Polestar hopes to become the first automaker to adopt a unique new battery design that will address one of the biggest concerns about EVs: their long charging times. Developed by start-up StoreDot, the technology is capable of adding 100 miles of range in just five minutes. And, unlike existing chemistry, StoreDot and Polestar claim repeated fast-charging won’t degrade battery life.
EVs and batteries
Mini Maxes Out
When is a Mini no longer a Mini? The British brand is about to test its limits with the launch of the 2024 Countryman. But that’s not the only change in store as Mini also begins its shift to EVs with the launch of the 2025 Countryman SE. What else is in the works? Headlight.News spoke with two of the automakers top executives to find out.
From Bad to Worse — Startup EV Brands Face Mounting Problems
Only a few years ago, an array of EV start-ups appeared poised to revolutionize the auto industry. Today, many have vanished while others struggle for survival. There have been a few success stories but the shake-out is likely to continue, reports Headlight.News.
More Bad News for Lucid
The struggling Lucid Group revealed another series of setbacks once again announcing cuts to its full-year production plans. Revenues fell well short of expectations, as well, though it did beat earnings forecast. Headlight News has more.
Ram Emphasizes Electric Power with Ramcharger Pickup
With all the buzz about the new midsize hybrid pickup coming, Stellantis latest EV almost got lost in the shuffle. The new Ram 1500 Ramcharger introduces Stellantis’ take on an electric full-size pickup — and its different. Check it out at Headlight.News.
UAW Reveals GM Building a Cheaper Chevy Bolt
As part of the new deal with the UAW, General Motors committed to $13.3 billion in new investment during the life of the contract. One of those is a cheaper Chevrolet Bolt EV, union chief Shawn Fain revealed. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Tesla Readying $25K (Almost) for Production
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has bandied about plans for a $25,000 electric vehicle for a few years now. However, that vehicle — dubbed the Model 2 by some — appeared to be pushed to the wayside as the EV maker focused on bringing the Cybertruck to the market. However, there are reports the “cheap” EV is front and center again. Get details at Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2024 Volvo EX30
The 2024 Volvo EX30 is one of the most critical new entries from the Swedish automaker in decades. It’s the first designed to be exclusively battery powered, anchoring Volvo’s ongoing shift to all-electric propulsion. Small on the outside, EX30 is surprisingly roomy inside and provides plenty of features and performance at a reasonable price tag — as Headlight.News discovered during several days of driving in Barcelona, Spain.
Searching for Fossil Fuels Two Scientists May Help Make the “Hydrogen Economy” A Reality Instead
Proponents claim hydrogen is even better than batteries as a way to the shift away from fossil fuels. The problem is how to produce “green” hydrogen that doesn’t create its own environmental issues. A pair of scientists may have found the answer — ironically, while they were searching for fossil fuels. Headlight.News has more.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is Fast and Surprisingly Easy to Live With
Chevy shocked the world when, after years of speculation it delivered the first-ever midengine version of the Corvette. Now, it’s taking things a step further with the first “electrified” version of America’s sports car. And in the process, it means that the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is not only the fastest ‘Vette ever, but the first to get all-wheel drive. Dare we say it, after spending a little time behind the wheel, Headlight.News discovers it’s also the easiest Corvette to drive.
Toyota Investing Additional $8B into North Carolina Battery Plant
While Ford, General Motors and other makers are scaling back on their EV and battery production plans, Toyota revealed Tuesday it’s doing just the opposite by investing an additional $8 billion into its Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina facility. Get the details at Headlight.News.
Would You Pay $975,000 for a New Cadillac Celestiq? One “Lucky” Neiman-Marcus Customer Will
Cadillac is getting ready to roll out the most expensive vehicle in its history, the exotic Celestiq set to start at just over $300,000. But one customer will wind up paying more than three times that, at least if they opt for a one-off version included in this year’s annual Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts list. Checkout out at Headlight.News.