Author: Moira Shortle

Cadillac has revealed details of its highly anticipated 2025 Escalade IQ electric SUV, slated to hit markets with a starting price of $129,990. The new model, available in four distinct trims, is set to redefine luxury in the electric vehicle sector. The entry-level Luxury 1 AWD trim, priced at $129,990, boasts impressive features including 11.5 kW charging capability, a spacious 55” LED display, and Cadillac’s advanced Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, complete with a complimentary 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan. This trim is positioned to appeal to tech-savvy consumers seeking premium amenities coupled with efficient electric performance. For those…

Stellantis announced on Tuesday its ambitious plan to broaden its lineup of affordable hybrid vehicles in Europe, aiming to introduce 36 models by 2026. The move comes in response to increasing consumer demand for hybrid cars, seen as a viable alternative to both petrol-powered and electric vehicles. Formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler in 2021, the American-French-Italian automaker detailed its strategy to roll out 30 hybrid models this year across nine of its 14 brands, including Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo. An additional six models are slated for launch over the next two years. While…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a significant recall for the Fisker Ocean electric vehicle (EV), highlighting potential failures in the water pump that could result in power loss. This latest development impacts 7,545 vehicles manufactured between February 9, 2023, and March 13, 2024, across the 2023 and 2024 model years. Recalls are a routine aspect of the automotive industry, often addressing isolated issues affecting a small percentage of vehicles. However, the unique nature of this recall is underscored by NHTSA’s estimation that 100 percent of the affected Fisker Oceans may experience the same critical defect, necessitating…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Inc is set to unveil the F57, a new all-electric vehicle slated for release later this year, which will eschew LiDAR technology in favor of relying solely on cameras, mirroring Tesla Inc’s approach adopted several years ago, according to reports from CnEV Post. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long been critical of LiDAR technology, famously dismissing it as a “fool’s errand” and gradually phasing out ultrasonic sensors from Tesla vehicles starting in 2022. Xpeng, which initially integrated LiDAR technology with its P5 model in 2021, appears to be shifting its strategy, banking on alternative technologies…

BMW has formally requested the European Commission to reconsider the tariff structure for its electric Mini vehicles manufactured in China, seeking a reduction from the current rate of 37.6% to 20.8%, according to sources familiar with the matter. The request comes in response to the European Commission’s recent imposition of provisional duties on electric vehicle imports from China. BMW’s electric Mini, produced in China for only a short period, was not included in the initial sample analysis conducted by Brussels prior to the tariff announcement. Sources close to the situation indicate that BMW is confident the electric Mini will qualify…

Luminar Technologies, renowned for its lidar solutions, unveiled its latest innovation, the Sentinel software suite, aimed at enhancing autonomous driving capabilities for consumer vehicles. Developed over five years, Sentinel integrates advanced AI and software tools crucial for proactive safety, perception, 3D mapping, localization, simulation, and dynamic lidar features. The initial shipments commenced last week, slated for evaluation by car manufacturers over the next three months. However, Luminar emphasizes that Sentinel is still in the developmental phase and not yet ready for full production deployment. “We’ve been pioneering lidar systems for global production vehicles, but since 2017, we’ve also focused on…

Traton, the truck subsidiary of Volkswagen, is exploring the establishment of a new battery assembly plant to meet rising demand for electric trucks under stringent EU emission regulations. The German news agency DPA reported, citing a company spokesperson, that potential locations for the new facility include Salzgitter in Germany, Krakow in Poland, and Zwolle in the Netherlands. This move marks Traton’s third foray into battery production, following plants in Sweden and Nuremberg, Germany. “We are in the early stages of considering a third factory,” the spokesperson said, with a decision expected by autumn. Production, if approved, could commence in the…

Sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are experiencing robust growth in Canada, surpassing the United States, buoyed by provincial incentives in Quebec and British Columbia. According to analysis by S&P Global comparing EV and PHEV sales data from January to April across 2022, 2023, and 2024, Canada has seen a significant acceleration in registrations this year. BEV registrations have surged by 57% compared to 2023, while PHEV registrations have soared by 75% during the same period in 2024. In contrast, growth in the U.S. has slowed notably. While BEV registrations showed a substantial increase from…

BYD is finalizing plans to construct a new $1 billion electric vehicle (EV) plant in Turkey, as part of its strategic expansion into international markets following recent developments in global trade tariffs. Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is expected to formally announce the agreement on Monday, with a ceremony scheduled in Manisa province where the facility will be located. This move comes shortly after BYD inaugurated its inaugural factory in Thailand and amidst plans for additional plants in Brazil and Mexico. The decision to establish a manufacturing presence in Turkey is seen as a strategic response to new European Union…

Nio, the China-based electric automaker, announced on Friday that Steven Wei Feng has resigned from his position as chief financial officer, citing personal reasons. Effective immediately, Feng’s departure marks a significant change in the company’s leadership. Taking over as CFO is Stanley Yu Qu, an internal appointee with a strong background in finance and a deep understanding of Nio’s operations. Qu has been with the company since October 2016, previously serving as senior vice president of finance. In his new role, Qu will navigate Nio through the challenges currently impacting the electric vehicle industry, including intense market competition and regulatory…

Opponents of California’s ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption have escalated their challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court, questioning the state’s regulatory authority under its Advanced Clean Car program. “In its request for hearing, filed on Tuesday, Valero Energy Corp’s Diamond Alternative Energy and other plaintiffs said EPA’s grant of a waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Car program … enabled the state to ‘operate as a quasi-federal regulator on global climate change,'” according to the filing. California Governor Gavin Newsom aims for the state to lead in climate action, targeting the transportation sector, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.…

Thai authorities are investigating BYD’s dealers following consumer complaints over aggressive discounting tactics in a crucial international market for the Chinese EV giant, which have left some buyers dissatisfied with their purchase prices. The probe was initiated by the office of the Thai Prime Minister, instructing the country’s consumer protection agency to take action after a customer alleged misleading pricing practices. According to a government statement, the investigation stems from a complaint where a BYD customer claimed a sales representative had indicated prices would rise post a discount campaign, only for the dealership to subsequently slash prices further. BYD officials…