Scooter Doll

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solar EV startup Aptera Motors continued its welcomed level of public transparency today, posting another progress update video for February, offering some juicy details. Aptera co-founder Steve Fambro walks you through the first glimpse at the upcoming Aptera app, which promises several cool features; plus, we get a look at some Solar EV battery packs and some hints at how safe the production vehicle will be. You can learn more in the full video below.

Mullen Automotive announced it has begun road testing Class 1 electric vans equipped with solid-state polymer batteries alongside footage of the initial run. The energy-dense cells fit in the same pack design but offer a significantly higher range – even higher than Mullen anticipated.

XPeng Motors announced a massive milestone for its XPeng navigation guided pilot (XNGP) ADAS feature that enables self-driving in several scenarios. XNGP is now available unlimitedly on all roads, everywhere in China. That’s only part of it; XPeng also shared plans to expand the self-driving tech to other markets.

Following recent Q4 2023 results that relayed a miss on annual delivery targets, Vietnamese EV automaker VinFast continues to bolster its global presence with the help of distribution specialists. Today, VinFast and a local dealer network in the Middle East signed an agreement to bring the former’s EVs to the region.

Electric Sheep – an artificial intelligence and robotics company specializing in large-scale landscaping operations, has announced a new autonomous robot to its fleet – Verdie. This electric robot can work alongside Electric Sheep’s other products and landscapers to perform edging, trimming, and even blowing. Verdie also looks quite cute doing it. Check it out.

Who needs Volvo anyway? Shortly after co-parent company Volvo Cars announced plans to cut ties with Polestar, the EV-centric brand has turned to an all-star lineup of international banks for external funding totaling close to one billion dollars. Polestar’s other owner, Geely Holding, is still very much involved and will also help Polestar continue work to roll out its two incoming electric SUVs and beyond.

While Build Your Dreams (BYD) continues to gain global attention for its latest EV innovations, the Chinese automaker is targeting its home turf for its latest strategy. Earlier today, BYD launched refreshed versions of its flagship Han and Tang models, stoking an ongoing EV price war overseas by slashing the MSRPs of the updated models.

One week after announcing a 2024 refresh of its flagship 001 shooting brake was coming, Zeekr has officially launched the EV with better performance and pricing. Through these upgrades, the Chinese automaker looks to stay competitive in a competitive segment and double sales and deliveries compared to 2023.