Author: Moira Shortle

Tesla’s Cybertruck production appears to be accelerating, with an increasing number of deliveries and a substantial fleet observed at Gigafactory Texas, signaling a significant ramp-up in production. The exact pace of the Cybertruck ramp-up remains somewhat opaque. Tesla initiated production late last year and has chosen not to disclose specific delivery numbers for Q4, bundling all Model S, Model X, Tesla Semi, and Cybertruck deliveries into a single category. See also: Tesla’s Cybertruck “Wade Mode” Tested: Can It Really Swim? https://twitter.com/JoeTegtmeyer/status/1760345758207815881 Drone flyovers of Gigafactory Texas provide valuable insights into the Cybertruck production ramp. A recent flyover by Joe Tegtmeyer…

Dacia has revealed a significantly refreshed version of its Spring model, aiming to modernize the affordable urban EV and make it more competitive in the market. The 2024 Dacia Spring adopts a new design language inspired by the popular Duster SUV, along with improvements to its interior and features. The exterior of the Spring has been updated with styling cues from the Duster, including a new grille and LED headlights, as well as SUV-style elements like the skid plate and bumper intakes. The rear of the vehicle has also been redesigned with modern LED lights and additional plastic cladding on…

Ararkis Automobili has unveiled the Sandstorm, its inaugural hypercar entry aiming to shake up the hypercar world with bold performance claims. While existing only in flashy renderings for now, the Sandstorm is gunning for the title of the world’s fastest-accelerating production car, boasting a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 1.5 seconds, besting even the Rimac Nevera. However, unlike the Nevera, which is a tangible reality, the Sandstorm is still in the digital realm. Ararkis plans to produce a mere 20 units of the hypercar, with prices starting at a hefty $2 million. See also: Hispano Suiza to Unveil New…

BYD is exploring the possibility of establishing an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Mexico to serve as an export base to the US, as stated by a company executive in a report from Nikkei. Zou Zhou, BYD Mexico’s country manager, emphasized the necessity of overseas production for international brands, noting Mexico’s status as a key market with significant potential. The company has initiated a feasibility study for the plant and is currently in discussions with national and local government officials regarding its potential location and other related details. While the exact site has not been disclosed, Nuevo Leon in the…

Fresh off the heels of Rivian’s teaser video for its upcoming R2 SUV, set to debut on March 7, images of what could be the R2 have surfaced online. The photos, purportedly taken during a photo or video shoot, show the vehicle “in the wild,” though their accuracy remains unverified. The images, initially shared on Reddit and later on X (formerly Twitter), depict a vehicle resembling Rivian’s signature design language, consistent with the teaser video released the day before. The setting, atop a parking lot, suggests a controlled environment for the shoot, allowing for restricted access. See also: Rivian Teases R2…

Nikola Corporation’s Board of Directors has announced its decision to reject five director nominees proposed by an entity linked to former CEO Trevor Milton. The rejection comes ahead of Nikola’s upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where an election for the company’s directors is scheduled to take place. In a press release issued by Nikola, it was revealed that the company received a notice on January 26 from M&M Residual, LLC, connected to the former CEO, proposing the nomination of Cole Cannon, Derek Johnson, Hans Peterson, Paul Southam, and Dave Sparks for the company’s eight-member board. See also: Former Nikola CEO,…

Ford has announced plans to unveil the electric iteration of its Puma model, to be named Gen-E, later this year. The electric variant, like its combustion engine counterparts, will be manufactured at the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova, Romania. Details regarding the new electric vehicle (EV) are scarce, with Ford providing only the name and a promise of a forthcoming reveal. However, the automaker has shared some features of the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the compact crossover. See also: Ford Develops Modular Electric Vehicle Platform to Enhance Competition with Tesla The Puma is touted to boast a “sports…

The European Union’s ambitious MOBILITIES project, which commenced at the end of January 2024, is geared towards assisting cities in their transition towards sustainable practices. With a focus on implementing innovative mobility and freight transport concepts, the initiative aims to drive urban areas towards greener transportation alternatives. Madrid and Dresden have been selected as the inaugural cities to pilot these groundbreaking ideas. At the core of the MOBILITIES project lie themes of electrification, automation, and connectivity within urban transport systems. Referred to as “Lead Cities,” Madrid in Spain and Dresden in Germany will serve as testing grounds for 27 innovative…

Volkswagen has announced its intention to uphold investment levels over the next five years, despite implementing a multi-billion euro cost-saving program. According to a report by German newspaper Handelsblatt, the majority of the investment will be directed towards the development of new electric models. “Most of the money” will finance new electric models, said three individuals familiar with the matter to Handelsblatt. The carmaker plans to invest around 180 billion euros through 2028, consistent with the figures set earlier for the period up to 2027. This decision comes contrary to the expectations of investors interviewed by the business newspaper, who…

Despite assertions from a group of American car dealers urging President Biden to reconsider promoting electric cars, a recent study suggests a growing interest among U.S. car buyers in electric and hybrid vehicles. The study, conducted by GBK Collective and polling 2,000 U.S. residents, indicates that over half of the respondents are considering vehicles with some form of electrical assistance for their next purchase. In contrast to the initial wave of electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts driven by design and innovation, this emerging group of potential buyers is primarily motivated by practical considerations. Concerns such as the cost of ownership and…

Italian-based EV charging station operator, Electrip Italy Srl, has solidified a roaming agreement with Hubject, enhancing its connectivity within the Intercharge network. This partnership allows Electrip’s charging stations to seamlessly integrate with numerous charging service providers across Europe, offering a broader charging network for electric vehicle (EV) users. Despite its name implying a focus on long-distance DC charging, Electrip is positioned as a new player in the European market, emphasizing the operation of both AC and DC charging stations strategically placed in cities and along interurban roads. See also: Tesla Charging Adaptors on the Horizon for Ford Mustang Mach-E and…

In the unveiling of Stellantis’ new STLA Large platform, CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized the significance of rapid acceleration in electric vehicles (EVs) as a fundamental safety feature. The platform supports models capable of achieving 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in as little as 2 seconds. Tavares underscored the importance of quick acceleration in ensuring safe overtaking maneuvers on the road. Tavares provided a firsthand perspective, stating, “I am living on a farm in the deep countryside of Portugal, and I often drive on the small roads around here.” He continued, “The acceleration power is first a matter of safety. It is…

Hyundai’s advanced air mobility company, Supernal, revealed its electric flying taxi prototype at the CES event on Tuesday. The four-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, named S-A2, is designed to operate quietly and may be powered by solid-state batteries. Building upon its initial concept showcased at CES in 2020, Supernal, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, aims to integrate automotive design with aerospace engineering to create a new mode of urban transportation. See also: Hyundai-Backed Supernal Sets to Build eVTOLs in the USA The S-A2 is an electric aircraft capable of cruising at 120 miles per hour at…

Tesla has updated its US Model Y configurator, incorporating two new colors—Ultra Red and Stealth Grey—previously exclusive to the Model S and Model X. This change marks a departure from Tesla’s infrequent alterations to its color palette, introducing options that closely resemble existing ones. Last year, Tesla introduced Ultra Red in March and Stealth Grey in October for the Model S and Model X in the US. Despite the anticipation, these colors remained unavailable for the Model Y in the country. Now, US Model Y customers have the opportunity to choose between the new colors, which replace two previous options:…

Since its introduction to the U.S. market in late 2016, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has undergone significant changes, emerging as an even more compelling electric vehicle (EV) option in 2024. Despite the conclusion of its production run, the Bolt EV stands out as an exceptionally affordable choice, challenging common perceptions about EV affordability. Priced at $27,495 for the 2023 model, the Bolt EV now offers a substantial reduction of $10,000 compared to its debut seven years ago. Importantly, the vehicle remains eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, which the IRS now allows to be deducted directly from the purchase price.…

Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, defended the unique and polarizing design of the Cybertruck, asserting that it serves as a significant brand booster. Addressing concerns about the delayed launch and pricing variations, von Holzhausen emphasized the truck’s capacity to generate conversations about the Tesla brand. “Love it or hate it, it’s a conversation starter, and it gets people talking about the brand,” remarked von Holzhausen, as the Cybertruck models find their place in a Tesla exhibit at the museum. Despite its delayed release and a starting price of $60,990, exceeding earlier projections, the Cybertruck is gaining attention from individuals…

Toyota Europe’s Head of Light Commercial Vehicle Sales, Emmanuel Beaune, has indicated that an all-electric version of the popular Toyota Hilux pickup is still in the early stages of investigation. While the Hilux remains a top-selling pickup globally, the development of a fully electric variant may take longer than anticipated. Despite unveiling the Hilux Hybrid 48V earlier this month, featuring a small hybrid system connected to a 2.8 L diesel engine, Toyota has yet to commit to a fully electric Hilux. The hybrid version offers marginal improvements, with up to 5% better fuel efficiency. Toyota’s exploration of alternative powertrains also…

Fiat recently unveiled the redesigned 500e in the United States, prompting mixed reactions due to its 149-mile range and $32,500 price tag. However, a trio of 500e concepts, auctioned as part of Art Basel Miami Beach events, surpassed expectations by fetching a combined total of $600,000, well beyond their estimated value of $50,000 to $100,000. The standout performer was the 500e Kartell concept, which commanded an astonishing $275,000. Noteworthy features contributing to its appeal included blue-tinted glass, a six-layer “ecocrome” paint job with a chrome-like finish, and design elements inspired by Kartell’s Kabuki lamp. The latter, retailing for $1,685, influenced…

The European Union (EU) suggested on Wednesday a potential postponement of three years to the enforcement of stringent regulations slated to impose import tariffs on numerous electric vehicles (EVs) traded with Britain, starting next year. EVs constitute a vital segment of trade between Britain and the EU, as both regions are primary markets for each other’s electric vehicle exports. The proposed delay aims to provide stakeholders with additional time to align with the evolving regulations, considering the significance of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the European Commission revealed plans to allocate an extra 3 billion euros ($3.24 billion)…

Italian manufacturer Iveco and Chinese firm BYD have emerged as the successful bidders in a substantial electric bus tender conducted by public transport operator ANM in Naples. While Iveco secured a contract for the delivery of 46 electric buses with lengths of nine and ten meters, BYD clinched three contracts, winning a total of 142 electric buses in lengths of eleven, 12, and 18 meters for the Naples fleet. The specific delivery timelines for the vehicles have not been disclosed. The lot secured by Iveco for 46 midibuses is valued at €25.3 million, with ANM setting a unit price of…