E-Mobility

GAC, whose Aion LX Plus was the first electric SUV to break the 620-mile range barrier, now has something in store for the more affordable standard range EV batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. Its new cells offer higher energy density, 2C charging rates, and better capacity retention in cold weather climates.

A 500-mile range in five minutes, that's what the new electric vehicle battery charging tech of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) promises. Besides the ultrafast charging abilities of its innovative cell-to-pack batteries, CATL also prides itself in their "16 years of service life."

After running out of track length twice, the EV performance modders from Ingenext managed to hit a record top speed with a hacked Tesla Model S Plaid on an airport landing strip. The car was fitted with performance breaks and tires and even then it took it the whole length of the track to stop after surpassing the top speed that Tesla promises.

Tern has released a new e-bike series, including NBD S5i and NBD P8i. The pedelecs have a top speed of 25 kph (or 20 mph in the US) and provide up to 118 km (~74 miles) range. An ultra-low step-through of 39 cm (~15.4-in) makes the vehicles accessible for many riders. Plus, the pedelec folds and can be moved or stored vertically.

The Specter 1 s-pedelec is available to pre-order. The e-bike has a top speed of 45 kph (~28 mph) in Europe and is road legal; the limiter can be removed in other markets, though the vehicle is not yet certified for non-European routes. The longer-range version provides up to 160 km (~99 miles), with an average range of 60 km (~37 miles) across the various models.

The Citroën ë-C4 X all-electric car has been revealed. The four-door model has up to 223 miles (~359 km) range, with regenerative braking technology and support for 100 kW fast charging. The EV has a top speed of 93 mph (~150 kph) and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (~100 kph) in 9.5 seconds.

The REI Co-op Cycles Generation e bike range has launched with two models, the Generation e1.1 and the Generation e1.2. Both pedelecs are equipped with reliable Bafang motors with a top assistance speed of 20 mph (~32 kph). The e1.2 has up to 50 miles (~80 km) range, with front and rear racks to carry luggage.

The MG4 Electric has been revealed, with a 2022 launch date for Europe. The rear-wheel-drive car has a range of up to 450 km (~280 miles) from a slim battery. The vehicle has a top speed of 160 kph (~99 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (~62 mph) in under eight seconds. The EV is being compared to the Volkswagen ID.3, particularly in size.

The BMC Roadmachine AMP e-bike series has been launched. All the pedelecs are equipped with a lightweight Mahle X20 Ultracompact Sport Hub Drive Unit; the lightest bike in the range weighs 11.8 kg (~26.0 lbs). The motor can assist you at speeds up to 32 kph (~20 mph), and the battery provides up to 140 km (~87 miles) range.

Creaky dashboard, panel gaps, rattling interior - one new Model S Plaid buyer begs to disagree with a new J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality Survey that showed Tesla's build quality actually improved year-on-year. It still sits at the bottom of the new US vehicles quality pile, though.

Tesla will be temporarily weakened by the effort to ramp up production at two new Gigafactories at once, said VW's CEO, and this will be Volkswagen's chance to catch up by 2025. Tesla just shed more than half of the jobs in its Autopilot office in San Mateo all the while Elon Musk complained about UAW's power over the White House.

Although Hyundai has finally revealed the final design of the Ioniq 6, the company has not disclosed the most important technical specifications of its upcoming electric sedan. The official EPA range, price and launch date of the South Korean EV also remain unknown at this point.

Cannondale has launched a new e-bike, the Moterra Neo EQ. The hybrid bike is suitable for commuting and off-road rides. The pedelec has a Bosch motor and battery, assisting you at speeds up to 25 kph (~16 mph) for 175 km (~109 miles). Plus, the Moterra Neo EQ has a built-in display, headlights and kickstand.

The Chimera BMX e-bike will launch this August. The company claims it has the highest power-to-weight ratio on the market, weighing 34 lbs (~15.4 kg) with a 5,000 W engine. The motor can assist you at speeds up to 35 mph (~56 kph) and hit 30 mph (~48 kph) in 4.5 seconds.

Volkswagen has now officially elaborated on teasers of a concept car known as the ID. AERO. The company has affirmed that it is to be a real-life vehicle and will, despite initial hints at Chinese-market exclusivity, eventually be rolled out worldwide. Some more prospective specs and design features of the upcoming 'e-Passat' have also now been shared.

A crowdfunding campaign for the Morfuns Eole X folding e-bike has begun. The pedelec can be powered by a 350 W motor that can assist you at speeds up to 25 kph (~17 mph). The bike’s battery provides up to 115 km (~71 miles) of assisted range. The Eole X can be folded in 10 seconds and weighs 19 kg (~42 lbs).

Toshiba has revealed new LiDAR technology in the form of a palm-sized projector, measuring 71 cm³ (~4.3-in³). The device can be used to increase the detection range of an autonomous vehicle to 300 m (~984 ft). The company claims that the system can accurately read road conditions for a safer driving experience.

Qualcomm asserts that its latest radiofrequency front-end (or RFFE) solution is the ideal companion for an up-to-date mobile modem, as it confers the new spec of "5G/Wi-Fi coexistence" on a given device, as well as battery savings and improved performance. It is compatible with smartphones - as well as other use-cases such as IoT, VR headsets and in-car systems for the first time.

Aiways overseas CEO, Alex Klose, has pledged to launch the U5 electric SUV in the UK within the next 12 months. The EV is already available in 14 European countries, including the Netherlands and France, starting from €38,275 (~US$40,446). The SUV has a 150 kW motor and up to 255 miles (410 km) range.

The Renault Megane E-Tech electric SUV is now available to order in the UK. Three trim models are available with pricing starting from £35,995 (~US$44,247). The EV has up to 280 miles (~451 km) range and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 7.5 seconds, thanks to a 160 kW 220 hp motor.

After problems with the rear motor of the Model 3 delivered from the Gigafactory in Shanghai, now the Model Y may be suffering the same issues. Those who are waiting on their Model Ys assembled at Giga Berlin are reporting order delays or cancellations precisely on account of drive units delivered from Giga Shanghai.

The Blaupunkt Enno Fat Folding E-bike is a new pedelec from the brand. The bike has wide 20-in tires for a comfortable ride. A rear-mounted motor can assist you at speeds up to 25 kph (~16 mph) for around 80 km (~50 miles). The pedelec folds in multiple places, with foldable pedals and handlebar.

State Bicycle Co. has launched its first e-bike, the 6061 eBike Commuter. The pedelec can assist you at speeds up to 20 mph (~32 kph) for up to 100 miles (~161 km). The commuter bike weighs around 38 lbs 13 oz (~17.6 kg) and can recharge fully in 3.5 hours. A backlit display is fitted to the e-bike as standard, with optional add-ons available,

The Gravital eGravel bikes are now on general sale. The lightest pedelec in the range, the UL 1 Ltd, weighs just 13 kg (~29 lbs). Each bike is fitted with a Fazua Ride 50 system, with a 250 W motor and 252 Wh battery. The motor can assist you at speeds up to 32 kph (~20 mph) for up to 80 km (~50 miles).

With an impressively efficient average consumption of 7.5 miles per kWh, the Mercedes Vision EQXX electric concept car managed to drive from southern Germany to the United Kingdom on just a single charge of its 100 kWh battery.

The largest EV battery maker CATL just unveiled its long-teased Kirin battery that uses an innovative cell-to-pack technology to achieve the world's highest volume utilization. The packs are superior to Tesla's 4680 battery by offering higher energy density and better cooling in the same footprint.

Toyota is recalling 2,700 units of the all-electric bZ4X over concerns that the tires could fall off. The issue is caused by hub bolts which can loosen with sharp turning or braking. The company is working to fix the problem, though no timings have been provided. In the meantime, customers are asked not to drive their new car.

After Chinese government official resort gatherings, now the German police premises in Berlin want to ban Tesla's electric vehicles from entering the department's perimeter. The reasoning is that cameras on Teslas constantly record their surroundings and send the footage to a foreign country.

Volkswagen has confirmed it has plans for an upmarket, variant of the all-electric ID. vehicle line. The AERO is in fact being teased as a flagship of the series, although it is only aimed at one market. Then again, it only exists as design sketches showing a car of a long, flowing silhouette with hallmark e-VW accents.

Corporate fleet cars are often used for private purposes and the safeguards that the Chinese state has put in place to ensure they aren't have caught Tesla customers by surprise. Instead of warning them upfront or eat the difference, as other EV makers did, Tesla simply sent messages that government subsidies have to be returned.

Transition has unveiled the Relay, a 2-in-1 bike that combines a mountain bike and an e-bike. A Fazua Ride60 system can assist you with electric power, and you can detach the motor to ride the bike in analog without the additional weight. The company claims that the bike is much lighter than other e-bikes, though it has not confirmed the exact weight; the full specification will be revealed closer to the Spring 2023 launch.

Decathlon has unveiled a new concept bike, the Magic Bike or B’TWIN Concept_01, designed for commuters. An electric motor can assist you at speeds up to 25 kph (~16 mph) for up to 90 km (~56 miles). Other features of the pedelec include an automatic gear system, Keyless Go and an alarmed kickstand.

Toyota has unveiled the O-Uchi Kyuden battery storage system, designed for use in the home. While you can use the gadget daily, it could be advantageous in a power cut. The device has a rated capacity of 8.7 kWh and a rated output of 5.5 kWh. Plus, you can use an intelligent photovoltaic system to regulate your energy consumption at different times of day.

Honda launched its second affordable electric SUV, the e:NP1, that offers up to 320 miles of range on a charge and whose basic model starts from just US$26,160. The company aims to occupy the affordable EV niche by offering several sub-US$30,000 electric vehicles by 2027, and the e:NP1 is a step in that direction.

Xiaomi has revealed the Electric Scooter 4 Pro with 45 km of range and a 25 km/h top speed. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro will be orderable later this year, with prices starting at €799 in Europe.

The ban in the Beidaihe district has presumably been imposed due to an upcoming meeting of high-ranking politicians, who still seem to be afraid that Teslas and their integrated cameras could be utilized to spy on the Chinese government.

Honda start-up Striemo has unveiled a three-wheeled e-scooter of the same name. The micro-mobility vehicle has a top speed of 25 kph (~16 mph) and can travel up to 30 km (~19 miles) between charges. A balance aiding mechanism provides stability, making it hard for you to fall off the scooter, even at lower speeds.

New research suggests that Volkswagen will overtake Tesla as the world's largest producer of electric vehicles by 2024. The German company is already the top EV manufacturer in Europe, with new models such as the ID. Buzz launching this year. Tesla remains the number-one electric vehicle maker in the US, claiming 75% of sales in the first three months of this year.

Skarper has unveiled its e-bike conversion kit to transform a regular bike into a pedelec. The DiskDrive replaces the rear disc rotor and can assist you for up to 60 km (~37 miles) at speeds up to 32 kph (~20 mph). You can easily detach the motor, and a switch on the gadget lets you quickly turn the pedal assistance on or off.

Toyota has announced that its Compact Cruiser concept all-electric vehicle has won the 2022 Car Design Award. Plus, new images of an actual car model have been released. The off-road EV has strong body sections and a built-in ladder and roof rack. Toyota says it has designed the lifestyle-focused car for young city dwellers.

German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest has pitted nine SUV e-bikes against each other in a recent test. Seven of the nine pedelecs were rated as ‘good’, and the overall winner was the KTM Macina Aera 671 LFC. The e-MTB is powered by a Bosch motor, assisting you at speeds up to 25 kph (~16 mph).

CharIN's new Megawatt Charging System for heavier electric vehicles like long-haul trucks, buses, planes, or ferries, that has been years in the making, is now standardized. The Tesla Semi might be taking advantage of the new MCS standard, while Teslas and other electric cars will be able to charge at the initial 1MW stations, too.

The Hummer EV is the stalwart GMC extra-wide, 9,000lb truck made electric. It currently starts for just over US$80,000 in the US - however, according to the latest report, it is set to get even more expensive than that imminently. Its alleged new mark-up seems to have no effect on its availability, however.

Audio companies Dolby and Dirac have partnered on an in-car vehicle experience. Dirac algorithms optimize the sound for the speaker and vehicle layouts, while Dolby Atmos brings 3D audio. The technology will be used first in the NIO ET7, which will be available in Europe later this year.

The smart/electric car conglomerate Geely has now acquired a major share in the OEM Meizu, thus cementing rumors that the owner of Volvo, Polestar and other brands has an interest in smartphones as well. The merger may prove a lifeline for Meizu, which has fallen far behind others such as Xiaomi and OPPO as of late.

XPeng is preparing to line up major highways with the company's groundbreaking 480kW chargers that can top up its electric vehicles to 80% in just 12 minutes. The electric carmaker's CEO is now predicting that the 'disruptive' fast charging technology will increase electric vehicle uptake significantly, as families will no longer have to maintain two cars.

Kia has announced that it will showcase the EV6 GT all-electric vehicle later this month at the Goodwood Festival of speed. The car has 577 bhp, a top speed of 162 mph (~260 kph) and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (~100 kph) in 3.5 seconds. You currently can pre-order the car in the UK with deliveries starting this December.

The chief engineer of the bZ4X, Daisuke Ido, has revived rumors that Toyota could release a GR Sport performance version of the electric SUV. The company showed a bZ4X GR Sport concept earlier this year; now, Ido suggests that the company is discussing a production model. The standard bZ4X launched in the UK earlier this month with a 150 kW drivetrain.

While the outrageous delivery times for a new Tesla are getting shorter, the prices of its cars across the board are getting higher. Tesla just did another round of price increases, ranging from US$2,000 for the Model Y Performance version, to the whopping $6,000 more for the Long Range Model X.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the 2022 EQB SUV will start from US$54,500 in the US, with deliveries to dealerships expected this summer. The EV offers up to 257 miles (~414 km) of range and can charge from 10 to 80% via 100 W fast charging in 32 minutes. Two optional trim levels will be available alongside the base model.