VinFast’s founder has announced a new arm called V-Green to build EV chargers, focused on bolstering global access while prioritizing sessions for VinFast drivers, accelerating the Vietnamese automaker’s expansion into new markets.
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Scooter Doll is a writer, creator, and tech enthusiast born and raised in Chicago and currently based on the West Coast. 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
First drive in the Maserati Grecale Folgore SUV: Italian luxury is going all-electric and we love it
Italian luxury automaker Maserati is now entering its fourth year of its 100% electric strategy and sits on the precipice of launching its second BEV model – the Grecale Folgore SUV. I got invited to Southern Italy to take the Grecale Folgore to the road (and off the road) to see if the famed automaker’s niche for power and luxury translates to the all-electric age.
Expand Expanding CloseNIO confirms its new codename ‘Alps’ sub-brand is called ‘Onvo,’ and will target EVs for families
Days after leaked spy images revealed a new EV nomenclature, NIO has publicly confirmed its upcoming sub-brand will be called “Onvo.” Previously codenamed “Alps,” Onvo EVs will be designed and targeted toward customers with families. We’ve also caught wind of the new brand’s official launch date.
Expand Expanding CloseZoox expands routes, operational hours, and top speed of its bespoke driverless robotaxis
Autonomous technology developer Zoox shared its latest milestone in a blog post today, expanding its unique driverless robotaxi operations in California and Nevada. The growth includes a broader net of available autonomous routes, longer hours in different weather conditions, and higher top speeds… all without pedals!
Expand Expanding CloseNIO and CATL sign ‘win-win partnership’ develop longer-life batteries for EVs, swap stations
EV automaker NIO has announced an expanded collaboration with battery behemoth and current energy supplier CATL. Together, the two Chinese companies intend to collaborate through the research and development of long-life batteries to support future NIO EVs and battery swap stations.
Expand Expanding CloseBMW Charging adds Shell charger access for EV drivers in North America
BMW Charging has just launched in North America as an additional EV charger network powered by Shell Recharge. The newly expanded network gives BMW EV drivers access to over 100,000 chargers across the continent, easily accessible from the vehicle itself or an app.
Expand Expanding CloseIncoming 2025 Polestar 3 gains additional variants and now starts at a lower price
Just ahead of first deliveries in the US later this year, Polestar has introduced two additional variants of the 2025 Polestar 3 SUV, including a new base-level dual motor version that starts at a price of $73,400. Other updates include add-on packages that are now standard and eligibility for lease incentives.
Expand Expanding CloseThese commercial brands are testing Level 4 autonomous trucks through Plus partnership
Autonomous driving software specialist Plus has announced a long-term partnership with several commercial fleet developers under the Traton Group, including MAN, Scania, and Navistar, to deploy Level 4 autonomous trucks globally. Public road testing is already underway on two continents.
Expand Expanding CloseXPeng’s AeroHT flexes its eVTOL expertise, taking its X2 flying car to the skies above Guangzhou
As many eVTOL developers are gearing up for their first-ever flights, AeroHT continues to showcase why it’s one of the leaders in the segment. Earlier today, XPeng’s aerial arm conducted its first successful flight test in its all-electric X2 “flying car” eVTOL above the Chinese city of Guangzhou to test low-altitude scenarios for future transport and sightseeing routes.
Expand Expanding CloseAudi launches 2024 Q4 e-tron mid-model refresh with improved range, power, and charging
While some automakers are still introducing 2024 EVs, Audi is pushing out a mid-model refresh of the Q4 50 e-tron, called the Q4 55 e-tron. The Audi refresh includes several notable improvements on the performance and handling side, as well as faster charging.
Expand Expanding CloseRivian surprises us with a new EV model called the R3, smaller and more affordable than the R2
Weeks have been leading up to Rivian’s public unveiling of its new smaller electric SUV, the R2, today, but did anyone expect to glimpse another EV in the works? Following the debut of R2, Rivian followed up with the first images of a model to follow called the R3. Described by Rivian as its “take on what a crossover can be,” the R3 promises to arrive smaller and at a lower MSRP than the R2.
Expand Expanding CloseStellantis’ JV approved, gaining exclusive rights to build and sell Leapomotor EVs outside of China
Five months after signing a proposed joint venture with EV automaker Leapmotor, Stellantis has reportedly gained regulatory approval in China to continue its stake. This deal is the first of its kind for a Western automaker and gives Stellantis the exclusive rights to build, export, and sell Leapmotor brand EVs outside of China, and it is already mulling some exciting markets for them.
Expand Expanding CloseAudi to officially unveil new Q6 e-tron this month, promising to ‘Overtake your expectations’
After developing it for what feels like years now, Audi AG is finally set for a world premiere of the Q6 e-tron – its first EV model to debut on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co-developed with Porsche. Here’s what we know so far.
Expand Expanding CloseUber and Revel partner up to offer EV drivers exclusive charging discounts in NYC
Uber Technologies and charging provider Revel have announced a new strategic partnership in which the rideshare network will financially support the latter in expanding its charging infrastructure in exchange for exclusive charging discounts for its drivers. The perks will start in New York City with plans to expand Revel chargers and discounts to other major cities across the US.
Expand Expanding CloseREE closes $15M share offering, links with Airbus, and showcases demo EV at Work Truck Week
EV startup REE Automotive is off to a newsworthy week so far, dropping three separate updates regarding its business strategies and unique technology. In addition to a new collaboration to provide technology to aerospace developer Airbus UpNext, REE closed a public offering of ordinary shares this morning, totaling close to $15 million. Lastly, the public is getting its first public look at REE’s all-electric demo vehicle at Work Truck Week 2024.
Expand Expanding CloseMercedes-Benz launches branded ‘Wallbox’ charger across US, included with certain EVs
Mercedes-Benz shared that its new “Wallbox” EV charger is now available to customers throughout the US. The Level 2 home charger was designed in true Mercedes-Benz style and has internet-connected capabilities like remote functions and over-the-air updates. Specific Mercedes customers can receive a complimentary charger with an EV purchase.
Expand Expanding CloseNIO revenues up in Q4 2023, Alps sub-brand to launch in Q2 with a Tesla Model Y competitor
Chinese EV automaker NIO shared its Q4 2023 report today, followed by an analyst call that included some interesting updates about its plans for the year, expansion to new global markets, and the launch of not one but two EV sub-brands, including Alps.
Expand Expanding CloseValeo’s next-level video game lets you race through your EV’s actual surroundings in real-time
Global automotive supplier Valeo has unveiled a new extended-reality racing video game it will demo during SXSW 2024. Valeo Racer turns your EV into a participant in the video game, utilizing the vehicle’s ADAS to let you race through its surrounding environment in real time. Be sure to check out the teaser footage below.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle-backed EV charging startup Gravity opens fastest public chargers in the US
Gravity, a New York-based startup specializing in EV infrastructure, has opened a new public charging station, touted as the fastest in the US. With the ability to replenish up to 200 miles of range in a mere five minutes of charging, Gravity Inc.’s advanced technology will help get drivers back on roads more quickly, bringing the segment closer to time parity with traditional gas station visits.
Expand Expanding CloseDoroni unveils production-intent H1-X eVTOL, offering personal air travel up to 120 mph [Video]
Young urban air mobility (UAM) developer Doroni Aerospace is stepping out of the shadows and into the eVTOL startup with the official reveal of its flagship aircraft – the H1-X. The two-seat eVTOL was showcased during a livestream event today and is damn close to being market-ready, touting some impressive specs.
Expand Expanding CloseVolocopter gets green light to begin serial production of its eVTOLs in Europe
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) developer Volocopter announced its latest milestone today, sharing it has received a Production Organization Approval (POA) extension from the German government, enabling it to expand its production facilities and commence serial production of its VoloCity eVTOL air taxis.
Expand Expanding CloseCyberVan! Li Auto’s Mega MPV launches in China alongside ambitious EV expectations
Li Auto has officially launched its first-ever battery EV, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) called the Mega. Priced at over RMB 560,000 ($77,800), Li Auto expects the luxury minivan to be a top seller in its segment, contributing to its target of 800,000 vehicles sold this year.
Expand Expanding CloseFord Performance set to return to Pikes Peak 2024, climbing in a souped up F-150 Lightning
Ford Performance is returning to “America’s Mountain” to participate in the 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After reaching the summit in a modded-up electric SuperVan last year, Ford looks to make the climb again with a bespoke F-150 Lightning EV and has teased it in an interestingly sounding video below.
Expand Expanding CloseFisker Q4 report: ‘Substantial doubt’ it can continue, seeks investment from ‘large automaker’
Fisker has shared preliminary details of its Q4 and full fiscal year 2023 results, and they’re… not great. Revenue is up for the quarter, but cash on hand is dwindling, causing the American EV automaker to express “substantial doubt” about its ability to move forward. That said, Fisker Inc. has some negotiations in the works to gain more runway, including a potential deal with a large OEM.
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