Author: Robin Cannon

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…

In a recent announcement at Morgan Stanley’s 11th annual Laguna Conference, Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, hinted at the possibility of introducing leasing options for their electric vehicles. This move comes as the company demonstrates confidence in the strong residual values of their EVs. Scaringe emphasized that Rivian has intentionally refrained from offering leasing options, primarily due to their conviction in the sustained value of their vehicles. He underlined the used marketplace as a crucial indicator, noting that if Rivian vehicles are fetching prices higher than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) on the resale market, it could signify potential for…

In a significant development within the electric vehicle (EV) industry, automakers BMW, Ford, and Honda have unveiled a joint venture known as ChargeScape, with a dedicated focus on bidirectional charging technology. The initiative was officially announced on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, signaling a shared commitment to advancing the capabilities of EVs in the United States. ChargeScape’s primary objective is to empower owners of EVs produced by these three automakers to actively participate in sharing electricity with their local power grids. The venture aims to achieve this through a range of managed charging and energy-sharing services, with the…

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH, the German automaker has unveiled the Audi RS E-Tron GT Ice Race Edition. This limited-edition vehicle, restricted to just 99 units in Europe, pays homage to the legacy of Audi’s motorsport achievements. Building upon the E-Tron GT Ice Race Concept introduced in March 2023, the RS E-Tron GT Ice Race Edition boasts a distinctive exterior design and a host of interior enhancements. The exterior of this unique model showcases a captivating blend of aesthetics. Its base color, Florett silver metallic, is complemented by a foil wrap featuring transparent sections, which…

In the race to deploy electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the United States, Tesla is emerging as the frontrunner, securing federal grants and outpacing its competitors while maintaining cost efficiency, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Tesla has successfully secured the top position in bids to install chargers at approximately 18% of sites designated by states to receive federal funding for fast chargers. Data from EVAdoption, an EV and charging analytics firm, indicates that Tesla has received approximately $8.5 million out of the roughly $77 million disbursed so far. See also: US awards $2.8 billion in grants to boost…

Polestar, the electric car brand, has revealed its financial performance for the first half of 2023, showcasing impressive sales growth. The company reported a year-on-year sales increase of 18 percent from January to June, amounting to approximately $1.2 billion (€1.11 billion). However, despite the promising sales figures, Polestar posted a net loss of approximately $313 million (€288.5 million) for the first half of the year. This marks an improvement from the $503 million (€463.6 million) loss reported during the same period in the previous year. Notably, the second quarter alone contributed to an operating loss of $274 million (€227.7 million).…

Federal regulators have raised concerns over a hidden feature within Tesla’s Autopilot software known as “Elon Mode,” which could potentially deactivate safety checks designed to ensure driver attentiveness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Special Order on July 26, signed by John Donaldson, the acting chief counsel for the regulator, addressing these concerns. In the letter, Donaldson expressed apprehension about the safety implications of “Elon Mode” and its potential impact on driver attention. He stated, “NHTSA is concerned that this feature was introduced to consumer vehicles and, now that the existence of this feature is known to…

As the International Motor Show (IAA) mobility event unfolds in Munich, European car manufacturers are grappling with the increasing dominance of Asian companies in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Industry analysts and executives are emphasizing the need for European automakers to demonstrate their competitive prowess in various aspects, ranging from product development and financial strategies to supply chain management. This year’s IAA event highlights a significant shift, with approximately 41% of exhibitors headquartered in Asia, showcasing the growing presence of Asian automakers. Chinese companies, in particular, have surged in numbers, with notable players such as BYD, CATL, and XPeng making…

Li Auto has announced its ambitious plans to launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, named the Li Mega. Riding high on the success of its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models, the company is poised to challenge industry conventions. At the ongoing Chengdu Auto Show, Li Auto confirmed that the Li Mega is scheduled for an official launch this coming December. Prospective buyers can feast their eyes on show cars displayed in stores starting January the following year, with the first deliveries expected to roll out in February. The company’s unyielding confidence shines through, as it asserts the Li…