Category: EV vehicles

January 15, 2025
Can Royal Enfield Flying Flea Compete in India’s EV Market?
Royal Enfield is teaming up with Qualcomm to develop its future electric motorcycles. The recently unveiled Royal Enfield Flying Flea EV boasts a stylish new look, advanced technology integration, and a Snapdragon chipset. But does this have what it takes to win over the Indian market? Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea EV: What’s Unique About It?
Snapdragon-Enabled Royal Enfield Flying Flea EV
Royal Enfield, a prominent name in India’s motorcycle scene, is taking a daring step with the introduction of its electric bike. Their partnership with Qualcomm brings in state-of-the-art technology, including the Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC and the Car-to-Cloud platform, marking a notable evolution for the brand.
For those who might not know, this chipset was specifically designed for motorcycles, and it powers the control unit of the Flying Flea. It operates on a custom-built OS, overseeing every element of the bike, including performance and rider interaction. All of this information is conveniently shown on a round TFT display.
Advanced Connectivity Features
Moreover, the Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform enables the Flying Flea to stay connected via 4G, Bluetooth, and WiFi. This feature ensures that the bike maintains constant communication while you ride. There’s also a special Voice Assistant button to make full use of this connectivity. Additionally, one of the innovative tech features includes the “Phone as a Key” function, allowing riders to unlock and start their motorcycles with their smartphones.
Tags: Flying Flea EV, Royal Enfield, Snapdragon QWM2290
January 15, 2025
Samsung’s High-Energy Density Solid-State Battery Ready for Mass Production
When Samsung decided to shift its focus to solid-state battery technology and production, it announced that prototype models would be ready by 2025, with plans to integrate them into electric vehicles by 2027.
Confirmation of Readiness
The leader of Samsung Electro-Mechanics has just verified that the solid-state battery is on schedule and has achieved the highest energy density and capacity-to-size ratio in the market. These solid-state batteries are capable of reaching an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which seems to align with Samsung’s initial goals.
Investment in Production
Samsung is now ready to invest in facilities for mass production, aiming to supply prototypes for its own divisions to use in their products slated for release in 2026. Since the solid-state battery utilizes an oxide base and maintains stability, smaller cells can be incorporated into various devices, including wearables that require flexibility, such as the Galaxy Ring fitness tracker.
Expanding Applications
Once the mass production facilities are established and the real-world effectiveness of its solid-state technology is confirmed, Samsung plans to broaden the applications of this technology by 2027. Interestingly, this coincides with announcements from competitors like Toyota and CATL, who also plan to launch their solid-state batteries in electric vehicles around the same time.
Advantages of Samsung’s Technology
In addition to the impressive energy density and capacity, Samsung’s solid-state battery technology offers a significant benefit: lower mass production costs. The company has been experimenting with a new manufacturing process called roll pressing. This method does away with the slow Warm Istactic Press (WIP) process for sealing the cell, allowing for quicker placement into water and application of up to 600MPa pressure at high temperatures to solidify the electrode and electrolyte materials for stable performance.
If Samsung manages to implement this process successfully on a large scale with its solid-state prototypes this year, it could overcome the major challenges hindering the widespread adoption of this promising battery technology, including production speed and costs.
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Tags: Galaxy Ring, Samsung, solid-state battery
January 14, 2025
Tesla Cybertruck Gets $10K Full Solar Panel Wrap Option
The concept of outfitting Tesla’s Cybertruck with solar panels isn’t a fresh idea. Elon Musk had previously talked about adding these panels to the retractable cover of the truck bed, which could potentially extend the vehicle’s range by 15 miles daily, but those plans never came to fruition.
Sunflare Solar’s Innovation
Recently, Sunflare Solar has successfully wrapped a Cybertruck with its lightweight CIGS solar cells. These flexible panels are said to be capable of producing up to 1.5 kW of power, which would be stored in a battery/inverter unit that comes with the setup. However, while this sounds thrilling, the actual contribution to the vehicle’s range might not be as significant as it appears.
Design and Functionality
In a video showcased at CES 2025, we see the solar wrap, which is made from a somewhat thick yet flexible vinyl material that features a digital-camo design for visual appeal. The battery inverter, which takes up quite a bit of space, resembles a large suitcase and is placed in the back bed of the Cybertruck.
The body of the Cybertruck consists mainly of expansive flat surfaces, and Sunflare’s wrap covers nearly all of them, including the doors and bumpers. However, many of these panels tilt downward, meaning the energy harvested from them would be minimal. As we know, for solar panels to perform optimally, they must face the sun directly. Yet, the most advantageous area for solar panels—the roof—is hardly utilized, aside from the small ‘frunk’ cover. Some forum users have pointed out that even under ideal conditions, the claimed 1.5 kW output would necessitate a much larger surface area than what’s available. Other estimates suggest that the solar film could add between 12 to 18 miles of range each day, but this assumes perfect conditions.
Pricing and Alternatives
The solar wrap is priced at $10,000, including installation, and comes with a 15-year warranty, which should help ease any worries about its longevity. Considering that a full paint protection film (PPF) wrap for the Cybertruck costs over $5,000, some people might see this as a good deal. However, the substantial space taken up by the battery inverter is another factor to think about.
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Tags: Bluetti AC180, Cybertruck, Sunflare Solar
January 14, 2025
2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Made in Germany, Outsells Audi
The Model Y Juniper is set to launch in Europe around the same time as in China, as Tesla has reportedly begun production of the updated version today at its Gigafactory located near Berlin.
Popularity and Production
The Model Y stands as Tesla’s top-selling vehicle, and its success has allowed it to outproduce the well-known German brand Audi for the first time in 2024, with numbers reaching 1.67 million compared to Audi’s 1.79 million units. Therefore, it is crucial for Tesla to maintain this positive trend.
Facelift Meeting Confirmation
A rumor from last week suggested that Tesla planned a briefing for Giga Berlin staff regarding the Model Y Juniper refresh, and it appears that this was accurate. German news outlets confirmed that a meeting took place on Monday, revealing that the facelift was showcased within the factory, allowing team leaders to discuss the Juniper’s specifications and features ahead of the production launch today.
Model Variants and Market Expectations
It remains uncertain if Tesla will offer exclusive versions of the Model Y Juniper in Europe, similar to its earlier models, such as the “maximum range” RWD variant featuring an LFP battery capable of achieving 372 WLTP standard miles per charge. However, it is highly likely that there will be a Model Y Juniper Performance variant, which has already been seen undergoing tests in the United States.
The rumor that successfully predicted last week’s facelift announcement and the March release date for the Juniper refresh also indicated that production would begin almost simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin, and the U.S. Currently, two of these Gigafactories are down, and there is no information regarding the Model Y Juniper release date in the U.S.
Australian Launch and Regulatory Delays
In Australia, the Juniper facelift is anticipated to launch in May; however, the market will receive the Chinese versions, now with an RHD option. The extended regulatory approval times for the 2025 Model Y, which includes crash testing and FSD feature evaluations like the Model 3 Highland refresh, may contribute to a delayed Model Y Juniper release in the U.S. Additionally, there may be a need to increase production of the 4680 battery cells.
Tesla will require every available 4680 pack from Giga Texas and other locations for both the Cybertruck and the Model Y Juniper, especially as it aims to produce the most affordable battery in the U.S. to benefit from government tax credits for their manufacturing.
If rumors about the potential removal of the made-in-U.S. EV and battery tax credits by Trump’s administration do come true, Tesla may have to reconsider its options and could revert to using Panasonic and LG batteries for the Model Y Juniper facelift, which might allow for an earlier release date in the U.S.
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Tags: Gigafactory Berlin, Juniper facelift, Tesla Model Y
January 13, 2025
2025 Model Y Juniper Glacial Blue Photos Show No Multi-Coat Paint
Tesla has introduced its refreshed Model Y Juniper with a limited availability, featuring a pure Black color option. However, they have introduced a new color called Glacial Blue, which adds some variety to the lineup.
New Color Option
The Glacial Blue shade bears some resemblance to the intricate multi-coat Quicksilver color but is noticeably lighter and has a blueish tint unlike any other blue options previously offered by Tesla for its electric vehicles.
Paint Quality Concerns
It remains uncertain whether the Glacial Blue for the Model Y Juniper is a multi-coat paint. Initial images captured in China, under bright winter sunlight, suggest that it might not be. The color lacks the typical “metallic and dark undertones” found in Tesla’s Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red multi-coat options that originate from their advanced paint facility in Giga Berlin. In reality, the Glacial Blue appears somewhat flat.
Promotions and Pricing
In Australia, Tesla is running a promotion that allows buyers to choose any Model Y Juniper color for free, including the new Glacial Blue. However, in China and various regions in the Asia-Pacific, where the Juniper version is available for preorder, this fresh color comes with an additional cost.
As is customary, the only complimentary option in Tesla China is the Stealth Gray, also known as “Starry” Gray. All other colors, including the Pearl White multi-coat, cost an extra $1,100. The Glacial Blue color for the Model Y Juniper shares the same price point, while the Quicksilver and “Flame Red” multi-coat options are 50% more expensive.
Market Demand
This suggests that the Glacial Blue color may not have the dynamic effects typical of multi-coat paints, such as shimmer or color changes depending on light angles. This is evident from the initial real-world photos of the Model Y in Glacial Blue. Nevertheless, a new color is still appealing, and on the launch day alone, Tesla received 50,000 orders for the Model Y Juniper in China, even though it won’t be released until March.
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Tags: Glacial Blue, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
January 13, 2025
Microvast Launches True All-Solid-State Battery for EVs and Backup
Microvast Holdings, Inc. is a company focused on battery technology, located in Stafford, Texas. On January 9, the company revealed a significant advancement in battery technology with its new True All-Solid-State Battery (ASSB) system. This innovation aims to enhance battery safety, energy density, and efficiency, making it applicable to various sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, and energy storage solutions.
Innovative Design Features
A key aspect of Microvast’s ASSB is its unique bipolar stacking structure. Unlike typical lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, this new design removes the liquid element, leading to higher voltages and improved safety. By utilizing internal series connections within one cell, this structure simplifies the system design and enhances energy efficiency. The specialized all-solid electrolyte separator, made from advanced polyaramid, provides excellent ionic conductivity and durability over time.
Performance and Safety
In performance evaluations, the ASSB showcased a stable voltage range from 12V to 21V, surpassing the performance of older models. This range makes it ideal for uses that require high energy density without compromising safety standards.
For electric vehicles, Microvast’s ASSB has the potential to boost both performance and dependability. The removal of liquid electrolytes paves the way for safer high-voltage operations, allowing for smaller and lighter battery packs without losing energy efficiency. The compact battery design could enhance the driving range of EVs while also shortening charging durations. Additionally, the strong architecture diminishes the chances of thermal runaway, which is a major safety issue in electric vehicles.
Future Implications for Manufacturers
The adaptability of ASSB technology to fit custom designs could provide EV makers with new opportunities to create space-efficient battery configurations. These enhancements may also contribute to reduced manufacturing costs over time, potentially making electric vehicles more affordable for a wider range of consumers.
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Tags: electric vehicles, Microvast, True All-Solid-State Battery
January 13, 2025
Tesla Model Y Juniper Returns to the US Market Again
Tesla has introduced the eagerly awaited Model Y “Juniper” in China. Although the company hasn’t started accepting orders locally, recent sightings of a prototype suggest that it might be available soon.
Exciting Prototype Sightings
A user on X, known as @Teslaconomics, shared a video showcasing a covered Model Y “Juniper.” This vehicle was seen in Santa Clara, California, where both the front and rear bumpers were wrapped. Given that Tesla’s engineering headquarters is nearby, it makes sense that the new Model Y would be undergoing testing in this area.
Ongoing Concealment
Observers in the Bay Area noted some Model Ys with their front and rear parts hidden as late as 2024. It’s quite curious that Tesla still covers the prototypes, even though the updated version is set to debut in China, with deliveries expected by March 2025.
Global Availability Still Uncertain
Tesla has yet to announce when the Model Y “Juniper” will be ready for sale in the United States or other parts of the world. If the company’s release strategy for the Model 3 “Highland” is any indication, U.S. customers might only have to wait a few months before they can start placing orders.
The update for the Tesla Model Y “Juniper” includes a new wide-view front camera, bringing the total camera count to eight. Some exterior modifications are also present, such as updated bumpers, light bars at both the front and back, along with aerodynamic enhancements. Inside, improvements feature a rear display screen akin to the one in the Model 3 “Highland,” ventilated seating, and better sound insulation for a more peaceful ride.
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Tags: EV, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
January 10, 2025
Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Production Amid Model Y Staffing Shift
It’s been clear for a while that interest in the Tesla Cybertruck is decreasing, as images of lots filled with unsold Cybertrucks and reports of quicker delivery times are spreading online. Now, there’s stronger proof that the Cybertruck isn’t performing as well in sales as Tesla had hoped.
Survey Insights
Sources close to the situation shared with Business Insider that a survey took place in December. It asked workers on the Cybertruck production line about their job preferences, while also informing them of upcoming transitions to the Model Y assembly line. Furthermore, two independent insiders indicated to Business Insider that Tesla plans to reduce the overall production of the Cybertruck.
This survey was said to follow a notification to some Cybertruck assembly workers that they wouldn’t need to come to work in December 2024, effectively placing them on a temporary leave while production slowed. Thankfully, this break lasted only three days, but soon after, updates to the production schedule were made public.
Production Challenges
Insiders claim that not enough workers from the Cybertruck line chose to switch to the Model Y production line, leading to some being compelled to transfer when the new schedule took effect in January. Since production of the Cybertruck began in November 2023, there have been inconsistent reports regarding output, with battery supply chain issues being among the top challenges for the electric pickup.
Tesla might also be focusing on ramping up production for the Model Y Juniper refresh, which is anticipated to be very popular upon its release later this year, considering the Model Y’s incredible success in the market.
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Tags: Cybertruck, Model Y, Tesla
January 10, 2025
2025 Model Y Juniper Battery Capacity Leak: Minimal Range Boost
The recent announcement of the two Model Y Juniper versions has left some Tesla fans feeling let down regarding the battery sizes.
Battery Expectations
Before the reveal, there were whispers that the Model Y Juniper would feature a more spacious 95 kWh battery on the high-performance model and a new 66 kWh manganese phosphate M3P battery from CATL for the entry-level RWD variant. However, a report discussing the lukewarm response from Xiaomi’s CEO to the Juniper news showed that the anticipated battery capacity for the 2025 Model Y has remained mostly unchanged.
Current Specifications
The 2025 Model Y Juniper AWD Long Range is said to utilize a battery pack with a usable capacity of 78.4 kWh, which translates to around 80 kWh in total battery size. This is the same capacity as the existing Long Range and Performance models available in the US. On the other hand, the base RWD Model Y Juniper will not be available in the US market due to its Chinese LFP cells from CATL, yet it features a 62.5 kWh usable capacity, slightly above the earlier 60 kWh pack of the Standard Range Model Y that was previously sold in the US.
Range Insights
This situation accounts for the 2025 AWD Model Y offering just about a 3% increase in range compared to its predecessor, while the RWD model, which has a marginally larger battery, boasts a 7% improvement in range. Nonetheless, it appears that both RWD and AWD Model Y Juniper trims gain their range benefits more from design improvements and powertrain efficiency rather than just larger battery sizes.
Tesla mentions that they’ve completely overhauled the exterior design, from the front bumper to the taillights, to maximize efficiency and extend the range from every charge. The Model Y Juniper is designed to be lighter than its predecessor, with enhanced aerodynamics, and the company emphasizes that it has been “redesigned from front to back to improve range, performance and longevity.”
Future Expectations
In summary, the minimal range improvement of the 2025 Model Y Juniper compared to the earlier model can be attributed to slight enhancements in drivetrain efficiency and a lower drag coefficient of 0.22, down from the previous 0.23. Enthusiasts hoping for a bigger battery in the Model Y Juniper refresh may need to wait for the US version, which is expected to feature Tesla’s 4680 battery technology from the Cybertruck. This version may finally offer the rumored larger 95 kWh battery pack for the pricier AWD and Performance models.
However, any substantial upgrade in battery capacity will likely come with a price hike. There’s skepticism from CATL regarding Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for reducing manufacturing costs of the 4680 battery cells, with its CEO expressing doubts about achieving such significant cost cuts.
Tesla could potentially offset these costs with federal tax credits for its domestically produced batteries, which might allow the 2025 Model Y to launch in the US with an improved range, not just for bragging rights.
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Tags: 4680 battery, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
January 10, 2025
New Model Y Juniper Facelift Offers 6 and 7 Seat Options
Last August, a reliable source regarding Tesla’s plans in China indicated that the Model Y Juniper facelift would debut there in March.
Tesla’s Announcement
Today, Tesla confirmed this refresh, now referred to as the New Model Y. The information from the source was accurate, as Tesla stated that “deliveries are expected to begin in March, pending regulatory approval.”
New Configurations
The source also mentioned a seven-seat Model Y Juniper version would be available, which isn’t surprising. Interestingly, China might also receive a unique six-seat Model Y refresh version. On the Model Y Juniper ordering page, the refresh shows a “seat layout” selection beneath the options for 19-inch standard or 20-inch Helix wheels for the first time. Currently, only a 5-seater version exists, but the new seating option suggests more configurations are on the way.
Future Launches
Tesla plans to roll out the 7-seat Juniper model in the last quarter of 2025, alongside a new 6-seat layout that is quite sought after by car owners in China. Several family vehicles there provide six full-size seats, unlike the typical 2-3-2 setup with a tight third row found in the current 7-seat Model Y.
This may hint at Tesla’s intention to offer a seating layout choice, rather than merely adding a 7-seat configuration as an additional option. However, it’s uncertain whether the potential 6-seat Model Y Juniper refresh will be available outside of China, as that configuration isn’t as favored in other regions.
Upgraded Features
The new Model Y Juniper facelift features significantly enhanced seats, offering ventilation in the front and power reclining for the back seats, along with an electrically folding bench that creates a large cargo area. The redesigned Juniper seats also have a different shape, featuring sharper headrest padding with contrasting stitching.
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Tags: 6-seat configuration, Model Y Juniper, Tesla