Scooter Doll

We are less than a month away from the official public launch of NIO’s new ultra-affordable EV sub-brand, Firefly, but before that happens, we’ve got our best look at the marque’s first model to date. Recent spy images in China captured a camouflaged look at the side profile of the new Firefly EV, which appears quite compact. See more below.

The Events and Transportation Department at UCLA has secured a grant from the state of California totaling nearly $20 million. The funding will be used to transition the university’s bus fleet to 100% electric vehicles, expand service, and fund California’s first in-road EV charging system with the help of Electreon.

Apollo Go, tech company Baidu’s autonomous robotaxi service, will reportedly expand its services to Hong Kong before the end of 2024. Hong Kong marks the next city in mainland China where Baidu’s robotaxis may be operational as the company continues to grow as the leader in autonomous public rides in the country.

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.”

NIO executives shared details of the Chinese automaker’s third EV brand, Firefly, as well as what the new marque will call its first model. The news comes about one month before Firefly officially launches in China during its parent company’s 10th annual NIO Day event.

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.

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.

US charging network EVgo has announced an expanded partnership with supermarket chain Meijer to install up to 480 new fast chargers at store locations across the Midwestern United States. Meijer has already installed EV chargers at over a third of its store locations.

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.

The State of Michigan has announced a new partnership with wireless EV charging specialist Electreon and Commercial EV manufacturer Xos, Inc. Together, the companies have secured funding from the state to expand wireless charging availability for commercial vehicles, including UPS trucks in Detroit.

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.

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.

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.

EV charging network EVgo has published its Q3 2024 financial report, which shows record revenue and tremendous year-over-year growth. EVgo’s growth has continued over the last eight quarters, seven of which saw a triple-digit increase in energy throughput.

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.

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.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has shared its new energy vehicle (NEV) sales numbers for October, showcasing that EV adoption is at an all-time high, surpassing September 2024, which was the previous record.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rideshare network Lyft has enlisted the help of self-driving and ADAS technology provider Mobileye to establish the widespread commercialization of autonomous vehicles to large fleet operators.

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.

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.