Author: Todd Gilbert

Fisker has chosen to depart from the prevalent direct-to-consumer sales model, opting instead for a dealer partnership approach. CEO Henrik Fisker outlined the shift, citing significant changes in the EV market throughout 2023 and the imperative to cater to the burgeoning demand for the Fisker Ocean and future models. Under this new strategy, Fisker aims to collaborate with up to 50 dealer partners in the U.S. and Canada. In Europe, the company plans to adopt a hybrid model, leveraging both dealerships and a direct-to-consumer channel. This move aligns with Fisker’s broader “asset light strategy,” designed to expedite the expansion of…

CES 2024, set to take place in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, remains a crucial platform for showcasing developments in automotive technology and autonomous driving. While a more restrained and realistic outlook is expected compared to previous years, the event continues to attract major players in the industry. Although fewer major automakers are expected to attend, prominent names like Japan’s Honda, Korea’s Kia, and Hyundai will showcase their latest innovations. Honda is anticipated to unveil a new “global EV series,” with potential implications for autonomous driving. Questions may arise regarding Honda’s plans to develop self-driving taxis in collaboration…

Los Angeles-based e-bike manufacturer, Mihogo, known for its commitment to compact urban mobility solutions, has introduced its latest model, the One. Following the success of its Mini E-Bike priced at $799 USD, Mihogo aims to elevate its offerings by not only expanding its model range but also enhancing capability. The Mihogo One adheres to the characteristics of urban-focused folding bikes, combining compactness, agility, and practicality for city living. With folding points on the frame and handlebars, the bike is conveniently small enough to be transported in the back of a crossover or compact SUV. Additionally, its portability extends to public…

Stellantis and Archer Aviation have provided an update on their partnership, announcing that their joint venture to produce electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft has progressed from the concept phase to the execution phase. The companies are constructing a high-volume eVTOL production facility in Covington, Georgia, as part of their ambitious plan to achieve Urban Air Mobility (UAM) commercialization. Archer Aviation, founded in 2018, has already established partnerships with major players in the aviation industry, including United Airlines, Stellantis, and the United States Air Force. The company unveiled its eVTOL aircraft called “Midnight” last December, which caught the attention…

Kia, the South Korean automaker, is set to expand its range of all-electric vehicles in the coming years as part of its commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility. While already making a mark in the EV market with the successful release of its first dedicated electric car, the EV6, Kia has announced plans to further accelerate its electric strategy. One of the key additions to Kia’s lineup is the EV6 crossover, which garnered praise from both consumers and auto journalists following its debut in May. Built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP architecture, which is also used for…

Under the leadership of the Technical University of Graz (TU Graz), a consortium comprised of universities, energy providers, companies, and start-ups has recently introduced the prototype of a groundbreaking flywheel storage system known as FlyGrid. This innovative technology, integrated into a fast-charging station, aims to optimize the utilization of renewable energy sources that are inherently variable in nature. The initial buffer storage system prototype boasts a capacity of 5 kWh and can achieve a charging power of up to 100 kW. TU Graz has expressed confidence that the prototype’s modular design will facilitate the development of larger storage capacities in…

Volkswagen recently shared the first insights into its highly popular Tiguan model, which is currently in its final test drives. The third generation of the Tiguan boasts several notable features, including a newly developed active suspension control system and HD Matrix headlights. The vehicle is built on the new MQB evo platform, which is part of Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix generation. Additionally, the new Tiguan will offer a plug-in hybrid drive, enabling it to achieve electric ranges of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in the future. The global premiere is scheduled for autumn, with the market launch planned for…

In a stunning reveal, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the world to the Vision One-Eleven, an innovative concept that embodies the future of all-electric sports cars. This groundbreaking vehicle showcases impressive technological advancements, including a pioneering battery concept and state-of-the-art axial-flow electric motors. While concrete technical specifications were not disclosed during the presentation, the emphasis of the Vision One-Eleven lies in its captivating design and cutting-edge connectivity features. Paying homage to Mercedes’ iconic C 111 experimental cars from the 1960s and 1970s, which played a pivotal role in testing revolutionary Wankel and turbo diesel engines, the Vision One-Eleven encapsulates the essence of…

Audi’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, emphasized the need to accelerate the development of new models to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in China. In an interview with Reuters published on Thursday, Duesmann stated, “We are in the process of reviewing our entire development process.” He highlighted the necessity for shorter production cycles in the areas of connectivity and software and expressed a desire to learn from China’s practices. Duesmann added, “I expect that over time we will get close to a development time of 30 months,” indicating a significant reduction from the current timeframe of approximately 48 months.…

Hyundai Motor Group, in a strategic move towards solidifying its position in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has joined forces with South Korean tech giants Samsung, SK, and LG, forming a formidable EV alliance. This alliance aims to boost sales in the region and establish Hyundai Motor Group, including its subsidiary brands Kia and Genesis, as one of the top three global EV producers by 2030. Following its successful market introduction, Hyundai Motor Group has already unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize its brands in the electric era. The automaker’s commitment to innovation has proven fruitful, with its first dedicated EV,…

ABB E-Mobility recently showcased its latest innovation, the HVC360, a depot charging solution for electric bus and truck fleets, at the UITP event in Barcelona. This cutting-edge product allows for the connection of up to four charging stations, regardless of whether they utilize CCS (Combined Charging System) or current collectors. The HVC360’s control cabinet delivers a continuous charging power of up to 360 kW. It offers the capability to simultaneously connect up to four charging stations within a range of 100 meters, with the “Long Distance Package” extending this range to 150 meters. One of the standout features of the…

The highly anticipated 2023 Lordstown Endurance, manufactured in Ohio, has recently received its official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating, and unfortunately, it brings disappointing news for enthusiasts and prospective buyers. Despite boasting a sizeable 109 kWh battery pack, which Lordstown hoped would offer a substantial range of around 250 miles (402 km), the electric vehicle (EV) fell short with an EPA Combined Range of just 174 miles (280 km). Moreover, the Endurance’s energy consumption has raised eyebrows, with a shockingly low MPGe rating of 48. In comparison, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning scored 68 MPGe, and the 2023 Rivian R1T…

Lawrence, an enthusiastic Tesla Model 3 owner, recently shared his ownership experience through a detailed YouTube video. Having driven nearly 155,000 miles over the past five years, Lawrence provided valuable insights into the performance, battery degradation, and maintenance of his 2018 Model 3 Performance variant. Lawrence’s Model 3 Performance edition boasts dual motors and all-wheel drive, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Back in 2018, this version had an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles and carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $64,000. One of the primary topics Lawrence addressed…

In recent news, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encountered delays in releasing the official ratings for the Cadillac Lyriq. The eagerly awaited ratings for the 2023 model, particularly the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, were only recently made public. Adding to the confusion, Cadillac has already commenced the sale of 2024 model year vehicles. However, the limited supply of these vehicles coupled with high demand has contributed to the scarcity. Similar to the initial batch of Cadillac Lyriq released in 2022, there are only minimal differences in the range between the rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD models. The AWD version…

In a recent tweet, Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised Chinese automaker BYD and acknowledged their impressive cars, highlighting the growing competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Musk’s comments signify the remarkable progress that BYD has made since their initial encounter back in 2011 when Musk lightly dismissed BYD as a rival to Tesla. At present, Tesla holds the position of the world’s most valuable automaker by market capitalization, establishing itself as the undisputed leader in the realm of all-electric cars. However, it is essential to recognize BYD’s emergence as a major powerhouse in the automotive industry, particularly within China.…

In a strategic move to promote the development of cutting-edge applications for lithium-sulfur electric vehicle (EV) batteries, lightweight composites, and on-board sensing solutions, Stellantis has made an investment in Lyten, a promising startup based in the United States. Stellantis Ventures, the venture capital arm of the world’s third largest carmaker by sales, aims to leverage this partnership to streamline its supply chain and pursue greener technology for its battery-electric vehicles. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, Lyten’s lithium-sulfur batteries eliminate the need for nickel, cobalt, or manganese, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to current battery technologies, as…

British sports car manufacturer Caterham has made significant progress on its all-electric Seven series, which was announced two years ago. The company recently unveiled a technology development showcasing a future electric Caterham Seven, providing the first glimpse of its performance capabilities. The electric Caterham Seven, also known as the EV Seven, features a 179 kW E-axle from Swindon Powertrain and a battery pack with immersion cooling. The battery pack boasts a capacity of 51 kWh, of which 40 kWh is usable, and offers fast charging capabilities of up to 152 kW. True to Caterham’s commitment to lightweight design, the EV…

The Chinese battery cell manufacturer Gotion High-Tech has made a significant breakthrough in the field of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. They have recently introduced a new battery cell called Astroinno L600, which is based on lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistry. This innovative cell aims to propel electric cars to achieve ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers, as per Chinese standards. The developments at Gotion High-Tech have captured the attention of industry experts, particularly in Germany, where Volkswagen has become the largest single shareholder in the Chinese battery cell specialist since the end of 2021. Gotion claims that their new…

Einride, the Swedish electric transport specialist, has announced its intention to purchase 50 electric trucks from DAF Trucks, a Dutch manufacturer, as per a memorandum of understanding. DAF has already confirmed the firm order for the initial electric trucks. Delivery of the ordered vehicles is scheduled for later this year. Einride plans to acquire the XD Electric model in various specifications, which will cater to their diverse customer base. The trucks will come equipped with three to five battery packs, allowing for ranges of up to 500 kilometers. Additionally, DAF will provide maintenance and repair packages for the vehicles, which…

Subaru has set ambitious goals for its future in the automotive industry. The company plans to sell a staggering 200,000 battery-electric cars per year by 2026, with further plans to increase production capacity to 400,000 BEVs annually by 2028. This significant boost in production will be supported by the establishment of an EV-only factory in Subaru’s home country. The upcoming changes in Subaru’s leadership also shed light on their electrification strategy. Atsushi Osaki, who will assume the role of CEO in June, revealed to Reuters that initially, half of the 400,000 BEVs will be produced on mixed production lines shared…