Author: Moira Shortle

Tesla and Uber may collaborate to introduce the new Cybercab Robotaxi on Uber’s ride-sharing platform, according to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a recent interview. Tesla unveiled its Robotaxi platform last week, showcasing the Cybercab, a two-seated self-driving vehicle designed for ride-hailing services. Despite Tesla’s intentions to launch its own ride-hailing platform, the relationship between the two companies has remained strong. Tesla has already integrated Uber into some of its vehicles to enhance the experience for drivers. In his conversation with the Financial Times, Khosrowshahi expressed optimism about future partnerships with Tesla and the broader autonomous driving industry, stating, “I’d…

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Chrysler, and Fiat, has revised its remote work policy, requiring employees to spend more time in the office as it navigates economic challenges and prepares for leadership transitions. Under the new guidelines, Stellantis will ask employees to be in the office at least three days a week, shifting from the previous policy that allowed 70% remote work, according to Human Resources Chief Xavier Chereau at the Paris Auto Show. “We need to be pragmatic and we are recalibrating,” Chereau said. “If there’s a difficult project that needs attention, then it’s all week in the…

Zeekr announced today that its newly launched Zeekr 7X electric SUV has surpassed 10,000 deliveries within just 25 days of going on sale, marking a significant milestone for the company in the Chinese EV market. This rapid achievement represents the fastest delivery of a luxury electric vehicle in China, according to a statement released by Zeekr on Weibo. The Zeekr 7X, the company’s second model targeting the mainstream EV segment, was launched on September 20, 2024, with deliveries beginning the following day. The vehicle quickly gained momentum, securing over 6,000 locked-in orders within the first 24 hours of its launch…

The Microlino, an electric microcar that has been turning heads since its unveiling nearly eight years ago, is getting a stylish makeover with the introduction of the Microlino Spiaggina. This latest iteration, showcased at the Paris Motor Show, redefines the concept of a city car by combining retro aesthetics with modern electric technology. Designed for Europe’s most popular summer destinations, the Spiaggina is the embodiment of fun, fashion, and functionality. Unlike conventional cars, the Microlino falls under the L7e category of quadricycles in Europe, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph) while bypassing many of…

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian shipping company, has provided new details about its Sea Zero project, outlining ambitious plans for its first zero-emission cruise ship. The vessel is expected to debut in 2030, using large batteries and other innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption by 40 to 50 percent compared to current cruise ships. Initially announced in October 2022, the Sea Zero project revealed its first renderings in mid-2023, with further developments now showing refined designs and technologies. Hurtigruten, in collaboration with Norwegian industry partners, aims to achieve emission-free operation through a combination of energy-efficient technologies, including large batteries, sails, and solar…

Eli Electric Vehicles has been awarded “Startup of the Year” by AutoTech Breakthrough, recognizing its contributions to urban transportation. The company, known for its micro-EV model, the Eli ZERO, aims to provide an efficient and sustainable option for daily commutes in urban areas. This recognition highlights Eli’s growing presence in the electric vehicle market. The Eli ZERO is designed for urban mobility, offering a compact size and a range of features, including heating and cooling systems, an optional infotainment system, and automotive-grade technologies. The vehicle’s design focuses on reducing traffic congestion and emissions, providing a practical solution for city travel.…

Hyzon, a U.S.-based manufacturer and developer of hydrogen fuel cell systems, has announced the Start of Production (SOP) of its groundbreaking single-stack 200kW Fuel Cell System (FCS). This advancement enables Hyzon to produce standardized fuel cell systems at scale for commercial use, thereby accelerating the decarbonization of heavy-duty industries. With the SOP announcement, Hyzon has met all necessary conditions for full-scale manufacturing, marking the transition from prototype development to the production of standardized units. This fully integrated manufacturing approach is central to Hyzon’s strategy, enhancing rapid product development, customer responsiveness, and overall power output. Unlike many competitors who source individual…

Nissan is recalling close to 24,000 Leaf electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. due to a potential fire hazard associated with their high-voltage battery packs during DC fast-charging sessions. The recall, which affects 23,887 units built between August 29, 2018, and November 3, 2020, was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These vehicles were manufactured at Nissan’s plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The problem arises when the affected Leaf EVs are connected to Level 3 fast chargers, which can cause the battery pack to rapidly heat up without any audible or visible warning to the driver. If the…

Glasgow-based Tual Technology has introduced a new swappable battery system for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), offering an innovative solution to the challenges of limited range and charging infrastructure for commercial electric vehicles. The company’s PowerBank Pro-Charging system, available in 120kWh and 180kWh versions, can add up to 120 miles of range depending on the vehicle’s application. The swappable batteries are designed to be exchanged in under five minutes, allowing operators to quickly resume operations with minimal downtime. Tual’s modular system is compatible with a range of vehicle sizes and has been developed in collaboration with major European fleet operators.…

Skoda’s planned electric estate vehicle, initially slated for release in 2026, has been postponed to 2027 or 2028 due to a downturn in electric vehicle (EV) sales, according to CEO Klaus Zellmer. In an interview with Autocar, Zellmer indicated that the company would prioritize the introduction of smaller combustion engine models in the interim. Zellmer remarked, “To be totally honest, with the slowdown of the transformation into battery-electric vehicles, we’re revisiting that [timeline]. We’re checking the sequence of those cars.” This shift reflects a broader reevaluation of Skoda’s electrification strategy, which was outlined in April 2023. The plan included the…

AMSL Aero, an Australian flying vehicle manufacturer, has signed an agreement with the Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to collaborate on the introduction of hydrogen-electric flying vehicles in the country. This partnership aims to develop a hydrogen energy ecosystem to facilitate passenger and freight air travel across the Philippines, including hydrogen production plants for refueling. The company is advancing its Vertiia hydrogen-electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle, which is designed to take off like a helicopter and transition to fixed-wing flight. The Vertiia has a range of 620 miles and can reach speeds of up to 186…

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is conducting an investigation into Fisker, issuing multiple subpoenas to the bankrupt electric vehicle manufacturer, as revealed in a regulatory filing on Friday. Fisker filed for bankruptcy protection in June after struggling with cash flow issues while attempting to increase production of its Ocean SUVs. Currently winding down its operations, Fisker has sold off its fleet and reached settlements with creditors. The company is scheduled to seek approval for its liquidation plan during a court hearing on October 9 in Wilmington, Delaware. However, the SEC has raised objections to this plan, highlighting concerns…