Author: Sibley Presley

Tesla has announced the release of a new software update that activates its long-awaited vision-based park assist feature. The update, which has been highly anticipated by Tesla enthusiasts, will enable the company’s vehicles to estimate distances and provide park assist functions using the cameras installed in the car. Last October, Tesla made the decision to remove ultrasonic sensors from its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. These sensors were used to detect objects at short-range, specifically during low-speed maneuvers such as parking. However, Tesla announced that it was moving towards a fully vision-based parking system to simplify the process and…

The Austrian Ministry for Climate Action has recently announced the first call from the Emission-free Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure (ENIN) funding programme. The programme aims to support companies in procuring non-fossil fuel commercial vehicles and infrastructure. The first call, worth 85 million euros, has been launched and applications can be submitted until 10 May 2023. ENIN, which stands for “emissionsfreie Nutzfahrzeuge und Infrastruktur” in German, was announced a year ago, with the first call worth 45 million euros in funding scheduled to go out by mid-2022. Although the ministry could not keep to this schedule, it has made more funding…

Lucid Motors has been busy fulfilling promises made when it first debuted its ultra-long range EV, the Air sedan, a few years ago. The automaker has now confirmed that Apple CarPlay integration will be a standard feature, finally delivering on a much-anticipated addition. Lucid has already released three out of the four original trims of the Air sedan, including the Dream Edition, Grand Touring Performance, and Touring, all of which have impressed car enthusiasts with their range, propulsion, charging system, and luxury design. While Lucid’s own UX has been more than adequate and has seen improvements over time, the addition…

Tesla’s Model S/X steering wheel retrofit sold out within a week of its launch on the automaker’s online store, according to recent reports. The retrofit option was made available for owners of Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with the steering yoke from the factory. Priced at $700 including installation through Tesla service, the product now appears as “out of stock” on Tesla’s online shop, as per Teslarati. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that the option is gone forever, it is more likely that the initial stock sold out, and Tesla may replenish the supply in the future. Despite…

EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture between ElringKlinger and Plastic Omnium, has announced that it has secured a significant order from a global automotive manufacturer for the supply of mass-produced bipolar plates for the latter’s future fuel cell system. The contract, which covers an initial term of five years from 2026, is valued at a total volume “in the mid-triple-digit million euro range.” While the automaker’s name has not been disclosed, the order is expected to be a significant boost to EKPO’s business prospects in the fuel cell industry. EKPO has stated that it will invest a “high double-digit…

As the number of automotive startups continues to rise, it can be challenging to stand out in an overcrowded market. However, Izera, a Polish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is taking steps to differentiate itself through design by partnering with Pininfarina, an Italian design firm known for its striking automotive exteriors. The collaboration, which began in November 2022, will see the two companies work together on a range of electric vehicles, including a hatchback, station wagon, and SUV. While Pininfarina will handle the exterior design, the company will also be responsible for the interior design and human-machine interface. See also: Izera…

Hyundai Motor Group has announced the development of an innovative automatic charging robot (ACR) for electric vehicles (EVs). In a newly released video, the ACR is shown in action, plugging a cable into an EV’s charging port and removing it again once charging is complete. The ACR is a one-arm robot, designed to improve convenience and accessibility for EV users, particularly those with mobility barriers. The ACR technology is an example of Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced robot technology, which has been developed with a variety of factors in mind, including parking location, charging port shape, weather, potential obstacles, and the…

Polestar, the performance electric vehicle manufacturer, has released a second limited-run version of the BST edition. The company assumes that buyers will not mind the lack of substantive changes since the Polestar 2 equipped with the Performance pack is already fast. However, the BST edition 230 aims to be a thoroughbred racer, just like the BST edition 270 before it. Last June, Polestar announced the limited edition of the Polestar 2 BST edition 270 with extra power and chassis modifications at a premium price over other editions. This time, the BST edition 230 focuses more on performance design details. The…

Tesla has implemented a new sales strategy, which was exclusively reported by Electrek in the summer of 2021. The automaker has moved away from high-rent locations in malls and shopping districts and shifted towards delivery centers and remote test drives. The strategy primarily focuses on online sales, but Tesla has recognized that physical presence is still necessary to enable test drives. Previously, Tesla assigned a “Tesla Advisor” at local stores to help customers with the process leading up to the delivery. However, the company started to assign orders to “virtual sales advisors” not assigned to any specific stores. Customers could…

Stuttgart Airport is set to electrify its entire handling fleet, thanks to a new project called finalise!, which has received €2.8 million funding from the German government. The project, which will cost a total of €5.8 million, aims to introduce more than 30 heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) to the airport, including a 52-tonne airfield tanker. The all-electric tanker is being developed by Skytanking, one of the largest aviation fuel industry service providers. The project is a collaboration between Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Skytanking, and ISEA at RWTH Aachen University. Each partner will contribute its expertise to develop an innovative solution for…

General Motors has revealed details of its new Ultra Cruise hands-off technology, which will be launched on the Cadillac Celestiq in 2024. The next-generation advanced driver assistance system has been designed to enable hands-free driving in 95% of driving scenarios, using a unique sensor suite that provides 360-degree visibility. The system is an upgrade on GM’s predecessor, Super Cruise, and is designed to deliver a “destination to destination” hands-free system thanks to an array of cameras, radars, and lidar sensors. However, the driver must remain engaged at all times, as it is considered Level 2 tech. See also: Here are…

McLaren Automotive has recently announced the return of Charles Saunderson to the company as its new Chief Technical Officer, as part of a hiring spree by the automaker. Saunderson was previously the English automaker’s software development leader and has now returned to McLaren after a stint at Rivian in the US, where he served as the platform chief engineer. McLaren is increasingly focused on electrification and Saunderson’s intimate involvement in the creation of Rivian’s R1 platform is seen as a significant advantage for the automaker. According to McLaren, Saunderson will now “spearhead McLaren Automotive’s new technology roadmap and product innovation…