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Scooter Doll

scooterdoll

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

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Lilium (LILM) inks new partnership to bring eVTOL jet rides to the South of France

eVTOL France

eVTOL jet developer Lilium has signed another pivotal partnership overseas that will bring aviation technology operations to the South of France and possibly other parts of Europe. The advanced air mobility startup is working with UrbanV out of Italy, and Aeroports de la Côte d’Azur forge to implement a vertiport network in the French Riviera, which could very well be the first region in Europe to enable regional eVTOL travel.

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Magna Steyr in discussions with several Chinese automakers to localize EV production in Europe

Magna net zero

Austria-based contract manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed that several Chinese OEMs are discussing the possibility of local EV production ahead of further sales in Europe. The decision may be swayed by the looming threat of tariffs Europe may impose on China as several automakers continue to expand to new markets overseas.

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Hyundai reportedly gearing up to bring hydrogen electric N Vision 74 supercar concept to market

Hyundai N 74

A recent report out of South Korea states that Hyundai Motor Group is beginning development of a new hydrogen fuel cell EV supercar based on its N Vision 74 concept from a couple of years ago. The Korean automaker is working on a development mule ahead of planned production in 2026.

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China threatens tariffs up to 25% on imports in retaliation for EU probe, US tariffs on EVs

EU China tariffs

Ten days after the Biden administration introduced a 100% tariff on on several categories of Chinese goods, including EVs, China has threatened to retaliate with tariffs on its own vehicle imports. Those threats are also targeted at the EU, as China’s Ministry is requesting the results of a recent probe while imploring Europe not to take the same action as the United States.

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Chevy Silverado EV RST first drive: Incredible range and power, but is it worth the hefty price? [Video]

Chevy is on the cusp of launching passenger versions of its all-electric Silverado EV, and I got to test out the First Edition RST before it hits the driveways of its first US customers. This Silverado pickup has tons of power and function with 440 miles of all-electric range to boot, but as much as the Chevy team got right on this one, plenty of aspects missed the mark. Peep the video below.

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Kia reveals full specs and launch dates of incoming EV3 compact SUV, but will it come to the US?

After months of teasing its new compact SUV, Kia has officially unveiled full images and specs of the EV3, and it looks like another winner from the Korean automaker. Launching later this summer, the EV3 takes much of the design and technology from its larger EV9 sibling and delivers it as a smaller, more affordable option to global consumers.

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Gravity to implement 500 kW EV charger ‘trees’ on US streets to grow network larger than Tesla’s

EV charger trees

NY-based startup and EV infrastructure specialist Gravity has launched a new line of universal EV charger “trees” it hopes will bring convenient charging sessions curbside on city streets. The deployment will start modestly, but Gravity is targeting a street charging network that is ” more expansive than Tesla’s current Supercharger network.”

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A company in Japan is offering unlimited EV charging nationwide for under $20 a month

unlimited charging Japan

As Japan looks to make all new passenger vehicle sales 100% electric by 2035, local companies are pulling demand levers to help expedite the process. One of those companies is ENECHANGE, which has just introduced a new unlimited flat-rate EV charging subscription that will be available to drivers throughout Japan.

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XPeng rolls out AI-powered OS with 2K pure vision ADAS, CEO promises L4 autonomous driving by 2025

XPeng AI

XPeng Motors is rolling out cutting-edge AI technology that it hopes will transform the automotive industry from “electrification to smartification.” The Chinese EV automaker held an AI Day event earlier today, detailing the impressive capabilities of XOS 5.1.0, “AI Tianji,” which it hailed as “the industry’s first AI-powered in-car OS.”

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We got to play ‘cops and robbers’ in the Chevy Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles [Video]

Criminals beware! The Chevy Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) is in the hands of the coppers, and it offers some serious torque and acceleration. We got the chance to not only get behind the wheel of this custom BEV for law enforcement but also ride along with some officers in a simulated chase. Check out the full video below.

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This year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb will see its first all-electric pace car: The Acura ZDX Type S

Pikes Peak pace car

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is just over a month away, and we’ve learned that the pace car will be all-electric for the first time ever. The Acura ZDX Type S will lead the annual 12.42-mile climb up Pikes Peak as the automaker continues its tradition in the pace position but with an all-electric spin this year.

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Aptera to close crowdfunding and begin Solar EV production with the help of a private financial group

Aptera crowdfunding

Solar EV startup Aptera Motors announced it is leaving its “crowdfunding nest” of sorts, putting a bookend on three years of its Regulation A offering to pursue private funding. The startup shared a deadline for public investors while it engages in discussions with private financial group US Capital to help (finally) get its solar EVs into scaled production.

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Rivian introduces YouTube App and Google Cast video streaming to the R1 infotainment system

Rivian YouTube

American automaker Rivian is upping the entertainment factor for current and future owners of its flagship R1 line of EVs. Today, Rivian shared it is integrating YouTube into its infotainment system, available for streaming on your vehicle’s center display. Additionally, the automaker is adding Google Cast capabilities, giving drivers and passengers the ability to mirror their favorite content in the EV from a smartphone or tablet.

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Stellantis, Leapmotor officially launch joint venture to sell Chinese EVs in Europe this fall

One week after reporting plans for a press event launching its new joint venture, Stellantis and Leapmotor have officially begun the new business venture together. The new JV, named “Leapmotor International,” will expand to sell Chinese EVs in Europe this fall, with additional markets to follow.

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DP World and Einride to deploy the largest autonomous electric truck fleet in the Middle East

Einride Middle East

Electric and autonomous freight specialist Einride is expanding on previous plans to deploy more commercial vehicle technology and infrastructure in the Middle East. The mobility company has partnered with supply chain solutions provider DP World to help make its fleet of 100 electric trucks operate more efficiently in Dubai before potentially going autonomous soon.

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EV newcomer Xiaomi is already developing a second model to compete with the Tesla Model Y

Xiaomi Tesla

Just over a month after launching its first-ever EV, smartphone specialist Xiaomi is reportedly well into the development of an encore model. Per the report, Xiaomi Automobile has already been benchmarking an all-electric SUV model against the Tesla Model Y and may be competing against it in the market sooner than you’d think.

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Big Willy style! Will Smith is the latest team owner to join the E1 electric boat racing series

Will Smith E1

Young electric boat racing series E1 continues to garner star power as it continues its inaugural UIM World Championship season. Actor, producer, and musician Will Smith and his team, Westbrook Racing, have joined E1 to compete against several other big names in sports and entertainment.

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NIO rolls 500,000th production vehicle off assembly line as the premium EV leader in China

NIO production

Chinese premium EV developer NIO celebrated a production milestone this week, rolling its 500,000th passenger vehicle off its assembly line at its F2 plant in Hefei. The company held a ceremony attended by NIO founder, chairman, and CEO William Li as it continues its reign as a leader in its given segment in China while simultaneously expanding globally.

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