Vice President Kamala Harris made a trip to Detroit bearing some big gifts on Monday, $100 million to help the Motor City’s automotive parts manufacturers upgrade operations to support the shift to battery-electric vehicles.
EVs and batteries
Rivian Gets $827M to Expand Illinois Plant to Build New Vehicle
EV maker Rivian received $827 million in new incentives from the State of Illinois to expand its production facility in Normal. The company currently builds all of its vehicles there, but the expansion will allow it increase production levels as well as handle...
Angered by Tesla Supercharger Cuts – Competitors Look to Rival Ionna Network
Tesla delivered a shock this week when word leaked out CEO Elon Musk was effectively closing down several departments, including the one overseeing its Supercharger network. Set up in 2012, when the automaker launched its original Model S sedan, the charging system was meant to assure buyers they’d have a place to plug in. But with the Supercharger network now open to most competing EV manufacturers, the news has triggered concerns across the auto industry — and is leading Tesla rivals to put emphasis on the competing new Ionna charging network.
Polestar 5 Prototype Using New Battery That Can Charge Up in 10 Minutes
Among the many obstacles to widespread EV adoption, consumers often cite long charging times. But a new battery breakthrough could make it as quick – and potentially even easier – to charge up an EV as it is to fill a gas tank. A Polestar 5 prototype is going from a 10 to 80% charge in just 10 minutes.
First Drive: 2024 Acura ZDX Type S – GM DNA Helps Create Acura’s Spearhead EV
Acura’s 2024 ZDX is out to prove that Acura can compete in the EV wars. But does its combination of style, performance, and luxury have what it takes to help the ZDX emerge as a top contender in a segment that’s not only expanding but also navigating rough seas in sales.
Cadillac Likely Won’t Be All-Electric by 2030
Cadillac has backed away from its plan to offer “an all-electric portfolio by 2030,” the luxury brand’s global boss acknowledged Wednesday. While that could yet happen, said General Motors Vice President John Roth, Caddy is likely to continue offering vehicles using internal combustion engines well into the next decade.
You’re Not Batman But You Can Drive Bruce Wayne’s Car
Young boys often grow up wishing they could be one superhero or another. However, Batman enjoys a special hold on many because of all the technology he used to fight crime — especially his cars. Now you can drive the cars as Pininfarina’s created two new versions each of the all-electric B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT inspired by Bruce Wayne. Find out more at Headlight.News.
You Could Buy Fisker Inc. for Less Than Henrik Fisker Wants for His Hollywood House
If you’ve got some spare cash lying around and are looking for a new home up in the Hollywood Hills you might reach out to Henrik Fisker. He’s got a place for sale overlooking the legendary Sunset Strip for $35 million. Of course, you could also buy his car company, Fisker Inc. for less than $25 million – though you could wait if you might get it for even less as it struggles to avoid bankruptcy.
Major New Layoffs Take Steam out of Tesla Stock Rebound
It was looking to be a very good week for Tesla, news of a weekend deal with the Chinese government sending the EV maker’s stock soaring. But that’s so yesterday in the 24-hour news cycle. And word that CEO Elon Musk has dismissed two key executives – with their entire staff set to follow – took the steam out of Tesla’s nascent stock rebound.
Tesla Faces Two Front Fight as it Confronts Protestors at Berlin Gigafactory and German Labor Unions
Tesla face new challenges from unions and environmentalists as the company’s sales and reputation begin to slip in Europe amid the expanding conflicts in Scandinavia and Germany.
Tesla Gets Go From China to Launch Full Self-Driving Tech, Sending Stock Soaring
Tesla CEO Elon Musk scored a much-needed win during a surprise trip to China over the weekend, a top Chinese official giving the automaker approval to launch its Full Self-Driving technology in the country’s massive car market. The news sent Tesla stock soaring – but also drew concerns coming days after a damaging assessment of Tesla’s original Autopilot system by U.S. regulators.
Toyota Highlander Set to Go All-Electric as Toyota Ramps Up EV Plans
Though it’s long emphasized hybrids, Toyota has plenty of battery-electric vehicles coming before the end of the decade and one of the most significant moves will see the automaker’s popular Highlander model go all-electric when the next-generation SUV comes out around 2027, Headlight.News reports.