Solid-state battery developer QuantumScape has provided further evidence that it’s the real deal in eventually achieving scaled cell production that could one day enable EV modules that are safer, charge faster, and go farther. In the YouTube video below, QuantumScape explains the design of its FlexFrame battery cell, which expands and contracts… similar to a beating heart.
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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
ZeroAvia is exploring cryo-compressed hydrogen to produce longer-range planes
Hydrogen-electric plane aviation technology developer ZeroAvia is exploring a form of energy-dense fuel to develop aircraft that can refuel faster and potentially fly farther. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with hydrogen tech startup Verne to co-develop the plane integrations.
Expand Expanding CloseLightyear shelves solar EV plans, hires executives to spearhead solar systems for other OEMs
Star-crossed startup Lightyear has finally thrown in the towel on attempting to bring its long-promised solar EVs to market – at least one donning its own badge and design language. The startup’s founding CEO, Lex Hoefsfloot, has been replaced as the born-again startup pivots toward solar panel development to be implemented on other companies’ vehicles. That, frankly, is just not as sexy.
Expand Expanding CloseHyundai will bring custom tuning to EVs with N Performance Parts line shown on IONIQ 5 N concept
During Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, Hyundai Motor Company offered a glimpse of a more customizable future for its “N” performance brand EVs. During the show, the Korean automaker unveiled the IONIQ 5 N NPX1 – a customized concept featuring several upgrades from N Performance Parts that will be available to customers in the future.
Expand Expanding CloseMercedes-Benz USA 2023 sales: Overall steady, but EVs surge by nearly 250% year-over-year
Ahead of its full Q4 report and 2023 sales breakdown, Mercedes-Benz USA has posted some of its sales numbers, which are encouraging overall, especially in the growing segment of BEVs, which saw nearly 250% growth year-over-year.
Expand Expanding CloseREE’s P7-C becomes first ‘x-by-wire’ EV certified in US, may qualify for up to $100k in incentives
Two years after first announcing its P7 EV platform, REE Automotive has achieved US certification for the first-ever vehicle that operates entirely through steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and drive-by-wire technology. Following the achievement, REE has begun deliveries of its P7-C electric truck.
Expand Expanding CloseVinFast (VFS) unleashes ‘Wild’ EV pickup concept, announces plans to sell VF 3 mini SUV in US
Vietnamese EV automaker VinFast set the tone at the Las Vegas Convention Center this morning, detailing the first product announcement of day one in the West Hall. In addition to officially launching its line of Drgn Fly E-Bikes, VinFast shared plans to sell its ultra-compact VF 3 globally, and pulled the sheet off a pickup truck concept called the VF Wild.
Expand Expanding CloseXPeng AeroHT’s ‘modular flying car’ will enter mass production, pre-orders begin in Q4
During a press event held during CES in Las Vegas, XPeng’s electric aviation business arm AeroHT shared new details regarding two of its “flying cars.” In addition to live demonstrations of its eVTOL flying supercar, XPeng AeroHT shared that its modular “Land Aircraft Carrier” will enter mass production.
Expand Expanding CloseHonda unveils two radical-looking EV concepts and new ‘H’ logo at CES 2024
This morning at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Honda as offered the public a glimpse into its future as an all-electric brand, unveiling two EV concepts as part of its new “0 Series” of passenger vehicles that will be sold globally. That will begin with a bespoke Honda model evolving from the Saloon concept you can see below.
Expand Expanding ClosePivotal begins US sales of the Helix – a light eVTOL that doesn’t require FAA pilot certification
Following the debut of the production-intent design of its Helix light eVTOL, electric aviation startup Pivotal has begun selling the personal aircraft in the US. The Helix is unique in that it does not require FAA pilot certification, opening the skies to a larger pool of potential customers… if they have the money.
Expand Expanding CloseKia introduces modular ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ strategy, teases several concept EVs at CES
Kia is kicking off the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 with some exciting news in a quest to go “beyond mobility.” This afternoon, Kia introduced its fully customizable Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) to provide businesses and individuals with modular, fit-for-purpose EVs. Kia also demonstrated the potential of its new PBV business by unveiling the Concept PV5.
Expand Expanding CloseVolkswagen begins integrating ChatGPT into its production vehicles
Volkswagen’s latest infotainment update rolling out to several of its ID EV models includes a popular new bot – ChatGPT. The German automaker kicked off CES 2024 in Las Vegas this morning with the announcement as it looks to make the chatbot a standard feature in a majority of its passenger vehicles.
Expand Expanding CloseEV competition heats up in China as Geely’s Galaxy brand launches E8 starting under $25k
Less than a year after its launch in China, Geely’s sub-brand Galaxy has begun selling its first all-electric model – the E8. Starting at a price below $25,000, the Galaxy E8 sedan looks extra sleek, and it touts some more than adequate EV technology, arriving as a genuine contender in an ultra-competitive Chinese market.
Expand Expanding CloseArizona’s first electric fire truck from E-ONE begins emergency services in Mesa
Over two years after announcing plans to develop and build an electric fire truck for the Mesa fire department, E-ONE has delivered the emergency EV, and it has begun operations in Arizona – the first of its kind in the state and one of the first in all of the United States.
Expand Expanding CloseFisker pivots to hybrid strategy of direct sales plus dealer partners offering ‘no haggle pricing’
Fisker Inc. has announced a new EV sales strategy that remains asset-light but can help boost sales of its flagship Ocean model. This morning, Fisker shared plans to adopt a network of approximately 100 dealer partners in addition to its direct sales model.
Expand Expanding CloseQuantumScape’s solid-state batteries pass latest test, could offer 500,000 km without range loss
One year after initial deliveries of solid-state battery prototypes to its automotive partners, QuantumScape is receiving additional praise from PowerCo – the battery-centric subsidiary of Volkswagen Group – for the potential of its technology. PowerCo recently completed an endurance test with QuantumScape’s solid-state cells and determined they can someday power EVs that can drive 500,000 kilometers with virtually no loss of range.
Expand Expanding CloseCostco members can save $1,000 on a new 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ for a limited time
Those Costco members who were hoping to see a shiny new Cadillac LYRIQ in the driveway this holiday season might have a second chance. The auto program of the famed wholesaler is offering discounts on select Cadillac models, including $1,000 off a 2024 LYRIQ… but only for a limited time.
Expand Expanding CloseRivian Max Pack doesn’t deliver much extra range in first real-world test, especially for $10K
Two months after Rivian started delivering EVs with its long-anticipated Max battery pack, we’ve seen our first real-world range comparison, and the results are… just ok. Despite over 50 miles more EPA range than the Large Pack, the first real-world tests show that the gap is significantly narrower.
Expand Expanding CloseChina’s Gotion High-Tech rolls first battery pack off its new US assembly line
China’s EV battery developer Gotion High-Tech continues its global expansion, celebrating its latest milestone in new technologies this month. Gotion rolled its first battery pack off its new assembly line near Silicon Valley – its first product manufactured in the United States.
Expand Expanding CloseAptera secures multimillion-dollar supply deal and investment for solar EV battery packs
As Aptera Motors looks to reach its long-sought scaled solar EV production milestone, it has secured a tier-1 battery supplier and a hefty investment from Korean manufacturer CTNS.
Expand Expanding CloseZEEKR launches 007 sedan for under $30K, 540 mile range, and over 50,000 pre-orders in place
Forty days after officially unveiling its fourth EV model and first-ever sedan, ZEEKR has officially launched the 007 with some noteworthy in-house technology. Starting at a price below $30,000, consumers in China have been lining up their 007 pre-orders… over 50,000 to be specific.
Expand Expanding CloseBYD looks to further electrify Europe, selecting Hungary for its first EV production facility
As Chinese EV automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) closes in on current global sales leader Tesla, a massive factor in its strategy includes expansions in the EU. Less than two months after BYD shared plans to expand passenger EV production to Europe, we now know that journey will begin in Hungary.
Expand Expanding CloseExtreme E shares 2024 Season 4 calendar, including its first-ever race event in the US
A few weeks after wrapping up the final X Prix race event of Season 3, the all-electric racing league Extreme E has posted its 2024 calendar for Season 4. A majority of the race locations around the world are locked in, including the season finally next fall, taking place on US soil for the first time ever.
Expand Expanding CloseToyota recalls over 25,000 bZ3 EVs in China due to inaccurate remaining battery estimates
Chinese joint venture FAW Toyota is issuing its second major recall on the bZ3 EV in eight months since it hit the market overseas. The company’s latest filing pertains to over 25,000 electric sedans built this year, some of which present incorrect estimates of remaining battery capacity, some even losing complete power without warning.
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