Author: Todd Gilbert

Stagecoach West Scotland has introduced 12 new electric midibuses to enhance public transportation in Ayrshire, marking the global debut of the Enviro100EV vehicle type. This initiative is part of a £5 million investment aimed at improving local transport options across East, South, and North Ayrshire. These electric buses are designed by Alexander Dennis Limited and are engineered for navigating areas where larger buses may struggle, making them ideal for the region’s diverse communities. The introduction of the Enviro100EV expands Stagecoach’s electric fleet to 60 vehicles operating in Ayrshire, significantly contributing to cleaner, quieter public transport with zero emissions and engine…

French automotive supplier Valeo has revised its annual sales forecast downward for the second time this year, citing the adverse impact of a weakening Chinese economy and uncertainties surrounding the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The company expressed caution regarding the upcoming year, anticipating continued economic challenges globally, particularly in China, alongside new environmental regulations that may further pressure car manufacturers and potentially lead to additional delays in product launches. “We see a market that is softer than anticipated, roughly in all geographical areas, for different reasons,” Valeo CEO Christophe Perillat stated during a media call. The European automotive sector…

Cornish Lithium has inaugurated a new demonstration plant in Cornwall, aiming to produce 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually by 2027. The £15 million facility represents a significant step towards reducing the UK’s dependence on carbon-intensive lithium imports from countries like China. The plant will extract lithium hydroxide from granite sourced from an old clay pit, helping to localize supply and lower the environmental impact of lithium production. The company has ambitious plans for the region, predicting a gross economic value of “at least £800 million” and the creation of over 300 jobs for local residents, according to a LinkedIn…

Stellantis has introduced the Leapmotor C10 electric SUV in Malaysia as part of its push into the Southeast Asian market. The launch, held on Wednesday, October 16, marks a significant step in Malaysia’s ambitions to become a regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) production. The Malaysian government is aiming for EVs and hybrids to make up 20% of new car sales by 2030, supported by a well-equipped EV supply chain. The Leapmotor C10, a medium-sized electric SUV, comes with a 69.9 kWh battery offering an estimated range of 262 miles, based on the European WLTP standard. It delivers 218 hp…

Decathlon has introduced the Rockrider E-EXPL 900 26″ electric mountain bike, aimed at younger riders, at the Roc d’Azur 2024 event. Designed specifically for children, this new model is expected to launch in 2025 and follows the success of the E-ST 500, which debuted last year. The E-EXPL 900 comes equipped with a Mahle X30 rear hub motor, delivering 45 Nm of torque, and a 237Wh battery concealed in the frame, offering between 60 to 100 km (~37 to 62 miles) of electric assistance range, depending on conditions. Weighing approximately 16 kg (~35 lbs), the 9-speed e-bike also features a…

Volkswagen of America has announced a new charging initiative for the all-electric 2025 ID. Buzz in partnership with Electrify America, aiming to provide owners with a streamlined and cost-effective charging experience. The plan includes three years of Electrify America’s Pass+ membership, offering preferential rates and 500 kWh of complimentary charging. The 2025 ID. Buzz will feature Plug&Charge functionality, allowing drivers to begin a charging session automatically by simply plugging in their vehicle, removing the need for payments via phone or card. By activating Plug&Charge through the Electrify America app, drivers can benefit from a hassle-free charging process. “We’re partnering with…

Nissan has launched the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network, aimed at improving the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience for Ariya drivers. This service, integrated into the MyNISSAN app, will provide access to over 90,000 public fast chargers across the United States, enabling users to locate chargers, check availability, and process payments through a single platform, with availability expected by November 2024. The NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network centralizes charging management within the MyNISSAN app, allowing drivers to efficiently manage their charging sessions. This integration enables users to save payment information and initiate charging at compatible stations with ease. Partnerships with charging networks…

The Tesla Model Y 7-seater configuration is now available in additional markets, including the United Kingdom and various European Union member states. In the UK, the Model Y 7-seater can be added for an extra £2,500 ($3,269) to the base price. This configuration is exclusively offered with the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version of the Model Y, which starts at £51,990 ($68,004). Consequently, the total cost for the 7-seater Model Y in the UK amounts to £54,490 ($71,274). https://twitter.com/tesla_uk/status/1846083390635717051 Similarly, the pricing structure remains consistent across EU countries. In Germany, the 7-seater Model Y also costs an additional €2,500…

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. are on track to sell over 100,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States this year, marking a significant milestone despite the challenges in the global EV market. From January to September, the two South Korean automakers reported combined sales of 91,348 EVs in the U.S., a 30.3% increase from 71,111 units during the same period in 2023. Hyundai sold 48,297 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.5%, while Kia’s sales surged by 80.3% to 43,051 units. The automakers averaged over 10,000 units in monthly sales for the first nine months, suggesting they could…

About:Energy has launched its new battery testing facility in Southwark, London, aimed at supporting the company’s UK and European clients. The facility covers approximately 3,000 square feet and focuses on various advanced battery technologies, including solid-state, sodium-ion, and Lithium Iron Manganese Phosphate (LFMP) batteries. The goal is to provide critical data that can help companies reduce costs and accelerate development timelines. The facility is strategically located to serve as a central hub for battery testing and development. It features testing capabilities for battery teardown parameterization and cell testing up to 1,000 amps, which may benefit industries such as automotive, aerospace,…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor is making significant strides in Europe, launching its C10 and T03 models through a joint venture with Stellantis. The order books for both models are now open, with the compact T03 priced competitively at under 20,000 euros. However, this promising expansion is facing challenges in France, where the previous importer, SN Diffusion, is taking Stellantis to court over contract disputes. According to the French automotive portal Automobil Propre, Didier Sirgue, head of SN Diffusion and EVE (Espace Véhicules Électrique), has filed a lawsuit against Stellantis. SN Diffusion previously distributed Leapmotor’s T03 electric vehicle in…

Japanese EV charging solutions provider Terra Charge has inaugurated its first public EV charging hub in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Strategically located on the Delhi-Meerut Highway, this new facility marks a significant milestone in supporting electric mobility within the National Capital Region (NCR), which encompasses Delhi and nearby districts. The EV hub, featuring 71 chargers, can serve up to 72 electric vehicles simultaneously. While the primary focus is on electric two- and three-wheelers, with 70 alternating current (AC) chargers offering a low output of 3.3 kW, the site also includes a 60 kW direct current (DC) charger for electric cars equipped…

Toyota Motor’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda, raised concerns on Thursday about the potential job losses that could result from an electric vehicle (EV)-only future, especially among workers involved in engine-related technologies. “There are 5.5 million people involved in the automotive industry in Japan. Among them are those who have been doing engine-related (work) for a long time,” Toyoda said in a statement to reporters. He warned that if EVs become the only option, many of these jobs could disappear, while also expressing his personal preference for gasoline vehicles. Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales, has taken a more cautious approach…

During the prestigious Monterey Car Week in August, Automobili Pininfarina unveiled its first one-off vehicle, the Battista Targamerica, which has now been revealed to have been purchased by basketball legend and business mogul Michael Jordan. The keys to this bespoke electric hypercar were handed over to Jordan earlier this month in the U.S. With an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, the former NBA star fits the profile of a collector willing to invest in a custom vehicle of this caliber. The Battista Targamerica is notable for its unique design, featuring a roofless configuration that enhances its aesthetic appeal while…

Mining giant Rio Tinto has made a strategic move to acquire lithium producer Arcadium, aiming to significantly expand its footprint in the lithium market and strengthen its position in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. This acquisition could potentially position Rio Tinto as one of the largest lithium producers globally, reshaping the landscape of the electric car battery industry. Both companies announced on Monday that Rio Tinto had submitted a purchase offer, although financial details of the proposal remain undisclosed. Major shareholder Blackwattle Investment Partners described the bid as “opportunistic,” suggesting that the estimated offer, likely between $4 billion…

Maxell, Ltd. has outlined its strategy to accelerate the development of all-solid-state batteries as part of its new medium-term management plan, “MEX26” (Maximum Excellence 2026). The plan positions the advanced battery technology as a core component of the company’s future business, with mass production of medium-sized all-solid-state batteries targeted by the end of fiscal 2027. Maxell, which began mass production of the world’s first small-sized sulfide-based all-solid-state battery in June 2023, intends to capitalize on its expertise in battery manufacturing and Analog Core Technologies, including fine coating and high-precision molding. These technological innovations are driving the company’s push to create…

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged on Thursday that, if elected, no state in the U.S. would be allowed to ban gasoline-powered cars or trucks. This commitment is part of his strategy to focus on the future of the auto industry as a key issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, particularly in Michigan, a crucial swing state and home to the Detroit Three automakers. Speaking at a rally in Saginaw, Michigan, Trump emphasized his intention to protect gas-powered vehicles, stating, “When I’m president, no state in America will be permitted to ban gas powered cars or trucks, and I guarantee…

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, has welcomed the arrival of its first two electric buses as part of a larger initiative to electrify the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) fleet. A total of 340 electric buses are set to be delivered by the end of 2026, marking a significant step toward sustainable public transit in the city. The new electric buses are part of a substantial investment totaling 700 million Canadian dollars, funded jointly by the city and the federal government. The Government of Canada is contributing $349 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund, while the City of Toronto is contributing…

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has earmarked $300 million in grants to modernize ferry systems across the country, with a focus on replacing older vessels with electric ones. This funding will support 18 projects across 14 states, with eight of these projects specifically geared towards adopting environmentally friendly propulsion technologies such as electric ferries and charging infrastructure. One key project will be led by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), which will receive $11.5 million to build two new electric ferries that will operate between San Francisco, Treasure Island, and Mission Bay.…

Ford Motor Company has unveiled BlueCruise 1.4, the latest upgrade to its driver-assist system, promising improved performance, smoother handling, and extended hands-free driving capabilities over previous versions. This iteration aims to enhance the driving experience while ensuring greater driver engagement. Sammy Omari, Executive Director of Advanced Driver Assist System Technologies (ADAS) at Ford, highlighted significant enhancements in BlueCruise 1.4, including the ability to automatically adjust a vehicle’s speed in curves. This advancement allows drivers to remain engaged in hands-free mode for more extended periods, fostering a smoother and more continuous driving experience. “Imagine you are driving your Ford F-150 using…