Author: Robin Cannon

A team of researchers from South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has unveiled a groundbreaking silicon-based lithium-ion battery system aimed at revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) technology. This innovation promises to extend the range of electric cars up to an impressive 1,000 kilometres, addressing a key limitation in current EV batteries. The project, led by Professor Soojin Park, focuses on the use of silicon, a material known for its high energy density. Silicon, however, poses challenges due to its significant expansion and contraction during the charging and discharging process, which can affect battery efficiency. While nano-sized silicon has…

Ekoenergetyka, a high-power electric vehicle infrastructure, has secured a contract to supply up to 140 chargers for electric buses to Nobina, the largest public transportation operator in Scandinavia. The chargers, including the Axon Easy 120kW and 180kW models, will be installed at four bus depots in Stockholm, Sweden, by January 2025. Nobina boasts the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Scandinavia and employs 13,000 people across four countries. Ekoenergetyka, which already provides 20% of Europe’s charging stations for municipal buses, sees this contract as a significant step in its expansion in the Nordic region, one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for…

Chinese automaker BYD has launched a bold attack on the traditional gas-powered car market with its latest move. As the world’s leading electric car brand, BYD has introduced the “Glory Edition” versions of its Qin Plus and Chaser 05 sedans, boasting incredibly low starting prices. Starting at just €10,300 (RMB 79,800), these new electric vehicles significantly undercut their gas-powered counterparts in the compact sedan segment in China. This aggressive pricing strategy could ignite a fierce price war, forcing gas car manufacturers to rethink their pricing strategies. See also: BYD’s Wang Chuanfu Forecasts Half of China’s Vehicle Sales to be New Energy…

As China returns to work after the Lunar New Year break, XPeng Motors, a prominent Chinese EV brand, is gearing up for massive expansion. In an internal letter, XPeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng outlined plans to introduce approximately 30 new and updated EV models over the next three years. These models will cover a wide price range, bridging the gap between $14,000 and $56,000 vehicles in China. Established in 2014, XPeng Motors has rapidly risen to prominence in the Chinese EV market, competing with industry giants like NIO and BYD. The company has also expanded its presence in Europe…

A leaked document has revealed that Li Auto  is set to significantly expand its plans for supercharging stations as it prepares to launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model next month. According to the document, Li Auto aims to have more than 10,000 supercharging stations by 2025, representing a major increase from its previously announced plan. Earlier, the company had stated its intention to build 3,000 charging stations by 2025, covering 90 percent of China’s highway mileage and major cities. See also: Li Auto Rewards Employees with Substantial Bonuses for Exceeding 2023 Sales Targets As of the end of January,…

Lucid Motors senior exterior designer Grimaud Gervex has sparked interest with his conceptualization of an all-electric luxury SUV under the hypothetical revival of the defunct Saab brand. Inspired by Saab’s aviation heritage, Gervex’s creation, dubbed the Saab Rover, embodies aerodynamic principles and a minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of Lucid’s design philosophy seen in the Gravity model. The Saab Rover features a sleek, aerodynamic body devoid of aggressive character lines, a design choice aimed at maximizing range for electric vehicles (EVs). Notable elements include a wraparound windshield, creating a floating roof effect, and a faux grille area defined by subtle accents and…

A report released on Tuesday by Britain’s upper house of parliament, titled “EV strategy: rapid recharge needed,” has called upon the UK government to take immediate measures to promote the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The report, following an inquiry into Britain’s electric vehicle transition strategy, emphasizes the need for targeted subsidies and expedited development of new charging infrastructure to incentivize EV adoption. Baroness Kathryn Parminter, chair of the inquiry, underscored the importance of government intervention in fostering EV uptake, stating, “They have got to do what politicians don’t like to do, which is get into the space of talking…

FiatUSA has introduced the latest iteration of its 2024 Fiat 500e electric vehicle, featuring a collaborative advertisement with renowned artist Jennifer Lopez. This marks a continuation of the partnership between FIAT and JLo, which initially began in 2011 with the launch of the gas-powered Fiat 500 in the American market. The current collaboration coincides with the promotion of Jennifer Lopez’s latest music video, “Can’t Get Enough.” The 2024 Fiat 500e is a fully electric vehicle equipped with a 42 kWh battery, providing a range of 149 miles. Powered by a 118 hp, 162 lb-ft electric motor, the 500e accelerates to…

Used car retailer CarMax is embarking on an electric semi truck pilot in California’s San Joaquin Valley, aiming to enhance its sustainability efforts. The company is leasing a Freightliner eCascadia from Penske Truck Leasing, marking the first instance of Penske leasing the electric semi as a car hauler. The eCascadia, available in 315 or 475 kWh configurations, boasts a range of up to 250 miles with a gross vehicle weight of approximately 65,000 pounds. In real-world conditions, the pilot electric semi, capable of transporting up to seven vehicles, covers around 230 miles on a single charge. CarMax has installed a…

In a recent interview, Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, shed light on the automaker’s approach to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, emphasizing a deliberate and cautious shift in response to uncertain demand dynamics. Contrary to initial plans for an accelerated rollout of battery-powered models, Moro described Mazda as an “intentional follower on EVs,” citing a measured ramp-up to align with market conditions. Mazda’s strategic vision includes the debut of 7 to 8 new EVs by 2030, reflecting a commitment to embracing electrification without compromising on market feasibility. Moro acknowledged the prevailing uncertainty in EV demand and stressed the importance of adapting to…

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, the automotive group overseeing brands like Jeep, Ram, and Fiat, issued a warning to fellow automakers, stating that electric vehicles (EVs) must not only be affordable but also profitable to avoid impending challenges. Tavares stressed the necessity of reducing costs to make EVs more accessible to middle-class consumers. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs conference, Tavares highlighted Stellantis’ commitment to lowering EV prices, citing the upcoming Citroen e-C3 priced at around $25,000 as an example of their efforts. He emphasized the importance of cost reduction and noted the company’s proficiency in this aspect. Tavares pointed to…

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to block the Biden administration’s proposed stringent vehicle emissions regulations, which aimed at achieving 67% electric vehicles (EVs) among new vehicles by 2032. Republican Representative Tim Walberg, a sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of considering alternative technologies such as hydrogen, hybrids, and internal combustion engines alongside electric vehicles in the automotive industry’s future. The vote, with 221 in favor and 197 against, witnessed five Democrats joining 216 Republicans, prompting a veto threat from the White House. The administration expressed concerns that such a move would “catastrophically impair” the U.S.…

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has supplied 20 all-electric Freightliner trucks to Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, marking the first electric tractors for the bottling company based in Downey, California. In a strategic move towards sustainability, the delivery includes the installation of 20 Detroit eFill commercial charging stations to power the electric vehicles. According to DTNA, the deployment of these 20 eCascadias is expected to result in substantial fuel savings, estimated at 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year for Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling. David Carson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DTNA, commented on the milestone, stating, “Our collaboration with…

Citroen’s unique and compact Ami electric vehicle has managed to secure an impressive 43,000 sales in just two years since its launch, demonstrating that speed is not the primary concern for all car buyers. The micro EV boasts a modest 8 horsepower (8 PS) and a top speed of merely 28 mph (45 km/h). Despite its modest performance, Ami buyers have shown a desire to maintain a sense of style and individuality. To meet this demand, Citroen has introduced the Ami Pop trim, which includes four alloy-look wheel trims, a black graphic strip under the windshield, black front and rear…

In a recent video that has surfaced online, the under-bed storage compartment of the much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck has garnered both admiration and criticism from eager reservation holders. The video, originally shared on the Tesla-focused platform X by user @DimaZeniuk, raises questions about the electric pickup’s practicality and design. The source of the video remains somewhat enigmatic, as it was also posted on Facebook by a different individual claiming to be the original filmer. Despite this ambiguity, the short clip appears authentic, drawing attention to specific features of the Cybertruck’s under-bed storage. https://twitter.com/DimaZeniuk/status/1720107940651122959 One notable detail that enthusiasts have pointed out…

Nikola Corporation has officially commenced the commercial sales of its hydrogen fuel cell electric truck. The launch event took place at the company’s manufacturing facility located in Coolidge, Arizona, and was attended by various stakeholders, including fleet customers, dealers from Nikola’s sales and service network, government officials, business leaders, and the Nikola team. Nikola has secured 223 non-binding orders for its hydrogen fuel cell truck from a total of 23 customers, including notable fleet operators such as J.B. Hunt, AJR Trucking, Biagi Bros, TTSI, and BayoTech. Steve Girsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nikola, expressed the company’s commitment to…

Moots, the distinguished bike manufacturer hailing from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has long been synonymous with high-end bicycles that capture the attention of cycling enthusiasts. Catering not only to those who demand top-tier quality but also to performance-oriented cyclists seeking peak performance from their rides, Moots has carved a niche for itself in the cycling world. In acknowledgment of the surging popularity of electric bicycles, Moots has taken a bold step by unveiling its very first e-bike, the Moots Express. This electric gravel bike, constructed to Moots’ meticulous standards, boasts a design so sleek that it can easily be mistaken for…

Trek has unveiled the Marlin+ e-bike, an electrified version of its highly popular Marlin model. The Marlin has earned its reputation for versatility and affordability, making it a favourite among cyclists of various disciplines. While the Marlin may appear as a straightforward hardtail mountain bike, its popularity stems from its exceptional adaptability. Cyclists familiar with the terrain understand that a hardtail mountain bike is one of the most versatile options available. Whether tackling cross-country routes, navigating challenging single tracks, or simply commuting to work or school, the hardtail Marlin proves to be more than capable. Trek’s Marlin stands out as…

In a strategic move to solidify its European presence and enhance its battery recycling capabilities, Redwood Materials has successfully acquired Redux Recycling GmbH, a lithium-ion battery recycling firm based in Europe. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Redwood, offering them a well-established foothold in the European Union, with plans to expand operations and boost their battery recycling capacity. Additionally, it will facilitate closer collaboration with existing suppliers across Europe, reinforcing Redwood’s commitment to sustainable battery solutions. Redux Recycling’s state-of-the-art facility, strategically located in Bremerhaven on Germany’s North Sea coast, boasts an impressive annual processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes.…

In a collaborative effort between the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Charlotte and autonomous technology firm Beep, students and staff will soon have the opportunity to experience self-driving transportation on campus. Beep, a Florida-based company known for its self-driving technology, is set to conduct a six-month pilot program deploying an all-electric autonomous shuttle at UNC. This initiative further strengthens Beep’s relationship with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Previously, Beep and NCDOT collaborated on a pilot project in Cary’s Fred G Bond Metro Park, where an autonomous shuttle provided transportation along a 1.6-mile route with four stops, serving…