Author: Ryan Fisher

Cupra has revealed the updated versions of its Leon hatchback and Formentor compact SUV, featuring redesigned exteriors and enhanced interiors. The new exterior design of both models showcases the Cupra logo on the front bonnet, serving as a central point to the aggressive shark-nosed face. Triangular matrix LED lights and a bold lower mouth contribute to the cars’ aggressive look. The rear features the illuminated Cupra logo, framed by the same triangular lighting design. The addition of new matte colors like Century Bronze or Enceladus Grey further enhances the cars’ character. Inside, the blend of sportiness and sustainability continues, with…

Li Auto faced a setback with deliveries dipping to 25,787 vehicles in April, marking an 11.03 percent drop from the previous month despite a marginal year-on-year increase of 0.41 percent. The company’s cumulative deliveries as of April stood at 739,551 vehicles, showcasing a mix of challenges and growth opportunities. The beginning of 2024 was challenging for Li Auto, with deliveries declining in January and February, reaching a low of 20,251 units in February, partly due to the Chinese New Year holiday. However, March showed promise with a rebound to 28,984 units as the holiday effects waned. Li Auto’s latest move…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has shed light on the decision to disband Tesla’s Supercharger team, amidst a larger effort to reduce the company’s workforce by approximately 10%. Musk clarified the company’s stance, indicating that while Tesla still plans to expand the Supercharger network, the pace of growth will be slower than before. The new focus will prioritize ensuring “100% uptime and expansion of existing locations.” https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1785406795814510785 This development comes as Tesla recently granted access to its Supercharger network to several automakers, including Rivian and Ford. Additionally, more than 10 other major car companies are set to receive charging capabilities at…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is in Beijing, reportedly to discuss enabling Full Self Driving (FSD) mode on Tesla cars in China. Musk aims to transfer data collected in China abroad to train Tesla’s autonomous driving algorithms, a feature currently unavailable in China. The visit follows a US report linking Tesla’s autonomous driving modes to at least 13 crashes, including one fatality. Musk, during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, expressed Tesla’s willingness to deepen cooperation with China for mutual benefit. Premier Li assured Musk that China’s market would remain open to foreign-funded firms. China is Tesla’s second-largest market, and…

In a collaborative effort with partners from the automotive industry, Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) is spearheading the Dauerpower project, aimed at revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) technology. The project focuses on developing an electrical inverter with enhanced cooling capabilities, promising improved continuous load capacity and cost efficiency. The key innovation lies in the inverter’s ability to operate at lower temperatures, achieved through optimized cooling management, which significantly reduces power loss. This breakthrough not only extends full-load utilization but also minimizes the required semiconductor area, contributing to lower costs associated with electric mobility transition. Dr. Michael Bruemmer, Head of…

Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced a partnership with cargo bike provider Onomotion for a pilot project aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery solutions. The collaboration leverages the updated Sustaineer test vehicle, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s vision for sustainable urban delivery transport. The Sustaineer, originally unveiled in 2021, is based on the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and features innovative technical solutions designed for potential series production. The vehicle’s name, a blend of “sustainability” and “pioneer,” reflects its commitment to environmentally friendly urban delivery. One of the key innovations in the updated Sustaineer is the integration of heating close to the body and zonal air conditioning, significantly reducing…

The Centre of Automotive Management (CAM) has released its latest analysis of global market trends in electromobility, revealing a challenging market environment with increasing competition worldwide. In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 1.75 million Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and around 1.1 million Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) were newly registered in China, Europe, and the USA, marking an 11% and 52% increase respectively. China led this surge with one million BEVs and 740,000 PHEVs, accounting for more than half of all new electric car registrations. Despite a slowdown in growth, China exceeded its previous year’s BEV registrations…

Tesla has announced a significant reduction in the price of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription, cutting it from $199 to $99 per month, a move aimed at making the advanced driver-assistance feature more accessible to customers. The Full Self-Driving suite, priced at $12,000 for outright purchase, includes AI functionality for Basic Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, Autosteer on City Streets, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. These features are also available through the subscription program, allowing users to experience the capabilities of the FSD suite without committing to the full purchase price. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1778881172807815178 Tesla introduced the Full Self-Driving subscription in July…

Team Global Express (TGE) has made significant strides in Australia’s logistics landscape by introducing sixty all-electric delivery trucks, establishing the country’s largest all-electric logistics fleet. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), marks a substantial transition toward sustainable transportation practices. Replacing a third of its Western Sydney truck fleet with these electric vehicles, TGE aims to enhance its delivery operations in and around metropolitan Sydney. Christine Holgate, CEO of TGE, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to supporting renewable energy transition ambitions. She highlighted the strategic importance of this electric vehicle trial, emphasizing its role…

Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool has applied for creditor protection at the Commercial Court of Mechelen, aiming to ensure the continuation of its operations during negotiations with banks and potential takeover candidates. Recent weeks have seen signs of financial distress at Van Hool, culminating in a decision by management in mid-March to halt the production and sale of city buses, including electric models. The company cited an inability to compete in the increasingly electric city bus segment due to its cost structure and past management errors. The creditor protection proceedings are primarily focused on securing financing for a reorganization plan,…

Volvo Buses has introduced the 8900 Electric intercity bus, set to be available in selected European countries in 2025. The new bus, based on the BZR Electric platform, promises improved performance and flexibility for urban, intercity, and commuter transport. The Volvo 8900 Electric comes in two lengths, 12.3 or 14.9 meters, and can be equipped with four to six battery packs, each with a capacity of 90 kWh, allowing for a maximum total energy content of 540 kWh. The electric drive is available in either a single-motor version with 200 kW or a dual-motor version with 400 kW. The 8900…

Kelley Blue Book reports a significant drop in electric vehicle (EV) prices, with the average price paid for an EV in February falling to $52,314, down from $54,863 in January, according to Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book estimates. Compared to the same period last year, EV transaction prices in February decreased by 12.8%, a more pronounced decline than the 11.6% drop seen in January. The decline in EV prices is attributed in part to price reductions in popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, which are among the most popular EVs in the US. Transaction prices…

Nio is embarking on a quest to recruit pioneering testers for its upcoming NOMI GPT virtual voice assistant, which integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The company aims to enhance the passenger-vehicle conversation experience through AI innovation. In a statement released on its mobile app today, Nio announced the commencement of beta tester recruitment for the next-generation NOMI GPT, based on a large model platform, with an initial quota of 600 testers. See also: Nio Expands NOP+ Coverage to 726 Cities Across China According to Nio, the latest iteration of NOMI has undergone 132 version updates and introduced over 2,000 features…

Electric mobility specialist Ennovi has announced the market launch of a contacting system for prismatic battery cells, named CellConnect-Prism. Created at the end of 2023 through the spin-off of the electric division from the Interplex Group, Ennovi aims to revolutionize battery pack production with its innovative technology. According to Ennovi, CellConnect-Prism enables the integration of individual prismatic cells to create larger battery modules or extended cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis configurations. The system streamlines the assembly process, eliminates inefficiencies, accelerates battery pack production, optimizes material usage, and reduces costs, the company stated in a press release. A key innovation of CellConnect-Prism is…

Octopus Energy has joined forces with SSE Energy Solutions to incorporate SSE’s charge points into its roaming platform ‘Electroverse.’ This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle (EV) charging for users across the UK and Ireland. SSE Energy Solutions plans to install 500 fast chargers in both countries by 2030, providing a significant boost to the EV charging infrastructure. All charging sites will be equipped with stations capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power and will be powered by traceable renewable energy, as stated in SSE’s press release. Several sites are already operational or…

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed concerns about China’s growing presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market, emphasizing the need for incentives to make domestically-produced EVs more affordable. Granholm’s remarks came during an Axios event in Washington on Wednesday. “We are very concerned about China bigfooting our industry in the United States even as we’re building up now this incredible backbone of manufacturing,” Granholm said. See also: Biden Orders Probe into National Security Risks Posed by Chinese Vehicle Imports Granholm highlighted the wave of low-priced EVs produced by Chinese companies, which some fear could pose a threat to major U.S. car…

Vitesco Technologies, a leading supplier in the automotive industry, has unveiled a groundbreaking product called the “high-voltage box,” designed to revolutionize the way electric vehicles (EVs) manage electricity. This innovative unit combines several key components for charging, converting, and distributing electricity in EVs into a single, modular system. According to Vitesco, this integration results in a more cost-effective and space-efficient solution for EV manufacturers. See also: Vitesco Technologies Unveils Advanced Power Module for Electric Vehicles, Targeting Mid-2025 Delivery The high-voltage box integrates multiple functions, including an AC charger for mains charging up to 22 kW, a DC converter for the car’s…

Micro Mobility Systems is introducing the Microlino Lite, an L6e version of its electric cabin scooter, now available to order in two color variants. The sales launch is scheduled for early summer. “The Microlino Lite is our contribution to making sustainable mobility solutions accessible to an even wider community. We recognize the growing need for such mobility, especially among those who want to be safe and protected from the weather without a driver’s license,” said Merlin Ouboter from Micro Mobility Systems. See also: Microlino launches Pioneer Series with 230 Km range on a single charge The Swiss manufacturer presented the Microlino…

South Korean automaker Hyundai has revealed plans for a substantial $1.1 billion investment in Brazil, focusing on eco-friendly vehicles, during a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace, as reported by Agencia Brasil. The investment, spanning until 2032, was disclosed during a meeting between President Lula and Hyundai Motor Group’s global president, Eui-Sun Chung, with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also serves as Brazil’s Industry Minister, in attendance. According to the Brazilian government, the investment will be primarily directed towards technology, particularly for the development of hybrid, electric, and green hydrogen cars. Hyundai highlighted its…

Stellantis  is doubling down on its collaboration with autonomous vehicle technology company Waymo, CEO Carlos Tavares revealed in an interview with TechCrunch. The enhanced partnership will center on the development of commercial self-driving Ram delivery vans, a project initially unveiled in 2020 but subsequently faded from public attention. Tavares disclosed that ongoing discussions have focused on a crucial aspect of driverless delivery: the final step of transferring packages from the vehicle to the customer. See also: California Regulator Delays Waymo’s Robotaxi Expansion Amid Safety Concerns “When you reach the destination, how do you take the parcel out of the van?” Tavares…