Nissan Leaf now equipped with 20-kW bidirectional charger for US market.
Nissan Leaf owners now have access to a new, higher-power bidirectional charger option that allows for using their electric vehicles as mobile energy sources. This charger, known as the 20-kw Fermata Energy FE-20, has been recently approved by Nissan for use with the Leaf EV. In this article, we will explore the benefits of this new bidirectional charger, along with other relevant details for Nissan Leaf owners interested in this technology. The Approval of the…
Chevrolet absorbs BrightDrop within GM
General Motors announced that it will be integrating its BrightDrop brand, originally established as a separate entity focusing on electric vans for commercial fleets, into its Chevrolet division. This move will allow BrightDrop vans to be sold through Chevy's extensive dealer network, providing increased accessibility to customers. The vans will now be renamed as Chevrolet BrightDrops and will come in 400 and 600 configurations, offering up to 272 miles of range with the optional Max…
Volkswagen developing synthetic leather made from hemp
Volkswagen Collaborates with Revoltech for Eco-Friendly Leather Alternative In an effort to further reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles, Volkswagen has partnered with German startup Revoltech to develop a hemp-based substitute for leather upholstery. This new material could potentially be used in VW models by 2028, positioning the automaker as a leader in sustainable automotive design. Volkswagen claims that the hemp-based material can be easily produced at existing factories and is fully recyclable or…
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, with a combined MPG of 47, priced at $32,150 in 2025
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid mid-size sedan is priced at $32,150, which is only $235 more than the 2024 model. This price includes a mandatory $1,150 destination charge and applies to the base SEL grade. The Limited grade is also available for $38,600 with destination included. The current-generation Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was introduced in 2020 and received a refresh in 2024 with a new super-aero look, dual 12.3-inch displays, and enhanced regenerative braking. However, for…
Mini Cooper SE Recalled Due to Potential Battery Short Circuit from 2020 to 2024
Introduction: BMW is recalling Mini Cooper SE electric hatchbacks due to a manufacturing issue that could pose safety risks to the vehicles. With the Cooper SE being an all-electric version of the popular 3-door Mini hatch, this recall affects a significant number of vehicles manufactured from 2020 up to 2024. The recall is a result of faults in the battery packs that could potentially lead to short circuits and overheating, posing a risk of a…
Chassis Beam May Crack Leads to Recall of 2024 BMW i4
BMW has issued a recall for 1,150 i4 electric cars due to a potential issue with a part of the chassis that could compromise structural integrity. The recalled vehicles are all 2024 models, including the base i4 eDrive40, the i4 xDrive50, and the i4 M50. Reason for Recall The issue with the recalled vehicles involves a left-side longitudinal beam that may not have been manufactured to specifications by the supplier. This part could crack near…
The Ariel E-Nomad Concept: The Ultimate All-Terrain Sports Car
Introduction: British automaker Ariel has electrified its minimalist Nomad off-roader by revealing the E-Nomad concept, which features an electric motor and battery pack. The concept is based on the redesigned Ariel Nomad 2, which has recently been launched with a gasoline engine. The E-Nomad boasts a powerful electric motor, a 41-kwh battery pack, and sustainable body panels made from flax. Ariel is monitoring customer interest to determine if the E-Nomad will go into production and…
The 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 Offers 212 Miles of Range at $46,195
The 2024 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 electric crossover is set to offer up to 212 miles of range and will be priced at $46,195 (including a $995 destination fee) when it arrives in U.S. dealerships this fall. This launch follows Mini's announcement last year, where it confirmed the electric Countryman shortly after the redesigned crossover was unveiled at the 2023 Munich auto show. While the previous model offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain, this will be…
Volkswagen Electric Vehicles to Offer Video Games for Entertainment While Charging
Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe will soon have the exciting opportunity to play video games while they charge their vehicles. The automaker has announced that it will be adding the AirConsole gaming platform to certain models in select European countries, with plans to expand availability to more countries by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Unfortunately, there has been no discussion of U.S. availability at this time. ### AirConsole Gaming Platform AirConsole, which is…
Former Vinfast boss appointed as new CEO of Polestar
Polestar appoints a new CEO: Michael Lohscheller Polestar, the electric vehicle brand spun off from Volvo, has announced the appointment of Michael Lohscheller as its new CEO, taking over from Thomas Ingenlath. Lohscheller is set to begin his new role on October 1, 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous positions at Opel, Vinfast, and Nikola. His leadership comes at a crucial time for Polestar as it continues to establish itself…