Author: Miguel Garcia

European logistics firm DFDS has placed an order for ten solar-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs), named “Endurance,” from UK startup Sunswap. The units, designed for zero-emission cold chain logistics, feature a battery and solar panels to help maintain low temperatures without reliance on diesel. Sunswap reports that the Endurance units can sustain cooling for up to 22 hours per charge, with solar panels providing between 65% and 100% of the unit’s power needs. A full charge takes approximately 80 minutes, and the units can operate effectively for two days. This initial order marks Sunswap’s entry into the global cold-chain market,…

Lucid Motors has launched the online configurator for its latest model, the all-electric Gravity SUV, allowing prospective buyers to explore its features and customize their orders. Available initially in the Grand Touring trim, the luxury SUV starts at $94,900, with fully-loaded configurations reaching up to $126,500. The Gravity is Lucid’s second vehicle, following the Air sedan, and is designed with both performance and versatility in mind. The SUV boasts over 440 miles of range per charge, 828 horsepower, and up to 120 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on the selected seating layout. Lucid also highlights the Gravity’s capacity to…

Tesla has officially initiated Cybertruck deliveries in Canada as the company appears to have fulfilled its initial backlog in the United States. This comes roughly a year after Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck in the U.S., where it has delivered an estimated 40,000 units to date. Recently, Tesla announced that the Cybertruck achieved positive gross margins, and the company also introduced a higher-end version of the electric truck in the U.S. market, priced at $80,000. Previously, reservation figures for the Cybertruck had reportedly reached up to 2 million worldwide, but Tesla’s order page now indicates immediate availability in the U.S.,…

Researchers from Germany’s Technical University of Darmstadt and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a breakthrough in battery safety. The team has developed an approach that merges machine learning with basic physical models to detect early faults in lithium-ion battery systems. “Faults in individual battery cells can lead to serious problems such as fires,” explained experts from TU Darmstadt’s Institute of Automation Technology and Mechatronics. Their method employs recursive Gaussian processes, which allow for real-time monitoring by quickly processing extensive data. “These recursive methods can be applied in real-time and efficiently process large amounts of data, enabling continuous…

Lilium, the German developer of electric flying taxis, has officially filed for insolvency for its two key subsidiaries, Lilium GmbH and Lilium eAircraft GmbH. The application for self-administration proceedings was submitted to the Weilheim Local Court on October 28, following the company’s announcement of its intention to file earlier in the week. In a notification to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday, Lilium indicated that it was unable to secure sufficient additional funding to sustain operations. The company cited that both subsidiaries are “over-indebted” and “will not be able to pay their liabilities as they fall due…

The Mexican government on Monday raised concerns about a recent proposal by the Biden administration to restrict certain Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles in the U.S., citing national security concerns. Mexico’s economy ministry, in a filing with the U.S. Commerce Department, expressed apprehensions that the proposed restrictions could have a “substantial impact on Mexico’s automotive industry,” stating, “Economically, it poses potential trade barriers, disruptions to supply chains, increased production costs, and a possible risk of reduced direct and indirect employment.” Automakers and technology organizations also voiced concerns, asking for modifications and additional time before the rule takes effect.…

Einride and PepsiCo have announced a partnership to deploy an electric truck fleet in Memphis, Tennessee, with the goal of electrifying Frito-Lay’s food distribution routes in the area. This collaboration reflects PepsiCo’s aim to reduce its Scope 3 emissions through sustainable freight solutions and follows a previous implementation in the U.K. in 2023. The initiative involves a fleet of five electric vehicles that are expected to transport over 2,500 loads annually, covering nearly 200,000 miles. This deployment is anticipated to contribute to an annual reduction of approximately 143 metric tons of CO2e emissions. The trucks will be operated by drivers…

Chinese automakers are intensifying efforts to expand their manufacturing capabilities outside of China, with plans to more than double their full-process production capacity in response to rising import tariffs on vehicles from China and increasing global demand for electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report from Bloomberg. The report indicates that these manufacturers are set to increase their annual production capacity in foreign plants from 1.2 million vehicles in 2023 to over 2.7 million by 2026. This ambitious expansion aims to establish full-process manufacturing facilities, which encompass all key stages of vehicle production, including stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly.…

US battery cell developer 24M has announced the delivery of commercial-sized lithium metal battery cells to a major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM), although the company has not disclosed the name of the recipient. However, Volkswagen, which has held a 25% stake in 24M since early 2022, is widely speculated to be the customer. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 24M focuses on providing cell manufacturing platforms and primarily generates revenue by licensing its innovative ‘SemiSolid’ technology. The current delivery marks the first time a major automotive OEM has access to 24M’s battery cells, though these particular units…

Lamborghini has launched its first plug-in hybrid Super SUV, the Urus SE, at the Nardò Technical Center (NTC). This new model combines high-performance capabilities with hybrid technology, reflecting the brand’s efforts toward electrification. The Urus SE is equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 800 CV (588 kW), making it the most powerful Urus model to date. The Urus SE features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing 950 Nm of torque. This setup enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in…

Tesla is reportedly preparing to appoint Omead Afshar to oversee its operations in Europe and the USA, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. While Tesla has yet to officially confirm the move, the promotion places Afshar, one of CEO Elon Musk’s closest confidants, in a key leadership position at the electric vehicle manufacturer. Afshar, who joined Tesla in 2017, has worked closely with Musk, initially as Project Manager and later as Project Director. He played a significant role in the development of Tesla’s Giga Texas facility. Though his LinkedIn profile offers little insight into his current…

Voltera, a U.S.-based charge point operator, is enhancing its portfolio by developing two new charging hubs specifically for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in California, aimed at facilitating the transition to zero-emission mobility. The first hub will be situated in Wilmington, near the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. It will provide a total charging capacity of five megawatts, accommodating up to 30 charging stalls. This strategic location is expected to significantly support the region’s extensive drayage operations. Funding for the construction comes from the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Carl Moyer Programme, which contributed $2.3 million, along with…