Author: Shaun Williams

Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, Waymo, has begun manual testing of its self-driving vehicles at Newark Liberty International Airport, taking a step toward introducing its robotaxi service to one of the main airports serving the New York City area. The testing phase, conducted with human safety drivers, is being carried out in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The move underscores Waymo’s ongoing effort to expand its autonomous ride-hailing operations beyond its current markets in the United States. See also: U.S. Regulator Opens Probe into Waymo Robotaxis Over School Bus Incident Waymo has been steadily growing…

Toyota has opened orders for its upgraded 2026 bZ electric SUV, which introduces more driving range, new styling, a built-in NACS port for access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, and a starting price below $35,000 — more than $2,000 less than the outgoing model. Replacing the bZ4X, Toyota’s first all-electric SUV, the 2026 bZ is available in two trims — XLE and Limited — and priced from $34,900. See also: Toyota Launches Right-Hand-Drive bZ3X Electric SUV in Hong Kong, Its Most Affordable Model Yet The XLE FWD variant is equipped with a 57.7 kWh battery that delivers up to 236 miles…

Aptiv PLC has introduced its eighth-generation radar system, a major step forward in advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) performance and perception technology. The new Gen 8 radar aims to enhance range, resolution, and object classification accuracy, offering vehicle manufacturers greater capability to advance toward fully software-defined, autonomous mobility. The system features a suite of hardware and software improvements designed for complex driving environments, including enhanced 4D perception and extended detection range. Aptiv said the new radar architecture supports artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, enabling more robust automation in urban and highway scenarios. See also: Aptiv Raises Annual Profit…

Ford has reiterated its commitment to becoming carbon neutral globally by 2050, emphasizing steady progress in reducing emissions across its operations, supply chain, and vehicle lineup. The automaker first announced its carbon neutrality target in 2020 and says it remains firmly on track through a combination of technological innovation and renewable energy adoption. See also: Ford Unveils 2026 Mustang Mach-E California Special with Distinctive EV Styling Speaking during New York Climate Week, Bob Holycross, Ford’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability, Environment and Safety Officer, said the company is accelerating its journey toward its 2050 goal through initiatives such as its…

Rivian has released software update version 2025.38 for its R1S and R1T vehicles, introducing a Halloween-themed “Spooky Swamp” mode along with several new functional improvements. The update is available from October 21 through November 1 and continues the company’s tradition of seasonal updates designed to add personality and entertainment to its vehicles. See also: Rivian Adds Plug & Charge and Live Charger Data Through Electrify America and Ionna Integration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opf061LlwJQ The “Spooky Swamp” car costume brings a series of eerie visual and audio effects. Gen 2 vehicles receive four new exterior light and sound combinations—Swamp Gas, Player Piano, Bayou Blast,…

Gazelle has introduced the Easyflow C8, an electric bicycle designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and accessibility for urban riders. The model features a unique step-through frame geometry that enables easy mounting and dismounting, allowing cyclists to keep both feet on the ground when stopping — an advantage for those navigating city streets and frequent traffic lights. The Easyflow C8 is equipped with an eight-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear system paired with automatic shifting, enabling riders to concentrate on the road rather than manually changing gears. Power comes from a Shimano EP5 mid-drive motor that produces up to 50 Nm of…

Michigan is continuing to accelerate its transition to cleaner student transportation, with 23 schools and districts set to receive $35.9 million from the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Clean Bus Energy Grant (CBEG) program. The third round of funding will support the purchase of 87 electric and 10 propane-powered school buses, along with necessary charging and fueling infrastructure. Among the largest recipients, Ann Arbor Public Schools will receive $4.09 million for 10 electric buses, Lansing Public Schools will get $4.31 million for another 10, and Van Buren Public Schools will receive $4.08 million for eight. Smaller districts such as Standish-Sterling…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has withdrawn more than $700 million in federal funding for battery and manufacturing initiatives approved under the Biden administration, marking one of the largest reversals in the sector to date. The decision reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing rollback of clean energy programs launched during the previous presidency. According to Politico’s E&E News, the DOE rescinded $718 million in grants that had been awarded to five recipients: battery manufacturers Ascend Elements, American Battery Technology, Anovion and ICL Specialty Products, as well as glass producer LuxWall. The largest single grant, worth $316 million, was intended to…

California reached a new milestone in electric mobility in the third quarter of 2025, with residents purchasing 124,755 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) — representing 29.1% of all new vehicles sold statewide, the highest quarterly share on record. Governor Gavin Newsom said the results reflect growing public commitment to clean transportation. “We’re nearing a third of all new vehicles sold in the fourth-largest economy on the planet being clean cars,” he said in a statement. “While Trump sells out American innovation to China, California will keep charging ahead on our path to a future of cleaner air.” See also: California Surpasses 200,000…

Kia has confirmed that its new EV5 electric SUV, a mid-size vehicle comparable to the Sportage, will launch in Canada in early 2026 but will not be sold in the United States. The model has already been introduced in Europe and South Korea. The EV5 is designed for families, offering a spacious interior, advanced connectivity, and a WLTP range of up to 329 miles. Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. The SUV also incorporates driver-assistance features, including highway assist and remote smart parking, as well as a cabin climate control function…

Electrify America has announced the integration of its real-time charger data with Google Maps, giving electric vehicle (EV) drivers instant access to up-to-the-minute information about charging station availability across its network. The integration allows users to view key details including connector type, charging speed, and the operational status of each charger directly within the Google Maps application. See also: Electrify America Wins EV Charging Innovation Award for Expanding Hyper-Fast Network with Battery Storage This collaboration enhances Google’s existing real-time charger availability feature, helping drivers make more informed decisions when planning their routes. Instead of switching between multiple apps to check…

Vulcan Energy has signed a binding purchase agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of commodities giant Glencore for the supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), marking the company’s fourth major offtake partnership. Under the eight-year deal, Vulcan will supply Glencore with a total of 36,000 to 44,000 tonnes of LHM as part of its Phase One “Lionheart” project. While annual delivery volumes were not specified, the total supply will remain within the first project’s production scope. Vulcan said the agreement completes the required offtake portfolio for Phase One financing, joining earlier deals with Stellantis, Umicore, and LG Energy Solution.…

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has announced a major reshuffle of the company’s leadership structure, expanding and reorganizing the Stellantis Leadership Team (SLT) to 15 members as part of efforts to strengthen regional focus and drive future growth. The most significant appointment is Emanuele Cappellano, who will take over as Head of Enlarged Europe & European Brands. Cappellano, previously Head of South America and leader of Stellantis Pro One, succeeds Jean-Philippe Imparato in overseeing European operations while continuing his responsibilities for the company’s commercial vehicle division. Imparato will become the full-time CEO of Maserati and head Stellantis & You, reporting to…

Tesla is reportedly moving ahead with plans in China to produce lower-cost versions of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, as the automaker continues efforts to expand its lineup and boost affordability in major global markets. According to Chinese media outlet 36kr, the projects — internally codenamed E41 and D50 — are simplified variants of Tesla’s existing models and have entered the validation testing phase. The report, citing multiple sources, said both vehicles reuse parts of the design and validation documentation from the current Model 3 and Model Y. Production of these models could begin around mid-2026 or later.…

Rivian is enhancing its electric vehicle charging experience ahead of the busy holiday season through a new partnership with Electrify America and Ionna, introducing live charging data and Plug & Charge functionality across its network. With the 2025.38 software update, Rivian drivers will gain access to real-time charger availability, power levels, and reliability scores directly through the vehicle’s navigation system and mobile app. See also: Tesla, Rivian Charging Networks Rated Most Reliable in Consumer Reports Survey The new integrations will also enable Plug & Charge capabilities at both Electrify America and Ionna stations, removing the need for external apps, cards,…

Ireland’s Department of Transport confirmed plans for 90 new high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs across the country, part of the final phase of the government’s Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative aimed at supporting the nation’s growing EV fleet. The hubs will provide 192 high-power chargers, typically around 250 kW, positioned along national primary and secondary routes. The department said the locations are designed so drivers will be no more than 30 kilometres from a charging point. The new sites are expected to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026. See also: EZO To Install Ev…

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) has issued a safety recall for 790 units of its 2024–2025 Ram ProMaster electric vans due to a software malfunction that could cause the vehicles to lose drive power unexpectedly. The recall, filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 25V665, identifies a defect in the Motor Control Processor (MCP) software that may fail to properly manage torque spikes, potentially damaging the differential housing. According to Chrysler’s report, the defect may lead to a loss of propulsion (LOP) without warning, heightening the risk of a crash. The affected vehicles were manufactured…

China’s largest automaker, BYD, is considering Spain as the leading candidate for its third car manufacturing plant in Europe, Reuters reported, citing two people familiar with the matter. The potential investment would expand BYD’s European footprint alongside its existing projects in Hungary and Turkey, as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the region’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market. One source told Reuters that Spain has emerged as the frontrunner because of its competitive manufacturing costs and renewable energy infrastructure, aligning with BYD’s long-term production strategy. While no final decision has been made, a third source said an announcement…

Moke America has launched an upgraded, fully street-legal version of its electric Moke, offering a top speed of 45 miles per hour and an extended range of up to 80 miles. The new model, which sheds its previous Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) classification, represents a major step forward for the brand as it brings its signature open-air EV to public roads without earlier restrictions. See also: MOKE International Names Lorne Vary As CEO To Lead Global Expansion The latest Moke is powered by a lithium battery that can be fully charged in around six hours using a standard 110V outlet.…

LS-L&F Battery Solutions (LLBS), a joint venture between LS Group and L&F, has completed construction of its battery precursor material plant in Gunsan, South Korea, marking a key step toward reducing the nation’s reliance on Chinese battery materials. Trial production has begun at the new facility located in the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex in North Jeolla Province. The plant will produce precursors — intermediate compounds made from nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminium — used to manufacture cathode materials for electric vehicle batteries. According to LLBS, the new facility completes a domestic value chain for battery materials, enabling production “from nickel…