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With motor vehicles becoming more electrified, fire and rescue departments have had to take into consideration the new issues of high-voltage equipment in the vehicles. Unlike the 12V battery that has been in cars for decades – mainly to provide electricity to turn the starter motor – the electrical systems in electric vehicles (EVs) run from 200V to 800V.

If the vehicle is involved in an accident and cables are disconnected or damaged, there is a danger of electricity leakage onto the bodywork. For this reason, the new generation of hybrid rallycars have warning lights to alert rescuers and spectators of any electrical danger if the car crashes. Latest regulations even require the crew to have available Class-0 gloves carried capable of withstanding 1,000 volts.

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In Vietnam, a country where Chinese rivals are swarming even as motorbikes continue to control the roads, VinFast has unveiled its cheapest electric car yet, a $23,000 (RM102k) VF 5 model for sale.

Vingroup’s electric vehicle division stated late on Friday that it is “targeting the broadest range of consumers” with the VF 5 Plus SUV, which costs around one-third as much as the company’s higher-end EVs. VinFast’s newest SUV delivers 134 hp maximum power and 135 Nm of torque.

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BPIN Investment, a division of Thailand’s smart-energy giant Banpu Next, has provided further money to Singapore-based smart-battery swapping startup Oyika, according to regulatory filings.

According to Oyika’s papers with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Banpu Next, a division of energy juggernaut Banpu, which is listed on the stock exchange in Bangkok, is investing $8.75 million (RM38 million) in the startup as part of its Series B investment.

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One of the biggest automakers in the world, Volkswagen, has made the decision to stop using touch controls in its cars. Customers prefer classic knobs and buttons to operate different aspects of their vehicles, according to the company.

This choice was made following years of testing touch controls, which were viewed as a method to update the driving experience. Volkswagen has discovered that many consumers, however, find it challenging and distracting to utilise touch controls while driving.

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Just when you thought that the ricer going around your neighbourhood blasting music is loud, Ford is taking it to another level. A new patent recently filed by Ford can now allow multiple cars to sync their stereos together to make one giant sound system. That’s right, now there’ll be a pack of them around your neighbourhood.

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With the emphasis on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) which became part of a national policy in China in 2009, the carmakers in the country quickly began work on making the transition to electrified vehicles. Great Wall Motors (GWM), with its leadership in SUVs in China, worked hard to develop NEVs within its brands.

At Auto Shanghai 2023 this week, the carmaker is displaying a range of NEVs from its five major brands -HAVAL, TANK, ORA, POER, and WEY. This is to demonstrate its aim of a major player in the race to be the next leader in the field.

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Toyota reported that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted it a Zero Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Executive Order for its new heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain.

The hydrogen fuel storage tanks, fuel cell stacks, batteries, electric motors and gearbox are all included in the hydrogen fuel powertrain kit. As businesses try to convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles, Toyota claims that it offers a credible alternative to conventional diesel powertrains used in commercial goods transportation.

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The Continental GT, which has been in production since 2003, marks its 20th birthday in 2023. At the Shanghai Auto Show, a one-of-a-kind car was unveiled with a multitude of commemorative badging and several special features, kicking off a year-long celebration.

The one-off commission comes coated in a stunning shade of dark grey metallic, matched by 22-inch wheels in black and a black-finished chrome front mesh grille. It is based on the GT S, which means it is powered by the 4.0-liter V8 rather than the 6.0-liter W12 we associate with Bentley’s grand tourer.

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Regenerative braking options for Tesla electric vehicles have been restored thanks to a new software update.

One of the most fascinating aspects of electric vehicles, regenerative braking, was previously adjustable by Tesla drivers.

An EV’s electric motor can reverse power to slow down the car instead of using a conventional braking system, recovering energy while it does so. This technology may even make one-pedal driving possible since you won’t need to press the brake pedal to engage the standard brakes except in an emergency.

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As a car enthusiast, nothing beats the feeling of downshifting and flooring the throttle while passing through a tunnel just to hear your engine roar and get a glimpse of the flame shooting out your tailpipes. That’s what cars are about.

Now, imagine watching Fast and Furious but with electric vehicles (EVs). Wouldn’t be the same now, would it?

Sadly, the world is going into a “greener” future and ICE cars are being forgotten about. Based on the predictions of analysts and industry insiders, this year’s Shanghai Auto Show marked the end of the petrol engine era in China, as Chinese electric car firms push transformation across the sector and leave international competitors in the dust.

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