Author: Moira Shortle

Volkswagen Group of America has issued a recall affecting 13,769 electric vehicles due to a defect that could cause them to lose power while driving. The issue stems from the 12-volt battery charger, which may malfunction, leading to a loss of motive power and posing a potential safety hazard. The recall includes several models, namely the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron, and the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Sportback. See also: Volkswagen Recalls Over 60,000 Electric Vehicles in U.S. Over Gear Display Malfunction According to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration…

Nio is implementing a new organizational restructuring aimed at tighter cost control, with founder, chairman, and CEO William Li taking a more hands-on role in supply chain management, local media outlet 36kr reported on Monday. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has introduced an internal management framework known as the Cell Business Unit (CBU), which is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter. The system divides Nio’s operations into distinct, non-overlapping units, each assigned specific return-on-investment (ROI) targets and a performance-based incentive structure, the report said. See also: Nio Opens First Battery Swap Station in MENA “The new…

Researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have unveiled a lithium-sulfur battery technology that could significantly enhance electric vehicle (EV) performance by increasing range and reducing charging times. The innovation addresses key shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries by offering a lighter, more cost-effective, and energy-dense alternative. See also: McGill University Achieves Breakthrough in Solid-State Lithium Battery Technology Lithium-sulfur batteries have long been considered a promising next-generation energy storage solution, but their commercial viability has been hindered by limited lifespan—typically lasting only 50 charge cycles before significant degradation. FIU researchers have developed a method to stabilize the battery’s performance by incorporating a trace…

The European Commission said on Wednesday it remains committed to its 2035 target requiring all new cars and vans sold in the European Union to be carbon dioxide-free, while also upholding its intermediate emissions targets for 2030. The EU executive, however, granted automakers an extended compliance period for 2025 emissions targets, giving them three years instead of one to meet the requirements and avoid penalties. See also: EU Commission to Push EV Adoption in Corporate Fleets, End Fossil Fuel Tax Breaks “We stick to the 2035 targets, which means that we stick to the 2025, 2030 and, of course, the…

Volkswagen has launched an updated version of its ID.3 electric vehicle in China for the 2025 model year, introducing a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery option for the first time. The refreshed model retains its existing design but features an upgraded interior and a competitive pricing strategy. The latest ID.3 now comes with two battery choices: a 52.8 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery and a newly introduced 53.6 kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL. The LFP version offers a range of 451 km under China’s CLTC testing standard, though its charging performance remains modest. See also: Volkswagen Slashes ID.4…

Rivian posted a gross profit for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2024, a key milestone for the electric vehicle startup as it works toward overall profitability. The company reported a gross profit of $170 million, largely attributed to cost reductions in producing its refreshed R1S and R1T models. “The biggest part of this is due to the massive cost reduction brought by the refreshed R1S and R1T,” Rivian Chief Financial Officer Claire McDonough said during a Q&A session. See also: Rivian CFO: R2 SUV Development on Track, Global Expansion Planned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jghrB8iNAUw Rivian managed to cut the cost…

The European Commission is considering allowing car manufacturers additional time to meet CO2 emissions targets, while also exploring new subsidies for battery production, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said ahead of the official release of the EU’s Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry. Von der Leyen proposed that automakers could comply with the 2025 CO2 target over three years instead of by 2025 alone, provided the European Parliament and member states agree. “Instead of annual compliance, companies will get three years – this is the principle of banking and borrowing; the targets stay the same; they…

General Motors’ Super Cruise driver assistance system has been named the winner of MotorTrend’s inaugural “Best Tech Award,” recognizing its role in advancing hands-free driving technology. The system, first introduced in 2017, allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads and is set to expand its coverage to 750,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada by late 2025. See also: GM Bets on Super Cruise Technology to Drive Future Revenue Growth MotorTrend launched the new award series to highlight innovative technologies that enhance the driving experience. “MotorTrend said it launched the new awards to celebrate groundbreaking technologies and innovations that redefine…

South Tyrol will cut electric vehicle (EV) charging tariffs from March as part of a broader push to expand electromobility in the region, the provincial government announced. The plan includes increasing the number of public charging stations to 1,000 by the end of 2026 and introducing new subsidies for EV purchases and home charging installations. The province-owned energy provider Alperia will lower its charging rates significantly, reducing AC charging from €0.60/kWh to €0.45/kWh and DC charging from €0.89/kWh to €0.55/kWh. See also: Massachusetts to Deploy 100 Bidirectional EV Chargers in Statewide Pilot Alperia electricity customers and those of Stadtwerke Bruneck…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto announced plans to introduce smart-driving upgrades for its L-series SUVs and the Li Mega MPV in May, while opting not to release 2025 model-year updates. The company’s decision has raised concerns among potential buyers about the longevity of their purchases amid evolving technology. The upcoming enhancements will focus on advanced driver-assistance capabilities, with no changes to battery specifications, electric drive systems, or vehicle design. Li Auto’s update strategy comes in response to growing customer inquiries about potential facelifts for existing models. See also: Li Auto to Announce Q4 and Full-Year 2024 Earnings on March…

Tesla has formally applied for regulatory approval to operate autonomous ride-hailing services in California, marking a significant step toward launching a fleet of self-driving robotaxis. The move comes weeks after company executives disclosed plans to debut the service in Austin, Texas, by June. Bloomberg first reported Tesla’s application for a “transportation charter-party carrier permit” with the California Public Utilities Commission, a requirement for companies seeking to own and operate ride-sharing fleets in the state. If granted, Tesla would receive the same permit that allows Waymo to offer driverless rides. See also: Uber CEO Confirms Tesla Declined Collaboration on Robotaxi Platform…

Waymo, the autonomous driving unit of Alphabet, has surpassed 200,000 weekly paid robotaxi rides, doubling its trip volume in under a year, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. The company, which operates driverless taxi services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, has expanded significantly from providing 10,000 rides per week two years ago. The increase marks a 20-fold growth over that period, highlighting the growing adoption of autonomous ride-hailing. See also: Waymo to Test Autonomous Vehicles in 10 New Cities, Starting with Las Vegas and San Diego Exciting new @Waymo milestone: Waymo One is now serving 200k+ paid trips each…