Ford has revised its plan to go all-electric in Europe by 2030, now incorporating more hybrid vehicles. This change follows a slowed adoption of EVs, high battery costs, and reduced government incentives. Ford's Model E division COO, Marin Gjaja, stated that the original plan was too ambitious. The shift echoes decisions by other automakers like Volkswagen and GM, who are also integrating more hybrids.
Rivian has launched a new EV charging station in Groveland, CA, near Yosemite National Park. The site offers five fast chargers and amenities such as snacks, a library, and a recycling drop-off. Currently, only Rivian vehicles can use the chargers, but the company plans to open access to all EVs by late 2024, promoting sustainable travel and EV education.
Volvo Cars shares surged 11% after announcing a record core operating profit of 8.2 billion Swedish kronor ($776 million) for Q2, a 28% increase from last year. This growth was driven by a 15% rise in global sales, particularly from hybrid and electric models, which accounted for 48% of total sales. Volvo is focusing on EVs amid growing competition and geopolitical tensions.
Tesla is offering free hardware upgrades on Model 3 and Model X vehicles for customers purchasing the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package to qualify for federal tax credits. This strategic move allows customers to add premium paint or a 7-seat option without exceeding the MSRP limit for tax incentives. The FSD package is priced at $8,000.
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CrowdStrike Software Error Causes Global Outage
A software update error at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused a global internet outage affecting various industries, including airlines and banking. The issue, not linked to a cyberattack, was quickly addressed by the company. CrowdStrike, a major player in cloud security, holds significant market share and is trusted by numerous U.S. federal agencies and large corporations.
