Author: Michael Khan

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), a British startup, has unveiled the production version of its eCV1 electric van, scheduled for manufacturing starting in 2026. The eCV1 utilizes the Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES) platform, meeting stringent ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval crash standards. Designed for versatility and efficiency, the eCV1 is available in 3.5-tonne and 4.5-tonne variants, boasting leading payload capacities up to 1,750 kg. The electric van integrates battery modules into its primary structure, enhancing stiffness, reducing weight, and maximizing cargo space. Compared to its 2023 prototype showcased at the CV Show, the production eCV1…

California-based battery materials firm Sila has secured $375 million in a Series G financing round, led by existing investors Sutter Hill Ventures and T. Rowe Price Associates. The funding will facilitate the completion of Sila’s new manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, scheduled to be operational by Q1 2025. This plant aims to produce ‘Titan Silicon,’ an advanced anode material with high silicon content designed to enhance lithium-ion cell performance by potentially replacing graphite. Sila plans to commence deliveries of ‘Titan Silicon’ to automotive clients by Q4 2025, with Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic among its initial customers. The company has also…

Hong Kong-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BeyonCa, backed by Renault and Dongfeng Motor, announced on Friday its intention to establish a final assembly plant and international headquarters in Hong Kong, marking a milestone in the territory’s automotive industry. “We aim to achieve a breakthrough in Hong Kong’s auto manufacturing industry, becoming the first international premier electric vehicle brand made in Hong Kong,” said BeyonCa’s founder and chairman Weiming Soh. The company plans to assemble its cars in a government-owned industrial park in Hong Kong, with primary manufacturing processes such as stamping, body welding, and painting taking place in mainland China.…

Hubject, a leader in EV charging networks, and Ampeco, a provider of EV charging management software, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing charging infrastructure management worldwide. Under this collaboration, Charging Point Operators (CPOs) and e-Mobility Service Providers (EMPs) can now access Hubject’s extensive networks and Ampeco’s comprehensive charging management services through a single contract. See also: Hubject and Exicom Partner to Enhance EV Charging Experience in India Ampeco positions its solution as a hardware-independent system for efficiently managing charging infrastructure, particularly targeting customers across North America. Earlier this year, Ampeco secured substantial investment from BMW and BMW i Ventures…

GAC’s Aion brand made a significant move into the Indonesian market on June 22, unveiling its Indonesia strategy at a launch conference in Jakarta. The highlight of the event was the official entry of the Aion Y Plus into Indonesia, offering two trims: Exclusive with a range of 410 km and Premium with a range of 490 km. These models are priced between 415,000,000 and 475,000,000 IDR (25,200 – 28,900 USD). Indonesia, being the largest automobile market in Southeast Asia, was a strategic choice for GAC Aion’s expansion. To establish a strong presence in Indonesia, GAC Aion has partnered with…

Tata Power, through its subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has installed more than 850 charging points for electric buses in India. This initiative is part of Tata Power’s efforts to expand its renewable energy business and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The extensive charging network established by Tata Power is playing a crucial role in making electric buses a norm in public transport in many Indian cities. TPREL has strategically placed these charging points in over 30 bus depots in prominent cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, among others. See also: Tata…

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has opened a new Nio House in Hamburg, Germany, signaling its continued expansion into the European market. The showroom, located in the city center, aims to serve as a hub for local residents and Nio users, fostering connections and community engagement. This new location in Hamburg marks Nio’s fourth Nio House in Germany, adding to its existing facilities in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf. The strategic placement of the Hamburg showroom is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and reach in one of Germany’s key metropolitan areas. See also: Nio Reorganizes Smart Driving Team to…

China’s securities regulator announced on Monday that it has approved autonomous driving startup Momenta Global Limited’s initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. Momenta intends to issue up to 63,352,856 ordinary shares and list on either the Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange, according to the regulator’s statement. China has been accelerating the adoption of self-driving cars, having granted approval in June to a first group of nine automakers to conduct tests on vehicles with advanced autonomous driving technologies on public roads. The auto industry has established five levels of autonomous driving, ranging from level one,…

Hyvia, a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug, has teamed up with hydrogen mobility provider Hype to advance decarbonized hydrogen mobility, aiming to reduce the cost of H2 and related services. The partnership, as stated in a press release by the Renault Group, encompasses the entire ecosystem of H2 mobility, including the supply of decarbonized hydrogen, the establishment of H2 refueling stations, and the provision of vehicles. See also: Faurecia to supply hydrogen tanks for Renault Master H2-Tech van Hyvia will supply hydrogen to Hype’s filling stations in and around Paris, with the hydrogen produced at Hyvia’s plant in Flins,…

Lamborghini is charting new territory as it seeks to maintain the emotional allure of its vehicles even as it transitions to electric power. The Italian automaker is eschewing the approach of replicating the characteristics of internal combustion engines (ICE) in its EVs, opting instead to focus on creating a strong connection between driver and machine through innovative means. In a conversation with Top Gear, Lamborghini’s chief technical officer Rouven Mohr emphasized the company’s commitment to building cars that offer the most profound connection between driver and vehicle. While he acknowledged the challenges of achieving this with EVs, Mohr expressed confidence…

GreenPower Motor has introduced the EV Star REEFERX, a new all-electric refrigerated medium-duty delivery truck, now available for orders. This offering marks a significant advancement in sustainable transportation solutions, catering to the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles. According to GreenPower Mobility, the EV Star REEFERX features a lighter body construction, allowing it to carry a payload of up to 5,500 pounds for various applications. The electric truck boasts a range of 150 miles, providing fleet owners with a reliable solution for delivering refrigerated and frozen goods on daily routes. Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower, emphasized the unique features of…

Tesla has announced a significant milestone, revealing that it has manufactured 50 million 4680 battery cells at its Giga Texas plant in Austin. The company made the announcement through a post on X, showcasing a collage of team members at Giga Texas who contributed to this achievement. Production of Tesla’s 4680 battery cells has ramped up considerably, supporting the manufacturing of electric vehicles at Giga Texas and other Tesla factories. Over the past year, Tesla has produced approximately 40 million battery cells, equating to nearly a million cells per week. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1798472011678966221 Tesla’s focus on the 4680 cell underscores its importance…