NEWSOM ANNOUNCES STATE EV CREDIT AMID TRUMP POLICY CHANGES
Automotive News reports today that California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to introduce a state electric vehicle (EV) tax credit if the Republican White House removes federal EV subsidies next year.
In a statement on Monday, Newsom, a prominent Democrat, announced he would revive a California program ended in 2023. This program aims to provide financial support to EV buyers as an alternative to the proposed $7,500 federal tax credit being aggressively targeted by Republicans and Elon Musk.
Newsom’s proposed credit would exclude Tesla from eligibility.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and now an advisor to Republican party leadership, reacted strongly to this exclusion, tweeting, “Even though Tesla is the only company who manufactures their EVs in California! This is insane.”
Despite the exclusion, Musk has often voiced support for ending subsidies across the EV, oil, and gas sectors.
Republican leaders have long criticized the Biden administration’s EV subsidies intended to promote cleaner transportation. According to Bloomberg News, the White House transition team is working to lower fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and light trucks, aiming to dismantle Biden-era policies referred to as an “EV mandate.”
California has a history of opposing weakening of auto emission regulations. Governor Newsom and other state leaders are preparing for potential conflicts to protect California’s policies on reproductive rights, climate, and immigration from federal interference under a Trump administration.
Currently, California, along with Oregon and Colorado, is exempt from federal regulations that restrict states from setting their own emission standards for new vehicles. Over a dozen states, representing more than one-third of the U.S. auto market, have adopted California’s strict emission rules.
The relationship between Musk and Newsom has been tense over various state policies, including the temporary closure of Tesla’s Fremont factory during the pandemic and legislation concerning transgender youth. In 2021, Tesla moved its headquarters from California to Texas, and Musk has indicated plans to relocate his other ventures, such as SpaceX and the social media platform X, to Texas as well.
California has made significant progress in EV adoption, exceeding two million zero-emission vehicle sales—a doubling since 2022. Recently, a California official expressed confidence that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will approve the state’s initiative to ban the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism from major automakers.
Under California’s regulations, adopted by twelve other states, 80% of all new vehicles sold must be electric by 2035, with no more than 20% being plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
SAMSUNG SDI BOLSTERS EV BATTERY MARKET WITH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
Samsung SDI is rapidly increasing its footprint in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector by forming key partnerships with major automakers like Audi and Hyundai. This growth is fueled by new supply agreements, innovative battery products, and the rising demand for EVs, particularly in Europe.
Recently, Samsung SDI secured a contract to supply batteries for Audi’s E-Tron 50 Quattro and E-Tron Sportback 50 Quattro models, which were previously powered by LG Energy Solution batteries. In South Korea, out of 14 Audi EV models, nine now use Samsung SDI batteries, while the remaining five still rely on LG. An Audi Korea official stated, “We assemble and integrate our own battery packs using cells from LG, Samsung or other battery manufacturers. The choice of supplier can vary depending on multiple factors, including logistics and availability.”
This partnership is expected to strengthen further with the launch of Audi’s Q6 E-Tron in South Korea in the first half of 2024. The midsize electric SUV will feature a 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, offering an estimated driving range of up to 398 miles (641 kilometers) on a single charge, based on European certification standards. Additionally, China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, will also supply cells for specific versions of the Q6 E-Tron alongside Samsung SDI, highlighting the competitive nature of the battery market.
Samsung SDI is also accelerating the production of its innovative 46xx cylindrical battery cells.
broader movement towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental
https://evne.ws/4eKJJby
EUROPE’S BATTERY AMBITIONS HIT BY NORTHVOLT BANKRUPTCY
Northvolt, a Swedish battery maker aiming to transform Europe’s car industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. This collapse is a major setback for Europe’s plans to reduce its dependence on top Chinese battery suppliers like CATL and BYD.
Founded in 2016 with the goal to “make oil history,” Northvolt raised over $10 billion through investments from companies such as Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs, each holding about 20% of the company. However, ongoing production problems and decreasing funds forced Northvolt to seek bankruptcy protection. This highlights the difficulties of building a strong battery industry in Europe.
Peter Carlsson, Northvolt’s CEO and co-founder, stepped down as the company filed for bankruptcy. Carlsson, who once managed Tesla’s supply chain, described the situation as emotional and compared Northvolt to a “baby” he had taken care of. He said Chapter 11 would help the company reorganize, increase production, and keep its promises to customers and suppliers. Although he resigned as CEO, Carlsson will stay on the board and as a senior adviser. Leadership will pass to Chief Financial Officer Pia Aaltonen-Forsell and Matthias Arleth, the new Chief Operations Officer.
https://evne.ws/4i77yNU
VOLKSWAGEN TO CUT JOBS, CLOSE GERMAN PLANTS FOR SAVINGS
Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schaefer, announced that the company will lay off workers and shut down factories in Germany to save €4 billion ($4.2 billion). This decision has escalated tensions with unions, which have threatened strikes starting in December. The unions are seeking negotiations that avoid factory closures and large job cuts.
Schaefer highlighted the need to reduce both excess capacity and costs. He said, “Ultimately, any solution must reduce both overcapacity and costs. We can’t just stick a band-aid on it and keep dragging it along. That would come back to bite us later in a serious way.” He mentioned that most job reductions could happen through natural attrition and early retirement but admitted that these measures alone would not be enough.
The CEO stressed the importance of restructuring within three to four years to keep Volkswagen competitive by 2035. In addition to layoffs and plant closures, Volkswagen has requested a 10 percent pay cut from workers at the VW AG unit, which is central to the current dispute. Schaefer noted that labor costs at Volkswagen’s German facilities are about twice those of competitors and Volkswagen’s own sites in southern and eastern Europe.
Volkswagen has already saved €7.5 billion through cost-cutting measures and needs an additional €4 billion in savings. The company plans to sell car plants in Osnabrück and Dresden and repurpose the Emden plant for contract manufacturing, according to Bloomberg.
https://evne.ws/494pfcF
TESLA REACHES CONDITIONAL SETTLEMENT WITH RIVIAN OVER TRADE SECRETS
Tesla has agreed to a “conditional” settlement in its 2020 lawsuit against Rivian Automotive Inc. The lawsuit accused Rivian of hiring Tesla employees to gain access to electric vehicle (EV) trade secrets. While the details of the settlement remain private, Tesla notified a California state judge of its intention to dismiss the case by December 24, provided the settlement terms are met.
The legal battle began over four years ago when Tesla, under CEO Elon Musk, accused Rivian of an “alarming pattern” of recruiting Tesla employees and illegally obtaining proprietary technology. Tesla alleged that certain employees were “caught red-handed” stealing vital information about its next-generation battery systems.
Rivian has consistently denied these claims, describing the lawsuit as Tesla’s attempt to weaken its standing in the industry. The company argued that the legal action was a tactic to suppress healthy competition.
https://evne.ws/4fFh0q4
EU AND CHINA NEAR DEAL ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE TARIFFS
Brussels and Beijing are close to resolving tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports into the European Union. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, shared this progress in an interview with German broadcaster n-tv.
“We are close to an agreement: China could commit to offering e-cars in the EU at a minimum price,” Lange said. He added, “This would eliminate the distortion of competition through unfair subsidies, which is why the tariffs were originally introduced.” The European Commission has not yet commented on these talks.
https://evne.ws/4fywHPH
CHERY OPENS FIRST EUROPEAN FACTORY, BOOSTING GLOBAL EV PRESENCE
Chery Automobile has achieved a significant milestone by producing its first S700 vehicle at a new joint venture plant in Spain on November 23. Operated under EV Motors’ Ebro brand, this facility marks Chery’s initial foray into European manufacturing following their April partnership with Barcelona-based EV Motors. This collaboration aims to produce models for both the Chery and Ebro brands, emphasizing the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint.
A key strategy of this venture is the use of locally sourced components, enabling the vehicles to be marketed as European-made. This approach not only lowers import costs but also improves efficiency, aligning with the automotive industry’s shift towards regional manufacturing. This trend helps manufacturers manage supply chain issues and comply with local regulations more effectively.
The focus on local sourcing is particularly important due to the European Union’s recent increase in tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. By utilizing more European parts, Chery aims to reduce the financial impact of these tariffs, making their cars more competitively priced and appealing to European buyers. This move is essential for Chery to establish a strong presence in the European market.
Initially, the Ebro plant will assemble partially built vehicles, known as “knocked-down” kits. Next year, the company plans to move to fully assembled production, which will require a greater variety of locally sourced parts. Meeting the European Union’s minimum content standards is crucial for the vehicles to be classified as EU-made, enhancing their marketability within the region.
Spain, the second-largest car producer in Europe after Germany, offers a strong network of suppliers, including manufacturers of bumpers, stamping technologies, and motors. This established infrastructure supports Chery’s manufacturing goals and helps the company integrate more deeply into the European automotive supply chain.
Chery also intends to start producing additional models, such as the Omoda, in the third or fourth quarter of this year. The company projects producing 50,000 units annually by 2027, increasing to 150,000 units by 2029. This plant is Chery’s first manufacturing base in Europe and makes it the first Chinese automaker to produce passenger cars on the continent.
https://evne.ws/3OoKn3N
EV BATTERY COSTS TO PLUMMET BY 2030
The price of lithium, a crucial element in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is projected to drop significantly in the coming years, according to climate research organizations. This decrease is expected to extend the life of second-life batteries, allowing them to be used long after their initial application. Improvements in battery technology, especially in energy density and longevity, are also lessening the need for frequent replacements.
A study by Recurrent, a startup focused on battery health and data, reveals that battery replacements in EVs are becoming rarer. Currently, car manufacturers typically provide warranties for eight years or 100,000 miles (160,934 kilometers) on battery packs. However, Recurrent notes that most modern batteries can last twice as long and achieve double the mileage. For instance, Tesla vehicles often surpass 200,000 miles (321,869 kilometers) with minimal battery degradation. Impressively, one Tesla Model S has reached 1.2 million miles (1.93 million kilometers) after four battery replacements, averaging a replacement interval of 300,000 miles (482,803 kilometers).
Looking forward, Recurrent, citing data from climate research firm RMI, forecasts that lithium cell prices could fall to $35 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) by 2030. This decline would bring battery pack costs to about $50 per kWh, making the replacement cost for a 100 kWh pack approximately $4,500 to $5,000, or around $3,375 for a 75 kWh pack. These future costs are similar to replacing an internal combustion engine, which J.D. Power reports can range from $4,000 for a four-cylinder engine to over $10,000 for high-performance models.
https://evne.ws/3OqNvfA
PROVIRIDIS UNVEILS UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC TRUCK CHARGING
Proviridis, a French clean energy expert, has launched an underground charging system for electric trucks, marking a major step in the logistics industry’s shift to electric fleets. Partnering with Finnish fast-charging company Kempower, Proviridis has created a unique underground setup for Kempower’s equipment. This innovation removes the need for ground space typically used for charging stations.
By placing the charging infrastructure underground, parking areas can stay fully functional. This makes it easier for fleets to switch to electric without losing valuable space. The solution was tested at Proviridis’ multi-energy truck station in Saint Quentin Fallavier, where space is a significant challenge in the logistics field.
In the pilot project, Proviridis installed Kempower’s Control Unit underground, linked to a nearby 600-kilowatt (kW) Power Unit above ground. This trial was the first of its kind to use an underground setup to overcome space limits at truck charging sites. It also offers a cheaper option compared to the usual overhead gantry systems found in many depots.
Putting the hardware underground saves space and protects it from damage. The charging system can distribute power from the Power Unit to up to eight chargers at the same time. It works with both Kempower’s overground Satellite Charger and the dock-based Control Unit, allowing for customized setups to fit different sites. Proviridis is now creating tailored configurations for early clients based on what they learned from the pilot.
https://evne.ws/4fNknv1
HYUNDAI TO OUTNUMBER TESLA WITH NACS EV MODELS
A nice headline here from InsideEV, which points out Hyundai is about to out-Tesla Tesla!
Five Hyundai Motor Group vehicles will come with NACS ports from the factory: the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, 2025 Kia EV6, 2026 Kia EV9, and the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70. An updated Ioniq 6 sedan is also expected to include the NACS plug. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, all new or refreshed Hyundai EVs in the United States will use NACS ports exclusively.
https://evne.ws/413EQXS
LEAKED DETAILS UNVEIL 2026 BMW IX FACELIFT ENHANCEMENTS
Information from the Bimmerpost forum reveals significant updates for the 2026 BMW iX electric SUV. The refreshed model will feature increased horsepower across all variants, new naming structures, and larger battery capacities to extend its driving range. Additionally, the facelifted iX will offer a broader selection of paint colors.
Introduced in July 2021, the BMW iX is the brand’s first electric-only crossover. It matches the X5 in exterior size but provides a much larger interior due to its all-electric drivetrain. The iX is built on a dedicated platform using aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis, combined with various materials for the body panels.
According to the leak, the base model, previously known as xDrive40, will be upgraded to xDrive45, increasing its power from 322 horsepower to 400 horsepower. The xDrive50 will变成xDrive60, boosting power from 516 horsepower to 535 horsepower. The top variant, formerly M60, will be renamed M70, raising its horsepower from 610 to 650.
Battery capacities will see slight increases, with the base model’s battery growing from 71 kWh to 96 kWh, and the top model’s capacity rising from 105.2 kWh to 109.6 kWh. These enhancements are expected to provide a modest improvement over the current xDrive50’s range of 324 miles (521 kilometers).
https://evne.ws/3ZmdsmS
KIA UNVEILS 2025 EV5 GT LINE ELECTRIC SUV IN CHINA
Kia introduced the 2025 EV5 GT Line at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show. This electric SUV builds on the EV5 model launched last summer, aiming to enhance electric mobility in the compact SUV market by incorporating technology from Kia’s flagship EV9 into a more affordable vehicle.
The EV5 measures 4,615 millimeters (181.0 inches) in length, 1,875 millimeters (73.8 inches) in width, and 1,715 millimeters (67.5 inches) in height. It directly competes with Tesla’s Model Y.
Launched in China last November, the EV5 starts at $21,000 (149,800 yuan), making it more affordable than competitors like the Tesla Model Y. The base model comes with a BYD Blade battery, providing a CLTC range of 530 kilometers (329 miles). The extended version includes an 88.1 kilowatt-hour battery, offering a range of up to 720 kilometers (447 miles).
https://evne.ws/497UbZs
TESLA ENHANCES SUPERCHARGERS FOR WIDER EV USE
Tesla is upgrading its Supercharger network by installing longer cables and making changes to support electric vehicles (EVs) from other manufacturers. These updates are part of the preparation for the upcoming V4 Supercharger hardware rollout. According to Tesla’s official Charging account on X, the company plans to increase the number of long-cable chargers at V4 sites, expecting them to exceed short-cable chargers within the next eighteen months. Additionally, Tesla has modified over 1,500 locations to improve charger accessibility and updated the software that informs Tesla drivers about available charging spots.
To prevent EVs from blocking charger spaces due to shorter cables, Tesla has enhanced its system to detect when a non-Tesla EV is connected to a short-cable spot. This improvement allows for more accurate real-time charger availability. Max de Zegher, Tesla’s director of charging in North America, said on X that the charger-availability algorithm now refreshes approximately every fifteen seconds. This helps the system identify the type of vehicle connected and manage charger availability effectively.
https://evne.ws/4fI5OZv
MERCEDES-BENZ EACTROS 600 PRODUCTION BEGINS IN WÖRTH
Mercedes-Benz has started producing the eActros 600 truck for long-distance hauling at its Wörth factory. This supports the company’s move toward electric vehicles. The eActros 600 can travel 500 kilometers (311 miles) on a single battery charge. It targets Europe’s long-haul market, which generates two-thirds of CO₂ emissions from heavy road freight.
https://evne.ws/3CI5F9T
PREMIUM PARTNERS
PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI
AUDI CINCINNATI EAST
VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST
NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII
DEREK REILLY FROM NEVO.IE AND THE NEVO EV REVIEW IRELAND YOUTUBE CHANNEL
OCTOPUS ELECTROVERSE GLOBAL PUBLIC CHARGING MADE SIMPLE WITH ONE APP AND ONE MAP
PARTNERS
DAVID AND LISA ALLEN
RICHARD AT RSEV.CO.UK
JUKKA KUKKONEN FROM WWW.SHIFT2ELECTRIC.COM
RAJEEV NARAYAN
BATTERY REPORTS FOR EVS AT RECURRENTAUTO.COM
JAN TORE GJØBY
BOB BOOTHBY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
ADRIAN BOND
ALAN SHEDD
ALEX BANAHENE
ANDERS HOVE
ANDREA JEFFERSON
ANDREW LUOMA
ANDREW WANEK
ANDY NANCARROW AND LILIAN KASS
ASEER KHALID
BÅRD FJUKSTAD
BARRY WOLF
BILL CALHOUN
BLAINE MCKINNEY
BLUNDERBUSS JONES
BRANDON DIEDERICH
BRENDAN MCCARTHY AT NORTHFORK IRONWORKS
BRIAN OLEARY
BRIAN SNARR
BRIAN THOMPSON
BRUCE BOHANNAN
CHAD LANE
CHARLES HALL
CHRISTOPHER BARTH
C.J. BACKUS
COLIN HENNESSY AND CAMBSEV
CRAIG ROGERS
DAVE QUADY
DAVID DYSART
DAVID FINCH
DAVID LARDER
DAVID MOORE
DAVID PARTINGTON
DAVID PRESCOTT
DOUG WRIGHT
DC EV
ED CORTEEN
ED SUTTON
EDDIE RAGASA
ERIC HANSEN
ERU KYEYUNE-NYOMBI
FREDRIK ROVIK
GARY A HAMMOND
GARY KNIBB
GENE RUBIN
GEORGE TORTAROLO
HE INFUSION UK LTD
HEINRICH LIESNER
HELMUT SELKER
IAN ‘STILL WATERS UK’ BENJAMIN
IAN GRIFFITHS
IAN SEAR
JACK OAKLEY
JAMES PENFOLD
JAMES STORR
JAMIE HIGGS
JIM MORAN
JIM MORRIS
JOHN SCHROEDER
JOHN VAN DEVOORT
JON AKA BEARDY MCBEARDFACE FROM KENT EVS
JON MANCHAK
JUAN GONZALEZ
KESTER SANDBACH
KEVIN MEYERSON
LAURENCE D ALLEN
LEE BROWN
LUKE CULLEY
MARCEL WARD
MARK RICHARDS
MATTHEW LONG
NATHAN GORE-BROWN
NATHAN KING
NATHANIEL FREEDMAN
NEIL E ROBERTS FROM SUSSEX EVS
OHAD ASTON
PAUL COLLINS
PAUL STEPHENSON
PETE GLASS
PETE GORTON
PETER & DEE ROBERTS
PETER RYNER
PHIL MILES
PHIL MOUCHET
PHILIP FORRESTER
PHILIP TRAUTMAN
RAYMOND ROWLEDGE
REALTORS CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHY
ROB FROM THE RSTHINKS EV CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE
ROBERT GRACE
RON HUNTER
ROOSEVELT WATSON
SEIKI PAYNE
STEPHEN PENN
STEVE JOHN
STEVEN BURTNESS
THE PLUGSEEKER’S EV YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THOMAS J. THIAS
TIMOTHY PHILLIPS
TOMER SHAHAF
TYLER VOSS
WALTER KURTZ