Solid-state batteries have long been seen as the next evolution in electric vehicle (EV) technology, offering greater energy density and safer performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has been working with battery firm Factorial to develop viable solid-state battery technology for EVs. After several years of collaboration, Factorial has announced significant progress in the form of its Solstice solid-state battery cell, which could potentially boost EV range by up to 80%…
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S is Jeep's first electric vehicle for the U.S. market, and according to CEO Antonio Filosa, the brand is not willing to rush it into showrooms if it is not up to their standards. In an interview with Automotive News, Filosa emphasized the importance of perfect quality over timing, stating that the electric SUV must meet the expectations of consumers. Built on Stellantis' STLA Large platform, the Wagoneer S is similar…
Lucid Motors, a major player in the electric vehicle market, recently announced plans to incorporate Tesla's North American Charging System (NACS) charge port on their upcoming Gravity SUV in 2025. This marks a significant development in Lucid's commitment to Tesla's charging infrastructure, with the initial deliveries of the Gravity SUV featuring a CCS charge port. However, there has been no confirmation on when the Lucid Air sedan will transition to a NACS charge port. ##…
Lucid Motors CEO, Peter Rawlinson, recently announced that the company has no plans to produce an electric pickup truck due to current technological limitations. Rawlinson emphasized the challenges of efficiency, battery size, and establishing a viable business case for such a vehicle. This decision marks a shift from his previous comments in 2020, when he hinted at the possibility of developing a pickup truck in the future. However, Rawlinson now believes that the current technology…
In a recent report by Reuters, it was revealed that Panasonic has completed the necessary preparations to begin manufacturing 4680-format lithium-ion battery cells at a factory in Japan. The company is currently sending sample cells produced at the factory in Wakayama to automaker customers for approval, with production set to start once approval is obtained. This move comes as Panasonic aims to supply batteries to Tesla, one of the chief proponents of the larger 4680…
Lucid Motors Reveals Teaser Image of Upcoming Midsize SUV Lucid Motors recently gave a sneak peek at its upcoming midsize SUV during the automaker's technology and manufacturing day. The company shared a teaser image of the crossover SUV on Twitter, known as X, announcing that production is scheduled for late 2026. Lucid also revealed that the vehicle will be priced at under $50,000 and will offer "leading technology and efficiency." The New Earth: Lucid's Electric…
Northvolt, a Swedish battery maker, is currently reassessing its strategic plans that may result in job cuts to reduce costs and scale back expansion efforts. The company has not yet finalized any decisions on workforce resizing but has decided to halt cathode active material production at its Skelleftea factory, necessitating the importation of materials for battery cell assembly. Despite opening the Skelleftea factory in 2021, it has not reached its full production capacity and has…
The European Union is planning to lower proposed tariffs on electric vehicles from Tesla and certain Chinese automakers. According to Reuters, the proposed tariff for Tesla EVs will drop from 9% to 7.8%, while the tariff for Geely will decrease from 19.3% to 18.8%. However, not all automakers will benefit from this decision. BYD, a Chinese automaker, will reportedly see no change in a proposed 17% tariff on its EVs. Automakers that did not participate…
Introduction: Volkswagen is recalling a significant number of its ID.4 electric vehicles due to defective door handles that could potentially lead to unexpected door openings. This recall affects a wide range of models assembled in Germany and the United States, with less than 1% of the affected vehicles believed to have the defect. In this article, we will explore the details of this recall and how Volkswagen plans to address the issue. 1. The Defective…
In a recent announcement, Volkswagen revealed that it will be recalling 98,806 of its ID.4 electric vehicles due to defective door handles that could potentially cause doors to open unexpectedly. The recall affects models from 2021 to 2024 that were assembled in Zwickau, Germany, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. While VW believes that less than 1% of the affected vehicles have the defect, it is still taking proactive measures to address the issue. ### Defective Door Handles…