Author: Robin Cannon

Tesla has announced that its all-electric Cybertruck has reached a positive gross margin for the first time, a significant milestone in the company’s goal of making the vehicle profitable by the end of 2024. The automaker began ramping up production of the Cybertruck last year, with deliveries commencing in November. To achieve profitability, Tesla needs to ensure that its production costs are lower than the selling price of the Cybertruck, a challenging task that necessitates scaling operations and meeting customer demand. However, demand for the Cybertruck appears strong, with production and deliveries continuing to progress smoothly, according to Tesla’s Q3…

Shipments of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) to Europe surged in September, nearing record highs as the European Union prepares to impose substantial new tariffs on imported EVs. Chinese car manufacturers exported 60,517 EVs to the European Union (EU) last month, a 61% increase from the same period last year, marking the second-highest level on record, behind October 2023, according to local customs data. This surge in exports comes just weeks before the EU is expected to implement tariffs aimed at Chinese EV imports. On October 4, the EU voted in favor of the new tariffs, despite opposition from five member…

BMW Group has reached an important milestone in the construction of its new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Irlbach-Strasskirchen, Bavaria, with the installation of all 1,066 pillars. The plant will produce sixth-generation batteries for BMW’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle models, supporting the company’s ongoing expansion in e-mobility. Construction remains on schedule despite challenging weather, with production expected to begin in 2026. Once operational, the plant is set to create approximately 1,600 jobs and will supply batteries to BMW’s vehicle production facilities in Munich, Regensburg, and Dingolfing. The new plant forms part of BMW’s broader efforts to strengthen its e-mobility production…

Tesla has faced scrutiny regarding its ambitious technology promises, particularly with the Cybertruck pickup’s range extender. Initially slated for a 2024 release, the optional add-on has now been postponed to “mid 2025,” according to information on Tesla’s website. This delay follows previous adjustments to the timeline and the range specifications. The estimated range for the Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with the range extender has been revised from “470+” miles to “445+” miles. The standard estimated range for the Cybertruck AWD without the extender has also decreased, from 340 miles to 325 miles. When equipped with all-terrain tires, the range extender…

Swytch has unveiled its latest e-bike conversion kits, the Max+ and Max++, offering improvements based on customer feedback. These new kits provide extended range capabilities, with the Max+ delivering an assistance range of 30 to 40 miles (~48 to 64 km), while the Max++ supports distances between 45 and 60 miles (~72 to 97 km). In addition to increased range, the kits feature a waterproof USB-C port for phone charging and integrated front lighting for better visibility during nighttime rides. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCkJQI8jLDg Other updates include compatibility with thru-axle bikes, and the sensor, which was previously attached to the pedal, is now…

Volkswagen’s head of North America, Pablo Di Si, is reportedly on the verge of departure following disappointing sales of the ID.4 electric vehicle in the U.S. market. According to insiders cited by German publication Manager Magazin, the decision is not yet finalized but is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The move may also prompt changes to the timeline and strategy for Volkswagen’s U.S. brand Scout, a revival aimed at bolstering the automaker’s presence in the American market. Volkswagen had aimed to sell 100,000 units of the ID.4 annually in the U.S., supported by the expansion of its…

Tesla’s Supercharger network has reached a significant milestone, deploying a total of 60,000 charging stalls globally. This network is recognized as the only global DC fast-charging network and is considered one of Tesla’s primary contributions to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The Supercharger network is frequently described as the most extensive and reliable charging option for EV drivers, particularly in North America. https://twitter.com/TeslaCharging/status/1846766978440241502 However, its deployment rate has slowed this year, even as usage continues to rise with the increasing integration of non-Tesla EVs into the network. According to reports, the slowdown can be attributed to CEO Elon Musk’s decision to…

DSV Air & Sea Singapore has made a significant move towards sustainable logistics by taking delivery of two new Volvo electric trucks. This acquisition aligns with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, emphasizing the shared commitment of DSV and Volvo Trucks to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The newly acquired trucks include the Volvo FL Electric, designed for urban distribution, and the Volvo FM Electric, tailored for long-haul operations. This initiative supports Singapore’s sustainable development goals and reflects DSV’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while actively expanding its electric vehicle fleet. As part of the deal, Volvo…

Zero Labs Automotive, a Los Angeles-based specialist in electric vehicle (EV) conversions, is set to introduce a revamped all-electric version of the classic Land Rover Series 109. This model, which utilizes the company’s proprietary Generation 4 EV platform, features nearly 4,000 design upgrades aimed at enhancing safety and performance. The vehicle is reported to achieve a top speed of 120 mph. Founded in 2015, Zero Labs has emerged as a leader in the conversion of classic vehicles to electric power, developing its own EV technology in-house. The company aims to bridge the gap between classic cars and the new electric…

Ford has officially commenced deliveries of its battery-electric Capri, produced at its Cologne facility, to dealerships and customers throughout Europe. The launch of the electric SUV marks a significant step in Ford’s transition to electrification, as the company moves forward with its production plans. The Capri, which has generated considerable interest, has seen nearly 200,000 European customers configure their personal model variants online. At the initial launch, the vehicle is available in three options: the Standard Range RWD and two Extended Range variants, one with RWD and another with AWD. Prices in Germany start at €44,950 for the Standard Range,…

Poland has received approval from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for subsidy programs totaling 6 billion zlotys (approximately 1.4 billion euros). These funds are earmarked for the development of high-performance charging infrastructure and to support the purchase of heavy electric vehicles (eHDVs). The Polish National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management has been officially sanctioned to roll out a new subsidy program, with grants allocated for various e-mobility initiatives. Among the key components, 2 billion zlotys will be allocated specifically for the purchase of new zero-emission trucks. The program aims to accelerate the pace of development in the transport…

Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt confirmed on Monday that it has paid its October tax bill, in line with a company statement last week. The payment comes amid growing concerns over the company’s financial stability, with recent media reports speculating on its ability to meet obligations due to cash flow issues. The Swedish Tax Authority had announced that Northvolt was required to pay 287 million Swedish crowns ($27.61 million) for the month of October. Northvolt had reassured the public on October 10 that it would meet the deadline. On Monday, the company reiterated its stance, stating, “We have paid taxes, as…

POSCO Future M Co. has commenced production of nickel, cobalt, aluminum (NCA) cathode materials at its Pohang factory, achieving this milestone three months earlier than anticipated. The company announced on October 12 that it successfully produced high-nickel materials with an 88% nickel content, which are designed to enhance energy density and output for high-performance electric vehicle batteries. The Pohang facility is POSCO Future M’s first dedicated NCA cathode plant, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 tons. This expansion follows a significant 40 trillion won supply agreement signed with Samsung SDI in January 2023, allowing the company to supply NCA…

Lexus has introduced the all-new LX 700h, an electrified version of its iconic flagship SUV, featuring a state-of-the-art parallel hybrid system designed to boost reliability, durability, and off-road performance. As the first hybrid model in the LX series, the LX 700h offers a glimpse into the future of luxury SUVs while maintaining the rugged capabilities that define the brand. Accompanying the LX 700h is the debut of the OVERTRAIL edition, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts with specialized equipment and design elements crafted for a more adventurous lifestyle. The LX 700h’s newly developed parallel hybrid system integrates motor torque with a 3.5L…

Xpeng is accelerating its efforts in the robotaxi sector by launching a recruitment drive aimed at hiring professionals with global robotaxi market experience, according to a report by local media outlet Sina Tech. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is offering high-level positions, including director of operations and senior manager of operations, as part of its push to expand in the autonomous driving space. The role of robotaxi operations director will focus on building business systems and overseeing the execution of robotaxi mobility services. Candidates for the position must have experience working at a tier-1 global robotaxi company, as well…

BYD, the Chinese automaker, is eager to establish manufacturing operations in India but has not received any “direct” signals from New Delhi regarding a potential easing of stringent investment regulations for Chinese companies. Rajeev Chauhan, head of BYD’s passenger electric vehicle (EV) business in India, expressed the company’s ambitions during an interview, stating that while the desire to expand remains strong, “you need a lot of other things. (We) don’t have any direct signal.” The company, in partnership with a local firm, submitted a $1 billion investment proposal last year to build electric vehicles in India. However, the Indian government…

Japan’s Nissan Motor announced on Monday that it would invest in ChargeScape, a battery charging technology company, and offer its services to electric vehicle (EV) drivers across the United States and Canada. While the amount of the investment remains undisclosed, Nissan will acquire a 25% stake in ChargeScape, becoming an equal partner alongside BMW, Ford, and Honda in the joint venture. ChargeScape provides software and technology designed to optimize EV battery charging. The company operates in a competitive market, with key players such as Tesla, ChargePoint, Gridserve, and BP Pulse. As demand for automotive software focused on EVs rises, more…

Tesla is intensifying its efforts to make the holiday quarter its most successful yet by rolling out various vehicle promotions and discounts in the U.S. since the start of the season. The company has extended its zero down payment financing offers for the Model Y and Model 3 and is now providing discounts of up to $2,700 on brand-new vehicles in its inventory, not just on demonstration models with limited mileage. For example, the 2024 Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is priced from $34,790 after applying the federal tax credit. Meanwhile, the base Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3…

Seven years after General Motors (GM) introduced its Super Cruise hands-free driving system, the automaker is now aiming to take it to the next level by developing a hands-off, eyes-off driver assistance system. Dave Richardson, GM’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering, revealed the company’s ambitions during a recent interview with TechCrunch. “We’re looking aggressively to make that an L3 solution, where you don’t even have to look at the road anymore,” Richardson said, referring to a Level 3 system that could operate on highways and at reduced speeds without requiring constant driver attention. Although Level 3 systems…

Germany’s leading car manufacturers called on the European Union and China on Friday to negotiate a deal and avoid impending tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicle imports, amid growing concerns about the impact of a potential trade conflict. The appeal comes after the European Commission gained enough support from EU member states to implement tariffs, despite opposition from countries with stronger economic ties to China, like Germany. “Today’s vote is a fatal signal for the European automotive industry. What is needed now is a quick settlement between the EU Commission and China to prevent a trade conflict from which no one…