Author: Moira Shortle

Title: London Mayor Announces Expansion of Rapid Charging Points Across the City London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans to introduce over 80 new rapid charging points throughout the British capital, aiming to bolster the city’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The initiative, led by Transport for London (TfL), involves inviting bids from suppliers for two delivery contracts covering a total of 51 sites across North and South London. These contracts will facilitate the installation of 83 new charging bays, in addition to the initial batch of sites that were put out to market in November 2022. The first delivery contract…

BYD, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, is taking a significant step towards expanding the production capacity of sodium-ion batteries. The company has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Huaihai Holding Group, a local conglomerate, to establish a joint venture for building a sodium-ion battery production base. This move marks BYD’s first foray into developing capacity for this alternative to lithium batteries. The partnership between Huaihai and BYD’s battery unit, FinDreams, was formalized at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen on June 8. According to the press release issued by Huaihai, the joint venture aims to construct a sodium-ion battery production base…

Panasonic to Boost Production of Tesla’s 2170 Battery Cells at Gigafactory Nevada Panasonic, the electronics giant, is set to increase the production of Tesla’s 2170 battery cells at Gigafactory Nevada by 10% over the next two years. This decision comes as Tesla exerts pressure on Panasonic to meet its growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. According to an executive at Panasonic, Tesla recently communicated its intention to purchase as many batteries as the company can produce. In response, Panasonic will establish a 15th production line at Gigafactory Nevada within the next one to two years. This additional line is…

EVCS, a operator of electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging networks on the West Coast, has secured a $1.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) program. This funding will be utilized to install 30 DC fast chargers and 8 Level 2 chargers across Northern and Central California, aiming to improve EV infrastructure access for rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. The REV program is focused on enhancing EV charging accessibility in underserved or unserved regions. Apart from expanding access, the grant received by EVCS will play a crucial role in ensuring the chargers’ reliability and accessibility through…

Kia America is celebrating its tenth consecutive year-over-year monthly sales increase in the United States, with impressive figures for May. The South Korean automaker sold a total of 71,497 vehicles during the month, marking a significant 23 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This positive momentum has carried throughout the first five months of the year, with Kia delivering a total of 323,838 vehicles, representing a solid 21 percent growth. Of particular interest is the notable success of the all-electric Kia EV6, which showcased encouraging results in May. The company reported sales of 2,237 EV6 units in…

E.On, the German energy group, has announced an expanded collaboration with Alpitronic, a leading provider of fast-charging solutions. As part of this partnership, E.On has placed an order for an additional 4,500 fast charging stations from Alpitronic, solidifying their commitment to enhancing customer services and exploring megawatt charging capabilities. The order placed by E.On encompasses the latest generation of Alpitronic hardware, which boasts charging power ranging from 50 to 400 kW. While the specific breakdown of the order has not been disclosed, both companies anticipate that the charging stations will cater to a wide range of use cases, including workplace…

Toyota made a dazzling appearance at the Fuji 24 Hours race in Japan over the weekend, where it showcased a revolutionary concept vehicle derived from its renowned Mirai model. The standout feature of this futuristic automobile is its hydrogen-powered engine, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. While official details about the concept car remain undisclosed by the company, enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the vehicle through an embedded video. Although the footage is in Japanese, it still offers an enthralling visual experience for those eager to witness the innovative design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkuxrA7WnA The concept vehicle draws inspiration from the…

ZEROVA Technologies, a recently established company by Phihong Technology, is set to unveil its latest product, the standalone 4-car DC charger, at the upcoming EVS36 Expo in Sacramento, California on June 11. This groundbreaking charger will also be showcased at the Power2Drive Expo in Munich, Germany on June 14. Named the DQ480, this DC charger represents a significant advancement in charging technology. With a capacity of 480 kW, it allows for the simultaneous connection of four vehicles and offers the choice of two cooling systems, liquid or air, depending on location and specific requirements. The DQ480 features two charging cables…

In a significant move towards electrification, Toyota has announced its intention to manufacture an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at its Kentucky plant, with production set to commence in 2025. This will mark the company’s first U.S.-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV), solidifying Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting the evolving demands of customers. To power the new BEV, Toyota will source batteries from its North Carolina facility, which is currently under construction. Recognizing the need for sustainable energy solutions, the company plans to invest an additional $2.1 billion in the battery plant, bringing the total investment in Toyota…

Allego, a leading provider of charging infrastructure, has announced a partnership with the Porta Group, a prominent German family business operating furniture stores across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. As part of this collaboration, Allego will install 1,500 charge points at various Porta Group locations, catering to the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The installation will feature a combination of 50 kW and 150 kW chargers, which will be accessible to both Porta Group customers and third-party users. This strategic decision by Allego aims to accommodate the longer dwell times typically associated with furniture stores, providing ample opportunity for…

Manz AG, the German engineering company, has recently taken an unconventional path to strengthen its involvement in the battery industry. By investing in its subsidiary, Customcells Tübingen GmbH, Manz AG has acquired a 40 percent stake in the company, which focuses on the development and future manufacturing of battery cells in Tübingen, Germany. However, the latest development reveals that Manz AG has decided to exchange its shares in Customcells Tübingen GmbH for a stake in the parent company, Customcells Group. This shift means that Manz AG will no longer possess a direct stake in Customcells Tübingen but will now hold…

LEVC has recently unveiled an upgrade for its TX taxi and VN5 light van models. The notable enhancement involves the installation of a larger and more efficient battery, marking a significant step forward in their electric powertrain technology. The new battery, boasting a capacity of 34.6 kWh, represents an improvement over the previous 31 kWh unit utilized in LEVC’s eCity powertrain. This advancement not only increases the battery’s overall capacity but also enhances its efficiency. As a result, the electric-only range of the TX taxi has been extended to 78 miles, up from the previous 64 miles. Similarly, the VN5…

In the world of electric motorcycles, the instantaneous power delivery they offer is undeniably intriguing. Those who have experienced riding a Zero or a similar electric two-wheeler can attest to the fact that these machines feel faster than what their specifications might suggest. This unique characteristic serves as the saving grace for electric motorcycles, particularly for performance-oriented enthusiasts. However, the current electric motorcycle market predominantly consists of utility-focused scooters and commuters, leaving only a handful of options for enthusiasts seeking more exhilarating rides. One such option that has recently emerged is the Yadea F200 electric scooter, which is set to…

Arrival, the British van startup, has recently made significant changes to its operations due to substantial financial losses, leading to its second reverse merger. Previously collaborating with prominent companies such as UPS and Uber for its electric vans, Arrival has decided to wind down its operations in the UK and shift its focus exclusively to the United States. The company aims to take advantage of substantial subsidies available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. To facilitate its new direction, Arrival has confirmed its merger with Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp, a special-purpose acquisition company, which will provide the startup with $283…

French hybrid aircraft developer, VoltAero, has secured Kawasaki as a new strategic investor, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Additionally, VoltAero has initiated the construction of an assembly plant at Rochefort-Charente-Maritime Airport, where their innovative hybrid aircraft will be manufactured. While the exact investment amount from Kawasaki has not been disclosed by either company, a statement from VoltAero indicates that Kawasaki Motors is participating in the Series B financing round. The funds raised will be dedicated to the development, production, and certification of VoltAero’s hybrid-electric aircraft family, known as Cassio. In November 2022, VoltAero successfully raised 32 million…

In a groundbreaking move, Waymo and Uber Technologies have announced a new multi-year strategic partnership aimed at making autonomous driving more widely accessible. This collaboration will see the integration of Waymo’s leading autonomous driving technology with the vast scale of Uber’s ridesharing and delivery networks, ultimately allowing more people to experience the benefits of self-driving vehicles. Having both been founded in 2009, Waymo and Uber have individually transformed the landscape of mobility in their own unique ways. Now, they are joining forces to bring together their expertise and resources for a shared goal. The partnership will commence in Phoenix, where…

In an exciting development for the automotive industry, Taiwan’s MediaTek has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA, a renowned pioneer in AI and computing. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the next generation of software-defined vehicles by offering a comprehensive range of in-vehicle AI cabin solutions. By leveraging the strengths of both companies’ automotive portfolios, this partnership aims to enhance the driving experience for both drivers and passengers. As part of this collaboration, MediaTek will develop automotive System-on-Chips (SoCs) that integrate a new NVIDIA GPU chiplet alongside NVIDIA’s cutting-edge AI and graphics Intellectual Property (IP). MediaTek’s smart cabin solutions will be…

In a remarkable display of automotive performance, the Aspark Owl electric hypercar has shattered two world records, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the industry. During a recent event at England’s Elvington airfield, the Owl achieved unprecedented average speeds over both an eighth mile and a quarter mile, reaching remarkable velocities. The first record set by the Aspark Owl was the average speed over an eighth mile, clocking in at an astonishing 192.03 mph (309.02 km/h). This remarkable feat showcases the hypercar’s exceptional acceleration in the initial moments after launching from the starting line. The small discrepancy between this…

Luxury car manufacturer Porsche has recently introduced two new electric bikes to their lineup, namely the Cross Performance and the Cross Performance EXC. These high-end e-bikes come with a combined average price of $14,800, offering bike enthusiasts a premium riding experience. Developed in collaboration with Rotwild, a renowned manufacturer of electric mountain bicycles, Porsche has drawn inspiration from their iconic sports cars, namely the 911 and the Taycan, to design these cutting-edge bikes. Both the Cross Performance and the Cross Performance EXC models feature a Shimano EP-801 electric motor and a 630 Wh battery pack. With a carbon frame and…

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction in recent years, but consumer concerns regarding their adoption still persist, primarily centered around a crucial factor: range. Addressing this issue, a new study conducted by S&P Global Mobility sheds light on potential solutions to bridge the gap between advertised and real-world EV range. The study highlights the example of the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD, which boasts a maximum range of 372 miles (599 km) under ideal conditions. However, when tested in real-world scenarios, the vehicle exhibited a range of only 310 miles (499 km). This variation becomes more problematic when considering…