Author: Moira Shortle

Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, has emphasized that the company’s upcoming R2 electric vehicle (EV) will offer distinct advantages over Tesla’s Model Y. Scaringe asserted that while the R2 will be “slightly smaller” than the Model Y, its performance as an SUV will be “worlds different.” Rivian revealed its next-generation R2 and R3 models in March. The R2, priced starting at $45,000, is positioned just below the average new vehicle cost in the U.S., which, according to Kelley Blue Book, was $48,644 in June. The R2 aims to attract a broader audience, building on Rivian’s success with its R1T and R1S…

Archer Aviation is set to finalize the construction of its 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Covington, Georgia by the end of 2024. The facility will be equipped to produce 650 units of Archer Midnight, the company’s electric aerial vehicle (EAV). The Midnight, designed for short trips of 20 to 50 miles, can carry four passengers and a pilot. It boasts a maximum speed of 150 mph and requires only 10 minutes of battery charging between flights. The vehicle is intended for low-altitude operations and is designed for rapid, consecutive flights. Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, stated, “Thanks to the…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr has launched its Zeekr X compact SUV in Singapore and commenced deliveries in Thailand as part of its ongoing globalization strategy, the company announced on Thursday. The Zeekr X, available in two variants, was launched in Singapore on August 1. The standard version is priced at S$199,999 ($150,580), while the flagship version is available for S$214,999. The company explained that the higher prices in Singapore are attributed to elevated purchase costs and taxes compared to those in China. “The Zeekr X was initially launched in China on April 12, 2023,” the company stated. They…

EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and OPmobility, will supply fuel cell stacks for the first non-stop flight of a hydrogen-powered aircraft around the world. Environmental pioneer Bertrand Piccard will be one of the two pilots on this ambitious journey. The Climate Impulse project aims to fly the aircraft over 40,000 kilometers in nine days in 2028 without stopping. The aircraft will be powered by two electric motors, each delivering 200 kW, enabling a cruising speed of around 180 kph. The required electricity will come from PEM fuel cell stacks provided by EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. The…

Paraclete Energy, a Michigan-based supplier of silicon anode materials, has unveiled its new product, SILO Silicon, which is set to revolutionize the lithium-ion battery market. The company plans to release this material in the final quarter of 2024. SILO Silicon is described by Paraclete Energy as a “revolutionary silicon anode material that will transform the Li-ion battery market, particularly the EV battery sector,” boasting “unprecedented energy density and cost efficiency.” The new material features a “unique polymer matrix architecture” that allows for an industry-leading silicon concentration, delivering up to 300% greater energy density compared to traditional graphite anodes. It also…

Automotive supplier Webasto announced it is expanding its Roof Sensor Module (RSM) portfolio to include robot taxis and autonomous trucks. Previously known for its RSM for passenger cars, Webasto aims to extend its expertise to more advanced vehicle technologies. Webasto has developed roof modules that integrate multiple sensor technologies such as camera, radar, and lidar. The company has secured a project in the United States to supply its RSM to a robot taxi manufacturer. https://evmagz.com/webasto-boosts-traction-battery-energy-content-from-35-to-40-kwh/ “The next big step in this field of development will be autonomous trucks,” said Thomas Schütt, head of the business unit at Webasto. “Here, the…

AISIN Corporation and the BMW Group have agreed on a strategic partnership to collaborate on the production of e-axles. The agreement entails AISIN manufacturing e-axles based on a BMW Group design, with production slated for both China and Europe. AISIN has a history of supplying the BMW Group with key products such as automatic transmissions and variable valve timings. This new partnership builds on the established relationship between the two companies. “The aim of this partnership is a cooperation in the field of build-to-print e-axle production by AISIN based on a BMW Group design,” the companies said in a joint…

British postal service Royal Mail will begin receiving approximately 2,100 electric delivery vans starting in August 2024, with most expected to be operational by the end of the year. Royal Mail plans for over half of the new electric vehicles to be in service before the Christmas shopping period, aiming for a rollout by late November. The vans will be charged at Royal Mail’s delivery offices using “100% renewable electricity.” https://evmagz.com/royal-mail-deploys-4000th-electric-delivery-van-plans-to-expand-fleet-to-5000-by-spring/ The company projects that the addition of these electric vans will result in an annual CO2 reduction of around 6,000 tonnes. Royal Mail has not disclosed specific details about…

Scottish airline Ecojet, set to begin operations by the end of the year, has signed a contract to purchase 22 hydrogen-electric ZA2000 engines from ZeroAvia. These engines are intended for retrofit into turboprop aircraft with 40 to 80 seats. Based in Edinburgh, Ecojet aims to become the industry’s first all-electric airline, promoting carbon-free travel. The airline plans to start operations with conventionally powered aircraft by late 2024, serving routes to and from Edinburgh. Once the hydrogen-electric technology is certified, these aircraft will be retrofitted with the ZA2000 engines. https://evmagz.com/zeroavia-introduces-ai-driven-software-to-slash-hydrogen-production-costs/ “Ecojet, the world’s first electric airline is on a mission to…

Kodiak Robotics has successfully carried out its inaugural driverless delivery through a new partnership with Atlas Energy Solutions. The autonomous journey took place in the Permian Basin of West Texas, where a Kodiak-equipped truck transported frac sand across a 21-mile route from a depot to a well site, predominantly on dirt roads. This achievement aligns with Kodiak’s strategic objectives for 2024, as CEO Don Burnette outlined in an interview earlier this year. “Our partnership with Atlas will make us the first autonomous semi-truck company to establish commercial driverless operations and the first company to make autonomous trucking a real business,”…

Daimler Truck has begun the next phase of its GenH2 Truck program by delivering five pre-series fuel cell trucks to customers for real-world testing. This step follows extensive internal testing and marks a significant move towards series production. The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks will be tested by Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, Ineos, and Wiedmann & Winz. “After a rigorous testing phase on the test track and public roads, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks have now reached an advanced development stage for deployment in the first customer fleets,” Daimler Truck announced. The GenH2 Truck is equipped with two fuel cell systems from the…

India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced plans to establish 5,833 charging stations along the nation’s highways as part of a broader initiative to create 7,432 public fast-charging outlets by 2023. The deployment will be managed by three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): Indian Oil (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL). Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai, will see the largest number of these new chargers, with a total of 649 locations. Tamil Nadu follows closely with 649 locations, while Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to the national capital Delhi, will have 525 public fast-charging stations. The MHI is not directly involved…

The MG S5, a compact all-electric SUV, has emerged as an unexpected highlight in the latest monthly list of cars approved for sale in China by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This list, which includes key specifications and images, has unveiled the MG S5, catching many by surprise. The MG S5 features a distinctive design with a classic X-shaped front, slender headlights, and a lower air intake. It also sports a split grille design reminiscent of the MG Cyberster. A wave-like line runs from the front wing to the rear, complemented by a clean rear look with…

Tesla has introduced a new feature in its mobile app, enhancing charging options for non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs). The update, version 4.35.1, was first noticed earlier this week. The new feature, highlighted by Not a Tesla App, combines availability and distance sort options into a single dropdown menu and allows users to filter charger locations by power levels, either 0-70kW or 71-250kW. See also: Tesla App Update Aims to Reduce Phantom Battery Drain Tesla regularly updates its mobile app software, adding new features or refining existing ones. Recently, version 4.35.0 introduced a feature to avoid waking the vehicle when using the…

Great Wall Motors’ subsidiary FTXT has signed a framework agreement with Baoding, a city in China’s Hebei province, to deliver 3,900 fuel cell trucks by 2025. The initial batch of 900 hydrogen-powered vehicles is slated for delivery this year. The first set of deliveries will include 400 fuel cell vehicles for waste management services and an additional 500 fuel cell electric trucks. The remaining 3,000 vehicles, of which 500 will be sanitation vehicles, are scheduled for delivery in 2025. Details regarding the vehicles and their drive systems’ technical specifications were not disclosed, nor were the financial terms of the deal.…

Porsche has introduced new additions to its Macan electric vehicle (EV) lineup, including the rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4S models. Additionally, a new off-road design package is available as an option for all Macan EV versions. The all-electric Macan RWD focuses on efficiency with a 100 kWh battery and advanced power electronics. This model uses the same rear-axle motor as the Macan 4 EV but is 243 pounds lighter. “The electric motor has a 480-amp pulse inverter (PWR) with silicon carbide (SiC) transistors to increase efficiency. This efficient semiconductor reduces switching losses in the PWR and enables higher switching frequencies.…

Panasonic Energy has announced a partnership with the University of Kansas (KU) to develop electric vehicle (EV) battery technology and foster local talent. The collaboration aims to promote next-generation battery technologies through KU’s advanced energy and battery research lab. “In the wake of the 2011 University Engineering Initiative Act, Kansas has been producing engineering graduates to meet industry demand, with KU playing a key role in this initiative,” KU stated. “This partnership aims to help promote the regional development of Kansas and achieve a sustainable society.” Panasonic Energy is also constructing its second North American battery factory near KU in…

Tesla has reintroduced the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), positioning it as a more affordable choice within its popular electric sedan lineup. This follows several modifications to Tesla’s vehicle offerings, including the recent Highland refresh and the discontinuation of certain Model 3 variants. The automaker announced the relaunch in an email to customers, stating, “Travel up to 363 miles (EPA est.) on a single charge and enjoy the performance and handling of our rear-wheel drive powertrain for longer. Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is here, starting at $29,990* after federal tax credit and estimated gas savings.” Despite…

The battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 tractor unit has demonstrated its operational readiness by completing a rigorous five-day journey spanning 1,400 miles across the United Kingdom. This feat, achieved during the EV Rally 2024 from July 1-5, underscores the vehicle’s capability in heavy-duty transportation. Hauling a fully freighted 40-tonne GVW trailer, the eActros 600 emerged victorious as the sole tractor unit among the 50 electric vehicles participating in the event. The journey, which commenced from Oldbury in the West Midlands and covered 26 locations across the country, showcased the truck’s endurance and performance. James Venables, Head of Future Sustainability at Daimler…

Eve Air Mobility, an electric aerial vehicle (EAV) manufacturer, has received a $20 million investment from Nidec Aerospace, the company responsible for supplying its electric propulsion systems. This latest funding follows a $94 million investment round that included support from Embraer, a major investor in Eve Air. Nidec Aerospace aims to expand its presence in industrial unmanned drones, next-generation hybrid aircraft, and future electric aircraft as part of its strategic growth strategy. The investment also aligns with Nidec’s plan to provide essential products like chargers tailored for EAVs. Vincent Braley, CEO of Nidec Aerospace, expressed confidence in the aerospace strategy…