General Motors (GM) has decided to discontinue the use of the Ultium name for its modular EV batteries and related components in all current and future U.S.-market electric vehicles, according to a report by CNBC. While the hardware will remain unchanged, the Ultium name will be phased out, except for production operations like the Ultium […]
In 2017, Honda introduced the ‘Sports EV’ concept, a sleek and sporty cousin to the Urban EV concept that eventually became the Honda e. Many hoped that the new ‘0 Series’ of Honda EVs would include a sports coupe, but recent updates reveal a different direction. According to a roadmap shared with TopGear.com, the Honda […]
Skoda Enyaq RS Race: The Electric SUV Ready for Tarmac Rally Rally stages are typically dominated by small, powerful cars, but Skoda is changing the game with the introduction of the Enyaq RS Race. This electric SUV is designed to shine on tarmac rallies, offering a unique blend of power and agility. The Enyaq RS Race […]
Chinese EV brand ZEEKR is undeterred by tariffs as it continues to expand globally, announcing plans to launch in Norway. This initial rollout will introduce two of ZEEKR’s flagship models to Norwegian customers soon. Geely-owned ZEEKR is making good on its promise to expand throughout Europe. Initial deliveries of ZEEKR EVs began in Sweden and the Netherlands in December 2023, with more EU markets to follow. Currently, ZEEKR’s European presence includes three centers: in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, and Zeist, Netherlands. These showrooms feature ZEEKR’s flagship 001 shooting brake and the X SUV. As a relatively new automaker, ZEEKR has ambitious plans to become a top-three premium brand in Europe, despite stiff competition and new tariffs on Chinese imports. Undeterred, ZEEKR continues to grow its brand presence overseas, with its next market being Norway. ZEEKR to Launch X and 001 EVs in Norway According to a press release from ZEEKR, the company will launch in Norway this month, featuring the 001 and X EVs. Norway is described as a crucial milestone in ZEEKR’s global expansion and a natural next step after successful launches in nearby markets. Lothar Schupet, ZEEKR Europe’s chief commercial officer, commented: “We’re delighted to be launching our brand in Norway. This is a very important market for us, and our top-notch electric vehicles will be matched to a first-class customer experience, delivered through our new retailer network – a first for ZEEKR in Europe. Norway is one of the most advanced EV markets in the world, and I can’t wait to see our first EVs on the road here before the end of this year.” ZEEKR’s new curated network of EV retailers will start with Premium Cars Stor-Oslo, expanding to other major cities. Authorized service centers and workshops will support these retail partners. To celebrate its launch in Norway, ZEEKR is offering 0.99% introductory financing on new 001 or X EVs available for order later this month. Each ZEEKR vehicle comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable by an additional 5 years/100,000 km.
Model years 2020-2024 are impacted, with specific fixes varying based on the manufacturing year. Porsche has issued a recall for certain Taycan EVs in the United States due to a potential fire risk from high-voltage batteries that may short circuit. This recall impacts 27,527 Taycans produced between October 21, 2019, and February 1, 2024, covering model years 2020 to 2024. The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that the exact cause is still unknown, but Porsche’s analysis suggests that a production issue at LG Energy Solution’s factory in Poland might occasionally cause internal short circuits in the battery cells. The recall is divided into two internal codes (ARB6 and ARB7) and supplements three previous recalls (APB5, ARA4, and ARA5). Affected vehicles are not in sequential VIN order. For ARB6, Porsche lacks sufficient high-voltage battery data to determine if anomalies exist, whereas for ARB7, enough data shows no anomalies, but future issues cannot be excluded as a precaution. Owners of ARB6 vehicles are advised to charge their EVs to a maximum of 80% as a temporary measure. For ARB7 vehicles, charging levels need not be restricted, as Porsche can monitor these cars over-the-air and notify owners if anomalies appear, requiring a temporary 80% charging limit and free replacement of faulty battery modules. To permanently address both ARB6 and ARB7, Porsche will install on-board diagnostic software in the affected vehicles to detect future battery module anomalies. This involves analyzing the modules first; if no anomalies are found, the software will be installed. If anomalies are detected, the modules will be replaced before the software is installed. Porsche will continue monitoring the vehicles. If any future anomalies are detected, a warning will appear in the instrument cluster, automatically limiting the maximum charging capacity to 80% and potentially lower over time. Owners will need to visit a dealer to replace any faulty battery modules. The recall highlights Porsche’s commitment to safety and proactive measures to address potential risks in their Taycan EVs.
The rear-wheel-drive Emblème is an innovative hybrid unlike any other. Renault is pushing towards carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, with a global goal set for 2050. To achieve this, the company is intensifying its focus on battery-powered electric vehicles, while also emphasizing the future potential of hydrogen cars. The Emblème, a demo car, epitomizes this dual strategy by integrating a hydrogen fuel cell with a rechargeable battery pack, akin to the Honda CR-V e:FCEV. The Emblème, described as a shooting brake, showcases an aerodynamic design with a low drag coefficient of just 0.25. Its distinctive look sets it apart from standard models, with hopes that its design elements will influence future production vehicles. At 189 inches (4.8 meters) in length and 59.9 inches (1.52 meters) in height, the Emblème presents a sleek, compact profile. Renault claims the Emblème can travel up to 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) with the efficiency of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. This range includes two stops for refueling the 2.8-kilogram hydrogen tank, assuming the availability of refueling stations, which numbered around 1,000 worldwide last year. Each stop takes less than five minutes and a full tank provides 217 miles (350 kilometers) of range. In urban settings, the Emblème operates like a battery-powered electric vehicle, thanks to its 40-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack. With a full battery charge offering 187 miles (300 kilometers) and two hydrogen refueling stops allowing for 434 miles (700 kilometers), the Emblème achieves impressive range. It features a 215-horsepower rear-mounted motor that uses a wound-rotor design without rare earth elements. Despite its complex powertrain, the Emblème is lighter than most traditional hybrids or electric vehicles. Renault reports a curb weight of 3,858 pounds (1,750 kilograms), achieved by minimizing unnecessary weight. These efforts make the Emblème as eco-friendly as possible, with a 90% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to similarly sized vehicles. The Emblème will be showcased at the 2024 Paris Motor Show from October 14-20, where visitors can expect to see its interior as well.
The crossover previously known as the Audi E-Tron boasts significant upgrades along with its new name. But does it remain competitive? Amid the current challenges facing the Volkswagen Group, one aspect that stands out is the remarkable improvement in their electric vehicles with each new generation. The updated Volkswagen ID.4 is better than ever, the […]
Electric cars have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their eco-friendly nature and potential cost savings on fuel. However, one common concern among potential buyers is the lifespan of electric car batteries. So, how long do electric car batteries actually last? The lifespan of an electric car battery can vary depending on several […]
Electric cars have gained significant popularity in recent years as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. One of the most common concerns among potential electric car owners is the charging time. In this article, we will explore the factors that influence the charging time of electric cars and provide an overview of […]
As the popularity of electric cars continues to grow, one of the most common questions among potential buyers is how much it costs to charge an electric car. The cost of charging an electric car can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the type of charger used, and the electricity rates in your […]
