Author: Miguel Garcia

Volvo has stopped accepting online orders for its EX30 electric vehicle in the United States, marking another setback for the automaker. The option to reserve an EX30 on Volvo’s website has been replaced with a “Keep me updated” tab. Unveiled in June 2023, the EX30 is Volvo’s smallest and most affordable EV, starting at $34,950 in the U.S. and 36,000 euros ($38,500) in Europe. Despite its compact size, the vehicle has generated significant interest, with nearly 48,000 units sold globally in the first half of 2024. The first models reached European customers in December. However, the EX30 has faced several…

Lucid has announced enhancements to its 2025 Lucid Air, promising longer range and greater energy efficiency. The Air Pure, priced at $69,900, now features an 84 kWh battery pack that extends its range to 420 miles (676 km) on a single charge. Lucid claims this makes it the first vehicle to achieve 5 miles (8 km) per kilowatt-hour of energy, surpassing competitors such as Tesla’s Model S, which achieves 4 miles (6.4 km) per kilowatt-hour, Mercedes-Benz’s EQS with 3.25 miles (5.2 km), and Rivian’s R1S with 2.68 miles (4.3 km). The 2025 lineup continues to include the Air Touring and…

The European Commission is signaling a potential tariff reduction for Volkswagen and BMW’s imports of electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China, sources familiar with the matter revealed today. If approved, Volkswagen and BMWcould benefit from a reduced tariff of 20.8% for their China-made EV models, down from the current 37.6%, by being classified as cooperating companies, sources said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations. Notably, BMW’s electric Mini and Volkswagen’s Cupra Tavascan, produced by SEAT, were excluded from Brussels’ initial tariff assessments, subjecting them automatically to the highest tariff bracket. The potential tariff adjustment marks…

Tesla has introduced Energy Boost, a software upgrade that adds up to 50 miles (80 km) of driving range for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in the U.S., starting from $1,000. The upgrade is not available for Canadian owners of the Model Y RWD. In a post by Tesla North America on X (formerly Twitter), the company announced that owners of the discontinued entry-level Model Y RWD can now enhance their vehicle’s range. The Energy Boost upgrade offers 30 miles (48 km) more between charges for $1,000, while $1,600 will unlock 50 miles. Which option appears for owners will…

German energy company E.ON and Volkswagen subsidiary MAN Truck & Bus unveiled plans on Thursday to launch a pan-European electric truck charging network, aiming to bolster sustainable logistics amid Europe’s ambitious emission reduction goals. “We are investing heavily to give the infrastructure for electric heavy goods transport a decisive boost and to set the course for sustainable logistics and green supply chains,” said E.ON’s chief executive, Leonhard Birnbaum, in a joint statement with MAN. The initiative responds to Europe’s target of cutting emissions from heavy commercial vehicles by 90% by 2040 compared to 2019 levels. While electric passenger car adoption…

The Biden administration announced on Thursday plans to award nearly $1.1 billion in grants to General Motors (GM.N) and Stellantis, parent company of Chrysler, to convert existing plants into facilities for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and components. The Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled a $1.7 billion initiative aimed at converting 11 “at risk” plants across eight states. This transformation is projected to support the production of 1 million EVs annually, retain 15,000 existing jobs, and create 3,000 new positions. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized that these grants reflect the Biden administration’s industrial strategy, aimed at modernizing historical auto manufacturing facilities.…

PVY has introduced the Z20 Turbo, the latest addition to its popular Z20 series of electric bikes, aimed at enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance and versatility across various terrains. The PVY Z20 Turbo features front and rear suspension, designed to offer a smoother ride, along with a 48V battery that provides up to 30% more range compared to its MAX sibling. This enhancement makes the bike suitable for longer journeys, catering to both urban commuters and recreational cyclists. Unlike its predecessors, the Z20 Turbo boasts a sturdy build with 20×4-inch tires and 7-speed Shimano gears, ensuring stability and adaptability on different…

Tesla Inc will showcase its highly anticipated Cybertruck at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of Europe’s premier motoring events. According to an announcement from Tesla UK’s official X account, the Cybertruck will be featured from July 11 to July 14 at the event’s “First Glance” paddock, where it is scheduled for a demonstration. https://twitter.com/tesla_uk/status/1810320259196551471 The lineup for the festival reveals that alongside the Cybertruck, Tesla’s reengineered Model 3 Performance will also be on display in the “Electric Avenue” paddock as a static exhibit. Known for its performance and favorable reviews, the Model 3 Performance is expected to draw…

Porsche remains steadfast in its strategy to transition select models to electric vehicles (EVs), emphasizing sustainability goals despite recent challenges in EV demand, according to statements from the carmaker’s production head to Automobilwoche magazine. Albrecht Reimold, Porsche executive board member, clarified that the petrol-powered version of the SUV model Macan will cease production for non-European markets by 2026, citing the completion of its platform lifecycle. He dismissed earlier reports suggesting an accelerated transition, stating, “The platform has reached the end of its cycle.” Acknowledging market conditions, a Porsche spokesperson affirmed the company’s commitment to electric versions of the Macan to…

NASCAR introduced its inaugural electric race car prototype at the Chicago Street Race today, adorned in ABB livery and equipped with a powerful tunable powertrain capable of reaching up to 1,000 kW (1340 hp) peak power. Dubbed the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, the vehicle marks a significant step in NASCAR’s sustainability efforts under its “NASCAR Impact” initiative. ABB has been announced as the first Official Partner of Impact, aiming to foster discussions on sustainability and promote environmental stewardship. “There could not be a more optimal moment in time to announce our first Impact partner than in tandem with the debut…

European Union inspectors conducted a visit to Tesla Inc’s (TSLA.O) Giga Shanghai facility to assess individual duty rates as part of the EU’s investigation into provisional tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China, which took effect on July 5, 2024. According to Politico, the European Commission (EC) scheduled the visit to Tesla China’s gigafactory from June 26 to 28. The inspection duration for Tesla was notably shorter compared to other automakers exporting from China during the Commission’s broader investigation. Tesla’s involvement in the investigation is pivotal. Despite its request to be included in the sample examined by the Commission…

Cabify and Polestar have inked a landmark agreement aimed at transforming the private hire vehicle (PHV) sector in Barcelona and Madrid, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing urban transportation. Under the agreement, a fleet of 100 electric cars, specifically the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor Plus models, will be deployed across the two largest Spanish cities. Barcelona and Madrid will each receive fifty of these vehicles, operated by Vecttor, a subsidiary of the Cabify group. The Polestar 2, known for its recent updates and impressive urban range of up to 655 kilometers, will play a pivotal role in reducing…

Rivian has decided to discontinue its previously generous vehicle return policy, marking a shift in its customer relations strategy since its inception in September 2021. Initially aimed at building consumer confidence in its high-priced electric vehicles, the policy allowed customers to return their vehicles for a full refund under specified conditions within a short window post-delivery. The company recently removed the dedicated support page titled “What is the return policy on a Rivian vehicle,” replacing it with a new page titled “Does Rivian have a vehicle return policy?” where it unequivocally states, “Rivian vehicles do not have a return policy.”…

Tesla has commenced an initiative to upgrade the electric motor of its Cybertruck, aiming to enhance efficiency and reliability for early adopters of the electric pickup. According to reports, Tesla has begun contacting select early Cybertruck owners to inform them about replacing their electric drivetrain as part of a study on the vehicle’s performance. At their next scheduled service visit, Tesla plans to replace one of the drive units free of charge. The new unit is touted to offer “improved efficiency and reliability,” although Tesla did not specify whether it pertains to the front or rear motor, noting that all…

Li Auto announced today that it delivered 47,774 vehicles in June, marking a notable 46.66% increase from the same period last year and a 36.42% rise from May’s figures. This places June’s deliveries as the second-highest on record, following December’s peak of 50,353 vehicles. In the second quarter, Li Auto reported delivering 108,581 vehicles, reflecting a 25.48% year-on-year growth and a 35.05% increase from the first quarter. The company’s quarterly deliveries fell within its previously guided range of 105,000 to 110,000 vehicles, set during its first-quarter earnings report in May. See also: Li Auto Opens 500th Supercharging Station Amidst Growth Challenges…

Volkswagen and SAIC have inked a series of technical cooperation agreements aimed at developing new electric vehicle (EV) products under their longstanding Chinese joint venture. The collaboration will focus on creating two all-electric models and three plug-in hybrid models set to debut between 2026 and 2030 in both China and Germany. The agreements, signed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their joint venture, aim to enhance technological integration and herald a new phase of cooperation. Until now, SAIC has predominantly offered modified versions of Volkswagen’s MEB modular system models in China, such as the ID.3 and ID.4, with minimal alterations…

Wisk Aero, a Boeing subsidiary specializing in advanced air mobility (AAM), has acquired Verocel, a company specializing in software verification and validation (V&V) for high-integrity aerospace applications. The acquisition is expected to bolster Wisk’s efforts in certifying autonomous electric aircraft. Wisk Aero’s vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, designed to accommodate four passengers with a fixed wingspan of 50 feet, operates autonomously under human supervision. The acquisition of Verocel is seen as pivotal in advancing Wisk’s certification process for autonomous flight. “High-integrity software development is critical for our mission to certify an autonomous, electric aircraft with V&V being a significant portion…

Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar faced significant challenges in J.D. Power’s latest Initial Quality Study for 2024, marking a departure from previous accolades for electric vehicle (EV) brands. According to the report, Tesla and Rivian emerged among the lowest performers in initial vehicle quality, trailing behind most traditional automakers. Polestar, the electric performance brand, ranked the lowest overall in the study. J.D. Power’s Senior Director of Auto Benchmarking, Frank Hanley, highlighted the impact of new technology on vehicle quality: “It is not surprising that the introduction of new technology has challenged manufacturers to maintain vehicle quality. However, the industry can take…

China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed hope on Thursday for a negotiated resolution with the European Union regarding preliminary tariffs set to impact Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) from July 4. State media reports from Beijing indicate China’s desire for the EU to withdraw its plans for these tariffs, while Brussels insists on addressing alleged injurious subsidization in China’s EV industry during ongoing technical talks this week. See also: China and EU to Discuss New Import Tariffs on Chinese EVs Amid Trade Tensions Spokesperson He Yadong emphasized ongoing close communication between the two sides’ working teams, intensifying consultations aimed at finding a mutually…

Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Hozon Auto, inaugurated its flagship showroom in Kenya on June 26, marking its entry into the African automotive market, the company announced recently. This debut marks Neta’s pioneering move into the African right-hand drive car market among Chinese new carmakers, underscoring its strategic focus on global expansion. See also: Neta Auto Parent Hozon New Energy Applies for Hong Kong Listing At the launch, Neta introduced its Neta V compact SUV to the Kenyan market, with plans to introduce additional models such as the Neta Aya and Neta X in the near future.…