Connect with us

Published

on

On Thursday, Stellantis revealed a new investment in Lyten, an advanced materials company and pioneer behind lithium-sulfur EV battery tech.

Silicon Valley-based startup Lyten says its LytCell lithium-sulfur EV battery addresses the challenges typically associated with sulfur, enabling twice the energy density, improved payload, and roughly a 60% lower carbon footprint than traditional lithium-ion EV batteries.

CEO Dan Cook said, “We think this is what mobility needs to achieve net zero” during a media roundtable Wednesday.

According to Lyten, the key is the company’s proprietary “3D graphene” supermaterial. Although 2D graphene has been around since 2004, winning a Nobel Prize in 2010, Lyten took it a step further by taking it from the lab to commercial applications.

Lyten uses its patented reactor tech to transform methane into 3D graphene that can react with more materials, including sulfur, while improving strength, conductivity, and permeability.

As an alternative to nickel, manganese, and cobalt batteries, Lyten’s tech offers the potential for a lower bill of materials with higher energy density.

Perhaps most importantly, the raw materials can potentially be sourced and produced entirely in the US, Canada, or Europe to take advantage of the growing incentives, such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act, to boost supply in key auto markets.

Stellantis invest in Lyten for lithium-sulfur EV battery tech

Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund behind the automaker, announced a key (undisclosed) investment in Lyten’s series B fundraising campaign. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, praised the technology, saying:

Having recently visited Lyten together with our CTO, Ned Curic, and our head of Stellantis Ventures, Adam Bazih, we walked away impressed by the potential of this technology to help drive clean, safe, and affordable mobility.

Tavares added:

Specifically, Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur battery has the potential to be a key ingredient in enabling mass-market EV adoption globally, and their material technology is equally well positioned to help reduce vehicle weight, which is all necessary for our industry to achieve carbon net zero goals.

As part of Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy, the company aims for 100% of passenger car sales to be electric in Europe and 50% in the US by the end of the decade.

Ram-1500-REV-truck-range
Ram’s first electric pickup, the 1500 REV (Source: Stellantis)

Stellantis has several brands, including Jeep and Ram, launching their first EVs in North America. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV electric pickup is due out late next year, while Jeep will be opening reservations for both the Recon and Wagoneer S electric models this year.

Stellantis says it plans to begin deploying Lyten’s EV battery tech into its vehicles in the second half of the decade as it works to introduce a lineup of affordable electric models at scale.

Jeep-Recon-EV-images-1
Jeep Recon Moab 4xe (Source: Jeep Recon Forum)

Lyten, on the other hand, is currently looking for its first gigafactory as it currently produces its lithium-sulfur batteries, composites, and sensors at its 145,000-square-foot campus in Silicon Valley. The company believes its technology can be applied to several applications, including EVs, aerospace, and last-mile delivery, to reduce CO2 emissions and improve costs.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

US average new car price tops $50k for the first time – here’s why

Published

on

By

US average new car price tops k for the first time – here's why

The average US new car price crossed the $50,000 mark for the first time in September, according to new estimates from Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Prices have been climbing steadily for over a year, and the pace picked up this summer – but that hasn’t stopped Americans from buying.

KBB says September’s record average transaction price (ATP) was partly driven by luxury models and EVs, which pushed the market into record territory. EVs made up an estimated 11.6% of all new vehicles sold last month, which is also a record high. The average EV sold for $58,124 – up 3.5% from August’s adjusted figure.

In Q3, EV sales hit another milestone: 437,487 EVs were sold in the US, giving them a 10.5% market share. That’s nearly a 30% jump from the same period last year. With government-backed EV incentives expiring at the end of September, many buyers hurried to lock in their purchases.

Year-over-year, the average EV transaction price is basically flat, down just 0.4%. Incentives averaged 15.3% of ATP in September, or about $8,900 per vehicle – slightly lower than August but higher than a year ago, when incentives averaged 13%.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Tesla, which continues to dominate the EV market, saw an average ATP of $54,138 in September. That’s a slight dip from August and down 6.8% from a year earlier. With Tesla recently introducing the new Standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, KBB expects average prices across the segment to fall in the coming months. Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox Automotive, thinks the market is “ripe for disruption.”

“It is important to remember that the new-vehicle market is inflationary. Prices go up over time, and today’s market is certainly reminding us of that,” said Keating. “The $20,000 vehicle is now mostly extinct, and many price-conscious buyers are sidelined or cruising in the used-vehicle market. Tariffs have introduced new cost pressure to the business, but the pricing story in September was mostly driven by the healthy mix of EVs and higher-end vehicles pushing the new-vehicle ATP into uncharted territory.”

Read more: US EV sales smash records in August as Tesla loses ground


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Genesis is about to launch two new ‘electrified’ SUVs based on the GV70

Published

on

By

Genesis is about to launch two new 'electrified' SUVs based on the GV70

It’s official. The Genesis GV70 is about to get two new electrified options, including its first hybrid and extended-range (EREV) versions.

Two new Genesis GV70 electrified SUVs are coming soon

Genesis is turning 10, and it’s planning to go all out. Hyundai gave us a look at what’s coming last month during its CEO Investor Day.

The plans include Genesis expanding with new electrified powertrain offerings, including its first hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles.

Up until now, the luxury automaker has focused on fully electric (EV) or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. By expanding into different electrified powertrains, Genesis hopes to attract new buyers to the brand while grabbing a bigger share of the luxury market.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Genesis will launch its first hybrid in 2026, the GV80. We knew the GV70 EREV would follow shortly after, but now it’s been confirmed that a hybrid model is also set to join the lineup.

We got our first look at the Genesis GV70 EREV last week. The vehicle was parked in South Korea and appeared to be nearly identical to the current model. Aside from a tag labeling it an EREV and a massive muffler at the back, it looks about the same as the Electrified GV70.

Now, we are finally getting a glimpse of the Hybrid version. The Genesis GV70 Hybrid was also caught by HealerTV in South Korea, this time with an HEV tag.

Like the EREV, the GV70 Hybrid is still covered in camouflage, but this time, you can see the vehicle has the brand’s sport package. The optional package adds sporty exterior and interior elements, including chrome around the Crest Grille and window trim.

Genesis-GV70-hybrid
The Genesis Electrified GV70 (Source: Genesis)

The vehicle is still a prototype, so it could change by the time it reaches production form. However, as the reporter points out, the GV70 Hybrid could bring a unique new look to the GV70 series.

On the side of the tire, the letters “FL” are printed, which is typically shown on Hyundai vehicles set to receive a facelift.

Genesis-GV70-hybrid
Genesis plans to launch new luxury EVs, hybrids, and EREVs (Source: Hyundai)

Genesis is expected to launch the GV70 EREV in late 2026, followed by the Hybrid version sometime in early 2027.

According to Hyundai, the EREV will have a combined driving range of over 1,000 km (620 miles). Although it still runs on an electric motor, it will feature a small gas motor that acts as a generator to charge the battery and extend the driving range.

Genesis is betting on new electrified vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and EREVs, to drive growth. The luxury brand aims to expand into up to 20 new European markets while gaining a bigger share of the US market. By 2030, Genesis aims to sell 350,000 vehicles.

Although it had planned to only offer fully electric vehicles from 2030, Genesis backed off on its commitment. Instead, it will use hybrids and EREVs as a bridge to an all-electric future.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Duracell’s first-ever EV fast charger network will be in the UK

Published

on

By

Duracell's first-ever EV fast charger network will be in the UK

Duracell, the iconic US battery brand that started in the 1920s, is crossing the Atlantic to launch its first-ever EV fast charging network, Duracell E-Charge, in the UK.

Sales of gas and diesel cars will end by 2030 in the UK, which is driving EV sales and charging infrastructure growth. With more than £200 million ($266 million) in planned investment over the next decade, Duracell E-Charge is getting on the bandwagon with an aim to improve the fast charging experience.

Duracell has licensed its new network to Elektra Charge, a charge point operator set up to run the Duracell E-Charge network. The EV Network (EVN), one of the UK’s top charging infrastructure developers, will fund and build the charging hubs.

“The need for faster, more reliable charging to keep pace with EV adoption is clear,” said Reza Shaybani, CEO of The EV Network. “Duracell E-Charge is a direct response to that challenge.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Duracell’s EV fast charging network will feature 400 kW ultra-fast chargers where drivers can pay via app, contactless, or plug-and-go. Each site will have intuitive interfaces, clear signage, and 24/7 support.

The first six Duracell E-Charge sites will come online in 2025. The Sunday Times reported that Duracell plans to grow its charging network to at least 100 charging stations with at least 500 charging points by 2030. The hubs will be strategically located along major motorways, near retail and hospitality venues, and at key city gateways.

“Charging your car should be as simple as changing the batteries in your remote,” said Mark Bloxham, managing director of Duracell E-Charge. “Plug. Play. Go.”

Electrek’s Take

I asked Duracell whether it had plans to launch Duracell E-Charge in the US, and I’ll update this story if I hear back. But if you want to know why this American legacy company launched its first DC fast charging network in the UK instead of the US, it’s a simple answer. Business-friendly, stable government policy.

Read more: InstaVolt is using GPS tracking to catch thieves stealing its EV charging cables


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending