Author: Andy Williams

Details surrounding Toyota’s innovative manual transmission simulation for electric vehicles have emerged through a recently disclosed patent application, shedding light on the potential sophistication of the system. The patent outlines Toyota’s development of an alibi gearbox capable of simulating up to 14 gears, providing electric car drivers with a pseudo-realistic manual shifting experience. Initial rumors about Toyota’s venture into creating a manual transmission simulation for electric cars surfaced in February 2022. The concept involves integrating a gearshift and a clutch pedal to mimic the tactile sensation of manual gear changes, with the actual shifts being executed solely through onboard electronics.…

Chinese battery manufacturer Farasis Energy introduced its Super Pouch Solution (SPS) for electric cars at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). The SPS system utilizes semi-solid pouch cells directly integrated into the vehicle chassis, providing an energy density exceeding 220 Wh/kg. While the specific test cycle for the claimed ranges of over 1,000 kilometers is not specified, the system is designed for capacities ranging from 80 to 150 kWh, dependent on the thickness of the horizontal pouch cells, ranging from 85 to 145 millimeters. See also: Farasis Energy and Togg Embark on Joint Venture to Construct Battery Cell Factory…

The Tesla Model Y has achieved the noteworthy distinction of becoming the second most registered new vehicle in the United States, according to data from the first nine months of the year. While not surpassing the perennial leader, the Ford F-150 pickup truck, the Model Y’s surge places it ahead of all other new vehicles, maintaining a close competition with the long-standing best-selling vehicle in the US. The sales data for the initial three quarters of the year reveals the dominance of Tesla, with both the Model Y and the Tesla Model 3 securing positions in the top ten for…

Tesla’s Cybertruck, known for its angular design and stainless-steel exoskeleton, is causing safety experts to express concerns about potential harm to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road. Reuters interviewed six safety professors and officials who reviewed crash test videos conducted by Tesla during a webcast delivery event. While the videos were widely discussed on social media, experts emphasized the need for detailed crash-test data to form conclusive opinions on safety. Adrian Lund, former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighted potential issues with the stiff stainless-steel exterior, suggesting that it could cause more damage to…

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, has achieved a significant milestone in China’s booming electric vehicle (EV) market, with its all-electric GV60 winning the coveted “2024 SUV of the Year” award. The accolade was bestowed upon the GV60 at the Car of the Year awards in China, where over 40 journalists, including the editor-in-chief of major auto publications, served as judges, evaluating 80 different models. The GV60, launched in 2021, has been a recipient of multiple awards, including the German Premium Car of the Year in 2023. Its latest triumph in China underscores its appeal and recognition in the world’s largest EV…

South Korean automaker Hyundai has provided a glimpse of the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup, a track-specific variant of its high-performance Ioniq 5 N electric vehicle. Unveiled during the Hyundai N Festival in Seoul, the racecar boasts a distinct body kit, enhanced chassis dynamics, and reduced weight compared to the standard road version. The exterior modifications include a more pronounced bumper with enlarged intakes, canards, and an updated splitter. Wider fenders are apparent in the profile, accompanied by a fixed rear spoiler and an imposing rear diffuser. Internally, the racecar will incorporate an FIA-approved roll cage for enhanced safety. Notably, the…

Ford has initiated a collaborative effort, termed the “EV-Home Power Partnership,” with Resideo Technologies, aiming to investigate potential monthly electricity savings for F-150 Lightning owners. This unique venture, touted as a first-of-its-kind collaboration, intends to optimize energy consumption by integrating the powerful battery of the F-150 Lightning with Resideo’s smart thermostat technology. While the F-150 Lightning already incorporates Intelligent Backup Power, the collaboration seeks to leverage Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities to further refine energy efficiency for homeowners. The “EV-Home Power Partnership” will utilize Resideo’s smart thermostat to manage home heating and cooling systems using stored energy from the F-150 Lightning’s battery…

Luxembourg-based bus operator Demy Schandeler has placed an order for 15 additional Volvo 7900 Electric buses, marking Volvo Buses’ first order for electric buses with bodies from Egyptian partner MCV. Demy Schandeler has been operating ten Volvo 7900 Electric buses since the beginning of 2023 and has now opted for an additional fleet expansion with MCV-bodied electric buses. Scheduled for delivery in spring 2025, the 12-meter-long electric buses will be equipped with a 470 kWh battery, representing the largest battery version available. Although officially named Volvo 7900 Electric, the buses utilize Volvo’s drive technology while integrating bodies from MCV. The…

Japanese automaker Mazda is among the investors participating in a $16 million funding round for U.K.-based tech company Secondmind. The company focuses on harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline design and development processes for automakers, aiming to significantly reduce vehicle development times. Naohito Saga, Mazda’s Head of R&D, highlighted the need for the automotive industry to expedite development processes in response to evolving market demands and the growing complexity of technology. The partnership with Secondmind is expected to contribute to Mazda’s continued advancement in vehicle manufacturing. Secondmind claims that its AI technology can substantially reduce errors during…

British automaker Lotus has declared its commitment to transition into an all-electric vehicle (EV) brand by 2028, alongside plans to broaden its electric vehicle portfolio. The company, owned by Geely, has also ventured into the development of proprietary charging solutions, introducing a liquid-cooled all-in-one DC charger capable of delivering ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 450 kW. In a notable performance benchmark, the Lotus Eletre R SUV can reportedly add approximately 88.5 miles (142 km) of range in just 5 minutes when utilizing the 450 kW charger, or 74 miles (120 km) with the 350 kW charger. For a more…

Automaker Rivian has issued an official recall notification following a software error in an over-the-air update that affected certain R1S and R1T models, causing a loss of infotainment screens. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,463 vehicles were impacted by the issues resulting from software update 2023.42 on November 13. The recall was prompted by the update causing disruptions to the infotainment system, potentially hindering access to heater controls and the defroster. However, earlier reports suggested a broader impact, with owners experiencing a blacked-out infotainment screen that restricted access to media and comfort settings,…

Volkswagen, grappling with a market shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), has declared additional job cuts to address competitiveness issues. Thomas Shafer, CEO of VW brand cars, bluntly stated during a Monday staff meeting, “We are no longer competitive.” The German automaker, recognizing the dominance of EV leaders like Tesla, is taking decisive steps to realign its operations. Shafer pinpointed existing structures, processes, and high costs as factors contributing to the Volkswagen brand’s competitiveness struggle. He noted that the combination of high costs and low productivity has led to cars facing challenges in the market. In response, Volkswagen launched a new…