Latest news with #Alpine
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Saudi backed EV maker, Lucid, breaks world record with 1,205 km drive across Europe in single charge
Lucid's new record of 1,205 km surpasses its previous 1,045 km single-charge drive by 160 km, setting a major milestone/ Image: Lucid Lucid Air, the Saudi-backed electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled on a single charge. The company's Lucid Air Grand Touring model successfully covered 1,205 kilometers (around 749 miles) in a single drive, surpassing its previous record by 160 kilometers. The historic journey from St. Moritz in Switzerland to Munich, Germany, is a significant leap forward in the electric vehicle sector, further cementing Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the global electric mobility space. A Record-Breaking Feat in Europe Lucid's new record was set during a long-distance drive from the alpine resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland to Munich, Germany, covering 1,205 kilometers (749 miles) on a single battery charge. This journey, completed over the weekend, shattered the previous world record of 1,045 kilometers, set in June 2025, by a wide margin of 160 kilometers. — LucidMotors (@LucidMotors) The Lucid Air Grand Touring, known for its luxury and performance blend, completed the journey across Alpine roads, highways, and secondary routes, showcasing both endurance and versatility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Empty Alaska Cruises Departing From Ontario That Seniors Can Book For Dirt Cheap FavoriteSearches | Search Ads Learn More Undo The drive was conducted in real-world conditions, demonstrating the practicality of EVs in diverse terrains. This is Lucid Motors' second Guinness World Record in electric vehicle endurance. The first, set in 2024, involved the same model completing a nine-country trip on a single charge. Both record attempts were led and organized by Umit Sabanci, a London-based entrepreneur who played a major role in planning and driving the journeys. The Technology Behind the Achievement At the core of the Lucid Air Grand Touring's breakthrough lies a suite of cutting-edge electric systems: WLTP Range : 960 km Energy Consumption : 13.5 kWh per 100 km Power Output : 831 PS Top Speed : 270 km/h Ultra-Fast Charging : Gains up to 400 km of range in just 16 minutes The car was assembled at Lucid's Saudi Advanced Manufacturing Plant in King Abdullah Economic City, launched in 2023, aiming for 155,000 vehicles annually/ Image: Lucid The range and efficiency demonstrated by the Lucid Air Grand Touring were achieved under real-world driving conditions, not just lab testing. The vehicle's high-voltage architecture, combined with a sophisticated battery management system, played a central role in maximizing energy use and extending the distance traveled on a single charge. Eric Bach, Lucid's Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, described the range milestone as an important achievement that highlights the technological advantage Lucid holds in the electric vehicle industry. Lucid's Operations and Commitments in the Kingdom Lucid's headquarters are in California, but the company's long-term growth is closely linked to Saudi Arabia. Its largest shareholder, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), owns about 60% of the company and has positioned Lucid as a key part of the Kingdom's industrial strategy under Vision 2030. In September 2023, Lucid began final assembly of electric vehicles at its first international manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The plant processed 800 vehicles in its initial phase, with plans to scale up production to 150,000 units annually. Under a government agreement, Lucid is also set to supply 100,000 electric vehicles to Saudi Arabia over the next decade. This initiative is intended to support the local market and build capacity for future exports. The latest endurance record reflects not only Lucid's technical progress but also Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to develop a competitive electric vehicle industry. A Wider EV Ecosystem Taking Shape Saudi Arabia is actively building a comprehensive EV ecosystem, with Lucid at the center, but it's one part of a wider effort. Several other notable projects and partnerships are also shaping the foundation of the Kingdom's electric vehicle sector: Ceer and the Birth of Saudi-Made EVs A second EV company, Ceer, is also backed by the PIF in a joint venture with Taiwan's Foxconn. Ceer is building a $1.3 billion manufacturing complex in KAEC, covering 1 million square meters, with zones dedicated to every stage of vehicle production. The cars will incorporate BMW technology, and aim to establish a fully Saudi-based EV manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up. BYD Enters the Saudi Market In a separate but parallel development, Chinese EV giant BYD, now the world's top-selling electric vehicle brand — has entered Saudi Arabia through a partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company. During a multi-city launch across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, BYD introduced a range of models including the luxury BYD HAN, the performance-driven BYD SEAL, and the hybrid BYD SONG PLUS. Building Charging Infrastructure: EVIQ Recognizing that EVs are only as viable as their infrastructure, the PIF launched the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ) with an ambitious target: 5,000 fast chargers across 1,000 locations by 2030. These will be placed in cities and along major roadways, adhering to strict technical standards and safety codes. NEOM's Autonomous Future And beyond EVs, Saudi Arabia is also investing in autonomous mobility. The NEOM Investment Fund has committed $100 million to a leading player in self-driving technology. The deal includes co-development of autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems for NEOM, and potentially for wider use across the Middle East.
North Wales Live
5 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Wales' highest mountain risks becoming a 'deathtrap for animals'
Wales' highest mountain has become a 'reverse vending machine' in which dropped or discarded litter is killing local wildlife, a campaigner has claimed. Dom Ferris, founder of Trash Free Trails (TTT), spoke out as climbing experts prepare to scale inaccessible areas of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to remove 'waterfalls' of rubbish. The Big Clean Up Yr Wyddfa returns tomorrow (Thursday, July 31) to tackle an issue that's been blighting the mountain for decades. Some litter, blown from the peak, has collected in steep gullies that are too dangerous to be reached by anyone other than specialist climbers. Everything from sleeping bags to drink cans have steadily accumulated in the Trinity Gullies on the northeast side of Yr Wyddfa. Looking like streams of rubbish cascading down from the peak, it's thought some items may have been there for 100 years. Tomorrow morning, a team of climbers will catch the first train on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis. They will then abseil down a cliff face to reach the gullies on Clogwyn Y Garnedd. The team will have been briefed by Plantlife Cymru to limit the damage to rare Alpine plants, some of which have become established within the waste streams. Ecologist Robbie Blackhall-Miles said microplastic pollution is having 'serious impacts' on the mountain's fragile ecosystem. Yr Wyddfa's littering, and the damage it causes, is being used to underpin calls for Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), where people bring back used drinks containers. TTT's Dom Ferris said the group's research has shown that a fifth of animal interactions with litter ends in death. 'Our volunteers are increasingly finding examples of this occurring when an animal gets trapped inside a bottle or can,' he said. 'We know from European case studies that a DRS can eradicate a whole category of litter from our trails overnight. Why are we allowing beloved hiking spots such as Snowdon to be the alternative to a reverse vending machine?' The three-day clean-up, organised by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), ends on Saturday, August 2. On that day, 40 volunteer walkers will hike up the Pyg Track to the upper Glaslyn bowl above Llyn Glaslyn, the lake beneath the Trinity Gullies. There, they will analyse and bag up litter removed by the climbers. Launched last year, the 2024 event saw 2,765 items of litter removed by climbers and volunteers. Analysis showed: 62% of items removed were single-use products More than 800 plastic water bottles were collected Lucozade, Red Bull, Coca Cola and Monster were the most common brands removed from the Trinity Wall gullies and the popular Miner's Path. Tom Carrick, BMC access and conservation officer for Wales, said gullies beneath the peak were natural debris traps. 'We're not talking about deliberate fly-tipping,' he said. 'Rubbish can be dropped accidentally by anyone, however careful they are, and blown away into these gullies. 'It's important to emphasise that everyone is welcome in the outdoors and the vast majority of the 600,000 people visiting Yr Wyddfa each year have great respect for the mountains and the environment – they would never dream of discarding any litter on purpose.' Also on Saturday, the BMC will have an information tent at Pen-y-Pass, a popular starting point for Yr Wyddfa ascents. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Visitors can take part in a 'rubbish raffle' or 'trail clean bingo cards' with the chance of winning Deuter backpacks – awarded for picking the most litter or having the 'most single-use-plastic-free lunches'.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia's EV maker, Lucid, breaks world record with 1,205 km drive across Europe in single charge
Lucid's new record of 1,205 km surpasses its previous 1,045 km single-charge drive by 160 km, setting a major milestone/ Image: Lucid Lucid Air, the Saudi-backed electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled on a single charge. The company's Lucid Air Grand Touring model successfully covered 1,205 kilometers (around 749 miles) in a single drive, surpassing its previous record by 160 kilometers. The historic journey from St. Moritz in Switzerland to Munich, Germany, is a significant leap forward in the electric vehicle sector, further cementing Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the global electric mobility space. A Record-Breaking Feat in Europe Lucid's new record was set during a long-distance drive from the alpine resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland to Munich, Germany, covering 1,205 kilometers (749 miles) on a single battery charge. This journey, completed over the weekend, shattered the previous world record of 1,045 kilometers, set in June 2025, by a wide margin of 160 kilometers. The Lucid Air Grand Touring, known for its luxury and performance blend, completed the journey across Alpine roads, highways, and secondary routes, showcasing both endurance and versatility. The drive was conducted in real-world conditions, demonstrating the practicality of EVs in diverse terrains. This is Lucid Motors' second Guinness World Record in electric vehicle endurance. The first, set in 2024, involved the same model completing a nine-country trip on a single charge. Both record attempts were led and organized by Umit Sabanci, a London-based entrepreneur who played a major role in planning and driving the journeys. The Technology Behind the Achievement At the core of the Lucid Air Grand Touring's breakthrough lies a suite of cutting-edge electric systems: WLTP Range : 960 km Energy Consumption : 13.5 kWh per 100 km Power Output : 831 PS Top Speed : 270 km/h Ultra-Fast Charging : Gains up to 400 km of range in just 16 minutes The car was assembled at Lucid's Saudi Advanced Manufacturing Plant in King Abdullah Economic City, launched in 2023, aiming for 155,000 vehicles annually/ Image: Lucid The range and efficiency demonstrated by the Lucid Air Grand Touring were achieved under real-world driving conditions, not just lab testing. The vehicle's high-voltage architecture, combined with a sophisticated battery management system, played a central role in maximizing energy use and extending the distance traveled on a single charge. Eric Bach, Lucid's Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer, described the range milestone as an important achievement that highlights the technological advantage Lucid holds in the electric vehicle industry. Lucid's Operations and Commitments in the Kingdom Lucid's headquarters are in California, but the company's long-term growth is closely linked to Saudi Arabia. Its largest shareholder, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), owns about 60% of the company and has positioned Lucid as a key part of the Kingdom's industrial strategy under Vision 2030. In September 2023, Lucid began final assembly of electric vehicles at its first international manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The plant processed 800 vehicles in its initial phase, with plans to scale up production to 150,000 units annually. Under a government agreement, Lucid is also set to supply 100,000 electric vehicles to Saudi Arabia over the next decade. This initiative is intended to support the local market and build capacity for future exports. The latest endurance record reflects not only Lucid's technical progress but also Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to develop a competitive electric vehicle industry. A Wider EV Ecosystem Taking Shape Saudi Arabia is actively building a comprehensive EV ecosystem, with Lucid at the center, but it's one part of a wider effort. Several other notable projects and partnerships are also shaping the foundation of the Kingdom's electric vehicle sector: Ceer and the Birth of Saudi-Made EVs A second EV company, Ceer, is also backed by the PIF in a joint venture with Taiwan's Foxconn. Ceer is building a $1.3 billion manufacturing complex in KAEC, covering 1 million square meters, with zones dedicated to every stage of vehicle production. The cars will incorporate BMW technology, and aim to establish a fully Saudi-based EV manufacturing ecosystem from the ground up. BYD Enters the Saudi Market In a separate but parallel development, Chinese EV giant BYD, now the world's top-selling electric vehicle brand — has entered Saudi Arabia through a partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company. During a multi-city launch across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, BYD introduced a range of models including the luxury BYD HAN, the performance-driven BYD SEAL, and the hybrid BYD SONG PLUS. Building Charging Infrastructure: EVIQ Recognizing that EVs are only as viable as their infrastructure, the PIF launched the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ) with an ambitious target: 5,000 fast chargers across 1,000 locations by 2030. These will be placed in cities and along major roadways, adhering to strict technical standards and safety codes. NEOM's Autonomous Future And beyond EVs, Saudi Arabia is also investing in autonomous mobility. The NEOM Investment Fund has committed $100 million to a leading player in self-driving technology. The deal includes co-development of autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems for NEOM, and potentially for wider use across the Middle East.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
007 Road To A Million lineup revealed! From an amputee to a cancer survivor and a model - meet the hopefuls putting their James Bond skills to the test to win the £1million jackpot
From an amputee to a cancer survivor and a model, the contestant line-up for series two of 007 Road To A Million, has been unveiled. The programme, inspired by the incredible stunts and settings of the Bond films, sees contestants taking on epic tasks including scaling Bangkok towers, shark diving, intelligence gathering and Alpine cable navigation. Eight pairs will compete for the £1million jackpot with their skills and resilience being tested in locations ranging from Thailand to Austria, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Of course a 007 inspired show isn't complete without a villain, with Brian Cox returning as The Controller, evil mastermind behind the tasks who will helm a control room, challenge the pairs and assesses their performance. Launching globally on Friday 22 August 2025 exclusively on Prime Video, season two will see enhanced challenges, new format twists, Bond references, iconic props, and classic cars throughout. So who are the eight teams who will be taking on The Controller's challenges and battling it out to win a huge £1million... Dylan and Dan Location: Ramsgate, Kent and Margate, Kent Relationship: Father and son The father-son duo are on a journey to reconnect and heal from a difficult past. Dan, 46, is a cancer survivor who faced life-altering challenges and hopes to make up for lost time. His son Dylan, 22, who has autism and overcame early adversity, is eager to broaden his horizons and create new memories with his dad. Dylan is thoughtful and analytical and though he can at times get frustrated with his dad, he loves him dearly. Dan is a deeply supportive dad, he's patient and wants Dylan to shine. Dan works as a Civil Servant for the Ministry of Defence and Dylan currently works as a Bartender. Cat and Maiya Location: Chelsea, London Relationship: Sisters The ambitious sisters from London are determined to prove they have grit, drive, and resilience. Maiya, 23, is a law student with dreams of becoming a barrister, who attributes her strong moral compass to her upbringing. She can be emotional and fears letting her older sister down, however she has hidden strengths. Cat, 26, is a successful model. She is competitive, determined and fiercely protective of her younger sister. Both are eager to step outside their comfort zones and challenge assumptions about their background. Ricky and Noddy Location: Kent and South London Relationship: Best friends Lifelong friends born just hours apart, Ricky and Noddy, both 41, have faced extraordinary challenges - from a difficult upbringing and illness to family upheaval - and have emerged with humour, heart and an unbreakable bond. The pair are fiercely loyal and emotionally in sync. They are both strategic and decisive. Whilst Ricky is a tactical thinker, Noddy is the more emotionally intuitive of the two. Ricky works as an Area Manager for the Gas Emergency Service while Noddy is a Construction Operations Manager. Shabina and Sid Location: Ilford, Essex Relationship: Married The married couple of 30 years from Ilford are devoted parents now ready to prioritise themselves. With Shabina, 50, working in the civil service and Sid, 52, being a London Underground ticket inspector, they believe their secret weapon is their mix of sharp instincts and analytical thinking. Lifelong Spurs fans with a shared sense of humour, they're embracing this rare opportunity for adventure together. Sid is impulsive and likes to get stuck into things whereas Shabina is more cautious. The pair believe their love of competition is something that brings them closer together. Asaad and Jamilah Location: Newcastle Relationship: Siblings The pair are a close-knit brother and sister duo from Newcastle, bonded by shared values, resilience, and a deep family connection. With Jamilah, 34, focused on building a future for her teenage son and Asaad, 32, navigating starting a family with his wife, they're embracing this adventure as a chance to relive their youthful spirit and pursue life-changing goals together. The pair are a positive force, competitors and confident in both their own and each other's abilities. Jamilah is a Community Relations Manager and Asaad is a Wind Turbine Engineer, both live in Newcastle. Rob and Alex Location: Camden, London Relationship: Married The married couple of 25 years, bring a shared drive for excellence to the proceedings. Alex, 48, a multilingual former gymnast and corporate finance advisor, and Rob, 57, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, are high achievers motivated not by money but by the thrill of competition and the chance to win as a pair. Alex is ambitious, and a perfectionist whilst Rob is the calmer and more patient of the pair. Alex was raised in Singapore and now lives in London with Rob who grew up in Birmingham. Steven and Shelley Location: Bromley, London Relationship: Married Married couple for 28 years, Steven, 53, and Shelley, 51, are devoted partners navigating the next chapter of their lives as they approach an empty nest. With Steven's adventurous spirit and Shelley's desire to broaden her horizons, they're embracing this opportunity to reconnect, explore the world, and focus on themselves after years of raising a family. Steven is very excitable, tending to act first and think later; Shelley, on the other hand, likes to have a plan and brings a more calming energy to the pair. Based in Bromley, South London, Shelley works as a Housing Officer and Steven is a Black Cab Driver. Sam and Luke Location: Bridlington & Manchester Relationship: Best Friends Sam and Luke, both 34, lifelong friends from Bridlington, bring resilience and camaraderie to the challenge. Luke is a single father living in Manchester, working as an English Teacher at a secondary school, he is both generous and intelligent. Sam is a charity coordinator, trainee goldsmith and model who rebuilt his life after losing his leg in a motorbike accident. He is adventurous, resilient and loyal. The pair know each other inside out and have great banter together, they're ready to take on a new adventure.
AsiaOne
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
A slice of America: Corvette makes its long-awaited debut in Singapore, Lifestyle News
The iconic American sports car, Corvette, has made its official debut in Singapore, following a glitzy launch event held at Ion Orchard on July 28. More famously known as the Chevrolet Corvette, the event also marked the introduction of Corvette as a standalone brand in its own right. The brand will be represented by Alpine Motors, which was previously the distributor of Opel cars in Singapore, and it marks the first time that the Corvette is available for sale here through official channels in right-hand-drive form. The latest iteration of one of America's most famous sports cars is dubbed the Corvette Stingray, and it features an aggressive-looking design that is said to be inspired by fighter jets and Formula 1 cars. The eighth-generation model also features a mid-engine layout for the first time, a departure from the front-engine design of its predecessors. The engine itself is a 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 that produces 495hp and 630Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 2.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 312km/h. The Corvettes that are being sold in Singapore will also come with what the company calls the Z51 Performance Package, which includes track-tuned suspension, adaptive dampers, performance exhausts, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential, and high performance tyres. Alpine Motors will be showcasing the car at Ion Orchard until August 3, but it has also opened a new showroom for the brand at 1 Commonwealth Lane. Pricing starts from $648,000 without COE, which puts it roughly in the same price bracket as the Porsche 911, but Alpine says that it will only import a limited number of Corvette Stingrays for Singapore. [[nid:714668]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
