Author: Robin Cannon

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…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has started rolling out its new-generation S5 HPC (high-power charging) stations, delivering up to 800 kW of power. The first S5 units went online in September in major cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, and Wuhan, with plans to expand to Shenzhen, Beijing, Chengdu, and other locations across the country. The new S5 superchargers were first introduced in July 2023 and are designed with advanced liquid-cooling technology. They deliver up to 800 amps of current and can operate at a maximum voltage of 1,000 volts, enabling peak charging power of up to 800 kW. These…

Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, has officially entered the Spanish and Portuguese markets as part of its broader European expansion strategy. The company hosted launch events in Madrid on September 25 and in Lisbon on September 26, introducing its G9 and G6 SUVs, along with the P7 sedan, to both countries. In Spain, the company reported high demand, with 650 reservations for test drives on the launch day in Madrid. Xpeng aims to quickly establish its presence across 10 cities in Spain, including major markets like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga, through a partnership with Salvador Caetano, the…

Hyundai has unveiled its first small electric work truck, the ST1 Chassis Cab, in Korea, with a starting price of approximately $42,000 (55.95 million won). This launch coincides with the introduction of the new Special High-Top Model, further diversifying Hyundai’s ST1 lineup of commercial electric vehicles. Following the debut of its first commercial electric van, the ST1, in April, Hyundai has now added two new models to its portfolio: the ST1 Cargo, designed for logistics, and the ST1 Cargo Refrigerated, aimed at delivery services. A company representative highlighted that the ST1 platform serves as “a business platform with a variety…

Xpeng is shifting focus to its new flagship sedan, the P7+, following the launch of the M03, the first model from the Mona lineup. Xpeng’s chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, hinted at the upcoming reveal in a Weibo post, suggesting that the P7+ will be officially unveiled in October. Xpeng’s highly anticipated annual 1024 Tech Day event is scheduled for October 24, where the P7+ is expected to take center stage. Prior to that, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker will attend the Paris Auto Show from October 14-20, marking the P7+’s international debut. The P7+, internally codenamed F57, will…