Author: Todd Gilbert

Hyundai announced on Thursday the launch of a trade-in program in South Korea aimed at boosting sales of electric vehicles (EVs) amidst weaker demand for clean automobiles. The trade-in scheme, which began on March 1, allows customers to purchase new EVs at discounted prices by trading in their used cars. The program is available to customers who sell their existing cars to Hyundai’s certified used car service and purchase new EVs such as the all-electric IONIQ 5 crossover, the IONIQ 6 sedan, and the Kona Electric. Customers who trade in their Hyundai or Genesis EVs are eligible to receive proceeds…

Chinese electric cars are outselling their US counterparts due to their superior performance and affordability, according to a report by the Financial Times, citing Mathias Miedreich, CEO of Umicore, a global battery material producer based in Belgium. Miedreich stated that Chinese vehicles are “simply good cars and people buy them,” highlighting their quality and appeal to consumers. He also noted that American producers “seem to struggle to bring good electric vehicles” to the market, indicating a disparity in product offerings. See also: U.S. Energy Secretary Raises Concerns Over China’s Influence in Electric Vehicle Market The report highlights the surging sales of…

LG Energy Solution, in collaboration with its subsidiary Kooroo, is introducing a battery swapping network for electric scooters in South Korea. The initiative, initially a pilot project, has garnered particular success among delivery drivers. The service, aimed at delivery services, allows drivers to exchange their batteries for fully charged ones in approximately 20 seconds. Users can initiate the process through Kooroo’s mobile app, which also provides information on congestion levels at battery-swapping stations and facilitates reservations, integrating with navigation systems for safe driving to the stations. See also: LG Energy Solution and Honda Complete Final Structural Beam at Ohio EV Battery…

StoreDot, a leading developer of ultrafast charging battery cells, has announced a major breakthrough in battery performance, revealing that its cells can charge up to 80% of their full capacity in sub-freezing temperatures as low as 14F (-10C) when charged at standard speed. This development could significantly enhance the usability and range of electric vehicles (EVs) in cold climates. Recent laboratory tests conducted by StoreDot have shown that its extreme fast charging (XFC) battery cells exhibit a consistent discharge rate and offer an adequate driving range even in sub-freezing conditions. At 14F (-10C), the cells delivered over 85% of their…

Scott Sports has announced the launch of its newest electric mountain bike (e-MTB), the Voltage eRIDE. Boasting a lightweight, integrated motor, this cutting-edge e-MTB is now available in six distinct versions, offering riders a range of options to suit their needs. One of the standout features of the Voltage eRIDE is its full suspension setup, providing riders with a smooth and comfortable ride even on the most challenging terrains. With up to 160mm of front travel and 155mm of rear travel, this e-MTB ensures a high level of performance and control. See also: Aventon Launches New High-Performance Electric Mountain Bike, the…

Kia America is set to make its debut at Work Truck Week, taking place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis on March 6-7, 2024. At the event, Kia will showcase concept models of two Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) – the PV5 and the PV7. Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, expressed Kia’s commitment to the electrification of transportation, stating, “Kia’s exciting foray into this important segment of the overall industry represents our steadfast commitment to the electrification of transportation and aligns perfectly with our Plan S strategy to become a global leader in sustainable mobility.” See also: Kia…

Boston has unveiled plans to install hundreds of public curbside EV chargers across the city. The initiative, part of Boston’s “Recharge Boston: Boston’s Zero Emission Vehicle Program,” aims to ensure that every household is within a 10-minute walk of a public EV charging station or EV car share. Currently, many EV chargers in Boston are located at condos, hotels, public garages, high rises, and shopping centers. While these chargers are publicly accessible, they are not free to use, often requiring payment of a parking garage or entrance fee. The new program seeks to address this issue and make EV charging…

Pininfarina, the renowned design house, unveiled its latest creation, the Enigma GT, at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show. This virtual concept car is a design study that explores the future of “everyday driving pleasure,” combining advanced technology with innovative design. Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer of Pininfarina, described the Enigma GT as a “contemporary GT, a 2+2 with desirable, exotic looks, exuding purity of design, elegance, and Italian flair.” The concept is still a work in progress but is expected to be further evolved for Pininfarina’s 95th anniversary in 2025, potentially leading to a real-life prototype. See also: Automobili Pininfarina Unveils…

Thhe Alliance for American Manufacturing called on the U.S. government to halt the influx of low-cost Chinese vehicles and parts from Mexico. The advocacy group expressed concerns that the affordability of these Chinese products, backed by substantial support from the Chinese government, could spell disaster for U.S. car manufacturers. “The introduction of cheap Chinese autos to the American market, facilitated by the North American free trade agreement, could be an extinction-level event for the U.S. auto sector,” warned the Alliance for American Manufacturing in a report released on Friday. See also: BYD Explores Mexican EV Plant for US Export Hub…

Ineos has introduced its latest creation, the Fusilier, the company’s first all-electric vehicle. Following in the footsteps of the Grenadier and Quartermaster, the Fusilier offers a unique twist by also offering a range extender engine for off-road enthusiasts who venture far from charging stations. The Fusilier, slightly smaller than its predecessor the Grenadier, is powered exclusively by electric motors but can be equipped with a “small” gas engine to charge the batteries when a plug is not available. This dual-powertrain approach mirrors successful designs like the Audi RS Q e-tron, which recently won the Dakar rally. See also: Ineos Automotive Joins…

Electric dirt bikes are gaining attention for their power, agility, low maintenance, and quiet operation, making them appealing to a broad range of riders. Dust, a company focused on electric dirt bikes, is capitalizing on this trend by releasing another 100 spots for its upcoming all-electric dirt bike. Dust’s unique approach to building its bikes and business through crowdfunding has been successful, with the first 50 bike subscriptions selling quickly. The company’s crowdfunding strategy allows customers to pay monthly until they receive their bike, making it more accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts. See also: Talaria Unveils Talaria Dragon Electric…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new Flexible Charging System Pro, aiming to streamline the charging process for its electric vehicle (EV) owners. Priced at approximately $900 in Europe, this innovative system is designed to serve as a “transportable wallbox,” simplifying the charging experience for Mercedes EV owners. The Flexible Charging System Pro is engineered to work with most European socket types and can deliver up to 22 kW of charging power, depending on the infrastructure. While it can be wall-mounted in a garage, it is also portable, allowing for convenient use at public charging points across the continent. See also: BMW and…

The quest for more efficient electric vehicle (EV) batteries has led researchers to explore lithium metal batteries, known for their high energy density. Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy recently made a breakthrough discovery: degraded capacity in lithium metal batteries can potentially be restored—a finding that could revolutionize the EV industry. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use graphite anodes, lithium metal batteries employ electroplated lithium anodes. This change significantly increases charge-storage capacity, potentially doubling an EV’s range to 600 miles per charge. However, lithium metal batteries degrade more rapidly, leading to capacity loss over time. See also: South Korean Scientists Develop…

Tesla has rolled out a new software update, version 2024.2.6, aimed at improving its navigation system. The update introduces several new features, including the ability to mark accidents and road closures, a functionality already present in navigation apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze. While Tesla’s navigation system is known for its immersive and responsive interface, it has lacked some of the advanced features offered by third-party applications. With this update, Tesla appears to be closing that gap by incorporating crowd-sourced information about road conditions, such as road debris, police presence, accidents, and disabled vehicles, to alert drivers on…

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is set to acquire 40 battery-powered trolleybuses in a bid to diversify its public transport fleet. The procurement will consist of 22 trolleybuses measuring 18 meters in length and 18 buses measuring 12 meters. Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet shared insights, stating, “The first of these new vehicles is anticipated to hit the streets of Tallinn by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.” The decision represents a shift from Tallinn’s previous plan announced in 2019, aiming to transition entirely to battery buses for public transport by 2035, driven partly by cost considerations. Svet…

Chrysler, a division of Stellantis, has announced plans to unveil an “innovative electric concept car” on February 13, offering a glimpse into the brand’s electric future. The forthcoming concept is anticipated to provide insight into Chrysler’s first electric vehicle slated for a 2025 release, as the brand transitions to a fully electric lineup by 2028. While specific details about the concept remain undisclosed, Chrysler has released a teaser image hinting at the model’s potential name—Halcyon. Defined as a period of idyllic happiness and peace, the choice of name suggests an aspirational theme for the concept. See also: Chrysler Announces Plans…

The surge in electric vehicle (EV) popularity in the United States experienced a notable setback during the final two quarters of 2023, with even California, a stronghold for EVs, witnessing a decline in sales. Despite a 5% growth in new EV market share throughout 2023 compared to the previous year, the last quarter revealed a concerning trend as 10% fewer new EVs were registered than in the preceding quarter. California, often regarded as a key indicator of EV adoption trends in the nation, saw EVs comprising 21.4% of the new vehicle market by the end of the year. Concurrently, internal…

Tesla has broadened its Application Programming Interface (API) support, encompassing Powerwall, solar products, and its Wall Connector (level 2 home or commercial charger). This addition to the API, launched by Tesla late last year, offers developers an avenue to integrate these energy products into their solutions. Tesla’s move to officially introduce an API follows years of developers relying on an unofficial API without clear documentation or established protocols. While the company had initially considered creating a full third-party app ecosystem for its vehicles, featuring giant touchscreens and connectivity, it ultimately shifted its focus to app mirroring from phones to the…

General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall for 265 units of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, and 2024 GMC Terrain. The recall stems from defective door strikers that were improperly installed due to a heat treatment flaw during assembly at the San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is cooperating with GM in addressing this issue, which came to light after an internal investigation prompted by customer complaints. While there have been no reported accidents related to the defect, the faulty door strikers raise concerns about potential door…

In recent years, gravel bikes have become a prominent force in the cycling community, transforming from a source of skepticism to a widely embraced trend. Electric gravel bikes, in particular, are gaining significant traction, bridging the gap between practical commuting and recreational cycling. A notable contender in this evolving landscape is the Gravital AXS from the Spanish bike manufacturer Crow, exemplifying the fusion of lightweight design, versatility, and cutting-edge technology. The Gravital AXS features a Sram Rival AXS wireless drivetrain, representing premium componentry that enhances its overall performance. Notably, the bike offers a unique flexibility with its Fazua 50 street…