Author: Ryan Fisher

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…

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…