Author: Shaun Williams

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has introduced two new battery-electric articulated haulers at the Bauma trade fair in Munich, marking what it says is a world-first in this vehicle segment. The A30 Electric and A40 Electric models, with payload capacities of 29 and 39 tonnes respectively, are expected to operate for up to four hours on a single battery charge, the Swedish manufacturer said. See also: Stockholm Construction Site Achieves 50% Electric Operation with Volvo CE The launch represents a milestone in Volvo CE’s efforts to electrify heavy construction machinery. “Sixty years after Gravel Charlie, our first articulated hauler, these…

Commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN has partnered with UK parcel delivery service DPD to begin customer trials of the all-electric eTGX truck. The vehicle will be tested on a dedicated delivery route from DPD’s Hinckley Hub in the Midlands, the companies said on Wednesday. The eTGX, which will operate with a standard trailer configuration, is part of MAN Truck & Bus UK’s wider initiative to trial electric trucks under real-world conditions. As part of the collaboration, MAN is providing driver induction and training ahead of deployment. See also: MAN Trucks Expands EV Consultation Services to Support Fleet Electrification in Europe “We’re…

ZF introduced its latest electric central drive, the eCD110-230, at the Bauma trade fair in Munich, designed for medium to large construction equipment and marking the latest expansion of its eTRAC electric driveline portfolio. The new system, which supports power outputs up to 230 kW, is intended for integration into a wide range of construction vehicles. ZF said the modular nature of the eTRAC platform enables flexibility across different machinery classes, from compact loaders to heavy wheel loaders. “The eTRAC electric drive system satisfies all the expectations for performance and productivity found in traditional drivelines and combines them with the…

German automotive supplier Schaeffler introduced a new series of 800V heavy-duty electric motors tailored for electric and hybrid traction drives in construction machinery, aiming to combine high power output with manufacturing efficiency. Unveiled at the Bauma trade fair in Munich, the series includes three variants with peak outputs of 125 kW, 299 kW, and 315 kW. Each version is built with a modular design, maintaining consistent diameters while differing in rotor and stator lengths. The company said the motors are engineered for high torque and power-to-weight ratios of approximately five to seven kW/kg, with peak efficiencies exceeding 97% between 3,000…

Stellantis reported a 12% year-on-year decline in U.S. vehicle sales for the first quarter of 2025, delivering 293,225 units, down from the same period a year earlier. The downturn follows a 15% full-year sales drop in 2024 when the company sold 1.3 million vehicles in the United States. While overall volumes fell, Stellantis highlighted growth in select electrified models. Fiat, buoyed by the all-electric 500e, recorded a 239% increase in U.S. sales, rising to 522 vehicles from 154 in Q1 2024. Despite the percentage gain, the brand’s volume remained modest. See also: Stellantis to Buy CO2 Credits from Tesla in…

India’s central government is considering a phased ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), as part of a broader strategy to combat persistent air pollution, government officials told The Economic Times. The plan, still under discussion at the highest levels, would gradually phase out new petrol and diesel vehicle registrations in favor of electric, hybrid, and compressed natural gas (CNG) models. “The government is exploring the right timeline for implementing the ban,” the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter. The first phase could begin within the current financial year,…

Battery recycler Ecobat announced it now operates three fully commissioned lithium-ion battery recycling facilities across Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, enabling the company to process 10,000 tons of battery material annually. The company plans to more than double this capacity in the coming years. According to Ecobat, all three plants were brought online within 12 months, underscoring what the firm calls a rapid scale-up in response to growing volumes of end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. “Ecobat’s rapid expansion in lithium-ion battery recycling demonstrates our commitment to meeting the growing demand for sustainable, closed-loop production processes,” said Brett…

Skoda has introduced the Elroq vRS, the high-performance flagship of its Elroq electric SUV lineup, just six months after the initial world premiere of the model. The Czech automaker will showcase the sporty all-wheel-drive version during Milan Design Week, taking place from April 8 to 13. Equipped with two electric motors, the Elroq vRS delivers a system output of 250 kW, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, according to Skoda. The SUV uses a high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 84 kWh (79 kWh net), providing a WLTP range of more than…

Ride1Up, the California-based electric bike manufacturer, has introduced the Vorsa, a high-performance e-bike designed for urban use with utility in mind. Featuring a 750 W rear hub motor and a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph), the Vorsa aims to serve commuters and cargo haulers alike. According to the company, the bike’s modular SUV-style frame can support up to 440 lbs (199.5 kg), making it one of the more heavy-duty options in its class. See also: Ride1Up Launches Revv1 DRT, a Redesigned Off-Road Electric Moped-Style Bike Equipped with a 720 Wh battery, the Vorsa offers a claimed range of…

Four of Europe’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging companies announced on Wednesday that they have joined forces to create the continent’s largest public charging network. The new alliance, called Spark, includes Italy’s Atlante, Germany’s Ionity, the Netherlands’ Fastned, and France’s Electra. Together, they will share their networks, totaling 11,000 charging points and 1,700 charging stations across 25 European countries. See also: Study Reveals Fewer Charging Stations Needed for Europe’s Electric Trucks The new network is set to surpass the number of charging stations operated by Tesla in Europe. However, Quentin Wilson, a British motorist journalist and founder of the EV…

Tesla reported a significant drop in vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting challenges from increased market competition and public backlash related to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.​ The electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 336,681 vehicles in Q1, marking a 13% decrease compared to the same period last year. Production also declined, with 362,615 vehicles produced, down from 433,371 in Q1 2024. This shortfall is partly attributed to production adjustments at the Fremont, California, factory for the updated Model 3 and operational disruptions at the Berlin plant due to external factors. ​ See also: Global Protests Target Tesla Showrooms…

Hyundai has revealed a refreshed version of the Ioniq 6 at the Seoul Mobility Show, featuring a sleeker front-end design while maintaining the streamlined profile of the electric sedan. The facelift introduces a more refined and aggressive look, particularly in the N Line variant. One of the key updates is the redesigned headlights. Hyundai has replaced the distinctive lights of the outgoing model with a split lighting setup, consisting of slim LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps positioned lower on the bumper. The change aligns the Ioniq 6 with the brand’s recent design language, seen in models like the…

Stellantis has reached an agreement with trade unions for 350 voluntary job reductions at its Pomigliano and Pratola Serra plants in southern Italy, the Fiom u nion said on Wednesday. A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs would involve employees nearing retirement and are part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance production in Italy, as outlined in discussions with the Italian government in December. See also: Stellantis to Buy CO2 Credits from Tesla in 2025 Despite EU Compliance Extension The job reductions include 300 workers from the Pomigliano assembly plant and 50 from the Pratola Serra engine facility, both…

German truck manufacturer MAN has completed a 3,400-kilometre journey from northern Sweden to Munich using its fully electric eTGX truck, showcasing the viability of long-haul electric transport with existing public charging infrastructure. Dubbed the “MAN Polarexpress,” the 32-tonne eTGX traveled through extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and icy roads. The truck, which required high-traction tires that increased rolling resistance, maintained an average energy consumption of 117 kWh per 100 kilometres, according to the company. In milder conditions in Denmark and Germany, consumption dropped to 105 kWh per 100 kilometres. See also: MAN Trucks Expands EV Consultation Services to Support…

Stellantis has ceased van production at its Vauxhall plant in Luton, UK, and will close the facility as part of a broader restructuring plan, the company confirmed. The move comes as the automaker consolidates its UK manufacturing operations, shifting electric van production to Ellesmere Port. The decision marks the end of a 120-year history for Vauxhall in Luton, where the brand first established a factory in 1905. The final vehicle, a Vivaro van, rolled off the production line on Friday. The plant closure will result in the loss of 1,100 jobs, though Stellantis plans to transfer several hundred positions to…

South Korea’s Samsung SDI has commenced production of its 4695 cylindrical battery cells, with initial shipments destined for a U.S. customer in the micromobility sector before expanding to electric vehicles, the company said on Friday. The 4695 cells, featuring a 46-millimeter diameter and 95-millimeter height, are being produced at Samsung SDI’s facility in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. Assembly into battery modules takes place in Vietnam, the company said. See also: EV Demand to Stay Weak Until 2026, Says Samsung SDI Chief “With the initial supply of 46-series batteries, the company has diversified its product portfolio,” a Samsung SDI official said.…

Xiaomi Auto has partnered with NaaS Technology to integrate its extensive charging network with the Xiaomi Auto app, significantly expanding charging accessibility for Xiaomi’s growing base of electric vehicle (EV) customers. Through this collaboration, Xiaomi EV drivers will be able to use more than 100,000 charging hubs across China, enhancing convenience and charging efficiency. NaaS Technology, a U.S.-listed company, operates one of China’s largest EV charging networks, having installed 1.15 million charging points—accounting for approximately 35% of the nation’s public charging infrastructure. This new partnership follows similar agreements NaaS has established with BYD sub-brands such as NETA, IM Motors, Hongqi,…

BP has announced plans to sell its petrol station network in Austria, aiming to complete the transaction before the end of 2025. The British energy company is seeking a buyer for more than 260 petrol stations and associated charging infrastructure, with a contract expected to be signed by the end of the third quarter. The sale includes not only BP’s fuel stations but also its fleet business in Austria and its stake in the operating company of the Linz terminal. See also: BP Pulse Chief Departs Amid Shift in EV Strategy Of the 260 locations, only 120 are directly owned…

The vehicle-to-everything (V2X) market is poised for significant expansion, with total capacity expected to reach 40 megawatts (MW) by 2025, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. Electric school buses are leading this growth, benefiting from their large battery capacities, predictable schedules, and extended idle periods, making them ideal candidates for bidirectional energy transfer. The report, titled Power from the People: The State of the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Market, highlights the potential of V2X technology to enhance grid resilience and create new revenue opportunities. However, key barriers remain, including inconsistent utility interconnection processes and a lack of standardized compensation models…

Danish transport and logistics company Danske Fragtmænd has launched its first charging hub for electric trucks in Aalborg, marking the start of a broader electrification strategy across its national network. The site features a Kempower charging system, developed by energy company GodEnergi, with four high-power charging satellites, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW. The Aalborg charging hub is the first of several planned installations, with additional sites set to open in Sakskøbing, Taastrup, Odense, and Aarhus. Ultimately, Danske Fragtmænd aims to establish charging stations at all 27 of its logistics terminals across Denmark. See also: Kempower Unveils Flex…