About the Author
Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports.
Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at scooter@9to5mac.com
July 30
Commercial EV manufacturer Lion Electric has announced that Vermont energy provider Green Mountain Power will purchase two of its all-electric heavy duty trucks. The purchase includes a Lion8 bucket truck for line crews and a Lion6 truck for electrical maintenance crews in the field.
July 29
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Indonesia to manufacture BEV batteries in the country through a new joint venture (JV). As part of the JV, Hyundai and LG will invest a total of $1.1 billion in the construction of a battery plant in Karawang, near the country’s capital of Jakarta.
During its “Tech Zone” online launch event, global battery maker CATL introduced its first-generation sodium-ion battery, as well as an AB solution that integrates both sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells into one pack. While this first generation of sodium-ion cells is not here to overtake traditional lithium-ion batteries, they do present a number of benefits for charging, maintaining energy, and helping to promote cleaner energy.
July 28
Chinese EV manufacturer GAC Aion showcased its new charging technologies while claiming charge speeds closer to filling up a tank of gas than charging up an EV. With 3C and 6C versions showcased during its Technology Da,y GAC Aion’s upcoming Aion V EV could charge at lightning fast rates without damage to the battery.
When thinking about a future electric vehicle purchase like a Tesla, your first thought might be, “how much does a Tesla cost?” Well, we’ve already covered that for you. If you’re like many people and are new to the world of electric vehicles, your next question might be, “how much does it cost to charge a Tesla?”
Excellent question, it costs $10. Just kidding, it’s unfortunately not that cut and dry. Below is a detailed breakdown of the factors that contribute to the cost of EV charging and easy ways to estimate how much you may pay to charge your next electric vehicle, regardless of make or model.
July 27
A battle is emerging in the world of transportation – the electric vehicle (EV) vs. the internal combustion engine (ICE). Soon you’ll have to choose sides, so it’s vital that you’re fully informed.
We’re here to help with that decision by offering context to consumers, whether you’ve never been near an EV or if you’re an expert. Below is breakdown of how far you can travel in each state on $100 in an EV vs. an ICE vehicle.
Tesla has updated its website configurator for the upcoming Model S, to reflect delivery delays on both the Long Range and Plaid trims for new customers. The Long Range Model S especially faces a massive delay, now estimated to arrive in February or March of 2022.
In a letter to shareholders recapping Q2 of 2021, solid-state battery manufacturer QuantumScape has offered some exciting updates surrounding its solid-state battery technology. In addition to making progress on its pre-pilot manufacturing facility, the company is also developing and testing multiple layered versions of its solid-state batteries as part of a timeline for scaled production in the next several years.
A team at University of Science and Technology of China has developed a new material that could potentially help lower the production costs of solid state lithium batteries and accelerate their commercialization into EVs. The new material, lithium zirconium chloride, offers a reduced material cost and necessary performance, all while remaining stable.
July 26
If you’ve been watching the Olympics in Tokyo this week, you may have noticed several commercials from Toyota, a major sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Several of the spots feature futuristic prototypes from Toyota, including the LQ concept EV. Yes, Toyota actually made an EV, albeit just a concept.
Swedish EV automaker Polestar has shared big plans for expansion by promising to double its global presence from nine to 18 markets. Furthermore, Polestar has also shared plans to double its retail presence to 100 operational locations, all before the end of 2021.
Lucid Motors has opened the mystery boxes that began popping up around NYC last week to reveal its upcoming Air sedan. The move is a kickoff to an ad campaign celebrating the recently approved SPAC merger with Churchill Capital Corp. IV (CCIV) to build hype around the flagship EV from Lucid set to deliver sometime this year.
July 23
AC Cars, one of the oldest independent automakers out of the UK, is on the verge of delivering the first electric version of its classic Series 1 Cobra to customers. The AC Cobra was a legendary two-seater sports car in the 1960s that has found new life with an electric powertrain. AC Cars has now combined its famed history with its future, as the next chapter goes electric for the renowned marque.
Zero-emission technology company REE Automotive has named Austin, Texas, the new home to its US headquarters. The Israel-based e-mobility company now looks to capitalize on a growing market in North America by opening an HQ in The Lone Star State, alongside an Integration Center for the assembly and testing of its proprietary technologies.
After days of both sides rallying stockholders to exercise their vote, the SPAC merger between Lucid Motors and Churchill Capital Corp IV (CCIV) has been approved. The closing of this long-anticipated merger is expected to close later today, and Lucid Motors is expected to trade on Nasdaq next week under the ticker symbol “LCID.”
July 22
EV startup Arrival has announced it has been chosen as a partner by the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) to replace Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) buses currently operating in Anaheim, California, with Arrival’s zero-emission battery-electric buses. The transition will be funded by a $2 million grant awarded to Anaheim by the US Federal Transportation Administration (FTA).
Fisker Inc. has recently shared plans to debut its upcoming Ocean SUV during the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, taking place this November. Furthermore, the born-again EV automaker has also shared a timeline for global “Brand Experience Centers,” set to roll out in the US and Europe in 2022.
July 21
XL Fleet has announced a partnership and investment in eNow, a solar and battery power system provider, to power electrified refrigerated commercial trailers. Under the terms of the agreement, XL Fleet will supply battery and power electronics systems for the first 1,000 units of eNow’s electric Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs), designed for Class 8 commercial trailers.
Whether you’re a new or veteran Tesla owner, you’re hopefully aware of how and where to charge your Tesla, especially on its ever-growing Supercharger network. Especially if you’ve had your Tesla for a few years, you have – or still do – qualify for free Supercharging from Tesla. Here are the best ways to determine whether you or your Tesla model still qualify for free charging.
As more and more consumers make the green decision to forego their combustion engines for electric vehicles, they may not be as in tune with charging standards. kW, voltage, and amps might sound like jargon compared to miles per gallon, but these are essential units to understand to get the most efficiency out of your shiny new EV.
Let the following serve as a guide, offering all you need to know about the various charging options out there and how they differ.
