CATL improves cell-to-pack tech, claims advantage over Tesla 4680 cells

CATL at Frankfurt auto showBattery supplier CATL on Wednesday announced its third-generation cell-to-pack technology, claiming this new version produces more power than the latest Tesla battery tech. Cell-to-pack refers to the direct integration of cells into a battery pack, without the modules used in most current pack designs. CATL claims the latest iteration of this...

Sports car maker Lotus reveals a lightweight electric SUV

Lotus EletreLotus on Tuesday revealed the Eletre, its first SUV and one of several electric models planned to launch over the next few years. Previously known by its codename Type 132, the Eletre will start production later this year at a new factory in Wuhan, China, Lotus said in a press release. This will make it the first Lotus produced outside the United...

Kia EV9 electric SUV confirmed for 2023 in Europe: US timing later?

Kia Concept EV9Kia on Tuesday confirmed that a production version of its Concept EV9 electric SUV will launch in Europe in 2023, but it did not discuss United States launch timing. The automaker had already confirmed 2023 timing for the EV9 earlier this month, but it didn't clarify which market. Kia America could not confirm to Green Car Reports either a U.S...

USPS ups its order of electric mail trucks, amid continued controversy

USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle  -  Oshkosh DefenseThe United States Postal Service (USPS) is increasing orders for electric mail trucks, amid continued criticism of conservative electrification targets for the fleet. It's the latest development on a yearlong drama, after the postal service announced a long-term agreement with defense contractor Oshkosh Defense that planned on just 10% of trucks...

Vinfast plans to build EVs in North Carolina starting in 2024

Vinfast plant in Hai Phong, VietnamVietnamese automaker Vinfast on Tuesday announced a North Carolina EV factory, aiming to start production in 2024. First reported by local newspaper The News & Observer and subsequently confirmed by Vinfast, the factory will be located at Triangle Innovation Point "megasite" in Chatham County, near the state capital of Raleigh. According to...

Feds reinstate higher fines for automakers failing to meet mpg standards

2022 Ram 1500The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a rule reinstating higher penalties for automakers that fail to meet fuel efficiency standards, Reuters reported Sunday. In its final days, the Trump administration delayed implementation of a 2016 rule that more than doubled penalties for automakers that failed to meet...

Stellantis and LG partner for first large-scale battery plant in Canada

Teaser for Jeep EV due in 2023Stellantis and LG Energy Solution on Wednesday announced plans for a Canadian joint-venture battery plant—the automaker's first large-scale battery venture for North America. To be located in Windsor, Ontario, $5 billion Canadian ($4.1 billion U.S.) plant is scheduled to start producing batteries in 2024, and will have an annual...

More affordable Polestar 2 undercuts Tesla Model 3, at $47,200 for US

2022 Polestar 2 single motorThe new 270-mile single-motor version of the Polestar 2 will start at $47,200 (including destination) in the United States, Polestar confirmed Thursday. That base price undercuts the Tesla Model 3, which now starts at $48,190 for base version with a 272-mile range. Considering that Polestar qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and Tesla...

Coal rebound: Global CO2 emissions were at a record high in 2021

Coal-fired Nanticoke Generating Station, Ontario, Canada, now being converted to 44-MW solar farmGlobal energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose 6% in 2021, reaching their highest level ever due to increased use of coal power plants, according to new analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The increase in global CO2 emissions was the largest in history in absolute terms, more than offsetting 2020's pandemic-induced declines...

Filling vs. charging: Gas vehicles cost up to six times more than EVs

Charging station and gas pumpIn the United States, electric cars are cheaper to drive per mile the their gasoline counterparts, according to recent analysis from the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA). The advocacy group compared operating costs of EV and gasoline cars, including the average costs of charging and filling up with gasoline. As of March 2022, EVs...

Tesla delivers first cars from Giga Germany

Tesla Model YTesla has delivered the first cars from its new German factory. CEO Elon Musk handed over 30 Model Y Performance crossovers to customers in an opening ceremony at the factory, which is variously known as Giga Germany or Giga Berlin. First announced in November 2019, the factory is located in Grunheide, near the German capital. It marks Tesla's...

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EPA range numbers confirmed: Up to 320 miles

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning ProFord on Monday published EPA-estimated range numbers for the 2022 F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. While these numbers are only estimates, they indicate the Lightning will have somewhat more range than Ford previously promised. With the optional 131-kwh extended-range battery pack, the Lightning will have 320 miles of range in XLT, Lariat...

Americans are driving a lot less: Did we reach a gas-price tipping point?

Audi Traffic Light Information System, Las VegasWith high gas prices dominating the news, Americans have been driving less over the past few weeks, according to the data analysis firm Inrix. Last week, Inrix reported that nationwide weekday vehicle trips fell 2% for the previous week versus the week prior. There was some regional variance, with Midwestern and Southern states generally seeing...