Author: Joshua Morris

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have made significant strides in battery technology by developing a sodium-sulphur battery that can be charged and discharged more than 2,000 times. The new design replaces toxic metals in the cathode with sulphur and swaps lithium for sodium in the anode, addressing key environmental and resource concerns associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). While sodium-sulphur batteries have existed before, they typically required high operating temperatures of around 300 degrees Celsius. The University of Córdoba team achieved a breakthrough by enabling the battery to function at room temperature. This advancement promises a longer lifespan and…

Renault has released new teaser images of its upcoming 4 EV, offering a closer look at the small SUV ahead of its global debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The new 4, based on the same platform as the electric 5, draws heavily on the design and heritage of the original 1961-1994 Renault 4, while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. Key design elements from the 4Ever Trophy concept have made it to the production model, including a rectangular illuminated grille and a lit badge, a first for any production Renault. Other retro-inspired features include three-part segmented taillights,…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on September 30 that General Motors’ Cruise self-driving unit will pay a $1.5 million fine for failing to disclose critical details about an October 2023 incident involving a pedestrian. This settlement requires GM to submit a corrective action plan aimed at enhancing compliance with reporting serious incidents, and it imposes increased reporting requirements on the automaker for the next two years. The incident in question occurred in San Francisco when a Cruise robotaxi struck a pedestrian who had been hit by another vehicle, subsequently dragging her approximately 20 feet. Reports indicate that…

In a continued effort to promote sustainability, all players of Real Madrid now drive vehicles equipped with charging capabilities, thanks to their ongoing partnership with BMW. In the third year of this collaboration, the iconic football club has received a fleet of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, reflecting the team’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Contrary to assumptions that superstars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Jr. might opt for more modest vehicles like the Mini Countryman, the reality is quite the opposite. Each player enjoys a luxurious ride, with the baseline being the BMW i5. The exception is…

Hyundai Motor Co. is set to establish its first electric vehicle (EV) battery production lines by 2027, aiming to internalize battery technology and enhance EV performance and cost competitiveness, according to sources familiar with the plan. The South Korean automaker is expected to build production lines with a capacity of 1-2 GWh at a research and development center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, producing prototype battery products independent of its current battery suppliers. Hyundai has reportedly been negotiating with cathode material suppliers such as L&F Co., LG Chem Ltd., and Chinese companies to procure materials for these prototype batteries, with shipments…

LG Energy Solution (LGES) has unveiled its new brand, B.around, aimed at providing comprehensive solutions in battery management systems (BMS). This initiative focuses on integrating software and hardware tailored for electric vehicle battery management, extending to customized solutions for software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms and battery-as-a-service (BaaS) applications. The name B.around signifies LGES’s strategic expansion into the BMS market, marking its commitment to delivering enhanced customer value and promoting safer battery usage beyond traditional battery manufacturing. The new brand aims to revolutionize battery management by offering more advanced solutions, incorporating features such as safety diagnostics, battery monitoring, and software integration specifically…

Tesla has begun the deployment of Full Self-Driving (FSD) V12.5.4 to vehicles equipped with both Hardware 3 and Hardware 4, according to reports from the Tesla community. The update, part of software version 2024.27.25, introduces significant enhancements, including a wider range for Actually Smart Summon (ASS) and improved vision-based driver monitoring, even when wearing sunglasses. https://twitter.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1838133190394851362 Tesla software tracker Not a Tesla App highlighted that the update brings the “Longer Range” feature for Actually Smart Summon, which was previously marked as “Coming Soon,” and raises the app version requirement to V4.37.0. The release notes also detail additional customization options for…

Sora Aviation, based in Bristol, U.K., has begun testing battery technology for its 30-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, the Sora S-1, in collaboration with the University of Bath. This partnership is taking place at the advanced propulsion research center, IAAPS, located at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The Sora S-1 is designed to offer air taxi services at a fare of $30 to $40 per passenger. According to Sora CEO Furqan, “The aircraft has six tilting rotors, like the Joby S4,” referencing a similar model by Joby Aviation. The Sora S-1 distinguishes itself by accommodating more…

Tesla has already made significant improvements to its Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature, just weeks after its initial release in early September. This feature allows Tesla vehicles to park themselves and pick up drivers via a smartphone app, representing a major advancement in the company’s self-driving capabilities. https://twitter.com/teslascope/status/1838104918768677000 According to the release notes for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 12.5.4, the latest update extends the operating range of the ASS feature. “To use Dumb Summon or Actually Smart Summon, your phone must be connected to Model 3 within 279 ft. (85 meters) of the vehicle. If Model 3 is more…

BYD is set to introduce its Shark plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck to the Australian market in October, ahead of rival models from Ford and Great Wall Motor (GWM). The 2025 BYD Shark 6 will be available for orders starting October 29, 2024, outpacing competitors like the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV by nearly a year. According to a report by Drive, the BYD Shark 6 is expected to start at AUD$68,000, a price point similar to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. The price information reportedly came from a leak in a government database, although official…

ChargePoint has been awarded more than $19 million through its partners to deploy 248 DC fast charging ports at 45 locations along California highways. This funding, recently approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Department of Transportation, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The initiative is part of California’s initial allocation from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The 45 sites selected for the installation of ChargePoint’s fast chargers are strategically positioned along highways experiencing high EV charger congestion, particularly along key routes like I-5, aimed at…

Portuguese charging station manufacturer i-charging has introduced its new megawatt charging system, i-light, at the IAA trade fair in Hanover. The system is designed to meet the growing demand for fast, efficient charging in the heavy-duty transport sector, offering a total output of up to 1.5 megawatts. The i-light system consists of a central power unit and multiple satellites, each with a single charging point. The power unit’s output can be dynamically distributed among up to six satellites, allowing for charging capacities ranging from 250 kW to 1.5 MW in 250 kW increments. Both MCS (Megawatt Charging System) and CCS…