Author: Ryan Fisher

Rivian has submitted an application for a federal loan to facilitate the construction of its electric vehicle factory in Georgia, according to a filing from the U.S. Department of Energy. While the loan application is in process, the department has yet to make a final decision, and details regarding the requested amount and terms have not been disclosed. The new facility is projected to begin partial operations in the third quarter of 2027, with the first production capacity block expected to reach full operational status in 2028. However, Rivian recently paused construction on its planned $5 billion factory in Georgia,…

Tesla has officially discontinued its most affordable electric car, the Model 3 Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive, as reflected in the latest update to its online configurator. The move means the starting price for a Tesla has increased, with the next available model, the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, now priced at $42,500—$3,500 more than the Standard Range variant, which was previously available for $39,000. This change was first noted amidst discussions on Tesla’s delivery numbers, with the disappearance of the Standard Range model going largely unnoticed until the configurator update. Tesla is known for adjusting its vehicle trims without…

J.B. Hunt Transport Service is taking significant strides in sustainability by expanding its fleet of zero-emission trucks with the addition of 20 Nikola Tre fuel cell trucks. These vehicles will primarily serve port and drayage transport operations in California. This latest acquisition follows the company’s earlier order of 13 zero-emission trucks from Nikola in 2023, which included three fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and ten battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The hydrogen fueling infrastructure for these trucks is provided by Nikola’s H2 brand, HYLA, which was introduced last year. J.B. Hunt Transport reports that it already operates over 200 alternative-powered vehicles,…

South Korea has taken a significant step toward the future of transportation with the launch of its first night-time self-driving taxis in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The city’s Metropolitan Government confirmed the introduction of the autonomous electric SUVs, marking a key milestone in the nation’s drive toward autonomous mobility. The vehicles, Korando e-Motion electric SUVs from KG Mobility (formerly known as SsangYong), will operate across a 4.5 square mile area in Gangnam and Seocho districts from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. While the vehicles will primarily drive themselves on major roads, they will also feature human safety monitors who will…

Registrations of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe have seen a modest decline of 5.5% between January and August 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Center of Automotive Management (CAM). While the overall numbers dipped, significant differences emerged between individual countries, with some markets experiencing notable growth. A total of 1,213,262 BEVs were registered across Europe in the first eight months of 2024, down from 1,283,776 in 2023. Europe, as defined by CAM, includes EU member states, the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and the United Kingdom. The EFTA countries’…

Franco-Italian automaker Stellantis and French nuclear fuels firm Orano have announced the cancellation of their planned joint venture aimed at recycling electric car batteries, as confirmed by both companies on Wednesday. The two firms had previously signed a memorandum of understanding last year, with the intention of developing a facility to recycle used electric vehicle batteries and scrap materials sourced from Stellantis gigafactories in Europe and North America. Production was anticipated to commence in early 2026. In a joint statement, Stellantis and Orano noted, “Stellantis and Orano will not finalize the intended joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries…

Italy will officially propose this week to bring forward the European Union’s review of the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso announced on Monday. The proposal seeks to move the review from 2026 to next year and will be presented by Italy’s national delegation at a meeting of EU industry ministers on Thursday. Italy is part of a group of EU countries pushing back against the European Commission’s Green Deal, which aims to tackle climate change and reduce pollution. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has often criticized the initiative as overly “ideological.” Addressing business associations…

Bollinger Motors has unveiled the pricing for its all-electric B4 Chassis Cab, with a starting MSRP of $158,758 for the 2025 model year. Series production commenced in mid-September, and the company expects to begin customer deliveries next month. The B4, first introduced in 2022, is built on an 800-volt platform featuring rear-axle electric drive and two LFP battery packs with a combined energy capacity of 158 kWh. This configuration allows for a maximum range of 185 miles (approximately 300 kilometers). The batteries, sourced from Our Next Energy (ONE) under a 2022 agreement, can be charged using both AC at 19.2…

Tesla is experimenting with charging capacities exceeding the current standard of 250 kW for its V4 and V3 Superchargers in the US, with some drivers reporting speeds just over 320 kW. This development comes as Tesla plans to open its charging network to other electric vehicle brands. Electrek reports that Tesla is assessing the potential of its Supercharger V4 to charge at over 300 kW at select stations. These V4 Superchargers are still paired with V3 generation charging technology cabinets, leading to the designation of these stations as V3+ Superchargers. Currently, Tesla EVs have a maximum charging capacity of 250…

Solaris Bus & Coach has secured a contract to deliver four 12-meter Urbino hydrogen buses to Artois Mobilités for the TADAO transport network in northern France, with delivery scheduled for early 2025. The contract, awarded through a collaboration with the Transdev Group and the CATP, reflects a strategic move towards more environmentally friendly public transportation in the Artois Mobilités region. The initiative highlights the push to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in public transit. Brice Bonavia, Director of Solaris France, commented on the contract, saying, “There are a number of arguments in favor of hydrogen. First of all, it is…

General Motors (GM) is set to launch the Chevy Blazer EV in Brazil, marking the start of a new electric vehicle (EV) campaign in Latin America’s largest auto market. This move aims to counter the rise of Chinese EV makers, particularly BYD, in the region. The Blazer EV, one of GM’s most recognized models, was introduced in 2022 as part of Chevrolet’s next-generation EV lineup, alongside the Equinox and Silverado EVs. GM reported sales of 7,234 Blazer EVs in the first half of 2024, with 6,634 sold in the second quarter alone. According to GM, the electric SUV is attracting…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng has expanded its international presence by entering the Singapore automotive market. The company marked its entry on July 25 with the launch of a pop-up store at UOB Plaza in the central business district, as announced on Weibo. Visitors to the pop-up showroom can test drive the Xpeng G6 SUV, according to the company. Pre-sales have begun, offering exclusive privileges and discounts for UOB customers. Xpeng’s first official store in Singapore is scheduled to open in September. “We are excited for the launch of XPENG in Singapore. As one of the global leaders in…

Ford Motor is offering substantial lease discounts on its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to the class-leading Tesla Model Y. The discounts, aimed at boosting the appeal of the Mach-E, make it significantly cheaper to lease than the Tesla. The automaker has increased the lease cash available on the 2024 Mustang Mach-E to $9,000, coupled with a $600 Summer Sale bonus. This reduces the monthly lease payments on the Mach-E Select RWD to $319 for a 36-month lease, with $4,469 due at signing. See also: Ford Revives Legendary Capri Name with New Electric Model In…

Battery cell manufacturer Northvolt is grappling with significant challenges following the loss of a billion-euro order from BMW and production delays, which have now put its contract with Volkswagen (VW) in jeopardy, according to reports from German publication Automobilwoche. Volkswagen has reportedly established an internal task force to assess the situation at Northvolt’s battery cell plant in northern Sweden. The initiative aims to evaluate Northvolt’s ability to meet delivery commitments and explore contingency plans if restructuring becomes necessary. Volkswagen, however, has refrained from official comments on these developments. The issues at Northvolt’s Swedish facility could potentially impact plans for its…

Volkswagen has finalized a pivotal agreement with U.S. startup QuantumScape to commence mass production of solid-state batteries, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) with enhanced energy storage capabilities. Announced on Thursday, Volkswagen’s battery unit PowerCo will obtain the license to manufacture battery cells based on QuantumScape’s advanced technology, marking a significant shift from their previous joint venture arrangement. According to Volkswagen, this collaboration underscores their commitment to advancing battery technology for widespread automotive use. “QuantumScape’s technology is poised to enter a pivotal stage where PowerCo’s specialized expertise, resources and global factories can help facilitate the transition to…

Volkswagen cautioned on Tuesday that it may close Audi’s Brussels site due to a sharp drop in demand for high-end electric cars, impacting Europe’s top carmaker. The company revised its margin target downwards for the year. “The employee representatives of Audi AG are calling for a future-proof perspective for the plant and our colleagues in Brussels. The Audi management must take responsibility for the site,” said Rita Beck, spokeswoman for the Audi Committee in the European VW Group Works Council. The Brussels site, which produced about 50,000 cars last year, faces “long-standing structural challenges” such as logistical constraints and layout…

Stellantis announced plans to extend its e-Routes app to all brands under its umbrella in the United States by this summer, following its initial launch on Citroen cars last October and subsequent rollout to other Stellantis EVs. The e-Routes app, available for both iPhone and Android users, serves as a substitute navigation system for Stellantis EV owners who opted out of the built-in navigation package. It integrates with CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling users to plan trips on their smartphones while leveraging real-time vehicle data such as battery charge level, capacity, and ambient temperature. According to Stellantis, the app provides…

Amplify Cell Technologies, a joint venture between Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck, and Paccar, has commenced the construction of a new battery cell factory for commercial vehicles in Marshall County, Mississippi. The facility, announced last year and established in June, aims to pioneer the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, known for their durability and cost-efficiency in electric commercial vehicles. Kel Kearns, CEO of Amplify, expressed enthusiasm at the groundbreaking ceremony, stating, “I am thrilled to be here with so many of our partners to break ground on this new battery cell manufacturing facility in Marshall County.” The…

At the Eurobike trade show in Germany, ZF Group has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 48-volt drive system for e-bikes, branded as the ‘ZF Bike Eco System’. This comprehensive system integrates all essential components including motor, batteries, control units, app connectivity, and cloud integration, aiming to redefine the e-bike market with its innovative features. Central to the system is the ZF ‘CentriX’ drive unit, featuring a compact design and capable of delivering up to 90 Newton meters of torque. Daniel Haerter, Head of ZF’s Micro Mobility business unit, highlighted the significance of this innovation, stating, “With our CentriX e-bike drive…

Ford CEO Jim Farley shared his personal journey with electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to sway skeptics within the automotive community towards embracing the shift to electric propulsion. Farley acknowledged the polarizing nature of EVs, particularly among traditional “petrol heads” who cherish internal combustion engines. He emphasized that even enthusiasts like himself could find a passion for electric cars if given the opportunity. “They just have to give EVs a chance,” Farley urged. See also: Ford Streamlines EU Leadership Amid EV Transition Challenges Highlighting the competitive landscape of the automotive sector, Farley stressed the importance of the United States maintaining leadership in…