Apollo Imports, an electric scooter manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall of its Phantom Electric Scooters due to a loosening bolt that poses an injury risk. The recall affects Phantom V1, V2, and 60V models sold between June 2021 and May 2023. The stem bolt used to secure the front wheel and suspension assembly can become loose and break over time. The Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of the bolt breaking, resulting in injuries. Apollo is offering free replacement bolts and repair instructions, as well as free servicing at partner locations. The recalled scooters were sold for $2,000 to $2,500.
Bolt has launched its sixth-generation e-scooter with an IoT module that detects pedestrians and sidewalk riding; Ford and SK On have secured a $9.2 billion loan from the US Department of Energy to build three battery factories in Kentucky and Tennessee; Rivian has adopted Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS); Cruise has launched an Android app to support its robotaxi service; and Tesla plans to acquire German-based Wiferion, which sells wireless charging systems for autonomous mobile robots and autonomous guided vehicles.
General Motors has confirmed that it will end production of the Chevrolet Bolt hatchback and its crossover Bolt EUV sibling this year. The Bolt was the cheapest way to get into a new EV in the United States, starting at just under $27,000 before federal and state electric vehicle incentives. The next cheapest electric car on sale is the Nissan Leaf S, which has an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles on a charge. The Bolt was also the best selling non-Tesla EV in the last two quarters of 2022.
Estonian ride-sharing startup Bolt, founded by Markus Villig, has built an $8.4 billion operation and a $700 million fortune by focusing on overlooked markets in Africa and Europe. With just $2 million in funding, Bolt began targeting countries like Poland, where there was little or no competition, and eventually expanded to 45 countries. Villig's thrifty approach has paid off, and the business now has more than 3 million drivers and generated $570 million in 2021 revenue. Bolt's revenue from African countries including South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana now accounts for a third of its business.
