Author: Miguel Garcia

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.…

Toyota is in discussions with Shanghai authorities regarding the possibility of establishing a wholly owned manufacturing facility in the city, similar to the privileges granted to Tesla, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The Japanese automaker seeks comparable benefits enjoyed by Tesla, including tax incentives, policy backing, land grants, and the unique ability to operate factories independently without local joint-venture partnerships in China. Tesla’s Shanghai plant, inaugurated in late 2019, stands as China’s first fully foreign-owned automotive manufacturing venture. See also: Toyota’s GAC Venture in China Adopts Momenta’s Smart Driving Solution for bZ3X Sources indicate that Toyota…

The REWIND project, a pioneering effort in battery recycling, aims to develop a prototype lithium-ion battery where components can be fully recovered while preserving their structure, bypassing current shredding and dissolving processes. Led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC and partnered with major industry players like BMW, IBU-tec, and Leclanché, REWIND is slated to continue until the end of 2027. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, the project’s core objective is “to develop a LIB cell with specially designed recyclable electrodes and cell designs.” “In REWIND, we aim to create a lithium-ion battery prototype that is not only recycling-friendly…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently provided insights into the rollout progress of Full Self Driving (FSD) V12.4.2, stating that the update is advancing to internal testing this week. Musk emphasized the pivotal role of FSD in Tesla’s future trajectory, highlighting its potential to enable true autonomous driving and propel the company to new heights. He acknowledged the significant allocation of resources towards FSD development, underscoring its critical importance within Tesla’s strategic vision. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1805813026316337563 Updates to FSD have garnered enthusiasm among veteran testers of the advanced driver-assist system, particularly with V12.4. Musk’s recent comments on the update have generated anticipation, despite…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) announced on Tuesday its plans to introduce a new entry-level variant of its electric minibus, the ID. Buzz. The new model will feature a smaller 62 kWh battery, aiming to make the vehicle more affordable than the current version. Lars Krause, Board Member for Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, disclosed the details in an interview with German publication Automobilwoche. However, Krause did not specify the market launch date or the price of the new entry-level variant. See also: Volkswagen Plans Major Production Boost for Electric ID.Buzz Van This year, VWN will also ramp up production of the…