Author: Michael Khan

A Tesla Cybertruck was seen in Florida last week with drivers reportedly testing the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, in anticipation of the company’s launch of the feature for the electric pickup. Chuck Cook, a known figure in the Tesla community for his FSD videos and unprotected left turn tests, spotted Tesla advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) operators testing the software with the Cybertruck on Thursday. This sighting comes as Tesla has been progressively rolling out FSD v12.5, with the Cybertruck expected to receive this version. https://twitter.com/chazman/status/1819410072377643282 During a virtual speech at the X Takeover event in California last Sunday, CEO…

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a new measure to limit electric vehicles (EVs) to charging only up to 80% state of charge (SoC) at public fast-charging stations. This initiative aims to reduce the time EVs occupy chargers and alleviate congestion. Set to be implemented by the end of the year, the regulation will apply to 400 ultra-fast chargers with a capacity of 100 kilowatts owned by the government, according to local media reports. This step is part of the city’s broader strategy to optimize the use of its EV charging infrastructure. This approach is not unique to Seoul. Electrify America,…

Li Auto has revised its limited-time exclusive gift packages, expanding the benefits and including the Li Mega model. This follows the company’s previous reduction of the maximum package value from RMB 7,199 to RMB 2,399 on July 25, which excluded the Li Mega. The new purchase incentive program reinstates higher-value packages and reintroduces the Li Mega to the offer. The program, which has been running since June, also includes a 0 percent down payment option and up to RMB 10,000 in car purchase benefits. https://evmagz.com/li-auto-delivers-51000-vehicles-in-july-sets-record/ Li Auto’s local competitors Nio, Xpeng, and Zeekr have yet to announce their purchase incentives…

The Alpine A290, introduced in mid-June, is now available for configuration in Germany and France, with prices beginning at €38,700. Higher-spec versions can exceed €40,000. The entry-level A290 GT is priced at €38,700 and delivers 130 kW of power. The A290 GT Premium, also with 130 kW, starts at €41,700. The A290 GT Performance and A290 GTS, both offering 160 kW, are priced from €41,900 and €44,700, respectively. In France, the A290 is eligible for a €4,000 rebate. The A290 is based on the electric Renault 5, which has been available for order since late May, starting at €32,900. Both…

Autonomous vehicle software developer Applied Intuition has completed a secondary sale valued at over $300 million, allowing shareholders and employees to sell stock while enabling venture capitalists to increase their stakes. This secondary sale follows the company’s recent Series E funding round in which it raised $250 million, elevating its valuation to $6 billion. The secondary round, which was oversubscribed, saw participation from new investor Fidelity Management and Research Company, as well as existing investors General Catalyst, BOND, Lux Capital, and Elad Gil. The success of this secondary round highlights the growing prominence of AI companies, particularly those advancing automated…

Tesla has unveiled a render of its forthcoming ‘Semi Factory’ for the production of electric semi trucks, located adjacent to Gigafactory Texas in Nevada. The Tesla Semi program, which faced significant delays since its inception, was initially unveiled in 2017 with plans to launch in 2020. However, production officially began in late 2022. Despite this, the production has remained limited, with Tesla having built around 70 Semi trucks as of October 2023. These trucks are currently used internally by Tesla and one primary customer, PepsiCo. In January 2023, Tesla announced plans to expand Gigafactory Nevada to ramp up the production…

Rivian and Volkswagen have received approval from German authorities to form a new joint venture, clearing the way for their partnership to develop next-generation electric vehicles. The German Federal Cartel Office announced on Monday that it had no competition concerns with the alliance. “It’s not expected to significantly impede effective competition,” said Andreas Mundt, president of the Bundeskartellamt, the agency overseeing the approval. The joint venture, announced over a month ago, will leverage Rivian’s software expertise to create an architecture for future electric vehicles. Volkswagen plans to invest up to $5 billion in the venture, with $3 billion allocated directly…

Stellantis is preparing to intensify its efforts in the European electric vehicle (EV) market, facing strong competition from Chinese manufacturers, according to CEO Carlos Tavares. At a presentation of the company’s new EV production line in Serbia, Tavares emphasized Stellantis’s readiness to compete robustly. “We are going to be challenged and I would say brutally challenged by the Chinese offensive on the European market,” Tavares said. “At Stellantis we are ready for the fight.” He added that the company aims to prove its technological capabilities and competitive edge in the sector. See also: Stellantis Plans Expansion of Affordable Hybrid Vehicles Amid…

Public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States could outnumber gas stations within the next eight years, according to a recent analysis by Bloomberg Green. The analysis, based on U.S. Department of Energy data, indicates that the rapid deployment of fast-charging infrastructure could lead to this milestone if the current pace continues. BloombergNEF data reveals that North American operators are expected to spend approximately $6.1 billion on charging infrastructure this year, nearly double the expenditure of 2023. In the past three months alone, the U.S. has added 704 new public fast-charging stations, a 9% increase, bringing the…

May Mobility announced that over 10,000 riders have used its goMARTI autonomous vehicle service in Grand Rapids, Minnesota since its launch in September 2022. Grand Rapids, a rural community known for extreme winter weather, provided a challenging environment for the service, demonstrating May Mobility’s operational capabilities. May Mobility, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), The PLUM Catalyst, and the city of Grand Rapids, offers an accessible transportation option that supplements existing services. The service includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and operates during evenings and weekends. According to MnDOT surveys, 98% of riders reported positive experiences with the service, a…

ChargeZone, an Indian startup specializing in EV charging solutions, plans to invest $360 million (€333 million) over the next four years to significantly expand its supercharging network across India. The company aims to install ‘superchargers,’ ultra-fast charging stations catering to electric cars, buses, and trucks, with capacities ranging from 360 kW to 1,200 kW (1.2 MW). “Our new supercharging network marks a significant step towards a sustainable and electrified future integrated with micro-grids comprising of Solar PV and energy storage,” said Kartikey Hariyani, Founder and CEO of ChargeZone. “Our six-month pilot rollout of the supercharging network yielded remarkable results with…

Michigan-based self-driving technology firm May Mobility has announced plans to integrate five autonomous vehicles (AVs) into the public transportation services operated by Minneapolis’ SouthWest Transit in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, starting in the fall. The agreement marks a significant expansion of SouthWest Transit’s existing shared ride and on-demand “microtransit” options in the southwest suburb of the Twin Cities, with AVs being introduced for the first time in the area. Under a three-year deal, May Mobility will deploy its converted Toyota Siennas equipped with Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology. These AVs will transport residents between residential, employment, and shopping districts in Eden…