Author: Michael Khan

In a recent interview with Jay Leno about the Cybertruck, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed the active development of a wireless charging solution for their electric vehicles (EVs). Despite not having publicly disclosed the initiative earlier, there have been subtle indications throughout the year, including a sneak peek during an Investor Day presentation. During the presentation, an image featuring a Model S in a home garage revealed a new charger on the wall and a charging pad beneath the electric sedan, hinting at ongoing wireless charging development. Confirmation was obtained by Drive Tesla from sources familiar with the…

Hyundai is set to introduce the Creta EV, a new mass-market electric vehicle, in India, targeting the country’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Expected to be unveiled by the end of the next year, the Creta EV aims to compete in the mainstream EV segment, distinguishing itself from Hyundai’s existing premium offerings like the IONIQ 5 and Kona EV. The Creta EV is anticipated to feature a 45 kWh battery pack sourced from LG Chem, providing it with a competitive edge in the market. Riding on a modified platform shared with the gas-powered model, the EV is positioned to take…

Tata Motors is reportedly advocating against the reduction of import taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) in India, aiming to protect domestic industry interests and investor confidence. The move comes as the Indian government reviews Tesla’s proposal to establish a manufacturing presence in the country, coupled with its request for lower import duties on EVs. While India is contemplating a new policy to slash import taxes on EVs, potentially as low as 15% for companies committed to local manufacturing, Tesla’s proposal involves establishing a factory in India while importing its higher-end models with reduced taxes. Tata Motors has raised concerns in…

Volvo, the Swedish automaker, commenced sales of its latest and potentially pivotal vehicle, the EX30, in November. Positioned as Volvo’s most economical and compact offering to date, the electric vehicle (EV) targets a demographic the brand is not traditionally associated with. Unveiled in June, the EX30 is designed to appeal to younger buyers, offering a spirited and enjoyable driving experience infused with Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian design elements. The company envisions the EX30 as a transformative player in the affordable everyday EV segment, referring to it as the “cornerstone” of Volvo’s electrification strategy. Anticipating significant demand, Volvo has expanded production of…

Tesla’s ambitions in India have resurfaced, signaling discussions of a substantial investment amounting to billions of dollars in the country’s electric vehicle landscape. On November 6, key government departments engaged in deliberations over policy changes that could impact electric vehicle manufacturing, with a specific focus on Tesla’s proposed investment and the requisite government actions for approval. Recent revelations shed light on the specifics of Tesla’s investment proposal in India. According to reports from Bloomberg, the electric vehicle giant is purportedly planning an initial investment of approximately $2 billion for a new manufacturing plant in the country. In a move to…

Global automotive supplier Valeo has inked a substantial contract worth “almost one billion US dollars” with leading Indian car manufacturer Mahindra. The deal involves the supply of electric drives integral to Mahindra’s ambitious “Born Electric” SUVs, signaling a shift away from the initially planned collaboration with Volkswagen. The electric drivetrain commissioned by Mahindra encompasses an array of components, including an electric motor, inverter, transmission, and bidirectional power electronics. While specific details regarding the system remain undisclosed, Valeo has confirmed that production will take place in close proximity to Mahindra’s facility in Pune, Maharashtra. Mahindra’s decision to partner with Valeo stems…

Electric aircraft developers Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies have joined forces to establish an interoperable charging system based on Beta’s charging technology. The collaboration seeks to promote the deployment of an electric charging network adhering to General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) standards, fostering the widespread electrification of aircraft. As part of this initiative, Archer Aviation has acquired multiple units of Beta’s CCS fast charging system, including two “Charge Cube” systems and several mobile “Mini Cubes.” Beta’s charging systems are already operational at 14 locations in the eastern United States, and the company plans to expand to an additional 55 locations…

Tesla continues to advance plans to enter the Indian market. Reports show that the country has stepped up its efforts to speed up the manufacturer’s welcome and its Commerce Minister is due to meet with Elon Musk next week. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has scheduled a meeting with Tesla’s CEO in the United States next week, according to Reuters sources familiar with the plans. This is an important indication that the country continues to actively engage with the company to accelerate its entry into the Indian market. The meeting between Goyal and Musk will be the most significant since…

Royal Enfield has unveiled its electric Himalayan Test Bed, underscoring the company’s commitment to entering the electric motorcycle market. While the Indian motorcycle manufacturer has long been known to be working on an electric bike, the revelation of an electric Himalayan variant at EICMA 2023 indicates a particular focus on adventure-style electric motorcycles. The electric Himalayan Test Bed showcases styling and equipment closely resembling the updated Himalayan 452, with a clever design choice that swaps the traditional metal tank for additional seat padding. This shift in design is an intriguing move for Royal Enfield, as it implies a strategic alignment…

The Rimac Nevera, an electric hypercar, has amassed an impressive collection of world records, numbering 23 at the last count. So, when news of yet another ‘Rimac record’ email arrived, it may have initially elicited a shrug from some. However, upon closer examination, the latest achievement proved to be nothing short of extraordinary. Breaking the mold of conventional speed records achieved while driving forward, Rimac set its sights on an unconventional feat – achieving a high-speed record while moving in reverse. This audacious endeavor took place at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, resulting in the Nevera attaining an…

In a strategic move to address the mounting demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in India, property developers are increasingly incorporating EV charging stations into the parking slots of their new developments. This trend aims to not only enhance the value of these properties but also lure prospective buyers in a nation where the charging infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the surging sales of EVs. As of the first half of this year, EVs accounted for a modest 2.4% of India’s total vehicle sales. However, the EV market has been rapidly gaining momentum, with a remarkable 137% growth, resulting in…

Zeekr, the electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary under the umbrella of Geely Holding Group, is gearing up to reveal its latest addition to the EV market – the Zeekr 007 sedan. This marks a significant departure from Zeekr’s existing lineup, which primarily caters to niche markets. The company has scheduled the start of pre-sales for the Zeekr 007 on November 17, coinciding with the opening day of the Guangzhou auto show. The Guangzhou auto show, set to run from November 17 to November 26, includes a dedicated media day on November 17, followed by two days for professional visitors on November…

MAN Truck & Bus has officially unveiled its electric truck models, the eTGX and eTGS, designed for long-distance and distribution transport. These new electric trucks build upon the previous “MAN eTruck” model and offer flexible battery configurations for varying needs. The eTGX and eTGS electric trucks feature the same modular construction, with differences primarily related to the cab, resembling the existing diesel models. Equipped with up to six battery packs—two under the cab and up to four along the vehicle frame—these trucks offer an impressive 480 kWh of usable battery capacity, allowing for daily ranges of up to 800 kilometers.…

Reliance Industries, the Indian oil refining conglomerate led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, showcased its cutting-edge swappable and multipurpose battery storage technology designed for electric vehicles (EVs). This groundbreaking presentation took place at a renewable energy exhibition, highlighting Reliance’s commitment to green initiatives. Reliance’s innovative solution revolves around removable and swappable batteries tailored for EVs, which can also double as power sources for household appliances via an inverter. This dual functionality aims to provide consumers with a versatile energy solution, offering both mobility and home utility. Company executives, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they lacked authorization to communicate with…

Ola Electric, a prominent player in the electric two-wheeler segment in India, is swiftly advancing toward the possibility of going public, signaling its intentions to step onto the global stage. The company’s visionary founder and CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, has been steadfast in expressing ambitions beyond India’s borders, and an Initial Public Offering (IPO) appears to be a pivotal step in that direction. Rumors of Ola Electric’s IPO plans have been circulating for several months, with reports initially indicating the company’s aim to complete its first IPO before the conclusion of 2023. Recent insights from insiders, however, suggest that the company…

South Korean battery cell manufacturer LG Energy Solution (LGES) is actively seeking collaboration for the establishment of a battery cell factory in India. According to reports from Reuters, LGES is engaged in discussions with the Indian steel conglomerate JSW Group, with plans to construct a battery cell facility with an initial annual capacity of 8 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Subsequently, this capacity is slated for expansion to reach 20 GWh in subsequent phases. Both LGES and JSW Group have refrained from providing official comments on these potential negotiations when approached by Reuters. However, sources close to the matter, as cited by the…

MG, a brand with a rich history in catering to automotive enthusiasts, is making a return to its roots with its first new two-seat convertible in nearly three decades. Amid the buzz surrounding its electric powertrain and scissor doors, the crucial question remains: Is it genuinely enjoyable to drive? A recent review from the YouTube channel Wheelsboy, based in China, offers an independent perspective on MG’s Cyberster, which is poised to compete with next year’s Porsche Boxster EV. The verdict? While the Cyberster boasts several impressive features, it might not be the ultimate B-road weapon that some had hoped for,…

After nearly four years since its initial introduction in November 2019, the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck is poised to take a significant step toward becoming a production reality. A recent video captured by drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer at the Texas Gigafactory has unveiled an intriguing development. In the half-hour video, Tegtmeyer revealed that Tesla has completed at least two “manufacturing confirmation units” of the Cybertruck, colloquially referred to as “Master Candidates.” According to the footage, these electric pickups were scheduled for review by Tesla’s top executives to receive the final stamp of approval. This pivotal step signifies that customer-intent assembly…

The unveiling of the Fisker PEAR earlier this August, alongside the high-end Ronin GT sports car, introduced a new addition to the electric vehicle market. Marketed as a compact SUV tailored for urban living, the PEAR is designed to provide comfort, practicality, and a compact footprint. However, a recent video walkthrough by Electrifying on YouTube sheds light on an interior design that may challenge the practicality mantra. With its short overhangs, ample storage space, six-seater layout, and features like internal luggage straps and the innovative Houdini trunk lid that seamlessly slides into the body panel, the PEAR appears to be…

Polestar, under the leadership of CEO Thomas Ingenlath, is setting its sights on carving a distinctive path in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, diverging from the trajectory taken by Tesla. Ingenlath, in an interview with Autonews Europe, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining a premium position and a focus on quality over price competitiveness. Ingenlath stated, “We have very clearly stated we will not get into a price war to achieve volume targets because we want to maintain our premium position. We are definitely not running after Tesla, which wants to have X factories and volumes in the millions.”…