2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Now PHEV Only

While the 2022 Trailhawk was available with V6, V8, and plug-in hybrid engines, the 2023 model will only be offered with Jeep’s electrified powertrain.

Vineeth Joel PatelJan 15, 2023 5:45 AM PT      

Ford is Testing a New Robotic Charging Station to Assist Drivers of EVs With Disabilities

For drivers with disabilities, switching to an electric vehicle may pose some new challenges, such as exiting the vehicle to plug in a bulky cable at an EV charging station. To address this, Ford Motor Co is testing a new robotic EV charging arm that will offer drivers with physical limitations a much needed helping hand.

Eric WalzJan 12, 2023 1:30 PM PT     

Lucid’s New ‘Stealth Look’ Appearance Package for the Electric Air Sedan Compliments its High Performance DNA

Luxury electric automaker Lucid Group unveiled a new “Stealth Look” exterior appearance package for the Lucid Air sedan. The darker Stealth Look gives the Air sedan a more aggressive appearance, which is fitting for the 1,000+ horsepower Lucid Air. The new Stealth Look will be available as an option for Air Grand Touring Performance, Air Grand Touring, and Air Touring models.

FutureCar Staff Jan 09, 2023 8:45 AM PT    

Ford Raises the Prices of the F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup Due to Rising Raw Material Costs

Ford Motor Co is raising prices of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup for the first time since its launch in May 2021. The automaker cited significant material cost increases and other factors for the price hikes of nearly 20% on Lightning models. The automaker said prices for the 2023 F-150 Lightning will jump between $6,000 and $8,500 depending on the model.

Eric WalzJan 05, 2023 11:15 AM PT      

The BMW 7-Series to Feature HD Live Maps From HERE Technologies for Hands-Free Highway Driving in North America at Speeds up to 80 MPH

​BMW will soon launch its first vehicle in North America that supports SAE Level-2+ automated driving at speeds of up to 80mph /130 km/h. To support hands-free driving on highways in the U.S. and Canada, BMW’s flagship sedan will feature cloud-based, live HD maps from HERE Technologies.

Eric WalzJan 03, 2023 9:15 AM PT    

AutoX to Use the 'Eyeonic Vision Sensor' from California-based SiLC Technologies for its Robotaxi Fleet in China

Autonomous technology developer AutoX, which is rolling out a robotaxi service in China using a fleet of level-4 self-driving vehicles, has selected an advanced vision sensor developed by California-based Silicon photonics developer SiLC Technologies. The company's Eyeonic Vision Sensors were first announced in Dec 2021 and improve the perception of traditional lidar, providing much more depth perception and instantaneous velocity of objects.

Eric WalzJan 01, 2023 10:30 AM PT      

Acura Prevision EV Concept Previews Brand’s Electric Future

With Acura’s first all-electric vehicle expected to arrive in 2024, the luxury brand is ready to provide a preview of what its upcoming EVs may look like.

Vineeth Joel PatelDec 30, 2022 8:00 AM PT    

LG Develops ‘Invisible’ Speaker Sound Technology That Could Revolutionize In-Vehicle Audio

South Korea-based electronics giant LG Display has announced the development of a unique flat speaker that can be placed in the roof, doors or dash panels of vehicles. LG calls it a “Thin Actuator Sound Solution” and it could revolutionize vehicle audio and infotainment systems by offering high fidelity in a compact form factor.

Eric WalzDec 28, 2022 10:45 AM PT    

Toyota’s Redesigned Prius May Get More Drivers Behind the Wheel of a Hybrid Vehicle

Toyota has completely redesigned the Prius and its sleek looks and improved performance just might get more drivers behind the wheel of a hybrid vehicle. The new Prius may also attract buyers that are looking for a more affordable alternative than purchasing a fully-electric vehicle. The improved lithium ion battery allows the Prius to operate on EV-only mode for most daily commutes.

FutureCar Staff Dec 25, 2022 12:50 PM PT     

Researchers at South Korea’s Chung-Ang University Develop a ‘Meta-Reinforcement’ Machine Learning Algorithm for Traffic Lights to Improve Vehicle Throughput

Researchers from South Korea’s Chung-Ang University are experimenting using reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms to solve traffic signal control problems and reduce congestion. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have shown promise in optimizing traffic signal controls that can make driving in busy urban areas less frustrating.

Eric WalzDec 22, 2022 2:30 PM PT       

Zeekr’s New 009 Electric Passenger Van is the World’s First EV to Feature CATL’s Advanced ‘Qilin’ Battery With a Range of 510 Miles

China's new premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr, which is owned by Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. (“Geely”), has officially launched its second model, a sleek passenger van named the “009”. The electric multi-passenger van (MPV) will be the world’s first vehicle powered by an advanced battery developed by battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd. (CATL) called the “Qilin”.

Eric WalzDec 19, 2022 1:45 PM PT     

Hyundai Gets Serious About Electric Performance Cars, Shows off Two Concepts

In addition to showcasing two new electrified concepts, Hyundai also confirmed that it will be coming out with the IONIQ 5 N in 2023.

Vineeth Joel PatelDec 17, 2022 6:15 AM PT     

Toyota to Collaborate With Texas-based Utility Provider Oncor to Accelerate a Vehicle-to-Grid EV Charging Ecosystem

Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and Texas-based utility company Oncor will collaborate on a pilot project to expand vehicle-to-grid (V2G), charging technology. V2G technology allows the energy from an electric vehicle’s battery to flow back to the grid when not being used. The project is Toyota’s first collaboration with a public utility company. The research will allow Toyota and Oncor to be better prepared to support a more comprehensive EV charging ecosystem in the U.S.

FutureCar Staff Dec 15, 2022 11:05 AM PT    

Redwood Materials is Building an Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Facility in South Carolina

Electric vehicle battery recycling startup Redwood Materials announced its building a battery recycling facility in South Carolina. The facility will support the region’s emergence as a growing EV and battery manufacturing hub. The company collects end-of-life batteries and extracts valuable raw materials such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and lithium, which are then used to manufacture cathode and anode materials for new batteries.

Eric WalzDec 14, 2022 12:25 PM PT    

Panasonic Announces Multi-Year Agreement to Supply Electric Vehicle Batteries to Lucid Group

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. and Luxury electric automaker Lucid Group have entered into a multi-year agreement to supply batteries for Lucid’s electric vehicles, including the Lucid Air sedan and forthcoming Gravity SUV. The battery supply deal aligns with Panasonic’s goal of expanding battery production outside of its home country of Japan. The company plans to expand the production of EV batteries in the U.S. to meet growing demand from automakers.

Eric WalzDec 13, 2022 10:00 AM PT     

Premium Chinese EV Brand Zeekr Seeks to Raise $1 Billion in U.S. IPO, According to Sources

Newly launched electric vehicle brand Zeekr Intelligent Technology Ltd. ("Zeekr"), which is owned by Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ("Geely"), aims to launch an IPO in the U.S. to raise capital from investors. Zeekr is planning to become a U.S.-listed company as early as the second quarter of 2023.

Eric WalzDec 12, 2022 12:30 PM PT       

Stellantis to Idle its Illinois Assembly Plant Indefinitely, Citing the High Costs of Electric Vehicles

Automaker Stellantis, which is the parent company of the Chrysler Jeep, Dodge and Ram, announced on Friday it will stop production at its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois on February 28, 2023. The automaker has no formal plans to reopen the 5 million square foot factory and cited the rising costs of its shift to electric vehicles as the reason for the unexpected closure. Early this year, Stellantis announced plans to transform Chrysler into an electric-only brand by 2028.

FutureCar Staff Dec 09, 2022 2:00 PM PT      

SiLC Technologies Launches its Eyeonic Vision System, a LiDAR Sensor That Can Identify Objects up to 1 Kilometer Away

California-based SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), a developer of advanced machine vision technology, announced the launch of its new Eyeonic Vision System this week. It's the first-of-its-kind Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) lidar transceiver using a single silicon photonics chip which provides more than 10x the definition and precision of conventional lidar. It can measure the shape and distance of objects with high precision at distances greater than one kilometer (1,000 meters).

Eric WalzDec 09, 2022 11:45 AM PT      

China’s CATL to Supply Honda with 123 GWh of Electric Vehicle Batteries by 2030

Japan's Honda Motor Co has signed a major deal with Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (“CATL”) to supply electric vehicle batteries over the next seven years. From 2024 through 2030, Honda will purchase 123 GWh of batteries from CATL for its new fully electric vehicle brand “e:N” that was announced in October of last year.

Eric WalzDec 08, 2022 10:45 AM PT      

GM Launches its Dealer Community Charging Program, Aims to Install 40,000 EV Chargers in Rural Areas and Small Towns Across the U.S.

​General Motors has officially launched its new Dealer Community Charging Program with the first public charging station going online in Michigan and Wisconsin. The program in partnership with its dealership network aims to double the number of Level-2 EV charging locations in North America. The program will expand to Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in January 2023.

Eric WalzDec 07, 2022 9:30 AM PT