Author: Ryan Fisher

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in California will jointly invest $25 million in charging infrastructure for electric heavy-duty drayage trucks, as part of a broader initiative to establish truck charging sites across the state. Each port will contribute $12.5 million to the Clean Truck Fund, aimed at transitioning to an all-electric truck fleet by 2035. The initiative, in collaboration with regional air quality agencies, aims to install 207 chargers at eight sites in locations including Wilmington, Rancho Dominguez, Rialto, Fontana, Commerce, and the Port of Long Beach. The total cost of the projects is estimated at $135…

Nio announced today that its upgraded virtual voice assistant, NOMI GPT, has surpassed 10 million user interactions since its launch on April 12, the electric vehicle (EV) maker revealed on social media platforms. NOMI GPT, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology, has been actively engaged in tasks such as trip planning, role-playing, and text creation during its interactions with users. See also: Nio Sets Pace with Record Deliveries in Q2 Despite Monthly Fluctuations According to Nio, 8,747 individuals have engaged with NOMI GPT for more than 30 minutes, with the most frequent user interacting with the voice assistant over 200 times in…

In a strategic move confirming earlier speculation, the joint venture between Toyota and GAC in China will integrate a smart driving solution from local startup Momenta into its upcoming Toyota bZ3X model, the Toyota-GAC Group announced on Weibo yesterday. The collaboration between GAC Toyota and Momenta has culminated in a comprehensive intelligent driving solution designed to operate across diverse road conditions, including urban streets, highways, and parking scenarios. “The Toyota bZ3X will pioneer our new smart driving solution, marking a significant advancement in vehicle technology,” stated a representative from GAC Toyota. While the Weibo announcement provided initial details, further specifics…

Neta Auto parent Hozon New Energy Automobile Co Ltd has filed an application to list in Hong Kong, aiming to secure new financing to support its expansion. Hozon’s joint sponsors for the Hong Kong listing include CICC, Morgan Stanley, CITIC Securities, ABCI Capital, and CMB International, according to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing on Tuesday. See also: Neta Auto Launches Mass Production of Electric Vehicles in Indonesia The company submitted an initial prospectus that provides a detailed description of its business but does not specify an expected listing date or the number of shares it plans to issue. Founded in…

German automaker Volkswagen is set to significantly increase production of its all-electric ID.Buzz van, targeting a substantial ramp-up in output as it prepares for a US launch later this year. First unveiled in March 2022, the ID.Buzz marks Volkswagen’s modern take on the beloved Microbus, a vehicle known for its iconic design and association with counterculture movements of the past. The electric variant, equipped with a larger 91 kWh battery for enhanced performance, is tailored specifically for the US market with a three-row configuration. See also: Volkswagen Partners with Wrapmate to Launch Online Customization Tool for ID. Buzz Owners Lars Krause,…

French automaker Renault unveils its advanced automated logistics site, showcasing a fleet of robots that streamline operations and increase efficiency. Renault has introduced a state-of-the-art automated logistics site in Villeroy, northern France, showcasing the utilization of Skypods, autonomous mobile robots, to manage its operations. These robots navigate the facility independently, picking car part orders from shelves and performing various tasks such as packing and inventory management. The facility operates with a fleet of 191 robots, significantly improving order processing times. According to Xavier Lhors, Renault’s director of after-sale logistics, the automated system has increased the number of orders served by…

Tesla’s Model Y has once again claimed the top spot on the list of most American-made cars, according to the annual American-Made Index (AMI) by Cars.com. However, the electric automaker has lost its clean sweep of the top four positions this year. Thanks to Tesla’s vertical integration approach, which involves making many of its parts in-house and in the US for vehicles manufactured in North America, the company consistently ranks among those producing the most “American-made” vehicles. Last year, Tesla dominated the top four positions with the Model Y, Model 3, Model X, and Model S. This year, while Tesla…

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has reduced its stake in China’s BYD, which lost its position as the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles to Tesla last year. Berkshire sold 1.3 million Hong Kong-listed BYD shares for HK$310.5 million ($39.8 million), reducing its stake in BYD’s issued H-shares to 6.90% from 7.02%, according to a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange. See also: BYD and CATL Set Sights on EV Batteries with 6C Charge Rate Buffett’s company first invested in Shenzhen-based BYD in 2008, purchasing about 225 million shares for $230 million, giving it a 10% stake at the time. The…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor, in collaboration with Europe’s Stellantis NV, has initiated EV production at Stellantis’ Tychy plant in Poland, as reported by Reuters. Jefferies analysts stated that Leapmotor’s first T03 small EVs have rolled off the assembly line in Poland and are on track for mass production in September. The joint venture intends to commence production of its A12 SUV model at the same plant in the first quarter of 2025. See also: Leapmotor Restructures Operations, Disbands Overseas Team Following Stellantis Joint Venture Leapmotor is also preparing for localized production of components, according to analysts. Manufacturing costs at…

BYD’s battery manufacturing unit, FinDreams, has reportedly secured a deal to supply cells to Tesla’s energy storage business in China, according to a recent report. The agreement, struck in March, will see FinDreams supply Tesla’s energy storage product manufacturing plant in Shanghai, as reported by LatePost today. The supply of cells for energy storage is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. Tesla’s energy storage facility, known as the Megafactory, broke ground on May 23 in the Lingang area of Pudong, Shanghai. This marks Tesla’s first energy storage project outside the United States and is located alongside…

Tesla is gearing up to release its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version, v12.4.1, initially to employees with plans for a limited rollout to external customers. CEO Elon Musk expressed optimism about the software’s accuracy, suggesting that once known bugs are fixed, it could take over a year of driving to encounter even one intervention. The upcoming FSD release is part of Tesla’s ongoing efforts to refine its autonomous driving capabilities, leading up to the August 8th Robotaxi Unveiling Event. Musk highlighted the significant changes in the new version, indicating that it could arguably be considered as v13 due to…

Zoox has announced plans to begin testing its self-driving cars in Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida. This expansion marks the first trial sites for Zoox outside the western United States, signaling the company’s commitment to advancing its autonomous driving technology. The testing will involve Zoox’s fleet of retrofitted Toyota Highlanders, equipped with human safety drivers, operating in small areas near the business and entertainment districts of both cities. These vehicles are part of Zoox’s initial testing phase and will not offer public rides at this stage. See also: U.S. Regulator Seeks Information on Amazon’s Zoox Self-Driving Vehicles Following Braking Issues In…

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin criticized the Treasury Department over the local content rules for clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Manchin accused Treasury of damaging U.S. manufacturers by halving the content rules from the original law. “I’m encouraging every manufacturer to sue you, and I will do the amicus brief on (their) behalf …. and you’ll lose every suit,” Manchin stated, displaying posters comparing the legislation’s content requirements with Treasury’s final rules. Manchin, who recently left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, has been a vocal critic of…

Fortum Battery Recycling, a Finnish company, has signed a preliminary agreement and a letter of intent with the Japanese trading group Marubeni to jointly establish a sustainable recycling chain for lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on graphite recycling. Under the agreement, Marubeni will assist Fortum by supplying in-process waste materials and process chemicals. The partnership aims to develop graphite and lithium recycling technologies to create a recycling value chain that aligns with market demand. Both companies also plan to explore additional business opportunities and promote sustainable growth in the clean energy sector. Tero Holländer, Head of the Battery Business Area…

European startups Twaice and Circu Li-ion have been selected for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, a funding program aimed at promoting sustainability initiatives. The program, now in its third iteration, provides startups with the opportunity to advance their solutions and collaborate with Amazon to test their technologies. Out of hundreds of applicants, 15 startups from across Europe have been chosen for the four-week program. Twaice, based in Munich, offers software that analyzes battery conditions, providing insights to extend battery life and enhance performance. Co-founder Stephan Rohr highlighted the value of their battery analytics software, stating, “By participating in this exciting accelerator,…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced this week that the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will be receiving new driving modes. Musk responded to a user’s feedback about the FSD Supervised “chill mode” being too aggressive, stating that the software will soon include three updated modes: chill, standard, and hurry. Currently, Tesla offers chill, average, and assertive modes for FSD, and it remains unclear if the new modes will introduce significant changes to driving styles. Musk did not specify when the modes would be available or if the new chill mode would be more relaxed than the current one. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1796715946918228360 Some…

Kodiak Robotics, a player in the self-driving trucking sector, has announced a collaboration with Textron Systems to develop a new driverless military vehicle. The partnership will see Kodiak integrate its autonomous technology, the Kodiak Driver, into a purpose-built prototype developed by Textron Systems. Unlike a retrofit of an existing vehicle, this new prototype is being designed from the ground up, highlighting the innovative approach of both companies. Textron Systems, known for its expertise in developing air, land, and sea vehicles, is considered a leader in military ground vehicle manufacturing. See also: Kodiak Robotics Sustains Progress in Autonomous Trucks Amid Industry Shifts…

Citroën has unveiled the pricing and specifications for its electric compact SUV, the ë-C3, in the UK. Starting at £21,990, the ë-C3 will be available for order in July. The latest version of the small electric SUV retains the same specifications as its predecessor, featuring a 44 kWh battery that can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes using a 7.4kW charger. A 100 kW fast charger can reduce this time to around 26 minutes. Powered by an electric motor delivering 83kW, the ë-C3 can accelerate from 0-62mph in about 11 seconds, with a…

The government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has announced funding for the installation of 39 new fast-chargers in Canberra. This initiative is part of the government’s plan to increase the number of public EV chargers in the city to 180 by 2025, up from the current 156. The funding, totaling 626,275 AUD (approximately 415,721 USD), will be distributed among four recipients: ActewAGL, BP, ENGIE, and Evie. The chargers will be DC fast-chargers strategically placed “in key locations across the city,” although specific technical details and locations have not been disclosed. See also: Xpeng Expands Global Presence with Entry into Australian…

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is taking significant steps towards sustainable transport logistics by electrifying its factory transport operations near Stuttgart. The company’s logistics partner, Große-Vehne Speditions GmbH, has deployed two battery-electric eActros 300 tractor units to transport car engines between the Bad Cannstatt engine plant and the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. The two electric trucks, covering around 180 kilometres daily, mark a milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. These efforts align with Daimler Truck’s broader push towards eMobility, following its spin-off from the Daimler Group in December 2021. According to Andreas Scharff, Head of eMobility Sales and Dealer…