EV Archives

Trump team seeks to ease regulations on self-driving cars

November 18, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump’s team is looking to relax federal regulations for self-driving cars, a move that could reshape the transportation landscape. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is poised to benefit from these changes, as his company has bet big on autonomous vehicle technology.

Trump’s transition team is exploring legislative measures to ease restrictions on deploying self-driving vehicles, sources familiar with the plans said.

Current rules limit manufacturers to only deploy 2,500 vehicles annually under exemptions. However, proposed changes could dramatically increase that number, paving the way for Tesla’s vision of a driverless “robotaxi” fleet.

President-elect Trump has created the Department of Government Efficiency. — Getty Images

Tesla’s stock has surged in response, jumping 7% in pre-market trading Monday, Nov. 18, and gaining 28% since Election Day.

Investors are optimistic about Musk’s ability to influence policy, especially after his recent appointment to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a new Trump administration initiative aimed at cutting regulations and reducing bureaucracy.

"I, Robot" director Alex Proyas accuses Tesla of copying sci-fi robot and vehicle designs for its new autonomous products, sparking debate. — Tesla

Musk’s Cybercab concept, a $30,000 two-seater vehicle without steering wheels or pedals, is central to Tesla’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. However, competition from Google’s Waymo and unresolved regulatory hurdles remain challenges for the company.

While Trump’s team hasn’t finalize plans, discussions include naming policy leaders with experience in transportation innovation, such as former Uber executive Emil Michael.

Bipartisan legislative efforts to regulate self-driving vehicles have repeatedly stalled in Congress but Trump’s return to the White House could revive momentum for federal action.

Campaign surrogates are often rewarded with prominent cabinet positions. But Elon Musk stands to lose a lot more if he enters government life. — Getty Images

Musk’s growing alliance with Trump has sparked both excitement and concern. Critics warn about potential conflicts of interest, while supporters believe this collaboration could accelerate advancements in technology and infrastructure.

GM beats Q3 forecasts, raises 2024 profit outlook

October 22, 2024

General Motors posted a stronger-than-expected profit in the third quarter of 2024, boosting its outlook for the full year. Despite challenges from last year’s United Auto Workers strike, GM’s revenue rose by more than 10%, and the company is on track to achieve record profits.

GM reported an adjusted profit of $3.4 billion for the third quarter, an increase from $3.2 billion in the same period in 2023.

The company’s revenue climbed to $48.8 billion, surpassing expectations by nearly $800 million. North American customers paid an average of nearly $50,000 per vehicle, highlighting a rise in average transaction prices.

GM’s strong earnings come in contrast to its performance in China, where the automaker lost $137 million in Q3, due to a 37% drop in sales.

Chinese competition has significantly impacted what was once GM’s largest market. In the electric vehicle space, GM captured 6.6% of the U.S. market in Q3, but Tesla still leads with 48.2% of EV sales.

With shares up over 40% in 2024, GM expects its full-year earnings to top last year’s record.

Carmakers locking basic features behind paid subscription services

October 14, 2024

Car manufacturers are facing mounting criticism for locking hardware features behind paywalls, prompting some to reconsider the controversial practice. Brands like BMW and Tesla have received backlash from consumers over charging extra fees for features such as heated seats or extended battery range, despite these features being built into the vehicle.

Initially introduced as a way to generate recurring revenue, these hardware-based subscription models have proven unpopular. Automakers are now shifting focus toward software-based services, which consumers are more willing to pay for, such as enhanced navigation or unlimited electric vehicle charging.

Mazda reignited debate with its remote start feature being locked behind a subscription package called ‘Connected Services,’ which costs $120 per year.

The automotive industry continues looking for new ways to replace revenue from traditional maintenance and repair services, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. As a result, experts predict a continued shift towards subscriptions that offer value without charging for hardware that is already in the car.

China raises tariffs on European brandy in response to EU’s EV duty hike

October 8, 2024

China has raised tariffs on European brandy imports as part of its response to the European Union’s new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes after the EU approved duties of up to 45% on Chinese EVs.

The EU accuses Beijing of providing subsidies that artificially lower prices and create an unfair advantage for Chinese automakers over European brands.

In retaliation, China has increased tariffs on European brandy by as much as 39%, a decision that could impact some EU liquor brands, particularly those based in France. Chinese officials said preliminary findings of an anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy imports had determined that they “substantially damaged or threatened” China’s own domestic sector.

“I find these measures incomprehensible. There is no justification for them,” French Junior Trade Minister Sophie Primas responded in a statement. “We are very disappointed by this announcement, which goes against the commitment made by President Xi during his visit to France.”

China is the second-largest importer of brandy from the European Union, representing a market for the alcohol valued at over $1.5 billion. France, which backed the EU’s tariff increase on Chinese EVs, is expected to bear the brunt of China’s responding duty hike, as it accounted for 99.8% of the EU’s brandy exports to China last year.

“This announcement clearly shows that China is determined to tax us in response to European decisions on Chinese electric vehicles,” the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac, a French industry group, said in a statement.

The Chinese government’s response may not stop at brandy. A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that officials are also considering increasing tariffs on European large-engine car imports, signaling further potential measures in the escalating trade tensions.

Uber, Waymo unleashing fleet of self-driving taxis in Atlanta, Austin next year

September 13, 2024

Uber and Waymo announced the expansion of their partnership on Friday, Sept. 13, which will involve the release of a fleet of robotaxis in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, by early 2025. Riders will be able to get the autonomous taxis only through the Uber app, according to the press release.

The vehicles used for the service will be the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles that the companies say will “grow to hundreds over time.” However, the exact number of vehicles that will be on the streets of Austin and Atlanta has not yet been revealed.

The two companies called the relationship “mutually beneficial.” They said Uber will handle fleet management like repairing and cleaning the cars, while Waymo will oversee testing and operation of “Waymo Driver,” as well as handling roadside assistance and rider support. The two companies did not share how they would split profits.

The companies have not always been friendly with each other. In 2017, Waymo sued Uber over allegedly stealing its trade secrets and patent infringement. Waymo said Uber used its technology in Uber’s subsidiary self-driving truck known as Otto. The two companies eventually reached a settlement.

Waymo previously planned to partner with Lyft for robotaxis in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic took that plan out of commission. Uber was also developing its own fleet of autonomous taxis to reportedly replace all human drivers years ago. However, that effort ended in 2017 after an Uber vehicle struck and killed a woman. A federal investigation found that Uber was partly responsible for the incident.

GM and Hyundai join forces to lower costs, develop new vehicles

September 12, 2024

General Motors (GM) and Hyundai Motor Company have announced a partnership on Thursday, Sept. 12, aimed at making vehicles more affordable by improving supply chains and reducing production costs. The collaboration focuses on shared sourcing of key materials, including battery components for electric vehicles (EVs), as well as steel and other materials used in both electric and gas-powered models.

“GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams,” GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra said. “Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently.”

By pooling resources, the companies hope to achieve greater efficiencies, ultimately leading to lower prices for consumers. The partnership looks to help both automakers address rising material costs and challenges in EV production.

“This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments,” Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung said. “As well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies.”

In addition to cost-saving measures, the two companies plan to collaborate on new vehicle development and clean energy technology, including potential advances in hydrogen-powered cars. GM and Hyundai have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the initial stages of their cooperation, with plans to implement more binding agreements in the future.

Volkswagen could close German factories amid competitive market

September 3, 2024

Volkswagen, one of the world’s most iconic car manufacturers, is considering closing factories in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history. This unprecedented move could reshape the company’s long-standing legacy as it grapples with fierce competition from electric vehicle makers and struggles to maintain its foothold in a challenging market.

The automaker has acknowledged that closing plants in Germany is a possibility amid increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume stated that the European automotive industry is facing severe challenges, with new rivals entering the market and Germany falling behind in competitiveness.

In the first half of the year, Volkswagen experienced a 7% drop in deliveries in China, its largest market, and an 11% decline in group operating profit. The company is facing stiff competition from local EV brands like BYD, affecting its performance in both China and Europe. While closing factories could potentially save money, it would also lead to job losses for many workers.

Trade unions, including IG Metall, have strongly criticized the potential factory closures, accusing Volkswagen of mismanagement and threatening jobs. A union spokesperson said that German factory closures would “destroy the heart of Volkswagen.” Additionally, Volkswagen is seeking to terminate an employment protection contract with labor unions that has been in place since 1994 as part of its cost-cutting plan.

Despite the turmoil, Volkswagen’s CEO for passenger cars emphasized the company’s commitment to Germany as a business location. He urged for urgent talks with employee representatives to explore sustainable restructuring options. Volkswagen employs nearly 683,000 people worldwide, with about 300,000 in Germany. The company stresses that addressing the current situation requires more than just cost cuts and will need “comprehensive restructuring.”

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N crowned Car and Driver’s 2024 EV of the Year

August 23, 2024

Car and Driver has officially named the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N as its 2024 Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Year, marking the third consecutive year that a Hyundai model has topped the publication’s annual EV rankings. The IONIQ 5 N was selected after Car and Driver evaluated 18 different electric vehicles, ultimately choosing Hyundai’s latest electric offering as their top pick.

“Ultimately, we seek four criteria: value, fun to drive, advancement of technology and mission fulfillment,” Carlos Lago, deputy editor at Car and Driver, said. “And the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was our overwhelming favorite.”

The IONIQ 5 N comes with a price tag of nearly $67,500, making it one of the more expensive contenders in this year’s competition. However, consumers can save some money on the final purchase price due to its eligibility for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit since the vehicle is being produced at Hyundai’s new multi-billion dollar EV and battery manufacturing facility in Georgia.

“The IONIQ 5 N clears 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, traps the quarter-mile going 123 mph in 11.1 seconds, holds 0.96 g on the skidpad, stops from 70 mph in 153 feet, and tops out at 163 mph,” Car and Driver wrote about the vehicle. “Those are, with the possible exception of the skidpad score, sports-car results. A good sports car. But then you remember it’s a five-seat EV that we classify as an SUV and that it will cover 190 miles at 75 mph, then charge from 10% to 90% in 35 minutes, assuming you’re on the correct charger.”

In addition to Hyundai, Car and Driver evaluated electric vehicles from Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Fisker, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla and Volkswagen before choosing their winner.

‘It’s not going to explode’: Solid-state batteries could reduce EV fire risk

August 22, 2024

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to proliferate, safety concerns regarding battery fires have remained a significant issue. A recent incident involving a Tesla semitruck battery fire, which shut down a major highway for 16 hours as first responders worked to extinguish the blaze, highlights the ongoing challenges in managing these hazardous situations.

However, a potential solution is emerging in the form of solid-state batteries, a technology that promises to enhance safety while improving the overall performance of EVs. Mullen Automotive, a company at the forefront of this innovation, is poised to introduce a solid-state polymer battery that could shake up the industry.

“You could take our solid-state polymer cell, submerge it in fresh water, salt water — nothing happens,” David Michery, chairman of Mullen Automotive, told Straight Arrow News. “It’s not going to explode. You could take a gun and shoot a bullet through it. It doesn’t do anything.”

Mullen Automotive has been developing the next generation of commercial electric vehicles, which will be available with their solid-state polymer batteries starting in 2025. These batteries are not only expected to reduce the risk of hazardous fires but also nearly double the range of Mullen’s EVs.

Solid-state batteries have been a long-awaited advancement in the EV industry due to their higher energy density, faster charge times and enhanced safety features. Experts have predicted that this technology won’t become mainstream until around 2030. However, Mullen aims to accelerate this timeline, with plans to have their battery design ready for use by the second half of 2025.

“We will have that pack fully certified by the U.S. government for inclusion and sale in our vehicles and other people’s vehicles by next year,” Michery confirmed. “That is three years ahead of Toyota, who said that they’re not going to have a solid-state solution for at least until 2027.”

Despite the promise of solid-state batteries, one major hurdle remains: cost. A study by PR Newswire found that solid-state batteries could be four to eight times more expensive to produce than current battery systems. However, Mullen claims that its development costs have been significantly lower than competitors’, potentially making their technology more accessible sooner than expected.

“A lot of people didn’t believe us when we came out three years ago and said, ‘Hey we’re developing solid-state technology,’” Michery said. “And the argument was why is Mullen, a small company, able to do it when a big, gigantic company with hundreds of billions of dollars can’t? Money doesn’t necessarily mean you can develop something. A lot of it has to do with what you have between your ears.”

Looking ahead, Mullen has expressed an openness to collaborating with other automakers to make their solid-state batteries compatible with a range of EVs from different brands. The company anticipates widespread demand for this safer, more efficient alternative to traditional batteries.

“The customers will be anyone who wants a much denser, more reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional, dangerous batteries,” Michery said.

Tesla Semi fire shuts down California highway after crash

August 21, 2024

A recent crash involving a Tesla semitruck in California is highlighting the challenges in transitioning to green energy sources. The crash occurred near the Nevada-California border on Monday, Aug 19.

As the U.S. looks to electrify different parts of transit, such as buses and trains, semitrucks are also getting the EV treatment.

California registers the highest number of electric vehicle purchases in the country, and some look to big trucks to help lower shipping’s carbon footprint. The incident is also sparking a new debate among California lawmakers. A day after the crash, California Republicans are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Ca., to delay the state’s all-electric mandate for big rigs.

During this recent crash, fire crews were quick to arrive on scene after the semitruck crashed into a group of trees and caught fire. Fires started by electric vehicles can be a lot more difficult to put out, as they are started by lithium-ion batteries.

The incident caused significant road closures, which lasted nearly 16 hours. According to reports from Electrek, thousands of gallons of water were used to reduce the temperature of the battery pack to a safe level. Crews had to wait for the battery cells to burn out.

The California Highway Patrol told KCRA3 that the driver remarkably walked away from the crash and was later taken to a hospital. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, including the possibility that the driver may have fallen asleep.

In a letter, Republicans argue that the state isn’t ready for the mandate. They cite safety concerns and question the state’s plan for handling electric truck fires.

Tesla often uses its electric semitrucks to transport EV batteries. In this case, the truck wasn’t pulling a trailer, which means it was likely the truck’s own batteries that fueled the fire.

This isn’t Tesla’s first brush with large battery fires. Back in 2022, the company’s megawatt energy storage batteries caught fire at a local utility, shutting down another part of a highway.