Author: Joshua Morris

At the 2023 IAA Munich, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius made a significant revelation, confirming the development of a smaller version of the iconic G-Class SUV. While unveiling the Concept CLA Class, Källenius unveiled a design sketch of the upcoming “Little G” – a fully electric, downsized off-roader. The Swedish executive refrained from specifying a release date for the compact G-Class, but considering the current stage of development with only a design sketch available, it is expected to be at least a couple of years before it hits the market. Källenius acknowledged the challenges associated with creating a smaller iteration of…

In a surprising twist, Porsche is reportedly eyeing Germany as the location for its large battery cell factory, contrary to recent rumors suggesting a North American destination. According to local reports, the German automaker is actively considering a site in Brandenburg, a region notable for hosting Tesla’s Gigafactory, and in close proximity to a significant partner. Citing insider sources within politics and the regional business community, local newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau revealed that a “well-known name in the car industry” has shown substantial interest in establishing operations on the Schwarzheide/Schipkau airfield in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district of Brandenburg. Porsche, along with its…

Mercedes-Benz has showcased its Concept CLA-Class at the IAA 2023 event in Munich, offering an enticing glimpse into the company’s electric-first compact car platform. Based on the innovative Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), this concept vehicle combines striking design with sustainable interior materials and an impressive estimated range of 466 miles on the optimistic WLTP scale. Details about the powertrain and battery remain somewhat elusive, but Mercedes asserts that the Concept CLA draws inspiration from the Vision EQXX concept for both its electric motors and the expansive Superscreen infotainment system that spans the dashboard. The Concept CLA maintains the signature “four-door…

Xpeng has announced a significant resurgence in vehicle deliveries for the month of August, marking a remarkable turnaround in sales performance. According to data released by the company, Xpeng delivered a total of 13,690 vehicles in August 2023, representing the highest monthly delivery figure since June 2022 when the company achieved a total of 15,295 units. This robust performance signifies a year-on-year increase of 42.93 percent and a substantial 24.36 percent rise compared to July, marking the seventh consecutive month of sequential growth. The Xpeng G6, a key model in the company’s lineup, played a pivotal role in this resurgence,…

The landscape of for-sport electric bicycles is witnessing a notable evolution, as manufacturers prioritize a blend of motor power reduction and enhanced riding dynamics. Recent developments in e-bike motors, exemplified by offerings like the Bosch Performance Line SX, TQ Harmonic Pin Ring System, and Mahle X20, underscore this trend. High-end e-bikes tailored for spirited riding are embracing these innovations with fervor. A noteworthy exemplar of this trend is the freshly unveiled 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost X20, a featherweight electric gravel bike hailing from the renowned Italian bicycle manufacturer, 3T. The ethos behind this creation lies in delivering an unadulterated cycling…

In a recent live-streamed event, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk test drove a Model S equipped with the highly anticipated Full-Self Driving (FSD) Version 12 suite. However, Musk’s decision to film the test drive from the driver’s seat sparked criticism, as it seemingly violated California regulations. The live-stream, conducted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), drew attention not only for the demonstration of the AI-powered FSD V12 system but also for the unconventional setting. As the Model S navigated the streets of Palo Alto with semi-autonomous capabilities, Musk and Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s head of autopilot, shared insights about the technology. See…

In the midst of the growing popularity of semi-autonomous driver aid systems, concerns have arisen over their potential to allow drivers to divert their attention from the road. A recent online post suggests that Rivian, a player in the electric vehicle market, might have found a solution to address such issues. Rivian’s Driver+ software is designed to alleviate the driver’s workload, provided they remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle when necessary. The software includes features like adaptive cruise control, automatic steering, and lane-change capabilities. However, under specific preset circumstances, the system prompts drivers to resume control…

Scout Motors, the emerging US electric car brand under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, has announced the appointment of Jan Spies as its Chief Production Officer. In this pivotal role, Spies will spearhead the production efforts for Scout’s forthcoming electric pickup truck and SUV. His tenure is set to commence at the onset of 2024. With production slated to take place at a state-of-the-art facility in South Carolina, the inaugural Scout electric vehicles are projected to roll off the assembly line starting late 2026. The company has initiated the process of recruiting its initial workforce to facilitate this ambitious…

Maersk, a leading logistics company, has unveiled plans to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet in India, targeting the growing demand for efficient last-mile distribution driven by the booming e-commerce sector. The recent announcement outlines the deployment of 500 compact EVs across 26 cities, catering to the diverse distribution requirements in the first, middle, and last segments of the supply chain. Currently operating 200 electric vehicles in 15 cities, Maersk aims to more than double this count by October 2023. The company’s existing fleet consists of a combination of electric tuktuks and small electric trucks, introduced in September 2022.…

Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, in collaboration with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), has unveiled the blueprint of the anticipated “Green Rides” program. This groundbreaking initiative, announced earlier this year, seeks to compel ride service giants such as Uber and Lyft to accelerate their shift towards electrification, ultimately phasing out conventional combustion-engine vehicles from their fleets by 2030. The ambitious proposal, originally introduced in January, is now taking solid form, aiming to bring a radical transformation to the city’s transportation landscape. As per the comprehensive plan, all ridesharing vehicles will be required to operate…

In a landmark move, Canoo, the pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer, has inked a subsidy agreement with the state of Oklahoma for its forthcoming vehicle and battery assembly plant. The deal promises a substantial sum of up to $113 million in state subsidies over a decade-long span. However, the financial injection is not without its prerequisites. The conditions outlined are diverse in nature, encompassing crucial benchmarks such as Canoo’s internal investments and the generation of employment opportunities. Conditional upon fulfilling these criteria, the state of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation have committed to extend their support. As part of their strategic…

In a recent conversation with British automotive outlet Autocar, Olivier François, the CEO of Fiat and Abarth, has shed light on the prospects of an electrifying addition to the Abarth portfolio – the Abarth 600e. While concrete details are yet to be disclosed, the mere notion of an Abarth-enhanced Fiat 600e has sent ripples of excitement through the industry. If speculations hold true, the performance-oriented offering could make its grand entrance into the market as early as 2025. François underscored the logical progression towards an Abarth version of the Fiat 600e, a sentiment that resonates with the brand’s dedication to…