Author: Shaun Williams

Polestar has introduced a battery state-of-health (BSOH) certificate for its pre-owned Polestar 2 vehicles as part of its certified used car programme, the company said on Wednesday. The certificate is intended to provide prospective buyers with a clearer understanding of the battery’s condition and usable capacity. The BSOH certificate will indicate the remaining usable battery percentage and will be included with vehicles that are reintroduced into Polestar’s partner network. The company said the initiative is designed to support transparency and customer assurance in the growing used EV segment. See also: Polestar Recalls Nearly 28,000 Polestar 2 Vehicles in U.S. Over…

Mitsubishi Motors will introduce a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in the United States and Canada starting in summer 2026, as part of its long-term North American strategy, the company said on Wednesday. The upcoming model will be based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf and is being developed in cooperation with alliance partner Nissan Motor. The announcement marks the first major product milestone under Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” business plan, which pledges to launch “a new or significantly revised vehicle every year between 2026 and 2030.” The electric model will be sold through Mitsubishi dealerships across both countries, with additional details—including the…

Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 6 electric sedan is now priced just $300 more than the Toyota RAV4 Limited in the U.S. market, as the South Korean automaker positions the model to compete directly with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range trim starts at $37,850, according to Hyundai’s U.S. website, narrowing the price gap with the RAV4 Limited, which is listed at $37,550. While the electric sedan does not qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, its pricing may still appeal to cost-conscious consumers when considering potential state-level or dealer incentives. See also: Hyundai Unveils Facelifted Ioniq 6…

Rivian has unveiled new details of its upcoming Maximus drive unit, a next-generation electric motor system set to be deployed in the company’s forthcoming R2 model. The announcement, shared by founder and CEO RJ Scaringe on social media, marks a critical step in Rivian’s effort to optimize its supply chain and lower production costs amid an increasingly competitive EV landscape. The new Maximus unit is expected to play a central role in Rivian’s electrification strategy as it transitions to building smaller and more affordable EVs. The drive unit, which has been under development for some time, will be manufactured at…

Nio’s third sub-brand, Firefly, has officially started deliveries of its first electric vehicle (EV) model in China, following the model’s launch on April 19. The first deliveries were marked by ceremonies in Guangzhou and Hangzhou, where Nio founder and CEO William Li, as well as Firefly’s president Daniel Jin, were present. See also: Nio’s Firefly Sub-Brand to Enter European Market, Launching in Norway and Netherlands The Firefly EV, which shares its name with the brand, is priced from RMB 119,800 ($16,470) and is positioned to compete in the urban micro-mobility market, similar to models from BMW Mini and Mercedes-Benz Smart.…

A new European research project, FULL-MAP, has been launched to accelerate the development of next-generation sustainable batteries using artificial intelligence and automated technologies. Coordinated by the Free University of Brussels and supported by over 30 institutions, the four-year initiative is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. The FULL-MAP project, short for “FULLy integrated, autonomous & chemistry agnostic Materials Acceleration Platform for sustainable batteries,” seeks to radically transform battery R&D by integrating digitalization, AI, machine learning and robotic automation into a unified research infrastructure. It aims to reduce the development time of battery materials and interfaces by combining high-throughput characterization…

Horizon Robotics and Bosch have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for passenger vehicles, the companies said on Thursday, aiming to accelerate the rollout of smart driving technologies in global markets. Under the agreement, Bosch will develop a new multi-purpose camera powered by Horizon’s Journey 6B processor, targeting SAE Level 2 assisted driving features. The smart camera, which has already secured design wins from several global and Chinese automakers, is expected to enter mass production by mid-2026. See also: Fraunhofer, Porsche, and Bosch Unveil High-Efficiency Inverter for Broad EV Applications The partnership…

Avatr Technology, the electric vehicle maker backed by Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei, on Thursday unveiled an updated version of its Avatr 11 SUV, less than six months after its previous revision. The refreshed Avatr 11 is offered in five variants—one extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and four battery electric vehicle (BEV) options—with guide prices starting at RMB 289,900 ($39,780). However, after discounts, starting prices remain unchanged from the previous generation, beginning at RMB 279,900. See also: Avatr Officially Launches 06 Sedan with EREV and BEV Variants, Starting at $28,750 The pricing structure includes one EREV variant priced at RMB 289,900…

Lion Smart, a subsidiary of German battery technology company Lion E-Mobility, has released initial samples of its new NMC+ battery platform to selected customers, marking a significant milestone ahead of planned series production in late 2025. The platform’s first product, the Lion Smart Mobility Power 53, is a modular and scalable system built on a standardized architecture. Designed for flexibility, the system supports applications ranging from light battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercial transport to stationary energy storage. Lion Smart says the platform uses “advanced cell chemistry” and “optimized thermal management” to deliver enhanced energy and power density. Initial customer trials…

Tesla said it remains on track to begin volume production of its long-delayed Semi electric truck in 2026, following the completion of its new manufacturing facility near Gigafactory Nevada. The automaker, which originally planned to launch the Semi in 2019, confirmed in a factory progress update that construction is complete and production line installation is underway. Tesla stated, “We finished building and are now deploying the production lines,” signaling a significant step forward after years of postponements. See also: Tesla Semi Surpasses Expectations in DHL’s 3,000-Mile Trial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Em2I7-DJ0 Tesla had previously targeted volume production for 2025 but now expects to…

The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Thursday a new regulatory framework aimed at accelerating the deployment of autonomous vehicles by relaxing certain safety requirements and modifying incident reporting obligations. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic automakers against international rivals, particularly those from China. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the initiative reflects a shift toward prioritizing innovation in the race to commercialize self-driving technology. “This administration understands that we’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Duffy said. “Our new framework will slash…

Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier has voiced concerns that the U.S. government’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles could further escalate the already high cost of cars, making them unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. “Cars are becoming completely unaffordable,” Meunier told Reuters. “It’s not fair for the middle class or the lower class, the people that can’t afford a car, to force them to buy a used car… I think it’s the responsibility of the government as well to keep it possible for people to buy a new car.” See also: Volkswagen to Hold Vehicle Prices Steady Through…

U.S.-owned EV charging solutions provider ChargeTronix has unveiled a new range of charging systems, including what the company describes as the fastest fleet charging technology currently available on the market. The newly launched Nexus Distributed Charging System delivers up to 1,280 kilowatts of charging power and is designed to serve electric trucks in classes 6 through 8. According to ChargeTronix, the system can charge a heavy-duty electric truck up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Capable of supporting up to 16 simultaneous outputs, the Nexus platform can either charge multiple vehicles over longer dwell times or provide rapid power to…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr has officially launched its new 7GT all-electric shooting brake in its domestic market, marking the next step in the company’s expansion strategy with global deliveries expected to follow. The company said initial customer deliveries in China will begin within five days. The Zeekr 7GT, a performance-focused variant of the brand’s 007 sedan, arrives on the heels of a teaser campaign that began in January. Designed as a sportier, wagon-style shooting brake, the 7GT features a minimalist aesthetic under Zeekr ’s “Hidden Energy” design philosophy, along with a suite of luxury and technology enhancements. See also:…

Fraunhofer IISB is setting up a new research centre in Hallstadt near Bamberg, dedicated to advancing wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles (EVs). The project, named the E|Road Centre, has received €7.5 million in funding from the Bavarian state government. The first phase of the E|Road Centre will run until November 2027, with plans to make the facility permanent if the initial phase proves successful. Once operational, the centre will focus on both stationary and dynamic contactless charging, especially suited for environments with vehicles on fixed routes, such as port facilities and logistics centres. See also: Fraunhofer Researchers Advance Battery…

Cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in February have reportedly “disproportionately affected” employees working on vehicle automation safety, according to a report by The Financial Times. The staff reductions, which led to the firing of approximately 30 individuals, primarily impacted those within NHTSA’s newly established vehicle automation safety division, formed in 2023. See also: Nissan to Integrate Wayve’s Self-Driving Software in Vehicles by 2027 Many of the affected staff members were still in their probationary period, which could have contributed to their dismissal. One unnamed worker, who was…

Finnish charging equipment manufacturer Kempower has unveiled an upgraded version of its satellite EV charging system, increasing the number of connectors supported per power unit from eight to twelve and offering outputs of up to 1,200 kW, the company announced at the Nordic EV Summit. The decentralized charging system, consisting of a central power supply unit and separate satellite charging points, is designed to optimize space usage at charging sites by locating the bulk of the technology away from individual parking spaces. The enhanced system will be rolled out in two phases: higher power capabilities will be available this quarter,…

BYD maintained its position as China’s top new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in March, while Tesla advanced to third place, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). BYD recorded retail sales of 290,209 NEVs during the month, an 11.5% increase from 260,300 units in March 2023. The company held a 29.3% share of the NEV market, slightly up from 29.2% in February but lower than the 36.6% it held a year earlier. See also: China’s NEV Retail Sales Reach 991,000 Units in March, Regain Over 50% Market Share Tesla delivered 74,127 NEVs in China in March,…

U.S. autonomous vehicle startup Nuro has secured $106 million in fresh capital through a Series E funding round, bringing its total funding raised to $2.2 billion and setting its latest valuation at $6 billion, the company said on Wednesday. The latest valuation marks a decline from the $8.6 billion figure reached during its $600 million Series D round in 2021, reflecting a broader market correction across the tech sector. Despite the dip, Nuro executives maintain confidence in the business’s long-term trajectory following a strategic shift away from manufacturing its own delivery vehicles. See also: Nuro Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing with…

Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar reported a 76% jump in first-quarter sales on Thursday, as consumer discounts and promotional campaigns helped the company navigate a competitive market and ongoing economic headwinds. Polestar sold approximately 12,304 vehicles in the first quarter, up from 6,975 units during the same period last year, when the company was grappling with weak demand and industry-wide challenges. See also: Polestar Targets Tesla Owners with Up to $20,000 Discounts on Polestar 3 Leases The sharp increase in deliveries reflects the success of targeted promotions, including lease discounts of up to $20,000 aimed at Tesla owners, as buyers…