Author: Shaun Williams

Stellantis plans to offer its upcoming family of small vehicles exclusively with battery-electric powertrains, marking a notable departure from the group’s long-standing strategy of providing multiple propulsion options across most of its model lineup. The move applies to the company’s new E-Car project, a range of compact vehicles being developed for the European market and inspired by the revival of Citroën’s iconic 2CV. Shift Away From Multi-Energy Strategy Stellantis has traditionally pursued a multi-energy approach, offering customers a choice of battery-electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine powertrains depending on the model and market. Earlier this year, when announcing significant write-downs…

Mahle chargeBIG has introduced a new AC charging solution capable of supplying up to four electric vehicles simultaneously, expanding its charging infrastructure portfolio ahead of Power2Drive Europe 2026 in Munich. Developed in partnership with infrastructure specialist Langmatz Energy, the new charging terminal is designed for public parking facilities, municipalities, fleet operators and commercial sites seeking compact and scalable charging infrastructure. Four charging points in a compact design The new charging system, marketed as the smallBOX Public, can deliver up to 22 kW of AC charging power to each of four connected vehicles simultaneously. According to Mahle chargeBIG, the charger has…

Poland has officially confirmed plans to establish a major electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Jaworzno through a partnership between ElectroMobility Poland (EMP) and Taiwanese technology giant Foxconn. The announcement was made by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said the project will become a key component of the country’s future industrial and technology strategy. Factory planned for 2029 launch According to Tusk, the new facility will be developed in southern Poland and integrated into the broader industrial ecosystem of Jaworzno and the surrounding region. “Together with the Taiwanese, we will establish a major centre via ElectroMobility Poland in Jaworzno, which…

Porsche has unveiled updates for the 2027 Taycan, introducing a new optional virtual gearbox system called E-Shift alongside a series of efficiency and infotainment improvements. The refreshed electric sports car is now available to order, with one of the headline additions being a simulated gear-shifting experience designed to recreate the sensations of a traditional combustion-engine sports car. Virtual Gearbox Arrives in the Taycan The new E-Shift mode allows drivers to simulate gear changes using steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The system features eight virtual gears, complete with artificial shift interruptions, a revised electric sports sound, and a digital rev counter intended to…

Global electric vehicle sales are expected to reach another record level in 2026, with BloombergNEF forecasting that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will account for more than one-quarter of all new passenger car sales worldwide. According to BloombergNEF’s newly released Electric Vehicle Outlook 2026, global EV sales are projected to rise to approximately 23 million units this year, representing an 11% increase compared with 2025. The research firm expects electric vehicles to account for 27% of global new passenger vehicle registrations in 2026, up from just 9% five years ago. Falling Battery Costs Continue to Drive Adoption…

Continental has developed a new ultra-low rolling resistance tire for Renault that could extend the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 30 kilometers on a single charge. The project is part of a strategic collaboration between the German tire manufacturer and Renault Group aimed at improving vehicle efficiency and reducing energy consumption in future electric models. According to Continental, the specially developed tire delivers rolling resistance up to 35% lower than the threshold required to achieve the European Union’s highest tire efficiency rating, Grade A. Based on EcoContact 7 Technology The new tire builds on Continental’s EcoContact 7,…

The Mobility House has agreed to sell its commercial charging infrastructure and energy management business, The Mobility House Solutions, to mobility services provider Edenred as part of a strategic shift toward vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, energy trading and flexibility market services. The companies expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2026, although financial terms were not disclosed. The move marks a significant milestone in The Mobility House’s ongoing restructuring efforts, which began in 2024 with the creation of four specialized business units aimed at improving responsiveness to evolving market conditions. Strategic Refocus on Energy Markets The Munich-based company…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Bontu has officially entered the European market, unveiling a lineup of compact battery-electric vehicles at a launch event in Milan, Italy. Founded in 2020 in Xintai, Shandong Province, Bontu specializes in small electric vehicles, particularly urban commercial transport solutions. The company is now seeking to expand beyond China by introducing a range of microcars and mini commercial vehicles designed to comply with European L6e and L7e vehicle classifications. The debut lineup includes the BTE03 mini transporter, the BTE05 compact passenger vehicle, and the BT09 microcar. BTE03 Targets Urban Delivery Services The Bontu BTE03 is a compact…

Portuguese energy company Galp has completed a nationwide fast-charging corridor connecting Porto in northern Portugal with the Algarve in the south, marking a significant milestone in the country’s electric vehicle infrastructure expansion. The project was finalized with the opening of a new fast-charging hub in Pombal, located near the A1 motorway. The completed corridor now spans approximately 550 kilometres along the A1 and A2 motorways and features eight charging hubs equipped with a total of 96 high-speed charging points. Galp said the network is designed to support medium- and long-distance electric vehicle travel while helping address the growing demand for…

Chilean state-owned mining company Codelco has signed a one-year cooperation agreement with French energy research institute CEA-Liten to advance the electrification of underground mining equipment as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions and improve operational safety. The agreement was formally signed at Codelco’s headquarters in Santiago and brings together industrial, academic and government partners to explore the deployment of battery-electric technologies in underground mining environments. The initiative will focus on evaluating electrification solutions through advanced simulations, laboratory testing of lithium batteries and techno-economic assessments aimed at supporting the mining sector’s energy transition. Jointly Funded by Chilean and French Partners…

General Motors is reassessing its battery technology roadmap for future electric vehicles, with the company now signalling a stronger focus on lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries instead of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The shift marks another evolution in GM’s battery strategy as the automaker seeks to balance affordability, performance, and supply chain security across its expanding electric vehicle portfolio. GM Shifts Focus Toward LMR Batteries General Motors initially built its EV battery strategy around nickel-rich NMCA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium) cells before announcing plans to introduce lower-cost LFP battery production at its Spring Hill facility in Tennessee. However, according to comments from GM…

Stellantis has integrated solid-state battery cells into a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle and has begun a real-world testing programme aimed at evaluating the technology’s performance, safety and reliability under everyday operating conditions. According to Stellantis and battery developer Factorial Energy, the project represents the first integration of solid-state battery cells into a Stellantis vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the automaker’s next-generation battery development efforts. Moving From Laboratory Testing to Road Trials The development vehicle is equipped with Factorial Energy’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells, which combine a lithium-metal anode with a proprietary polymer separator. The…