The Latvian startup needs to show the tractor issue as much as eleven.
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Blackstone to purchase Britishvolt battery manufacturing facility web site for big information centre
Plans initially set out by failed start-up Britishvolt to construct £3.8 billion electric car battery gigafactory within the northeast of England look to have ended after three years.
The proposed 95-hectare web site for the manufacturing facility is near being offered to US-based Blackstone Group, one of many world’s largest personal fairness companies, which intends to develop the location and construct one of many largest information centres in Europe.
The determine Blackstone is alleged to have paid for the location has not been publicly disclosed.
Renault, Volvo Group companion on industrial EVs to be ‘Tesla of vans’
Renault and lorry maker the Volvo Group have established a brand new start-up that goals to flip the European industrial car sector on its head with a variety of extremely modular electrical vans.
Called Flexis, it goals to capitalise on development in demand for zero-emission industrial autos, which is predicted by its creators to rise by 40% every year till 2030.
Explaining its ambitions, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo mentioned: “This is the Tesla of the commercial vehicle in a way. That’s the way you have to see it.”
The first Flexis mannequin – a part of a three-van line-up teased in a press convention – might be launched in 2026. Based on a bespoke skateboard structure, it was promised by de Meo to “completely transform” the frequent notion of a van.
“It’s not a white box on wheels with a diesel engine any more,” he mentioned.
It might be a “step-in van” designed round last-mile deliveries in metropolis centres, prioritising how effectively it makes use of area in addition to outright manoeuvrability. It could have a footprint roughly according to the present Renault Kangoo however with a a lot taller roofline to provide a complete cargo capability matching the Renault Trafic from the phase above.
Those tight proportions may even make sure the van has a turning circle on a par with B-segment superminis, Renault prompt.
Flexis has additionally labored intently with logistics corporations to optimise the inside packaging of its vans, with French freight agency CMA CGM taking a ten% stake within the enterprise.
De Meo mentioned this method was impressed by Rivian, which developed its electric van with Amazon, and not too long ago failed start-up Arrival, which partnered with UPS and Post Office.
The Flexis vans’ interiors have been designed to avoid wasting as a lot time for his or her operators as attainable.
De Meo defined: “We have been attempting to get each second out of interplay between the motive force and the van, as a result of each 30 seconds that you simply save in a supply we estimate is [worth an extra] 1% profitability for the logistics operator.
“So you get into the van from the side; you don’t have to go back and open the door. You will have a mechanism to order the packages based on the delivery route. Everything will be like this, because 30 seconds is 1% profitability.”
Flexis CEO Philippe Divry mentioned that ease of operation can also be a key consideration. He elaborated: “Quite a lot of logistics corporations see their drivers altering jobs after 12-18 months, so it’s important to think about altering your complete workforce each 12-18 months.
“If we can make our vehicle more easy to drive, more friendly for people who deliver 100 or 150 packages a day, and we can keep them longer on the job, that’s much more value, much less disturbance in the customer’s operation.”
Not Even Nissan Wants Fisker
Fisker is in bother. The electrical car startup introduced earlier this month that it did not come up with the money for to make it to December. The hope was that one other firm would swoop in and put it aside from eventual chapter—however these talks have fallen aside.
According to regulatory paperwork filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday—as first reported by Reuters—Fisker wasn’t capable of strike a take care of potential suitors. “The large automaker” concerned in preliminary talks “terminated the negotiations.” Fisker was reportedly in discussions with as much as 5 automakers.
One of the largest names connected to a possible Fisker funding was Nissan—a model wanting to get extra EVs on the highway—though that was by no means formally confirmed. According to an earlier report from Reuters, Nissan’s largest curiosity was the electrical Alaska pickup, with a reported $400 million on the desk towards manufacturing of the truck at one among Fisker’s US vegetation.
The Fisker Alaska debuted final yr in idea kind promising 340 miles of vary within the US and a $45,000 beginning value. The range-topping dual-motor, all-wheel-drive mannequin reportedly had 550 horsepower whereas the bottom model had 275 horsepower. It was anticipated to go on sale within the US someday this yr.
Fisker is now compelled to search for alternate choices to remain afloat. The doc notes that the corporate “continues to guage strategic alternate options.” That may embrace enterprise restructurings in courtroom or inventory buybacks. Speaking of—Fisker’s inventory dropped 28 % on the day of the announcement and buying and selling was halted. The New York Stock Exchange will quickly delist the inventory totally.
Thus far, Fisker has lowered its workforce by 15 % in an try to chop prices. Many of these jobs have been in gross sales as the corporate switches from direct-to-consumer gross sales to a conventional seller mannequin. The firm has reportedly signed 13 seller companions in North America and Europe, with an bold plan to ship round 20,000 Ocean SUVs worldwide in 2024.
We’ll see the place the subsequent few months take Fisker, however the future doesn’t look promising.
Stark Future Challenges FIM Over MXGP’s Electric Segregation
At the top of February 2024, we advised you about the battle brewing between electric motorcycle startup Stark Future and the FIM. Stark Future primarily expended a complete bunch of time, effort, and assets to satisfy the FIM’s rules as written in order that its bike might compete within the SuperEnduro World Championship in 2024.
At the final second, nevertheless, the FIM modified the foundations seemingly with the specific function of barring the Stark Varg from entry. Why? It was to be the lone electrical bike in a area of combustion bikes.
Needless to say, Stark Future wasn’t completely happy. Fast-forward to March 2024, when the FIM simply introduced a brand new electrical motorbike racing assist collection to run earlier than (however crucially, not in opposition to) the MXGP class. In reality, Stark Future’s official announcement of its opposition to this plan makes its emotions fairly clear proper within the title: Stark Future Challenges MXGP Proposal for Segregated Electric Support Class.
In different phrases, separate and unequal, in keeping with Stark.
2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan Racing Results
Instead, Stark Future says, it needs to see integration of electrical bikes into racing head-to-head with combustion bikes. Less MotoE and extra RSD Super Hooligan Racing.
Because whereas it is not SuperEnduro, we have already seen what can occur when a strong electrical bike, crew, and rider sq. off in opposition to an all-combustion area. I talked to Stefano Mesa in 2023, when he managed to complete in fourth place general within the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Racing 2023 class on his Energica Eva Ribelle. They had been the one electrical crew on the grid, and Mesa was recurrently scrapping on the entrance. It was additionally Energica’s first full season racing within the collection.
That was 2023, although, and likewise a totally completely different collection not overseen by the FIM. Here’s what Stark Future mentioned in its official assertion asserting its opposition to the FIM and Infront’s plans to silo off the electrical superenduro racing from MXGP.
“Stark Future, a prominent innovator in motocross, firmly opposes MXGP/ Infront’s proposal to introduce a separate Electric Support Class alongside MXGP events. While recognizing the goal of driving technological advancements, Stark Future believes that segregation is not the solution. Instead, seeing integration as an opportunity for all sides to thrive. By embracing new technologies at the highest level of racing, Stark Future envisions making racing more captivating for fans while fostering the strongest technological improvements across the board,” the assertion reads.
Stark Future baggage its first win on the British Arenacross Championship. It would later go on to win all the championship with rider Jack Brunell.
Further down, there’s additionally an announcement from Stark Future founder and CEO Anton Wass, which reads, “As CEO and Founder of Stark Future, I firmly believe that segregating electric bikes into a separate class undermines the essence of true competition in motocross. Our mission is to break barriers and showcase the potential of electric technology on equal footing with internal combustion engines.”
He continued, “Motocross thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, and segregation only hinders our collective progress towards a more inclusive and dynamic sport. World Trials have done a great job on including Electric with combustion and have shown that when the platform is competitive it has its place amongst combustion counterparts.”
Maybe we have already got the reply to the query that RideApart contributor Tim Stevens posed in that earlier Stark Future/FIM piece, about why motorbike racing is afraid of this electrical bike? Maybe it is afraid that the Stark Varg might be too aggressive proper out of the gate, so as an alternative it modified the rules to maintain that from occurring.
We clearly cannot let you know what was within the hearts and minds of the parents who modified the foundations, however when considered with a essential eye, there’s greater than sufficient to make you increase an eyebrow.
Reports: Nissan in talks over £316m Fisker lifeline
Nissan is reportedly in talks to speculate $400 million (£316m) in ailing electric car start-up Fisker.
Fisker yesterday introduced it has paused improvement of its inexpensive compact EV, the Pear, having made a loss of $463.6 million (£366m) in the course of the fourth quarter of 2023.
CEO and founder Henrik Fisker added that the corporate was looking for a collaboration with one other automobile agency to generate money or scale back prices.
He stated: “Fisker is in negotiations with a large auto maker for a potential transaction which could include an investment in Fisker, joint development of one or more electric vehicle platforms and North America manufacturing.”
Bloomberg and Reuters have now reported that the producer in query is Nissan, citing nameless sources accustomed to the matter.
Reuters added that the talks concern a $400 million (£316m) money injection from Nissan, in trade for entry to the platform underpinning the Fisker Alaska pick-up. Nissan would additionally produce the Alaska at certainly one of its US-based factories, alongside its personal mannequin constructed on the identical structure.
Fisker Chief monetary officer Geeta Gupta-Fisker stated on Thursday’s earnings name that continued improvement of the Alaska trusted a profitable tie-up with an unnamed automobile agency.
Henrik beforehand stated that the “large auto maker” the corporate was in talks with was not contract producer Foxconn, with which Fisker has beforehand negotiated about manufacturing vehicles in North America collectively.
The negotiation successfully ended Fisker’s relationship with Foxconn, stated Henrik Fisker.
The firm is presently focusing its remaining money reserves on ramping up manufacturing of the Ocean SUV, which is being constructed by contract producer Magna Steyr in Austria, in addition to rolling out additional software program updates for the automobile, he added.
Soon, A Balloon With A Maybach Interior Will Take You To Space
Mercedes-Maybach already makes some out-of-this-world autos. But now, along with a startup referred to as Space Perspective, the high-end luxurious automaker is definitely heading off-planet (kind of).
The partnership begins on the bottom. The Maybach EQS SUV will act because the official transport car for the Space Perspective program when it kicks off, whisking six passengers per flight to their pressurized capsule. Attached to every capsule is an enormous SpaceBalloon powered by hydrogen that lifts passengers at 14 miles per hour to 100,000 ft (our resident NASA nerds remind us that house begins at 62 miles excessive, so 100,000 ft isn’t precisely the nice unknown).
Each journey takes about six hours; two hours to get there, two hours floating in house, and two hours on the return. No rocket gas obligatory. And very like the electrical Mercedes-Maybach EQS, the Space Perspective journey is carbon-neutral and “completely silent,” notes Founder and Co-CEO Jane Poynter.
“We are taking all of us to space but in a very different way than you would most likely have ever imagined,” says Poynter. “This has no rockets involved, there’s no high Gs, there’s no space suits – none of that. Instead, we’re using a balloon that gently takes people to space to have that quintessential astronaut experience.”
The inside the Space Perspective capsule appears to be like like a luxury SUV with six lounge-like chairs dealing with huge home windows – the most important of any spacecraft, Poynter notes – with a central bar, some greenery, and sure, even a rest room. The inside was designed by Space Perspective, however that will change by way of this partnership.
In the longer term, Maybach plans to place its personal stamp on the inside of every capsule. “Eventually that effort will culminate into Maybach being involved in the interior design of the capsule,” notes Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach within the US.
The first Space Perspective mission is about to launch later in 2024, with exams presently ongoing. And the value per seat is a cool $125,000, which suggests flights might be restricted solely to individuals who can possible afford to purchase a Maybach EQS.
“We are about to get back into test flights with on-crew test flights first and then getting into crew test flights mid-next year… and then around the end of the year, we’ll be in commercial operations,” says Poynter. “So for us, it is an incredibly exciting time to bring this to market. We already have 1,650 plus people who have bought tickets to go to space, which is very exciting for us.”
10 Things You Need To Know About The Lucid Air Pure
EV startup Lucid has made a big impact in the electric car market. The California-based luxury electric car manufacturing company has gained fame for its impressive performance and range. Unlike other companies, Lucid’s success is not due to expensive marketing campaigns, but rather the numbers it delivers.
The most powerful offering from Lucid is the Air Grand Touring, equipped with a dual-motor AWD setup that delivers 1,050 horsepower. It can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.0 seconds and has an EPA-estimated range of 516 miles. However, with its high price tag, Lucid introduced the Air Pure as a more affordable option. Here are some key facts about the Lucid Air Pure:
All details regarding the specs, features, and dimensions of Lucid Air sedans have been sourced from the manufacturer’s official press release and website.
1 The Air Pure Is The Cheapest Lucid
The Lucid Air Pure is the most affordable option among Lucid’s lineup. With a starting MSRP of $77,400, it competes with top luxury cars from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi.
2 It Is Fitted With A Single Motor And An RWD Drivetrain
The Air Pure is equipped with a single motor powertrain that turns the rear wheels, resulting in 430 horsepower and a 0-60 MPH time of 4.5 seconds.
3 The Lucid Air Pure Boasts A Range Of 410 Miles
The Air Pure has an impressive EPA-estimated range of 410 miles, which is still competitive compared to other vehicles in its class.
4 Faster Charging That Lets You Add 150 Miles in Less Than 12 Minutes
The Lucid Air Pure features fast charging capabilities. In just 17 minutes, you can add 200 miles of range to your Air Pure.
5 The Air Is The Most Aerodynamic Production Car Currently
The Air Pure RWD has a drag coefficient rating of 0.21, making it the most aerodynamic car currently in production.
6 It Boasts One Of The Biggest Displays In The Segment
The Air Pure features a massive 34-inch curved glass cockpit display with 5K resolution, providing a futuristic design and easy access to vehicle functions.
7 Comes With A Luxurious Interior
The Air Pure maintains the luxury standards of the Lucid Air. It features 12-way heated front seats with memory and ultra-soft, sustainable Mojave PurLuxe leather.
8 Spacious Trunk And Frunk
The Air Pure offers ample storage space with a spacious trunk and a large frunk, making it convenient for long trips.
9 Lucid Offers It With The DreamDrive ADAS As Standard
The Air Pure comes standard with Lucid’s DreamDrive advanced driver-assistance system, providing enhanced safety and convenience with features like lane departure protection and automatic emergency braking.
10 The Air Pure Stacks Up Well Against The Competition
Compared to other luxury electric sedans in its segment, the Air Pure offers impressive performance, range, and competitive pricing.
Small Sports Car SC-01 to debut later this year with 429bhp
The Chinese start-up Small Sports Car (SSC) has unveiled an electric two-seat coupé, positioning it as a “national sports car” for China.
Known as the SC-01, this sleek and compact electric vehicle (EV) will hit the market later this year at a price of approximately ¥300,000 (around £39,000 in the UK).
Measuring 4085mm long, 1820mm wide, and 1162mm high, the SC-01 is similar in size to popular petrol-powered sports cars like the Alpine A110 and Audi TT.
Equipped with a mid-mounted battery located behind the driver’s cabin and electric motors both at the front and rear, the SC-01 boasts a total power output of 429bhp. This allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, promising an unparalleled driving experience.
According to SSC, this battery placement enhances weight distribution, lowers the car’s height, reduces wind resistance, and brings the driver closer to the ground.
The SC-01 claims a range of 310 miles (500km) based on the NEDC test cycle, while figures using the more conservative WLTP system have not been disclosed yet.
Beneath its sleek exterior, the SC-01 features a spaceframe chassis with horizontal, pushrod-driven shock absorbers. SSC asserts that this configuration enhances rigidity without sacrificing overall compactness.
Although the interior has not been showcased, it is described as “minimalist” with controls operated through traditional switches and buttons, omitting an infotainment screen.
I Can’t Stop Thinking About How To Change The Rear Tire On A Verge TS Pro
Finnish electric motorcycle startup Verge Motorcycles has been gaining attention for its innovative design since 2019. Back then, the company was known as RMK Vehicles before rebranding as Verge and preparing to launch its first production bike.
In 2021, Verge Motorcycles won a Red Dot Design award and started accepting preorders for its hubless electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Pro. The company showcased its flagship model, the TS Ultra, at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, boasting a claimed range of up to 233 miles on a single charge.
While it’s important to note that stated electric vehicle ranges can vary based on various factors and may not always align with real-world performance, Verge’s plans to enter the US market were also announced during the CES 2023 launch.
8 Photos
One of the notable features of Verge Motorcycles is its hubless rear wheel-mounted motor design. Although visually captivating, some people have reservations about its practicality. While the look is impressive, how does it actually work?
Although we can’t answer that question just yet, Verge has released a helpful video on its YouTube channel demonstrating how Verge TS Pro owners can change their rear tire in just under three minutes.
Typically, removing the rear wheel from most motorcycles is a straightforward process involving the axle and swingarm. However, the Verge TS Pro has a unique design due to its electric motor mounted inside the rear wheel rim. This raises the question of how everything fits together and whether accessibility was compromised for the sake of design.
According to the video, the process is relatively simple, though different from what most people might be accustomed to. Once the rear of the bike is lifted and secured, owners need to remove the license plate holder and the left side of the swingarm. This allows for the unscrewing of the rear wheel from the motor. Verge provides a list of necessary tools and their sizes to perform this task.
To proceed, all 20 screws securing the rim and electric motor need to be unscrewed. Afterward, a simple whack on the right side of the wheel with a dead blow hammer should dislodge the rim from the motor. The tire and rim unit can then be slid off the motor while it remains attached to the bike.
Mounting and balancing the new tire on the rear wheel, however, aren’t covered in the video. Reassembly involves following the reverse process with the addition of blue thread lock. Verge provides the necessary tightening torques to ensure correct reassembly.
While we don’t have a Verge TS Pro to test the tire-changing procedure shown in the video and evaluate its ease of use, it’s still intriguing to see a practical instructional video for changing the rear wheel on a production motorcycle that closely resembles a real-life Tron bike.