Author: Shaun Williams

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…

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved $95.2 million in new funding through the state’s Clean Transportation Program to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. The largest allocation, $48 million, will support electric vehicle charging infrastructure, while additional funding will target medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, hydrogen refuelling and workforce development. EV Charging Receives Largest Allocation Of the total investment, $48 million will be directed toward infrastructure supporting electric passenger vehicles. https://evmagz.com/california-launches-3500-myfirstev-rebate-for-first-time-zero-emission-vehicle-buyers/ The funding is part of California’s broader effort to expand charging availability and support the transition from conventional vehicles to zero-emission transportation. The state has also allocated $30.2 million for infrastructure…

Canadian EV charging company Hypercharge has launched Home Club, a residential charging program that provides eligible drivers with a Hypercharge Home Level 2 charger in exchange for a refundable CA$299 deposit and participation in a charging rewards scheme. The program is aimed at EV drivers living in single-family homes across Canada and combines charging hardware, installation support and incentives linked to eligible home charging activity. Home Club Combines Charger and Rewards Members receive a Hypercharge Home Level 2 charger after paying the refundable CA$299 deposit. Hypercharge provides installation support through its network of partners. https://evmagz.com/xcharge-north-america-partners-with-hypercharge-to-expand-ev-charging-in-canada/ Participants earn CA$0.03 per kWh…

Wawa plans to deploy its own branded DC fast-charging stations at eight stores in Pennsylvania this year, expanding the convenience retailer’s direct involvement in electric vehicle charging. The company will use Electrify America’s white-label charging platform, which provides the charging equipment, software and network support while allowing Wawa to operate the stations under its own brand. Five Sites to Offer 400 kW Charging Five of the eight planned locations will feature chargers supporting both NACS and CCS connectors, with charging capacity of up to 400 kW. The remaining three sites will use CCS-only chargers capable of delivering up to 350…

Stelato, the electric vehicle brand jointly developed by Huawei and BAIC, has launched the G9 SUV in China, expanding the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance’s lineup into the off-road-oriented SUV segment. The model is available in battery-electric and extended-range electric versions, with prices starting at 429,800 yuan ($63,390). Stelato G9 Offered in BEV and EREV Versions The Stelato G9 is offered in 10 variants across BEV and EREV configurations. Its starting price is 429,800 yuan, below the previously announced pre-sale price of 439,800 yuan. The range-topping version is priced at 549,800 yuan. The SUV will make its public debut on August…

Bogotá has added 50 battery-electric articulated buses to its TransMilenio public transport system, introducing Colombia’s first electric articulated buses as the capital accelerates its transition to zero-emission public transportation. The city plans to add 900 new battery-electric buses between 2026 and 2029. First Electric Articulated Buses Enter Service The new buses can carry up to 160 passengers and are equipped with doors on both sides. This allows them to operate on TransMilenio’s dedicated bus corridors and at network stations while also serving conventional roads and stops. https://evmagz.com/colombia-launches-ruta-e-initiative-to-create-first-electric-truck-freight-corridor/ The deployment will take place gradually, with the rollout linked in part to…

Chery plans to enter the German passenger car market in the first half of 2027 with four hybrid SUVs, marking the Chinese automaker’s debut under its core brand in Germany. The company will initially offer the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9, while its first battery-electric model for the German market, the Chery Q, is expected to follow shortly afterward. Chery Builds German Operations Ahead of Launch Chery is establishing its German headquarters at Gateway Gardens in Frankfurt, near Frankfurt Airport. The location will house the core Chery brand alongside the group’s Omoda and Jaecoo businesses. The…

Zenobē is extending its partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as the region moves toward publicly controlled bus services, continuing to provide and maintain infrastructure supporting 459 electric buses across West Midlands depots. The electric bus contracts and associated charging equipment will transfer to West Midlands Bus Company, which WMCA intends to acquire in the second half of 2026. Zenobē will remain responsible for supplying and maintaining the infrastructure during the transition, working with WMCA and future franchise operators. Electric Bus Infrastructure Remains Under Zenobē The transition is expected to take place in stages through the remainder of…

Einride plans to add 500 Tesla Semi electric trucks to its U.S. fleet under a new collaboration with Tesla, expanding its battery-electric truck fleet in the country to 750 vehicles. The trucks will operate through Einride’s Saga AI platform for customers including Amazon, with deployment planned across several major U.S. freight corridors. 500 Tesla Semi Trucks to Expand Einride Fleet Einride said the procurement of 500 Tesla Semi trucks will support freight operations for Amazon and other customers. The company described the planned deployment as the largest Tesla Semi deployment to date. https://evmagz.com/einride-and-daf-integrate-level-4-autonomy-with-electric-truck-platform/ The procurement is expected to begin in…