Author: Shaun Williams

TU Wien has opened the eMOTION Lab, a new research hub dedicated to advancing electric drivetrain technology and power electronics, with the facility beginning operations through the launch of an inverter test bench for industry and academic partners. The laboratory is designed to support the development of next-generation electric drive systems while strengthening collaboration between researchers, automotive companies, and technology suppliers. Research Focuses on Electric Drivetrain Technologies The first phase of the eMOTION Lab became operational at the beginning of July with an inverter test bench that is available for use by industrial companies, research organizations, and university partners for…

BYD reclaimed the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales lead in the second quarter of 2026, outperforming Tesla despite the U.S. electric vehicle maker posting its strongest quarterly delivery performance of the year. Tesla reported global deliveries of 480,126 battery electric vehicles during the second quarter, while BYD sold 557,090 passenger BEVs over the same period. BYD Reclaims Quarterly Lead BYD’s second-quarter BEV sales exceeded Tesla’s deliveries by 76,964 vehicles, giving the Chinese automaker a lead of approximately 16%. The result marks a reversal from the first quarter, when Tesla delivered around 48,000 more battery electric vehicles than BYD. Although…

Sensata Technologies has introduced the STPS500P Series Active + Passive PyroFuse, a high-voltage protection device designed to improve safety and simplify electrical system architecture in electric vehicles. The new PyroFuse combines system-triggered and current-driven circuit interruption within a single unit, enabling rapid fault isolation while reducing the need for multiple protection components. Dual Protection Improves Fault Response Conventional high-voltage protection systems typically rely on either active devices that require signals from vehicle electronics or passive solutions that respond to thermal or current conditions. Sensata’s Active + Passive PyroFuse integrates both approaches into one device. Its passive mechanism is activated directly…

Canadian electric motorcycle manufacturer Beachman has unveiled the Aviator, a new electric café racer that will launch across North America this summer in three configurations, with prices starting at $5,499. The lineup includes a Class 2 electric bike, a light motorcycle, and a premium 125cc-equivalent model scheduled to arrive later this fall. Beachman said it is currently fulfilling more than 150 customer preorders before moving into full-scale production. Three Versions for Different Riders The entry-level Aviator E-Bike is classified as a Class 2 electric bicycle, offering a top speed of 20 mph for on-road use and up to 35 mph…

Ferrari’s first all-electric model, the Luce, remains available to order in China despite online claims that the initial allocation had sold out, according to Chinese media outlet Lanjinger. Authorized Ferrari dealers said customers can still place orders by paying a deposit to secure production slots. Orders Still Open The Luce made its Asian debut in Shanghai on June 26 and is priced from 3.988 million yuan (approximately US$587,700) in China. Shortly after the launch, several social media accounts claimed that the first batch of 88 vehicles allocated to the Chinese market had sold out. However, the reports cited no official…

Austrian bus operator Ledermair has opened what it says is the largest electric bus depot in the state of Tyrol, adding high-capacity charging infrastructure to support the expansion of its battery-electric fleet. Located in Thaur near Innsbruck, the depot features 28 charging points with a combined charging capacity of 2.4 megawatts (MW). The installation was developed in partnership with charging technology provider Kempower and energy company vlotte vkw. Charging System Designed for Fleet Growth The charging network is powered by four Kempower Power Units and managed through the company’s ChargEye software, which schedules charging sessions based on vehicle operations. According…

Waymo has established a new German subsidiary as part of its preparations for future robotaxi operations in Europe, marking the latest step in the company’s international expansion strategy. Waymo Germany GmbH was incorporated on May 13 and officially registered on June 15 in Munich, according to commercial registry filings. The company lists Google’s Munich office as its business address and has already advertised job openings for test drivers and vehicle trainers in both Munich and Berlin. No timetable has been announced for launching commercial services in Germany, and the company has not identified its initial operating cities. Early Stage of…

Waymo has ended its robotaxi partnership with Uber in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing to a close nearly three years of joint operations in the city where the companies first tested their commercial collaboration. The companies confirmed that Waymo vehicles are no longer available through the Uber app in Phoenix after reports on social media noted their disappearance. Passenger ride services through Uber concluded in May 2026, while the partnership’s food delivery operations ended in May 2025. Uber confirmed the wind-down in a statement to TechCrunch. Phoenix had been the only market where Waymo simultaneously offered autonomous rides through both its own…

A faster transition to zero-emission vehicles in the United States could prevent more than 100,000 premature deaths and substantially reduce respiratory illnesses over the coming decades, according to a new report released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). The analysis found that pollution generated from producing and consuming fuel for road transportation contributed to more than 41,800 premature deaths and 23,100 new pediatric asthma cases across the United States in 2024. According to the report, the United States records more new childhood asthma cases linked to vehicle pollution each year than any other country, with American children accounting…

São Paulo has added 500 battery-electric buses to its public transport fleet, increasing the city’s total number of zero-emission buses to 1,759 vehicles, including trolleybuses, as it continues to accelerate the decarbonisation of urban transport. The city also confirmed that it will no longer procure buses powered exclusively by diesel, reinforcing its commitment to transitioning to cleaner public transportation. BYD Delivers Majority of New Fleet Chinese manufacturer BYD supplied 265 of the newly deployed electric buses, representing more than half of the latest delivery and marking what the company described as the largest single handover of heavy-duty electric buses in…

iCAUR has introduced the V27, a range-extended electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) developed for the European market, combining full-time electric propulsion with a dedicated gasoline-powered range extender to deliver extended driving range and improved versatility. The company said the V27 is built around its Ultra EV powertrain, designed to support both daily urban commuting and outdoor adventures. Ultra EV Powertrain The V27 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine exclusively as a generator, while the vehicle’s wheels are driven entirely by electric motors. According to iCAUR, the range extender achieves a thermal efficiency of 44.5% and generates approximately 14 kWh of electricity…

Xpeng is undertaking a major restructuring of its robotics business as the Chinese electric vehicle maker seeks to accelerate the commercialization and mass production of humanoid robots. According to a report by 21jingji, the company’s robotics center has established nine new second-tier departments, while Xpeng chairman and chief executive officer He Xiaopeng has assumed direct responsibility for the product department after taking personal charge of the robotics division. Expanded Robotics Organization The newly created departments include embodied systems engineering, general foundation models, embodied intelligence, control and safety development, data closed-loop operations, product matrix, project management, and brand marketing. Earlier this…