Author: Michael Khan

n a recent business update, Nikola Corporation, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, has revealed plans to reduce cash usage and undertake a “reorganizing” of its workforce. With a renewed focus on the North American market, the company aims to streamline operations and ensure the continued production of its zero-emissions trucks. Nikola Corporation ($NKLA) has been striving to establish itself as a viable player in the zero-emission commercial vehicle sector, despite a tumultuous past marred by controversies. Since the appointment of new executives, the company has made significant strides towards regaining credibility and has shown determination to overcome obstacles. Over the…

Swiss e-bike specialist Thömus has recently introduced its latest innovation in the world of electric bicycles – the Twinner T1 Pro. Combining stunning aesthetics with exceptional functionality, this speed pedelec aims to redefine standards in lightweight e-bike design. Crafted predominantly from carbon fiber, Thömus has pushed the boundaries of innovation, creating a bike that not only catches the eye but also delivers impressive performance. Unlike any electric bike seen before, the Twinner T1 Pro showcases a unique blend of a step-through frame for accessibility and the sporty nature of carbon fiber. The wheels, reminiscent of those found on supercars, add…

In a significant move, Volvo has decided to discontinue several plug-in hybrid variants of its popular models in the United Kingdom. The Swedish automaker announced that this decision would impact the PHEV versions of the XC40 SUV, S90 saloon, and Cross Country-badged estates. Consequently, British customers will no longer have the option to order the V90 Cross Country, V60 Cross Country, plug-in hybrid editions of the XC40 Recharge, and the S90. However, the combustion engine versions of the V90 and V60, as well as the standard and fully electric XC40, will continue to be available in the UK market. Volvo…

Ford has announced plans to increase production of the highly sought-after Ford F-150 Lightning this fall, with a special focus on the XLT variant aimed at retail consumers. Recognizing the high demand for the electric truck, Ford aims to reduce customer wait times by allocating a significant portion of the production increase to build new XLT variants. As a result, customers who order the F-150 Lightning XLT today can expect delivery as early as September. The F-150 Lightning has been a resounding success, but its popularity has also led to lengthy wait times and inflated prices. A cursory search reveals…

Safra, a manufacturer of buses and coaches, made an announcement at the UITP Summit 2023 in Barcelona. The company showcased its latest innovation, a hydrogen retrofitted coach, equipped with the H2-PACK retrofit kit. This groundbreaking kit transforms a conventional combustion-powered intercity coach into a zero-emission vehicle. Safra took great pride in revealing that the H2-PACK retrofit kit was entirely designed and assembled in-house. The kit facilitates the conversion of the coach’s diesel engine into a hydrogen-electric powertrain. It incorporates a powerful 350 kW Dana electric motor, fueled by a 100 kW (70 kW effective) Plastic Omnium fuel cell. To ensure…

In a significant move towards bolstering India’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, the renowned Tata Group has sealed a preliminary agreement to construct a cutting-edge lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility. This groundbreaking endeavor will be backed by an investment of approximately 130 billion rupees ($1.58 billion). India’s car market, relative to its vast population, remains relatively modest. However, Tata Motors stands as a dominant force in the country’s EV sales, despite these sales accounting for a mere 1% of India’s total car sales, which amounted to roughly 3.8 million vehicles last year. According to a joint statement issued by Agratas Energy…

Shell, one of the leading energy companies, has announced its ambitious plan to create a comprehensive network of fast and ultra-fast charging stations across motorways in Austria by 2025. This initiative aims to support the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and provide convenient charging options for EV owners throughout the country. As a first step towards this goal, Shell has already introduced high-power chargers at several key locations along Austrian motorways. The inaugural covered charging stations have been inaugurated at strategic points including Walserberg, Ansfelden, St. Pölten, Strengberg, Mondsee, and Fürnitz. A press photo accompanying the announcement showcases a…

The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) has been closely intertwined with the emergence of connected vehicles. Despite the growing reliance on mobile apps in conjunction with EVs, owners have expressed their dissatisfaction with the most vital app functionalities, according to a recent report by J.D. Power. The report highlights the need for automakers and software developers to allocate more attention to the aspects of their apps that are frequently utilized by owners, rather than primarily focusing on aesthetics. Jason Norton, Senior Manager of Global Automotive Consulting at J.D. Power, emphasizes the importance of enhancing the performance of key areas that…

Genesis, the luxury division of the Hyundai Motor Group, is introducing groundbreaking features for electric vehicle (EV) owners, including the world’s first facial recognition technology for its all-electric GV60 SUV. As the automotive industry moves towards an all-electric future, Genesis aims to play a pivotal role in shaping this transition. In line with its commitment to becoming a 100% zero-emission vehicle brand by 2030, Genesis has announced its decision to cease production of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles starting from 2025. Since the launch of its first pure electric vehicle, the GV60 SUV, in 2021, Genesis has been expanding…

Landian, the newly established sub-brand of the Seres Group specializing in new energy vehicles (NEVs), has commenced exporting its vehicles globally, despite being launched just two months ago. A recent press release from the brand revealed that Landian has shipped its first batch of 500 units of the Landian E5, a midsize hybrid SUV, to overseas markets on May 25. The vehicles are expected to reach their destinations within two weeks, catering to markets along the “Belt and Road.” Seres, a prominent automotive partner of Chinese tech giant Huawei, officially introduced the Landian brand on March 30, making its first…

In a bid to promote sustainable transportation and meet the rising demand for electric two-wheelers, the Indian government has put forth a proposal to modify the subsidy scheme for these vehicles. Under the revised plan, the subsidy available for each electric two-wheeler would be reduced from a maximum of 40 percent to 15 percent of the purchase price. However, the overall funding for subsidies is set to increase, with the budget being raised from INR 2,000 Cr to INR 3,500 Cr (approximately 3.5 billion euros). The additional funds will be sourced by reallocating unutilized subsidies initially allocated for three- and…

Title: Kia Advances Electric Vehicle Convenience with Enhanced Battery Technology and Expanded Charging Options Kia, the renowned car manufacturer, is making significant strides in enhancing the ownership experience of its electric vehicles (EVs) by leveraging advanced battery technology and improving charging options. The company’s comprehensive strategy encompasses various initiatives aimed at seamless connectivity, an expansive charging network, and innovative features. At the core of Kia’s plans lies “Kia Connect,” an ambitious endeavor that fosters an “always-on” connection between the vehicle, Kia services, and data providers. Through the integration of Kia’s Connected Car Cloud, this connectivity allows for real-time data streaming,…

In an effort to prioritize environmental sustainability in India, ride-hailing platform Uber Technologies is taking significant steps towards embracing green transportation. The company recently announced its plans to introduce more electric vehicles (EVs) on its platform, partner with fleet operators, offer financing options, and give users the choice to hire electric vehicles during their ride bookings. As part of the forthcoming launch of Uber Green in June, Uber will collaborate with fleet providers such as Lithium, Everest, and Moove to bring 25,000 electric cars onto its platform. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the country.…

In a recent update on the state of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Canada, the government has revealed that Tesla, the renowned electric car manufacturer, is planning to open a portion of its Supercharging network to non-Tesla vehicles starting in 2023. This announcement marks a significant development in the accessibility and convenience of EV charging across the country. The first phase of this initiative will involve the opening of Supercharging stations between Sudbury and Ottawa later this year. As part of a collaborative effort, Tesla will allow non-Tesla EVs to utilize its existing Supercharger network in Canada, provided that…

In a move aimed at attracting more customers to their electric vehicle (EV) lineup, Hyundai has significantly reduced lease prices for two of its popular models, the Ioniq 5 crossover and Ioniq 6 sedan, in the United States. The price cuts come as Hyundai introduces a substantial lease incentive of $7,500 on both models, a considerable increase from the previous discount of $5,200. According to a national Hyundai dealer incentive bulletin obtained by CarsDirect, the 2023 Ioniq 5 SE is now available for lease at $429 per month for a 36-month contract, requiring an initial payment of $3,999. This offer…

In a remarkable collaboration, Hyundai has joined forces with Rayvolt to introduce a distinctive variant of the popular eXXite Next electric bicycle. This exciting partnership aims to provide customers in France with an exceptional alternative to courtesy cars starting from late May. Furthermore, cycling enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase the Hyundai edition of the Next e-bike directly from eXXite. While Hyundai remains tight-lipped about the specific details, they promise that this exclusive version will boast cutting-edge technology. The newly launched Next and Next Step electric bicycles offer a powerful EPAC 250W motor with an impressive 50 Nm torque.…

China’s ascent as the leading exporter of new vehicles in the first quarter of 2023 was fueled by rising sales of electric vehicles and its ability to maintain trade ties with Russia. This impressive feat allowed China to surpass Japan and claim the top spot. Although Japan lost its position, it still experienced a growth of six percent in auto exports compared to the same period last year. In contrast, China’s automakers saw a substantial increase of 58 percent in vehicle shipments overseas during the first three months of 2023, as reported by Nikkei Asia. During the January to March…

Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has appointed Yong Wha Kim as the new head of its research and development (R&D) department, effective 1 May. He replaces Jung Kook Park, who held the position for around one and a half years before stepping down to become a consultant for the company. Kim, an “internationally recognized authority in the field of engine control software”, joined Hyundai in 2015 and has led several key projects related to hardware and software integration strategies for vehicles. In his new role, Kim will focus on advancing Hyundai’s R&D department, particularly in the integration of software and…

Randy Marion Automotive (RMA), a commercial vehicle dealer group in the United States, has made a massive commitment to electric trucks by ordering 1,000 units from Mullen Automotive. With deliveries set to begin as early as August, this marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for commercial transport. The order is for Mullen’s Class 3 low cab forward electric truck, the Mullen Three, which can easily accommodate bodies up to 4 meters long and has a payload capacity of around 2.6 tonnes. The deal is worth $63 million, which is roughly €57 million, according to the manufacturer. This…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has embarked on a five-week electric sales tour through Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium to present its eActros truck to potential customers. The tour started at the company’s largest assembly plant in Wörth, Germany, and will cover 3,700 kilometers. The eActros 300 (4×2) and eActros 400 (6×2) trucks, equipped with up to four battery packs, will be on tour. The vehicles will be charged at public charging points and in the depots of the branches. See also: EMPOWER: Austrian Institute of Technology Leads EU Project to Develop Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Trucks Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to encourage fleet…