Author: Todd Gilbert

China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, stated that a recent fire at its factory in Fujian province has had a minimal effect on its production. The company, which supplies major clients such as Tesla, said the incident occurred in Ningde on Sunday but did not result in any casualties. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway. CATL assured that only a “relatively small” number of products were impacted, and the fire’s effect on its overall production would be limited. The affected facility is part of CATL’s advanced “Z base” production complex, located near its headquarters.…

Bentley has revised its strategy towards an all-electric future, opting for a more gradual transition by focusing on hybrid technology in the interim. The luxury automaker, known for its powerful combustion engines, now plans to integrate plug-in hybrids while continuing to develop electric vehicles (EVs), a shift from its previous plan to fully commit to EVs by 2030. Initially, Bentley announced in 2020 that it would sell only plug-in hybrids or battery-electric vehicles by 2026, with the goal of going fully electric by the end of the decade. However, under the new leadership of Frank-Steffen Walliser, a Porsche veteran who…

Hubject is strengthening its commitment to streamline electric vehicle (EV) charging globally through two strategic partnerships, one in North America and another in Malaysia. In North America, Hubject has teamed up with ChargeLab, a hardware-independent software platform for EV charging. This collaboration will see ChargeLab implement Hubject’s Plug&Charge ecosystem, which aims to enhance the charging experience for ChargePoint Operators (CPOs), eMobility Service Providers (EMSPs), and EV manufacturers across the region. According to Hubject, this partnership will facilitate seamless and secure charging solutions for an increasing number of charging stations. “ChargeLab is emerging as a major player in the OCPP software…

MTU Aero Engines has achieved a significant milestone in the pursuit of emission-free flight by successfully completing several weeks of tests on a liquid hydrogen fuel system for its Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) technology. This development is part of a collaborative effort with MT Aerospace AG, focusing on creating liquid hydrogen systems for aircraft. Development and Testing The systems being developed include various components such as tanks, sensors, heat exchangers, valves, safety systems, and control mechanisms. MTU initially announced this project in June 2023, and the recent tests have yielded positive results. MT Aerospace is responsible for the design and…

South Korean battery maker SK On announced on Thursday that it plans to introduce voluntary redundancy programs as part of an effort to improve operational efficiency and adapt to challenging conditions in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company, which supplies batteries to major automakers such as Ford Motor, Hyundai Motor, and Volkswagen, has been affected by slowing EV sales. SK On, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, stated that it will offer special leave and voluntary departure options to its employees under the new efficiency measures. “These are proactive measures to establish a lean, agile workforce, so that we can…

At the Automotive News Congress in Michigan, Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford’s Model e EV division, emphasized the importance of educating consumers about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). He noted that many drivers are unaware of the advantages of owning an EV, such as the convenience of home charging and the elimination of gas station visits. “That’s the conundrum for us as an industry,” Gjaja stated. He added, “We have customers who are fearing loss and misperceive the value” of EVs. To address these misconceptions, Ford is collaborating with its dealers to provide comprehensive training through Ford University, a…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a significant investment of £500 million ($669.6 million) to bolster the parallel production of electric vehicles at its Halewood facility, a move that forms a critical part of its electrification strategy. This announcement comes amid growing pressures on automakers to accelerate their electrification efforts, especially in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market in China. The luxury carmaker plans to allocate a total of £18 billion towards electric vehicle development by 2028, with a commitment to unveil a new electric Jaguar by 2025. This investment aligns with JLR’s broader “Reimagine” strategy, which aims to…

Hyundai Group is reportedly planning to start producing its own battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) by 2027, with an initial pilot production phase aimed at enhancing both performance and cost efficiency. According to a recent article by The Korea Economic Daily, the automaker is preparing to establish its first battery cell production lines, marking a significant step towards advancing its internal battery technology. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Hyundai intends to set up production lines with an initial capacity of 1-2 GWh for prototype development at its research and development center located in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The…

Translink has introduced three new single-deck Electroliners from Wrightbus to operate on the 600 route to and from Belfast’s City Airport, marking a significant milestone as all services on this route are now fully electric. Chris Conway, CEO of Translink, highlighted the benefits of the new eco-friendly buses, stating, “With a refreshed new external livery, the new eco buses will also meet the latest standards in comfort, safety, and accessibility, with contactless payment facilities, WiFi, USB charging plus dedicated space for luggage, wheelchairs and prams.” Earlier this year, Translink began receiving its initial batch of a total of one hundred…

Odys Aviation, a company developing hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, has signed an expression of interest (EOI) with Fiji Airways to provide flying vehicles for transporting medical supplies and cargo to Fiji’s islands. The partnership aims to improve connectivity across the nation’s 330 islands, many of which face logistical challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on deploying the Odys Aviation Laila VTOL, a runway-independent aircraft capable of carrying cargo up to 400 miles. This capability offers the potential to establish emergency medical routes in the South Pacific that were previously inaccessible. Additionally, Fiji Airways may…

Chinese smart electric vehicle maker Xpeng is set to participate in the Paris Motor Show 2024, scheduled from October 14th to October 20th. Operating under the theme “Enchanté, Paris!”, the company will present a variety of new technologies and solutions, emphasizing its commitment to intelligent and sustainable mobility tailored for the European market. At the event, Xpeng will unveil its latest advancements, including the next-generation smart in-car operating system, Tianji XOS 5.4, specifically designed for European consumers. This innovation aims to deliver adaptive, AI-powered driving experiences. Additionally, Xpeng will showcase its next-generation smart cockpit, which features advanced customization options for…

By January 2025, Rome will add 60 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses to its public transport network, primarily serving the car-dependent outer suburbs. The first ten buses are set to begin operation this month, with an additional ten expected in October 2024, and the remaining 40 by early 2025. The electric buses, operated by Autoservizi Troiani, will serve areas previously lacking sufficient public transport options. At the inauguration, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized the significance of these buses for the city’s outer suburbs, noting they are “the first electric buses to service the outer suburbs of Rome” and provide an alternative…

Heart Aerospace, a hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturer, has unveiled its first full-scale demonstrator, the Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), marking a significant step in the development of its ES-30 hybrid-electric regional aircraft. Constructed predominantly at Heart’s facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Heart X1 boasts a wingspan of 32 meters and will serve as a testing platform for the ES-30’s development. Initially, the Heart X1 will focus on ground-based testing, including operations such as charging, taxiing, and turnaround procedures. A fully electric first flight is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. This project has received funding from Vinnova, the Swedish government’s…

Electric vehicle startup Canoo is relocating its headquarters to Texas, while shifting much of its engineering workforce to Oklahoma. The move is aimed at enhancing collaboration and efficiency as the company prepares to ramp up production of its electric cargo vehicles. The decision to relocate key engineering operations to Oklahoma is tied to the company’s nearly 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. According to Canoo, co-locating engineering and manufacturing in the state will “foster greater collaboration” and streamline production efforts. Most of the 137 positions affected by the relocation will move to Oklahoma, while Canoo plans to hire an additional…

UK ferry operator Red Funnel has announced plans to launch a new high-performance electric ferry, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, by the end of 2025. The vessel will operate between Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The Artemis EF-24 Passenger is a fully electric ‘e-foiling’ ferry, designed in collaboration with maritime technology company Artemis Technologies. The ferry features a catamaran-like design and utilizes a hydrofoil to lift the vessel above the water at higher speeds, reducing drag and enhancing efficiency. https://evmagz.com/candela-p-12-electric-hydrofoil-ferry-to-launch-in-new-zealand/ The ferry, which accommodates up to 150 passengers, has a top speed of 36 knots (41 mph)…

Waymo, the self-driving taxi unit of Alphabet Inc., has secured a $5 billion investment from its parent company, as announced by Alphabet CFO Ruth Porat during the firm’s second-quarter earnings call for 2024. This new multi-year investment reflects Alphabet’s continued confidence in Waymo’s progress and its role in advancing autonomous driving technology. “This new round of funding, which is consistent with recent annual investment levels, will enable Waymo to continue to build the world’s leading autonomous driving technology company,” Porat said. Waymo CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the company’s achievements, noting that Waymo has delivered over 2 million trips and accumulated…

General Motors Mexico has announced a strategic partnership with Tesla aimed at bolstering the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Mexico. The collaboration, unveiled during the General Motors Mexico Annual Distributor Convention marking its 89th year of operations in the country, aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs among Mexican consumers. Under this initiative, General Motors Mexico, led by President and CEO Francisco Garza, plans to deploy 1,000 charging points across Mexico in collaboration with Tesla. This ambitious project is seen as a pivotal step towards establishing leadership in the electric vehicle market in Mexico. It is also expected to facilitate…

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has agreed with the Turkish government to construct a $1 billion production facility in Turkey, capable of producing 150,000 vehicles annually, Turkey’s industry and technology minister announced on Monday. “We envisage that BYD will establish an electric and rechargeable hybrid car production facility with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles and an R&D center for mobility technologies in our country, with an investment of approximately $1 billion,” said Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir. https://twitter.com/mfatihkacir/status/1810346388733022323 The facility is expected to commence production by the end of 2026 and will create direct employment opportunities for up to 5,000 people.…

German battery cell manufacturer CustomCells and US-based silicon battery material producer Group14 have entered into a multi-year supply agreement, securing CustomCells access to Group14’s SCC55 silicon battery material beyond 2030. The deal, valued at over $300 million, underscores CustomCells’ strategic move to bolster its supply chain for advanced battery technologies, with implications extending to its planned expansion into the US market. CustomCells recently established a subsidiary in Detroit to facilitate its entry into the American market, aiming to build a factory capable of producing up to two gigawatt-hours of batteries. The agreement follows previous collaborations between CustomCells and Group14 since…

General Motors has initiated a safety recall for its 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, highlighting a potential safety hazard affecting a limited number of vehicles. Following initial delays and pricing adjustments, the Equinox EV now faces scrutiny over a compromised lower front right control arm. GM warns that the metal contamination in these components could lead to fractures, prompting a recall of 83 vehicles identified by a specific batch number stamped on the parts. The issue originated from a supplier error, where a shipment of faulty control arms was mistakenly incorporated into the affected vehicles. Dealerships have been instructed to inspect…