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If you own a Volvo EX90, you're getting a free computer upgrade
6 months ago
- 2025 Volvo EX90 owners will receive a free car computer upgrade.
- The upgrade includes a new dual Nvidia DRIVE AGX Orin setup, improving performance and reducing battery drainage.
- The upgrade will enable previously unavailable features.
- The EX90 has faced delays due to software development challenges.
- Initial models had a single Orin chip and a less-powerful Xavier chip, which proved insufficient.
- The upgrade will retrofit the dual Orin setup from the ES90 electric sedan to existing MY25 EX90s.
Danish authorities in rush to close security loophole in Chinese electric buses
6 months ago
- Denmark and Norway are investigating a security loophole in Chinese-made electric buses that allows remote deactivation.
- Norwegian authorities found that Chinese suppliers had remote access to bus control systems, posing potential security risks.
- Testing in Norway revealed risks, prompting stricter security measures for future bus procurements.
- Denmark's Movia operates 469 Chinese electric buses, with concerns about remote deactivation and vulnerabilities in subsystems.
- Yutong claims compliance with EU data protection laws, storing data in AWS Frankfurt with encryption and access controls.
- Critics argue Denmark is too dependent on Chinese technology, raising concerns about resilience and differing values.
2026 Nissan Leaf offers 300-mile range for $30k
6 months ago
- The all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf is announced, building on Nissan's history with electrification since 2010/2011.
- The third-generation Leaf features a clean-sheet design with up to 303 miles of range, similar in price to the original 2012 model.
- The base price of the new Leaf starts at $30,000, cheaper than the original when adjusted for inflation, despite no federal tax credits.
- The new Leaf includes modern EV technology, dual charging ports (NACS for Tesla Superchargers and CCS combo for other stations).
- Nissan is discontinuing the Ariya for 2026, focusing on the Leaf as its signature electric model.
- The Leaf remains one of the most affordable EVs on the market, with a significant history in the EV segment.
China's EV Market Is Imploding
6 months ago
- China's EV market is facing serious issues, including the practice of selling 'used' cars that have never been used to inflate sales figures.
- The Chinese government has heavily subsidized the EV industry, investing over $230 billion from 2009 to 2023, leading to overcapacity and intense competition.
- Excessive government intervention and subsidies have created an unsustainable market, with many companies operating at a loss.
- China's EV industry is consolidating, but still has too many players, making profitability difficult due to price wars and slim margins.
- Local governments in China are propping up unprofitable EV companies to save jobs, further distorting the market.
- International markets are responding with high tariffs on Chinese EVs, limiting their global expansion and increasing reliance on government support.
- China's state-led economic model prioritizes global dominance over profitability, which could lead to a financial crisis in the EV sector.
- The global auto industry is becoming a battleground between China's ambitions and other nations' efforts to protect their markets.
DFW deploys SIX new Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 6×6 fire trucks
6 months ago
- Oshkosh's Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicles are now in use at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, marking a significant step in modernizing the airport's emergency response fleet.
- These electric ARFF vehicles feature advanced battery technology, enabling zero-emission operation during standby and low-speed tasks, with a diesel generator for high-power demands.
- The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF is designed for rough terrain and damaged runways, carrying more water, equipment, and personnel than conventional fire trucks.
- DFW's transition to these vehicles aims to reduce response times, improve operational efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability by using fluorine-free firefighting foam.
- The electric powertrain provides immediate torque, quieter operation, and eliminates firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust 99% of the time.
- Oshkosh emphasizes the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF as a forward-thinking solution for airports prioritizing sustainability and operational efficiency.
Chinese EV makers accelerate robotics drive for 'game-changing' edge over US
5 months ago
- Chinese EV makers like Xpeng and Chery are expanding into humanoid robotics to gain a competitive edge over the US.
- Xpeng's next-generation humanoid robot, Iron, received praise from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
- Xpeng's CEO He Xiaopeng predicts the cost of producing humanoid robots will drop to car production levels, making them accessible for household use.
- He Xiaopeng aims to have Iron robots in Xpeng stores, offices, and factories by the end of next year, believing the robot market has greater potential than cars.
- Elon Musk endorsed Iron and predicted Chinese companies, alongside Tesla, would dominate the global robotics market.
Ignore the howls around pay-per-mile. We can't afford not to tax electric cars
5 months ago
- The UK's public finances are on an unsustainable trajectory, with government debt projected to rise to 270% of GDP by the 2070s if policies remain unchanged.
- Fuel duty revenues are expected to halve by the 2030s and drop to nearly zero by 2050 due to the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), costing the Treasury £15.5bn annually.
- Rachel Reeves proposes a pay-per-mile tax for EVs starting in 2028, with a suggested rate of 3p per mile, averaging £250 per year—less than the £600 paid by petrol/diesel drivers.
- The proposal has faced criticism, with some arguing it's the wrong time, but delaying reforms has worsened the issue of declining fuel duty revenues.
- The pay-per-mile tax, while not addressing congestion costs, is a necessary step to prevent further pressure on Treasury revenues and adapt to technological changes.
- Failure to reform motoring taxes could exacerbate larger fiscal challenges, such as rising pension and healthcare costs, highlighted in the OBR's report.
The Only GM EV1 Ever Publicly Sold, and Where It's Going Next
6 months ago
- General Motors EV1 VIN #4G5PX2250V0200212 was saved from being crushed and became the first EV1 legally sold to the public.
- The EV1 was the first mass-produced electric car in the 1990s, featuring innovations like regenerative braking and a drag coefficient of 0.19.
- Originally leased, most EV1s were later crushed, but around 40 were donated to museums and universities.
- Jonathan Sawyer, the original lessee of VIN #212, fought legal battles to keep his car, which was eventually hidden by GM.
- The EV1 was found abandoned in a tow pound in Atlanta and sold at auction for $104,000.
- Billy, the new owner, plans to restore the EV1 and dreams of opening an electric car museum.
- Restoration challenges include missing parts like batteries and damaged components, but Billy is optimistic with community support.
Flush door handles are the car industry's latest safety problem
5 months ago
- Nissan Leaf's new design includes retractable door handles for front doors to improve aerodynamics.
- Tesla's door handles fail during power loss, posing safety risks as occupants struggle to exit.
- Tesla uses IP-based electronic controls instead of conventional door locks, complicating emergency exits.
- Hyundai, Kia, and Chevy Equinox EV have motorized handles that can be operated mechanically without power.
- VW ID4 handles are less protruding but still traditional, offering a balance between aerodynamics and usability.
- Flush door handles should be operable when unpowered to ensure safety without compromising security.
- Tesla's mechanical door release is separate from the normal button, making it less intuitive in emergencies.
- There's a call to move away from skinny sidewalls in favor of more visible designs like whitewall tires.
Ford teams up with Renault to make EVs that can rival Chinese brands
5 months ago
- Renault and Ford are partnering to develop small, cheaper Ford-branded electric vehicles for Europe to compete with Chinese automakers.
- The first of two planned small EVs will be produced at a Renault plant in France and available in European showrooms by 2028.
- The partnership also includes joint development of Renault and Ford brand vans for the European market.
- Ford's CEO Jim Farley emphasized the need to compete with Chinese rivals, calling the collaboration a 'powerhouse' for light commercial vehicles (LCV).
- Renault CEO Francois Provost highlighted the urgency to act before Chinese competitors expand further in Europe.
- Ford's European market share has declined from 6.1% in 2019 to 3.3% in 2023 due to restructuring and reduced passenger vehicle sales.
- The partnership leverages Renault’s EV platforms with Ford’s designs to compete against Volkswagen and Chinese automakers.
- Renault, Europe’s smallest mainstream automaker, aims to lower costs and increase manufacturing scale through partnerships.
- Renault is also collaborating with China’s Geely and in talks with Chery for joint production and sales.
- The goal is to produce EVs in Europe as competitively as Chinese manufacturers.
Ford Has Steered Its Former EV Truck and Plant Plans in to a Ditch
5 months ago
- Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning, an all-electric pickup, in 2021 with production expected to start in 2022.
- The F-150 Lightning faced challenges including reduced range when towing and cultural resistance from some Americans who viewed EVs as a liberal movement.
- Ford announced Blue Oval, a $5.6 billion facility near Memphis, in partnership with SK Innovation, promising 5,800 jobs and significant economic impact.
- The joint venture between Ford and SK Innovation ended in December 2023, with Ford taking over Kentucky battery plants and SK On operating the Tennessee plant.
- Ford pivoted Blue Oval from producing electric trucks to gas-powered trucks, delaying the opening to 2029 and costing $19.5 billion.
- The F-150 Lightning will transition to an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) with a gas engine to extend range, abandoning the battery-only model.
- Ford's shift reflects broader challenges in the EV market, including lower-than-expected demand, high costs, and regulatory changes.
- EREVs are seen as a bridge technology, offering improved efficiency over traditional hybrids but still relying on gasoline.
- Despite setbacks, Ford remains committed to hybrids and EVs, aiming for 50% of global volume to be electrified by 2030.
Tesla's 4680 battery supply chain collapses as partner writes down deal by 99%
4 months ago
- Tesla's 4680 battery supply chain suffers a major setback as L&F Co. slashes its $2.9 billion contract to just $7,386.
- The drastic reduction signals plummeting demand for Tesla's 4680 cells, primarily used in the Cybertruck, which is struggling with low sales.
- Tesla's Cybertruck production is far below capacity, with annual sales estimated at 20,000 to 25,000 units, leading to discontinued models and heavy discounts.
- The 4680 battery program, once touted as key to reducing costs and enabling cheaper EVs, faces scalability issues and limited application.
- Tesla's competitors like BMW and Rivian are advancing with 46XX format cells, while Tesla's promises from Battery Day remain unfulfilled.
- Future projects like the 'Cybercab' may also face challenges, especially with unresolved autonomous driving technology.
China forecast to have sold one in every 10 new cars in UK in 2025
4 months ago
- Chinese brands are projected to account for 10% of new car sales in the UK in 2025, up from previous years.
- MG, BYD, and Chery are leading Chinese manufacturers expected to surpass 200,000 sales in the UK.
- Spain and Norway also see 10% of new car sales from Chinese brands, with Western Europe averaging 6%.
- China's EV dominance stems from government subsidies, lithium-ion battery supply chain control, and cheaper labor.
- EU countries, especially Germany and France, are concerned about job losses due to rising Chinese car sales.
- Norway leads in EV adoption, while the UK and Spain see many Chinese hybrid models.
- The UK is a key target for Chinese brands due to the absence of strong domestic mass-market car manufacturers.
- Japanese brands like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki are losing market share in the UK.
- EU tariffs on Chinese EVs (17%-38%) exclude hybrids, allowing Chinese brands to undercut European rivals.
- Less than 40% of Chinese-brand models in Western Europe in Q3 2025 were pure electric, exploiting tariff loopholes.
- The EU relaxed its 2035 EV targets, allowing 10% of sales to remain internal combustion vehicles.
- Some analysts argue that slowing Europe's EV transition benefits Chinese carmakers, who may peak at 10% market share by 2030.
Tesla publishes analyst forecasts suggesting sales set to fall
4 months ago
- Tesla published sales forecasts showing lower-than-expected 2025 deliveries and future sales below Elon Musk's targets.
- Analysts estimate 423,000 deliveries in Q4 2025, a 16% decline from Q4 2024, with 1.64M total deliveries in 2025.
- Tesla's 2029 delivery forecast is 3M, far below Musk's goal of 4M by 2027.
- Tesla's $1.4T valuation exceeds the next 30 carmakers combined, despite lower output than Toyota.
- Musk's wealth, largely from Tesla and SpaceX, is estimated at $623B.
- Tesla's valuation relies on expectations of leadership in self-driving tech and robotics.
- Consumer backlash over Musk's rightwing politics contributed to Tesla's tough sales year in 2024.
- Musk's alliance with Trump collapsed, leading to cuts in EV subsidies and supportive regulations.
- Tesla's latest forecasts are lower than other analysts' estimates (e.g., Bloomberg predicted 440,907 Q4 deliveries).
- Investment banks' forecasts influence share prices; missing or beating estimates impacts stock performance.
- Shareholders approved a $1T compensation plan for Musk, contingent on Tesla delivering 20M cars with 10M having active self-driving subscriptions.
China's BYD set to overtake Tesla as top EV seller
4 months ago
- BYD is set to overtake Tesla as the world's top EV seller with 2.25 million sales in 2025, a 28% increase.
- Tesla's estimated sales for 2025 were around 1.65 million, facing challenges like competition and Musk's political activities.
- Tesla introduced lower-priced models to boost sales amid criticism for slow innovation.
- Elon Musk aims to significantly increase Tesla's sales and stock value to secure a $1tn pay package.
- Tesla sales dropped in early 2025 due to backlash over Musk's role in Trump's administration.
- BYD's sales growth slowed in 2025, facing competition in China from XPeng and Nio.
- BYD remains competitive globally with lower prices, expanding in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe despite tariffs.
- The UK became BYD's largest market outside China, with sales surging 880% due to demand for the Seal U SUV.
Tesla sales fall for the second year in a row
4 months ago
- Tesla's Q4 sales dropped by 15.6%, marking a second consecutive annual decline.
- Chinese rival BYD surpassed Tesla in annual battery-electric vehicle sales for the first time.
- Tesla's sales were below Wall Street expectations, with 418,227 EVs sold in Q4.
- The end of the $7,500 EV tax credit in the US contributed to Tesla's sales slump.
- Tesla faced declining sales in Europe and China due to competition and political backlash.
- Tesla's product lineup is seen as stale, with no new vehicle launches since the Cybertruck in 2023.
- Despite sales struggles, Tesla's stock hit a record high due to optimism around its robotaxi rollout.
- Tesla plans to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service to multiple US cities in 2025.
Tesla sales fell by 9 percent in 2025, its second yearly decline
4 months ago
- Tesla's Q4 sales dropped by almost 16% year-over-year, selling 77,343 fewer EVs compared to 2024.
- Annual sales for 2025 declined by 8.6%, totaling 1,636,129 cars, down 153,097 from 2024.
- Tesla's reliance on Models 3 and Y, which lack freshness compared to competitors, contributed to poor sales.
- The Cybertruck, delayed and over budget, has been a commercial failure, impacting Tesla's in-house battery cell initiative.
- Elon Musk's far-right affiliations have negatively affected sales in key markets like California and Europe.
VW is bringing physical buttons back to the dashboard with the ID. Polo EV
4 months ago
- Volkswagen is reintroducing physical buttons in the ID. Polo EV dashboard.
- The ID. Polo features real buttons, switches, and a knob for audio controls.
- Chief designer Andreas Mindt emphasizes the importance of physical buttons for trust and appeal.
- The ID. Polo includes a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a nearly 13-inch touchscreen.
- A retro mode inspired by the 1980s Golf I can be activated via the steering wheel or touchscreen.
- The ID. Polo is the first of four new compact EVs for Europe, with no US release planned.
Volkswagen Brings Back Physical Buttons
4 months ago
- Volkswagen introduces a new cockpit design with physical controls in the refreshed ID. Polo.
- The new design replaces capacitive buttons with physical switches, marking a significant shift from previous models.
- Physical buttons are now featured for cruise control, music playback, temperature, and fan speed.
- Some climate controls, like rear defrost and heated seats, remain accessible via the touchscreen.
- The updated interior may initially be limited to Volkswagen's electric vehicles, including the upcoming ID.4 refresh.
- The change follows a trend seen in the latest Golf and Tiguan models in the U.S.
Chinese auto giant Geely to announce entry into US EV market within 2-3 years
4 months ago
- Geely is showcasing Chinese EVs at CES and signaling plans to enter the US market within 2-3 years.
- Geely owns brands like Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co., with potential US entry focusing on Zeekr and Lynk & Co.
- Geely is confident in navigating US tariffs and regulations, leveraging its global experience and existing US production facilities.
- Chinese EVs are noted for their quality, affordability, and innovation, challenging traditional perceptions of Chinese products.
- The US auto industry and government are criticized for being slow to adapt to EV trends and relying on tariffs.
- US consumer acceptance of Chinese EVs may mirror the initial skepticism of Japanese cars in the 1970s.

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#electric vehicles

If you own a Volvo EX90, you're getting a free computer upgrade

Danish authorities in rush to close security loophole in Chinese electric buses

2026 Nissan Leaf offers 300-mile range for $30k

China's EV Market Is Imploding

DFW deploys SIX new Striker Volterra Electric ARFF 6×6 fire trucks

Chinese EV makers accelerate robotics drive for 'game-changing' edge over US

Ignore the howls around pay-per-mile. We can't afford not to tax electric cars

The Only GM EV1 Ever Publicly Sold, and Where It's Going Next

Flush door handles are the car industry's latest safety problem

Ford teams up with Renault to make EVs that can rival Chinese brands

Ford Has Steered Its Former EV Truck and Plant Plans in to a Ditch

Tesla's 4680 battery supply chain collapses as partner writes down deal by 99%

China forecast to have sold one in every 10 new cars in UK in 2025

Tesla publishes analyst forecasts suggesting sales set to fall

China's BYD set to overtake Tesla as top EV seller

Tesla sales fall for the second year in a row

Tesla sales fell by 9 percent in 2025, its second yearly decline

VW is bringing physical buttons back to the dashboard with the ID. Polo EV

Volkswagen Brings Back Physical Buttons

Chinese auto giant Geely to announce entry into US EV market within 2-3 years