Author: Ryan Fisher

In an interview with Forbes, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted the need for more choice in the electric vehicle (EV) market, noting that a pricing “sweet spot” around $48,000 is crucial. The upcoming Rivian R2 EV, set to be unveiled on March 7, aims to hit this mark, offering consumers an adventure-oriented EV at an attractive price point. Scaringe emphasized the importance of pricing strategy, stating that $48,000 is a key target to make EVs a viable option for customers transitioning from combustion-powered vehicles. This figure aligns with the average transaction price of vehicles in the United States, making the…

Research Fabrication Battery Cell FFB, based in Münster, is making significant strides in its fourth sub-project, spearheaded by RWTH Aachen University, with a primary focus on advancing solid-state batteries. This initiative aims to address fundamental questions surrounding the production of these batteries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery cell technology. Since its inception in 2021, the Research Production Battery Cell FFB, a Fraunhofer institution, has been steadfastly committed to expediting innovation and commercialization processes for production technologies catering to both existing and future cell formats. With three existing sub-projects under its belt, the institution has already made…

Stellantis has announced its intention to stop purchasing regulatory emissions credits from Tesla, signaling a shift in strategy towards self-regulation and a more aggressive pursuit of its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions. Tesla’s emissions credits have been instrumental in helping FCA meet its emissions targets and avoid hefty fines. However, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is leading the charge to phase out this reliance on Tesla and instead focus on expanding its EV offerings internally. See also: Stellantis Considers Producing Leapmotor EVs at Fiat’s Historic Mirafiori Plant in Turin “We don’t buy credits, we’re not buying credits, we’re not going to do that,”…

Stellantis, the automotive conglomerate, has announced its decision to embrace the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. This move follows the industry trend of adopting the NACS, formerly Tesla’s proprietary connector, as the official charging standard in the region. Initially introduced by Tesla in 2022, the NACS aims to standardize charging infrastructure across North America. While other major automakers, including Ford and GM, had already pledged their support for the NACS, Stellantis had been notably absent from the list of adopters. Today’s announcement marks Stellantis’ commitment to integrating the upcoming SAE J3400…

The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, along with its lineup counterparts, is set to make an appearance at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, one of the United States’ premier automotive events. Updates from the organizers confirm the Cybertruck’s arrival at the event venue, ready to captivate visitors. Scheduled annually in February at the McCormick Place convention center, the Chicago Auto Show holds the distinction of being North America’s largest auto showcase. The 2024 edition will run from February 10 to February 19, with a press preview slated to commence on February 8. Additionally, a “First Look for Charity” Gala is scheduled…

Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) is set to establish a technology center for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode materials in Moosburg, Germany, following in the footsteps of Johnson Matthey. According to a statement by EAM, the Moosburg plant will facilitate the production of LFP and LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) cathodes on a laboratory and pilot scale, expediting the company’s plans for LFP cathode production in India. The Indian division’s cathode material plant is scheduled to commence operations this year, aiming for a planned output of 100,000 tonnes of LFP cathode material by 2030. EAM emphasizes the versatility of the Moosburg…

General Motors (GM) has disclosed plans to reduce spending by approximately $1 billion on its autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise, in 2024. Despite ongoing investigations by the U.S. Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission related to a recent accident involving a Cruise robotaxi, GM CEO Mary Barra affirmed the company’s commitment to the self-driving project. The investigation was triggered by an incident on October 2, 2023, in San Francisco, where a Cruise robotaxi struck a pedestrian, resulting in significant public criticism and the revocation of Cruise’s permit to operate driverless vehicles by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. See…

Tesla’s groundbreaking Model S, which played a pivotal role in popularizing electric vehicles (EVs) and catapulting the company to the forefront of the automotive industry, finds itself relegated to the “Other Models” section in Tesla’s latest annual vehicle sales report. The move marks a notable shift for the luxury sedan that once defined Tesla’s image. Launched in 2012, the Model S distinguished itself with its sleek design, high performance, and innovative technology, reshaping perceptions of EVs as it became a symbol of desirability. However, Tesla’s recent decision to classify the Model S under “Other Models” in its annual sales release…

Lucid Group is set to be removed from the Nasdaq 100 Index as part of the annual reconstitution, a process that evaluates and adjusts the composition of the prestigious index. The Nasdaq 100 Index comprises the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq, subject to specific criteria. Companies within the Nasdaq 100 must be exclusively listed on Nasdaq in either Global Select or Global Market tiers, traded in American markets for at least three months, maintain an average daily volume of 200,000 shares, and remain current in quarterly and annual reports. Additionally, companies that fail to move into the Top…

German car rental giant Sixt has announced its decision to gradually remove Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) from its rental fleet, citing Tesla’s aggressive price reductions and high repair expenses as key factors. According to a report by Bloomberg, Sixt is communicating this strategy shift to customers through email, highlighting poor resale values and increased repair costs for EVs compared to traditional combustion-powered models. The email underscores “significantly higher holding costs for Tesla vehicles,” prompting the company to cease the addition of more Tesla vehicles to its fleet. Despite this move, a spokesperson for Sixt emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to…

Lunaz, a British aftermarket company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) conversions for classic cars, has unveiled its latest project: the transformation of an iconic Aston Martin DB6 into an electric grand tourer. Marketed as “the most sustainable Aston Martin ever created,” the revamped DB6, produced between 1965 and 1970, embraces eco-conscious features beyond the EV conversion. Originally equipped with a 4.0-liter gasoline engine generating 282 hp, the rejuvenated DB6 now boasts a robust 375 hp electric motor. While Lunaz does not specify the battery type, the company offers battery packs ranging from 80 to 120 kWh, providing up to 255…

French automaker Peugeot has discreetly introduced the E-Traveller electric van in Europe, catering to the diverse needs of passenger transport services such as hotels, shuttles, and taxis. The E-Traveller is available in both standard (4.98 meters) and Long (5.33 meters) versions, offering configurations ranging from 5 to 9 seats. The E-Traveller provides versatility with seating arrangements, including a luxurious five-seater lounge configuration with four independent seats facing each other, offering 3,000 liters of cargo space. Opting for the nine-seater version still provides an impressive 1,500 liters of luggage space, expanding to 4,900 liters with just 2 or 3 passengers on…

Tesla’s anticipated entry into the Indian market may involve the import of vehicles from its Giga Berlin production facility, according to a recent report. The electric car giant has been actively exploring opportunities in India, aiming to assess local demand for its vehicles. In its pursuit to gauge accurate market demand, Tesla has engaged in discussions with Indian officials to negotiate potential reductions in import duties. However, the Indian government has expressed reservations about easing import duties and has proposed an alternative approach – a firm commitment from Tesla to establish a new Gigafactory within the country. India’s preference for…

South Korean chemical company LG Chem and China’s Huayou Group have unveiled their plans for a comprehensive collaboration in the field of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cathode materials. Although the partnership remains in the memorandum of understanding phase, the ambitious vision outlines the establishment of four joint manufacturing plants, two in Morocco and two in Indonesia. The centerpiece of this collaboration is a Moroccan-based factory dedicated to the production of LFP cathode materials, boasting an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes, slated to commence operations in 2026. Notably, these materials are earmarked for supply to North America and are expected to…

Geely Holding Group’s electric mobility technology brand, Zeekr, has forged a strategic partnership with Plugsurfing to introduce a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging service, Zeekr Charge, tailored for its European customers. This collaboration comes on the heels of Zeekr’s announcement in June regarding its entry into the European market with the launch of the luxury shooting brake Zeekr 001 and the urban compact luxury SUV Zeekr X in Sweden and the Netherlands, followed by Germany in September 2023. With initial vehicle deliveries set to commence later this year, Zeekr will provide its customers with a welcome pack, including a charging…

Lexus has taken significant strides to address concerns about its steer-by-wire system, which was described as “twitchy and unpredictable” in earlier tests. While they are still in the process of fine-tuning the technology, Lexus remains committed to implementing it in their upcoming models. According to reports from Car & Driver, Lexus is diligently working to improve the steer-by-wire system, as they are not yet satisfied with its current performance. Notable among the updates is the expanded steering wheel range, allowing drivers to turn the wheel 200 degrees in each direction, a significant improvement over the initial 150-degree limitation in prototypes.…

In a recent roundtable discussion with journalists in Portugal at the global launch of the BMW i5, Frank Weber, the head of product development at BMW, confirmed that the next-generation BMW M3 high-performance sedan will mark a historic shift as it becomes available as an all-electric vehicle in 2027. This announcement signifies a significant move for the renowned automaker, as it embraces electrification while maintaining its iconic M3 brand. Weber stated, “The next M3 will be battery-electric, fully battery-electric.” Notably, BMW will not be abandoning its roots entirely, as the upcoming super-sedan will also be offered as a combustion engine…

The highly anticipated Cupra DarkRebel concept made its physical debut at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, following its initial showcase in the virtual world just four months ago. Cupra’s design team drew inspiration from the more than 270,000 online configurations generated by enthusiastic fans after the DarkRebel’s digital premiere earlier this year. The result is a visually stunning concept car that boasts an array of captivating features. At the front end, an illuminated Cupra badge is prominently displayed alongside a sharply pointed nose and distinctive triangular light signatures. The exterior bodywork is adorned in a unique shade of dark…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced the successful completion of rigorous testing for its all-electric eActros 600 semi-truck, which endured scorching heat conditions in southern Spain’s Andalusia. The German automaker’s commercial division, known for its Actros and Axor series semi-trucks, including electric and gas-powered variants, is highly regarded in the European market. Resembling its gas-powered counterpart and the eActros 300 trailer, the eActros 600 boasts three battery packs with a combined capacity exceeding 600 kilowatt-hours. This substantial energy capacity allows the electric truck to achieve an impressive range of approximately 310 miles. However, this falls short of the Tesla Semi’s claimed real-world…

In a recent assessment conducted by CarWow, the prowess of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) is put to the test against their German counterparts in terms of acceleration and braking performance. The results shed light on the growing competition in the premium EV market. Car enthusiasts and industry observers have long held Germany’s reputation for engineering excellence and high-performance vehicles in high regard. However, China’s automotive industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, venturing into the EV market with premium offerings that aim to rival established players on a global scale. See also: Watch the MG4 EV XPower Outpace…