Author: Tyne Rodriquez

Spanish electric bus manufacturer Irizar has received a new order from France, securing a contract with RATP Dev for ten units of the 12-metre-long Irizar ie bus model. The electric buses are scheduled to enter service in mid-July 2025, enhancing the bus network operated by Brest Métropole. The Irizar ie bus is designed for efficiency, quiet operation, and accessibility. Each bus will be equipped with the latest generation 470 kWh batteries, providing a range of 350 kilometers. The buses feature three doors, an electric ramp for easy access, 24 seats, and two spaces designated for wheelchairs. Iñigo Etxeberria, General Director…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD aims to sell 50,000 EVs in Mexico by the end of 2024, with expectations to double that figure to 100,000 by 2025, the company’s Mexican head, Jorge Vallejo, announced on Tuesday. Vallejo also revealed that BYD will confirm the location of its first factory in Mexico by the end of this year. Speaking at a forum in Monterrey, Mexico’s industrial hub, Vallejo shared that the planned factory will initially produce 150,000 vehicles in its first phase, with an additional 150,000 units in a second phase, though further details were not provided. BYD, which began…

Tesla has introduced the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive (LR RWD) variant in the United Kingdom, offering an impressive 436 miles of range based on the WLTP standard. Priced at £44,990, the new variant fills a gap between the more affordable base Model 3 RWD, which costs £39,990, and the higher-performance AWD versions. For comparison, the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) is priced at £49,990, offering 390 miles of range, while the top-tier Performance AWD variant costs £59,990 with an estimated range of 328 miles. The base Model 3 RWD, meanwhile, delivers 318 miles of range, making the new…

Rivian announced on Friday a significant reduction in its full-year production forecast, revising it down to between 47,000 and 49,000 vehicles from a prior estimate of 57,000. This cut, attributed to a parts shortage and a general slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand, resulted in nearly a 9% decline in the company’s shares. The parts shortage, affecting the R1 SUV, R1T pickups, and delivery vans, began in the third quarter and has intensified in recent weeks. Rivian has not disclosed the specific part or supplier involved in the shortage, which has raised concerns regarding its production capabilities. The broader EV…

The Philippines is set to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market with the inauguration of its first battery manufacturing plant, announced by President Ferdinand Marcos on September 30, 2024. “We have worked very hard and tried to do our best to bring this kind of technology to the Philippines with a clear recognition that this is the future,” President Marcos stated. He highlighted the significance of the facility, the country’s first for advanced iron phosphate batteries, in establishing the Philippines as a key player in the region’s clean energy storage sector. Located in New Clark City, the new plant is…

A coalition of more than 5,000 auto dealerships is calling on state and federal regulators to reconsider electric vehicle (EV) mandates and emissions regulations in light of sluggish EV sales. In an open letter, the dealers asked for a reassessment of current policies after the upcoming presidential election, arguing that consumer demand for EVs remains weaker than expected despite incentives and increased vehicle options. This letter, the third of its kind since November 2023, follows previous appeals from dealers to President Joe Biden and regulatory bodies. Initially, 4,000 dealerships had voiced concerns about unsold EV inventory piling up, and by…

Rivian ntroduced a renewable energy matching program on Monday aimed at supporting climate-conscious consumers. The initiative, which runs through the end of the year, offers to power up to 10,000 miles of driving with 100 percent renewable energy for buyers who purchase a new or pre-owned R1T or R1S model. The company will purchase 4.8 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy certificates (RECs) from U.S. wind and solar projects for each vehicle sold through December 31, 2024, according to details shared on Rivian’s website. “Renewable energy matching allows people and companies to support the creation of more renewable energy on the…

DENSO Corporation and JERA have announced a collaboration to develop advanced hydrogen generation technology, integrating Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) with waste heat utilization. The initiative will include joint demonstration testing at a JERA thermal power station. DENSO has been focused on carbon neutrality by 2035, working in manufacturing, mobility products, and energy use. Recognizing hydrogen production’s critical role in sustainable energy, the company leverages its expertise in automotive systems to develop the efficient and stable SOEC technology. JERA, committed to its JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective, is building a hydrogen and ammonia supply chain to achieve net-zero CO2…

Milence, a truck charging specialist, is set to expand its operations into the UK with a new site scheduled to open in November 2024. The hub will be located in Immingham, on the east coast of England, within the Able Humber Port (AHP). This site is chosen for its “excellent road and rail links,” which include direct access to major motorways such as the M180, M18, and M1, ensuring “efficient cargo distribution across the UK.” The proximity to AHP also allows for connections to the European market within 24 hours. https://evmagz.com/milence-expands-electric-truck-charging-network-into-italy/ Peter Stephenson, Founder and Executive Chairman of AHP, commented,…

Rivian Automotive saw a remarkable 36% surge in premarket trading on Wednesday following news of a substantial $5 billion investment from Volkswagen, bolstering the struggling startup’s ability to expand production amidst a slowing electric-vehicle market. The investment not only injects much-needed capital into Rivian’s coffers but also advances its goal of achieving profitability on a gross margin basis later this year, crucial for competing in a market currently dominated by Tesla. See also: Rivian Unveils Future Plans with New Vehicle Models Amid VW Partnership “This is a significant vote of confidence in Rivian’s future prospects,” remarked Susannah Streeter, head of money…

Polestar, the premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer owned by Geely and Volvo Cars, has announced its integration with Nio’s charging network in China, marking the latest collaboration between EV makers in the country. Through the interconnected charging networks of Polestar and Nio, Polestar customers now have access to a broader coverage and more efficient charging experience, according to a statement released by Polestar. With access to over 2,200 Nio charging stations and more than 11,000 charging piles, Polestar users can utilize Nio’s charging facilities through their vehicle apps. This integration allows them to access services such as search, navigation, QR…

In a major development for sustainable transportation, Cellcentric, the fuel cell joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo, has revealed its latest innovation—a cutting-edge fuel cell system designed for long-haul trucks in Europe and North America. The new system boasts a compact design, delivering a net output exceeding 350 kW, all while being more lightweight and efficient compared to previous models. According to Cellcentric, the “Next-gen” fuel cell system marks a significant advancement, offering performance characteristics comparable to conventionally powered long-distance trucks while reducing fuel consumption by 20 percent compared to its predecessor, the BZA150 fuel cell generation. Key features…

Jeep, known for its rugged off-road vehicles, is set to ramp up its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offerings in the United States, targeting a significant increase in sales for 2024. CEO Antonio Filosa revealed to CNBC that the brand aims to sell between 160,000 to 170,000 PHEVs this year, a substantial jump from the 113,113 units sold in 2023. The success of Jeep’s 4xe versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee has paved the way for further expansion of their eco-friendly lineup. Filosa confirmed plans for a Gladiator 4xe to debut in 2025, following in the footsteps of the…

The city of Kingston, Ontario, has recently introduced two Mack LR Electric refuse trucks into its fleet, marking the first electric vehicles (EVs) in its refuse collection operations. This decision is part of the city’s strategic plan for 2023-26, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with a specific focus on reducing carbon emissions from city operations. Karen Santucci, director of Public Works and Solid Waste for the City of Kingston, highlighted the benefits of these new vehicles. “We are excited for the opportunity to utilize the electric refuse trucks as some of our first ASL vehicles,” Santucci said. “Increased…

ABB, the Swiss technology company, has introduced its latest innovation in the electric vehicle charging sector – the A400 HPC charging station. This new product boasts exceptional reliability and offers two connections with 200 kW continuous charging power each, or up to 400 kW for a single vehicle. Unlike ABB’s Terra-HP series, which features a split system and modular adaptability for charging capacities ranging from 175 to 500 kW, the A400 presents an “all-in-one” charging solution. It can deliver up to 400 kW to a single vehicle, with dynamic power distribution allowing for simultaneous charging of two vehicles via CCS…

Good news for U.S. buyers interested in the Subaru WRX or the Ford F-150 Lightning: both vehicles are now being offered with 0% APR financing. According to a recent dealer bulletin, the 2023 Subaru WRX is available with 0% APR financing for up to 72 months until the end of May. This deal stands out in comparison to the Hyundai Elantra N and Volkswagen Golf GTI, which offer financing rates of 6.49% and 5.9% respectively over the same period. However, this attractive financing option is exclusive to the 2023 WRX model. The 2024 WRX comes with an APR rate of…

Kia has released a teaser for the upcoming EV6 facelift, offering a glimpse of the electric crossover’s refreshed design. The teaser suggests that the EV6 will adopt styling elements from its larger siblings, including the EV9, EV5, and concept cars EV3 and EV4, bringing it in line with Kia’s latest design language. The facelifted EV6 will feature slimmer and more aggressive headlights, a design trend seen in recent Kia models like the new Sorento. The front end will also incorporate the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, a signature Kia design cue, and the daytime running lights will showcase the ‘Star Map Signature…

As the automotive market rebounds from pandemic-related disruptions, the dynamics of new and used car sales are shifting, with increasing demand for secondhand vehicles. While new car sales have seen a slight slowdown, the used car market is booming, with vehicles flying off the lots at a rapid pace. According to data from iSeeCars, the average time a new car spends on the market increased from 44.4 days in October to 54 days in March. In contrast, the average used car took just 34.2 days to find a buyer in March, down from 49.2 days in October 2023. Buyers are…

Hyundai Motor Group has inked a significant 174-megawatt power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar energy project led by Spain’s Matrix Renewables. The agreement is aimed at powering Hyundai’s forthcoming electric vehicle (EV) plant in the United States with renewable energy. The 15-year PPA with the Matrix Renewables-led Stillhouse Solar Project, spanning from 2025 to 2040, will provide energy for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. This facility, currently under construction in Georgia, is set to be the South Korean auto giant’s first dedicated EV mass production plant in North America. The renewable energy will also support the electrification-related operations of…

Tesla has announced the discontinuation of its long-standing referral program, which allowed owners to earn rewards by referring new buyers to purchase a Tesla vehicle. The program, in various forms, has been a staple of Tesla’s customer engagement strategy for several years. Originally launched in 2015, the referral program has undergone several iterations, offering rewards ranging from direct cash incentives to discounts on future purchases, free supercharging, and access to Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. The program also included promises of free or discounted next-gen Roadsters, with Tesla committing to deliver around 80 of these vehicles as rewards. https://twitter.com/tesla_na/status/1781518598454018156 In recent…