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Scooter Doll

scooterdoll

Scooter Doll is a writer, creator, and tech enthusiast born and raised in Chicago. When he’s not traveling the world offering the latest EVs reviews or insights, he’s probably rooting for his beloved Chicago sports teams (just not the White Sox). Please send any tips, suggestions, or most importantly, dog photos to him at scooter@electrek.co

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LIND is combining the artistry of crafting surfboards with modern electric drivetrains

A young marine electric mobility specialist called LIND is delivering a fresh take on watersports by combining the art of surfboard design with sustainability. LIND’s flagship electric surfboard, called Canvas, has hit the market and is the first of what LIND promises to be a series of “game-changing boards.”

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SkyDrive to bring more eVTOL air taxi services to South Carolina, home to its US headquarters

SkyDrive South Carolina

Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive continues to grow its order books and is now expanding potential air taxi operations in South Carolina, a state it chose as its US base last year. SkyDrive has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the state’s largest private jet charter companies, which includes purchasing up to ten SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft.

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Nuro expands L4 autonomous vehicle operations following several technical advancements

Nuro autonomous

Autonomous vehicle developer Nuro has announced it is significantly expanding the capabilities of its zero-occupant vehicles. Powered by the company’s AI-enabled Nuro Driver system, these Level 4 autonomous vehicles are now operational in two states, expanding in both deployment and capabilities on the road.

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Baidu- and Geely-backed JIDU brand unveils ROBO X EV that goes 0-100 km/h in under 1.9 sec

JiYue ROBO X

JIDU, aka JiYue, a Chinese EV brand focused on delivering all-electric “robocars” to the masses, has unveiled its latest model, and it’s quite a deviation from its previous EVs—but in the best way. Earlier today, JiYue launched the ROBO X supercar, designed for high-speed racing. By high speed, we mean 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 1.9 seconds. My mouth is watering.

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Here’s every electric vehicle that currently qualifies for the US federal tax credit in 2024

Electric vehicle tax credits

As sales of electric vehicles continue to grow in 2024, many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for a federal tax credit on electric vehicles. Whether your vehicle qualifies or not is a simple yes or no question, but the amount you may qualify for varies by household due to a number of different factors. Luckily, we have compiled everything you need to know about tax credits for your new or current electric vehicle into one place.

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Beta Technologies founder completes first test flight in its production-intent eCTOL [Video]

Beta test flight

All-electric aircraft developer BETA Technologies has shared another important milestone in bringing its first two vessels to market. Most recently, BETA’s founder, CEO, and test pilot Kyle Clark took the production version of its ALIA eCTOL up for its first flight, as seen in the video below.

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EV newcomer Xiaomi rolls its 100,000th SU7 off its assembly line… in a mere 230 days

Xiaomi SU7

We say it all the time. Scaling is hard. However, that doesn’t appear to be an issue for Xiaomi Automobile, the new EV business arm of consumer electronics giant Xiaomi Corporation. According to a recent social media post by Xiaomi’s founder, the automotive division has built the 100,000th example of its flagship SU7 EV in a blistering 230 days since its launch.

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CATL chairman is open to a US battery plant as long as Trump lets China join its EV supply chain

CATL US

CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is considering building a localized plant on US soil, but there’s a big “if.” The company’s chairman said he is open to erecting a US battery facility if President-elect Donald Trump paves the way, despite escalating a trade war with China during his first term.

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VinFast secures a $1.4 billion loan from parent Vingroup, plus another $2.1B from its chairman

VinFast loan

Vietnamese EV automaker VinFast has just secured more funding to continue its operations. VinFast has been offered a loan for billions more from its parent company, Vingroup, including a $2.1 billion “sponsorship” from the Group’s chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong. All this is to achieve a break-even point and cash flow balance by the end of 2026.

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Zoox begins testing its unique robotaxis in San Francisco

Zoox San Francisco

Autonomous robotaxi developer Zoox has shared its latest progress update, which includes expansions into its second commercial market—San Francisco. The company has begun testing its proprietary robotaxis in the region and already has some specific neighborhoods in mind where it will want to begin offering driverless rides.

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E1 shares season 2 electric boat racing calendar after Team Brady wins the inaugural championship

E1 racing calendar

Young electric boat racing series E1 capped off its inaugural season last month with the first championship going to a team led by someone who knows how to win – Tom Brady. As we approach the new year, E1’s focus is on season 2, and it has shared the tentative racing calendar, which includes seven Grand Prix events scattered worldwide, including a race in the USA.

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LG Energy Solution to provide Rivian 4695 cylindrical batteries produced in the US for the R2

Rivian-Q3-2024-earnings

Battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution just announced that its Arizona subsidiary has signed a long-term supply agreement with US automaker Rivian for 4695 cylindrical batteries. The cells will be produced at LG Energy Solution Arizona’s new standalone US facility beginning next year and will power Rivian’s upcoming R2 BEVs.

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XPeng Motors officially launches P7+ BEV starting at $26,150 and capable of up to 441 mile range

As promised, XPeng Motors followed yesterday’s annual Tech Day event with the launch of its next all-electric model, the P7+. The sleek sedan arrives priced below previous pre-order numbers and is loaded with AI-centric technology while providing multiple battery chemistries to offer varying ranges.

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Archer Aviation signs a joint venture with Soracle to bring eVTOL air taxi services to Japan

air taxi Japan

Japan is quickly becoming a hub for eVTOL and air taxi technology. This morning, Archer Aviation announced it is the latest sustainable aviation developer to sign a deal in the region and implement aerial taxi transportation, beginning with Soracle Corporation’s purchase of up to 100 Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

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XPeng 2024 Tech Day: AI chips, L4 autonomy, eVTOLs, humanoid robots, and… range extenders?

XPeng Motors celebrated its annual Tech Day event in China earlier today, which was renamed “AI Day” for good reason. The topic of artificial intelligence dominated the Chinese mobility company’s incoming technologies, which were abundant. We got updates on a new in-house AI computing chip, a new Xpeng platform to support Level 4 autonomous robotaxis, flying cars, and eVTOLs, a new humanoid robot called “Iron,” complete with an existential launch video, and a surprising adoption of combustion-powered extenders that deliver up to 970 miles of additional range.

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Aptera co-CEO hints at a return to crowdfunding as $60M raise with US Capital Global falters

Aptera crowdfunding

Aptera Motors is currently doing fine testing its first production-intent solar electric vehicles but has been very candid about its need for more funding to reach bonafide production. Its most recent SEC filing details slower-than-expected investments from convertible notes, and the startup’s co-CEO recently hinted that Aptera might revisit crowdfunding, seeking help from the loyal following that has helped it this far.

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Kia unveils two off-road concept EVs at SEMA: The EV9 ‘ADVNTR’ and a PV5 ‘WKNDR’ van

Days after teasing a major reveal at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Kia has unveiled two unique and custom-built EV concepts designed for adventure off-road. During the unveiling, we got a look at a new spin on the ever-popular EV9 SUV called the “ADVNTR” and a rugged take on one of Kia’s new purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), the PV5, called “WKNDR.”

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Voltari’s electric patrol boat offers government and security applications at over 50 mph

electric patrol boat

Marine electrification specialist Voltari continues to deliver some of the sleekest and best-performing electric boats on the market today. The company’s latest market entry is the Patrol 26 RIB, a carbon fiber electric boat with military-grade specs designed for security and government operations.

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