At its annual developer I/O conference, Google announced a new strategy that should ultimately bring more apps to cars. As of now, about 200 million cars on the streets support Android Auto, while 40 car models offer Google built-in. So that’s why the company believes it’s about time to bring more apps to drivers. Obviously, cars with Android Automotive OS… Read more…
Battery repair and recycling
Electric vehicles (EVs) are facing some stiff headwinds in the market. Many are affected by depreciation significantly worse than that of comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the reluctance of dealerships to take them at trade-in time, along with escalating insurance premiums and some insurers refusing to cover them altogether, writes Peter Donaldson. Read more…
Tesla’s solar division to be responsible for Supercharger charging network
Tesla is said to have transferred responsibility for the Supercharger charging network to its team responsible for the solar and battery storage business. An agency report reconstructs how the dismissal of Tesla’s Supercharger team came about – and what is likely to happen now. Read more…
Battery energy density
Nick Flaherty looks at strategies to get more power out of battery cells, which brings thermal management challenges.
There are many ways to boost the energy density of an e-mobility platform’s powertrain. The materials in a battery cell can be improved to produce more energy, from silicon in the anode to new electrolytes. Solid state batteries under development, for example, can provide higher energy densities, stacking more cells closer together by addressing the materials and the packaging. Read more…
Thermal runaway prevention
Peter Donaldson speaks to experts who are working on cell design and chemistry to avoid thermal runaway
Protection from thermal runaway in an electric vehicle (EV) battery requires a holistic solution that affects every aspect of the pack’s design and operation. The consensus seems to be that protection options are limited to prevention and mitigation rather than stopping a runaway once it has started. Read more…
Electric aircraft startup Lilium hopes for state aid from France
Lilium, developer of an electric vertical take-off aircraft, can hope for financial support from the French government. The company is in advanced talks about plans to expand production capacity in France and possible state subsidies and loan guarantees. Read more…
ZF presents new drive system for e-bikes at Eurobike
ZF announced the premiere of its new e-bike drive system at the Eurobike 2024 trade fair. The ‘ZF Bike Eco System’ contains all the components for the drive system, such as the motor, batteries, control and operating units, an app and a connection to the cloud. Read more…
Philippines to extend EV import tax exemption until 2028
The Philippines has extended its duty-free policy for electric vehicles until 2028. The Southeast Asian island state had abolished import duties for electric vehicles at the beginning of 2023, which will now be extended until 2028. Read more…
Onvo introduces first electric SUV model L60 in China
Nio has introduced a new brand called ‘Le Dao’ in China and ‘Onvo’ internationally to offer EVs that are more affordable than those from its core brand. The Onvo L60, an electric mid-size SUV, is the new brand’s inaugural model. Read more…
Peugeot introduces eight-year warranty for electric cars
Peugeot has extended Allure Care, its comprehensive warranty scheme for cars, to its enter electric passenger model line-up. The new programme should give its EV customers more peace of mind, especially those who’re still on the fence fearing reliability issues in the long term. Read more…
Volvo EX60 to debut in 2025
The Volvo EX60 will be the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker’s fourth electric SUV and will be the successor to the Volvo XC6. It will belong to an extremely competitive segment, currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y. Read more…
Xpeng forays into France with launch of G9 and G6
G9 is offered in three variants in France, starting at a suggested retail price of 59,990 euros ($64,960). Read more…
YouTube and Google Cast arrive to Rivian R1S and R1T
The Rivian R1S and R1T, initially launched as the epitome of off-road electric luxury, are set to receive a long-awaited software update. Rivian owners will soon be able to transform their electric vehicles into mobile entertainment hubs. Rivian has confirmed that a forthcoming update will introduce a native YouTube app, allowing users to enjoy their favorite videos directly on the… Read more…
Li Auto laying off over 18% of its workforce, report says
Li Auto is reportedly undergoing massive layoffs that could involve more than 5,600 people, as sales fall short of expectations, according to local media. Read more…
China NEV retail at 241,000 in May 1-12, up 10% from same period last month
China’s retail penetration of NEVs was 43.11 percent in May 1-12, and 38.87 percent year-to-date. Read more…
Onvo L60 likely to help Nio top 20,000 unit monthly sales, says Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank expects the Nio main brand and the Onvo brand to launch a total of six new products in 2025, realizing 300,000 unit sales. Read more…
In a milestone, the US exceeds 5 million solar installations
The US has now officially surpassed 5 million solar installations, a significant landmark in its shift toward clean energy, according to data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie. Read more…
BYD launches new Shark PHEV as its first pickup to rival Toyota’s Hilux, Ford Ranger
A new electrified pickup is hitting the global market. China’s BYD introduced its new Shark plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup in Mexico this week. The new BYD Shark is poised to compete against top-selling trucks globally, like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Read more…
In April, Tesla prices were higher month-over-month but lower year-over-year
Tesla posted larger-than-average ATP (average transaction price) increases month-over-month in April, but its prices were lower year-over-year, reports Kelley Blue Book. Read more…
As It Launches An Affordable EV, General Motors Wants ‘A Level Playing Field’ With China
GM President Mark Reuss weighs in on Biden’s tariffs on China, the Equinox EV, hybrids and more. Read more…
