Samsung has announced the industry’s first PCIe 4.0 automotive SSD, which is based on eighth generation V-NAND flash. It’s dubbed the AM9C1 and replaces the AM991 that came before it. The key upgrades this generation are much improved power efficiency – by around 50% – and higher data transfer speeds. In a 256GB configuration, the new SSD can deliver sequential… Read more…
Category: ArenaEV
Shape-shifting SUV Changan Nevo E07 launches
The automotive world has seen its fair share of innovation, but Changan’s Nevo E07 is turning heads with its unique blend of versatility and technology. This electric SUV is a real-life transformer capable of switching between SUV and pickup truck modes. First revealed back in 2022 as a wild concept, this mid-to-large SUV boasts a spacious interior with a length… Read more…
Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot now works at speed up to 95 km/h
Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch an upgraded version of its Drive Pilot system. The new version of its autonomous driving solution promises a top speed of 95 km/h on German motorways, making it the fastest Level 3 automated driving system in a production vehicle. Markus Schäfer, the Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, expressed his enthusiasm about this development: “With… Read more…
$35,000 Smart #5 goes on sale in China
The all-electric Smart #5 SUV has gone on a pre-sale in China ahead of its October 20 official launch. With pre-orders starting at an attractive €31,500, this five-seater SUV is on its way to redefine the brand’s image and challenge established players in the electric car market. Embracing Mercedes-Benz’s “Sensual and Sharp” design philosophy, the Smart #5 boasts a distinctive… Read more…
Mini Cooper SE real world range test
Mini is among the most recognizable automotive lifestyle brands thanks to its long history of making small cars that are proper fun to drive. Of course, evolving the same recognizable and cute design over the years is a key factor that keeps the customers loyal to the brand. For 2024, the classic Mini hatch receives a major redesign, as well… Read more…
BYD exceeds 1 million EV sales in 2024, after record-breaking August performance
China’s electric vehicle powerhouse BYD has sailed past 1 million EV sales in 2024, following an exceptional August performance. This cements BYD’s leading position in the EV market. The company reported selling a staggering 373,082 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in August, including both plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles. This remarkable figure eclipses BYD’s previous record of 342,383 NEVs set… Read more…
Europe gets its first AWD electric pickup truck and yes, it’s from China
The first all-wheel-drive mid-size electric pickup truck to grace European roads is here. Ford dipped its toes with the F-150 Lightning landing in Norway earlier this year, but then went quiet. So Maxus stepped in and got the honor of being the first in the niche. The eTerron 9 swooped in, claiming the title and leaving the likes of Rivian,… Read more…
Nio denies plans of taking over Audi’s car plant in Belgium
Shortly after Audi announced its plans to close its car manufacturing facility in Brussels, Belgium, rumors started spreading that Nio is looking to acquire the factory. However, the company’s CEO denied any such plans. A report surfaced the other day claiming Nio will buy the factory after officials from the company visited the facility and submitted an offer. But after… Read more…
Nio’s Onvo L60 starts deliveries at lower price than Tesla Model Y
Nio’s sub-brand Onvo’s inaugural model, the L60, has officially gone on sale. This mid-size SUV comes at an attractive price point, positioning itselft as a formidable contender against the Tesla Model Y. Nio’s CEO, William Li, envisioned Onvo as a disruptor in the mass market segment. The L60’s starting price of RMB 206,900 (approximately €26,370) significantly undercuts the Tesla Model… Read more…
Nio eyes Audi’s Brussels plant in what would be a landmark deal
Chinese EV manufacturer Nio is reportedly considering acquiring the Audi Brussels car plant in the city of Vorst. This news, first reported by Belgian media outlet De Tijd, has sent ripples through the automotive industry, hinting at both Nio’s European ambitions and the challenges Audi faces. The Audi Brussels plant, which currently manufactures the Q8 e-tron electric SUV, is slated… Read more…
Tesla Model 3 Highland aftermarket stalks look solid
Are you thinking of getting the new Tesla Model 3 facelift, codenamed Highland, or do you already own one, but you absolutely hate the button blinkers on the steering wheel? Well, there’s an aftermarket solution that may give you the best of both worlds. You can find them at Bilkomponenter.no for NOK 7,000 (€600). This particular aftermarket solution looks pretty… Read more…
GAC Aion RT unveiled in China
Chinese automaker GAC Aion (the same company that makes the Aion Hyper SSR and Aion Hyper GT) just lifted the courtain off its latest offering. The Aion RT is a sleek electric sedan promising very good range numbers. The Aion RT sports a low-drag fastback silhouette designed to minimize wind resistance and optimize energy efficiency. The expansive 3.48 m panoramic… Read more…
XPeng unveils P7+, world’s first “AI vehicle”
At the Apsara Conference 2024 in Hangzhou, XPeng made a surprise entrance as CEO He Xiaopeng personally drove a camouflaged prototype of the much-anticipated P7+. The car had “world’s first AI vehicle” emblazoned on its side. The P7+, a significant evolution from its predecessor, the P7i, boasts a larger, sleeker body, measuring an impressive 5.06 m in length, 1.94 m… Read more…
Tesla warns against using extension cords at Supercharger stations
Ever since Tesla opened up its Supercharger stations for third-party vehicles, there has been a problem with the positioning of charging ports on non-Tesla cars. Some of them have the port on the opposite side, leading to awkward parking positions and some cars even blocking the adjacent charging station. The Supercharger V4 has solved the issue by running a longer… Read more…
Budget-friendly Hyundai Casper spotted in rugged XRT trim
Hyundai is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with a rugged variant of its budget-friendly Casper EV, dubbed the XRT. This new trim, spotted recently in South Korea, adds a touch of off-road styling to the popular city car. The Casper EV, which debuted in June at the Busan International Mobility Show, got a lot of attention for its compact yet… Read more…
Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC owners can now use Tesla’s Superchargers in the US and Canada
The industry-wide adoption of the NACS charging plug in North America continues. Today, GM has announced that owners of EVs made by its brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC) can finally use Tesla’s Supercharger network in the US and Canada. This was originally scheduled to happen earlier this year. There are more than 17,800 Superchargers spread throughout the two countries, so… Read more…
Nio EL8 finally arrives in Europe
Chinese EV manufacturer Nio started deliveries of its highly anticipated EL8 electric SUV in Europe. Known as the ES8 in its home market, the EL8 began its pre-orders in Europe three months ago. The first batch of EL8s was now handed over to customers, much to the delight of the company and its growing European fanbase. Nio’s journey in Europe… Read more…
CATL unveils mammoth 600 kWh battery and swap system for it
CATL is having a very busy week. Only a couple of days ago we reported on the company unveiling its latest battery technology designed for buses. The company now unveiled the Tectrans–T battery at the IAA show in Hanover, Germany. With a colossal 600 kWh capacity, this battery can enable some very decent autonomy for electrical trucks. CATL is offering… Read more…
VinFast VF3 EV launches overseas
After launching in its home country of Vietnam last month, the VinFast VF3 EV is about to make a debut in the Philippines. The company’s extremely affordable EV, going for just VND 235 million (€8,340) for the subscription-based model, will soon be hitting the streets of the Philippines, but at a higher price. VinFast VF3 The subscription-based scheme will give… Read more…
Kia charges into electric van market with PV5 and PV7
Kia has made a bold statement at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, Germany, showcasing its new battery-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) and unveiling the PV5 and PV7 models. These electric vans, set to hit European roads in 2025, represent Kia’s ambitious entry into the light commercial vehicle market, targeting businesses of all sizes. The purpose-built vehicle (PBV) sector has… Read more…