Author: Joshua Morris

Toyota is reportedly exploring the possibility of entering the electric pickup market in the United States, with the Japanese automaker currently benchmarking competitors such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, indicating potential plans for development. In October, Toyota unveiled an electric truck concept roughly the size of the Ford Maverick at the Japan Mobility Show, hinting at its interest in the electric pickup segment. The company has allegedly been clandestinely developing its midsize Electric PickUp (EPU) for the past three years. See also: Toyota Teases Three-Row Battery Electric SUV for US Market The EPU concept, measuring 200 inches…

Seven months after seven major automotive OEMs announced plans to collaborate on a new electric vehicle (EV) charging network in North America, the joint venture, now known as IONNA, has officially obtained regulatory clearance to commence operations. Alongside this milestone, the venture has appointed its inaugural CEO, an individual well-versed in the EV charging sector. The summer of 2023 witnessed significant developments in the realm of electrification, particularly within the EV charging segment, as prominent players like Ford and GM pledged to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), catalyzing industry-wide momentum. In July of the same year, seven automotive…

The government of Cyprus has unveiled a comprehensive subsidy programme designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids while phasing out old combustion engine vehicles. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Transport Alexis Vafiadis, marks the implementation of the third electric vehicle subsidy scheme aimed at curbing emissions and pollution. Under the programme, a fund of 9,000 euros has been allocated for the procurement of new electric cars, with additional grants available for used vehicles. The subsidies are categorized based on vehicle type and intended use, catering to privately owned vehicles, taxis, minibuses, motorbikes, light vehicles, and…

The Austrian Post has successfully transitioned to CO2-free deliveries in Innsbruck, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts. Following the announcement made a year ago, the company has promptly implemented the switch, deploying 145 electric vehicles (EVs) across the city. In its endeavor to electrify its delivery fleet, the Austrian Post has acquired 70 new electric vehicles, complementing its existing EV fleet comprised of various manufacturer models. The lineup includes the Renault Kangoo Z.E., vans from Citroën, Opel, and Nissan, as well as larger vans such as the MAN eTGE and Mercedes eSprinter, offering up to eleven cubic meters…

US-based solar charging infrastructure manufacturer Paired Power has unveiled PairTree, a solar-powered canopy designed to facilitate off-grid charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Commercial rollout of PairTree began late last year, offering a convenient solution for EV charging that can be swiftly installed within approximately four hours. Its ballasted steel foundation is designed to seamlessly integrate into standard parking spaces. Notably, PairTree distinguishes itself through the utilization of bifacial solar panels, boasting 4.6 kW units that enhance energy yield by up to 15% compared to conventional panels. In practical terms, this performance is comparable to a 5.3 kW solar array. See…

Acer has introduced the upgraded Predator Extreme PES017 e-scooter, set to hit the markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in the coming months. Originally announced at the Taipei Cycle 2023 event in March 2023, the off-road model has undergone several enhancements, including a more powerful motor and extended range. Equipped with a 350W motor boasting 960W peak power and 40 Nm torque, the Extreme PES017 enables riders to tackle inclines of up to 18%. The scooter offers three speed modes, reaching speeds of up to 20 kph (~12 mph), 25 kph (~16 mph), or 32 kph (~20…

British telecommunications giant BT Group has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to repurpose its existing street cabinets into publicly accessible Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This initiative aims to address the challenge of ensuring EVs always have access to charging infrastructure. In a proactive move to promote widespread EV adoption, BT Group has already completed the first conversion of a telecom cabinet into an EV charger in East Lothian, Scotland. See also: BP Pulse Expands UK Charging Network with Plans for 200 Stations in Northern Ireland and London Hub The company intends to expand this initiative across Scotland, England, Wales,…

For the second consecutive year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has secured the title of Best Electric Vehicle for 2024, according to Cars.com. The recognition underscores the vehicle’s well-rounded features, competitive pricing, and impressive performance. Cars.com praised the Ioniq 5 for its spacious cabin, compact exterior dimensions, and avant-garde styling, noting its appeal to urban commuters. The AWD Limited model’s acceleration time of 4.72 seconds from 0-60 mph was highlighted as indicative of its commendable performance, along with its 350 kW DC fast charging capabilities, particularly useful for long-distance travel. See also: Hyundai’s Latest Ioniq 5 Concept Takes Maneuverability to the…

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast is poised to unveil its first right-hand drive EV models to the international market during its participation at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024 scheduled for Feb. 15 – 25. In a press release issued on Feb. 7, the company expressed its commitment to enhancing EV accessibility by introducing its offerings to a global audience. See also: VinFast Recalls 6,000 Electric Cars in Vietnam Due to Combination Switch Issue “VinFast is pleased to announce the official launch of its brand in the Indonesian market at IIMS 2024. We are dedicated to providing local…

Kia’s sixty-second Super Bowl commercial showcasing the EV9 has sparked concerns over potential dealer markups, with estimates suggesting the ad’s airtime could cost around $14 million. Following the commercial’s airing, scrutiny arose regarding dealer pricing, revealing instances of vehicles listed for several thousand dollars above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Notably, Koons Kia, with locations in Woodbridge, Virginia, and Owings Mills, Maryland, has been identified as one of the dealerships engaging in substantial markups. See also: Kia Introduces Guaranteed Future Value Program for EV6 and Kia EV9 to Address Falling Resale Prices At the Woodbridge location, a $77,110 EV9…

German automaker BMW has introduced the latest addition to its lineup, the new 5 Series Touring, which marks the debut of the i5 Touring as an all-electric model. The electric estate will be available in two variants right from the outset: the i5 eDrive40 Touring and the i5 M60 xDrive Touring. The performance specifications of these two i5 Touring variants mirror those of the existing i5 saloon. The i5 eDrive40 Touring features a 250 kW electric motor on the rear axle, while the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, positioned as the flagship model, offers a substantially higher power output of 442…

BYD continues its overseas expansion, emerging as a significant player in Japan’s electric vehicle (EV) imports, accounting for over 20% of the nation’s total last month. The growth of BYD’s presence in Japan comes at a time when the country is gradually transitioning to electric mobility, albeit lagging behind the global trend. Recent data from the Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA) reveals a notable increase in Japan’s total EV imports, reaching 1,186 units, representing an 11% uptick from the previous year. Among these imports, BYD contributed 217 electric cars, marking a remarkable achievement considering its recent entry into the Japanese…