Author: Michael Khan

In a strategic move reflecting its confidence in India’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector, South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group is charting an ambitious course to bolster its EV lineup and charging infrastructure in the country. This development underscores the company’s commitment to tap into India’s potential as the world’s third-largest auto market. “As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow globally, India is becoming an increasingly important center for electric vehicle production and sales,” stated a spokesperson from Hyundai Motor Group. As the second-largest carmaker in India by sales, Hyundai is poised to introduce five new EV models under…

Japan is gearing up to enhance the accessibility and appeal of electric vehicles (EVs) by significantly increasing the output of electric vehicle chargers deployed at highway service areas. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has laid out a forward-looking plan that seeks to cut down recharging times and bolster the widespread adoption of EVs across the nation. To achieve this ambitious goal, the ministry is planning to introduce new standards for quick chargers used for EVs and plug-in hybrids. These standards will require operators to upgrade their chargers to deliver a minimum output of 90 kilowatts (kW) by the…

Mahindra and Mahindra, the Indian automaker, recently secured $145 million from Temasek for its electric vehicle (EV) unit at a valuation of up to 805.8 billion rupees ($9.8 billion). This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to accelerate its electric mobility ambitions and increase EV sales. As per the deal, Temasek will acquire up to a 3% stake in Mahindra, following last year’s fundraising round, where the company raised up to $250 million from British International Investments (BII) at a valuation of up to $9.1 billion. Mahindra is proactively striving to expand the share of its electric SUVs…

In response to 12 complaints from owners of 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has commenced a preliminary evaluation into potential issues related to steering control and power steering in these popular electric vehicles. The investigation covers approximately 280,000 newly manufactured Tesla cars and aims to determine whether there is an unreasonable safety risk. One alarming incident reported by a Model 3 driver involved the steering feeling stuck, leading to a collision with a tree. Similarly, a Tesla Model Y owner from Alpharetta, Georgia, recounted an unnerving experience where the steering…

Tesla is set to hold crucial discussions with India’s commerce minister later this month to explore the establishment of a factory for producing an all-new, affordable electric vehicle (EV). A reliable source with direct knowledge of the matter informed Reuters about the scheduled meeting. The proposed factory aims to manufacture low-cost electric vehicles for both the domestic Indian market and export purposes. This decision comes after Tesla faced hurdles last year when the Indian government insisted on local production instead of reduced import taxes for EVs. See also: Tesla’s Elon Musk Expresses Interest in Significant Investments in India Following Meeting…

Tesla is experiencing an impressive surge in vehicle production, reaching record rates. However, this has led to an unexpected situation of surplus inventory, a rarity for Tesla in recent years, particularly for its popular Model 3 and Model Y models. To address the surplus inventory and keep sales momentum, Tesla has implemented various enticing incentives and discounts to attract customers. For the higher-priced Model S and Model X vehicles, the company is offering up to $7,500 off the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), depending on the chosen configuration. In certain locations, customers can find Model S sedans and Model X…

In a recent development, the Indian government has turned down a proposal from Chinese automaker BYD to establish a $1 billion electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing plant in India, in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. According to reports from the local Economic Times, security concerns pertaining to Chinese investments in the country were cited during the discussions, leading to the rejection of the ambitious project. The proposal put forward by BYD and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd outlined their intention to manufacture 10,000-15,000 EVs annually at the planned facility. The partnership aimed to leverage Megha’s financial…

Indian e-scooter manufacturer, Ola Electric, is projecting a substantial surge in revenue over the next few years, according to confidential documents and insiders familiar with the matter. The company expects its revenue to quadruple to $1.5 billion in the current financial year, with a further doubling to $3.9 billion within the next two years. These projections were prepared in advance of Ola’s planned Initial Public Offering (IPO), which aims to raise up to $700 million and has attracted interest from investors. Despite the optimistic projections, the figures were compiled before the Indian government unexpectedly reduced e-scooter incentives in May. Previously,…

In a major development for the electrification of its vehicle lineup, Tata Group, the owner of Jaguar Land Rover, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery cell factory in the UK. The new facility, set to produce 40 GWh of batteries, will solidify the UK’s position as a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. After months of careful consideration, Tata Group has selected a site in Somerset, owned by the investment and advisory business group Salamanca Group, as the location for its battery cell plant. Previously, Spain had been under consideration, but the advantages offered by…

Fisker, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, has unveiled additional information regarding its international expansion strategy, specifically focusing on its entry into the Indian market. Anticipating completion of the homologation process by September, Fisker plans to commence deliveries of its highly-anticipated Fisker Ocean electric SUV in India during the fourth quarter of 2023. This move highlights the company’s commitment to tapping into the world’s third-largest automotive market. To mark its entry into India, Fisker will introduce a limited-run model known as the Fisker Ocean Extreme Vigyan Edition. This variant pays homage to the firm’s India subsidiary, Fisker Vigyan India Private Limited,…

Fiat has officially unveiled its newest electric vehicle, the Topolino quadricycle, following a teaser preview over a month ago. With a length of 2.53 meters (99.6 inches), the Topolino is Fiat’s smallest electric car to date, offering a compact and agile option for urban driving. The Fiat Topolino draws inspiration from the Citroën Ami, but it features distinctive front and rear ends that give it a distinct Fiat identity. The vehicle will be available in two body configurations: the closed Topolino, designed for city driving, and the open-air Topolino Dolcevita, which has a beach-themed aesthetic perfect for seaside adventures. The…

In a bid to tap into the booming electric mobility sector in India, Yamaha Motor Company has adjusted its strategy for introducing the NEO’s electric scooter to the Indian market. The NEO’s, originally designed for the European market, was envisioned as a solution for urban mobility. However, recent changes in the Indian government’s subsidy policies for electric vehicles prompted Yamaha to reassess the viability of bringing the NEO’s to India due to potentially higher costs for end users. With India standing as the largest motorcycle market in Asia and an emerging hub for electric mobility innovation, Yamaha had expressed initial…

Gothenburg-based haulage firm Mattson Åkeri has received a delivery of an electric 74-tonne truck from Volvo Trucks, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation in the industry. Volvo Trucks is now conducting testing of the Volvo FH Electric 6X4 model, which is equipped with two trailers, for container transport operations within the port area of Gothenburg. Mattson Åkeri, impressed by the electric truck’s capabilities, has already placed an order for three heavy-duty electric trucks from Volvo. The Volvo FH Electric 6X4, spanning 32 metres in length, boasts an impressive towing capacity of 74 tonnes when coupled with its two trailers.…

Indian start-up GO EC Autotech has announced its ambitious plan to install 1,000 DC chargers across the country, aiming to address the lack of charging infrastructure and facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The company intends to strategically position these chargers in both urban and remote areas, ensuring accessibility for people residing in more distant regions. P G Ramnath, the CEO and Executive Director of GO EC, highlighted the significant challenge faced by EV owners due to the inadequate charging infrastructure, particularly hindering long-distance travel. Recognizing this barrier, the company is determined to bridge the gap by expanding…

Ola Electric, the electric mobility company, has officially commenced the construction of its highly anticipated Gigafactory facility on June 21, 2023. In a momentous event, the company organized a ceremony to mark the occasion, and a captivating video capturing the installation of the first pillar was shared on its official Instagram account. Spanning an impressive 115 acres, the forthcoming Ola Electric Gigafactory will augment the manufacturing capacity of the company’s initial production hub, known as Futurefactory. Optimistic about the timeline, Ola Electric aims to achieve full operational capacity of the Gigafactory by early 2024. Building upon its remarkable success in…

Self-driving trucking company TuSimple is making strides outside of the United States despite its recent challenges. The company has announced the commencement of Level 4 autonomous testing on a significant freight corridor in Japan. Additionally, TuSimple has become one of the first companies to receive a license for fully driverless testing in Shanghai’s Pudong area in China. These achievements come in the wake of a turbulent period for TuSimple, which underwent two major restructurings. In December, numerous employees were laid off, followed by another significant reduction in May that resulted in 300 U.S. workers losing their jobs, equating to approximately…

The implementation of post-Brexit regulations, requiring European automakers to source a higher percentage of electric vehicle components from either the United Kingdom or the European Union, could result in significant financial losses and decreased production, according to a prominent industry association. On Tuesday, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) revealed that these rules could potentially cost automakers up to €4.3 billion ($4.7 billion) in tariffs. As per the EU-UK trade deal after Brexit, electric vehicles must contain 45% content from the EU or UK starting in 2024. Additionally, battery cells and packs must meet a 50-60% requirement. Failure to comply…

In a highly anticipated announcement, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has revealed that India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is actively encouraging the electric car manufacturer to make a substantial investment in the country. Following a meeting between the two influential figures during Modi’s state visit to the United States, Musk expressed confidence that an official announcement regarding Tesla’s investment in India would be made in the near future. Sources close to the matter had previously informed Reuters that Musk intended to discuss plans for establishing a manufacturing base in India during his meeting with Modi. Musk, recognizing India’s immense…

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recently enacted Assembly Bill 184, known as the Nevada Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program, which aims to facilitate the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks and buses by businesses and public fleets. The law provides financial incentives to Nevada-based organizations that currently own gas or diesel-powered trucks and buses, encouraging them to transition to electric or hydrogen vehicles that produce zero exhaust emissions. Under the provisions of AB184, a clean truck or bus is defined as a vehicle of medium or heavy duty, powered by electricity stored in a battery or generated by a…

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, is gearing up for an acceleration in the production of its highly anticipated electric SUV, the Rivian R1S. Despite the challenging economic environment, the company is experiencing robust demand and expects it to continue into the coming year, according to Rivian’s CFO, Claire McDonough, during an interview with Deutsche Bank. McDonough highlighted Rivian’s production ramp and outlined the startup’s plans to achieve positive gross margins by the second half of 2024. While the industry has been grappling with supply chain issues, Rivian has found some relief. One major obstacle for the company has been…