Author: Ryan Fisher

Renault, in collaboration with Munich-based technology company The Mobility House, has launched vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging in France, starting with the Renault 5. This innovative feature allows electric vehicles (EVs) to feed power back into the grid, enabling owners to earn money by selling excess energy. The V2G function is expected to be introduced in the UK in 2025, with Germany to follow, despite regulatory hurdles that have delayed the rollout there. The V2G technology, developed by Renault’s subsidiary Mobilize and The Mobility House, allows EV batteries to be integrated into the electricity grid. The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 models,…

Wallbox Group has reached a significant milestone, surpassing one million electric vehicle (EV) chargers sold globally by the end of the second quarter of 2024. This achievement includes sales from ABL, reflecting the effectiveness of Wallbox’s expanding product range. Recent additions to their lineup include the ABL EM4 charger, the Supernova 180, and the Pulsar Pro chargers, all launched in North America. CEO Enric Asuncion emphasized the company’s dedication to facilitating the transition to electric mobility through high-quality charging solutions. He expressed pride in Wallbox’s accomplishment and reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting electric mobility. Wallbox remains a leader in…

UK-based start-up IONETIC has introduced a groundbreaking software-accelerated system, Arc, which promises to deliver significant savings in electric vehicle (EV) battery pack development costs while halving the time-to-market for custom battery packs. The Arc system uses AI to automate the design process, integrating pre-validated components to streamline production. The system is designed to cut the typical £30 million investment and four-year development cycle required for bespoke EV battery packs from tier 1 suppliers. By doing so, it offers an end-to-end solution that reduces both costs and risks, helping original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) bring competitive electrified vehicles to market faster. “As…

Lucid Group CEO Peter Rawlinson stated on Monday that the company’s recent stock sale, which raised about $1.75 billion, will provide the electric vehicle maker with enough cash to support operations well into 2026. Speaking at the Reuters Next event, Rawlinson emphasized that the capital infusion is crucial for Lucid’s long-term future as it ramps up production of its upcoming Gravity SUV. Lucid had initially forecast raising $1.67 billion from the offering but announced that it had exceeded expectations by securing nearly $1.75 billion. The company noted that its major expenses are focused on long-term investments, including the expansion of…

Indonesia plans to export nickel-based materials essential for electric vehicle batteries to the United States, with the shipment expected to commence next month. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the material, referred to as EV battery precursor, will be supplied to U.S. electric car manufacturer Tesla. However, specific details regarding the volume of the export were not disclosed. “We will export precursor to the U.S. by next month to Tesla, from Weda Bay,” Bahlil stated. This move marks a significant step in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its electric vehicle industry. Previously, Indonesia had reported successful exports of EV precursors to…

Iveco Bus has announced plans to integrate the production of its electric models, the Heuliez GX Elec and the Iveco E-Way, into its Annonay plant in France this year. Previously, these models were manufactured exclusively at the Rorthais site, also located in France. The company will also produce the new E-Way-H2 fuel cell model at the Annonay facility, signaling a significant expansion of its electric and hydrogen bus production capabilities. Domenico Nucera, President of Iveco Bus and the ACEA Bus and Coach Division, made the announcement during an event on Europe’s industrial strategy in Strasbourg. “Iveco Bus will electrify its…

Vianode has officially inaugurated its first fully operational anode graphite production facility, named ‘Via ONE,’ in Herøya, Norway. Once fully operational, the plant will boast an annual capacity of 2,000 tonnes, sufficient to supply materials for approximately 30,000 electric vehicles. The newly established plant features four advanced full-size furnaces specifically designed for producing synthetic anode graphite, a vital component in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. The facility is expected to create over 100 jobs, contributing to the local economy while supporting Vianode’s ambitious plans for growth. According to company statements, ‘Via ONE’ is integral to Vianode’s multi-billion USD investment program…

Lucid Group announced on Wednesday it expects to report a larger-than-anticipated loss for the third quarter and revealed plans for a public offering of more than 262 million shares. The announcement sent Lucid’s stock down by 12% in after-hours trading. In addition to the offering, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Lucid’s largest shareholder, confirmed it will purchase 374.7 million shares of the company. Despite the new investment, PIF aims to maintain its nearly 59% ownership stake in the electric vehicle (EV) startup. Lucid plans to use proceeds from the share offering and the private placement by PIF to fund…

Citroen has announced an update for its charming electric vehicle, the Ami, which has captured the attention of over 65,000 customers since its launch in 2020. The quirky, Lego-like design of the Ami is receiving a fresh look and features a playful nod to the iconic Citroen 2CV with its mid-lifecycle update for 2025. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2024, the updated Ami showcases significant aesthetic enhancements alongside the introduction of the Ami Buggy Vision concept. The new model sports a reworked front and rear design, including larger lighting units, sturdier bumpers, and the newly redesigned Citroen logo. The…

California-based Reyes Beverage Group (RBG) has taken delivery of 20 new Freightliner eCascadia battery-electric trucks from Daimler Truck North America, with an additional nine units expected by the end of the year. The company is working towards transitioning its entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2039. The first batch of Class 8 electric trucks will be based at RBG’s Huntington Beach warehouse in Orange County, with the additional units to be deployed at their San Bernardino facility. These electric trucks will be charged at their respective locations. RBG’s eCascadia trucks are expected to have a driving range of 220 miles…

Nio has taken a significant step towards launching its executive flagship sedan, the ET9, by completing a crucial regulatory filing. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) included the Nio ET9 in its latest catalog of models, open for public comment from October 16 to 22, 2024. Entry into this catalog is the final regulatory requirement before a model can be officially sold in China. The ET9, manufactured at Nio’s F2 plant in NeoPark, Hefei, measures 5,325 mm in length, 2,017 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm. The sedan weighs 2,700…

BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, has called on European regulators to cancel the planned 2035 ban on new fossil fuel-emitting cars, arguing that the shift toward 100% battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) increases reliance on China’s battery supply chain. Speaking at the Paris Motor Show on Tuesday, Zipse emphasized the need for Europe to embrace a broader range of technologies, including e-fuels, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells, to maintain its competitive edge and reduce dependency on a single energy solution. “The mood in Europe is trending towards pessimism,” Zipse said, urging policymakers to implement a more flexible regulatory framework that allows automakers to…

Dublin local authorities are set to install 200 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across 50 council-owned car parks by the first quarter of 2025. The initiative, a collaboration between Dublin City, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin councils, and EV firm ePower, aims to bolster the public charging infrastructure for residents who cannot charge at home. “This rollout marks a substantial investment that will help strengthen the EV charging network in Dublin and support our push toward net-zero carbon emissions,” said Cllr Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. He added that expanding public charging points will make EV ownership…

Japanese chipmaker Rapidus and auto supplier Denso have formed a partnership to share design methods for advanced semiconductor chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving vehicles, according to local media reports. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to bolster Japan’s semiconductor industry and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. The two companies are part of an eight-member group established by SEMI, an international organization that promotes the global semiconductor supply chain, reported Nikkei Asia. This marks the first time that Japanese firms have taken the lead in standardizing design approaches for advanced chips. “By sharing a…

U.S. truck manufacturer Nikola Motor announced it laid off 135 employees last Wednesday, as part of its ongoing effort to cut costs and improve its financial standing. The company, which delivered 88 fuel cell trucks in the third quarter, continues to struggle with profitability, leading to declining stock prices. Despite being the only company to deliver fuel cell trucks last quarter, Nikola’s financial challenges remain significant. This recent round of layoffs follows earlier cuts, including 270 employees in June 2023 and 100 in November 2022. The company has also faced legal troubles, with former CEO Trevor Milton sentenced to prison…

ChargePoint has introduced a new home installation service for its ChargePoint Home Flex residential charger, aimed at enhancing the customer experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners in the U.S. This service integrates the purchase of the charger with a streamlined home installation process, simplifying setup for EV drivers. Customers can obtain an installation quote and schedule a date by answering three questions on ChargePoint’s website. This process is designed to eliminate the need for finding and vetting an electrician, as ChargePoint collaborates with certified installation providers to facilitate a straightforward experience. JD Singh, ChargePoint’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, noted the…

Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer has announced the availability of its new electric aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, the Panther 6×6 electric. Designed in collaboration with airport operators and fire services, the vehicle promises faster acceleration and top speeds than its traditional fossil-fuel counterparts, bringing a new level of performance and sustainability to emergency response operations. The Panther 6×6 electric is engineered to reach 80 km/h in under 25 seconds and achieve a top speed of 120 km/h solely on electric power. Additionally, it features an electric water pump capable of delivering 9,000 liters per minute. With dual charging options for…

Uber Technologies has announced plans to roll out an AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s technology to aid drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its commitment to reducing emissions. The ride-hailing company has been advocating for the adoption of EVs for several years and has pledged $800 million to support its driver partners in making the switch to electric by 2040. The AI assistant, which utilizes OpenAI’s GPT-4o, was unveiled at Uber’s Go-Get Zero event in London on Tuesday. Set to launch early next year in the United States, the chatbot will later expand to additional locations.…

Hyundai Mobis Co., the world’s fifth-largest auto parts manufacturer, announced plans to mass-produce a component that will double the charging speed for electric vehicles (EVs) starting at the end of 2025. This initiative aims to address consumer reluctance towards EV adoption by resolving one of the primary concerns regarding charging efficiency. At a recent technology event held at its research and development (R&D) center in Uiwang, South Korea, Hyundai Mobis unveiled an integrated charging control unit (ICCU) that enhances EV charging speeds to 22 kilowatts (kW), up from the current standard of 11 kW. The new component also enables users…

Caterham has announced its collaboration with Yamaha Motor to develop the fully electric powertrain for the Project V sports car. Initially introduced in concept form at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the model is progressing toward production, although its market launch is now anticipated to be delayed beyond 2026. As part of this partnership, Yamaha will supply a “cutting-edge” e-axle to the prototype, aiding Caterham in advancing its new model. The “lightweight compact electric powertrain” is designed to align with the core DNA of Caterham vehicles. Additionally, Yamaha will contribute its expertise in vehicle motion control. The Project V…