As anticipated, China and its massive network of EV OEMs are not pleased with the EU Commission’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles. In retaliation, Chinese automakers have implored their government to increase tariffs on imported European cars.
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Scooter Doll is a writer, creator, and tech enthusiast born and raised in Chicago who splits time between The Windy City and western Michigan. When he’s not traveling the world offering the latest EVs reviews or insights, he’s probably rooting for his city’s beloved sports teams (just not the White Sox). Please send any tips, suggestions, or, most importantly, dog photos to him at scooter@electrek.co
Ford pulls sheet off the F-150 ‘SuperTruck’ it will race up Pikes Peak, complete with 1,400 hp
Last year, we saw Ford Performance race an all-electric “SuperVan” up the hill at Pikes Peak, but this year, it’s upping the ante with a souped-up version of the F-150 Lightning called the “SuperTruck.” SPOILER ALERT… it has a huge spoiler.
Expand Expanding CloseArcher Aviation signs landmark deal to operate eVTOL air taxis out of airports around the US
Blossoming eVTOL developer Archer Aviation has announced a signed Memorandum of Understanding with Signature Aviation. This agreement enables access to key hubs for United Airlines and a network of private airport terminals in the US to operate commercial air taxi rides using eVTOLs.
Expand Expanding CloseChina’s Leapmotor has commenced EV production in Europe at a Stellantis plant
A previously announced joint venture between China’s Leapmotor and Stellantis has begun building EVs in Europe ahead of local deliveries targeted this fall. Leapmotor’s entry into local production and sales overseas begins with a small EV called the T03.
Expand Expanding ClosePolestar (PSNY) is expanding its retail and sales footprint, will enter seven new markets in 2025
EV automaker Polestar has announced several expansion plans for 2024 and 2025 as its portfolio of all-electric offerings continues to grow and hit new customers. In addition to expanding its own retail footprint, Polestar is deploying new non-agency sales models and has announced seven new markets it will begin selling to next year.
Expand Expanding CloseLucid CEO says its Air has hit efficiency of 5 miles per kWh and ‘no one else is even close’
During a recent webcast at the annual Evercore ISI Global Clean Energy & Transitions Summit, Lucid Motors CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson shared some exciting news about the automaker and electric mobility in general. Earlier this week, a version of its flagship Lucid Air sedan delivered an efficiency ratio of 5 miles per kWh, which could soon translate to more affordable long-range models for all.
Expand Expanding CloseNIO launches EL8 in Europe amid looming tariff threats to Chinese-made EVs
Despite recently announced tariffs on Chinese-made EVs imported into Europe, NIO has officially launched its EL8 SUV overseas. It will initially be sold in five EU markets as NIO touts its commitment to sales in the region despite the looming threat of import fees.
Expand Expanding CloseGermany looks to keep the peace by halting or at least softening incoming tariffs on Chinese EVs
Just days after the EU Commission determined EVs imported from China have an unfair advantage due to government subsidies and responding with higher tariffs, Germany, one of the region’s largest automotive markets, has spoken against the decision, stating the imposed tariffs could hurt the success of local automakers selling vehicles in China.
Expand Expanding CloseAlpine kicks off its all-electric era with the A290 hot hatch EV that has video game style challenges
French automaker Alpine has launched its first EV model called the A290. This addition to Alpine’s small but sporty portfolio kicks off a lineup of BEVs to follow and comes equipped with some exciting features, including bidirectional charging capabilities, in-cockpit driving tutorials, and video game-like challenges you can complete.
Expand Expanding CloseMercedes-Benz is deploying 400 kW US-made EV fast chargers with CCS and NACS cables
Mercedes-Benz has announced a new agreement to deploy technology from European EV charger developer Alpitronic as the latter expands its presence in North America. Mercedes plans to install its new partner’s 400 kW EV fast chargers, built locally in the US, as part of a broader $1 billion investment to expand North American charging infrastructure.
Expand Expanding CloseArcher hits new eVTOL milestone, completing a transition flight that topped 100 mph [Video]
Archer Aviation continues to make developmental headway in its quest to commercial eVTOL operations. Archer recently completed a successful transition flight—one of the trickiest maneuvers to overcome in eVTOL design. The advanced air mobility developer filmed the entire journey, reaching flight speeds of over 100 mph.
Expand Expanding CloseChampionship electric go-kart racing is coming to the US this fall, and you can participate
Have you ever dreamt of becoming a professional racer? Maybe not stock cars, but perhaps you’ve smoked little kids at the go-kart track and thought, “Yeah, I could go pro.” Now’s your chance as the World Kart Association and Blue Shock Race are bringing an electric kart racing championship to the US, and racers of all experience levels are invited to join the fun.
Expand Expanding CloseAspark’s next evolution of the OWL Hypercar becomes world’s fastest EV at 438.7 km/h [Video]
There’s a new “world’s fastest EV” in town, and it’s a familiar name if you follow Electrek. Japanese car manufacturing and engineering firm Aspark has developed an upgraded version of its ultrafast (and ultra-expensive) OWL hypercar with the help of Italy’s Manifattura Automobili Torino and took the EV to the track where it clocked in at a top speed of nearly 439 km/h.
Expand Expanding CloseNissan schleps the LEAF along for at least one more year, 2025 models start at $28,000
Long live the LEAF! For one more year at least, as Nissan has begun sales of the 2025 model year LEAF. If you’re familiar with the veteran BEV, you find familiarity in this year’s models as virtually nothing new exists. Still, the LEAF’s starting price of $28,000 makes it one of the most affordable models available today… as long as you find somewhere that has CHAdeMO charging.
Expand Expanding ClosePowerHouse by Qmerit simplifies home electrification process and offers bidirectional capabilities
Noted energy solutions provider Qmerit has just announced a new suite of home electrification technologies and integration services that offer less grid dependency and potential monetary benefits. “Powerhouse by Qmerit” can help streamline the power equipment acquisition and installation process and combine everything into one holistic system, complete with vehicle-to-home capabilities.
Expand Expanding CloseXPeng surprises public with the official name of its first EV under new MONA brand before launch
Nine days before XPeng Motors is expected to launch its new AI-centric BEV brand MONA publicly, it has given the social media world a little appetizer by sharing the official name and first full image of its first model.
Expand Expanding CloseFirst ride on the Flite eFoils: Easy to learn and outrageous ‘flying’ fun out on the water [Video]
I have seen the future of sustainable water sports; my friends, it is good. I recently got the chance to take Flite’s lineup of eFoils out on the waters of South Carolina, and all I can say is, “What a feeling.” Watch me hydrofoil (and fall plenty) in the video below.
Expand Expanding CloseLotus shares ‘record-breaking’ Emeya charging time that is as fast as the all-electric hyper GT
As US consumers await deliveries of the first Emeya hyper GTs from Lotus, the supercar developer is touting its quick expertise in the BEV segment with impressive charging times. Lotus is hailing the Emeya’s charging speeds from 10-80% as a record breaker, but whether that’s true or not, there’s no denying the new hyper GT can be as fast at the charger as it is on the road.
Expand Expanding CloseGotion High-Tech selects Morocco as home to a new 20 GWh battery gigafactory
Over six months after detailing plans for a new 20 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery plant in Europe, China’s Gotion High-Tech has shared precisely where it will set up shop overseas – Morocco.
Expand Expanding CloseFisker Inc. bankruptcy looms as latest SEC filing shows it has defaulted on a $3.5 million loan
A recent 8-K filing submitted by Fisker Inc. is painting a grim picture for the EV automaker’s future. The filing states that Fisker failed to pay back a loan totaling close to $3.5 million last month, lowering a potential curtain on the second iteration of the company that is staring down the barrel of potential bankruptcy.
Expand Expanding CloseFirst drive with Mercury Marine’s electric Avator motors: A smooth, quiet ride (for small boats) [Video]
A major name in marine mobility is dipping its toe into all-electric motors – Mercury. The noted developer of marine technologies has launched its five initial outboards under its new Avator lineup of all-electric motors, and I got the chance to test each of them out in Charleston, South Carolina. Be sure to check out the video below to see just how quiet these electric motors truly are.
Expand Expanding CloseFactorial delivers 106+ amp-hour solid-state cells to Mercedes-Benz to validate for EV use
Seven months after shipping out A-samples of its 100+ amp-hour (Ah) solid-state battery cells to automotive partners, Factorial Inc. is sending more energy-dense B-samples to Mercedes-Benz. Through a joint development agreement with Factorial, Mercedes will further validate the next phase of solid-state batteries, moving one step closer to integration in future passenger EVs.
Expand Expanding CloseArcher Aviation receives FAA certification to begin commercial air taxi operations
One week after sharing plans to bring commercial eVTOL operations to South Korea, advanced air mobility developer Archer Aviation is touting a key milestone in the US. The eVTOL air taxi manufacturer has received Part 135 certification from the FAA – a vital certificate to begin commercial flights – and Archer is now one of two air taxi companies worldwide to confirm the receipt of one.
Expand Expanding CloseDongfeng Motor will utilize advanced humanoid robots to help build its vehicles in China
A subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Corporation has signed a strategic agreement with Ubtech Robotics, a leading smart service and humanoid robot company. As a result, Dongfeng will implement Ubtech’s humanoid robots into its vehicle manufacturing processes, joining a new era of next-generation mobility being assembled by next-generation robotic technology.
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