Should future EPA rules incentivize more efficient EVs?

2024 GMC Hummer EV SUVAs the auto industry awaits an EPA proposal for the next round of emissions rules for internal-combustion vehicles, an environmental advocacy group argues that similar standards should be applied to EVs. The EPA has historically rewarded gasoline cars and trucks for being more fuel-efficient, but current standards count all EVs as having zero CO2...

Walmart plans its own EV charging network, Electrify America aside

Walmart announces plans for EV fast-charging networkWalmart plans to build its own EV fast-charging network, in what reads as an aspiration to create something much larger than what it currently has with Electrify America. The company on Thursday announced plans to install "thousands" of chargers at its Walmart and Sam's Club stores nationwide by 2030. That's in addition to almost 1,300 fast...

Lyft expands Green mode to order up EV rides exclusively

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVLyft is expanding its Green mode, which allows riders to specify an EV or hybrid, to additional cities beginning April 17. "We've seen an explosion of interest in EVs—and once a driver or rider gets into an EV, they're more likely to prefer them moving forward," Paul Augustine, Lyft director of sustainability, said in a company blog post...

Kia boosts global EV target, plans purpose-built robotaxi

2024 Kia EV9 GT-LineIn a presentation to investors this week, Kia announced plans to boost its EV sales targets and launch a purpose-built robotaxi. The automaker said it's now targeting sales of 1.6 million EVs annually by 2030—up from the previous 1.2 million annually by 2030 announced just last year. Kia also plans to have 15 EV models in its global lineup...

F-150 Lightning tax credit will remain $7,500 after April 18, Ford says

2023 Ford F-150 LightningFord on Wednesday confirmed that the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck and Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring plug-in hybrid SUV will be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit going forward, while all of its other current EVs and plug-in hybrids will be eligible for smaller amounts. Following the release of guidance from the U.S. Treasury...

Kia EV9 electric SUV confirmed for Georgia production in 2024

2024 Kia EV9The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV will be built at the automaker's West Point, Georgia, factory starting in the 2024 calendar year, Kia announced Wednesday at the 2023 New York Auto Show. The ramp-up will happen after the EV9 goes on sale in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of this year, with initial units likely sourced from South Korea. Full U.S...

Sila claims 20% range boost with silicon-anode battery tech

Sila Nanotechnologies Titan Silicon anode materialBattery firm Sila Nanotechnologies claims a 20% EV range boost, as well as faster charging, with its nano-composite silicon-anode battery tech, branded Titan Silicon. The company made that claim in a recent press release, adding that it has "a development runway to double those gains in future releases." Sila also claims its silicon anodes can...

VW plans to sunset gas and diesel VW Golf in favor of EVs

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary EditionVolkswagen is not planning new gasoline or diesel versions of its staple Golf hatchback, long Europe's bestselling car, as it looks to go all-electric, brand boss Thomas Schaefer told German publication Automobilwoche (via Reuters) Sunday. The move, which would end the internal-combustion Golf lineup after eight generations going back to 1974...

Wireless battery management could add EV range, downsize packs

LG Innotek wireless battery management systemLG Innotek, a unit of battery supplier and electronics giant LG, has introduced a wireless battery management system (BMS) it claims will boost EV range. Introduced in February, and first spotted by Charged EVs, the system is the first to marry wireless battery management with 800-volt electrical architecture, LG Innotek claims. The company aims...

GM BrightDrop electric trucks are headed to Ryder rental fleet

Ryder plans to acquire 4,000 BrightDrop electric vans through 2025Ryder will be the latest customer for General Motors' BrightDrop electric vans. The rental company on Monday announced plans to acquire 4,000 BrightDrop vans through 2025, with the first 200 to be ordered this year, according to a company press release. The first vehicles will be 2023 BrightDrop Zevo 600 models heading to rental fleets in...