Author: john@provenroi.com
Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron Electric Vehicles Recalled for Battery Issue Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, but even they are not immune to issues. Recently, Volkswagen and Audi have issued a recall for their ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron models due to a problem with their 12-volt batteries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 13,769 vehicles are being recalled, including a mix of 2024 VW ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback models. The issue stems from the 12-volt battery not charging properly, even when the high-voltage battery pack is fully charged.…
Mark Rober, the popular YouTuber known for his entertaining science experiments and viral videos, is currently facing a wave of backlash following the release of his latest video titled “Can You Fool a Self-Driving Car?” Many viewers and critics are accusing Rober of being misleading and deceptive in his presentation. In the video, which quickly garnered over 9 million views within just 24 hours, Rober compares Tesla’s basic Autopilot system with Luminar’s LiDAR technology. However, the main point of contention lies in the fact that Rober failed to disclose that the video appeared to serve as a promotional piece for…
The First of BMW’s Next-Generation Electric Vehicles to be Unveiled at 2025 Munich Auto Show BMW has confirmed that the first of its next-generation electric vehicles will be revealed in September at the 2025 Munich auto show, sporting the iX3 badging. This model is part of the Neue Klasse family of EVs, with a camouflaged prototype already showcased at the annual financial results conference. Pre-production example of first BMW Neue Klasse electric vehicle at plant in Hungary The Neue Klasse iX3 has entered pre-production at BMW’s Debrecen, Hungary, plant and is expected to borrow styling from the Vision Neue Klasse…
Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, once seen as a potential leader in the European battery industry, has announced its decision to file for bankruptcy in Sweden. In a press release, the company cited a combination of challenges including rising capital costs, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and shifting market demands as factors contributing to its financial difficulties. Additionally, internal production ramp-up challenges further impacted Northvolt’s operations. Rendering of Northvolt Six battery factory in Quebec, Canada Despite efforts to improve its financial situation, such as filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. and implementing cost-cutting measures, Northvolt was unable to secure…
However, the implications of Tesla’s camera-only approach to autonomous driving technology are significant. The recent test conducted by Mark Rober highlights a major weakness in Tesla’s system that could have serious consequences on the road. The video test, inspired by an old Looney Tunes cartoon, involved painting a fake tunnel on a wall to see if a Tesla on Autopilot would be fooled into crashing into it. Unfortunately, the Tesla did not detect the fake wall and crashed into it, much like Wile E. Coyote would in the cartoon. In contrast, a lidar-equipped Lexus SUV test vehicle from Luminar was…
A renewable energy company based in Saanich, British Columbia is facing a major setback after the provincial government cut Tesla products from the BC Hydro energy rebate program. High Tide Energy, which specializes in battery storage and solar panel installations, received the news with little warning on March 12, 2025. General Manager Josh Shepherd expressed his frustration at the sudden change, stating that the company was caught off guard by the decision. The removal of Tesla products, including the popular Powerwall home battery system, from the rebate program has left High Tide Energy with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth…
Tesla Warns of Potential Price Increases Due to Tariffs In a letter addressed to U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer, Tesla expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s tariff policies, highlighting the potential impact on the cost of its electric vehicles. The company stated that it could face rising costs and difficulties in sourcing certain components domestically, leading to price hikes for consumers. According to a letter obtained by the Financial Times, Tesla emphasized the challenges of localizing its supply chain and the limitations in sourcing all parts within the U.S. While expressing support for fair trade practices, the company urged the…
Hertz is currently offering some incredible deals on electric vehicles (EVs) that are sure to catch the eye of any eco-conscious car shopper. With a recent decision to downsize its EV fleet, Hertz has become a hotspot for budget-friendly battery-powered vehicles. From Chevrolet Silverado EVs with an impressive 393 miles of EPA-estimated range to low-mileage Chevy Bolts and Ford Mustang Mach-E models, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the standout deals is on the Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup trucks. Hertz has a selection of Silverado EV 3WTs available for purchase, offering a substantial discount compared to…
A New Lightweight Electric Sports Car on the Horizon A new startup has emerged to take on the challenge of developing a lightweight electric sports car. U.K.-based Longbow recently unveiled its open-top Speedster and Roadster coupe models, set to hit the market in 2026. Reservations for these models are now open in the U.K., where they will also be manufactured. Both the Speedster and Roadster are designed on an aluminum chassis by Longbow, with a focus on minimizing weight similar to classic British sports cars. The target curb weight for these models is an impressive 2,200 pounds, making them one…
The 2025 Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron is now available for order in the United States, following its debut in Europe last summer. Priced starting at $67,195, this electric vehicle (EV) is offered only in sedan form. It boasts an impressive maximum EPA-rated range of 392 miles, making it the longest-range EV in Audi’s American lineup, surpassing the Q6 E-Tron’s 321-mile range. Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, both the A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron feature a low-lying battery pack, enhancing rear passenger comfort by providing ample legroom. The A6 E-Tron is equipped with a single 100-kilowatt-hour (94.4 kWh…