Author: Moira Shortle

Cadillac has revealed details of its highly anticipated 2025 Escalade IQ electric SUV, slated to hit markets with a starting price of $129,990. The new model, available in four distinct trims, is set to redefine luxury in the electric vehicle sector. The entry-level Luxury 1 AWD trim, priced at $129,990, boasts impressive features including 11.5 kW charging capability, a spacious 55” LED display, and Cadillac’s advanced Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, complete with a complimentary 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan. This trim is positioned to appeal to tech-savvy consumers seeking premium amenities coupled with efficient electric performance. For those…

Stellantis announced on Tuesday its ambitious plan to broaden its lineup of affordable hybrid vehicles in Europe, aiming to introduce 36 models by 2026. The move comes in response to increasing consumer demand for hybrid cars, seen as a viable alternative to both petrol-powered and electric vehicles. Formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler in 2021, the American-French-Italian automaker detailed its strategy to roll out 30 hybrid models this year across nine of its 14 brands, including Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo. An additional six models are slated for launch over the next two years. While…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a significant recall for the Fisker Ocean electric vehicle (EV), highlighting potential failures in the water pump that could result in power loss. This latest development impacts 7,545 vehicles manufactured between February 9, 2023, and March 13, 2024, across the 2023 and 2024 model years. Recalls are a routine aspect of the automotive industry, often addressing isolated issues affecting a small percentage of vehicles. However, the unique nature of this recall is underscored by NHTSA’s estimation that 100 percent of the affected Fisker Oceans may experience the same critical defect, necessitating…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Inc is set to unveil the F57, a new all-electric vehicle slated for release later this year, which will eschew LiDAR technology in favor of relying solely on cameras, mirroring Tesla Inc’s approach adopted several years ago, according to reports from CnEV Post. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long been critical of LiDAR technology, famously dismissing it as a “fool’s errand” and gradually phasing out ultrasonic sensors from Tesla vehicles starting in 2022. Xpeng, which initially integrated LiDAR technology with its P5 model in 2021, appears to be shifting its strategy, banking on alternative technologies…

BMW has formally requested the European Commission to reconsider the tariff structure for its electric Mini vehicles manufactured in China, seeking a reduction from the current rate of 37.6% to 20.8%, according to sources familiar with the matter. The request comes in response to the European Commission’s recent imposition of provisional duties on electric vehicle imports from China. BMW’s electric Mini, produced in China for only a short period, was not included in the initial sample analysis conducted by Brussels prior to the tariff announcement. Sources close to the situation indicate that BMW is confident the electric Mini will qualify…

Luminar Technologies, renowned for its lidar solutions, unveiled its latest innovation, the Sentinel software suite, aimed at enhancing autonomous driving capabilities for consumer vehicles. Developed over five years, Sentinel integrates advanced AI and software tools crucial for proactive safety, perception, 3D mapping, localization, simulation, and dynamic lidar features. The initial shipments commenced last week, slated for evaluation by car manufacturers over the next three months. However, Luminar emphasizes that Sentinel is still in the developmental phase and not yet ready for full production deployment. “We’ve been pioneering lidar systems for global production vehicles, but since 2017, we’ve also focused on…

Traton, the truck subsidiary of Volkswagen, is exploring the establishment of a new battery assembly plant to meet rising demand for electric trucks under stringent EU emission regulations. The German news agency DPA reported, citing a company spokesperson, that potential locations for the new facility include Salzgitter in Germany, Krakow in Poland, and Zwolle in the Netherlands. This move marks Traton’s third foray into battery production, following plants in Sweden and Nuremberg, Germany. “We are in the early stages of considering a third factory,” the spokesperson said, with a decision expected by autumn. Production, if approved, could commence in the…

Sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are experiencing robust growth in Canada, surpassing the United States, buoyed by provincial incentives in Quebec and British Columbia. According to analysis by S&P Global comparing EV and PHEV sales data from January to April across 2022, 2023, and 2024, Canada has seen a significant acceleration in registrations this year. BEV registrations have surged by 57% compared to 2023, while PHEV registrations have soared by 75% during the same period in 2024. In contrast, growth in the U.S. has slowed notably. While BEV registrations showed a substantial increase from…

BYD is finalizing plans to construct a new $1 billion electric vehicle (EV) plant in Turkey, as part of its strategic expansion into international markets following recent developments in global trade tariffs. Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is expected to formally announce the agreement on Monday, with a ceremony scheduled in Manisa province where the facility will be located. This move comes shortly after BYD inaugurated its inaugural factory in Thailand and amidst plans for additional plants in Brazil and Mexico. The decision to establish a manufacturing presence in Turkey is seen as a strategic response to new European Union…

Nio, the China-based electric automaker, announced on Friday that Steven Wei Feng has resigned from his position as chief financial officer, citing personal reasons. Effective immediately, Feng’s departure marks a significant change in the company’s leadership. Taking over as CFO is Stanley Yu Qu, an internal appointee with a strong background in finance and a deep understanding of Nio’s operations. Qu has been with the company since October 2016, previously serving as senior vice president of finance. In his new role, Qu will navigate Nio through the challenges currently impacting the electric vehicle industry, including intense market competition and regulatory…

Opponents of California’s ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption have escalated their challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court, questioning the state’s regulatory authority under its Advanced Clean Car program. “In its request for hearing, filed on Tuesday, Valero Energy Corp’s Diamond Alternative Energy and other plaintiffs said EPA’s grant of a waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Car program … enabled the state to ‘operate as a quasi-federal regulator on global climate change,'” according to the filing. California Governor Gavin Newsom aims for the state to lead in climate action, targeting the transportation sector, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.…

Thai authorities are investigating BYD’s dealers following consumer complaints over aggressive discounting tactics in a crucial international market for the Chinese EV giant, which have left some buyers dissatisfied with their purchase prices. The probe was initiated by the office of the Thai Prime Minister, instructing the country’s consumer protection agency to take action after a customer alleged misleading pricing practices. According to a government statement, the investigation stems from a complaint where a BYD customer claimed a sales representative had indicated prices would rise post a discount campaign, only for the dealership to subsequently slash prices further. BYD officials…

Voitures Extravert has unveiled its latest venture, the Essenza series 2 electric conversion, promising a blend of classic aesthetics with modern performance enhancements that surpass the original air-cooled Porsche 911. Following in the footsteps of renowned firms like Singer and Everrati, Voitures Extravert caters to Porsche enthusiasts seeking to revive vintage models with contemporary electric powertrains. In a recent communication, Voitures Extravert hinted at the impressive capabilities of their 911 conversions, boasting 385 horsepower (290 kW) and over 750 lb-ft of torque (1025 Nm) available instantly. This marks a significant leap from the 125 horsepower offered by the original 1971…

De Lijn, the Flemish public transport company, has recently welcomed the initial delivery of five electric buses from VDL, marking the beginning of a broader transition towards sustainable mobility in the Ghent region. The new-generation Citea buses, stationed at De Lijn’s Destelbergen depot, represent the first phase of a larger order. An additional five buses are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, with the remaining 14 slated for deployment from the Sint-Niklaas depot at a later date, though specifics have not been disclosed by De Lijn. “This delivery is part of our commitment to electrify our fleet and contribute…

General Motors (GM) has surged ahead in the electric vehicle (EV) market, breaking records in the second quarter of 2024. With new models like the Chevy Blazer and Equinox EVs hitting the streets, GM delivered 21,930 EVs in Q2 alone, marking a 34% increase from the previous quarter. CEO Mary Barra expressed confidence, labeling 2024 as “the year of execution” for GM’s EV ambitions. According to GM’s latest report, the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EVs have significantly boosted sales, with the Hummer EV achieving its best quarter ever. Barra highlighted the impact of GM’s newest electric offerings, noting that…

CASE Construction Equipment has launched the 12EV, a cutting-edge electric compact wheel loader aimed at advancing sustainable applications and alternative fuel solutions. The 3.8-tonne 12EV boasts equivalent power to its diesel counterpart, powered by a cobalt-free 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This enables a substantial payload capacity of 1.15 tonnes with pallet forks. Designed with separate electric motors for the driveline and implement pump, the 12EV offers enhanced responsiveness to operator controls. Its 23 kWh battery supports operation for three to six hours depending on usage, with a standard 230-volt charger facilitating overnight charging. Alternatively, an optional 400-volt fast charger…

In a remarkable surge for Norway’s electric vehicle market, new registrations of electric cars nearly doubled in June compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 14,009 vehicles, according to data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (OFV). This figure marks an increase of 6,116 electric cars from May and reflects a 9.4% rise compared to June 2023. “The Norwegian market witnessed a robust recovery in June, bouncing back from the lower figures seen in May,” stated an OFV spokesperson. “The dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued, capturing 80.0% of all new registrations, up from 77.0% in May.”…

DHL Express is set to electrify a third of its loaders and tractors at Brussels Airport this summer, totaling 24 vehicles, as part of its commitment to sustainability. The initiative follows a successful trial phase using electric handling equipment and is expected to significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint at the airport by more than half. The logistics provider, in collaboration with Brussels Airport, will establish necessary charging infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted operations for time-critical shipments. DHL Express has already transitioned its crew buses and tarmac cars to all-electric models, further advancing its environmental goals. Funding for the new electric…

BYD announced record sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in June, boosting its second-quarter performance to new heights amid a robust global demand for electric vehicles. BYD sold 341,658 NEVs last month, surpassing its previous record set in December 2023, according to company figures released on Tuesday. This marks a 35.02% increase from the same period last year and a 2.97% rise from May. The company ceased production of internal combustion engine vehicles in March 2022, shifting its focus entirely to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). See also: BYD Launches Third Electric Vehicle in Japan, Introduces…

Skoda has unveiled the first official images of its upcoming electric model, the Elroq, cloaked in camouflage foil, along with initial specifications ahead of its global debut scheduled for autumn 2024. “The figures released for the Elroq, based on the familiar VW MEB platform, reveal intriguing details,” a Skoda spokesperson stated. The Elroq will offer four drive variants, labeled similarly to the Enyaq models: 50, 60, 85, and 85x. For instance, the Elroq 60 features a revised medium battery version of the MEB platform, boasting a 63 kWh gross capacity (59 kWh net), slightly more than previous versions. While Skoda…