Author: Andy Williams

GM is recalling certain 2024 Chevy Silverado EV models due to a defect that could cause the second-row seatbelt to tear in a crash. The recall affects 352 electric Chevy pickups, which were built between February 23, 2023, and November 14, 2023. The issue was identified when a GM engineer noticed incorrect seatbelt bezels being sent to the Silverado assembly line. Upon investigation, GM found that the wrong part had been installed in some vehicles, potentially compromising safety. GM’s Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) program flagged the problem on November 12, 2023. Subsequently, on February 1, 2024, GM’s SFADA issued…

Nikola has appointed Carla Tully, an experienced energy and infrastructure professional, to its Board of Directors. With a background spanning Fortune 150 companies, private equity, startups, and government entities, Tully brings extensive leadership and scaling experience to the role. Currently serving as Vice Chair of Earthrise Energy’s Board of Directors and as a Board Director for Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum, Tully is well-positioned to contribute to Nikola’s growth. She is also an advisor to several energy transition startups. See also: Nikola Corporation Rejects Director Nominees Backed by Trevor Milton Steve Shindler, Chairman of Nikola’s Board of Directors, highlighted Tully’s…

The Chinese automotive invasion of Europe continues with the imminent arrival of the Seres 3 in the United Kingdom this spring. IA Electric Vehicles will be the distributor for the crossover, which is expected to be priced from £29,995, undercutting competitors such as the £30,195 BYD Dolphin and the £30,495 MG ZS, as well as several EVs from European brands. IA Electric Vehicles has provided limited details about the Seres 3 but has confirmed that the entry-level Active trim will come generously equipped with features such as a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition, air conditioning, leather-style seats, and…

The Hyundai and Kia Group is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, with plans for new models based on the successful e-GMP platform and insights into the development of next-generation vehicles, purportedly revealed through a leaked union production schedule. Kia’s upcoming lineup will kick off with a high-performance successor to the Stinger, internally dubbed GT1 and tentatively named the EV8, although final naming remains unconfirmed. See also: Hyundai and Kia Test “Active Air Skirt” for EVs to Enhance Range and Aerodynamic Performance Expected to be built on the group’s next-generation EV architecture, Hyundai had previously previewed the platform as the Integrated…

German automotive supplier ZF has announced plans to invest 460 million euros into its plant located in Gray Court, South Carolina, USA. The investment aims to facilitate the production of automatic transmissions tailored for electrified drives in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Following the conversion, ZF’s Gray Court facility will become the first North American location capable of manufacturing both conventional and electrified drive systems. This expansion is projected to generate approximately 400 new employment opportunities. See also: ZF Introduces Innovative Electrified Trailer Solution in Collaboration with Leading Partners Among the new product lines to be manufactured at the…

Tesla has unveiled its first major software update for the Cybertruck, aimed at refining various aspects of the electric pickup truck’s performance, handling, and charging capabilities. Despite commencing deliveries several months ago, Tesla has faced criticism for the Cybertruck’s incomplete software, particularly regarding the absence of certain Autopilot features. See also: 25% of Cybertruck Buyers Opt for Range-Extending Battery Pack The latest software update, labeled 2024.2.3, represents a significant step forward in addressing these concerns. According to the release notes provided by Tesla, the update introduces notable improvements to handling and charging functionalities. https://www.reddit.com/r/cybertruck/comments/1alfbop/software_update_202423_with_release_notes/ In terms of handling enhancements, Tesla…

Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Alphabet, reported that one of its autonomous cars collided with a cyclist in San Francisco on Tuesday. Fortunately, the cyclist sustained only minor scratches and left the scene independently, the company stated via email. According to Waymo, the incident occurred at a four-way intersection where its vehicle was at a complete stop. As a large truck turned into the intersection, the Waymo car proceeded forward when it was its turn. However, the cyclist, who was behind the truck and not visible, crossed into the path of the Waymo vehicle. Despite the vehicle braking heavily…

A popular YouTuber, known for destructive testing of electronics, recently subjected the Tesla Cybertruck to rigorous testing to assess the durability of its windows, following a memorable mishap during its initial presentation. In 2019, during a Tesla Cybertruck presentation, CEO Elon Musk faced an embarrassing moment when the vehicle’s supposedly “armored” glass shattered under the impact of steel balls during an endurance test. The incident, witnessed by a large audience, drew attention to the truck’s vulnerability. See also: After 10,000 Miles: Unveiling the Tesla Cybertruck – In-Depth Analysis of Range, Charging, and More TechRax, renowned for his rigorous testing methods…

Italy’s government has revealed the key components of the 2024 eco-bonus, primarily targeting low-income households with older vehicles. The budget for this initiative amounts to €950 million by year-end, with subsidies extended to the purchase of “vehicles with low pollutant emissions,” including combustion engines. The funding allocation includes €793 million for cars, €35 million for mopeds and motorbikes, €53 million for light commercial vehicles, €20 million for used cars, and €50 million for a long-term rental program. Notably, out of the €793 million earmarked for cars, only €240 million will be directed toward purely electric vehicles, with an additional €150…

Chinese automaker Seres disclosed on Thursday a substantial 654% year-on-year surge in sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) for the month of January, attributing the impressive growth primarily to the success of its AITO-branded vehicles. Seres achieved sales of 36,838 NEVs last month, with a noteworthy 32,973 units featuring the AITO marque, a collaboration between the Chongqing-based automaker and Chinese technology giant Huawei. The newly introduced AITO M7 emerged as a significant contributor to the marque’s overall deliveries, surpassing 30,000 units in monthly sales for the first time. Seres revealed that it has received an impressive 140,000 orders for the…

Renowned tech reviewer and personality, Marques Brownlee, commonly known as MKBHD, recently conducted a comprehensive review of Tesla’s updated Model 3 sedan, sparking comparisons with the flagship Model S. The refreshed Model 3, which commenced deliveries in the United States recently after being available in China, Europe, and the Middle East, signifies a notable design update for Tesla. Since its debut in 2017, the Model 3 had only undergone a minor refresh, primarily eliminating chrome elements and introducing a new center console. See also: Tesla Model 3 Highland Faces Rigorous Nürburgring Test as YouTubers Push Its Limits https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/1753233506556059925 While the…

Polestar has temporarily closed its online configurator for new custom Polestar 2 orders, citing exceptionally high demand for its popular electric vehicle. Despite a 6% increase in sales in 2023, Polestar faced challenges in the fourth quarter, marked by a decline compared to the third quarter, even with the introduction of the new Polestar 4 model. Complicating matters further, Polestar received a setback as Volvo, its original parent company, decided to end its association with the brand, leaving Polestar’s fate in the hands of its remaining partner, Geely, and Polestar itself. See also: Polestar Boosts Performance: 2024 Polestar 2 Offers…

Tesla has initiated its largest voluntary recall to date, involving nearly all of the 2.2 million vehicles it has sold in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prompted the recall during a routine compliance audit, revealing a minor violation related to the font size of visual warning indicators. The NHTSA found that the font size of the “visual warning indicators is smaller than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch),” a discrepancy that allegedly “could reduce the driver’s detection of it when illuminated, increasing the risk of a collision,” according to the recall document. While the issue seems trivial,…

Czech automaker MW Motors has unveiled its latest foray into the electric vehicle market with the Spartan EV 2.0, representing the company’s second electromod build. Departing from its inaugural edition based on the Russian UAZ Hunter, the Spartan EV 2.0 takes the Force Gurkha 4×4 from India and undergoes a comprehensive transformation, replacing the traditional combustion engine with a robust fully electric powertrain. Designed and homologated as a light commercial vehicle (LCV), the Spartan EV 2.0 is strategically positioned to cater to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, forestry, extreme sports, mining, and nature conservation. Externally, the Spartan EV…

GAC Aion, the electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of GAC Group, has commenced the construction of its first overseas production facility in Thailand. The plant, situated in Rayong province within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), broke ground on January 26, with an anticipated investment of THB 2.3 billion ($65 million). The facility, designed for an annual capacity of 50,000 units, will be constructed in two phases, with the initial phase slated for completion in July 2024. See also: Horizon Robotics and GAC AION Sign Strategic Partnership to Develop Driving Assistance Products The inaugural model set to roll off the production line…

BYD has officially revealed the first images of its upcoming Yuan Up SUV, expanding its popular Yuan family. The A0-segment SUV, part of BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, showcases compact dimensions while embracing the distinctive styling of a traditional SUV. BYD initiated the preview of the Yuan Up on January 23, positioning it as the inaugural A0-segment SUV on the e-Platform 3.0. This platform, introduced at the Shanghai auto show in April 2021, saw its first model, the BYD Dolphin, hit the market on August 29, 2021. See also: BYD Upgrades Tang Electric SUV with Larger Battery for European Market, Aiming to…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker is set to expand its market presence significantly in the United States, Canada, and Europe through a substantial increase in its dealership network. The company recently announced a dealer partnership model in North America and a hybrid model in Europe, combining direct sales to consumers with dealer arrangements. Over 100 dealers have expressed interest in selling Fisker models, and the company plans to host these potential partners at its headquarters in Manhattan Beach. See also: Fisker Adopts Dealer Partnership Model in Response to Evolving EV Market Dynamics Fisker’s chairman and chief executive, Henrik Fisker, along with…

Owners of Tesla’s Cybertruck are exploring the practicalities of daily use, with one resident in Austin, Texas, putting the electric pickup’s towing capabilities to the test. The Cybertruck, with a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, rivals its gas-powered counterparts, albeit with considerations for range limitations and charging infrastructure. In a recent experiment, a Tesla owner named Ben towed a Tesla Model Y on a UHaul trailer, totaling around 6,600 pounds, from a gas station north of Austin to a Tesla Supercharger station approximately 55 miles away. Notably, the Cybertruck automatically adjusted its range estimate upon detecting the trailer,…

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has recently announced an expansion of its leasing program, now offering customers the option to lease its flagship SUV, the R1S. This development follows the introduction of leasing for Rivian’s R1T pickup truck in November 2023. Although the R1S and R1T models have been available for purchase since 2021, leasing options have only recently become accessible to consumers. Rivian’s leasing program, initially launched with the R1T, has now been officially extended to include the R1S SUV. See also: Rivian Officially Launches Electric Vehicle Leasing Program in 14 U.S. States However, Rivian’s leasing program is subject to…

German automaker BMW is steering towards a significant transition to electric vehicle (EV) production, announcing the cessation of gas-powered vehicle manufacturing at its Munich plant. The company plans to invest €650 million in updating the factory, incorporating four new buildings, including a dedicated EV assembly line. Starting in 2026, BMW intends to commence production of the Neue Klasse, exclusively dedicated to electric vehicles, at the Munich plant. By the conclusion of 2027, the facility is slated to become the sole producer of all-electric vehicles, marking it as the company’s “parent plant.” See also: BMW Achieves Record-breaking Annual Sales in 2023,…