greater convenience in managing both vehicle and home-related functions. As part of the agreement, Hyundai and Kia customers will have the ability to remotely control digital home appliances through their vehicle’s in-car infotainment system. The integration will enable users to control various vehicle functions using artificial intelligence (AI) speakers, televisions, and mobile applications. See also: Hyundai Files Patent for…

Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose Technology Inc is set to make waves in the global heavy truck sector, as it announces plans to conduct road tests of its first electric heavy-duty trucks in the United States and Europe by the third quarter of next year. Windrose’s founder and CEO, Han Wen, disclosed that the company aims to conduct tests in prominent locations such as Los Angeles, Dunkirk, Antwerp, and Rotterdam. The move is part of the company’s strategy to disrupt the heavy truck industry globally. See also: Renault Trucks Commences Series Production of E-Tech T and E-Tech C Electric Trucks While…

The recent exclusion of electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with Chinese batteries from U.S. tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has led to speculation about potential benefits for the Korean battery industry. However, questions have arisen as a significant number of EVs powered by Korean batteries were also omitted from the subsidy list. On January 2, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that only 19 EV models would be eligible for U.S. IRA tax credits in 2024, marking a substantial decrease from the 43 models listed at the end of 2023. Industry insiders suggest that the vehicles excluded from…

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is set to inaugurate its inaugural manufacturing facility in India, focusing on the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), according to three individuals familiar with the matter. The plant, located in the city of Thoothukudi in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, represents a strategic move by VinFast, positioning itself in the competitive Indian EV market. One source mentioned that the facility would specifically concentrate on battery production, distinct from VinFast’s prior announcement of plans to assemble vehicles using parts shipped from Vietnam. While the company declined to comment, an official announcement regarding the…

In a recent charging speed comparison test, the Tesla Cybertruck found itself at the honorary 10th place in the rankings, with most of the top spots occupied by electric vehicles boasting an 800V powertrain architecture, primarily from Hyundai or KIA. Known for its rapid tapering of peak charging rates, Tesla’s charging curve has often raised eyebrows. The recently launched Cybertruck, equipped with an 800V architecture, prompted an eager owner to conduct a charging speed test at a Tesla V3 Supercharger with a 250 kW output. The Cybertruck took 40 minutes to charge from 14% to the typical 80% threshold, adding…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Li Auto has achieved a significant milestone by delivering a record 50,353 vehicles in December, surpassing the 50,000-unit mark for the first time in its history. The impressive figure represents the ninth consecutive monthly delivery record for Li Auto, marking a substantial increase of 137.15 percent from December 2022 and a 22.72 percent rise from November 2023, according to recently released data. The stellar performance in December has also positioned Li Auto’s fourth-quarter deliveries above the upper end of its previously guided range. The company delivered a record 131,805 vehicles in the fourth quarter, surpassing…

In an unexpected turn of events, a Tesla Cybertruck recently played the role of a charging savior for a Rivian R1T electric pickup. The incident, captured by Kitty Adams Hoksbergen, executive director at Adopt A Charger, Inc., sheds light on the collaborative nature emerging within the electric vehicle (EV) community. The Rivian R1T owner seemingly encountered a setback when attempting to charge at a CCS charging station, only to find it non-operational. Undeterred, the owner and their stranded R1T found assistance from a nearby Tesla Cybertruck equipped with a 240-volt outlet in the bed. This feature allows the Cybertruck not…

In a recent federal court ruling, Trevor Milton, the ex-CEO of Nikola, has been sentenced to four years in prison for charges related to fraud. The verdict includes a $1 million fine, restitution, and additional probation time. Milton, currently on bail, is appealing the conviction. Milton was at the helm of Nikola in 2018 when the company admitted to fabricating a video of its prototype electric semi-truck in motion. The misleading video, along with other statements by Milton, created a false impression of the company’s progress towards full-scale production. In October 2022, he was found guilty of securities fraud and…

Lucid Motors marked a significant milestone with the opening of its second manufacturing facility, AMP-2, in Saudi Arabia in September. In the over two months since its inauguration, the factory has successfully assembled nearly 800 cars, all of which were previously built at Lucid’s initial facility in Arizona. Notably, Lucid’s AMP-2 adopts a unique approach, described as assembling “Lucid Air vehicle kits” in the press release. Contrary to traditional car manufacturing, these kits are comprised of fully built Lucid Air sedans. As clarified by Lucid’s Global Vice President and Middle East Managing Director Faisal Sultan in an interview with Reuters,…

AT&T is poised to initiate a pilot program in early 2024, taking delivery of Rivian fleet vehicles as part of an agreement between the two companies. This collaboration signals a strategic move for AT&T to reduce transport emissions and potentially cut down on maintenance costs. Simultaneously, it suggests a shift for Rivian, indicating the conclusion of its exclusivity arrangement with Amazon and the potential for increased business in the fleet sector. Although the agreement does not specify the precise number of vehicles involved, AT&T emphasizes a substantial order encompassing both Rivian’s Commercial Van and its R1 vehicles, including the R1S…

British automaker Morgan has rekindled its interest in electric vehicles, unveiling the XP-1 concept, signaling a renewed commitment to electric vehicle (EV) development after a hiatus of five years. While the XP-1 is currently designated as a prototype intended for testing rather than production, it serves as a crucial platform for assessing design elements, production processes, and technical aspects. The XP-1, based on Morgan’s Super 3 aluminum platform, boasts a powertrain featuring a 100 kW motor and a 33 kWh battery. Impressively, the electric three-wheeler weighs less than 700 kilograms, a mere 60 kilograms heavier than its conventional petrol-powered counterpart,…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr is set to unveil its inaugural electric sedan, the Zeekr 007, on December 27, with deliveries scheduled to commence on January 1, 2024, the company announced today. The launch event will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, marking a significant milestone for Zeekr. The Zeekr 007 initially premiered and entered pre-sale at the Guangzhou auto show on November 17, with a pre-sale starting price of RMB 229,900 ($32,120). Customers who pre-order before the official launch will enjoy a RMB 5,000 discount, and the official pricing will be disclosed at the December 27 event. Zeekr reported…

Tesla has shared its 48-volt (48V) electrical system documentation with major automakers, including industry giant Ford. The move marks a departure from the conventional 12V systems widely used in the automotive industry. Tesla’s Cybertruck, the first EV from the company to adopt a 48V system throughout the entire vehicle, has prompted the sharing of this technology with competitors. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, confirmed the development on social media platform X, signaling potential industry-wide implications. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1732611753287033134 The significance of the 48V architecture lies not in specific features but in its potential to revolutionize how automakers wire, accessorize, and engineer their vehicles.…

Renault is said to be exploring the possibility of manufacturing electric cars for Polestar, the Geely-Volvo brand, at its Spanish plant in Palencia for the European market, according to reports from La Tribuna de Automoción, citing insider information. The production of an all-electric Polestar model at Renault’s Spanish facility is purportedly slated to commence in 2025, with the report suggesting it could be an SUV body, potentially referring to the Polestar 3 or Polestar 4 models. While the exact model remains unspecified, Polestar and Renault already have a collaborative arrangement for the Polestar 4. Polestar recently confirmed plans for contract…

The Ford F-150 Lightning, a highly anticipated all-electric pickup truck, is encountering difficulties in the secondhand vehicle market, according to recent analysis. Despite garnering over 100,000 deposits and generating substantial hype, the electric truck is reportedly struggling to find buyers for its used inventory. Initially, the F-150 Lightning faced high demand, leading to challenges in acquiring the vehicle at its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Ford responded to the strong demand by increasing production plans twice, aiming to build 150,000 units annually. However, a Ford Authority report notes that the supply eventually caught up with demand, resulting in a 45.8%…

Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors is set to construct a development and test center for electric vehicles (EVs) at its Fujisawa plant, aimed at advancing the development and testing of components such as electric motors, batteries, and thermal management systems. Named the “Earth Lab,” the facility is anticipated to commence operations in June 2026, according to a statement from Isuzu. Isuzu, an independent manufacturer listed on the Japanese Nikkei225 index, has strategic alliances with car manufacturers like Toyota and Mitsubishi, while also maintaining close ties with General Motors in terms of technology. Historically, Isuzu has pursued electrification through partnerships, collaborating with…

Premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely Auto, has clarified that it is proceeding with its planned initial public offering (IPO) in the United States, dispelling earlier reports suggesting a halt to the effort. In response to recent claims that Zeekr had paused its intended US IPO due to subdued market sentiment, the company asserted that it has filed a prospectus with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and preparations for the IPO are progressing in an orderly manner. While Zeekr acknowledges ongoing scrutiny of market conditions, it remains committed to monitoring the situation and determining…

Martin Viecha, Head of Investor Relations (IR) at Tesla, has shared important information about the upcoming Cybertruck first delivery event scheduled to take place at Gigafactory Texas on Thursday, November 30, 2023. In contrast to previous Tesla events like the Cyber Rodeo, the first deliveries of the Cybertruck are set to commence notably earlier. According to Viecha, the Cybertruck delivery event is slated to begin at 1 p.m. CT (11 a.m. PST). While expectations are high for a live-streamed event, details about when the livestream will commence have not been provided by the Tesla executive. See also: Leaked Video Reveals…

Tesla has initiated the deployment of a new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software update, marked as version 11.4.8, incorporating several incremental enhancements as the company progresses toward the highly anticipated v12 update. The v12 update is anticipated to transition the system out of its beta phase. FSD Beta, launched in October 2020, empowers Tesla vehicles to autonomously navigate to a predefined destination, requiring the driver to remain vigilant and prepared to assume control when necessary. Tesla has consistently expanded the FSD Beta program to include more vehicles in North America through successive software updates. The recent 11.4.8 update focuses on…

Leading Chinese electric mobility manufacturer, NIU, renowned for its electric scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes, has entered the electric motorcycle arena with the debut of the XQi3. This new electric motorcycle offers a peak power of 8 kW, a rugged off-road frame and suspension, and presents riders with three distinct Cyberpunk-inspired style variations. The XQi3 boasts three color options, each altering the appearance of the metal plate covering the battery pack’s sides. Despite the cosmetic distinctions, the off-white, purple, and yellow hues collectively infuse the XQi3 with a blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics and a hint of Cyberpunk flair. Accentuating its visual…