Author: john@provenroi.com
Lucid Motors has been working hard to turn its fortunes around after a challenging year in 2024. The company, known for its Air sedan, has recently announced the production of its new Gravity three-row crossover EV. The first few units of the Gravity have already rolled off the assembly line and are being delivered to friends, family, and employees of Lucid. CEO Peter Rawlinson has emphasized that production of the Gravity is being ramped up gradually to ensure high-quality standards for customers. The initial batch of Gravity crossovers is being produced in Grand Touring trim, featuring a dual motor, 828…
In 2024, SpaceX’s Starlink made significant strides in expanding its reach, now covering 27 additional markets and providing internet services to 2.8 billion people worldwide, including remote areas. To meet the growing demand for high-speed internet, SpaceX opened a new 700,000-square-foot factory in Bastrop, Texas, and introduced two major hardware upgrades: the Starlink Mini and an enhanced version of the Starlink Standard kit. The year also saw a record-breaking number of Falcon launches, with 134 in total, 89 of which were dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation. These launches, along with the deployment of V2 Mini satellites, added over 300…
Kia has issued a recall for 22,883 EV9 electric SUVs due to a potential safety issue involving missing mounting bolts for the second- and third-row seats. The affected vehicles include a mix from both the 2024 and 2025 model years, all of which were assembled in South Korea. Kia began production of the EV9 at its U.S. plant in June, but only a small number have been produced there so far. 2025 Kia EV9 If the mounting bolts are missing, the seats may not be able to properly restrain occupants in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of…
VinFast is currently offering an enticing lease deal on their VF8 electric crossover, making it a tempting option for those in the market for an electric vehicle. The Vietnamese automaker’s VF8 is the first electric vehicle they have introduced in the United States, designed by Pininfarina and engineered by Tata Motors, the same company behind Jaguar and Land Rover. While the VinFast VF8 has received mixed reviews due to issues such as a jarring ride, lackluster software experience, and alleged rushed development, the current lease deal might just make up for these shortcomings. With $0 down payment, $0 security deposit,…
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla, is in talks with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa about bringing Starlink and Tesla to Musk’s home country. The discussions revolve around easing regulations in South Africa to allow for the entry of these innovative companies. One of the key points of contention is South Africa’s requirement for businesses to be at least 30% Black-owned, which would apply to SpaceX’s Starlink if not for a potential exemption from President Ramaphosa. Musk has asked for leniency on this regulation, which would enable Starlink to operate in the country without having…
The Toyota Previa was the automaker’s minivan in the ’90s Toyota might bring back the Previa nameplate The resurrected Previa might feature electrified powertrains With its aerodynamic shape and mid-mounted engine, the Toyota Previa minivan remains one of the Japanese automaker’s most daring designs. And it might return with plug-in powertrains. According to a report in Japan’s Best Car magazine spotted by Forbes, a new Previa is slated for a 2026 launch using the TNGA-K platform that underpins the Toyota Camry, Crown, and RAV4, among others, with the intention of accommodating both plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains. A hydrogen fuel-cell…
Tesla has recently released a new accessory for Cybertruck owners: the Cybertruck Metal Key Card. Priced at $60 USD, this stainless-steel key card is a durable alternative to the standard plastic key cards that come with Tesla vehicles. The Cybertruck Metal Key Card is designed for convenience and versatility. It provides an alternative way to access the vehicle when a phone key is not available, such as when sharing the vehicle with a friend or valet. Made entirely of metal, the key card is a perfect match for the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton. Each package includes one metal key card…
General Motors is currently exploring a new approach to configuring prismatic battery cells to enhance their cooling capabilities. In a patent filing published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Dec. 26, 2024 (originally filed by GM on Jun. 23, 2023), General Motors details a unique method of stacking layers in an inverted “U” shape, as opposed to the conventional rolled or stacked layers used in current prismatic cells. This innovative configuration aims to improve thermal conductivity in both the horizontal and vertical directions within the cell, resulting in better heat dissipation and potentially enhancing the effectiveness…
Tesla is currently facing an inventory issue with dozens of limited-edition Cybertruck Foundation Series electric pickups sitting unsold in delivery centers across the United States. These high-end models, priced at over $100,000, were the first to be manufactured and delivered, offering customers priority delivery, lifetime use of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) advanced driving assistance suite, a Powershare mobile connector, and various other options. In an attempt to clear out this excess inventory, Tesla is now offering free lifetime Supercharging for these Foundation Series Cybertrucks. However, there are some conditions attached to this enticing offer. To qualify for the free Supercharging…
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is making waves with its recent introduction of free Wi-Fi on the MV Columbia ferry, powered by Starlink. This innovative pilot program is a game-changer for passengers and crew traveling between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska. Commissioner Ryan Anderson of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) emphasized the importance of connectivity for both crew members and passengers. He stated, “For our crew, staying connected to family and modern life during off-hours is essential, and this effort reflects our commitment to their well-being and job satisfaction. For passengers, especially those on multi-day…