Category: Electric and Electrified Vehicles

Discussions of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery powered vehicles and technology.

DC charging of the Niro gives mixed results

Charge result

DC charging. In the last post, I warned of the excess “charges” resulting from the use of a ChargePoint Level 3 charger. Now the overall results of the latest DC charging of the Niro. It has primarily been charged on a Level 2 charger, but there have been about 10 needs and/or opportunities for the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/05/dc-charging-of-the-niro-gives-mixed-results/

Ripped off by ChargePoint: check the costs first before charging new!

ChargePoint receipt

ChargePoint. Currently there is not an at home charge option for my Kia Niro, and I noted two Level 3 ChargePoint chargers set up at my local Kia store where I was ordering a part. No one in the store knew what it cost was per kilowatt hour (kWh) but it would save me a trip …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/04/ripped-off-by-chargepoint-check-the-costs-first-before-charging-new/

New charging protocols for the Niro

End of Charge

Charging the Niro Change is in the local wind as there is no longer access to “charging at home” for the Kia Niro. A forced move is also forcing a charging protocols reset. Its back to hitting the Level 3 networks, and first up was a DC charger on a parkway. To date, charging at …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/04/new-charging-protocols-for-the-niro/

BYD ups the EV anti with the Super e-Platform

BYD charging infrastructure

Super e-Platform China’s BYD has launched what it calls the Super e-Platform, which re-writes “current” electric vehicle (EV) technology. The company says the tech brings the battery, motor, power supply, air conditioning, and other components up to a full 1000V. Among the upgraded components are batteries that can be flash charged, a 30,000 RPM motor, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/04/byd-ups-the-ev-anti-with-the-super-e-platform/

Google Maps adds EV trip planning

Android auto map trip

Google Maps and Android Auto A new feature just added to Google Maps will include battery range predictions and trip planning for over 350 Android Auto EV models. The update adds AI-powered EV charging features to Maps. Once a destination is set, Maps will recommend when and where to charge based on the EV model …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/03/google-maps-adds-ev-trip-planning/

Factorial silent on lithium metal use in EV battery

FEST battery design

Lithium use Two weeks ago, we reported on Karma Automotive, Inc. and Factorial, Inc. announcing the launch of the first solid-state battery production program in the US for passenger vehicles, batteries that will use lithium metal. Going over a white paper from Factorial line by line failed to adequately address how the volatile metal is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/02/factorial-silent-on-lithium-metal-use-in-ev-battery/

Karma, Factorial to build first solid-state battery powered EV

Solid-state battery Karma Automotive, Inc. and Factorial, Inc. have announced the launch of the first solid-state battery production program in the United States for passenger vehicles. The pair will integrate Factorial’s FEST® battery technology into Karma’s next-generation vehicle platform, beginning with the all-electric Karma Kaveya super-coupe scheduled to arrive on American roads in late 2027. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/02/karma-factorial-to-build-first-solid-state-battery-powered-ev/