South Korea`s Hyundai Motor Group said on Thursday it planned to invest $7.4 billion in the United States by 2025 to produce electric vehicles, upgrade production facilities and further its investment in smart mobility solutions. 
 
Hyundai`s announcement comes as U.S. President Joe Biden`s administration prioritized a push toward electric cars, aiming to replace the 650,000 vehicles in federal fleets with U.S.-made electric vehicles. 
 
In January, Biden also signed an executive order aimed at imposing tougher rules on government procurement practices to increase purchases of American-made products, strengthening domestic manufacturing and create markets for new technologies. 
 
Analysts said Hyundai`s U.S. investment was essential to take advantage of the Biden administration`s EV policies and to receive subsidies and tax incentives. 
 
"If Hyundai seeks to fully leverage U.S. EV policies, they need to pursue not only EV production but also sourcing major auto parts in the United States," said Kevin Yoo, an analyst at eBEST Investment &amp; Securities. 
 
Lee added that it is up to how the South Korean carmaker sources U.S.-made batteries for its U.S. EV production, raising potential further investment in the United States by top battery makers. 
 
Hyundai`s announcement came before U.S. President Joe Biden meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Washington next week in talks that are expected to cover North Korea, COVID-19 vaccines and other topics. 
 
Biden has called for $174 billion in new spending to boost electric vehicles and charging. 
 
The group`s Hyundai Motor Co will begin electric vehicle production at a U.S. facility in 2022, while affiliate Kia Corp also plans to build electric vehicles in the United States. Hyundai has a factory in Alabama, while Kia produces cars at a plant in Georgia. 
 
"We are reviewing options including expanding on our production facility after we’ve taken a closer look at U.S. market conditions and U.S. government’s new EV policy," Hyundai said in a statement to Reuters. 
 
The move comes as Hyundai`s major electric battery supplier, SK Innovation, proceeds with construction of new U.S. factories for Volkswagen and Ford and plans to expand capacity in the United States. 
 
SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won has said SK could invest up to $5 billion for battery business in the United States, meaning it appears there is room for SK to invest further in the U.S., a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. 
 
Since 2018, SK Innovation has so far invested about 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion) to build two EV battery factories in Georgia. 
 
Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea`s No. 2 conglomerate, did not provide the investment breakdown but said the spending would be primarily for Hyundai and Kia. Analysts said that Hyundai is likely to allocate the biggest amount to its EV capex, and that spending for cooperation with other U.S. companies could be more flexible depending on how the U.S. EV market changes. 
 
Hyundai said it will work with the U.S. government and business partners to install hydrogen refuelling stations and offer its NEXO hydrogen SUVs. 
 
Hyundai is also investing in robotics, urban air mobility and autonomous driving technology, the company said.

South Korea`s Hyundai Motor Group said on Thursday it planned to invest $7.4 billion in the United States by 2025 to produce electric vehicles, upgrade production facilities and further its investment in smart mobility solutions.

South Korea`s Hyundai Motor Group said on Thursday it planned to invest $7.4 billion in the United States by 2025 to produce electric vehicles, upgrade production facilities and further its investment in smart mobility solutions. Hyundai`s announcement comes as U.S. President Joe Biden`s administration prioritized a push toward electric cars, aiming to replace the 650,000 vehicles in federal fleets with U.S.-made electric vehicles. In January, Biden also signed an executive order aimed at imposing tougher rules on government procurement practices to increase purchases of American-made products, strengthening domestic manufacturing and create markets for new technologies. Analysts said Hyundai`s U.S. investment was essential to take advantage of the Biden administration`s EV policies and to receive subsidies and tax incentives. "If Hyundai seeks to fully leverage U.S. EV policies, they need to pursue not only EV production but also sourcing major auto parts in the United States," said Kevin Yoo, an analyst at eBEST Investment & Securities. Lee added that it is up to how the South Korean carmaker sources U.S.-made batteries for its U.S. EV production, raising potential further investment in the United States by top battery makers. Hyundai`s announcement came before U.S. President Joe Biden meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Washington next week in talks that are expected to cover North Korea, COVID-19 vaccines and other topics. Biden has called for $174 billion in new spending to boost electric vehicles and charging. The group`s Hyundai Motor Co will begin electric vehicle production at a U.S. facility in 2022, while affiliate Kia Corp also plans to build electric vehicles in the United States. Hyundai has a factory in Alabama, while Kia produces cars at a plant in Georgia. "We are reviewing options including expanding on our production facility after we’ve taken a closer look at U.S. market conditions and U.S. government’s new EV policy," Hyundai said in a statement to Reuters. The move comes as Hyundai`s major electric battery supplier, SK Innovation, proceeds with construction of new U.S. factories for Volkswagen and Ford and plans to expand capacity in the United States. SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won has said SK could invest up to $5 billion for battery business in the United States, meaning it appears there is room for SK to invest further in the U.S., a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. Since 2018, SK Innovation has so far invested about 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion) to build two EV battery factories in Georgia. Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea`s No. 2 conglomerate, did not provide the investment breakdown but said the spending would be primarily for Hyundai and Kia. Analysts said that Hyundai is likely to allocate the biggest amount to its EV capex, and that spending for cooperation with other U.S. companies could be more flexible depending on how the U.S. EV market changes. Hyundai said it will work with the U.S. government and business partners to install hydrogen refuelling stations and offer its NEXO hydrogen SUVs. Hyundai is also investing in robotics, urban air mobility and autonomous driving technology, the company said.

Hyundai to invest $7.4 billion in US by 2025, with electric cars in focus

The demand for millions of barrels of oil every day may soon be wiped out by electric cars.&nbsp;

Buyers globally are warming up to the idea of purchasing a battery-powered vehicle, but continue to have concerns over the price of the technology.

But recent studies indicate that falling battery costs will mean electric vehicles will be cheaper to buy in the U.S. and Europe as soon as 2027.

According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI), the cost of battery cells used for electric vehicles has fallen to an average of $110 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making such cars competitive with those using internal combustion engines (ICE).

BMI estimates that between 2014 and 2017 the price of battery cells fell 16.5% per annum, but between 2017 and 2020 the drop was only 5.8% per annum.

By 2030, an electric vehicle is forecast to cost $19,808 before tax, while a petrol car would cost $24,185.

According to recent figures, the number of electric vehicles on the world’s roads is set to increase from 11 million vehicles to 145 million by the end of the decade.

According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, as a method to achieve global climate targets; if governments around the world, agree to encourage the production of low-carbon vehicles, there could be 230 million electric vehicles worldwide by 2030.

Sales in the first quarter of the year 2021 were more than 2.5 times or 250 per cent higher than in the same months last year, found IEA’s first global report on electric vehicles.

By 2030, Electric vehicles could potentially remove the requirement of approximately two million barrels a day of diesel and petrol, and save the equivalent of 120m tonnes of carbon dioxide.

(With inputs from agencies)

The demand for millions of barrels of oil every day may soon be wiped out by electric cars. Buyers globally are warming up to the idea of purchasing a battery-powered vehicle, but continue to have concerns over the price of the technology.

The demand for millions of barrels of oil every day may soon be wiped out by electric cars. Buyers globally are warming up to the idea of purchasing a battery-powered vehicle, but continue to have concerns over the price of the technology. But recent studies indicate that falling battery costs will mean electric vehicles will be cheaper to buy in the U.S. and Europe as soon as 2027. According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI), the cost of battery cells used for electric vehicles has fallen to an average of $110 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making such cars competitive with those using internal combustion engines (ICE). BMI estimates that between 2014 and 2017 the price of battery cells fell 16.5% per annum, but between 2017 and 2020 the drop was only 5.8% per annum. By 2030, an electric vehicle is forecast to cost $19,808 before tax, while a petrol car would cost $24,185. According to recent figures, the number of electric vehicles on the world’s roads is set to increase from 11 million vehicles to 145 million by the end of the decade. According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, as a method to achieve global climate targets; if governments around the world, agree to encourage the production of low-carbon vehicles, there could be 230 million electric vehicles worldwide by 2030. Sales in the first quarter of the year 2021 were more than 2.5 times or 250 per cent higher than in the same months last year, found IEA’s first global report on electric vehicles. By 2030, Electric vehicles could potentially remove the requirement of approximately two million barrels a day of diesel and petrol, and save the equivalent of 120m tonnes of carbon dioxide. (With inputs from agencies)

Electric cars will cost less than gasoline automobiles by 2027

A&nbsp;Lebanon-made&nbsp;electric&nbsp;car&nbsp;made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts.

The red sports&nbsp;car, named "Quds Rise", using the Arabic name of Jerusalem -- is the project of Lebanese-born Palestinian businessman Jihad Mohammad.&nbsp;It's the "first automobile to be made locally," Mohammad told reporters, at the unveiling in a parking lot south of Beirut.&nbsp;It was built in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;"from start to finish", he said of the prototype, emblazoned at the front with a golden logo of the Dome of the Rock, the shrine in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site.&nbsp;The&nbsp;car&nbsp;is to cost $30,000.

Production of up to 10,000 vehicles is hoped to start later this year in&nbsp;Lebanon, with cars to hit the market in a year's time, said Mohammad, the director of&nbsp;Lebanon-based firm EV Electra.

Mohammad, 50, said he set up the company four years ago after years abroad, employing Lebanese and Palestinian engineers among 300 members of staff.&nbsp;He says his long-term goal is to compete on the international market for hybrid and&nbsp;electric&nbsp;cars, as well as to make sales in&nbsp;Lebanon.

But the unveiling comes as&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;struggles amid its worst economic crisis in decades, and imported&nbsp;car&nbsp;sales are at a record low, in part due to capital controls and drastic devaluation on the black market.

'Step in the right direction'?

Dealers sold just 62 new cars in the first two months of 2021, almost 97 per cent less than the same period a year before, figures released by the Association of Automobile Importers in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;showed.

The economic crunch since late 2019 has plunged more than half the population into poverty.&nbsp;But Mohammad said potential Lebanese buyers would be offered the opportunity to pay for half the new&nbsp;electric&nbsp;car&nbsp;in dollars, with the rest paid in Lebanese pounds at an exchange rate better than the black market one, to be paid over five years without interest.

Lebanon&nbsp;also relies on fossil fuels for power generation, already insufficient for a population of around six million who suffer daily power cuts.&nbsp;To power its new&nbsp;electric&nbsp;cars, the firm plans to set up around 100 recharging stations across the country connected to generators.&nbsp;These could then be fuelled by solar and wind power generation, Mohammad said.

Independent energy analyst Jessica Obeid welcomed the innovation, but said the vehicles would only be environmentally friendly if the power sector underwent serious reform.&nbsp;"The energy sector is the biggest contributor to&nbsp;Lebanon's greenhouse gas emissions," and already under pressure due a shortage in dollars to import fuel, she told AFP.

But, she added, "if the&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles have solar charging stations, then this would be a step in the right direction."

A Lebanon-made electric car made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts.

A Lebanon-made electric car made its debut Saturday, the first time the Mediterranean country has manufactured an automobile, despite struggling amid a dire economic crisis with frequent power cuts. The red sports car, named "Quds Rise", using the Arabic name of Jerusalem -- is the project of Lebanese-born Palestinian businessman Jihad Mohammad. It's the "first automobile to be made locally," Mohammad told reporters, at the unveiling in a parking lot south of Beirut. It was built in Lebanon "from start to finish", he said of the prototype, emblazoned at the front with a golden logo of the Dome of the Rock, the shrine in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site. The car is to cost $30,000. Production of up to 10,000 vehicles is hoped to start later this year in Lebanon, with cars to hit the market in a year's time, said Mohammad, the director of Lebanon-based firm EV Electra. Mohammad, 50, said he set up the company four years ago after years abroad, employing Lebanese and Palestinian engineers among 300 members of staff. He says his long-term goal is to compete on the international market for hybrid and electric cars, as well as to make sales in Lebanon. But the unveiling comes as Lebanon struggles amid its worst economic crisis in decades, and imported car sales are at a record low, in part due to capital controls and drastic devaluation on the black market. 'Step in the right direction'? Dealers sold just 62 new cars in the first two months of 2021, almost 97 per cent less than the same period a year before, figures released by the Association of Automobile Importers in Lebanon showed. The economic crunch since late 2019 has plunged more than half the population into poverty. But Mohammad said potential Lebanese buyers would be offered the opportunity to pay for half the new electric car in dollars, with the rest paid in Lebanese pounds at an exchange rate better than the black market one, to be paid over five years without interest. Lebanon also relies on fossil fuels for power generation, already insufficient for a population of around six million who suffer daily power cuts. To power its new electric cars, the firm plans to set up around 100 recharging stations across the country connected to generators. These could then be fuelled by solar and wind power generation, Mohammad said. Independent energy analyst Jessica Obeid welcomed the innovation, but said the vehicles would only be environmentally friendly if the power sector underwent serious reform. "The energy sector is the biggest contributor to Lebanon's greenhouse gas emissions," and already under pressure due a shortage in dollars to import fuel, she told AFP. But, she added, "if the electric vehicles have solar charging stations, then this would be a step in the right direction."

Lebanon launches first electric car despite crisis

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel.

That was the message Monday as the German carmaker staged a so-called Power Day to showcase its latest electric car technology. The event was Volkswagen’s answer to Tesla’s Battery Day presentations, which draw intense attention from investors and electric car buffs.

The session included a number of attention-getting announcements, including a promise that Volkswagen would cut the cost of batteries by up to 50% by the end of the decade, while slashing charging time to 12 minutes.&nbsp;

That would make electric cars cheaper than gasoline vehicles and just as convenient.

Volkswagen also unveiled plans to build six battery factories in Europe in joint ventures with suppliers. And by 2025, the company said, it would have 18,000 charging stations on the continent operating in conjunction with energy companies including BP. The British oil producer said it would offer charging at its filling stations.

“Our transformation will be bigger than anything the industry has seen in the past century,” Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, said during the two-hour presentation.

The event coincided with the rollout in the United States of the ID.4, an electric SUV that is part of the first generation of Volkswagens designed from the ground up to run on batteries and seen as serious challengers to Tesla’s dominance in electric cars.

At least some analysts are starting to believe Volkswagen’s hype. Swiss bank UBS issued a report this month that ranked Volkswagen just behind Tesla in electric vehicle technology.

Tesla leads in battery technology and software, the UBS report said, but the bank’s analysts gave Volkswagen high marks for its electric car platform — the chassis, motor and other components that drive the vehicle forward and carry the car body. The Volkswagen platform can be produced very efficiently and is flexible enough to accommodate a range of body types, UBS said.

Volkswagen is “a blueprint for what legacy carmakers need to achieve in the years to come,” Patrick Hummel, a UBS analyst, said last week.

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel.

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel. That was the message Monday as the German carmaker staged a so-called Power Day to showcase its latest electric car technology. The event was Volkswagen’s answer to Tesla’s Battery Day presentations, which draw intense attention from investors and electric car buffs. The session included a number of attention-getting announcements, including a promise that Volkswagen would cut the cost of batteries by up to 50% by the end of the decade, while slashing charging time to 12 minutes. That would make electric cars cheaper than gasoline vehicles and just as convenient. Volkswagen also unveiled plans to build six battery factories in Europe in joint ventures with suppliers. And by 2025, the company said, it would have 18,000 charging stations on the continent operating in conjunction with energy companies including BP. The British oil producer said it would offer charging at its filling stations. “Our transformation will be bigger than anything the industry has seen in the past century,” Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, said during the two-hour presentation. The event coincided with the rollout in the United States of the ID.4, an electric SUV that is part of the first generation of Volkswagens designed from the ground up to run on batteries and seen as serious challengers to Tesla’s dominance in electric cars. At least some analysts are starting to believe Volkswagen’s hype. Swiss bank UBS issued a report this month that ranked Volkswagen just behind Tesla in electric vehicle technology. Tesla leads in battery technology and software, the UBS report said, but the bank’s analysts gave Volkswagen high marks for its electric car platform — the chassis, motor and other components that drive the vehicle forward and carry the car body. The Volkswagen platform can be produced very efficiently and is flexible enough to accommodate a range of body types, UBS said. Volkswagen is “a blueprint for what legacy carmakers need to achieve in the years to come,” Patrick Hummel, a UBS analyst, said last week.

Volkswagen aims to use its size to head off Tesla

A large global recall of electric vehicles has led South Korea's Hyundai Motor to sharply revise down fourth-quarter operating profit, although reports said battery maker LG Chem would bear the bulk of the costs.

World Business Watch: Hyundai profit hit after electric car recall

After companies announcing the electric vision, the manufacturer of Volvo decides to go all-electric to its fleet by 2030. According to Volvo, around 50 per cent of its fleet will contain electric vehicles. While the future of petrol vehicles remain uncertain too.

World Business Watch: Volvo to go electric by 2030 for half of production

According to reports, Korean carmaker Hyundai and US tech giant Apple have planned to sign a partnership deal on autonomous electric cars by March.

World Business Watch: Report says Apple, Hyundai will sign a deal on electric car by March

As part of efforts to open a full-function studio in Shanghai or Beijing and design electric cars tailored to Chinese consumer tastes, Tesla electric car maker is searching for a design director in China.

World Business Watch: Tesla hunts for design chief to create cars for China

The sale of electric cars in Norway overtook those powered by petrol, diesel and hybrid engines last year, with German auto-maker Volkswagen replacing Tesla as the top battery-vehicle producer, new data showed on Tuesday.

Electric cars rise to record 54% market share in Norway in 2020

The US state of Massachusetts has released a plan to cut down on greenhouse-gas emissions in the next decade, and has now mandated all new cars that are sold in the state switch to the electric mode by 2035.

State governor Charlie Baker put forward the plans for the next decade to cut down on emissions. These include enabling use of electricity in one million homes instead of gas and oil for heating.&nbsp; The state is now legally bound to reduce its carbon emissions to 45 per cent below levels in 1990 by the year 2030, marking one of the most ambitious plans undertaken by any state in the US, and the world. 
&nbsp;

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If achieved, the state would be on track to reach ''net-zero'' fossil-fuel emissions by 2050, announced this year by state administration, as reported by the Boston Globe.

“The people of Massachusetts are experiencing record droughts, increased risk of wildfire, severe weather, and flooding in our coastal communities... The costly impacts of climate change are on display in the Commonwealth, making it critical that we take action”, Baker said in a news release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-in-town-masks-for-cows-to-filter-burps-to-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions-354147" hreflang="en">New in town: Masks for cows to filter burps to curb greenhouse gas emissions</a>

The plan has been lauded by environmentalists and scientists.

In 2020, the state's emissions fell to 22 per cent below 1990 levels, spearheaded by investments in renewable energy, and diminishing coal-burning power plants in the sate.

But to further build on its goals, the state will now mandate how much people drive, the kind of cars they buy, and the power they employ to warm their homes and offices, as stated by state officials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-even-to-zero-wont-stop-global-warming-study-342988" hreflang="en">Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study</a> 
 
“We know that achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 will require hard work and collaboration across all sectors of the economy,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides had announced.

In addition, the state intends to establish “a blueprint that will help us achieve our climate goals in a way that is cost-effective and delivers significant benefits to residents across the Commonwealth, especially those in our most vulnerable communities.”

The US state of Massachusetts has released a plan to cut down on greenhouse-gas emissions in the next decade, and has now mandated all new cars that are sold in the state switch to the electric mode by 2035.

The US state of Massachusetts has released a plan to cut down on greenhouse-gas emissions in the next decade, and has now mandated all new cars that are sold in the state switch to the electric mode by 2035. State governor Charlie Baker put forward the plans for the next decade to cut down on emissions. These include enabling use of electricity in one million homes instead of gas and oil for heating. The state is now legally bound to reduce its carbon emissions to 45 per cent below levels in 1990 by the year 2030, marking one of the most ambitious plans undertaken by any state in the US, and the world. If achieved, the state would be on track to reach ''net-zero'' fossil-fuel emissions by 2050, announced this year by state administration, as reported by the Boston Globe. “The people of Massachusetts are experiencing record droughts, increased risk of wildfire, severe weather, and flooding in our coastal communities... The costly impacts of climate change are on display in the Commonwealth, making it critical that we take action”, Baker said in a news release. Also read: New in town: Masks for cows to filter burps to curb greenhouse gas emissions The plan has been lauded by environmentalists and scientists. In 2020, the state's emissions fell to 22 per cent below 1990 levels, spearheaded by investments in renewable energy, and diminishing coal-burning power plants in the sate. But to further build on its goals, the state will now mandate how much people drive, the kind of cars they buy, and the power they employ to warm their homes and offices, as stated by state officials. Also read: Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study “We know that achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 will require hard work and collaboration across all sectors of the economy,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides had announced. In addition, the state intends to establish “a blueprint that will help us achieve our climate goals in a way that is cost-effective and delivers significant benefits to residents across the Commonwealth, especially those in our most vulnerable communities.”

US state of Massachusetts makes switching to electric cars by 2035 mandatory

Volkswagen is paring back the variety of combustion-engined cars and retooling more factories to build electric vehicles in an effort to keep up with rival Tesla, the chief executive of the world's largest carmaker said.

Volkswagen accelerates shift to electric, autonomous era

More than 400 thousand jobs in Germany's auto sector are at risk. The sector is undergoing a difficult transition phase and the government is contemplating wage subsidies for automakers and their suppliers to prevent possible job losses if the downturn continues.

Main Cause

The prime reason is the growing popularity of electric vehicles which run on batteries and are made of fewer parts. They require less maintenance, moreover, they need fewer workers to build them.

The economic slowdown has coincided with the with a transition to electric cars. Advisers in the German government fear that in the engines and transmissions alone - around 88,000 jobs are at risk.&nbsp;

It's not just Germans, major car companies around the world could shelve workers to build electric vehicles.&nbsp;

A new era of automobiles is upon us and the signs of which are already showing. Earlier this month, Sony shocked the world by building a car.

Sony is known for its televisions and gaming consoles, but the digital revolution has enabled Sony's entry into the automotive space.

Automobiles are no longer just machines and they are the new electronic products. This is especially true for e-vehicles which are the new rage in the 21st century.

What Next

The arrival of electric vehicles is perhaps the biggest development in the automotive sector in decades. According to a report, building an electric car requires 30 per cent less labour.

With rising competition, global car markets too don't want to be left behind. They are switching to electric too, but at the same time -- they are laying off workers.

Reports say carmakers could eliminate more than 80 thousand jobs around the world in the coming years. Those who have a job have no option but to adapt, but, the redundant workforce has no support from their own industry.

 
&nbsp;

More than 400 thousand jobs in Germany's auto sector are at risk. The sector is undergoing a difficult transition phase and the government is contemplating wage subsidies for automakers and their suppliers to prevent possible job losses if the downturn continues.

More than 400 thousand jobs in Germany's auto sector are at risk. The sector is undergoing a difficult transition phase and the government is contemplating wage subsidies for automakers and their suppliers to prevent possible job losses if the downturn continues. Main Cause The prime reason is the growing popularity of electric vehicles which run on batteries and are made of fewer parts. They require less maintenance, moreover, they need fewer workers to build them. The economic slowdown has coincided with the with a transition to electric cars. Advisers in the German government fear that in the engines and transmissions alone - around 88,000 jobs are at risk. It's not just Germans, major car companies around the world could shelve workers to build electric vehicles. A new era of automobiles is upon us and the signs of which are already showing. Earlier this month, Sony shocked the world by building a car. Sony is known for its televisions and gaming consoles, but the digital revolution has enabled Sony's entry into the automotive space. Automobiles are no longer just machines and they are the new electronic products. This is especially true for e-vehicles which are the new rage in the 21st century. What Next The arrival of electric vehicles is perhaps the biggest development in the automotive sector in decades. According to a report, building an electric car requires 30 per cent less labour. With rising competition, global car markets too don't want to be left behind. They are switching to electric too, but at the same time -- they are laying off workers. Reports say carmakers could eliminate more than 80 thousand jobs around the world in the coming years. Those who have a job have no option but to adapt, but, the redundant workforce has no support from their own industry.

Explained: Why the auto industry is struggling

Over 400,000 people in Germany will lose their jobs by 2030 due to the country's <a href="http://wionews.com/business-economy/electric-cars-on-indian-roads-by-2030-india-to-get-lithium-for-batteries-from-bolivia-206942">shift to electric vehicles</a>, local media reported on Monday.

According to the report, around 88,000 jobs will be at risk in engines and transmissions' production alone, Germany' daily reported citing a National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM), an advisory council for the government.

According to the report, 410,000 people will lose their jobs in total by the end of this decade.

The report also said that the NPM group is working to form a strategy to ensure minimum people lose their jobs. The group has called for strategic personnel planning and urged for an employment agency, training providers and companies to work together to stem losses.

Watch | Highlights from WION E-Mobility Summit

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Electric cars' engines are made of fewer parts and require less maintenance than a combustion engine. While at least 1,200 parts are installed in a combustion engine, only about 200 are needed for an electric car, the report said while explaining reasons behind the job layoffs.

Vehicle production will be further automated and will not be sufficient to support the current level of jobs, the local newspaper said, citing NPM's Chairman Henning Kagermann.

In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest since 1991.

Amid the climate change debates, the European Union is pushing towards reducing the carbon dioxide emissions resulting in countries adapting plans to launch electric vehicles.

In 2019, the German carmaker Volkswagen had also said it would cut as many as 4,000 jobs in Germany as part of their digital transition.

"We are making the company fit for the digital age in a sustainable way," VW brand Chief Operating Officer Ralf Brandstaetter had said in a statement.&nbsp;

Over 400,000 people in Germany will lose their jobs by 2030 due to the country's shift to electric vehicles, local media reported on Monday. According to the report, around 88,000 jobs will be at risk in engines and transmissions' production alone, Germany' daily reported citing a National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM), an advisory council for the government.

Over 400,000 people in Germany will lose their jobs by 2030 due to the country's shift to electric vehicles, local media reported on Monday. According to the report, around 88,000 jobs will be at risk in engines and transmissions' production alone, Germany' daily reported citing a National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM), an advisory council for the government. According to the report, 410,000 people will lose their jobs in total by the end of this decade. The report also said that the NPM group is working to form a strategy to ensure minimum people lose their jobs. The group has called for strategic personnel planning and urged for an employment agency, training providers and companies to work together to stem losses. Watch | Highlights from WION E-Mobility Summit × Electric cars' engines are made of fewer parts and require less maintenance than a combustion engine. While at least 1,200 parts are installed in a combustion engine, only about 200 are needed for an electric car, the report said while explaining reasons behind the job layoffs. Vehicle production will be further automated and will not be sufficient to support the current level of jobs, the local newspaper said, citing NPM's Chairman Henning Kagermann. In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest since 1991. Amid the climate change debates, the European Union is pushing towards reducing the carbon dioxide emissions resulting in countries adapting plans to launch electric vehicles. In 2019, the German carmaker Volkswagen had also said it would cut as many as 4,000 jobs in Germany as part of their digital transition. "We are making the company fit for the digital age in a sustainable way," VW brand Chief Operating Officer Ralf Brandstaetter had said in a statement.

In Germany, over 400,000 jobs at risk in switch to electric cars: Report

A landmark lawsuit has been filed against the world’s tech giants by Congolese families who say their children were killed while mining for cobalt used to power smartphones, laptops and electric cars. #TechGiants #Apple #Google

Tech giants like Google, Apple sued for Congolese child cobalt mining deaths

According to German newspaper Bild, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-boss-elon-musk-wins-defamation-trial-over-his-pedo-guy-tweet-266759">Tesla</a> is planning to build 500,000 electric vehicles a year at its new factory situated in the outskirts of Berlin.

Tesla's Chief Executive Elon Musk announced last month that a site in Gruenheide, Brandenburg, had been chosen to build Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

Another German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-suggests-tesla-has-200000-orders-for-cybertruck-264354">Tesla</a> will invest up to $4.41 billion in the plant.

The Gigafactory will generate 10,000 jobs. Reportedly, the site of the factory is as large as 420 soccer pitches.

The construction is slated to begin in 2020.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

According to German newspaper Bild, Tesla is planning to build 500,000 electric vehicles a year at its new factory situated in the outskirts of Berlin. Tesla's Chief Executive Elon Musk announced last month that a site in Gruenheide, Brandenburg, had been chosen to build Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

According to German newspaper Bild, Tesla is planning to build 500,000 electric vehicles a year at its new factory situated in the outskirts of Berlin. Tesla's Chief Executive Elon Musk announced last month that a site in Gruenheide, Brandenburg, had been chosen to build Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Another German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that Tesla will invest up to $4.41 billion in the plant. The Gigafactory will generate 10,000 jobs. Reportedly, the site of the factory is as large as 420 soccer pitches. The construction is slated to begin in 2020. (With inputs from Reuters)

Tesla's upcoming plant in Germany to produce 500,000 cars a year: Sources

BMW and its partner Great Wall Motor said they plan to build a plant in China with a capacity of 160,000 cars per year, and which will produce BMW's electric MINI brand and Great Wall Motor models.

BMW and its partner Great Wall Motor said they plan to build a plant in China with a capacity of 160,000 cars per year, and which will produce BMW's electric MINI brand and Great Wall Motor models. The 650 million euro ($716 million) plant is due for completion in 2022. Automakers and suppliers are scrambling to meet tough new Chinese quotas for less polluting cars. Those rules call for electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles to account for a fifth of total sales by 2025. The new joint venture Spotlight Automotive, will be based in Zhangjiagang near Shanghai and eventually employ 3,000 staff. Earlier this month, Great Wall gained domestic regulatory approval for the new plant. Great Wall is China's top sport utility vehicle and pick-up truck maker. It also builds Ora, an affordable battery electric vehicle brand in Baoding, the city where it is based. BMW is following the footsteps of larger peer Volkswagen, which is readying two Chinese factories to build electric cars next year, and which will have a combined production capacity of 600,000 vehicles. Tesla is aiming for more than 500,000 cars a year by building a new factory in Shanghai.

BMW, Great Wall to build new China plant for electric cars

SUV 'Kona' has debuted in India. It's Hyundai's one of it's kind electric drive. 'Hyundai Kona' has been launched in India at price of Rs. 25.30 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). Kona has charging point at it's front. Hyundai to launch it's 23 all e-cars globally by 2025. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Hyundai's electric drive, 'SUV Kona' debuts in India

German prosecutors charged former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and four others with fraud in the emissions cheating scandal that has helped turn many Europeans against diesel engines and accelerated the push toward electric cars.

WION Wallet: Former VW CEO charged with fraud in Germany, may face 10 yrs of imprisonment

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises.

Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. &nbsp;

This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country.&nbsp;

The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India."

The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals.

A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry.&nbsp;

Both India &amp; Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación).&nbsp;

New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions.

8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India. This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises. Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country. The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India." The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals. A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry. Both India & Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación). New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions. 8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Electric cars on Indian roads by 2030: India to get lithium for batteries from Bolivia

Electric-vehicle maker Tesla will recall 14,123 cars in China over airbags that contained a part made by now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata, the Chinese market regulator announced on Friday.

The US giant has already announced the recall of some Model S vehicles as part of a global industry-wide rooting out of parts made by Takata, which went bust in 2017 after its airbags were blamed for a number of deaths.

The affected vehicles in China are Model S cars made between February 2014 and December 2016, the State Administration of Market Regulation said.

It said the cars' passenger-side airbags were equipped with an ammonium nitrate propellant made by Takata, which was at risk of breakage that could result in the ejection of debris.

Tesla will replace them, it said.

Tesla declined to comment on Friday, but an announcement on its website said the "recall of the front passenger airbags in 2012 Model S vehicles began in January 2017, was extended to 2013 Model S vehicles in January 2018, and is now being extended to 2014-2016 Model S vehicles in January 2019".

Tesla does not announce how many cars it sells in China overall.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was on hand earlier this month for the ground-breaking of a factory outside Shanghai, which the company says will eventually have an annual production capacity of 500,000 and is geared towards meeting growing Chinese demand for electric vehicles.

Electric-vehicle maker Tesla will recall 14,123 cars in China over airbags that contained a part made by now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata, the Chinese market regulator announced on Friday.

Electric-vehicle maker Tesla will recall 14,123 cars in China over airbags that contained a part made by now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata, the Chinese market regulator announced on Friday. The US giant has already announced the recall of some Model S vehicles as part of a global industry-wide rooting out of parts made by Takata, which went bust in 2017 after its airbags were blamed for a number of deaths. The affected vehicles in China are Model S cars made between February 2014 and December 2016, the State Administration of Market Regulation said. It said the cars' passenger-side airbags were equipped with an ammonium nitrate propellant made by Takata, which was at risk of breakage that could result in the ejection of debris. Tesla will replace them, it said. Tesla declined to comment on Friday, but an announcement on its website said the "recall of the front passenger airbags in 2012 Model S vehicles began in January 2017, was extended to 2013 Model S vehicles in January 2018, and is now being extended to 2014-2016 Model S vehicles in January 2019". Tesla does not announce how many cars it sells in China overall. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was on hand earlier this month for the ground-breaking of a factory outside Shanghai, which the company says will eventually have an annual production capacity of 500,000 and is geared towards meeting growing Chinese demand for electric vehicles.

Tesla recalls more than 14,000 cars in China over Takata airbags

No more gas-powered cars after 2026, says Volkswagen

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources.

Asked about plans after General Motors Co announced US plant closings and layoffs last week, Kudlow pointed to the $2,500-to-$7,500 tax credit for consumers who buy plug-in electric vehicles, including those made by GM, under federal law.

"As a matter of our policy, we want to end all of those subsidies," Kudlow said. "And by the way, other subsidies that were imposed during the Obama administration, we are ending, whether it’s for renewables and so forth."

Asked about a timeline, he said: "It’s just all going to end in the near future. I don’t know whether it will end in 2020 or 2021."

The tax credits are capped by Congress at 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer, after which the subsidy phases out. GM has said it expects to hit the threshold by the end of 2018, which means under the current law, its tax credit scheme would end in 2020. Tesla Inc said in July it had hit the threshold. Other automakers may not hit the cap for several years.

Experts say the White House cannot change the cap unilaterally US President Donald Trump last week threatened to eliminate subsidies for GM in retaliation for the company's decision.

Kudlow made clear any changes in subsidies would not just affect GM. "I think legally you just can’t," he said.

Democrats will take control of the US House in January and are unlikely to agree to end subsidies for electric cars and many have been pushing for additional incentives.

Tesla and GM have lobbied Congress for months to lift the cap on electric vehicles or make other changes, but face an uphill battle make changes before the current Congress expires.

In October, Senator Dean Heller proposed lifting the current cap on electric vehicles eligible for tax credits but phase out the credit for the entire industry in 2022. Two other senators in September proposed lifting the per manufacturer credit and extending the benefit for 10 years.

Also in October, Senator John Barrasso a Republican who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, proposed legislation to end the EV tax credit entirely.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Monday the Trump administration wants to end subsidies for electric cars and other items, including renewable energy sources. Asked about plans after General Motors Co announced US plant closings and layoffs last week, Kudlow pointed to the $2,500-to-$7,500 tax credit for consumers who buy plug-in electric vehicles, including those made by GM, under federal law. "As a matter of our policy, we want to end all of those subsidies," Kudlow said. "And by the way, other subsidies that were imposed during the Obama administration, we are ending, whether it’s for renewables and so forth." Asked about a timeline, he said: "It’s just all going to end in the near future. I don’t know whether it will end in 2020 or 2021." The tax credits are capped by Congress at 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer, after which the subsidy phases out. GM has said it expects to hit the threshold by the end of 2018, which means under the current law, its tax credit scheme would end in 2020. Tesla Inc said in July it had hit the threshold. Other automakers may not hit the cap for several years. Experts say the White House cannot change the cap unilaterally US President Donald Trump last week threatened to eliminate subsidies for GM in retaliation for the company's decision. Kudlow made clear any changes in subsidies would not just affect GM. "I think legally you just can’t," he said. Democrats will take control of the US House in January and are unlikely to agree to end subsidies for electric cars and many have been pushing for additional incentives. Tesla and GM have lobbied Congress for months to lift the cap on electric vehicles or make other changes, but face an uphill battle make changes before the current Congress expires. In October, Senator Dean Heller proposed lifting the current cap on electric vehicles eligible for tax credits but phase out the credit for the entire industry in 2022. Two other senators in September proposed lifting the per manufacturer credit and extending the benefit for 10 years. Also in October, Senator John Barrasso a Republican who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, proposed legislation to end the EV tax credit entirely.

White House seeks to end subsidies for electric cars, renewables

The Indian government wants only electric vehicles to ply on its roads by 2030 as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the global agreement on climate change

The move also serves as a path of government&#39;s vision to reduce spending on oil imports, which, according to an estimate, could double to an annual $300 billion by that year.

However, the path is riddled with challenges, albeit among several opportunities.

A hybrid vehicle is one which utilises more than one form of onboard energy to achieve propulsion.&nbsp;

In practice, that means a hybrid will have a traditional internal-combustion engine and a fuel tank, as well as one or more electric motors and a battery pack.

Hybrid cars are sometimes mistakenly confused with electric vehicles.&nbsp;

Hybrids are most often gasoline-burning machines that utilize their electric bits to collect and reuse energy that normally goes to waste in standard cars.&nbsp;

Theoretically, diesel-electric hybrids would be even more fuel-efficient, but hybrid systems and diesel engines both represent extra cost.&nbsp;

So far, installing both in the same vehicle has proven to be prohibitively expensive.

In comparison to the American market, buyers of plug-in hybrids benefit from a tax credit ranging between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the size of the battery in the car, and a few states in the U.S provide additional benefits to electric car owners.&nbsp;

Whereas in the United Kingdom, the government provides a grant of up to 5,000 Great Britain Pound (GBP) on plug-in hybrids, alongside other benefits like exemption from congestion charges, etc.

The government is leapfrogging to an electric vehicles future when they have an alternative to Hybrid.&nbsp;

But then why India is discouraging hybrids?

Seeing the taxes levied by GST on hybrid cars, it seems to be discouraging car buyers from purchasing these green cars.

There are very few hybrids on sale in India right now, and all of them already sell in dismal numbers.&nbsp;

Honda sold only one unit of the Accord in April and none in May, last year.

Toyota sold only 113 units of the Camry in April and 119 in May, and it is safe to assume that the Hybrid variants of the Camry would have clocked just single-digit sales.&nbsp;

With the high tax rates being levied on these Hybrids now, sales can only be expected to go down.

While most countries slowly climb the ladder of green mobility by promoting hybrids first, then plug-in hybrids, and finally all-electric cars, it seems like the Indian government is thinking futuristically, or maybe leapfrogging to electric cars.

The government&#39;s 2030 aim is indeed a good plan for the environment but on the whole, it definitely is over-ambitious when one considers our market size and requirement.

The country lacks the required infrastructure for electric cars,&nbsp; which will take them more years than promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The move also serves as a path of government's vision to reduce spending on oil imports

The Indian government wants only electric vehicles to ply on its roads by 2030 as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the global agreement on climate change The move also serves as a path of government's vision to reduce spending on oil imports, which, according to an estimate, could double to an annual $300 billion by that year. However, the path is riddled with challenges, albeit among several opportunities. A hybrid vehicle is one which utilises more than one form of onboard energy to achieve propulsion. In practice, that means a hybrid will have a traditional internal-combustion engine and a fuel tank, as well as one or more electric motors and a battery pack. Hybrid cars are sometimes mistakenly confused with electric vehicles. Hybrids are most often gasoline-burning machines that utilize their electric bits to collect and reuse energy that normally goes to waste in standard cars. Theoretically, diesel-electric hybrids would be even more fuel-efficient, but hybrid systems and diesel engines both represent extra cost. So far, installing both in the same vehicle has proven to be prohibitively expensive. In comparison to the American market, buyers of plug-in hybrids benefit from a tax credit ranging between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the size of the battery in the car, and a few states in the U.S provide additional benefits to electric car owners. Whereas in the United Kingdom, the government provides a grant of up to 5,000 Great Britain Pound (GBP) on plug-in hybrids, alongside other benefits like exemption from congestion charges, etc. The government is leapfrogging to an electric vehicles future when they have an alternative to Hybrid. But then why India is discouraging hybrids? Seeing the taxes levied by GST on hybrid cars, it seems to be discouraging car buyers from purchasing these green cars. There are very few hybrids on sale in India right now, and all of them already sell in dismal numbers. Honda sold only one unit of the Accord in April and none in May, last year. Toyota sold only 113 units of the Camry in April and 119 in May, and it is safe to assume that the Hybrid variants of the Camry would have clocked just single-digit sales. With the high tax rates being levied on these Hybrids now, sales can only be expected to go down. While most countries slowly climb the ladder of green mobility by promoting hybrids first, then plug-in hybrids, and finally all-electric cars, it seems like the Indian government is thinking futuristically, or maybe leapfrogging to electric cars. The government's 2030 aim is indeed a good plan for the environment but on the whole, it definitely is over-ambitious when one considers our market size and requirement. The country lacks the required infrastructure for electric cars, which will take them more years than promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India leapfrogging to electric cars despite hybrid alternative

French start-up Navya unveiled on Tuesday, the 7th of November, the&nbsp;&#39;Autonomy Cab&#39;, the first driverless taxi to hit the global market, its CEO Christophe Sapet said. &quot;It&#39;s not something that will exist in the future, it&#39;s something that exists before your very eyes,&quot; he told Reuters.

Navya&#39;s newest innovation was designed to be autonomous: there is no cockpit, steering wheel nor pedals. It is an electric car, able to carry one to six passengers and can reach speeds between 50 to 70 km an hour (31 to 43 miles an hour). It is equipped with more than 20 sensors, cameras or radars to maximise the accuracy of its movements.

The small French company is competing with large tech companies, big automakers and other well-funded startups in a race to develop fully autonomous cars.

Alphabet Inc&#39;s Waymo - formerly the Google self-driving car project - announced on Tuesday it plans to roll out its own driverless ride-haling service to the public at a later date. &quot;We are the first to commercialise this vehicle, to put it into operation, to do demos, to show it to the public,&quot; Sapet said.

But while the vehicle can already be ordered, it is still waiting to undergo tests with partners during spring 2018. Its first demonstrations to the public are planned during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2018, with the first shipments expected in July 2018.

French start-up Navya unveiled on Tuesday, the 'Autonomy Cab', the first driverless taxi to hit the global market.

French start-up Navya unveiled on Tuesday, the 7th of November, the 'Autonomy Cab', the first driverless taxi to hit the global market, its CEO Christophe Sapet said. "It's not something that will exist in the future, it's something that exists before your very eyes," he told Reuters. Navya's newest innovation was designed to be autonomous: there is no cockpit, steering wheel nor pedals. It is an electric car, able to carry one to six passengers and can reach speeds between 50 to 70 km an hour (31 to 43 miles an hour). It is equipped with more than 20 sensors, cameras or radars to maximise the accuracy of its movements. The small French company is competing with large tech companies, big automakers and other well-funded startups in a race to develop fully autonomous cars. Alphabet Inc's Waymo - formerly the Google self-driving car project - announced on Tuesday it plans to roll out its own driverless ride-haling service to the public at a later date. "We are the first to commercialise this vehicle, to put it into operation, to do demos, to show it to the public," Sapet said. But while the vehicle can already be ordered, it is still waiting to undergo tests with partners during spring 2018. Its first demonstrations to the public are planned during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2018, with the first shipments expected in July 2018.

Watch: French startup Navya unveils 'first taxi-robot'

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