Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
Verge Motorcycles, the Finnish company that will begin selling its electric superbikes in the US market at the end of this year, joins the ranks of well-known car giants, General Motors and Ford, in announcing its intention to utilise Tesla’s NACS charging network.
Electric superbike pioneer, Verge Motorcycles, has taken a stand on the recently much talked about electric plug-in war and announced at the end of June that it would be the first in the industry to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging connector.
“We have been following the discussion with interest about the future of the charging infrastructure and Tesla’s decision to open up its NACS charging standard. Providing our customers with a comprehensive and easy, fast charging system is vital in terms of Verge’s growth. We are currently preparing to enter the US market, and as the Tesla of motorcycles, this decision seemed like a natural solution for us,” says Marko Lehtimäki, Chief Technology Officer at Verge.
“Total customer service is everything for Verge. We want Verge owners to have access to the most extensive fast charging system in North America, which is why we plan to utilise Tesla’s network of 17 000 charging stations,” says Pekka Parnanen, Chief Operating Officer of Verge’s US operations.
Tesla’s decision to remove all the patents for its NACS charging standard has received a lot of international attention recently, after several major players in the industry, including General Motors, Ford and most recently electric car manufacturer, Rivian, announced that they would adopt the charging system developed by Tesla.
Following the move to open up the NACS charging standard, competing operators can also add charging devices equipped with NACS connectors to their networks. Until now, the patent-protected system could only be used to charge Tesla’s own vehicles.
Volkswagen Group Africa has added an additional 3 megawatt (MW) solar power to its grid, bringing the total output of renewable energy to 5.9MW. This is enough energy to power at least 2 000 two-bedroom houses fitted with geysers and electrical appliances.
Volvo Car South Africa has cemented itself as a leader in the local electric vehicle segment, with combined sales totalling 467 between January and September 2024. With a three-car-strong range of cutting-edge battery-electric vehicles, Volvo is currently leading the premium electric segment, outpacing rivals in the luxury arena.
Kia recently unveiled two all-new customised concept vehicles at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.