Author: Joshua Morris

Serbia has unveiled plans to install 80 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along its motorways by May next year, in a bid to enhance its infrastructure for sustainable transportation. The tender for these charging stations was conducted by the transport ministry and state-operated road operator Putevi Srbije. Transport Minister Goran Vesic outlined that the stations will be located at 16 “green oases” within existing motorway rest areas, each accommodating between 5 and 20 charging points with a minimum capacity of 150 kW. “We aim to provide convenient and efficient charging options for EV users across our motorway network,” Minister Vesic…

Germany has embarked on its inaugural trial of Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) for public transport in the Rhine-Main region, specifically in Darmstadt and parts of the Offenbach district. The KIRA project will initially deploy six autonomous vehicles on designated routes along public roads, with the ultimate goal of establishing an autonomous on-demand shuttle service in the area. The AVs being tested are NIO ES8 SUVs equipped with the Mobileye Drive autonomous driving system, also slated to feature in the upcoming Verve robotaxi project in Zagreb, Croatia, backed by Rimac. These vehicles are outfitted with radar and lidar sensors, capable…

Fiat has significantly reduced prices for its Fiat 500e lineup in the UK, making electric mobility more accessible with a new base price of £21,995. The Fiat 500e Convertible also benefits from a price cut, now starting at £24,995 for the base configuration. “The new pricing makes the Fiat 500e one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK,” a Fiat spokesperson stated. The retro-styled electric vehicle now nearly matches the upcoming Citroën ë-C3, set to debut with a base price of £21,990 by late 2024. The summer update also introduces two new color options: Acid Green and Celestial…

Toyota is gearing up to introduce its first electric vehicle equipped with an advanced autonomous driving system akin to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology in the Chinese market next year, announced one of its joint ventures in China. In collaboration with state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), the joint venture aims to bolster Toyota’s market presence in China by closing the technological gap with local competitors in hybrids, batteries, and intelligent vehicles. See also: Toyota’s GAC Venture in China Adopts Momenta’s Smart Driving Solution for bZ3X At an event in Guangzhou, GAC Toyota unveiled ambitious plans, including the launch of the Bozhi 3X…

Castrol, a subsidiary of BP, announced a strategic investment of up to US $50 million in Gogoro, a Taiwanese leader in electric two-wheelers and battery swapping technology, marking its entry into the electric vehicle sector. The investment underscores Castrol’s commitment to advancing mobility solutions through innovation and sustainability. Gogoro, renowned for its Gogoro Network supporting nearly 600,000 riders and over 1.3 million batteries across 12,000 swapping stations worldwide, will benefit significantly from this partnership. See also: Gogoro Launches Battery-Swapping Electric Scooters in Colombia “Gogoro’s proven battery swapping platform and smart electric vehicles have transformed urban mobility,” said Horace Luke, Founder and…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker announced on Friday that it is recalling more than 12,000 Ocean SUVs due to a problem with exterior door handles that may stick and fail to open, marking its third recall in June. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched four investigations into various issues related to the Ocean SUV, positioned as a competitor to Tesla’s popular Model Y crossover. See also: Fisker Electric Vehicle Startup Faces Liquidation Amid Creditor Dispute “A door that fails to open can prevent occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury,” stated the NHTSA, emphasizing…

Togg, the Turkish automaker, announced plans to commence pre-orders for its T10X electric SUV in Europe by year-end, marking a strategic move to expand beyond its domestic market. Germany, where Togg established a local subsidiary in 2021, will be among the initial international markets targeted. Speaking on the anticipated European debut, Togg CEO Gürcan Karakaş highlighted the company’s ambition, stating, “We plan to launch the T10X in Germany this autumn,” while refraining from discussing specific pricing details. See also: Turkey’s President Takes Delivery of First Togg T10X SUV, Kicking Off Domestic EV Production The Togg T10X is poised to compete with…

ENSO, a pioneering electric vehicle (EV) tire technology company, has unveiled its ambitious $500 million initiative to establish the first carbon-neutral tire factory in the United States. The factory, slated for construction in potential locations including Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Georgia, aims to set a new standard in sustainable manufacturing practices. The facility will employ carbon-neutral raw materials and building materials, powered entirely by renewable energy sources. By 2027, ENSO anticipates producing 5 million EV tires annually, a figure projected to scale up to 20 million tires, representing 8% of the total annual tire market in the US and generating…

EHang Holdings has clinched a substantial deal to supply 300 of its pilotless flying vehicles to Wencheng County Transportation Development Group Co. in China. The agreement includes an initial purchase of 30 EH216-S models, with a significant deposit already paid, and a commitment for an additional 270 electric aerial vehicles (EAVs) by the end of 2026, backed by a non-refundable deposit. In conjunction with the procurement agreement, EHang has forged a cooperation pact with the Wencheng County government in Zhejiang Province. Together, they aim to develop urban air mobility (UAM) initiatives and establish a supportive public service ecosystem. See also: Ehang…

Gardner Nichols, Rivian’s Senior Performance Test Engineer, achieved a remarkable feat at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, piloting the 1025 hp second-generation quad-motor Rivian R1T to a record-breaking time of 10:53.883. This run not only surpassed Nichols’ previous record by 30 seconds but also established a new benchmark for production trucks at Pikes Peak. Nichols’ exceptional performance highlighted the R1T’s capabilities, despite its substantial weight, making it a standout competitor in the challenging hill climb. See also: Rivian Unveils 2025 R1T Pickup and R1S SUV Refresh with Up to 420 Miles of EPA Range https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1804235497059029399 Rivian commemorated the achievement…

Hyundai is gearing up to expand its electric vehicle (EV) line-up in India with the launch of four new models. The company plans to commence its EV offensive in the country early next year. As Hyundai prepares for what could potentially be India’s biggest IPO this year, valued at an estimated $2.5-3 billion, the company has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The DRHP reveals that four EVs are in the pipeline as part of Hyundai’s plans. See also: Hyundai Motor Company Files for $3 Billion IPO in India The first…

Fast-charging operator Atlante, in partnership with property company Groupe Duval, has announced plans to equip 130 locations with fast and ultra-fast charging stations in France. This expansion will see a total of 1,200 charging points installed, adding to the existing network established through their collaboration. The partnership between Groupe Duval and Atlante began in April 2023 with the signing of a contract for 188 fast-charging stations. Approximately 30 of these charging points are already operational in Groupe Duval properties hosting major retail chains. See also: Atlante Secures Major Deal with ASPI to Expand High-Power Charging Network in Italy Stefano Terranova, CEO…