Author: Ryan Fisher

German engineering firm Manz AG, known for manufacturing equipment for battery production, has announced plans to file for insolvency proceedings due to insolvency and overindebtedness. The decision follows a breakdown in funding support from lenders and an abrupt end to talks with potential investors. Manz confirmed its Managing Board will file for insolvency in the coming days, citing an inability to meet financial obligations and overindebtedness under German insolvency law. “Discussions with one of the interested investors were at an advanced stage but were unexpectedly broken off,” the company said in a statement. Efforts to secure alternative financing had failed,…

Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda and materials specialist XTC New Energy Materials are collaborating to accelerate the development and commercialization of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. The partnership aims to address the technical and industrial challenges of next-generation battery technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling mass production by 2026. The agreement between Sunwoda’s subsidiary, Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery (SEVB), and XTC will focus on innovative solutions, including composite cathode ion and electron conduction networks, high-stability electrolyte films, and lithium-metal anodes designed to prevent dendrite formation and improve coulomb efficiency. “This collaboration combines material innovation with…

A recent report commissioned by Ford Pro reveals that small businesses across Europe could save up to €14,000 per van over three years by switching to electric vans. These savings primarily stem from the lower cost of charging compared to refueling petrol and diesel vehicles, along with reduced maintenance costs. The study, based on a survey of 1,000 businesses, highlights significant savings in five major European markets: France, Spain, the UK, Italy, and Germany. The report, titled The Economics of Commercial Van Usage Across Europe 2024, reveals that electric vans quickly pay for themselves within three years through lower running…

ABB E-mobility has introduced the C50, a slim and efficient charging solution designed for destination charging. With a depth of just 23.5 centimeters and a 21.5-inch touchscreen, the C50 offers up to 50 kW of power through dual connectors, catering to typical visitor dwell times of 60 to 90 minutes. The C50 is tailored for retail and urban locations, addressing challenges associated with existing charging solutions. ABB emphasizes that while AC charging is often too slow for short stays and high-power DC chargers are costly for retail settings, solutions like the C50 bridge the gap. “Charging has to go beyond…

Michelin has formed a partnership with Beontag to incorporate its RFID technology into millions of commercial and passenger tires over the next two years. The collaboration will embed UHF RFID tags in Michelin tires, enabling the tracking of each tire’s lifecycle, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, installation, and replacement. The two companies have been working together since 2019 to develop this RFID system, with extensive testing and development leading to the creation of a “reliable connected tire” that can endure up to 621,000 miles, including retreading of truck tires. Laurent Couturier, RFID system designer at Michelin, stated, “This system enables precise,…

The Tesla Model 3 has excelled in the Green NCAP test, earning a 5-star safety rating with an impressive average score of 98%. The Green NCAP hailed the Model 3 as one of the most energy-efficient vehicles it has ever tested, specifically highlighting the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant. The Model 3 RWD achieved outstanding results, scoring 10/10 on the Clean Air Index, 9.7/10 on the Energy Efficiency Index, and 9.8/10 on the Greenhouse Gas Index. The perfect score in the Clean Air Index is expected, given the vehicle’s zero tailpipe emissions. In the Energy Efficiency Tests, the Model 3…

Tesla has lost Zheng Gao, its long-time head of Autopilot hardware engineering, to Amazon’s self-driving subsidiary, Zoox. Gao, who played a pivotal role in developing Tesla’s autonomous driving hardware, joins Zoox at a time when both companies are advancing their self-driving technologies. Gao spent over eight years at Tesla, leading the Mechanical, Thermal, Display, and Camera Engineering teams for low-voltage electronics systems. His work was instrumental in creating the hardware underpinning Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. Before Tesla, Gao held senior engineering roles at Apple, contributing to various electronics designs. Zoox confirmed Gao’s appointment to a similar leadership…

Self-driving technology firm May Mobility has launched a new autonomous vehicle (AV) service in Japan, marking the company’s first deployment outside the United States. The Michigan-based company has equipped a customized version of Toyota’s electric e-Palette shuttle with its Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) autonomous driving system, showcasing the adaptability of its technology across different vehicle platforms. The pilot service will operate on Toyota Motor Kyushu Company’s factory campus in Miyata, Fukuoka. The shuttle will navigate a designated loop with six stops, transporting employees and guests around the Lexus manufacturing site. While the vehicle operates autonomously, a human monitor will be…

Avatr Technology, a joint venture backed by Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei, has launched the updated Avatr 11, introducing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants to its SUV lineup. This marks the second model from the Changan subsidiary to offer both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and EREV options. Originally founded as Changan Nio in 2018, Avatr now operates independently after Nio (NYSE: NIO) largely exited the partnership. The Avatr 11, which first debuted as a BEV in August 2022, is the first premium Chinese vehicle to feature Huawei’s full-stack smart car solution, Huawei Inside, as standard. The updated version introduces the…

Nissan is significantly enhancing charging infrastructure for its Ariya electric vehicle (EV) owners, announcing that they will soon gain access to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS)-compatible Superchargers starting December 10, 2024. This move expands the Nissan Energy Charge Network (NECN) by a notable margin, providing Ariya drivers with access to Tesla’s expansive network of Superchargers, which already boasts more than 100,000 charging stations in the U.S. and 25,000 in Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G17dX4-ss3w To use this network, Nissan Ariya owners will need to purchase a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter kit, priced at $235, which is available for order through…

Tesla China has clarified that the company currently does not have plans to release the Cybertruck in the country. The announcement was made following a report from Chinese media outlet Jiemian News, which indicated that the Tesla China team had denied any immediate plans to introduce the electric pickup truck to the market. The Cybertruck, first unveiled in November 2019, officially began deliveries in the United States on November 30, 2023. At present, the vehicle has only been delivered to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Tesla China’s official website lists only the Model Y, Model 3, Model S, Model X,…

Paraclete Energy, a U.S.-based battery materials company, has presented a study on its silicon-based anode material, SILO Silicon, which it says could significantly reduce battery weight and improve electric vehicle (EV) range. According to the company, SILO Silicon uses a polymer matrix design to offer advantages over traditional graphite anodes, including lower costs. Paraclete Energy estimates the cost of SILO Silicon at $35 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to $53 per kWh for graphite. “Our data-driven approach demonstrates substantial reductions in battery weight and size alongside a notable increase in driving range,” said Jeff Norris, CEO of Paraclete Energy. The study…

Chinese autonomous driving startup Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY) debuted on the Nasdaq stock exchange, completing the year’s largest U.S. IPO in the autonomous driving sector. The company priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $13 per American Depositary Share (ADS), the upper limit of its projected range. After increasing the offering size by 33% from 15 million to 20 million ADSs, Pony AI raised $260 million. Concurrent private placements brought the total proceeds to $413 million. Despite a valuation of over $5 billion at IPO—down from $8.5 billion in 2022—Pony AI shares fell 7.69% during its first trading day, closing…

The European Union and China are reportedly approaching a resolution on tariffs for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports, according to Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee. Speaking to German broadcaster n-tv, Lange indicated that China might agree to set a minimum price for EVs sold within the EU, though details remain unclear. “We are close to an agreement: China could commit to offering e-cars in the EU at a minimum price,” Lange stated. “This would eliminate the distortion of competition through unfair subsidies, which is why the tariffs were originally introduced.” The EU imposed tariffs of up…

The first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hub funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in the Eastern United States is now operational in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Located at 59 North Main Street in South Deerfield, the hub features four DC fast chargers and four Level 2 chargers, marking a significant step in expanding EV infrastructure in rural regions. Funded with $2.46 million from the CFI program, the hub is strategically positioned near Interstate 91, serving drivers traveling between Connecticut and the Canadian border. In addition to serving local residents and visitors, the station supports municipal EVs and commercial vehicles,…

BYD, a Chinese manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), has secured an agreement with the Azerbaijani government to establish a commercial vehicle manufacturing base in the country. The announcement was made on November 13, following an earlier order for electric buses from Azerbaijan. The agreement, signed during the COP29 climate conference in Baku, will see BYD set up a manufacturing facility in the Sumgait Industrial Park, located in Azerbaijan. The plant is expected to produce around 200 electric buses annually from 2025 to 2028. This move marks a significant step in BYD’s expansion into the electric bus market in the…

X Shore has introduced the X Shore 1 Bowrider, a new addition to its electric boat range, following the Eelex 8000 and the X Shore 1. Priced at $139,000, the Bowrider 1 aims to offer a more accessible option for those seeking electric-powered boating. The Bowrider 1 features a redesigned bow area with a spacious seating layout, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. Its electric propulsion system reduces noise compared to traditional engines, enhancing the experience of being on the water. The boat is powered by a 63 kWh battery, offering up to 50 nautical miles of range and a…

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has emphasized the urgent need to combat climate change, describing this moment as a pivotal chapter in human history. Scaringe highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable transportation, underscoring Rivian’s commitment to creating a carbon-neutral future for coming generations. Rivian, known for its innovative R1T pickup and R1S SUV, has built its identity around sustainability. Beyond producing electric vehicles (EVs) designed for versatility and adventure, the company integrates sustainability into its operations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2YF2TOWVo Rivian’s EVs feature fully recyclable battery packs and animal-free interiors, while its Rivian Adventure Network relies entirely on renewable energy.…

Dutch semiconductor company NXP introduced a wireless battery management system (BMS) featuring ultra-wideband (UWB) technology at the Electronica trade fair in Munich. The new system, called UWB-BMS, is designed to streamline battery assembly processes in electric vehicles (EVs) and potentially improve battery energy density, which can enhance driving range. The UWB-BMS system enables communication within the battery pack without physical cables, transmitting data such as voltage and temperature measurements wirelessly. NXP suggests that by minimizing wiring, the system could help EV manufacturers reduce assembly complexity, lower production errors, and decrease life cycle costs. In addition, UWB technology may offer more…

Polish bus manufacturer Solaris has won a tender to deliver 45 electric double-articulated Urbino 24 buses to the Belgian city of Liège, marking its largest order for this model to date. The regional transport authority, Opérateur de transport de Wallonie (TEC), placed an initial order for 18 of these buses, with the first five units expected to be delivered in 2025, followed by the remaining 13 in 2026. The Urbino 24 model, introduced in 2019, is known for its 24-meter length and MetroStyle design, which was also selected by Liège. “We are especially delighted to deliver Urbino 24 electric buses…