Author: Joshua Morris

Joby Aviation is poised to establish its eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) production hub in Dayton, Ohio. This announcement coincides with the celebration of Dayton’s illustrious aviation history as the birthplace of powered flight, where the Wright brothers achieved their historic milestone 120 years ago. Joby Aviation, with substantial financial support from influential backers like Intel, JetBlue, and Toyota, has been steadily advancing toward becoming a fully certified eVTOL aircraft manufacturer since 2018. Recently, the company achieved a pivotal milestone by rolling out its first production prototype in June, following more than 30,000 miles of successful flights with its…

Ryvid has announced that their much-talked-about “Anthem” electric bikes, originally unveiled just over a year ago, are now ready for shipment in the United States. Ryvid took to LinkedIn to share this exciting news, expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming deliveries. The company stated, “We’re excited to announce that we will begin shipping a small quantity of Anthem’s this week. We are proud to say we were flooded with pre-orders over the last 12 months. We’re thrilled to have achieved so much in just a year, and are excited to put the Anthem out into the world.” With a launch…

Tesla has introduced a mobile app integration feature for its Wall Connector chargers, extending its charging infrastructure to electric vehicle (EV) users beyond the Tesla brand. This move aims to provide a more inclusive and convenient charging experience for all EV owners. Tesla has long incorporated Wi-Fi capabilities into its home charging stations. While it previously offered some functionalities for owners of Destination Charging locations, it didn’t significantly enhance the home charging experience, as Tesla provided standard Wi-Fi-enabled features through its vehicle connectivity. However, with Tesla now welcoming non-Tesla EVs into its charging network, it has recognized the need to…

In response to customer complaints regarding the weight of the liftgate on older Model 3 vehicles manufactured before 2021, Tesla has announced a solution. The company is now offering a retrofit kit for Model 3 owners, allowing them to equip their vehicles with a powered liftgate. This development comes as welcome news for many Tesla enthusiasts who have found the manual liftgate operation to be inconvenient or challenging. Tesla owners have long expressed dissatisfaction with the older Model 3s, which relied on simple pneumatic extenders for trunk operation and lacked a powered liftgate option. Opening and closing the trunk had…

Luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has recently announced the inclusion of distinctive LED daytime running lights (DRLs) in its upcoming electric vehicle lineup, drawing inspiration from the Concept CLA. These illuminated features are poised to become a defining design trademark for the brand’s EVs, symbolizing Mercedes-Benz’s vision for the future of automotive aesthetics. The Concept CLA’s new DRLs are not merely decorative embellishments but rather a representation of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation. Integrated into the circular headlights and taillights, these LEDs will not be limited to the Concept CLA alone. They are set to adorn the forthcoming next-generation CLA and three…

Gotion High-tech, the Chinese battery giant supported by Volkswagen, has started production at its German factory, marking a major step in its European expansion. The factory, acquired two years ago with Volkswagen’s backing, produced its first locally-made battery pack on September 16. This achievement represents Gotion’s successful entry into localized production in Europe, branding its batteries as “Made in Germany.” The plant aims for a total capacity of 20 GWh, with four phases of completion, targeting an annual output worth 2 billion euros when fully operational, according to Steven Cai, Gotion’s CTO. Already, the Göttingen plant has secured numerous European…

Tesla’s production ramp-up for the updated Model 3 is in full swing, with thousands of vehicles now ready for shipment at the port of Shanghai. This notable surge in production comes after Tesla received approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to increase manufacturing volumes. A recent video shared by WuWa, showcasing the bustling activity at Shanghai’s Nankang port, reveals an impressive assembly of Model 3s awaiting loading onto ships bound for various overseas markets. Notably, this marks a departure from Tesla’s previous practice of producing cars in smaller batches and dispersing them across multiple warehouses. Exciting…

China’s premier electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, has reached a remarkable milestone with the production of its 500,000th Yuan Plus EV model. This achievement has been accomplished in a mere 19 months since its market introduction. The Yuan Plus, known as the Atto 3 in international markets, has gained worldwide acclaim, setting new standards in the EV industry. The Yuan Plus is a groundbreaking all-electric model, distinguished as the first A-Class SUV utilizing BYD’s e-platform 3.0, designed to enhance efficiency and safety. The base version of the vehicle is equipped with a 49.92 kWh BYD Blade Battery and a front…

In a noteworthy development at the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s “Run On Less Electric Depot” event, three Tesla Semi trucks have showcased their capabilities, providing valuable insights into the electric freight vehicle’s performance. Despite Tesla’s prior ambiguity regarding specific details of the Semi, this independent testing offers a glimpse into its range and efficiency. Tesla had initially announced a 500-mile (805 km) range for the Semi, coupled with a claim of only two kWh of energy consumption per mile. Data collected by NACFE now suggests that, under suitable conditions, the Semi is indeed capable of achieving this impressive…

Vietnamese electric car manufacturer VinFast has unveiled its ambitious plans to set up production operations in Indonesia by 2026, according to a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This strategic move is part of VinFast’s broader expansion into international markets, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. In the filing, VinFast outlined its commitment to invest up to approximately $1.2 billion in Indonesia over the long term. A substantial portion of this investment, ranging from $150 million to $200 million, will be allocated to the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant with an anticipated…

In a bid to broaden its electric vehicle (EV) offerings, Ford has unveiled the Mustang Mach-E Rally, marking the American automaker’s foray into the world of rally-inspired EVs. This latest addition to the Mustang Mach-E production model lineup boasts a rally-inspired chassis and increased ground clearance, signaling Ford’s commitment to combining performance and off-road capability. The Mustang Mach-E has primarily been optimized for on-road performance, with the high-performance GT version being a standout offering since its launch. However, the Mustang Mach-E Rally aims to cater to those who seek adventure beyond the pavement, with specific adjustments to its chassis and…

NIO has revealed its delivery plans for the much-anticipated EC6 coupe SUV. The company, known for capitalizing on initial customer excitement, will commence deliveries right after the vehicle’s official launch on September 15. Shortly after confirming the launch date for the new EC6, NIO made the announcement that deliveries of the model will commence on September 16, aligning closely with customer order lock-in schedules. The new EC6 show cars have already made their debut in NIO’s showrooms, with test drives set to begin on September 15, as disclosed via the NIO App. Prospective buyers interested in securing the EC6 can…

At the 2023 IAA Munich, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius made a significant revelation, confirming the development of a smaller version of the iconic G-Class SUV. While unveiling the Concept CLA Class, Källenius unveiled a design sketch of the upcoming “Little G” – a fully electric, downsized off-roader. The Swedish executive refrained from specifying a release date for the compact G-Class, but considering the current stage of development with only a design sketch available, it is expected to be at least a couple of years before it hits the market. Källenius acknowledged the challenges associated with creating a smaller iteration of…

In a surprising twist, Porsche is reportedly eyeing Germany as the location for its large battery cell factory, contrary to recent rumors suggesting a North American destination. According to local reports, the German automaker is actively considering a site in Brandenburg, a region notable for hosting Tesla’s Gigafactory, and in close proximity to a significant partner. Citing insider sources within politics and the regional business community, local newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau revealed that a “well-known name in the car industry” has shown substantial interest in establishing operations on the Schwarzheide/Schipkau airfield in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district of Brandenburg. Porsche, along with its…

Mercedes-Benz has showcased its Concept CLA-Class at the IAA 2023 event in Munich, offering an enticing glimpse into the company’s electric-first compact car platform. Based on the innovative Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), this concept vehicle combines striking design with sustainable interior materials and an impressive estimated range of 466 miles on the optimistic WLTP scale. Details about the powertrain and battery remain somewhat elusive, but Mercedes asserts that the Concept CLA draws inspiration from the Vision EQXX concept for both its electric motors and the expansive Superscreen infotainment system that spans the dashboard. The Concept CLA maintains the signature “four-door…

Xpeng has announced a significant resurgence in vehicle deliveries for the month of August, marking a remarkable turnaround in sales performance. According to data released by the company, Xpeng delivered a total of 13,690 vehicles in August 2023, representing the highest monthly delivery figure since June 2022 when the company achieved a total of 15,295 units. This robust performance signifies a year-on-year increase of 42.93 percent and a substantial 24.36 percent rise compared to July, marking the seventh consecutive month of sequential growth. The Xpeng G6, a key model in the company’s lineup, played a pivotal role in this resurgence,…

The landscape of for-sport electric bicycles is witnessing a notable evolution, as manufacturers prioritize a blend of motor power reduction and enhanced riding dynamics. Recent developments in e-bike motors, exemplified by offerings like the Bosch Performance Line SX, TQ Harmonic Pin Ring System, and Mahle X20, underscore this trend. High-end e-bikes tailored for spirited riding are embracing these innovations with fervor. A noteworthy exemplar of this trend is the freshly unveiled 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost X20, a featherweight electric gravel bike hailing from the renowned Italian bicycle manufacturer, 3T. The ethos behind this creation lies in delivering an unadulterated cycling…

In a recent live-streamed event, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk test drove a Model S equipped with the highly anticipated Full-Self Driving (FSD) Version 12 suite. However, Musk’s decision to film the test drive from the driver’s seat sparked criticism, as it seemingly violated California regulations. The live-stream, conducted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), drew attention not only for the demonstration of the AI-powered FSD V12 system but also for the unconventional setting. As the Model S navigated the streets of Palo Alto with semi-autonomous capabilities, Musk and Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s head of autopilot, shared insights about the technology. See…

In the midst of the growing popularity of semi-autonomous driver aid systems, concerns have arisen over their potential to allow drivers to divert their attention from the road. A recent online post suggests that Rivian, a player in the electric vehicle market, might have found a solution to address such issues. Rivian’s Driver+ software is designed to alleviate the driver’s workload, provided they remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle when necessary. The software includes features like adaptive cruise control, automatic steering, and lane-change capabilities. However, under specific preset circumstances, the system prompts drivers to resume control…

Scout Motors, the emerging US electric car brand under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, has announced the appointment of Jan Spies as its Chief Production Officer. In this pivotal role, Spies will spearhead the production efforts for Scout’s forthcoming electric pickup truck and SUV. His tenure is set to commence at the onset of 2024. With production slated to take place at a state-of-the-art facility in South Carolina, the inaugural Scout electric vehicles are projected to roll off the assembly line starting late 2026. The company has initiated the process of recruiting its initial workforce to facilitate this ambitious…