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Starmer’s Green Rule Relaxation Set to Ignite Growth in the UK Car Industry

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The ever-looming threat of a tariff war, combined with the impending ban on petrol-powered vehicles, has created an environment of exemption and privilege for some road users. Despite the majority of vehicles facing these challenges, luxury supercars and white vans, often utilized for their utility, have been granted a surprising reprieve. Supercars and Vans Avoiding the Ban As a part of the UK’s ambitious plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, a ban on all new petrol and diesel cars was supposed to be implemented. However, the luxury supercars, which are often seen as symbols of excessive consumption, and the humble white vans, which serve as workhorses for countless businesses, have been exempted from the rule. This exemption does not come without controversy, as critics argue that these vehicles should not be given special treatment. While luxury supercars are not as numerous as other vehicle types, their high-performance engines often consume more fuel, contributing signif...
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Stellantis Halts Operations at Windsor Facility for Two Weeks Amid Tariff Concerns

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Stellantis, the multinational automobile manufacturer, has announced a temporary halt in its Windsor assembly operations. The suspension, set for a fortnight, is a direct result of tariff-induced supply chain complications. The move underscores the challenges faced by auto sectors worldwide in the face of global economic turbulence. The Windsor plant, a crucial cog in Stellantis’ manufacturing machinery, is chiefly responsible for the production of minivans. The two-week pause, which is set to commence shortly, will impact the production of these popular vehicles. The pause is a pragmatic approach to managing the ripple effects of the current tariff situation on the auto industry. Impact on Employees The temporary shutdown will inevitably affect the plant’s workforce. However, Stellantis has pledged to continue paying its employees during this period. This commitment reflects the company’s approach to prioritizing its employees’ welfare in these trying times. Global Supply Chain D...
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Elon Musk clarifies the holdup with Tesla Full Self-Driving launch in Europe

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By Joey Klender Posted on February 28, 2025 As Tesla’s Full Self-Driving is enabled in the United States, and a variant of it launched in China earlier this week, many European owners are still awaiting the launch of what is one of the most robust driver assistance programs in the world. But CEO Elon Musk finally clarified what the holdup was, especially as Tesla outlined last year that it planned to bring Full Self-Driving, or at least a version of it, to the European market where the company has performed so well for so many years. Musk said that the automaker is awaiting regulatory approval to launch FSD in Europe, something that was a major bottleneck for China but was eventually worked through. Europe seems to be awaiting the same fate for Tesla, as many owners are sure it will be available soon, but the exact date is still up in the air and is being worked out between Tesla and European regulatory agencies: We are waiting for regulatory approval...
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Compton, California, just got its first 25 electric school buses

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Photo: National Express LLC Compton, California, has unveiled 25 new electric school buses – the school district’s first – and 25 Tellus 180 kW DC fast chargers. Compton Unified School District (CUSD) in southern Los Angeles County is putting 17 Thomas Built Type A and eight Thomas Built Type C electric school buses on the road this spring. In addition to working with Thomas Built, CUSD also collaborated with electrification-as-a-service provider Highland Electric Fleet, utility Southern California Edison, and school transportation provider Durham School Services. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program awarded funds for the vehicles in the program’s first round. EPA also awarded CUSD funds for the third round of the program and anticipates introducing an additional 25 EV school buses in the future. “I can’t stress enough how vital grants like these are and the need for continued support from our partners in government at the state and federal level t...
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SpaceX explains reasoning for Starship 7 upper stage loss

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By Joey Klender Posted on February 26, 2025 SpaceX is set to launch its eighth test flight of the Starship rocket this Friday. Ahead of the most recent test in what could be the most revolutionary spaceflight program since NASA’s Apollo, SpaceX is clearing the air about what went wrong during its previous test flight, which resulted in the loss of the second stage during its ascension. On January 16, SpaceX successfully launched Starship while also completing its second successful catch of the lower-stage booster. However, the flight did not go as smoothly as initially anticipated, as the company lost Starship’s upper stage roughly eight minutes and twenty seconds into flight. Now, the company is clarifying what happened that led to the demise of the upper stage, which SpaceX has identified with the recognition of “flashes” that occurred after vehicle separation. SpaceX completes second catch of lower stage, but loses Starship SpaceX says that a fla...
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Aventon Level 3 electric bike launched with big brain technology

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Aventon, one of the most well-known players in the US electric bicycle market, has announced the launch of its latest model, the Level 3. A smart e-bike designed for modern commuters, the Level 3 is packed with advanced security features, extended range capabilities, and comfort-focused components. It’s all part of the new Aventon Control Unit (ACU), which serves as the central brain of the smart bike, and helps it offer new standards in daily riding and commuting convenience. The Level 3 marks Aventon’s second e-bike equipped with the Aventon Control Unit, a smart bike technology system that provides a suite of advanced theft deterrent features. The ACU offers geofencing, GPS tracking, remote locking, and a passcode system, ensuring riders can park and leave their e-bikes with confidence. The real-time bike stats accessible through GPS tracking and a 4G connection also allow users to monitor their rides with ease. Built with intuitive g...
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This Tesla Cybertruck feature helped it earn a ‘Best Tech’ award

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By Zachary Visconti Posted on February 25, 2025 The Tesla Cybertruck has earned a “Best Tech” award from one automotive publication, along with a major shout-out to one particular chassis feature that the company employed in a complete shift away from industry norms. On Tuesday, Motortrend called the Cybertruck the “Best Tech” winner for its chassis technology, and specifically for the electric truck’s unique steer-by-wire system . Unlike most vehicles, the Cybertruck features no physical connection or traditional steering column between the steering wheel and the front wheels, making turning and tight maneuvers more doable than in a traditional truck, let alone even smaller vehicles. As such, Motortrend highlights Tesla’s subtle “reinventing of the wheel” with the steer-by-wire system as making for a super-responsive steering experience, even being a somewhat-large pickup. “By completely removing the mechanical connection between the steering wheel a...
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