Author: Robin Cannon

Hyundai Motor has made a significant move into the commercial electric vehicle (EV) market by revealing its new “ST1” EV business platform. This platform marks the debut of several upcoming electric models tailored for commercial use, signaling Hyundai’s intent to expand its electric vehicle portfolio beyond passenger cars. Following a record-breaking year in which Hyundai sold 268,785 electric cars, the company is now venturing into the commercial sector with its new ST1 EV business platform. The ST1, or Service Type 1, platform is designed to accommodate various services and solutions. A Hyundai Motor official described the ST1 as “a business…

Lucid Motors is facing a challenge to its trademark for the name of its Gravity SUV, just months before the company is set to begin production. EV charging company Gravity Inc., backed by Google Ventures, filed a “petition for cancellation” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in December. Gravity Inc. claims that Lucid’s use of the Gravity name could confuse consumers, as Gravity Inc. uses it for EV charging and previously operated a fleet of EV taxis. See also: Lucid Gravity SUV Showcases Formidable Towing Power, Pulling Supersonic Jet in Recent Video This challenge…

Alongside the exciting debut of the Rivian R2 and the surprise announcement of the R3/R3X, Rivian has revealed a host of new and updated accessories designed to enhance the functionality and versatility of its vehicles. Among the new accessories is the integrated Bike rack, a feature that was initially leaked. Details on how to mount a bike and its compatibility with Rivian’s upcoming e-bikes are yet to be fully disclosed. See also: Officially Unveiled: Rivian R2 Surprises with $45K Starting Price, 300-Mile Range, and High-Performance Specs Another intriguing accessory is the open-to-storage accessory, which appears to transform the R2 into a…

Volkswagen electric vehicle (EV) owners in North America eagerly eyeing Ford’s access to Tesla’s Supercharger network will soon have their wait eased. The Volkswagen Group is set to introduce a Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter for its EVs by 2025 “at the latest,” a spokesperson confirmed to InsideEVs. This move will allow VW EV owners to finally utilize Tesla’s Superchargers, aligning with Ford and Rivian, which have already enabled Supercharger access this month. Volkswagen’s delay in offering the adapter is attributed to its late announcement of the deal with Tesla in 2023, long after many other brands had…

Researchers at Fraunhofer USA have achieved a significant breakthrough in electronic cooling technology by developing wafer-thin nanomembranes made of synthetic diamond. These nanomembranes can be integrated into electronic components to reduce the local heat load by up to ten times, offering a promising solution for cooling high-power-density components like those used in processors, semiconductor lasers, and electric vehicles (EVs). The unparalleled thermal conductivity of diamond makes it ideal for cooling electronic components, improving the driving performance and service life of electric cars. Additionally, the use of diamond nanomembranes can significantly reduce the charging time of EV batteries. See also: Researchers at…

Thailand’s government is engaging in discussions with electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla (TSLA) regarding the possibility of establishing a production facility in the country, as confirmed by an official from the prime minister’s office on Monday. The talks come following a site survey conducted by Tesla late last year. The government has reportedly offered Tesla guaranteed access to renewable energy to power the facility, which would focus on producing electric vehicles or batteries. This potential move marks a significant step for Tesla, which only recently began operating officially in Thailand, opening orders in late 2022 and commencing deliveries last year.…

Elon Musk has disclosed plans to reveal the highly anticipated Tesla Roadster at the end of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Tesla Roadster holds a special place in the hearts of Tesla enthusiasts, as it was the vehicle that kickstarted the company’s remarkable journey toward electrifying the automotive landscape. Initially introduced in 2008, the Roadster quickly gained acclaim for its cutting-edge technology, blistering performance, and sleek design. Now, over a decade later, Tesla is set to redefine automotive excellence with the next-generation Roadster. See also: Tesla Model 3 Performance…

The first Stellantis brand electric vehicle destined for the US market, the Fiat 500e, has started production and is set to arrive in the country by the end of March after quickly selling out its initial dealer allocation. “We’re thrilled that the Fiat 500e has officially begun its journey to reach customers in North America,” said the Fiat CEO and CMO at Stellantis. The Fiat 500e has already proven to be a success in Europe, where it is the best-selling electric city car, particularly in countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and France. Since its launch, the 500e has sold…

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…