Author: Joshua Morris

The Tesla Semi, tested by several companies since its release, recently impressed global logistics giant DHL during a two-week trial. DHL shared its findings, revealing that the electric Class 8 truck significantly outperformed expectations, especially in terms of energy efficiency and range. DHL tested the Tesla Semi on its regular operating routes based out of Livermore, California, covering more than 3,000 miles. One of the standout tests involved a 390-mile journey with the truck fully loaded at a gross weight of 75,000 pounds. This test confirmed the electric vehicle’s ability to handle typical DHL payloads over long distances on a…

Lithium-ion battery prices are expected to fall sharply over the next few years, potentially making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable for consumers, according to new research from Goldman Sachs. The report forecasts that the global average battery pack price will drop to $82 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) by 2026, down from $149/kWh in 2023. This represents a 26% reduction from current prices and a significant step towards reducing the overall cost of EV ownership. Goldman Sachs projects that by 2024, battery prices will fall to $111/kWh, continuing a trend that has seen costs decline from $780/kWh in 2013. This downward trajectory…

SAE International has published the SAE J3400™: NACS Electric Vehicle Coupler Technical Recommended Practice (RP), establishing guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in North America. This new framework sets out physical, electrical, and safety requirements, aiming to ensure consistency and compatibility across the growing EV market. The release is part of broader efforts to create a unified charging system that benefits both users and industry participants. The SAE J3400™ RP outlines specifications for supporting 1000V DC fast charging, SAE Universal AC charging, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. The acronym NACS, originally referring to the “North American Charging Standard,” has been…

Stellantis  Chief Executive Carlos Tavares expressed concerns on Friday regarding the rising costs imposed by European Union carbon emission regulations, which he said have increased production costs by 40% in the automotive industry. Speaking before an Italian parliamentary committee in Rome, Tavares highlighted the strain these regulations are placing on carmakers, particularly as customers remain hesitant to adopt higher-priced electric vehicles (EVs). Tavares emphasized the additional pressure coming from Chinese competition in the EV market, which he said enjoys a 30% cost advantage over European manufacturers. “This is generating unbearable tension” within the industry, Tavares stated. He also pointed to…

Stellantis confirmed on Thursday that CEO Carlos Tavares will retire at the end of his contract in early 2026, along with significant senior management changes as the automaker seeks to address challenges in its North American operations. The French-Italian manufacturer has faced declining earnings and sales in this crucial market, leading to a reduction in its profit forecast for 2024 and potential cuts to dividends and share buybacks. The company’s stock has fallen 42% this year due to setbacks in North America, particularly in its Jeep and Ram truck lines, which traditionally contribute significantly to its profits. Tavares’ retirement announcement…

Volkswagen’s upcoming electric Golf, tentatively named the ID. Golf, is set to launch approximately five years from now, with early details about its pricing and design surfacing. According to Auto, Motor und Sport, the ID. Golf will draw inspiration from the design and proportions of the Golf IV, a model that gained popularity between 1997 and 2006. The report indicates that the new ID. Golf will feature design elements reminiscent of the Golf IV, including its characteristic wide C-pillar. However, the translation of these proportions into an electric vehicle framework remains uncertain. Typically, electric vehicles (EVs) feature longer wheelbases and…

Nio, the Shanghai-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, celebrated the delivery of its 600,000th production vehicle on October 11 at its Nanxiang experience center in Shanghai. The milestone was achieved just four months after the company hit the 500,000th vehicle mark. The 600,000th vehicle, an ES8 SUV, was delivered to Sun Wei, Chief Digital Officer of SF Express, marking a significant milestone for Nio’s flagship SUV model. The ES8 is Sun’s first electric vehicle, and he praised Nio’s battery swap technology, comparing its efficiency and reliability to the logistics services of SF Express. The ES8 was Nio’s first production vehicle, introduced…

Nissan has confirmed plans to introduce new electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, with the first models expected to arrive in 2026. The automaker aims to provide “affordable” V2G technology and has become the first company in the UK to achieve power grid certification. “The days are over that we just look at a car as a vehicle to bring us from A to B,” stated Friederike Kienitz, Nissan’s senior vice president for sustainability and corporate affairs. Nissan has been developing its own V2G technology over the past few years, collaborating with partners such as Enovates, a charger…

The supermarket chain Aldi has engaged Energias de Portugal (EDP) to install and operate more than 650 fast-charging points at its stores on the Portuguese mainland. These charging stations will be set up at over 140 existing Aldi locations and new stores slated to open in 2024 and 2025. EDP has confirmed that the chargers will have outputs ranging from 60 to 120 kW, though specifics on the power distribution across individual charging points or the types of connectors (CHAdeMO, Type 2, and CCS) available have not been disclosed. In addition to the new installations, EDP will also manage the…

The International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has announced its decision to establish its new headquarters in Barcelona, effective January 2025. The board of directors approved the move, citing several strategic advantages of the city, including its proximity to the heart of maritime innovation in the European Union, as well as its closeness to international regulatory bodies such as the International Marine Organization (IMO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Additionally, Barcelona’s status as a major public infrastructure hub, particularly through the Port of Barcelona, played a significant role in the decision. IEMA plans to maintain its global reach through…

Lamborghini’s technical officer, Rouven Mohr, has confirmed that the brand will continue to focus on high-capacity combustion engines for the foreseeable future, despite the automotive industry’s expected shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). In a recent interview with Motor1, Mohr noted that the current market conditions are not conducive to launching an electric supercar, stating, “At the moment, now, the time would not be right [for an EV], at least not in a super sports car. You have seen a lot of [electric] cars on the market that were not really successful.” The Italian luxury automaker currently offers three hybrid models:…

Minnesota’s Red Lake School District #38, the only public school district situated within a sovereign tribal nation, has recently added two electric school buses to its transportation fleet. This initiative positions the district as one of the first in the U.S. with a predominantly Indigenous student population (98%) to utilize funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, which provided $790,000 for the purchase of electric school buses and chargers. The district serves approximately 1,560 students and incorporates teachings of the Ojibwe language, Ojibwemowin, along with Ojibwe traditions in its curriculum. Superintendent Tim Lutz remarked, “As an educational institution, our…