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Category: Electric Cars

Elon Musk’s Tesla Struggles with Lower Sales: What’s Next?

Elon Musk’s Tesla company has been reducing the prices of its electric cars multiple times. Actually they are trying to get more people to buy their electric car. He really wants Tesla cars to be popular and well-liked. But it seems like Tesla is having some problems with this right now.

In the first three months of 2024, Tesla sold almost 386,000 cars in the market. That’s a lot of cars, but it’s actually less than they sold during the same time last year. This is bad news for Elon Musk and his popular Tesla Company. He wanted to selle more cars.

Tesla sold the fewest cars since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In fact, they sold 20 percent fewer cars than they did in the last three months of 2023. During that time, they sold 484,560 cars. But Tesla had target to sell more electric car in the market.

Because of this news, the value of Tesla’s company went down by 5.2 percent in the stock market. That means the company lost about 30 billion USD in value. And this year, the value of Tesla’s shares has gone down by almost 33 percent.

Elon Musk often goes on TV or the internet to talk about Tesla’s new electric cars. He tells everyone about all the cool things the cars can do. But even with all this, Tesla is still having trouble selling as many cars as they hoped. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next for Tesla.

April 7, 2024
Electric Revolution: Xiaomi’s SU7 Sedan Takes on Tesla in China!

China’s Xiaomi has officially published its highly anticipated electric car; the new Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) sedan, in Beijing on Thursday night. Lei Jun is the founder and CEO of the popular Chinese smartphone brand and she announced that the company’s first electric vehicle would be priced between 215,900 yuan ($29,874) and 299,900 yuan ($41,497) in China.

The starting price undercuts Tesla’s Model 3 sedan by about $4,000,with the Model 3 beginning at 245,900 yuan in China. Lei had hinted at the launch by expressing his desire for the SU7 to be the “best-looking, easiest to drive, and smartest car” priced below 500,000 yuan ($69,180).

Xiaomi aims to create a “dream car” on par with Porsche and Tesla, Lei stated on Weibo Wednesday and she is emphasizing the need to learn from these renowned car manufacturers to build quality vehicles. Targeting premium consumers, Xiaomi’s new car is competitively priced against foreign rivals. For instance, the imported Porsche Taycan starts at 898,000 yuan ($124,248), while Tesla’s Model S begins at 698,900 yuan ($96,700) in China.

In China, electric vehicles (EVs) are notably cheaper compared to other regions. BYD’s entry-level model, the Seagull hatchback, is priced at just 69,800 yuan ($9,658). The standard version of Xiaomi’s SU7 boasts a starting range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), surpassing the long-range version of Tesla’s Model 3, according to Lei.

Within 27 minutes of sales commencement at 10 p.m. Beijing time on Thursday, orders for the car surpassed 50,000 units, as announced by Xiaomi. Lei expressed his immense excitement during the launch event on Thursday night, which was attended by founders and CEOs of several Chinese EV makers.

Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive industry comes amid fierce competition in China’s EV market which has become oversaturated with over 200 major manufacturers. Facing a price war and weaker consumer demand, average profit margins dwindled to 5% in 2023, with BYD reporting its slowest quarterly profit growth in two years earlier this week.

Xiaomi’s SU7 has been showcased in showrooms across 29 cities in mainland China since Monday. Renowned for its smartphones and consumer electronics, Xiaomi captured 13% of global and Chinese smartphone sales in the final quarter of 2023. It ranked fifth in China for the full year.

March 29, 2024
EVs: Towards Equitable and Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Tech companies believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are the solution to climate change, but author Paris Marx disagrees. Transportation is crucial in the fight against climate change. Governments encourage people to buy cleaner EVs to reduce the environmental impact of travel. Car manufacturers are promoting new electric models to attract customers.

Marx argues that the focus on technology is misguided. Transportation shapes our cities and affects our daily lives. EVs emit fewer emissions than traditional cars, but they still have a carbon footprint due to the minerals used in their batteries.

Mining for these minerals in the global south has severe environmental and health consequences. Marx believes change should be fair and benefit society as a whole. Improving transportation should consider equity and not just benefit the wealthy.

We must understand that transforming mobility is just one part of necessary changes for a better future. Marx argues that the focus on technology is misguided. Transportation shapes our cities and affects our daily lives. EVs emit fewer emissions than traditional cars, but they still have a carbon footprint due to the minerals used in their batteries.

Mining for these minerals in the global south has severe environmental and health consequences. Marx believes change should be fair and benefit society as a whole. Improving transportation should consider equity and not just benefit the wealthy. People must understand that transforming mobility is just one part of necessary changes for a better future.

March 9, 2024
Project Titan: The Rise and Fall of Apple’s Electric Car Ambitions

Apple’s foray into the electric car market, once shrouded in secrecy and speculation, has now come to a halt, marking the end of a decade-long endeavor that captivated the tech world. Reports from U.S. media outlets on Tuesday revealed that Apple has abandoned its ambitious plans to produce an electric car, signaling a significant shift in its long-term strategy.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s electric car project, internally known as “Project Titan,” had engaged nearly 2,000 employees over the years, with the goal of developing a fully autonomous vehicle. However, faced with intensifying competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Apple ultimately decided to pull the plug on the project.

The decision to discontinue the car project was reportedly communicated internally on Tuesday, as disclosed by sources cited by Bloomberg and The New York Times. Despite investing billions of dollars in the endeavor, Apple has now redirected its focus away from electric cars towards generative artificial intelligence (AI) projects, according to reports.

The demise of Apple’s electric car ambitions comes after years of speculation and anticipation surrounding the company’s secretive efforts in the automotive industry. While Apple never publicly confirmed its EV plans, media leaks and occasional glimpses into the project fueled speculation about its progress and objectives.

In recent years, Apple’s electric car project encountered numerous challenges and setbacks, including the departure of key executives and internal disagreements over the project’s direction. The difficulties faced by the project were highlighted in a report by The Information in 2022, shedding light on the internal turmoil and lack of support from leadership.

Apple’s decision to shift its focus from electric cars to AI reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. With the transfer of employees from the car division to AI projects, Apple aims to accelerate its efforts in developing innovative AI solutions.

Generative AI, a field propelled by advancements like ChatGPT from OpenAI, enables the creation of text, images, and other content through natural language requests. By harnessing the power of AI, Apple seeks to enhance its ecosystem and deliver cutting-edge experiences to users.

While the end of Apple’s electric car project may disappoint some observers, analysts see it as a strategic pivot towards AI, a technology with vast potential for innovation and growth. Dan Ives from Wedbush commented on the shift, noting both the disappointment over the abandoned car project and the optimism surrounding Apple’s renewed focus on AI.

March 2, 2024
5 most innovative cars of 2023
The year 2023 is expected to bring a lot of exciting changes to the automotive industry. From electric cars to self-driving cars, the future of transportation is looking bright. Here are the top 5 most innovative cars of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz EQS: This electric car is expected to be one of the most luxurious and innovative cars of 2023. It will have a range of over 400 miles and will be able to charge up to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Porsche 911 Dakar: This car is a jacked-up, rough-and-tumble version of the 911 that is perfect for living out your rally raid fantasies on the way to the supermarket. It is expected to be released in 2023.

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato: This car is designed for off-road adventures. It will have spotlights, big bolt-on wheel arches, and owners will feel incredibly smug every time they see a regular supercar gingerly edging their precious carbon fiber splitter over a speed bump. It is expected to be released in 2023.

Range Rover Sport SV: This car is expected to be one of the most powerful and innovative SUVs of 2023. It will have a BMW-shared twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 powerplant and plug-in hybrid boost is a possibility.

Alpine A110R: This car is expected to be one of the lightest and most agile sports cars of 2023. It will have a diet of carbon fiber components including a new roof, rear screen, and even carbon wheels. It is expected to be released in 2023.

These cars are just a few examples of the exciting innovations that are coming to the automotive industry in 2023. With electric cars, self-driving cars, and other new technologies, the future of transportation is looking very bright.
December 17, 2023
Tata’s Iconic Nano Car Makes a Comeback as an Electric Vehicle

Electric cars are making their way into the automotive industry, and Tata has recently launched its own electric vehicle. There are now expectations that the Tata Nano, once known as the world’s cheapest car, may make a comeback with an electric version in the market very soon.

Following the Tata Nano, several companies have introduced various vehicles in the budget segment. It is believed that Tata may unveil the Tata Nano Electric in the second quarter of 2023, with a potential preview of the pre-production model at the 2023 Auto Expo.

Tata has already introduced several electric vehicles in the Indian market, and many are speculating that Tata is gearing up to launch a revamped Nano with new features. This project has been in the works for years, and it’s expected to become available to customers in 2023.

The Tata Nano Electric is rumored to come equipped with a range of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth and Internet connectivity, a 6-speaker sound system, power steering, power windows, and an anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). However, it’s important to note that there hasn’t been any official launch announcement for the Nano as of now.

There have been reports suggesting that Tata Motors has commenced production of the Tata Nano Electric, and while the company hasn’t officially confirmed this information to the media, there is significant anticipation surrounding its potential release. Reports indicate that this car may hit the market with a starting price ranging from Rs 3 to 5 lakh. As we await more information, it’s clear that Tata is working on bringing back the Nano in an exciting new electric avatar.

September 12, 2023
Introducing TeeMak: Perfect Work Vehicle for Campus and Ranch Use

The Cenntro TeeMak is a vehicle designed for driving on private property. It is classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), which means it has speed, payload, and usage restrictions. The TeeMak has a maximum speed of 25 mph and is only allowed to be driven on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, depending on the state’s regulations. It can carry a payload of 700-800 pounds, which is within the legal limit of 3,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

However, when the TeeMak is sold as an off-road vehicle (ORV), all these limitations are removed. It can reach a top speed of 34 mph and has a payload capacity of 2,425 pounds. Unfortunately, there is no option to switch between LSV and ORV configurations. Despite its relatively slow speed compared to high-speed off-road vehicles, the TeeMak is primarily intended for work purposes on campuses, ranches, and other places where walking long distances is impractical.

The TeeMak is equipped with a 15-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which provides a range of around 65 to 70 miles. Although the range may seem limited, the previous model, called the Metro, had a smaller 11.5-kWh battery, and customers were satisfied with its range. The TeeMak currently supports only AC Level 1 charging, which is slow using a standard 110-volt outlet. However, the second-generation TeeMak is expected to offer quicker Level 2 AC charging.

Both the TeeMak and its variant, the Desert Beaver, are rear-wheel-drive vehicles. They feature a 2-hp maximum (10 hp nominally) motor mounted directly to the live axle, with under-axle leaf spring suspension. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, and the steering is manual rack-and-pinion. The TeeMak is equipped with ventilated disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear, providing ample stopping power.

In the third or fourth quarter of 2023, the TeeMak is expected to offer a four-wheel-drive option, which will enhance its off-road capabilities. During this update, there may also be a switch to toggle between LSV and ORV modes, similar to some eBikes available today.

The Desert Beaver, which shares many features with the TeeMak, includes additional off-road enhancements such as a roof-mounted light bar, front bumper winch, side steps, and a powered hydraulic tilt for easy loading in the bed. It also comes with various other accessories like a mesh windshield guard, spare tire mount, tubular roll bar, and bedside mounts for extra gear.

It’s important to note that the TeeMak’s main battery does not power the hydraulic system, lights, or accessories. Instead, it uses a standard 12-volt battery located under the hood. The U.S.-market TeeMak will feature leather seats, although they will differ from the ones seen in the Desert Beaver. Additionally, the U.S. version will have a more off-road capable tire compared to TeeMaks sold in other parts of the world.

July 7, 2023
Tresa Motors Launches Electric Truck to Combat India’s Truck Emissions

Indian automaker Tresa Motors has made a groundbreaking entry into the electric vehicle market by introducing the country’s first-ever electric truck. This innovative truck has the remarkable ability to travel 400 km on just a 20-minute charge. Tresa Motors, known for its commitment to modern design, has developed the electric truck on its Flux350 platform.

Addressing the pressing issue of pollution caused by the approximately 2.8 million trucks currently operating in India, Tresa Motors firmly believes that rapid electrification is the way forward. These trucks contribute to a staggering 60 percent of the country’s total pollution. With the government planning to implement a scrappage scheme in 2024 and fuel costs on the rise, Tresa Motors recognizes the urgent need for electrification in the medium and heavy truck sector.

The electric truck is powered by a cutting-edge technology capable of generating a maximum power output of 350 kW. It features a unique axial flux motor known for its compact size and lightweight characteristics. When fully charged, the truck’s battery offers an impressive range of up to 600 kilometers.

Moreover, with a rapid charging capability, the electric truck can achieve a continuous range of 400 km in just 20 minutes. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 11 tons and is equipped with an automatic transmission, allowing it to reach a top speed of 80 kmph.

Tresa Motors is anticipated to launch this groundbreaking electric truck in the second phase of the 2023 financial year. Rohan Shravan, the company’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The official launch of the Tresa model version 1 and the development of our Alex Flux motor platform are significant milestones.

We are grateful for the support of industry experts who have joined us on this journey. Tresa Motors has already manufactured over 200 different truck models in India, Germany, the USA, and Japan, with sales exceeding 2 million units to date.”

In addition to targeting the Indian market, Tresa Motors plans to introduce this electric truck in international markets. While the pricing for the Indian market has not yet been disclosed, the company’s focus on technological innovation and environmental sustainability is expected to make a considerable impact on the trucking industry.

July 6, 2023