Author: Moira Shortle

UK-based automotive analytics company, Autovista Group, has recently recognized the Tesla Model Y with a prestigious Residual Value (RV) Award in the competitive compact and large battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV category. Building on its success as Europe’s best-selling vehicle in the first quarter of 2023, the Model Y continues to garner recognition for its exceptional performance. Residual Value (RV) refers to the worth of a vehicle after a specified period and mileage. Autovista Group employed a standard scenario of 36 months and 40,000 miles (60,000 kilometers) to calculate the rankings. The company determined the RV percentage, relative to the…

In an exciting development for automotive enthusiasts, Alpine, the renowned sports car brand, has unveiled its ambitious vision for 2030. The French automaker, currently recognized for its critically acclaimed yet aging A110 model, aims to undergo a remarkable transformation that will position it as a major player in the global market. Alpine’s strategy encompasses a comprehensive lineup of all-electric vehicles (EVs) and an expansion into key markets, including the United States, signaling a thrilling new chapter for the brand. During Alpine’s recent investor day, the company made a groundbreaking announcement by confirming its plan to introduce a roadster version of…

In a series of strategic deals, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a formidable contender in the development of the Middle East’s lithium-ion supply chain, marking a significant step towards diversifying the nation’s economy. According to a recent analysis by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, these agreements have the potential to establish Saudi Arabia as the most advanced hub for lithium-ion production in the region. Driven by the government’s ambitious Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil, Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in the electric vehicle (EV) sector since 2018. However, while progress has been…

McMurtry Automotive, renowned for breaking the hillclimb record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year, is preparing to unveil a limited-edition production model of its electric fan car, the Spéirling PURE. Prior to commencing production, a validation prototype of this high-performance vehicle will be exhibited at this year’s hillclimb event. However, interested buyers should be prepared to dig deep into their pockets as the Spéirling PURE comes with a price tag exceeding one million dollars. During last year’s Goodwood event, McMurtry surprised onlookers with its exceptional Spéirling electric fan car, driven by former Formula One racer Max Chilton, which…

Heidelberg Materials, a leading building materials group, has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by partnering with the Volvo Group to conduct a trial of electric vehicles. This collaboration aims to assess the most suitable emission-free vehicle technology and charging infrastructure for Heidelberg Materials’ operations in terms of operational efficiency, maintenance, and charging at its various sites. The feasibility study will span six months and involve the use of different zero-emission vehicles, including electric trucks and construction machinery, at multiple Heidelberg Materials locations across Northern Europe. While the specific vehicles involved in the trial have…

Buick, a brand under General Motors, continues to make strides in the competitive Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of its second model based on GM’s Ultium platform. The recently unveiled Buick Electra E4, an all-electric coupe SUV, is now available in China, a mere two months after the launch of the Electra E5, Buick’s first model utilizing the Ultium platform. In China, the Buick Electra E4 is offered in four different versions, with prices starting at RMB 189,900 ($26,520) and going up to RMB 259,900. These competitive price points are notable when compared to popular electric SUVs…

Over 300 BMW 7-Series vehicles are set to be recalled in the United States due to a front seat issue that has been discovered. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has disclosed that certain 7-Series and i7 vehicles may have front seats that were not manufactured by their supplier, Brose, based in the Czech Republic. The problem lies in the seat length adjustment system, which may not have been welded according to specifications. As a result, in specific crash scenarios, the seat’s structural integrity may be compromised, posing a potential risk of injury. The recall affects a total of…

Hyundai Motor Co, one of the leading global automakers, plans to invest a staggering 109.4 trillion won ($85.41 billion) between now and 2032. This significant investment will primarily focus on advancing the development and production of electric vehicles (EVs). Out of the total investment, approximately 35.8 trillion won will be allocated specifically for EV-related initiatives. During the company’s investor day, Hyundai Motor expressed its commitment to enhancing the localization of EV manufacturing in its largest market, the United States. Presently, only 0.7% of EV production takes place in the US, but the company aims to substantially increase this figure to…

BYD has announced the deployment of eleven 12-meter BYD eBuses in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. This move signifies a notable development in public transportation and highlights Zalaegerszeg’s commitment to advancing sustainability and improving local mobility. With a focus on reducing emissions and embracing cutting-edge technology, both BYD and the city of Zalaegerszeg are striving towards a greener and more efficient future for public transportation. The procurement and charging installation project, valued at HUF 2.1 billion (€5.6 million), was carried out in collaboration with Volánbusz, one of Hungary’s largest public transport operators, and the Hungarian Motorsport Development Agency’s (HUMDA) Green Bus Program. These…

In a significant achievement for the automotive industry, the Volkswagen Group has proudly announced the production of one million electric vehicles on its innovative MEB electric car platform. Volkswagen had foreseen the transition towards fully electric vehicles in the automobile sector as early as 2015, although it had not yet fully committed to the concept. During that time, the company laid out plans to develop a dedicated electric vehicle platform, showcasing its forward-thinking approach. In 2018, the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) was officially introduced by the German automaker, marking a pivotal moment in its electric vehicle strategy. This development…

Dacia, the Romanian automotive manufacturer, is set to introduce an electrified version of its popular Sandero hatchback by 2027 or 2028, according to CEO Denis Le Vot. In an interview with UK outlet AutoCar, Le Vot confirmed that the Sandero EV would cater to budget-conscious consumers and is expected to remain in production until “2034 or 2035.” While acknowledging that the Sandero EV may offer a shorter range compared to its competitors and require longer charging times, Le Vot assured potential buyers that the electric hatchback would come at an exceptionally affordable price point. Criticizing the current high costs associated…

Tesla revealed that the cumulative number of installations for its Powerwall home energy storage systems has exceeded an astounding 500,000 units. This impressive achievement firmly establishes Tesla as the industry leader in the rapidly expanding sector of home energy storage. Surpassing the previous milestone of 250,000 units reported on November 17, 2021, Tesla has successfully installed an additional 250,000 Powerwalls within a remarkably short span of just 18 months. Such a staggering growth rate suggests an average annual output surpassing 150,000 units and, according to some reports, possibly even twice that figure. The latest iteration of Tesla’s Powerwall boasts an…

The newly unveiled Volvo EX30 might be the Tesla Model Y’s biggest competitor yet. It is the Swedish carmaker’s smallest SUV, but has plenty to flaunt – it’s the brand’s fastest accelerating car ever and has the lowest carbon footprint of all Volvos. The Volvo EX30 is significantly smaller than the Tesla Model Y. The EX30 is 166.6 inches (4,233 millimeters) long while the Model Y is 187.0 inches (4,751 mm) in length. The Model Y is also wider and taller, but the EX30 appears to be a force to reckon with in all other areas. For starters, the base…

Rolls-Royce, the renowned luxury car brand, is contemplating a potential shift from all-electric powertrains to fuel cell technology for its forthcoming zero-emissions models. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce, revealed this possibility in an interview with Autocar. The decision to explore fuel cells comes in the wake of the company’s recent debut of the Spectre, its first-ever series-production battery electric vehicle (BEV). While the Spectre boasts an impressive driving range of over 300 miles (482 kilometers) and rapid charging capabilities, Müller-Ötvös believes that hydrogen fuel cells could serve as a viable alternative, particularly for the distinct needs of Rolls-Royce customers. Müller-Ötvös…

NIO, the Chinese automotive company, is poised to make a formidable entry into the European market by introducing its second-generation mid-size SUV, the EL6. Challenging renowned competitors like the Mercedes EQC, this new model signifies NIO’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the industry. With dimensions of 191 inches (4,854 mm) in length and 78.5 inches (1,995 mm) in width, the EL6 surpasses the EQC by three inches (80 mm) in length and four inches (105 mm) in width. Notably, the new model is built on the same platform as the ET5 sedan, diverging from its predecessor. Under the…

Tesla has recently issued a second recall for its Semi trucks. However, in a departure from the previous recall, which required physical service visits and parts replacement, this particular issue can be resolved through a simple over-the-air (OTA) software update. Last November, Tesla delivered its first batch of Semi trucks to PepsiCo, marking a significant milestone after a three-year delay in production. As is often the case with new products, the Semi encountered some challenges, prompting a recall in March to replace parking brake valves in 35 Semis. Now, a few months later, a second recall has been announced, specifically…

In the fast-paced world of the domestic auto market, Tesla China appears to be making remarkable strides as the second quarter nears its end. Recent data from industry trackers regarding Tesla China’s insurance registrations for the week ending June 11 have hinted at the company’s growing success, with an impressive 16,400 units registered. This figure builds upon the already stellar 14,500 vehicles registered in the previous week. As a result, the cumulative total of Tesla China’s domestic sales from June 1 to 11 is estimated to have reached approximately 26,000 units. This achievement is particularly notable considering the remaining 19…

Stellantis, the automotive company, has recently announced a significant agreement in the North American market for electric vans. Merchants Fleet, a fleet management company, has placed an order for 12,500 electric transporters from Ram Truck, a brand under the Stellantis umbrella. The delivery of these vehicles will take place over several years. The chosen model, the ProMaster EV van, is the American counterpart of the Fiat E-Ducato and is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. This launch will mark the first offering of an electric transporter by Stellantis under the Ram label in North America. The demand for these…

Rivian is presenting its customers with an extraordinary chance to visit its manufacturing plant and potentially drive home in a brand-new R1T electric truck without the usual delivery wait time. This exclusive opportunity will be available to customers who can attend the special event at Rivian’s plant located in Normal, Illinois, on Saturday, June 17. The one-day-only event is specifically tailored for customers interested in the Rivian R1T model equipped with quad motors and the Large, 135-kilowatt-hour battery. Those interested in dual motor variants or the R1S SUV are encouraged to follow the standard buying process through Rivian’s website. The…

Toyota, one of the world’s leading automakers, has announced its strategic intentions to introduce a new lineup of battery electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with next-generation batteries on a global scale by 2026. The development and production of these EVs will be spearheaded by Toyota’s newly established EV-focused unit, BEV Factory. In an effort to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, Toyota is also actively working on the mass production of solid-state batteries, aiming to commercialize this advanced battery technology by 2027-2028. Solid-state batteries offer potential benefits such as increased energy density, improved safety, and faster charging times. Takero Kato,…