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Category: Car

Nyobolt’s Fast-Charging Battery: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) might be on the brink of a dramatic shift thanks to a recent discovery from Nyobolt, a promising British startup focused on batteries. Nyobolt has recently made headlines with their novel 35kWh lithium-ion battery. The first live demonstration indicated that it could charge from 10% to 80% in just over four and a half minutes.

This innovation could make the inconvenience of extensive battery-charging durations and bringing electric vehicle convenience closer to that of traditional gas-powered cars. Headquartered in Cambridge, This is a significant leap from the usual 20 odd minutes spent on fast chargers like Tesla’s Supercharger, and it’s well on the way to the average gasoline fill-up time of two minutes.

“Our extensive research here in the UK and US has unlocked a novel battery technology that is ready and scalable right now. We are enabling the electrification of new products and services currently considered inviable or impossible,” said Nyobolt CEO Sai Shivareddy.

This extraordinary technology is not an overnight success, but the culmination of a decade of research steered by scientists from the University of Cambridge. Its unique design minimizes heat generation during charging, reducing overheating risks that could lead to battery fires and explosions.

Moreover, the materials used in the battery’s anodes enhance electron transfer speed, contributing to faster charging times. Currently, Nyobolt is engaging with eight electric car manufacturers to potentially integrate their batteries into future vehicles.

Long charging times have been a persistent drawback of EVs, often hindering their adoption by many potential users. For those unable to charge their vehicles at home, the time taken for charging can also disrupt their daily routines. This innovation from Nyobolt, tested in the firm’s sports car prototype, offers great prospects especially for drivers who rely on electric cars for their work and commercial EV fleets, notes Paul Marchment of Arval.

July 9, 2024
Xiaomi Expands Automotive Ambitions with Hybrid SU7 Development

Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market has been met with resounding success, with the company receiving over 100,000 locked orders and delivering nearly 10,000 cars in June alone. The tech giant is not resting on its laurels, as it is already working on expanding its automotive lineup with a potential hybrid version of the Xiaomi SU7.

The development of this new model has been accidentally exposed by a company official through a screenshot containing job descriptions and requirements for engineers working on the project. The job postings indicate that Xiaomi is seeking individuals with extensive experience in the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of thermal management integration and hybrid or extended-range vehicle development.

While specific details about the hybrid SU7 are scarce, the job requirements suggest that Xiaomi is serious about its foray into the hybrid vehicle market. The successful launch of its first electric car has likely given the company the confidence to explore new avenues in the automotive space.

Rumors suggest that Xiaomi’s second car could be an SUV model, scheduled to debut at the end of this year and go on sale in 2025. Additionally, the company is reportedly planning to launch a more affordable model priced around 150,000 yuan, which could officially launch in 2026.

Xiaomi’s Chairman, Lei Jun, has been tight-lipped about the company’s new car plans, avoiding questions about the hybrid SU7 during a recent Douyin live broadcast. However, the job postings and rumors indicate that Xiaomi is committed to expanding its presence in the automotive industry.

As Xiaomi continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the electric and hybrid vehicle markets, it will be exciting to see how the company’s automotive ambitions unfold in the coming years. With its strong brand recognition and commitment to delivering high-quality products at competitive prices, Xiaomi is well-positioned to disrupt the traditional automotive industry and offer consumers more affordable and technologically advanced options.

June 24, 2024
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650: Stylish and Powerful Motorcycle

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is a factory custom bobber motorcycle that takes inspiration from the rich and varied community of custom motorcycle builders. It is available in three variants: Custom Shed, Custom Pro, and Custom Special. Each variant offers a unique paint scheme, including Green Drill, Stencil White, Sheet Metal Grey, and Plasma Blue.

Design and Features

The Shotgun 650 features a bobber-style design with a low-slung stance, chopped fenders, and a sporty-looking fuel tank. It has a comfortable riding position with a wide handlebar and a low seat height of 795mm. The bike is equipped with alloy wheels, a 320mm front disc brake, and a 300mm rear disc brake. It also features a Showa separate function, big piston USD fork up front and Showa twin spring shocks at the back, providing a smooth ride over rough roads.

Performance

The Shotgun 650 is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. The bike has a top speed of 110 mph and a fuel economy of 45 mpg.

Handling and Braking

The Shotgun 650 has a comfortable suspension that can handle rough roads. It also features a Showa separate function, big piston USD fork up front and Showa twin spring shocks at the back, providing a smooth ride over rough roads. The bike has a low seat height and a wide handlebar, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

Price and Availability

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is priced between Rs. 3.59 Lakh to Rs. 3.73 Lakh, depending on the variant and color scheme. It is available in India and can be purchased from authorized Royal Enfield dealerships.

Key Specifications

– Engine: 648cc parallel-twin
– Power: 47 horsepower
– Torque: 52 lb-ft
– Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
– Brakes: 320mm front disc brake, 300mm rear disc brake
– Suspension: Showa separate function, big piston USD fork up front and Showa twin spring shocks at the back
– Fuel Economy: 45 mpg
– Top Speed: 110 mph
– Price: Rs. 3.59 Lakh to Rs. 3.73 Lakh

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Stylish design
– Comfortable riding position
– Powerful engine
– Smooth suspension
– Affordable price

Cons:
– Single seat
– Less fit and finish compared to rivals
– Footpegs hit the tarmac easily
– Not the most comfortable in big city traffic

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has received positive reviews from users, who appreciate its unique design and comfortable riding position. Some users have noted that the bike can be a bit heavy and the footpegs can hit the tarmac easily. The Shotgun 650 is a great option for riders who want a stylish and reliable motorcycle.

June 22, 2024
2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro: Adventure-Ready and Family-Friendly

Toyota is known for making reliable cars, and their TRD Pro lineup showcases their strength in off-road vehicles. The 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a hybrid SUV that stands out for its versatility and robustness, making it great for outdoor adventures.

What’s Under the Hood?
A 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine powers the Sequoia TRD Pro. It has 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, which is more than many V8 engines offer. This engine helps the SUV tow up to 9,020 pounds and gets about 20 miles per gallon, blending power with fuel efficiency. The SUV only comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Design and Appearance
The outside of the Sequoia TRD Pro looks tough and ready for adventure, straight from the factory. It has a special color called Terra that blends well with nature. The SUV includes practical features like air vents that help with aerodynamics and keep the engine cool. It also has a gray digital camo finish on the fenders, sturdy BBS wheels, and Falken all-terrain tires that are great for rough landscapes. The TRD skid plates and Fox shocks make the ride smooth, even off-road.

Interior Comfort
Inside, the Sequoia TRD Pro feels luxurious with soft-touch materials and contrast stitching. It can seat up to seven people comfortably, with lots of room in all rows. The front seats are especially nice with TRD Pro embroidery and electric adjustments. The SUV has a large 14-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch gauge cluster that are easy to use. If you fold down the third row, there’s a lot of space for things like camping gear or even an inflatable mattress for sleeping.

Driving Experience
On the road, the Sequoia TRD Pro drives smoothly and responds well. It’s quiet inside, and everything you need is within reach. It has great visibility all around, helped by 360-degree cameras and an under-vehicle camera. Off-road, it’s equally impressive. The suspension and four-wheel drive system handle tough conditions easily. It also has features like Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control for navigating steep terrain without a hassle. Despite its size, the SUV is agile and handles turns well.

Price and Value
The starting price for the Sequoia TRD Pro is $78,710. It’s expensive, but it offers a lot for the money, especially compared to what you’d spend upgrading another vehicle to this level of capability and comfort. The 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a full package of style, power, and fun, making it a standout choice for families and adventure seekers alike. Saying goodbye to this SUV was tough—it’s a top performer that many will enjoy.

June 20, 2024
Innovations in Mobility: The Promise of Flying Vehicles

Flying cars are becoming a reality and it is not just a dream. You can consider waking up in the morning and going to your rooftop and seeing a flying taxi waiting for you. You hop in, and within minutes, you’re whisked away to your office rooftop. It sounds like something out of a fantasy story but it’s actually happening.

For years, researchers have been working on flying car technology. Some companies have even built prototypes and tested them. These early models faced challenges and didn’t gain much popularity.

Recently, a Chinese company unveiled a new model of a flying car. At first glance, it looks like a regular car, but with the press of a button, it transforms into a flying vehicle. It has four visible fans that resemble those on a drone. This car can fly using four propellers, much like a drone.

Experts see this car as a glimpse into the future of flying taxis. If successful, it could revolutionize transportation in busy cities and benefit people in rural areas too. Imagine being able to avoid traffic jams by simply taking to the sky when needed.

Many people are hopeful that this new type of vehicle, capable of both driving on roads and flying in the sky, will soon become a reality. At events like this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, car companies are showcasing innovative electric vehicles and driver-assist systems.

April 20, 2024
Autopilot Crash Lawsuit: Tesla to Settle with Victim’s Family

Tesla has agreed to settle a lawsuit over a crash in 2018 where a man named Walter Huang died. He was an engineer at Apple. He was driving a Tesla Model X with Autopilot on when it hit a barrier on the highway. The case was brought by Mr. Huang’s family and was supposed to start this week in California court. If the trial had happened, it would have looked closely at Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology.

The settlement details were not shared, and it still needs approval from a judge. Tesla didn’t say anything when asked by the BBC. Before the settlement, Tesla said Mr. Huang was using the system wrong because he was playing a video game before the crash.

Tesla has won similar cases before by saying drivers didn’t follow the rules to pay attention while using Autopilot. Tesla is facing many lawsuits over crashes linked to its driver-assistant technology. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also looking into some crashes involving Autopilot.

Tesla has been saying for years that it will make a self-driving car, but it hasn’t happened yet. On Friday, the CEO, Mr. Musk, said Tesla plans to show a self-driving taxi in August. This settlement comes at a time when Tesla is having trouble selling cars.

In the first three months of this year, car deliveries went down a lot because of a fire at a factory in Europe, problems with shipping worldwide, and more competition. Tesla has lowered its prices many times because of competition from companies like BYD, but fewer people are buying cars in big markets like China. Tesla’s stock has dropped almost 30% since the beginning of the year.

April 9, 2024
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
Felo-Tooz Bike: Cutting-Edge Cruiser at Bangkok Motor Show

This bike is capable of covering a distance of 720 kilometers with just twenty minutes of charging. This remarkable feat positions it as a formidable contender against many modern private cars on the road. Featuring a 12-inch touchscreen on the front and a reclining back seat, this bike offers both convenience and comfort.

Designed with ample space to accommodate adventure gear; the bike proves to be an ideal choice for adventurous journeys. With a maximum speed of 201 km per hour, it promises an exhilarating ride while addressing the growing demand for electric vehicles worldwide to combat environmental pollution.

In response to consumer needs, e-bike companies are continually introducing innovative models with enhanced features to improve performance and design. Smart Tech Bike, a company based in Thailand, has recently unveiled its groundbreaking cruiser bike at the 45th Bangkok Motor Show.

Known as the Fellow model, this bike boasts a rapid charging time of just 20 minutes making it a practical option for long-distance travel and carrying heavy loads. While the specific battery specifications have not been disclosed, the bike’s functionality allows for easy charging from one car battery to another.

Surprising additions include a touchscreen display on the front panel, along with multimedia applications for navigation. Additionally, the inclusion of a 360-degree angle camera enhances safety while riding. Equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) on its wheels, the bike ensures stability and control on the road.

Despite its heavyweight and large volume, the bike features an ABS traction control system to optimize performance. The official price of the bike has yet to be announced and it leaves enthusiasts eager to learn more about this innovative and promising addition to the electric bike market.

April 5, 2024
The Driverless Revolution: Exploring the Possibilities of Autonomous Vehicles

Driverless cars are also known as autonomous vehicles and they are stirring up diverse opinions and emotions. Some see them as a promising leap into a new era of transportation, while others view them with skepticism, pondering the implications for safety and the driving experience itself.

The concept of sitting in a car without a driver behind the wheel sparks a wide range of reactions. For many, it represents a futuristic vision where roads are orchestrated by algorithms, transforming the daily commute into a stress-free experience. Witnessing fleets of driverless cars navigating efficiently has captivated the public’s imagination and attracted significant investment, promising to revolutionize transportation and society as we know it.

Autonomous driving technology has the potential to create immense value, with projections estimating hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue by the end of the decade. From basic driver assistance features to advanced autonomous capabilities, the automotive industry is poised for significant growth in this domain.

The ultimate goal is to achieve Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 4 autonomy, where vehicles can operate without human intervention under specific conditions. Consumer demand for autonomous driving features is evident, with surveys indicating a willingness to invest in these technologies.

The market for autonomous driving features is expected to generate substantial revenue, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities. As component costs decrease and consumer interest grows, the market for these features is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years.

Beyond revenue generation, autonomous cars are poised to impact various industries. As accidents decrease and safety improves, there may be a reduction in the demand for roadside assistance and vehicle repairs. Additionally, users stand to benefit from enhanced safety, simplified driving tasks, and increased fuel efficiency.

March 31, 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