Author: Michael Khan

Rotterdam-based EST-Floattech, a developer of battery systems for electrified vessels, has announced a successful funding round, raising a total of €4 million from investors. The Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam contributed €3 million, with an additional €1 million coming from existing supporters. Among the existing shareholders are PDENH, Ponooc, Yard Energy, and the Rotterdam Port Fund, which includes the City of Rotterdam. The Rotterdam Port Fund, a private investment fund focused on financing innovation in the port sector, has been a key supporter. EST-Floattech has stated that it has a strong customer base in Rotterdam. The company specializes in developing and…

Servotech Power Systems has secured a significant deal with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to deliver electric vehicle (EV) chargers, following a similar agreement with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in late January. The deal with HPCL, valued at 102 crores, will see Servotech manufacture, supply, and install DC chargers nationwide, with a focus on deployment at HPCL’s retail outlets. See also: Servotech Power Systems and Lloyd Institute of Engineering Collaborate on EV Charging Research and Training The chargers provided by Servotech will include both 60 kW and 120 kW variants, catering to different charging needs. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech…

Indian bus manufacturer Olectra Greentech has secured an order for 2,400 electric buses from Mumbai. The twelve-metre-long vehicles will be supplied to the city’s public transport operator, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), within 18 months. BEST has reportedly signed a contract with Olectra Greentech to lease the buses for twelve years, with the manufacturer also responsible for their maintenance. Additionally, BEST will procure 250 electric buses from another manufacturer. Details about the specific Olectra bus model are currently unavailable. However, the order, valued at approximately 446 million euros, underscores Mumbai’s commitment to electrifying its public transport fleet. This is…

Lucid Group Inc. has disclosed its fourth-quarter 2023 financial results, highlighting key figures that indicate both achievements and challenges for the luxury electric vehicle manufacturer. The company’s performance in Q4 saw it deliver 1,734 vehicles, bringing its total 2023 deliveries to 6,001 vehicles. Lucid also produced 2,391 vehicles in Q4 and 8,428 vehicles throughout the fiscal year, meeting the upper end of its adjusted target range of 8,000 to 8,500 vehicles. Despite meeting its production targets, Lucid fell short of Wall Street’s revenue expectations for Q4 2023. The company reported revenue of $157.2 million, missing analysts’ estimates of $178.33 million.…

Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has embarked on the construction of a new plant dedicated primarily to the production of electric buses. The initial capacity of the facility, located in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to be 2,500 buses per year. In a company statement, Ashok Leyland announced that the new plant, covering approximately 28 hectares, has recently had its foundation stone laid. While the focus will be on electric buses, the facility will also have the capability to produce vehicles with conventional or other alternative fuels. See also: Ballard, Adani, and Ashok Leyland Partner on Hydrogen-Powered…

Shif Mobility has launched its latest electric scooter model, the SWAN Folding Electric Scooter, in Europe. The scooter features an innovative folding mechanism for its aluminum frame, making it easy to transport. The unique design allows the back tire to lift towards the handlebars, enabling users to carry the scooter using the front wheel and two small wheels fixed to the baseboard. One of the standout features of the SWAN scooter is its 16-inch wheels, which provide enhanced stability during rides. Despite the larger tires, the scooter remains lightweight at 14.5 kg (~32.0 lbs). The scooter is powered by a…

Rivian is building anticipation as it gears up to unveil its much-anticipated R2 electric SUV in less than three weeks. The company has confirmed that the R2 will be more affordable and will make its way to Europe, offering a glimpse into the future of electric mobility. The recent teaser video released by Rivian showcases the R2’s silhouette, which bears a striking resemblance to the R1S, indicating a smaller and more compact design. This aligns with a patent filed by Rivian last month, which revealed a compact electric SUV with slightly altered features such as smaller headlights and a redesigned…

Volkswagen and Mahindra have inked a significant deal, marking the first supply contract for MEB components from Volkswagen to Mahindra’s electric platform, INGLO. The agreement, finalized nearly two years after Mahindra’s initial announcement of its intent to utilize Volkswagen’s MEB modular system, establishes Mahindra as the first external partner to adopt Volkswagen’s unified cell technology. Under the terms of the contract, Volkswagen Group Technology, along with its “Platform Business” division and Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, will oversee the coordination of this new partnership with Mahindra. While specifics regarding the start date of deliveries and the exact components covered by the…

Yamaha has taken steps to solidify its position in India, one of the largest markets for two-wheelers worldwide. This strategic move involves an investment in the electric vehicle startup River, renowned for its innovative electric scooters. In a country marked by a burgeoning population and congested urban streets, the transition to electric mobility is not merely a passing trend but a necessary evolution. River, an up-and-coming contender in the electric two-wheeler sector, has attracted Yamaha’s attention with its promising electric scooter model, the Indie. Branded as the “SUV of Scooters,” the Indie distinguishes itself with its distinctive, robust design and…

Ola Electric, a  player in the Indian electric two-wheeler market, has unveiled an enhanced version of its S1 X electric scooter, boasting a larger 4kWh battery for extended range. The new battery offers up to 190km of range on a single charge, accompanied by extended warranty programs aimed specifically at the battery of the upgraded S1 X. The introduction of the revised S1 X underscores Ola Electric’s ongoing commitment to innovation and product development within the electric vehicle sector. As the brand continues to introduce various variants of the Ola S1 electric scooters, the company also emphasizes its efforts in…

Vietnam-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has initiated a recall of nearly 6,000 VF 5 cars in the domestic market to address an issue with the combination switch, the company announced on Tuesday. According to a statement released by VinFast, the affected vehicles were produced between March and December of the previous year. See also: VinFast Unveils Mid-Sized Electric Pickup, VF Wild, Targeting the U.S. Market The recall comes after the company identified a potential issue with the combination switch during internal testing. Notably, only one vehicle on the market was reported to have experienced the switch error, with no…

Nikola Corporation has officially opened its maiden HYLA hydrogen refueling station in Southern California. Capable of fueling up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily, this facility marks a pivotal development in the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. In alignment with its strategic vision, Nikola’s energy brand, HYLA, plans to establish an extensive hydrogen station network for Nikola customers in collaboration with partner stations. The company aims to implement up to 60 hydrogen refueling solutions in the coming years, with a targeted deployment of nine stations by the close of Q2 2024. Ole Hoefelmann, President of…