Author: Moira Shortle

Gotion High-tech, a prominent player in the battery manufacturing industry, has entered into a significant agreement with Siemens to propel its operations into the digital age. This partnership entails the implementation of digital twins and battery-specific digital threads across various facets of their business, spanning product research and development, production, and technical services. The core objective of this collaboration is to harness the power of artificial intelligence-driven industrial control system technology. Gotion High-tech envisions the creation of a comprehensive closed-loop digital ecosystem for research and development, manufacturing, and overall management. This innovative platform is set to bolster Gotion’s intelligent battery…

In the wake of the European Commission’s investigation into the surge of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) flooding the European market, France is taking steps to potentially exclude these vehicles from its generous EV subsidy program. The French government is in the process of redefining the criteria for vehicles eligible to receive a €5,000 ($5,330) EV subsidy, with a significant emphasis on the environmental impact of EV manufacturing. Under the new regulations, France will scrutinize the overall environmental sustainability of EVs, taking into account the sources of energy used in their production. This move is seen as a clear stance against…

In a move aimed at elevating the in-car audio experience for Lucid Motors’ Air owners, TuneIn is deepening its collaboration with the luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Lucid Air owners, both current and prospective, will now have the opportunity to enjoy TuneIn Premium content directly from their electric vehicles. Under this partnership, Lucid owners will gain access to TuneIn Premium through an extended 90-day free trial period. This offer will grant Lucid Air owners access to a wealth of commercial-free content, including news, live sports broadcasts, audiobooks, and other premium audio offerings. While TuneIn has not officially disclosed any discounted…

In a recent development, European certification documents have unveiled a refreshed version of Tesla’s Model 3 Performance, shedding light on potential upgrades to the popular electric vehicle. The appearance of this new variant suggests that Tesla may be enhancing the Model 3 Performance as part of their Project Highland refresh. Earlier this month, Tesla introduced a redesigned Model 3 in several regions, including China and Europe. However, the top-tier Performance variant was notably absent from the initial launch, fueling speculation that it might have been discontinued. Even when the Model 3 received certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information…

Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands is embarking on a transformational project that will repurpose five existing buildings into a state-of-the-art facility catering to car rental companies. The endeavor, set to be completed by the end of 2024, is poised to revolutionize the airport’s approach to sustainable transportation. Spanning a substantial total surface area of 40,000 square meters, these repurposed buildings will house facilities for car maintenance, repairs, and vehicle washing, with a particular focus on electric vehicles (EVs). This development aligns perfectly with the airport’s vision of fostering a greener and more eco-conscious future. Atop these transformed buildings will sit…

VMoto, a brand in the electric two-wheeler industry with headquarters in China and Australia, has unveiled its latest offerings under the Super Soco brand. These two new models, named On-R and Off-R, mark VMoto’s expansion into the off-road electric motorcycle segment, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives in recreational riding. The On-R and Off-R models share a common platform, designed to provide versatility and excitement for riders seeking both urban commuting and off-road adventures. Featuring robust electric dirtbike underpinnings, such as long-travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, and sleek bodywork, these motorcycles promise an exhilarating riding experience. See also: VMoto…

The European Union (EU) has taken action to investigate the influx of Chinese-built electric vehicles (EVs) into its market. The EU’s move signals growing concerns within the trade bloc regarding the impact of these Chinese EVs, which benefit from substantial state subsidies, on its auto industry and market. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, officially announced the launch of an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. She expressed concerns about the market distortion caused by the artificially low prices of these vehicles due to substantial state support. In her annual address to the European Parliament, von der…

Cadillac is offering Lyriq electric SUV owners the option to purchase a torque upgrade through over-the-air technology. Dubbed the “Velocity Upgrade,” this enhancement allows 2024 AWD Cadillac Lyriq owners (and eventually 2023 model owners) to unlock an additional 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) of torque by paying a one-time activation fee of $1,200, plus applicable taxes. The upgrade elevates the Lyriq’s torque levels from 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) to 524 lb-ft (710 Nm). As a result, the vehicle’s 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time is improved from 4.7 seconds to 4.4 seconds, representing a notable reduction of 0.3 seconds. However, one…

Dr. Kjell Gruner, the former CEO of Porsche Cars North America, has assumed the roles of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and President of Business Growth at Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer known for its all-electric R1S SUV, R1T pickup truck, and its partnership with Amazon EDV. This decision was unveiled by Rivian on Friday, marking a significant development following Gruner’s abrupt departure from his position “at his own request” at Porsche Cars North America in July. Gruner had held the position for less than three years. Automotive News had previously reported Gruner’s impending move to Rivian shortly after…

In a recent development, a brief and somewhat shaky video surfaced online, shedding light on potential features of the eagerly awaited Tesla Cybertruck. The video, posted by a user known as “Old Spice” on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, offers a glimpse of a rear screen situated between the front seats, mirroring the setup found in Tesla’s Model S, Model X, and refreshed Model 3. Clocking in at just 16 seconds, the vertical video appears to have been captured during a promotional shoot conducted off-road, evidenced by the presence of a gimbal-mounted video camera. Notably, the footage shows three adults…

Specialized, a player in the bicycle industry, has introduced the Globe Haul LT, an electric cargo bike that falls under its Globe e-bike subsidiary. This long-tail electric bicycle promises extended range and enhanced cargo-carrying capabilities when compared to its predecessor, the Haul ST, which was initially revealed in March 2023. As with all of Specialized’s products, the Globe Haul LT boasts cutting-edge technology supported by extensive research and development. Let’s delve into the features that make this electric cargo bike stand out. Starting with its frame, the Globe Haul LT showcases a long-tail design, featuring an extended rear section designed…

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo confirmed the automaker’s intention to take its Ampere EV business public in the spring of 2024. The move comes as part of Renault’s broader strategic shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and software-driven solutions. Ampere, named after the renowned French physicist and mathematician André-Marie Ampère, has been deemed a pioneering “EV and software pure player” by Renault since its introduction in November 2022. The forthcoming transition involves a strategic separation, with Ampere set to break away from Renault’s conventional combustion-engine operations. The separation is targeted for completion by November 1, 2023, according to de Meo’s…

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), concerns about the long-term effects of DC fast charging on high-voltage batteries have lingered among owners. A pertinent question arises: how does frequent use of fast charging impact battery degradation over time? Recent research sheds light on this pressing matter, uncovering crucial insights for EV enthusiasts. A comprehensive study conducted by Recurring Auto, a leading provider of vehicle and battery analysis reports for EVs, has delved into the impact of charging methods on battery health. Analyzing charging data from a substantial pool of over 12,500 Tesla vehicles in the United States, the study…

In a significant stride towards sustainable battery manufacturing and recycling, Swedish battery maker Northvolt and British recycling company EMR have inaugurated a cutting-edge recycling facility in Hamburg, Germany. The facility, spanning 12,000 square meters, marks a key step in Northvolt’s ambitious recycling strategy, with a goal to process 10,000 tonnes of battery packs annually. Northvolt’s proactive stance on recycling began with the Revolt program in 2019, leading to the production of its first battery cell made entirely from recycled materials in 2021. This eco-friendly ethos is set to expand, with plans to upscale recycling operations in Sweden to a staggering…

In a groundbreaking announcement, Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car manufacturer, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Mobileye, a frontrunner in autonomous driving technology. The collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate Mobileye’s advanced Chauffeur autonomous driving system into the much-anticipated Polestar 4, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of self-driving vehicles. The highly-anticipated Polestar 4, which made its debut in the Chinese market today, is poised to achieve a global release in the year 2024. Positioned as an innovative platform, the Polestar 4 serves as the ideal canvas for the integration of Mobileye’s state-of-the-art SuperVision-based Advanced Driver Assistance System…

In a remarkable stride towards the future of automotive electrification, Hyundai is gearing up to introduce the IONIQ 7, a three-row electric SUV that stands as a testament to the automaker’s commitment to innovation. Following its initial announcement in 2020, the IONIQ 7 joins Hyundai’s exclusive lineup of dedicated electric vehicles, joining the ranks alongside the IONIQ 5 and the IONIQ 6 electric sedan. Elevating anticipation further, Hyundai provided a tantalizing glimpse into the IONIQ 7’s aesthetics through the unveiling of the “SEVEN” concept at the esteemed Automobility LA event. This concept showcases an avant-garde, sleek design that firmly establishes…

Acura, the luxury division of Honda, has recently unveiled its inaugural all-electric vehicle, the Acura ZDX. Mirroring the technology employed in the Honda Prologue, this electric SUV leverages General Motors’ Ultium platform, with customer deliveries anticipated to commence in early 2024. Originally showcased as the Precision EV Concept a year ago, the production version of this electric SUV will bear the name ZDX A-Spec or ZDX Type S. Both iterations will boast a robust 102 kWh battery, capable of accommodating charging rates of up to 190 kW. This indicates a probable utilization of GM’s 400-volt iteration of the Ultium platform.…

Our Next Energy (ONE), a promising energy storage technology startup based in Michigan, has unveiled impressive advancements in its Aries II lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This breakthrough places the battery in close competition with the benchmark nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) packs commonly employed in electric passenger vehicles. The company asserts that its Aries II battery has effectively bridged the gap in both range and mass, achieving a remarkable proximity of just six percent difference when compared to the leading NCM battery packs frequently chosen by automakers for their electric vehicles (EVs). For the LFP battery technology, attaining near-energy…

In an impressive feat of engineering and determination, Rivian’s R1S electric SUV has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first production electric vehicle to conquer the formidable Rubicon Trail. This renowned off-road trail, known for its treacherous terrain and demanding obstacles, witnessed the R1S SUV navigate its way through a challenging 12-mile stretch, marking a significant achievement for electric mobility in the adventure-oriented automotive landscape. Setting out from the Loon Lake entrance south of Lake Tahoe, near the California-Nevada border, Rivian’s test and development team embarked on their mission on Monday, August 7. Over the course of approximately eight…

In recent developments, two separate recalls have been initiated in the United States, involving the all-electric Genesis GV60 and the Hyundai Tucson models. The recalls pertain to specific units and have been announced due to safety concerns. The overall impact of these recalls remains contained, affecting only a small number of vehicles. The 2023 GV60 recall by Hyundai Motor Company focuses on a specific issue related to the front passenger-side seat belt automatic locking retractors. Certain vehicles have exhibited an unusual behavior where these retractors can remain locked even after the seat belt has been fully engaged and retracted. The…