UK-based self-driving software startup Oxbotica raises $47m from Tencent, others

Self-driving software startup Oxbotica said on Wednesday it has raised $47 million in its latest funding round led by the venture arm of oil giant BP and including health and safety device maker Halma Plc and Tencent. The startup, an Oxford University spin-out that develops autonomous systems that could be used in vehicles from taxis to freight… Continue reading UK-based self-driving software startup Oxbotica raises $47m from Tencent, others

Amazon-backed EV startup Rivian is reportedly close to landing a massive new investment that could value it at $25 billion (AMZN, F)

Rivian may soon close on a funding round worth several billion dollars that could give it a $25 billion valuation, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.  The funding round counts several existing investors, which include Amazon, Ford, BlackRock, Cox Automotive, and T. Rowe Price, according to the outlet.  The company told Business… Continue reading Amazon-backed EV startup Rivian is reportedly close to landing a massive new investment that could value it at $25 billion (AMZN, F)

G.M. Scales Down Nikola Deal

Nikola, a start-up electric truck company that had made a big splash on Wall Street, announced a broad alliance with General Motors in September that promised to give the company critical technology, financial support and credibility with investors. But the news was quickly overtaken by claims that Nikola had exaggerated its capabilities, and the firm’s… Continue reading G.M. Scales Down Nikola Deal

Tesla unveils new map of upcoming Supercharger stations, adds stations, and updates timelines

Tesla has released a new map of its upcoming Supercharger stations, adding many new planned stations to the network, removing others, and updating timelines in the process. Tesla Supercharger network The Supercharger network is one of Tesla’s two charging networks along with the “Destination network.” While the Destination network focuses on providing charging solutions at… Continue reading Tesla unveils new map of upcoming Supercharger stations, adds stations, and updates timelines

Rivian Is close to raising funds at $25 billion valuation

Rivian Automotive Inc., the electric-truck startup backed by Amazon.com Inc. and Ford Motor Co., is close to raising a new round of funding valuing it at about $25 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Several existing Rivian investors are participating in the round, which will raise several billion dollars, the people added, asking… Continue reading Rivian Is close to raising funds at $25 billion valuation

Fisker plots “radical” electric pick-up to take on Tesla Cybertruck

Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker posted the above render on Twitter. Fisker has revealed that it is considering a “radical” pick-up bodystyle for its next production vehicle, following the 2022 Ocean electric SUV – and has previewed how it could look. Sharing a render of the firm’s mooted second model on Twitter, Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker said the new electric… Continue reading Fisker plots “radical” electric pick-up to take on Tesla Cybertruck

G.M. Accelerates Its Ambitions for Electric Vehicles

For the last five years, G.M., Ford Motor, Volkswagen and others have been trying to develop compelling and affordable electric vehicles, while watching with both envy and admiration as Tesla raced ahead. Tesla is on track to sell close to 500,000 E.V.s this year, far more than any rival, and is building factories in Germany… Continue reading G.M. Accelerates Its Ambitions for Electric Vehicles

Tesla (TSLA) announces a new battery cell deal with Panasonic

Tesla (TSLA) has announced a new battery cell deal with Panasonic through an SEC filing today. It’s the latest of many recent moves from Tesla in an attempt to secure a large battery cell supply to support its ambitious expansion goals. Tesla Signs new Battery Supply Deal with Panasonic Early this morning, Tesla released a… Continue reading Tesla (TSLA) announces a new battery cell deal with Panasonic

Tesla’s China rival Xpeng to use lidar sensors from DJI affiliate Livox

The battle is heating up between Tesla and its Chinese challenger Xpeng as the latter makes clearer its stance on the future of autonomous driving. Over the weekend, Xpeng, which counts Xiaomi and Alibaba among its investors, announced that it will be using lidar sensors from Livox, a startup with closes ties to the Chinese… Continue reading Tesla’s China rival Xpeng to use lidar sensors from DJI affiliate Livox

German Handelsblatt: Interview with Klaus Zellmer: Chip shortage at VW – Sales Director warns: “We will fight for every car in 2021” 001050

VW Sales Director Klaus Zellmer The former Porsche manager will be responsible for sales at the VW Group. (Photo: Bloomberg) Düsseldorf At the beginning of the year, the Volkswagen Group lacked electronic components for vehicle production. As a result, it may not be possible to build more than 100,000 vehicles in the new year. “We… Continue reading German Handelsblatt: Interview with Klaus Zellmer: Chip shortage at VW – Sales Director warns: “We will fight for every car in 2021” 001050