Author: Joshua Morris

Nikola Corp (NKLA) has witnessed a substantial decrease in its shares after the company revealed a leadership transition, with CEO Michael Lohscheller departing from his position immediately. Lohscheller, who joined Nikola as president in February 2022 and took over as CEO in August of the same year, has decided to step down due to a family health matter, and will be returning to Europe. However, he will continue to serve as an adviser to Nikola until the end of September to ensure a smooth transition. In the wake of Lohscheller’s departure, the board has named Steve Girsky, who has been…

WattEV, a provider of zero-emission trucks-as-a-service in the USA, has been awarded two separate grants amounting to $40.5 million for the development of electric truck charging depots along the Interstate 5 highway, which spans the country’s West Coast. The grants are expected to facilitate the expansion of WattEV’s electric truck stops into Northern California and Oregon. This comes after the recent inauguration of an electric truck charging depot in the Port of Long Beach, California. With the new funding, the company plans to construct a solar-powered truck charging depot across Interstate 5, adjacent to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and another…

In an unexpected turn of events, BYD’s Atto 3 electric SUV claimed the title of the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in Sweden last month, surpassing well-known contenders like Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo models, and Tesla Model Y. The Chinese EV manufacturer’s sales continue to surge both in domestic and overseas markets, buoyed by the increasing demand for practical and budget-friendly electric vehicles. In July, BYD achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a new monthly sales record for the third consecutive month, selling over 262,000 new energy vehicles. This impressive figure includes 134,783 all-electric vehicles, showcasing a remarkable 66% growth compared to…

Honda has chosen Vitesco Technologies’ EMR3 integrated final drive for its latest electric SUV model, the e:Ny1, being marketed in Europe. This marks the eighth order for the EMR3, which offers a 3-in-1 solution by integrating power electronics, a drive unit, and a reduction gearbox into a single unit. The EMR3 provides the e:Ny1 with a peak power of 150 kW and a torque of 310 Nm while weighing only 76 kilograms. The EMR3 represents the third generation of Vitesco’s integrated axle drives, specifically tailored as a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) with a permanent magnet. In contrast, Vitesco’s newer…

Three Tesla owners in California filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against the automaker on Wednesday, accusing Tesla of falsely advertising the estimated driving ranges of its electric vehicles. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, refers to a recent Reuters article that reported on Tesla’s alleged creation of a “Diversion Team” in Nevada to cancel range-related appointments after receiving numerous owner complaints. According to the same Reuters report, around a decade ago, Tesla developed algorithms for its in-dash range meter that presented drivers with optimistic projections for the distance their vehicles could travel…

In a legal battle spanning three years, Tesla and Rivian are now set to face off in court over allegations of trade secret theft. Tesla had filed a lawsuit against Rivian in 2020, accusing the electric vehicle (EV) startup of hiring former Tesla employees who allegedly brought sensitive trade secrets to their new workplace. Rivian has consistently denied these allegations. Initially, the specifics of the purported stolen trade secrets were not explicitly disclosed when Tesla filed the lawsuit. The employees at the center of the controversy included two recruiters, an EHS manager, and a manager of Tesla’s charging networks, all…

Chevrolet is gearing up to launch its all-new, all-electric Chevrolet Blazer, offering three distinct trim levels with varying features and price points. The first production units of the Blazer RS AWD are already in production and are expected to arrive at dealerships in August, priced at an MSRP of $60,215. This trim boasts an impressive range of 279 miles (449 km) on a full charge. While the RS RWD and 2LT AWD versions will follow with production and deliveries scheduled for a later date, Chevrolet has not specified exact timelines. The RS RWD comes with an MSRP of $61,790 and…

In a recent announcement, Mazda North American Operations has confirmed that it will be discontinuing the all-electric MX-30 model for the United States market after the 2023 model year. This decision comes as a result of underwhelming sales performance since its introduction in September 2021. The MX-30 was only available in California and was produced in limited quantities, with a cumulative total of just 571 units sold over two years. The lackluster sales figures paint a challenging picture for the MX-30, with a mere 51 units sold in the second quarter of 2023, representing a decline of 35 percent year-over-year.…

Renault has officially announced that production of its pioneering electric car, the Zoe, will come to an end on March 30, 2024. While the decision was expected due to the absence of plans for a new Zoe generation, the company has now set a definitive date for the conclusion of production at the Flins plant. Having paved the way for electric mobility, the Zoe will now make room for an exciting new generation of Renault electric cars, with the upcoming launch of the electric Renault 5 and the innovative Mobilize Duo. The Zoe, known as an electric Renault pioneer, has…

In a recent development, the Water Management Department of the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment (LfU) has decided against allowing Tesla to build its planned battery factory in Grünheide, Brandenburg. The expansion plans were set to include an increase in battery storage production capacity from the current 50 to 100 gigawatt-hours per year, alongside a doubling of electric car production capacity. The Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment had initiated public participation in the approval process for the Tesla factory expansion just a few days ago, during which it became known that the carmaker intended to include “cell production in…

Mercedes-Benz Vans has recently introduced a comprehensive facelift for its mid-sized series, catering to both private and commercial users. This refresh includes the renowned all-electric models, the EQV, and eVito, in addition to other variants. While the focus remains on exterior and interior design updates, the company has also prioritized comfort, safety, and functionality improvements. One significant aspect of this development is that there are no changes to the existing drive systems. The brand aims to bridge the gap towards a fully electric future, having already launched the third generation of the V-Class (internally known as the 447 series) in…

Honda, the Japanese automaker, has decided against producing a successor to its mass-market all-electric vehicle, the Honda E. This decision comes in response to a shrinking market for compact city hatchbacks, as customers increasingly gravitate towards SUVs. Introduced in 2020 across several markets, except the United States, the Honda E features a power output of up to 113 kilowatts (152 horsepower) and 232 pound-feet (315 Newton-meters) of torque, with power delivered to the rear wheels through a single-speed permanent magnet motor. The Honda E boasts retro styling inspired by the first-generation Civic and showcases innovative digital side mirrors that display…