Author: Shaun Williams

Ultium Cells plans to convert its battery cell plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to produce prismatic lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) cells, with the new chemistry expected to be used in future General Motors electric vehicles from 2028. The GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture says the cells could deliver approximately 33% higher energy density than LFP batteries at similar costs. Retrofitting work at the Spring Hill facility is scheduled to begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2028. According to Ultium Cells, the site could become the world’s first facility to mass-produce prismatic LMR cells. LMR Targets…

Nissan will lead a £3 million (US$4 million) UK government-backed project to develop a self-driving passenger service in Cambridge, working with WMG at the University of Warwick and PAVE UK. Known as ADventure, the project will examine how autonomous mobility services can be integrated into local transport and will conclude with a public-road demonstration in the city. Project Focuses on Autonomous Mobility Services Nissan Technical Centre Europe will lead the project alongside WMG and PAVE UK, an organisation focused on educating the public about automated vehicles. The test vehicle will be a 2022 Nissan Leaf equipped with Nissan-developed autonomous driving…

Fuel and charging infrastructure operator Circle K has partnered with Danish software provider FLEXeCHARGE to deploy cloud-based load management across 1,000 electric vehicle charging points in several European markets. The agreement represents one of FLEXeCHARGE’s largest contracts in the charge point operator sector to date and marks the first large-scale deployment of its HARMON-E software in a “headless” architecture. HARMON-E Integrated Into Circle K Systems Circle K already operates an energy management system for its charging network. Under the new partnership, FLEXeCHARGE will provide load management functionality for a defined portion of that existing system rather than replacing Circle K’s…

Malaysia’s national postal and parcel service provider, Pos Malaysia, has expanded its electric vehicle fleet to 1,585 units, with EVs now accounting for about one-third of its delivery operations across the country. The company said electric vehicles are now used for around 33% of its parcel deliveries in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, up from about 20% last year. Pos Malaysia aims to electrify its entire fleet of first- and last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030. Electric Fleet Reaches 1,585 Vehicles The fleet expansion includes 1,253 electric two-wheelers and 332 electric vans, making Pos Malaysia the operator of Malaysia’s largest EV…

Changan has expanded its Nevo lineup with the Q06, a mid-size SUV designed for one of China’s most competitive vehicle categories. The model is available with both battery-electric and extended-range electric powertrains, although the lineup is weighted toward battery-electric vehicles. The Q06 is offered in six variants, including five BEV versions and one EREV version. It combines an 800-volt electrical architecture and high-rate charging on the BEV models with a long-distance range-extender configuration for buyers seeking extended driving range. Changan Nevo Q06 Pricing and Variants The Q06 carries limited-time promotional prices ranging from 135,900 yuan to 165,900 yuan, while its…

Volkswagen will reintroduce the ID. Buzz in the United States during the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle, extending a delay that means the electric van will skip a second consecutive model year in the market. Volkswagen of America informed dealers of the revised timeline on September 24, according to Automotive News. The change comes several months after Volkswagen announced in May that the ID. Buzz would return for the 2027 model year, with deliveries expected to begin in autumn 2026. Updates Planned for 2028 Model Year Volkswagen described the 2028 model year as a consolidation…

Zerova is presenting its megawatt charging system (MCS) dispenser for electric trucks and buses in Europe for the first time at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover. The satellite charging unit can deliver up to 1,440 kW of charging power through its MCS connection. Separate Power Cabinets And Charging Point The dispenser uses Zerova’s existing DO360 and DZ480 power cabinets, separating the power electronics from the charging point. The DO360 supports an output voltage range of 150 to 950 V DC, while the DZ480 operates between 200 and 950 V DC. The system uses liquid-cooled charging cables available in five- or…

Dutch truck manufacturer DAF is displaying an expanded range of battery-electric trucks at IAA Transportation 2026, including the XG Electric and XG+ Electric for long-haul applications and new configurations for construction and special-purpose operations. The trucks are being presented at DAF’s stand in Hall 21. The XG+ Electric is the larger-cab version of the two long-haul models, while the wider electric portfolio includes 6×2, 6×4 and 8×4 configurations. XG Electric And XG+ Electric The XG Electric and XG+ Electric use modular electric powertrains with Paccar electric motors producing up to 350 kW. The trucks can be configured with between three…

Bosch is showcasing a new electric rigid axle for heavy commercial vehicles at IAA Transportation 2026, expanding its drivetrain portfolio with an integrated solution designed for vehicles weighing between 18 and 49 tonnes. The Rigid eAxle integrates an electric motor and transmission into the axle and is being presented alongside Bosch technologies for thermal management, driver assistance, vehicle software and automated driving. Electric Rigid Axle Covers 18 To 49 Tonnes The Rigid eAxle combines key electric powertrain components within the axle, including the motor and transmission. Bosch says the integrated design can reduce weight and improve efficiency compared with a…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an audit into how Tesla certified its Cybercab for road use, focusing on the vehicle’s compliance with federal safety standards despite its lack of a steering wheel, pedals and side mirrors. The investigation began on September 3, the same day Tesla started deploying the two-seat autonomous vehicle with passengers in Austin, Texas. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened the case as an Open Audit Query, designated AQ26002, and estimates that about 1,000 Cybercab vehicles are covered. NHTSA Examines Tesla Certification Process According to the NHTSA filing, the audit was prompted…

BYD has entered the European heavy-duty electric truck market with the ETT 44, a battery-electric 4×2 tractor unit designed for gross combination weights of up to 44 tonnes. The truck combines a 651-kWh battery with charging capability exceeding 1.5 MW. The Chinese manufacturer unveiled the ETT 44 for the European market at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, positioning the model as the flagship of its European commercial vehicle range. BYD plans to expand its European portfolio from lighter commercial vehicles through to 44-tonne heavy-duty applications. 651-KWh LFP Battery Powers Nearly 600-Km Range The ETT 44 uses BYD’s Blade Battery with…

The European Commission has proposed changes to EU public procurement rules that would give authorities greater flexibility to exclude companies from non-EU countries from certain tenders. The draft legislation is aimed at modernizing procurement procedures and strengthening European industrial resilience, with Chinese companies such as BYD cited as an example in discussions over electric bus procurement. The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament and EU member states. If adopted, the revised rules would affect public tenders covering areas including battery-electric buses, charging infrastructure, municipal electric vehicle fleets and services such as waste management. European Preference In Public Tenders…

Nissan is accelerating the US launch of the Rogue e:Power hybrid as it seeks to capitalize on growing demand for hybrid vehicles. The fourth-generation Rogue will arrive in the US with the hybrid version first, followed by non-hybrid variants. Nissan has brought the launch forward twice, moving it from mid-2027 to January and now to November 2026, according to Automotive News. The accelerated schedule reflects the automaker’s effort to compete more directly in a hybrid SUV market dominated by Toyota and Honda. Nissan Targets Growing Hybrid Demand Nissan was an early player in battery-electric vehicles with the first-generation Leaf, which…

The 2027 IM L6 is the latest version of IM Motors’ core electric sedan, positioned to compete in China’s highly competitive premium pure-electric sedan market. The new L6 offers rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, long driving ranges, high-speed charging and advanced intelligent driving technology. IM Motors, the electric vehicle brand of SAIC Motor, has priced the three regular variants from 199,900 yuan ($29,480) to 259,900 yuan during the limited-time promotional period. The lineup includes the Max, Pro Max and Ultra, priced at 199,900 yuan, 217,900 yuan and 259,900 yuan, respectively. 2027 IM L6 Pricing and Variants The entry-level Max is priced…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has presented the ID. California Cruise, its first fully electric model under the California camper brand, at Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. Based on the rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz Pro, the electric camper will be offered with short- and long-wheelbase configurations, with prices starting at €60,761 for the short-wheelbase version. First deliveries are planned for early 2027, with additional electric California models expected to follow by 2028. Electric Camper Based on ID. Buzz The ID. California Cruise uses the ID. Buzz Pro’s 210 kW rear-wheel-drive powertrain. https://evmagz.com/everything-you-should-know-about-saic-volkswagen-id-era-5s-specifications/ The short-wheelbase version is equipped with a 79 kWh battery mounted…

Continental has developed a concept tyre containing around 43% recycled materials as part of the European Union’s ZEvRA project, with the design also focused on reducing rolling resistance and improving electric vehicle efficiency. Recycled Materials The tyre was developed under ZEvRA, or Zero Emission Electric Vehicles Enabled by Harmonised Circularity, an EU-funded project focused on advancing circular economy principles across the electric vehicle value chain. https://evmagz.com/continental-develops-ultra-low-rolling-resistance-tire-for-renault-evs/ Continental said it is the only tyre manufacturer among the project’s 28 partners. More than 80% of the materials used in the concept tyre come from recycled, renewable or mass-balance-certified sources. The recycled portion…

Solaris has signed a contract with Czech public transport operator Dopravní podnik města Olomouce to deliver 20 electric buses, marking the first deployment of Solaris battery-electric buses in the operator’s fleet. The order includes 10 Urbino 12 electric buses and 10 articulated Urbino 18 electric buses, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. The agreement also includes an option for 20 additional vehicles. Solaris Electric Bus Order The initial order consists of 10 twelve-metre Urbino 12 electric buses and 10 articulated Urbino 18 electric buses. If the option is exercised, Dopravní podnik města Olomouce could add another 15 twelve-metre battery-electric buses and…

California utility PG&E has expanded its residential vehicle-to-everything (V2X) programme to include additional electric vehicles and bidirectional charging systems from Kia, Volvo, Polestar, Nissan and General Motors. Eligible vehicle and charger combinations can qualify for incentives of up to $13,000 through funding provided by a California Energy Commission grant. More EVs Added to Bidirectional Charging Programme Bidirectional Energy and PowerFlex have joined PG&E’s V2X programme as partners, expanding the range of vehicles and charging equipment that customers can use. https://evmagz.com/general-motors-pge-launch-v2x-pilot-in-california-to-enhance-grid-resilience/ The Nissan Leaf from model years 2018 through 2025, along with the 2025 Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3, are eligible…

Volvo Cars has appointed Alexander Petrofski as its new Chief Technology Officer, replacing Anders Bell as the Swedish automaker reshapes its leadership structure amid changes in the global automotive industry. Petrofski has worked at Volvo Cars since 2005 and most recently oversaw the company’s smaller vehicle portfolio, including the electric EX30 and EX40. Petrofski Takes Over Technology Leadership Petrofski joins Volvo Cars’ Executive Management Team as CTO after serving as Senior Vice President for Small Cars. In that position, he was responsible for product development, programmes, volumes, marketing, quality, investments, costs and profitability for the EX30, EX40, EC40 and XC40.…

Opel has delayed the launch of the next-generation Corsa from 2027 to 2028, with the new model set to become an exclusively battery-electric vehicle. CEO Florian Huettl confirmed the revised timeline and said the electric Corsa will start at around €25,000. Corsa Moves to Electric-Only Powertrain Huettl confirmed the 2028 launch in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, reiterating Opel’s plan to position the Corsa as an entry-level electric vehicle. https://evmagz.com/opel-confirms-next-generation-astra-production-in-germany-commits-over-e1-billion-to-local-operations/ “It will arrive in 2028, be fully electric, and cost around €25,000.” The next-generation Corsa will be based on Stellantis’ STLA Small platform, replacing the e-CMP architecture used by…