Author: Joshua Morris

Hyundai’s senior VP for product planning, Olabisi Boyle, has expressed confidence in the company’s strategy for future vehicles, despite the recently announced EPA emissions regulations described as the most aggressive ever imposed in the country. Boyle stated that Hyundai is content with its mix of electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles for the American market, emphasizing a “dual-pronged” approach that offers a “diversity of offerings” for all consumers. The EPA’s new regulations aim for a nearly 50 percent decrease in fleet-wide CO2 emissions for passenger vehicles by 2032, with an expectation that 30 to 56 percent of vehicles will…

Ehang, a Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer, has inaugurated its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) center in Japan, located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, as part of its efforts to expand operations in the region. The new facility, announced by Ehang, will serve as a local demonstration flight site, providing ground infrastructure and maintenance services for Ehang’s eVTOLs, including the EH216-S model. During a demonstration flight at the site, the EH216-S showcased its capabilities in aerial sightseeing, marking its first flight in Japan’s Kanto region. The establishment of the UAM center is a result of Ehang’s strategic partnership…

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have achieved a new milestone in wireless charging technology by wirelessly charging a light-duty passenger electric vehicle (EV) at 100 kW with 96% efficiency. The team at ORNL, funded by the US Department of Energy, utilized polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils with rotating magnetic fields to wirelessly charge the EV. This patented system transferred power to a Hyundai Kona EV across a five-inch air gap using electromagnetic fields, a process similar to wireless charging of small consumer devices. Omer Onar, a researcher at ORNL, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “We’ve achieved the…

The US Treasury Department has released updated guidance on the eligibility criteria for claiming the EV charger tax credit, providing crucial information for individuals and businesses as tax season approaches. When the Inflation Reduction Act was enacted in August 2022, it introduced a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of qualified EV charging “property.” This modification eliminated the previous per-site limitation and now applies on a per-charger basis, significantly expanding the potential benefits for EV infrastructure development. See also: U.S. Retailers Could Boost EV Adoption with More Charging Stations  Under the new guidance, individuals claiming the tax credit…

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially acknowledged its efforts to address compatibility challenges at its Supercharger stations. With the recent decision to open Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs, starting with Ford models, Tesla faces a new dilemma regarding the varying charge port locations of different electric vehicles. The core issue lies in the design of Tesla’s Supercharger stalls, which were originally tailored to accommodate Tesla vehicles, all of which feature charge ports located at the back of the driver’s side. This uniformity allowed for seamless charging experiences at Supercharger stations, which were exclusive to Tesla vehicles in North…

FLO, an EV charging network operator, has unveiled its latest innovation to streamline the charging experience: the EZLift DC fast-charging cable management system. This system aims to eliminate the challenges associated with handling heavy and cumbersome fast-charging cables. The EZLift system utilizes a patent-pending motorized mechanism to assist with the extension and retraction of fast-charging cables. Nathan Yang, FLO’s chief product officer, highlighted the system’s benefits, stating, “This system enables users from a wider range of ages, strengths, and sizes to manage heavy fast charging cables more easily.” Integrated within the DC fast charger’s sealed canopies, the EZLift system automates…

Human Horizons’ HiPhi brand has vehemently denied allegations of trade secret infringement made by Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc against it and its founder, Ding Lei. In a statement issued today, HiPhi stated, “The company and Mr. Ding Lei do not have any plagiarism, infringement of FF’s trade secrets, intellectual property rights, or unfair competition.” See also: Faraday Future Sues HiPhi Founder Ding Lei for Alleged Trade Secret Infringement Earlier, California-based Faraday Future announced that it is suing Ding and his company for alleged trade secret infringement and unfair competition. Faraday Future is seeking monetary damages and requesting the court to…

Hyena has introduced its latest offering, the UniDrive 70 mid-drive unit, signaling a significant addition to its product lineup. Unlike competitors who focus solely on individual components, hyena continues its tradition of providing comprehensive e-bike systems, encompassing the motor, batteries, and other essential components. The e-bike market is expansive and varied, with a multitude of motor and battery manufacturers catering to different segments. hyena distinguishes itself by targeting bicycle manufacturers, positioning itself as a key supplier in the industry. See also: Husqvarna Grand Pather 6 Electric Bike Offers Versatile Urban Commuting and Off-Road Adventure The UniDrive 70 is designed with versatility…

Electric vehicle maker Fisker revealed on Thursday a 15% reduction in its workforce, citing concerns that its current resources may not be enough to cover the next 12 months. Following the announcement, Fisker’s stock price tumbled 37% after trading hours. In a press release, Fisker stated the need to secure additional equity or debt financing to sustain its operations. Without such financing, the company indicated that it might have to scale back operations, including further staff reductions and decreased production of its Ocean electric SUV. See also: Fisker’s Q4 Revenue Misses Estimates, Warns of Going Concern Status Fisker emphasized the uncertainty…

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Thursday that it has reached a settlement with Lordstown Motors Corp, resolving charges that the electric vehicle manufacturer misled investors regarding the sales prospects of its flagship truck, the Endurance. The SEC stated that Lordstown, which filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and its former Chairman and CEO Steve Burns, misrepresented the company’s plans to develop the first full-size electric pickup. The regulator alleged that the company exaggerated demand, claiming 100,000 pre-orders for the truck, and misrepresented the timeline for delivering the Endurance. Lordstown, founded by Burns in 2019, went public through…

Lucid Motors has introduced a new feature called Creature Comfort Mode for pet owners, akin to Tesla’s Dog Mode, which is now available on all Lucid Air electric sedans through a software update. Designed with pet safety and comfort in mind, Creature Comfort Mode allows owners to set and maintain the vehicle’s temperature while they are away. To activate the feature, Lucid owners can simply press the paw-themed Creature Comfort Mode icon on the Pilot Panel touchscreen. See also: Lucid Motors Introduces Affordable Entry-Level Model to European Market When activated, a message displayed on the vehicle’s 34″ Cockpit display informs passersby…

The DiLiRec project, a novel recycling initiative led by researchers from nine institutions and companies, is pioneering processes for the recovery of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the first time. Coordinated by EAS Batteries in Thuringia, Germany, the project is set to transform the recycling landscape. Over the next three years, the DiLiRec research network will focus on sorting, dismantling, and stripping LFP batteries to enable efficient recycling. Automated and digitalized processes will support the separation of the active mass, with a focus on large-format round cells from EAS Batteries, which offer high recycling potential due to their design…