Author: Andy Williams

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,…

Hyundai Mobis has introduced the Mobion concept at CES, offering a fresh perspective on electric mobility beyond the conventional notions of forward and reverse. The concept, based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, boasts a distinctive design featuring new bumpers and lighting units designed not only for aesthetics but also to convey information to pedestrians and other drivers. See also: Hyundai Partners with Samsung to Enhance Connected Services, Aiding EV Owners in Time and Cost Savings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hqv_75LcRg The innovative lighting system includes rear lights that can alert fellow road users to the presence of pedestrians in a crosswalk, enhancing safety. Furthermore,…

The updated Tesla Model 3, internally known as Highland, is now open for orders in North America, five months after its debut in Europe and other global markets. Similar to its European counterpart, the American Model 3 is offered with two powertrain options. The base Rear-Wheel Drive, starting at $38,990, boasts an EPA-estimated range of 272 miles. Meanwhile, the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range, priced at $45,990, extends the range to 341 miles. See also: Tesla’s Model 3 Retains Top Spot in US Used EV Sales, Model Y Follows https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1744942347530698794 While the online configurator currently lacks a Performance trim,…

Google has revealed several updates for Android Auto and vehicles equipped with built-in Google features during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Among the enhancements, electric vehicles (EVs) utilizing Android Auto will soon have the ability to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This feature, set to debut in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, will offer benefits such as estimating the battery level upon arrival, suggesting charging stops, and providing charging duration estimates based on the vehicle. See also: Honda Prologue Electric Crossover to Feature Google Integration for Enhanced Connectivity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbDQQQP6C0 The Chrome browser, part of a host…

After Tesla’s decision to exclusively offer the Cybertruck with an exposed stainless steel finish sparked controversy, aftermarket firms are stepping in to provide various exterior wrapping alternatives for the all-electric pickup. T Sportline, a notable player in the aftermarket scene, recently showcased a Cybertruck wrapped in gloss black by wrap manufacturer Inozetek, marking the first instance of such a finish on Tesla’s distinctive pickup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksidn9amKSU The gloss black wrap, captured on video, presents a visually striking result, resembling high-quality gloss black paint with an impressive mirror-like shine. This customization option not only enhances the Cybertruck’s appearance but also potentially conceals…