Author: Todd Gilbert

The European Commission has set new targets for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for new heavy-duty vehicles from 2030. To accelerate the deployment of zero-emission buses in cities, the Commission proposed that all new city buses must be zero-emission from 2030. For all new heavy-duty commercial vehicles, a mandatory 45% reduction in emissions is proposed from 2030, followed by 65% reduction from 2035 and 90% reduction from 2040. The market for electric buses in Europe has seen growth of 26% last year, with 4,152 units registered, compared to 3,282 in 2021 and a growth of 48% on 2020. Around 30% of…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest hybrid car model in the United States, the S 580e 4MATIC. The vehicle is the newest addition to the S-Class, boasting an advanced hybrid drive system that delivers exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. The S-Class plug-in hybrid has a starting price of $122,550 and will be available in U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2023. The hybrid system of the S 580e 4MATIC includes a 3.0L I-6 six-cylinder engine and a 21.5kWh battery, paired with a synchronous electric motor. The combination generates an impressive output of 510 hp, with the electric motor capable of…

Albemarle, the world’s leading producer of lithium, has predicted that China’s electric vehicle (EV) market will grow by at least 40% this year, resulting in a surge in demand for the critical battery metal in the world’s largest auto market. The company’s executives have stated that Chinese lithium customers are not slowing down orders, and the country’s stockpiles of cathodes and battery parts are decreasing, indicating strong demand for the battery metal. Despite the Chinese government’s recent efforts to phase out subsidies for EVs, Albemarle has observed only a “limited impact” on EV demand so far. While weak Chinese auto…

Tesla’s German factory in Grünheide has begun production of the first battery components, according to Jörg Steinbach, Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs. While Tesla has yet to comment on the launch, Steinbach reports that the factory is busy producing individual components, although further production steps have been moved to the USA to take advantage of incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. Tesla announced plans to expand its Grünheide site last autumn and to increase the production of electric cars from 500,000 to over one million annually. However, the company has not yet submitted an application for the expansion plan, according…

Opérateur de Transport de Wallonie (OTW), a Belgian public transport operator also known as TEC, has placed a significant order for 97 Volvo 7900 S-Charge buses, as part of their ambition to add 430 hybrid buses to their fleet. The recent order follows successful deliveries of Volvo Buses’ hybrid vehicles, which have demonstrated exceptional reliability. The public tender was secured as part of a larger framework agreement between Volvo Buses and OTW-TEC, and the new vehicles are expected to go into service in Belgium’s Walloon region. OTW-TEC currently has 293 complete Volvo buses in service, and an additional 177 vehicles…

Subaru, a carmaker known for its rugged, outdoor-friendly vehicles, has been slow to adopt hybrid and electric technology. While the typical Subaru driver is often associated with eco-consciousness, the brand’s cars have historically lagged behind on fuel efficiency. However, that is set to change, with the announcement that the company will introduce several models in its EV lineup in America by 2025, accounting for around 75% of Subaru’s sales globally. During Subaru’s latest earnings call, Tomoaki Emori, the company’s chief general manager of global planning, emphasized the need for “strong hybrids and electric vehicles” to meet changing consumer demands. See…

Tesla is set to open up parts of its Supercharger and Destination Charger Networks to rival electric vehicle (EV) brands in the US, the company confirmed on February 15. The move is expected to contribute significantly to President Biden’s goal of having 500,000 EV chargers available in the US by 2030. However, for Tesla to qualify for the $7.5bn federal subsidy for EV charging under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the company must support the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, which it has not yet committed to doing. At least 7,500 Tesla charging stations will be open to all EV brands…

Audi, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer known for its aggressive exterior styling, is set to shift its design focus towards a softer and friendlier look. According to Marc Lichte, the company’s design boss, future Audi vehicles will be less aggressive and prioritize interior design, especially as we move into the era of autonomous driving. Lichte cited Audi’s activesphere concept as an example of this new approach, with its soft and welcoming exterior design. This shift in design philosophy is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, with designers focusing more on creating welcoming and approachable exteriors to entice people…

Tevva has made a breakthrough in the development of its dual-energy prototype truck, after conducting a successful range test. The test was performed by four Tevva engineers, who traveled over 1,000 km from the company’s London headquarters to Berwick-on-Tweed, England’s northernmost town. The test was carried out in freezing weather conditions and provided valuable data on the performance of the truck under challenging weather conditions. On the return journey, the truck covered nearly 350 miles without stopping for recharging, thanks to its hydrogen fuel cell that tops up the lithium battery when required. See also: Tevva started series production of…

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has urged the Biden administration to conduct a review of the deal between Ford and China’s CATL for the use of battery technology in the automaker’s proposed battery plant in Michigan. Rubio, who is the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote to the Treasury, Energy, and Transportation Secretaries, calling for an immediate review of the licensing agreement. He expressed concerns that the agreement will deepen the US reliance on China for battery technology and is likely aimed at making the factory eligible for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. Rubio cited that the $430 billion…

Tesla has made its first deliveries of Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles in Thailand, marking another step in the company’s expansion in Asia. As electric vehicles gain popularity in China, Tesla has been striving to replicate its success in other Asian nations, including Japan and Taiwan. Tesla announced the first Thai deliveries on Twitter, following thousands of orders that were placed after the company began accepting them in December 2022. Although Tesla imports the vehicles from Giga Shanghai, Thailand has waived import fees thanks to a free trade agreement with Beijing. However, customers are missing out on a…

The Biden Administration is pushing for Tesla to open up its Supercharger network to all electric vehicles (EVs). This means that non-Tesla EV owners would be able to access and charge on the network, which is currently exclusive to Tesla owners. The Supercharger network is the largest and most reliable DC Fast Charging network in the US and is considered one of the top reasons why many EV owners choose a Tesla. Recently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk spent time in Washington D.C., meeting with Biden aides and senior White House officials to discuss the prospects of opening up the Supercharger…

Honda is making a major push into hydrogen fuel cell technology, with plans to expand its offerings and launch a new CR-V-based fuel cell electric vehicle in North America and Japan in 2024. The automaker has partnered with General Motors to develop a fuel cell system that has a lower cost and greater durability than previous models. The new vehicle will also feature plug-in electric functionality, allowing owners to charge it at home and potentially reducing concerns about limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Overall, Honda is bullish on the future of hydrogen fuel cells and sees it as a key part…

Rolls-Royce’s CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced that all future models produced by the British luxury carmaker will be electric. This decision was made due to a growing demand from customers, many of whom already own EVs from other brands. The company’s first-ever electric vehicle, the Spectre, was recently introduced to the market, and there are plans to launch additional electric models in the near future. See also: Rolls-Royce Reports Higher Than Expected Orders for Spectre Ultra-Luxury EV “The Spectre is only electric,” he said. “All future Rolls-Royces, new ones, will be only electric, whilst maintaining what Rolls-Royce stands for. This…

German carmaker Wiesmann has seen high demand for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV), with customers filling its order books for the first year of production before the car has even been officially named. The car, currently known as “Project Thunderball,” is a retro-futuristic roadster, and Wiesmann has announced that it will only produce 1,000 examples. Production is set to begin in 2024, meaning that those who haven’t already ordered will face a long wait before they can take delivery. “To have already sold out the first year of production proves the unique appeal of Project Thunderball and represents a phenomenal…

AUTO STEERING WHEEL HEAT – Vehicle Improvements for Model 3 and Y Set your steering wheel heater to regulate its temperature automatically based on the climate control set temperature. To access steering wheel heating controls, tap the temperature settings to bring up the climate control panel. SENTRY MODE LIGHTING – New Feature for Model 3 and Y When a threat is detected, Sentry Mode will softly pulse the headlights to indicate that your vehicle is recording video. The pulsing stops after 60 seconds or when the vehicle is unlocked. SPEED ASSIST – Autopilot Improvements for Model S, 3, X and…

A recent study by Geotab, a provider of fleet vehicle telematics, found that cold temperatures do have an effect on the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), but the impact varies depending on the speed of the vehicle. The study analyzed the driving range of 2,000 electric vans and 500 electric sedans and came to a surprising conclusion: the maximum range of an EV occurs at a higher speed in the cold than at a moderate temperature. At 68°F (20°C), the optimal speed for an EV to achieve maximum range is 19 mph (30 km/h). But at 32°F (0°C), the…

The LiveWire S2 Del Mar, a highly anticipated electric motorcycle from LiveWire, has been delayed, as confirmed by the company’s president, Ryan Morrissey. The initial plan was to launch the model in the first half of 2023, however, this has now been pushed back to the latter half of the year. This delay has resulted in a reduction of expected shipment numbers, with the original goal of shipping 7,000 Del Mars during the first year of production now revised to between 750 and 2,000 units. In light of this development, Morningstar analyst Jaime Katz raised concerns about the impact of…

Lunaz Design, an automotive company specializing in electric restomods, has recently unveiled its latest creation – a 1961 Bentley S2 Continental. This classic car is one of only four examples ever produced, making it an ultra-rare find. However, Lunaz has taken things to the next level by transforming it into an all-electric vehicle. The classic car now boasts a proprietary modular electric drivetrain, producing 394 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. This provides the Bentley with the motivation to reach 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds, a considerable improvement over its original performance. In addition to its upgraded drivetrain, the…

General Motors (GM) and chip manufacturer GlobalFoundries have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of US-made processors. The deal is aimed at helping GM avoid factory-halting chip shortages, which impacted car production during the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-year agreement, which establishes a dedicated capacity exclusively for GM’s key chip suppliers at GlobalFoundries’ New York fabrication facility, is the first of its kind. The announcement highlights a new approach by automakers to securing semiconductors, and also shows a new way for chip manufacturers to finance US expansion. GlobalFoundries CEO, Tom Caulfield, stated that the GM capacity would be installed in…