2024 review: Rediscover the year’s most popular articles

Following an eventful 2023, the year 2024 proved to be an eventful one in the world of electric mobility. A tariff battle kicked off between the USA, Europe and China, which has still not entirely settled, while European manufacturers struggle to keep up. This was the case not only for major German car manufacturers such as VW but also for commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Van Hool.

It was not only financial difficulties for EV manufacturers this year, however, as Tesla managed to eke out another range improvement in its vehicles, pushing the Model 3 up to 700 kilometres. Speaking of the USA, the incoming political administration made for multiple headlines, and will likely continue to do so with Elon Musk now also working for the White House. At the same time, we can expect to see individual states ramp up their own EV measures, as was the case during Trump’s last presidency.

Join us on this brief review of the most clicked headlines from 2023, and take a break before 2024 rolls around.

– January –

Image: Dacia

Dacia to unveil new generation of the Spring

Dacia announced that it would launch a new edition of the Spring electric model in 2024. The compact electric car – that looks like an SUV – was supposed to be completely redesigned. At first, it seemed the EV would also get a technology update, but when it was unveiled in February, the Dacia Spring featured the familiar drive system and 26.8 kWh battery.

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– February –

Image: Wallbox Chargers

Octopus launches V2G tariff as a UK-first

Octopus Energy launched what it claims to be the UK’s first mass-market-ready vehicle-to-grid tariff. The company says its Octopus Power Pack could save an average driver about £850 a year – but there are limits.

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– March  –

Image: Van Hool

Van Hool announces exit from electric bus business and faces unclear future

The Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool wants to completely discontinue the production and sale of city buses. The company no longer sees any chance of being competitive in the increasingly electric city bus segment. Van Hool later applied for creditor protection and was taken over by Dutch competitor VDL and German trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull.

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– April –

Image: Screenshot/Tesla

Tesla launches Model Y with large battery and rear-wheel drive

A new variant of the Model Y is now available in Europe. The “Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive” variant has a WLTP range of 600 kilometres and is slightly more expensive than the regular “Rear-Wheel Drive” variant with the smaller battery.

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– May –

Image: Volkswagen

Greek ferries no longer transport fully charged electric cars

Charging limits now apply to the batteries of electric cars and plug-in hybrids on Greek ferries. In other words, most ferries no longer take fully charged electric vehicles.

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– June –

Image: Nissan

California offers additional $14,000 in low-income EV incentives

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has introduced incentives of up to $14,000 on EVs under a new Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). The new scheme is aimed at promoting clean mobility among low-income consumers.

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– July –

Image: Electrify America

Electrify America to charge batteries to 85% only

VW subsidiary Electrify America kicked off a pilot at ten locations in the US. There, EVs can only charge their batteries up to 85 per cent SoC. The goal is to free up the stations more quickly and serve more customers.

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– August –

Image: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes cuts production of the S-Class & EQS

Mercedes-Benz once again reduced production of its S-Class and EQS luxury saloons. The vehicles are only produced during one shift. The manufacturer had already cancelled the night shift at Factory 56 in Sindelfingen in 2023.

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– September –

Image: Tesla

Inspection visits to Tesla employees on sick leave

Due to an unusually high number of sick days at the German Tesla factory, Managing Director André Thierig and Head of Human Resources Erik Demmler visited employees unannounced at home. They were not amused.

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– October –

Image: Tesla

Tesla pushes the Model 3 to over 700 kilometres of range

Tesla expanded its Model 3 offering in Europe to include a rear-wheel-drive version with extended range. The new variant is said to cover up to 702 kilometres without needing a charging stop – and will be priced from €44,990.

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– November –

Image: Stellantis

EV batteries last much longer than expected

While diesel cars run and run, electric car batteries quickly break down and turn the expensive new car into a complete financial loss – statements like these can be found on social media repeatedly. P3 now analysed data from more than 7,000 electric cars, providing insights into real battery ageing. And the field data paints a whole different picture.

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– December –

Image: BYD

BYD launches second delivery tanker

BYD has commissioned its second dedicated transport ship for the export of its electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The 199.9 metre long freighter named BYD Changzhou has capacity for 7,000 cars and is currently on its way to Europe with almost 5,000 BYD vehicles.

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That was electrive’s news review of the year with the twelve most-read articles from 2024. After a hopefully merry Christmas, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year and a wonderful start to 2025!