Author: Joshua Morris

New car sales in the European Union saw a 4.3% increase in June, reaching their highest levels since July 2019, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The rise was bolstered by strong performances in key markets such as Italy, Germany, and Spain, although registrations of battery electric cars experienced marginal declines. “While registrations of battery electric cars in Belgium and Italy surged, declines in Germany, the Netherlands, and France offset these gains,” ACEA noted in its report. Sales of battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars in June declined by 1% and 19.9% respectively compared to the…

Durham County Council, in collaboration with Zest, is set to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across County Durham. The partnership aims to identify 250 new charging locations, benefiting residents without driveways. The initiative, supported by a government grant exceeding £4 million from the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, will see Zest investing over £7 million to provide and maintain the charge points and associated services. Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change at Durham County Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are delighted to be able to expand our EV infrastructure across the county.…

Recent sightings of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 vehicles at a Supercharger station using native NACS ports instead of adapters suggest progress in the development of native NACS support for these models. The vehicles were spotted at a Supercharger station equipped with a Magic Dock in Ypsilanti, Michigan, by automotive journalist Sam Abuelsamid. Both vehicles, camouflaged during testing, were observed connected directly to the regular Supercharger plug. Post by @samabuelsamid View on Threads This development indicates Hyundai and Kia’s potential move towards integrating native NACS compatibility earlier than initially planned. While many automakers have prioritized distributing adapters…

Singapore will prohibit the sale of diesel cars and taxis from 1 January 2025, citing the availability of eco-friendly alternatives, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced, enforcing a rule set by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in 2021. “Cessation of new diesel car and taxi registrations from 2025 is a crucial target under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, aimed at advancing sustainability and enhancing our eco-friendly landscape,” said an LTA spokesperson. Under the new regulations, imported cars protected by the Classic Vehicle Scheme and Vintage Vehicle Scheme will be exempted from the restrictions. Existing diesel car owners in Singapore registered…

Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has secured significant funding for its cutting-edge battery research initiative, as the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) greenlights a substantial investment in the new COMET K1 centre, ‘Battery4Life.’ The ambitious project, spearheaded by Christian Ellersdorfer from TU Graz’s Institute for Vehicle Safety, aims to enhance the safety, longevity, and sustainability of batteries in collaboration with international partners from academia and industry. “We are excited about the opportunity to address the critical challenges in battery technology,” said Christian Ellersdorfer. “The ‘Battery4Life’ initiative will focus on improving battery safety across diverse applications and throughout their lifecycle.”…

Polestar is set to captivate automotive enthusiasts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the unveiling of its latest concept, the Polestar Concept BST. This concept car, alongside updates to the 2 sedan and new 3 and 4 crossovers, aims to preview Polestar’s future in high-performance electric vehicles. The Polestar Concept BST builds upon the design language introduced by the O2 concept in 2022, featuring aggressive styling with flared arches, a striking front end, and a unique BST livery over silver paint. Sporting 22-inch wheels and a prominent rear wing, the concept suggests a focus on both aesthetics and aerodynamics.…

Volkswagen has reported a stabilization in its global vehicle deliveries for the first half of 2024 (H1), with figures closely mirroring those of the previous year. The automaker delivered 4.25 million vehicles worldwide, indicating flat growth compared to H1 2023. However, its electric vehicle (EV) sales experienced a modest decline, with 317,200 EVs delivered compared to 321,600 in the same period last year. Despite this, Volkswagen noted a significant uptick in orders for all-electric vehicles in Western Europe, marking a 124% increase year-on-year. This surge suggests a growing preference for electric mobility in the region, albeit amid broader challenges. The…

Toyota’s subsidiary has announced significant price cuts across its electric vehicle (EV) range in the UK, marking a strategic move to enhance market competitiveness amid shifting political landscapes. The luxury arm of Toyota, known for its innovation in sustainable mobility, has notably reduced prices on its entry-level electric model, the UX 300e, by as much as £7,100. The starting price now stands at £40,795, positioning it more competitively in the growing EV market. In addition to the UX 300e, the RZ 450e standard model sees a reduction to £57,895, down £2,100 from its previous price in April, reflecting the brand’s…

Tesla’s Model Y has maintained its stronghold as the best-selling electric vehicle globally, with recent data from the China Passenger Car Association underscoring its dominance in the Chinese market. According to the latest figures, the Model Y outsold competitors from BYD and Nissan, securing the top position in electric vehicle sales for the first half of the year. Tesla’s Model Y achieved sales of 207,817 units, surpassing the BYD Seagull and Nissan Sylphy, which recorded 167,861 and 161,379 units respectively. Tesla’s performance in China has been robust, with the company concluding the first half of the year on a high…

Honda and Sony are set to deepen their collaboration in the automotive sector, announcing plans to jointly develop electric vehicles (EVs) based on a shared platform for their respective brands, including the joint Afeela venture and Honda’s upcoming 0 Series EVs. The alliance aims to streamline costs and accelerate development timelines amid intensifying competition, particularly from Chinese automakers. Honda’s forthcoming 0 Series EVs are projected to enter the U.S. market starting around $40,000, targeting a fiercely competitive segment. Details on pricing for Sony and Honda’s Afeela models have yet to be disclosed. According to Nikkei Asia, the shared platform represents…

SK On, the world’s fifth-largest battery manufacturer, has entered into a joint development agreement with Sakuu, a pioneering company known for its innovative 3D printing of battery electrodes. Based in San Jose, Sakuu boasts the Kavian platform, which enables the production of fully functional batteries in custom shapes and sizes. This platform utilizes a solvent-free process, enhancing both cost efficiency and environmental sustainability. According to Sakuu, their technology not only reduces production costs by nearly half but also improves battery lifespan and facilitates easier recycling compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in battery manufacturing,…

Tesla is actively recruiting for a Senior Battery Process Engineer position in South Korea, signaling the company’s expanding focus in the region amidst recent developments in battery production. The job posting outlines the role’s core responsibilities in managing the rework and remanufacturing processes of modules and battery packs within Tesla’s Remanufacturing workshop. Candidates are expected to possess a comprehensive understanding of battery pack manufacturing processes and collaborate closely with relevant teams to address new pack fault modes, implement corrective measures, and devise repair strategies. “We welcome talents from diverse backgrounds to join us as pioneers and innovators in Tesla’s global…