Author: Thomas Schmidt

Nikola Corporation delivered a record 88 fuel cell electric trucks (FCEVs) in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 22% increase from the previous quarter. Despite this achievement, the U.S. electric truck manufacturer posted a net loss of $199.78 million, an improvement compared to the $425.97 million loss reported in Q3 2023. For the first nine months of 2024, Nikola’s losses amounted to $481 million, a significant reduction from the $711 million loss in the same period last year. The company produced 83 vehicles and delivered 90 units in total during the quarter, with 88 of those being FCEVs. Nikola’s…

Chinese EV maker Xpeng reported a positive market response to its G6 SUV in Singapore, just months after its entry into the region. In September, the G6 ranked among the top three best-selling all-electric SUVs in Singapore, the company noted in a recent post on its WeChat account. Xpeng launched its Singapore presence on July 25 with a flash store at UOB Plaza, where prospective buyers could test drive the G6. Deliveries began in late August, and by September, the G6 was reportedly competing closely with Tesla’s delivery volumes, though Xpeng did not disclose specific figures. To enhance its market…

South Korean battery material manufacturer L&F is set to commence mass production of NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathode material with a nickel content of 95 percent in December, marking the highest nickel concentration achieved to date for this type of battery. The new cathode material is intended for supply to both Korean battery cell manufacturers and U.S. electric vehicle producers starting next month. L&F’s significant customers include Tesla and the three leading South Korean battery manufacturers: LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI. While the specific recipients of battery cells utilizing the new cathode material remain unspecified, it has been confirmed…

In a strategic pivot to enhance its smart driving capabilities, BYD has initiated a significant team restructuring, mirroring similar moves by fellow electric vehicle manufacturers Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto. According to a report from Jiemian, the company has established a forward-looking team dedicated to advancing end-to-end technology, a critical component for its future smart driving initiatives. This newly formed team is spearheaded by Xu Lingyun, the previous leader of Tianxuan, BYD’s former unit responsible for research and development in smart driving technology. Currently, the team consists of fewer than 50 members and is still in its infancy. Meanwhile, BYD’s…

Swedish maritime company Candela has launched the Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, which aims to halve commute times and eliminate emissions in Stockholm’s public transport system. The P-12, dubbed “Nova,” embarked on its maiden voyage from Tappström to Stockholm’s City Hall, covering the 15-kilometer route in about 30 minutes, effectively cutting travel times compared to existing waterborne options. This pilot project, in collaboration with Trafikverket and Region Stockholm (SL), seeks to test the feasibility of a high-speed, emissions-free maritime transport system in urban areas. “This is a paradigm shift for urban transport and a revival of our…

Maryland-based nonprofit Climate United announced plans on Tuesday to invest up to $250 million to purchase as many as 500 electric semi trucks over the next three years. The organization aims to lease these vehicles at competitive rates to truckers servicing California’s seaports, where around 33,000 drayage trucks will need to comply with zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. With heavy-duty electric trucks currently making up less than 1% of the U.S. trucking fleet, the program could help accelerate the transition away from diesel, which is a significant source of greenhouse gases. Electric trucks can cost up to three times more…

Svolt Energy, the battery manufacturer spun off from Great Wall Motor (HKG: 2333), has halted its construction of two battery factories in Germany, with no set timeline for resuming operations, according to a report by local media outlet Caixin citing multiple sources familiar with the situation. The company had aimed to establish a battery module and pack plant in Saarland and a cell plant in Brandenburg. The pack facility was announced in November 2020, with plans for completion by mid-2024 and a design capacity of 24 GWh, supported by a total investment of €2 billion. The cell plant, which was…

A consortium led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, in collaboration with the Technical University of Berlin and industry partners, is working to improve the efficiency of AC charging for electric vehicles. Charging losses are a common issue when using household electricity or wall box chargers due to the conversion of alternating current (AC) from the grid into the direct current (DC) needed by vehicle batteries. This conversion, typically handled by the onboard charger in the vehicle, results in energy loss. The BMBF-funded ‘EnerConnect’ project is focused on developing a new solution involving bidirectionally blocking gallium nitride…

THK, a Japanese technology company, introduced its LSR-05 electric vehicle prototype at the Paris Auto Salon, marking its first presentation at an international auto show. Developed in collaboration with SN DESIGN PLATFORM, the LSR-05 incorporates several of THK’s latest innovations, including in-wheel motors, four-wheel steering, active suspension, and a contactless charging system. The vehicle was initially showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The LSR-05, a four-seater crossover coupe, highlights THK’s focus on advanced electric mobility technology. Notable features include the Stealth Seat-slide system, MR fluid active dampers, and electric brakes. The vehicle is powered by two 93 kW in-wheel…

Daimler Buses has announced a collaboration with H2 Mobility Deutschland to enhance hydrogen refuelling station availability for transport companies. The initiative aims to provide not only access to public refuelling infrastructures but also the option to install hydrogen filling stations near transport companies or within their own depots, all without imposing investment or operating costs on public transport operators. Daimler Buses emphasized that its electrification strategy extends beyond vehicle production. Through its subsidiary, Daimler Buses Solutions, which focuses on developing infrastructure for electric buses, the commercial vehicle manufacturer is committed to offering “turnkey solutions” for the operation of electric bus…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, officially entered the Australian automotive market on October 15, unveiling the Zeekr X city SUV. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, as it broadens its presence in the Oceania region. Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “This marks a new chapter in Zeekr’s journey, with the company’s EVs now available directly through dealers and previewed at pop-up locations across Australia.” The Zeekr X was first introduced in China on April 12, 2023, with subsequent versions launched in January…

Chinese autonomous driving technology startup WeRide has introduced its latest production robotaxi, the GXR, which the company claims to be the world’s most spacious robotaxi to date. Measuring 5,018 mm in length, with a cabin clearance of 1,340 mm and a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, the GXR departs from the typical sedan and SUV designs prevalent in the industry, adopting a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) format. In a notable design feature, WeRide has eliminated the first-row passenger seat in the GXR, marking a first in the industry and allowing for enhanced passenger space. The robotaxi is equipped with WeRide’s comprehensive Level…

Citroen has made a splash at the 2024 Paris Auto Show by introducing the C5 Aircross Concept, which provides a glimpse into the next generation of its popular compact SUV set to debut next year. The C5 Aircross has notably increased in size and showcases a sharper design language, while still emphasizing comfort and practicality. Built on the STLA Medium platform, the new model is versatile enough to accommodate combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. Citroen describes the C5 Aircross Concept as a “dense, muscular, and organic block, sculpted for aerodynamics.” Its exterior features boxy characteristics reminiscent of the smaller…

Mercedes-Benz Cars experienced a notable decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales between July and September 2024, delivering 42,500 electric cars in the third quarter—a 31% drop compared to Q3 2023 and 7% below the previous quarter’s figure of 45,800 BEVs. At the group level, including both cars and vans, Mercedes-Benz sold 46,900 electric vehicles, reflecting the same 31% year-on-year decline and an 8% dip from Q2 2024. In contrast, BMW Group reported a positive trend in its Q3 sales figures, with electric vehicle deliveries rising by 10.1% to 103,440 units, marking the second consecutive quarter in which BMW surpassed the…

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Europe are more frequently found at fault in accidents compared to those driving gasoline and diesel cars, according to a new study conducted by Lero, the Irish research organization, in collaboration with the University of Limerick. The study analyzed telematics data from 125 million commercial fleet vehicle trips involving 14,642 vehicles in the Netherlands between January and October 2022, cross-referencing it with insurance claim data from the same period. The findings revealed that EV drivers were 4% more likely to file at-fault insurance claims than their internal-combustion counterparts, despite logging fewer miles on average. Researchers…

Renault is set to showcase its Twingo E-Tech electric prototype show car at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, taking place from October 14 to 20. First revealed in November 2023, this marks the public’s first opportunity to see the electric vehicle. The Twingo has been a significant player in the automotive world since its introduction in 1992, known for its vibrant colors and ability to enhance everyday life, embodying Renault’s philosophy of “les voitures à vivre.” The Twingo E-Tech electric prototype aims to reignite this legacy with an all-electric design tailored for urban driving without compromises. This prototype retains the…

Tesla has lost a key executive to Waymo just days before the electric vehicle maker is set to unveil its much-anticipated robotaxi. Daniel Ho, who previously served as Tesla’s head of vehicle programs and new product integration, announced his new role as programs director at Waymo last week. Ho, who reported directly to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, played a significant role in overseeing the development and ramp-up of the Model Y and Cybertruck. He was instrumental in launching new factories in Berlin and Texas and increasing production from 500,000 to 1.85 million vehicles per year while laying the groundwork for…

Volvo Cars reported global sales of 62,458 vehicles in September, marking a 1% increase compared to the same period last year. The company’s electrified models, including fully electric and plug-in hybrids, surged by 43% and represented 48% of all cars sold during the month. Fully electric vehicles alone accounted for 24% of the total. For the first nine months of the year, Volvo’s global sales reached 560,922 cars, a 10% rise compared to 2023. “The overall market remains volatile and uncertain, but we are encouraged by solid performance in Europe, especially for our electrified portfolio, led by the EX30,” said…

The European Commission’s decision to implement tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) could jeopardize decades of cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) and undermine climate change initiatives, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency on Saturday. On Friday, the EU announced its intent to proceed with significant tariffs on Chinese EVs, despite opposition from Germany, the bloc’s largest economy. This has become the EU’s most significant trade dispute with Beijing in a decade. Xinhua characterized the move as indicative of a “deep-seated protectionist impulse,” warning that such tariffs could ignite a trade conflict detrimental not…

Volvo Cars aims to circumvent steep tariffs on its electric vehicles manufactured in China by negotiating an agreement on pricing, the company and the Swedish government announced on Friday, resulting in a boost to the carmaker’s shares. The European Commission has indicated it has garnered sufficient support from EU member states to impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, but discussions with China will continue. Sweden, home to Volvo Cars, previously stated it would abstain from the vote and expressed hope that a deal could limit the impact of potential tariffs on the company, which…