Author: john@provenroi.com
Mazda has announced its plans to launch a new line of electric vehicles, with the first model set to debut in 2027. The Japanese automaker will be building a battery factory in partnership with Panasonic Energy in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan to supply battery packs for its upcoming EVs. The new factory will have an annual production capacity of 10 GWh and will exclusively supply batteries for Mazda’s electric vehicles. The batteries produced at this facility will feature cylindrical cells from Panasonic Energy, a key technology partner for Mazda. The collaboration aims to not only supply batteries for Mazda’s…
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently initiated an investigation into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature following multiple reports of crashes involving the system. This feature, which is available on Tesla’s Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles from 2016 to 2025 equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, allows users to remotely control their vehicle using a smartphone app. With Actually Smart Summon, drivers can move their car towards them or to a specific location without physically being inside the vehicle. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 16 incidents related to the…
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into crashes associated with Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature. The probe began on Monday, January 6, 2025, after the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging that a crash occurred during an Actually Smart Summon session. According to the complaint, there have been at least three media reports of similar crashes linked to Actually Smart Summon. In all four Tesla crashes, Actually Smart Summon failed to detect obstacles such as posts or parked vehicles, leading to the accidents. The NHTSA’s report highlights that the ODI…
Sony and Honda are teaming up to enter the competitive electric vehicle market with a new luxury-tech EV brand called Afeela. The collaboration aims to launch a $60,000 luxury sedan under the Afeela brand in 2026, with plans for an SUV and a more affordable model in the future. The concept was first unveiled at CES 2024, and an updated prototype is set to debut at CES 2025. Recently, a prototype of the Afeela was showcased in New York, offering a glimpse into the high-tech features and design of the upcoming electric vehicle. The exterior of the Afeela resembles a…
Tesla Revamps Former Gas Station into Supercharger Station Tesla is setting a remarkable example of sustainability by transforming an old Shell gas station into a state-of-the-art Supercharger site. This initiative aligns with their commitment to reuse, reduce, and recycle, showcasing their dedication to a cleaner energy future.While this trend is not entirely new, with other companies in EV-friendly countries like Norway already converting gas stations into EV charging points, Tesla’s move is still highly commendable. It signifies a global shift towards cleaner energy sources and a growing preference for electric vehicles.Europe, in particular, has seen rapid adoption of EVs, aided…
Volkswagen Supercharger access opens in June 2025 Volkswagen electric vehicle (EV) owners in North America are in for a treat this summer as the automaker has confirmed that its EVs will have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network by June 2025. This move will provide Volkswagen EV owners with significant charging flexibility and convenience. Mark Gillies, the Director of Volkswagen, made the announcement, stating that the partnership with Tesla will allow Volkswagen customers to access the extensive Supercharger network, which is known for its fast charging speeds and widespread coverage. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the electrification of…
Pebble introduced the Flow electric travel trailer in 2023 Production of the Pebble Flow is set to begin early this year The Pebble Flow is priced at $109,500 and includes a 45-kwh LFP battery pack California-based startup Pebble recently revealed the production-ready version of its Flow EV travel trailer, with plans to start delivering to customers in the first half of the year. Originally unveiled in 2023, the Pebble Flow utilizes a 45-kwh LFP battery pack and self-propulsion to assist a tow vehicle, addressing the range decrease that EVs typically experience while towing. The startup claims it can also help…
In the midst of an uncertain future for the automotive industry, the possibility of major consolidation among big players is becoming increasingly likely. However, despite the challenges faced by Nissan, the idea of merging with its historical competitor, Toyota, was never on the table. Speaking at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda addressed the impending consolidation within the Japanese auto industry, specifically highlighting merger talks between Honda and Nissan. Toyoda confirmed that Toyota was not involved in any discussions regarding a potential merger with Nissan, citing concerns about anti-monopoly laws that would likely prevent such a union…
Tesla enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting news of a Model Y refresh, and it seems that their patience may soon pay off. According to reports from Tesla North, the electric car company is gearing up to start production on a new Model Y variant, codenamed “Juniper,” which is rumored to incorporate updates seen in the latest Model 3. Recent checks of Tesla’s website have revealed that estimated delivery dates for the Model Y RWD have been extended to May 2025 in certain regions. This extension suggests that Tesla is likely in the process of reconfiguring its manufacturing lines at Giga…
Tesla Semis spotted towing tandem trailers for first time Tesla continues to extensively test its electric Semi ahead of mass production, with the latest testing expanding into a new domain for the first time. Over the weekend a pair of Semis were spotted pulling tandem trailers, a first for the electric trucks. The sighting took place on a highway in California, where the two Tesla Semis were seen cruising down the road with ease. The tandem trailers were attached to each Semi, showcasing the impressive towing capabilities of the electric trucks. With the ability to tow multiple trailers, Tesla Semis…