September 2021

SpaceX’s orbital Starship prototype sheds tiles, comes to life during first tests

After weeks of mostly invisible – albeit slow and steady – work at Starbase’s suborbital launch and test facilities, SpaceX has finally kicked off the first orbital Starship prototype’s first test campaign. Almost two months ago, Starship 20 (S20) departed the factory it was built in for the first time and was rolled a few

SpaceX’s orbital Starship prototype sheds tiles, comes to life during first tests Read More »

Tesla’s Elon Musk shares FSD Beta rollout strategy, V10.2 release date

Tesla officially released its long-awaited request Full Self-Driving Beta button a few days ago. Elon Musk also clarified how Tesla plans to roll out the FSD Beta button to drivers, while explaining how the Safety Score system will be used. Elon Musk explained via Twitter that drivers seeking eligibility to use Tesla’s FSD Beta button

Tesla’s Elon Musk shares FSD Beta rollout strategy, V10.2 release date Read More »

Ford announces 11.4B investments on production and battery plants for its EV lineup

Ford announced its plans to invest $11.4 billion in Tennessee and Kentucky for its electric vehicle production line. The OEM’s battery partner SK Innovation will be contributing to the investments as well. The investments will be made via BlueOvalSK, a new joint venture between Ford and SK Innovation—pending definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, etc. With the

Ford announces 11.4B investments on production and battery plants for its EV lineup Read More »

A closer look at why heat pumps are dominating EV HVAC systems

Heating or cooling the interior cabin of an EV substantially affects the vehicle’s on-road efficiency, and the HVAC system often gets the proverbial “rented mule” treatment. In an ICE vehicle—particularly an underpowered one—there is a visceral reminder that running the AC, at least, costs something, since there is a palpable hit to acceleration whenever the

A closer look at why heat pumps are dominating EV HVAC systems Read More »

Tesla Megapack project in Victoria to resume testing after July fire

Tesla and Neoen received the all-clear to resume the commissioning process of the 300 MW/450 MWh Victorian Big Battery near Geelong. Neoen owns the Victorian Big Battery (VBB) and the batteries at the Hornsdale Power Reserve. The Victorian Big Battery uses Tesla Megapacks, while the Hornsdale Power Reserve uses Tesla’s Powerpacks. Tesla and Neoen were

Tesla Megapack project in Victoria to resume testing after July fire Read More »

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The legendary SUV brand’s first plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Wrangler offers useful all-electric range and great electric torque—if drivers plug it in. Do they? The accelerating pace of electric vehicle launches has brought us to this: The first Jeep in the US to get a plug-in hybrid version is the legendary Wrangler. In Europe, it was smaller

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The legendary SUV brand’s first plug-in hybrid Read More »

Ford commits $11.4B toward US electric truck factory, three battery plants

Ford on Monday announced its largest single manufacturing investment ever—$11.4 billion, which will include the creation of nearly 11,000 new jobs at two mammoth manufacturing complexes in Tennessee and Kentucky. The announcement was coordinated with a somewhat stepped-up target: Ford now plans for 40 to 50 percent of its global vehicle… Source: Green Car Reports

Ford commits $11.4B toward US electric truck factory, three battery plants Read More »

Translate »