Scooter Doll

Two weeks before the public gets its official debut of the upcoming EX30 small SUV, Volvo continues to trickle new tidbits of information to us to build anticipation. This morning, the automaker shared that the upcoming SUV represents its lowest total carbon footprint to date, reducing its environmental impact by a huge fraction compared to its current EV models.

Just over a month after introducing its first all-electric model in the EQS 680 SUV, Mercedes-Maybach has announced a new “Night Series” aesthetic for those who like black. These designs span across multiple Maybach models in addition to the EQS SUV and offer plenty of distinct and exclusive features inside and out. Hope you like the Maybach logo…

Rideshare juggernaut Uber has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with robotaxi developer Waymo, offering driverless rides and deliveries to customers across the former’s platform. The new partnership could bring massive scale to Waymo’s driverless tech, while offering an enormous pool of potential customers.

Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has received globally recognized certification from the United Nations to begin safely shipping its technology to customers around the globe. In turn, the company’s solid-state batteries move one step closer to automotive qualification for full-scale integration into EVs.

Niche performance automakers Lotus Cars and Renault Group subsidiary Alpine have announced that after two years, they are no long co-developing an all-electric sports coupe that was slotted to replace the combustion-dependent Alpine A110. Here’s the latest.

One month after debuting its new compact G6 SUV atop its latest EV platform, XPeng Motors has reportedly rolled its first production model off the assembly in China. The EV automaker previously promised a launch and deliveries this quarter, so the G6 could be arriving to customers soon.

Last November, Audi announced a rebranding of its flagship e-tron model to the Q8 e-tron, establishing it as its top-of-the-line EV model and solidifying its place in the c-segment without any more confusion. I recently got the opportunity to explore the added performance of both the Audi Q8 e-tron quattro and Sportback through the Redwoods and along the coast of Sonoma County in California. Here are my thoughts.

BMW USA just shared a model update for summer 2023 that includes two new EV variants consumers should see delivered before year’s end. First, BMW is introducing a lower priced all-wheel drive (AWD) version of its i4 Gran Coupe, plus a rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of the new i7 EV. Those models will also feature a new operating system from BMW called iDrive 8.5.

Veteran tire manufacture Bridgestone has launched its first EV-dedicated tire in front of a crowd in Southern California this morning. The Turanza EV is a grand touring tire designed to handle the heavier-torque of electric vehicles through all seasons. Several new Bridgestone technologies also make their debut on the Turanza tire, which will be targeted toward Tesla and Ford EV drivers to begin.

Electric vehicle conversion specialist Everrati has returned with yet another all-electric version of a celebrated Porsche 911 model. The company is now selling a new zero-emissions classic inspired by the Porsche 911 ST. It may not be a directly built upon existing ST models, but this conversion captures the essence of the limited run racing vehicle that inspired it, and delivers far greater performance.

Scottish EV startup Munro Vehicles has just doubled its all-electric lineup with a new pickup version of its MK 1 4×4 that debuted last year. Combined with the original MK 1, Munro’s orders for the pickup have already filled the automaker’s order book into 2025.

This year’s Cannes Film Festival saw a unique debut quite a ways away from the silver screen and out on the docks of Southern France. During the event, BMW Group Designworks and boat builder Tyde unveiled a new all-electric boat concept called The Icon. This electric hydrofoil is powered by BMW battery packs and represents a collaboration for the future of sustainability in the marine segment. Did we mention two-time Oscar winner Han Zimmer is involved too?

Battery swap startup Ample publicly unveiled its second-generation station design in San Francisco today. This next chapter in US battery swaps is the culmination of thousands of previous swaps performed by Ample, which has now cut its processes down to a mere five minutes.

Times of 0-60 mph simply aren’t enough when you get into the peak-performance, hypercar segment of electric vehicles. The Rimac Nevera has already done an excellent job demonstrating that it’s one of the highest-performing vehicles on the planet, but any doubt should now be dissolved as the electric hypercar smashed through 23 performance records – in just a single day, a record in it of itself.

Two years after announcing an initial partnership to implement EV battery swap stations together, NIO and Shell have opened their first station in Europe. The new location joins several swap stations already implemented in China, as both parties look to expand their footprint together on two separate continents.

During this year’s Automobile Barcelona, Spanish automaker SEAT Cupra further demonstrated its dedication to delivering an all-electric lineup while supporting its native country with new vehicle production. The company shared that its long-teased UrbanRebel concept has its official name – the Cupra Raval.

Three EU based asset management companies holding millions in stake in Toyota Motor have submitted a shareholder request that the Japanese automaker provide a comprehensive, annual review of its climate-related lobbying efforts. Never one to miss an opportunity to show cynicism toward a steadfast BEV future, Toyota has urged his other shareholders to vote against the proposal.

As flagship VF 8 models continue to make their way over to North America, Electrek was invited to VinFast’s first media drive event, and I was one of the first to experience the limited run City Edition SUV. While there is certainly room for improvement, VinFast is off to a promising start with the VF 8 – below are my thoughts.

VinFast Auto has formed a business combination agreement with Black Spade Acquisition Co. in hopes of finally achieving that IPO in the US it has been promising for years. If and when the transaction is complete, VinFast is expected be listed on the US stock market at an equity value over $23 billion.

Learning to ride an electric hydrofoil is easier than ever, thanks to Flite’s latest addition to its product lineup – the Flitescooter. Complete with removable handlebars, this entry-level foil mimics that of a scooter or bike and is designed for beginners, families, or those who simply wanna cruise the waters leisurely. Check it out.

A young tech company called Intramotev has developed zero-emissions freight mobility solutions that could help significantly decarbonize (and revitalize) a major industry in the US. Following a new $200,000 grant from the state of Michigan, Intramotev looks to deploy three of its self-propelled battery-electric railcars in the state later this year.

Two months into his term as the new CEO of Subaru, Atsushi Osaki is making some admirable changes that could soon benefit US consumers and our planet’s ecosystem. The Japanese automaker looks to ride a wave of massive annual profits into a new transition of bolstered EV production that includes at least four all-electric Subaru models.

Mere weeks after closing orders for its flagship EX90 SUV, Volvo Cars has announced a delay to the EVs production schedule, citing the need for additional software development and testing.

According to a recent filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, NIO intends to sell three existing EV models with expanded battery capabilities provided by solid-state battery developer WeLion. The filing matches with previous statements from NIO’s founder that consumers could see solid-state powered EVs this summer.