Author: Andy Williams

Nahum Escobedo, the exterior design manager at Polestar, has offered candid insights into the world of electric car design, emphasising the importance of achieving a balance between aerodynamics and aesthetics. In an interview with Australian magazine WhichCar during the local launch of the Polestar 3, Escobedo shared his views on current automotive design trends and the brand’s commitment to a unique design identity. Escobedo began by expressing his reservations about the prevailing trend of prioritising aerodynamics over distinctive design features to enhance electric vehicle (EV) range. He highlighted the prevalence of rounded and bulbous car shapes, often described as “potato-shaped”…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO has taken the opportunity during its NIO IN 2023 innovation day event to clarify the discrepancies surrounding its European sales figures. Company co-founder and president Qin Lihong revealed that media reports significantly underestimate NIO’s actual sales performance in Europe. Despite NIO’s presence in Europe, sales figures have been shrouded in confusion, partly due to limited transparency regarding operational details. The recent statement by Qin Lihong addresses these concerns and sheds light on the company’s performance on the European continent. See also: Chinese EV Maker NIO Calls for Open Approach Amid European Commission’s Anti-Subsidy Probe…

Ryder System, a player in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, has unveiled a significant development in its commitment to embracing the increasing demand for commercial electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The company has deployed its inaugural fleet of BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans at four key Ryder facilities across California, Texas, and New York. This deployment of BrightDrop’s electric vans within Ryder’s rental fleet signifies a pivotal stride towards Ryder’s ambition of keeping pace with the surging popularity of commercial electric vehicles in the United States. Earlier this year, Ryder disclosed its intentions to integrate…

BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of the German automaker, has announced a temporary halt on the sale of nearly all new and pre-owned motorcycles distributed through its North American dealership network. Importantly, BMW clarified that this decision is unrelated to safety concerns, allowing owners to continue riding their motorcycles without worry. The stop-sale directive issued by the renowned automaker is primarily associated with a material used in the evaporative system of their gas-powered motorcycles, encompassing their entire gas-powered motorcycle lineup, with the exception of their all-electric CE 04 model. See also: BMW CE 04 electric motorcycle : specifications, price and…

Hyundai has introduced an enticing limited-time promotion for customers in the United States who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle (EV). This offering, managed through Hyundai Motor Finance, includes a complimentary home charger and installation credit, underscoring the automaker’s commitment to supporting the EV transition. Customers who opt for a 2023 or 2024 Ioniq 5, 2023 or 2024 Ioniq 6, or 2023 Kona Electric between September 21 and October 31 will receive a coupon code. This code can be redeemed for a complimentary ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger, valued at $549, along with an installation credit of…

Gridserve and Roadchef, two players in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure arena, are scaling up their collaboration by rolling out six High-Power Charging (HPC) hubs, termed ‘Electric Super Hubs,’ within Roadchef’s Motorway Service Areas across the United Kingdom. Two of these hubs are already operational, with plans for an additional four locations soon to be commissioned. The first two Electric Super Hubs are strategically positioned at Watford Gap North and South along the M1 motorway. Each hub is equipped with a minimum of six fast-chargers boasting a formidable 350 kW charging capacity. Gridserve, the driving force behind this initiative,…

In a recent analysis conducted by Citi analysts earlier this year, Tesla emerged as the leader in brand loyalty among U.S. automakers. While the electric vehicle (EV) pioneer continues to enjoy high loyalty rates, its competitors are managing to entice only a fraction of its customer base, as highlighted in a recent report by S&P Global Mobility. When it comes to electric compact utility vehicles, the Tesla Model Y stands out with an impressive 37.3 percent loyalty rate. Following closely is the Ford Mustang Mach-E at 18.5 percent. Notably, a substantial 70.5 percent of Model Y owners opt for another…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has unveiled a strategic move to issue $1 billion in convertible senior notes, prompting a decline in its share prices during after-hours trading. The company’s announcement outlines its intent to issue $500 million in convertible senior notes due in 2029 and an additional $500 million in notes due in 2030. Initial purchasers will have the option, available within 30 days of note issuance, to acquire up to an additional $75 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2029 notes and up to an additional $75 million of the 2030 notes. These notes will be considered…

Volkswagen-owned Audi’s Indian subsidiary has expressed its anticipation for potential cuts in electric vehicle (EV) import taxes, citing the opportunity to enhance its experimentation with models and pricing strategies in India, the world’s third-largest car market. Audi India’s head, Balbir Singh Dhillon, revealed in an interview with Reuters during a showroom launch event in Bengaluru that a reduction in import duties over a three to five-year period would offer a valuable window for assessing which vehicle models would be feasible for the Indian market. Additionally, it would contribute to more competitive pricing strategies. See also: India Considers Lowering Import Tax…

General Motors’ self-driving unit, Cruise, revealed its latest innovation on Thursday – a wheelchair-accessible self-driving vehicle named Cruise WAV. This development underscores Cruise’s commitment to making autonomous mobility accessible to people with disabilities, all while awaiting a pivotal regulatory approval to deploy vehicles without human controls. The Cruise WAV is built upon the foundation of the Origin driverless vehicle, a revolutionary concept devoid of a steering wheel and pedals, allowing passengers to face each other during their journey. Last year, Cruise filed a petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking authorization to deploy up to 2,500 Origin…

In the wake of the successful Smart #1 and Smart #3 models, the automotive world is abuzz with anticipation for the impending arrival of the Smart #2 and Smart #4. While enthusiasts and potential buyers will need to exercise some patience, the wait promises to be well worth it. According to a report from the esteemed French automotive portal L’Argus, the Smart #2 is poised to hit the streets in 2025, taking up the mantle as the successor to the beloved Smart Fortwo. L’Argus suggests that the Smart #4, slated for a 2026 release, will be a compact electric car…

At the prestigious IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, Samsung SDI made a significant debut by introducing its groundbreaking lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery. This innovation marks the fusion of manganese with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes, aiming to make a substantial impact in the burgeoning LFP battery market. Samsung SDI, renowned for its focus on high-nickel premium ternary batteries, has set its sights on the LFP sector with this high-performance battery. LFP batteries, which have long been dominated by Chinese manufacturers, boasting over 90% of the global market share, have lately garnered the attention of major automotive players…