Author: Tyne Rodriquez

While Norway’s electric passenger car sector continues to thrive, the country’s electric commercial vehicle market is facing challenges, according to the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (Norsk elbilforening). In 2024, the sale of electric trucks declined compared to the previous year, despite a slight increase in their overall market share. By 2030, all new trucks registered in Norway must be electric or powered by biogas, but the sales figures for electric trucks in 2024 show the country is still far from meeting this ambitious target. Electric trucks accounted for 12.6% of all new trucks sold, a modest increase of 0.3 percentage…

Scout Motors is set to reveal new details about its forthcoming electric vehicles (EVs) at CES 2025, including the addition of built-in satellite connectivity in its upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. The vehicles, which are not expected to launch until 2027, will be pre-wired from the factory with a satellite hotspot designed to provide broad coverage, keeping drivers and passengers connected while on the go. The company has not disclosed the source of the satellite hardware or its service provider, leaving some details unclear for now. Scout Motors emphasized that the vehicles’ satellite connectivity will be “intended to have…

Tesla is in preliminary discussions with Austin, Texas, officials regarding its autonomous vehicle technology, Bloomberg News reported Thursday. The talks include safety protocols and expectations for driverless vehicles, according to emails obtained through public records requests. A Tesla representative has been engaging with Austin’s autonomous vehicle task force since May, the report noted. The discussions coincide with Tesla’s unveiling of the Cybercab, a driverless, pedal-less prototype showcased during the company’s Hollywood robotaxi event in October. CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to introduce an “unsupervised version” of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in California and Texas by next year. Tesla’s…

GAC Group has introduced its new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) brand, Govy, marking a significant step into the growing low-altitude economy in China. The launch event showcased Govy’s first product, the AirJet flying car, positioning it as a key player in the emerging sector of urban air mobility. The AirJet is a composite-wing flying car with flexible vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, designed for efficient cruising. Weighing one-third of a traditional car body thanks to its carbon fiber composite construction, the AirJet promises enhanced performance and efficiency. GAC positions the AirJet as a Robo-AirTaxi, targeting urban travel needs…

General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to a fault in its pedestrian alert system, which fails to produce enough sound at low speeds. The recall, announced on December 5, affects 7,606 electric Equinox models, all of which are estimated to have the defect. The issue arises from incorrect software in the vehicle’s pedestrian alert system, which is responsible for emitting sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence, especially in low-speed scenarios where electric vehicles (EVs) are nearly silent. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 141 mandates that hybrid and…

Canadian startup Tenstorrent and South Korea’s BOS Semiconductors, supported by Hyundai Motor Group, revealed new artificial intelligence (AI) chips aimed at enhancing in-vehicle infotainment and autonomous driving technologies. These chips, introduced on Thursday, are designed to address the growing demand for high-performance computing capabilities in automobiles as they evolve into “computers on wheels.” The new chips, known as the “Eagle-N,” are the industry’s first “automotive chiplet AI accelerators.” Chiplets are smaller chips that work together within a larger system, similar to assembling components like LEGO blocks, allowing automakers to customize their systems and lower costs by updating specific functionalities. Park…

Kia has officially confirmed plans to launch an all-electric version of its Tasman pickup truck, marking its entry into the competitive electric truck segment. The announcement comes shortly after the Tasman’s debut in October as a diesel-powered model, raising anticipation for an EV variant. Kia’s head of marketing for South Africa, Christo Valentyn, confirmed the development during a recent media event, stating, “I’m probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming,” as reported by CarBuzz. This confirmation aligns with Kia’s 2022 Investor Day plans, which included two electric pickups—one for emerging markets and another as a…

Italy’s Industry Minister, Adolfo Urso, announced on Tuesday a deal that will prevent 249 layoffs at suppliers to Stellantis (STLAM.MI), marking a potential step toward improving the strained relationship between the carmaker and the Italian government. The deal comes amid growing tension over Stellantis’ operations in Italy, with accusations from Italian politicians that Fiat’s parent company, led by CEO Carlos Tavares, has neglected historic manufacturing sites in the country and moved production abroad. Minister Urso brokered the deal after a top Stellantis manager revealed that the company would present a clear plan to revitalize output in Italy. The plan is…

Charging infrastructure operator Zunder has inaugurated Spain’s largest high-power charging (HPC) site at the Parque Principado shopping center in Oviedo, located in the country’s northern region. The facility features 36 ultra-fast charging connections, including 12 stations with outputs of up to 400 kW and 24 stations offering up to 160 kW. Strategically situated near the A-66 and A-64 highways, the charging hub enhances connectivity for electric vehicle (EV) drivers traveling through Spain’s major routes. The location at Parque Principado provides added convenience, as drivers can access the shopping center’s amenities, including retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment areas, and cinemas, while charging…

The Center of Automotive Management (CAM) has highlighted challenges to the rapid expansion of electric mobility in Germany, pointing to rising prices and a narrowing range of smaller electric models. According to their analysis of new electric car registrations in Germany and China for 2024, the availability of electric vehicles in Germany has increased from 105 models in 2023 to 134 models in 2024, but this growth is concentrated in the SUV segment, which now accounts for over half (56.7%) of the available electric models. Conversely, the number of mini and small electric cars, which are crucial for broader adoption,…

President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is preparing to dismantle federal regulations aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, sources familiar with the transition team’s plans said. The move aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to ease automotive industry requirements and “end the EV mandate,” although such a mandate does not formally exist. The Biden-era regulations, finalized earlier this year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), set ambitious targets for automakers to shift at least 35% of production to EVs by 2032 and reduce tailpipe emissions. Trump’s team plans to…

Spanish bus manufacturer Irizar is moving forward with plans to establish a new UK headquarters in North Nottinghamshire, set to open in late 2025, following delays due to Brexit and the pandemic. The decision, announced at the Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham, reflects Irizar’s confidence in the expanding UK electric bus market, now the largest in Europe. The planned headquarters will cover 16,000 square meters, featuring offices, a showroom, bus handover facilities, and extensive parking. Originally acquired in 2018, the site’s development was paused due to economic uncertainties but has resumed after two consecutive years of strong sales growth in…