DOE GRANTS RIVIAN $7B LOAN FOR GEORGIA EV PLANT
Rivian Automotive received conditional approval for a nearly $7 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to build a manufacturing facility in Georgia. Announced in late 2021 after Rivian went public, the $5 billion plant is located about 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Atlanta. It is expected to produce 400,000 vehicles each year and create 7,500 jobs, focusing on Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 SUV models.
Earlier this year, Rivian decided to pause construction of the Georgia plant indefinitely. Instead, the company chose to produce the R2 SUV at its existing facility in Normal, Illinois, to cut costs and speed up production. This decision included plans to shut down the Normal plant in the spring to update certain production lines.
The DOE loan approval includes $6 billion in principal and $600 million in capitalized interest. This move brings back the plans for the Georgia plant, provided Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and his team meet several technical, legal, environmental, and financial conditions. The loan is part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program, which offers $17.7 billion in low-cost loans to support the production of fuel-efficient vehicles and their parts. Other companies that have received ATVM loans include Nissan for its Leaf model and Tesla for the Model S.
This loan comes after several positive developments for Rivian. The company recently settled a four-year lawsuit filed by Tesla, which accused Rivian of hiring Tesla employees to gain battery technology information. The details of the settlement are not public, but Tesla agreed to drop the case by December 24 if certain conditions were met.
Additionally, Rivian and Volkswagen have started a joint venture called Rivian and VW Group Technology, focusing on electric vehicle architecture and software. This partnership was first announced in June as part of Volkswagen’s $5 billion investment in Rivian, which has since increased to $5.8 billion. The collaboration includes a direct $1 billion investment into Rivian, $1.3 billion for intellectual property licenses and equity in the joint venture, and $3.5 billion for future equity, notes, and debt.
Rivian’s R2 SUV will be one of the first vehicles to use the new architecture developed through this partnership, alongside models from Volkswagen’s Scout Motors division.
https://evne.ws/4fL4UM2
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GETS LONG RANGE PHEV POWERTRAIN
Volkswagen has launched the ninth generation of the Passat, its oldest model in Europe, as an estate-only version, discontinuing the saloon model. This new Passat was developed in collaboration with Skoda, specifically alongside the Skoda Superb, with Skoda leading the project. Previously, the Passat has shared platforms with other VW Group vehicles like the Audi A4.
Earlier this year, the Skoda Superb earned a five-star rating in a diesel road test, setting a strong foundation for the new Passat. The latest model includes upgraded in-car technology and a 25.7 kWh hybrid drive battery. This battery’s advanced energy density and placement under the rear seat minimize its impact on luggage space. The Passat also features a 45-liter (approximately 11.9 US gallons) fuel tank located under the boot floor.
The Elegance trim comes with 17-inch multi-spoke wheels and a higher ride height, making the Passat similar in appearance to the MG 5. In Germany, the Passat offers a variety of petrol and diesel engines, along with front- and four-wheel drive options shared with the Skoda Superb. In the UK, however, Volkswagen offers only a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for all Passat models. The entry-level eTSI mild hybrid variant uses an integrated starter-generator to produce 148 horsepower.
There are also two plug-in hybrid models available. These combine the same engine with a 114 horsepower electric motor in a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The tested entry-level plug-in hybrid delivers a system output of 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the higher-end model offers 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This results in a two-second faster acceleration to 62 mph compared to the entry version. The larger battery supports quicker recharging, with up to 11 kW AC charging and 40 kW DC rapid charging.
https://evne.ws/3AWztze
KIA SETS 60-MILE ELECTRIC RANGE GOAL FOR PHEVS
Kia is improving its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by aiming for a 60-mile (96 km) electric range in its models over the next few years. Steven Center, Kia America’s COO and Executive Vice President, told Green Car Reports at the Los Angeles Auto Show that better battery technology and new vehicle designs are making this possible. A 60-mile range is a big increase from current models like the 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV, which has a 34-mile (55 km) electric range and gets 35 miles per gallon (56 liters per 100 kilometers) combined. At the show, Kia also revealed updated 2026 Sportage hybrid and PHEV models, but it is not clear if these updates will change their performance.
Center explained that the 60-mile target matches the average daily driving distance of Americans. This range is enough for most daily trips and allows extra miles for longer journeys. California has a similar goal of 70 miles (113 km) of electric range. This lets car makers earn higher credits under new standards. Starting with the 2026 model year, California allows PHEVs with 70 miles or more of electric range to get the same credit as full electric vehicles (EVs). PHEVs with 43-69 miles (69-111 km) get partial credit.
https://evne.ws/3B1OkbC
BYD INTRODUCES SEALION 07 ELECTRIC SUV IN NORWAY
BYD has launched the Sealion 07 electric SUV in Norway, renamed locally as the Sealion 7. This release follows its recent introduction in other European markets. In Norway, BYD now offers seven models: Seal U (known as Song Plus EV in China), Seal, Dolphin, Tang, Atto 3 (Yuan Plus in China), and Han.
The Sealion 07 EV is priced at 469,900 Norwegian Krone (NOK) ($42,150) in Norway. It is the first model built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo, an upgraded version of the e-Platform 3.0 launched in China on May 10. In China, the Sealion 07 EV is available in four versions with starting prices of 189,800 Chinese Yuan (RMB) ($26,220), 199,800 RMB, 219,800 RMB, and 239,800 RMB.
BYD introduced the Sealion 07 EV to European consumers at the Paris Auto Show on October 14 and officially launched it in Europe at an event in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 12. The company announced that deliveries in Europe will begin in 2025.
In October, BYD sold a total of 502,657 new energy vehicles (NEVs), including 500,526 passenger NEVs and 2,131 commercial vehicles. The Sealion series specifically sold 19,232 units in October, a 64.90% increase from September. Overseas sales reached 31,192 NEVs in October, reflecting a 2.20% year-on-year growth but a 5.51% decline compared to September. Additionally, BYD plans to enter the South Korean passenger car market in 2025.
https://evne.ws/3Ooclgb
GERMANY SEEKS DELAY ON EU CAR EMISSION FINES
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed EU fines for automakers not meeting carbon emission standards. He emphasized that companies should retain funds to modernize their industries.
EU regulations require new cars registered by 2025 to have emissions 15% lower than in 2021. However, a drop in electric vehicle sales makes this target harder to achieve. Supporting automakers, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck called the 2025 CO₂ reduction goal too strict.
Habeck suggested temporarily stopping fines next year if car manufacturers compensate by exceeding their emission reduction targets in 2026 and 2027. He stated, “On the fleet limits, my position is as follows: We are sticking to the fleet limits and are being pragmatic about the transition.” This approach aims to give companies more flexibility and promote climate protection without heavy financial penalties.
Hildegard Mueller, leader of Germany’s automotive lobby group VDA, highlighted a gap between strict CO₂ fleet regulations and the incentives needed to boost electric vehicle sales. She noted that low consumer demand and economic challenges are slowing progress, despite the industry’s planned €410 billion ($430 billion) investment in research and factory upgrades by 2028. Mueller stated, “In view of the difficult economic situation, the lack of demand for e-mobility from consumers and the continued inadequate framework conditions, further burdens from possible fines in 2025 must be avoided.”
On November 25, Germany’s environment ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the EU’s fleet limits and climate goals for transportation. However, it acknowledged that a flexible schedule for imposing fines could be a practical solution given the current challenges in the automotive industry. A ministry spokesperson told Reuters, “Otherwise, the planning security demanded by the industry would be abandoned and those manufacturers who implement the targets would be disadvantaged.”
https://evne.ws/4i8LCSa
UK TO ADJUST EV RULES AFTER CAR MAKER PUSHBACK
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, confirmed the government’s goal to end new internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales by 2030. He made this announcement at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders annual dinner last night (Tuesday 26th November). Reynolds built on Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s recent comments, stating that while the 2030 ban on ICE cars stands, the government will offer certain flexibilities to manufacturers.
Reynolds raised concerns about how current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) rules are working. He announced plans to consult with car makers to decide what flexibilities to implement. This consultation will last until January next year, after which final decisions will be made. Presently, car manufacturers must meet electric vehicle quotas of 22% in 2024 and 28% in 2025. One suggested flexibility is allowing companies to miss these annual targets without facing penalties, as long as they reach a 100% electric mandate by 2030. Reynolds also mentioned possible
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, supported the consultation for the clarity it would provide. However, she warned that changing the EV sales targets could create uncertainty and harm the EV transition. She said revising the ZEV rules might risk billions invested in EV charging infrastructure. This view differs from Nissan’s recent call for urgent changes to the ZEV rules, warning that the current targets could threaten the business of making cars in the UK and endanger thousands of jobs and billions in investments.
https://evne.ws/4g6ZLOg
VOLVO EX90 LAUNCHES ABBEY ROAD SOUND MODE
Bowers & Wilkins, Abbey Road Studios, and Volvo recently introduced the new Abbey Road Mode at a launch event in London’s Abbey Road Studios.
This sound mode will be available in the 2025 Volvo EX90. It enhances the car’s sound by mimicking the famous Abbey Road Studios. Advanced techniques were used to duplicate the studio’s acoustics and the unique sounds of its long-used equipment.
Abbey Road Mode has settings created with help from Abbey Road engineers. This allows drivers and passengers to enjoy an immersive audio experience that exceeds many traditional listening rooms. The event ended with a live performance by the jazz group Ezra Collective, hosted by CI.
The audio mode not only copies the studio’s special sound but also lets users customize it to their liking. It is based on real measurements from various studios and the tonal qualities of Abbey Road’s EMI-era equipment.
In Producer Mode, users can adjust the sound environment like a studio producer. They can change the space size, equipment effects, stereo field, and overall sound. For those who prefer simplicity, there are four preset options tailored for different listening styles. Users can also save their own presets.
https://evne.ws/49bxFPr
CALIFORNIA REACHES 2 MILLION ELECTRIC VEHICLE SALES
California has sold over 2 million electric vehicles (EVs), leading the nation in EV adoption. According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), residents purchased 115,897 EVs in the third quarter of 2024, making up 26.4% of all new vehicle sales in the state.
The state accounts for 30.3% of all EVs sold in the United States, highlighting its role in building a strong charging network to support the growing number of electric drivers. This expansion ensures EV owners have reliable and accessible charging options.
In the third quarter of 2024, California saw a decrease in total new light-duty vehicle sales. However, EV sales dropped by a smaller amount, resulting in a higher market share for electric vehicles. This change indicates that more consumers prefer EVs, even during challenging market conditions, showing their increasing stability and appeal compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
The top ten EVs sold in California for Q3 2024 are the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model X, Volkswagen ID.4, BMW i4, Tesla Cybertruck, and Jeep Wrangler.
Governor Newsom celebrated the achievement of 2 million EV sales and promised to reinstate the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rebate program if federal tax incentives are removed, reinforcing the state’s commitment to zero-emission transportation.
https://evne.ws/4f5E1kZ
JAGUAR‘S BUYBACK FOR 2019 I-PACE MODELS
According to consumeraffiars.com Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is buying back 2,760 2019 I-Pace electric vehicles after five recalls since May 2023. The recalls were due to a high-voltage battery problem that could overheat and cause fires. On November 11, 2024, JLR announced the buyback because a permanent solution was not found.
The first recall in mid-2023 asked owners to park and charge their vehicles outside while waiting for a software update to monitor the battery’s temperature. However, additional recalls in October 2023, February, March, and August 2024 showed that these steps were not enough.
There have been three reported fires of the 2019 I-Pace in the United States despite the software updates. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries were caused by these fires. As a temporary measure, a software update limiting the battery charge to 80% has been applied until the buyback is complete. The recalled vehicles will stay under JLR’s control.
https://evne.ws/3Z0ryJa
ELEMENT ENERGY LAUNCHES LARGEST SECOND-LIFE BATTERY
California-based Element Energy has commissioned the biggest second-life, grid-connected battery storage system in the world. The system has a capacity of 53 megawatt-hours (MWh) and includes 900 reused electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Since May 2024, the project has been active, storing and supplying electricity to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid.
Element Energy used its own hardware and software to improve the safety, intelligence, and cost-effectiveness of large battery systems. The company’s technology replaces traditional power conversion systems with a distributed method, allowing for more precise control. Instead of managing the entire battery system as one unit, Element Energy’s solution controls the power flow for each module separately. Each module contains several cells.
https://evne.ws/3B1OoYU
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