Author: Tyne Rodriquez

BYD  has officially entered the El Salvador passenger car market. The company held a brand launch event in El Salvador to announce its market debut. BYD has opened its first store in the country, showcasing models such as the Seagull, Yuan Up, Seal, Song Pro DM-i, and Song Plus DM-i. The vehicles will be distributed through a local dealer, with Energy Motors as BYD’s regional partner. Audrey Li, vice president of BYD America and regional managing director of BYD Latin America, commented, “We believe that El Salvador, a country full of potential and opportunity, will benefit from our collaboration with…

AmpUp and Tritium have teamed up to introduce an innovative fast-charging station upgrade program aimed at modernizing DC fast-charging infrastructure across North America. The program allows existing Tritium RT50 owners to integrate their stations into the AmpUp network, offering several upgrade options for a seamless transition to advanced charging capabilities. The upgrade program ensures easy network integration for Tritium RT50 owners, with minimal disruption during the process. Owners can opt to exchange their RT50 chargers for the new 50kW DC fast charger, which features dual charging capabilities, universal compatibility, and an extensive warranty. AmpUp also prioritizes sustainability, providing responsible recycling…

Fraunhofer ISE has collaborated with industrial partners to develop a medium-voltage system designed for future fast-charging stations, which will be capable of handling peak loads of several megawatts. The innovative system promises increased flexibility and cost reductions for high-power charging infrastructure, positioning it as a future solution for large-scale charging networks. The project, dubbed ‘MS-Tankstelle,’ focuses on raising the voltage level on the charging station side to reduce material use and the associated costs of high-power charging stations. Currently, high-power chargers operate using lower voltages, but the Fraunhofer ISE team is targeting larger charging stations. “In future, petrol stations will…

Leapmotor, a Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer backed by Stellantis, has introduced the hybrid version of its C10 SUV in Europe, following the launch of the all-electric variant in September 2024. The company showcased its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology at the Brussels auto show in Belgium on January 10, marking the official European debut of the C10 EREV. The C10 EREV offers a combined WLTP range of over 950 kilometers and CO₂ emissions as low as 10g/km. The hybrid model is equipped with a 215-horsepower electric motor, providing a peak torque of 320 Nm. The vehicle’s battery can…

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…

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new incentive program, offering dealers up to $3,000 for each electric vehicle (EV) sold before January 2, 2025. Through its Q4 2024 EQ Sales Challenge, Mercedes aims to boost sales of its EQE, EQB, and EQS models amid a challenging year in the U.S. EV market. As part of the initiative, dealers can earn $2,000 on most 2024 EV sales by meeting monthly targets, with an additional $1,000 bonus per sale for hitting their goals. These dealer incentives may lead to new savings for customers, with Mercedes also introducing $7,500 in lease bonus cash and loyalty…

VinFast has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Durango Drivers’ Union in Mexico, potentially leading to the acquisition of 3,000 VF 5 electric cars and 300 electric buses. This partnership aims to enhance public transport sustainability in the region. Under the agreement, VinFast will collaborate with its affiliate V-Green and the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) to explore the development of a charging infrastructure in Durango. The initiative is expected to lower CO2 emissions and reduce operational costs for the union while creating jobs related to charging station management. VinFast’s Deputy CEO, Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, stated,…

Desiknio has introduced the Endorphin, a sleek and inconspicuous electric bike available in two model variants, catering to diverse riding preferences. Customers can opt for either a flat handlebar for a classic look or a drop handlebar reminiscent of racing cycles, allowing for enhanced aerodynamics and increased riding comfort, particularly on longer journeys. Weighing in at just 26 pounds (12 kilograms), the Endorphin achieves this impressive lightness through its carbon frame, which also extends to the fork. The bike is powered by a Mahle X20 hub motor, offering a torque of up to 55 Nm, making it an efficient choice…

UK startup RBW EV Cars has announced the launch of a supplier division aimed at providing electric systems and components to other automakers producing high-end, limited-edition models. The company, which specializes in electric versions of classic sports cars, revealed this development on Friday. CEO Peter Swain disclosed to Reuters that RBW is collaborating with three major automakers on limited-edition models, although he refrained from naming them. Founded in 2017, RBW transforms newly manufactured bodies of two classic MG car models—the MGB and MGB GT—into electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles feature a range of 155 miles (250 km) and are priced…