Author: Shaun Williams

Ford Motor will invest up to 4.4 billion euros ($4.76 billion) in its German subsidiary as part of efforts to revitalize its European business, the U.S. automaker said on Monday. The investment aims to support ongoing strategic transformation initiatives at Ford-Werke, focusing on cost reduction and enhancing competitiveness. “By recapitalizing our German operations, we are supporting the transformation of our business in Europe and strengthening our ability to compete with a fresh product portfolio,” said John Lawler, vice chair of Ford Motor Company. See also: Ford Introduces Vapour-Injected Heat Pump to Boost Efficiency in Electric Vans The funding package includes…

Hyundai Construction Equipment has released the first official images of its new HX19e mini excavator, marking the South Korean manufacturer’s entry into battery-electric construction machinery. The HX19e will be Hyundai’s first electric excavator to enter series production, with manufacturing set to begin in April. The HX19e will be available with a choice of a 32 kWh or 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Hyundai claims the 40 kWh variant provides up to 6 hours and 40 minutes of continuous operation, with break-time charging allowing for full-shift usability. See also: HD Hyundai to Unveil Hydrogen-Powered Wheeled Excavator Power is delivered to a…

Volvo Cars may shift production of certain models to the United States if tariffs increase, but remains committed to exporting its Europe-made EX30 SUV to the U.S. later this year, CEO Jim Rowan said on Wednesday. Last year, Volvo moved EX30 production from China to Europe to sidestep European Union tariffs. However, potential new tariffs under former President Donald Trump’s proposed trade policies could force additional changes. See also: Volvo Considers U.S. Battery Suppliers Amid CATL Tariff Impact on EX90 Pricing EX30 production in Europe is set to begin this quarter, with ramped-up output aimed at serving both European and…

The chief executive officer of electric vehicle startup Canoo has made an offer to purchase nearly all of the company’s assets out of bankruptcy for $4 million, according to a court filing. The proposed sale, which would also clear more than $11 million in debt Canoo owed to a financial firm controlled by the CEO, comes just six weeks after the company filed for Chapter 7 liquidation. See also: Canoo Files for Bankruptcy, Ceases Operations Immediately A new entity controlled by CEO Anthony Aquila, named WHS Energy Solutions, has agreed to acquire Canoo’s manufacturing equipment, completed vehicles, intellectual property, contracts,…

Chinese battery manufacturers CATL and BYD retained their positions as the world’s top two electric vehicle (EV) battery suppliers in January, as global demand for EV batteries surged, according to data from SNE Research. Total global EV battery installations reached 64.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in January, marking a 25.7% increase from 51.2 GWh in the same month last year. CATL led the market with 25.0 GWh of battery installations, up 25% year-on-year, securing a 38.9% global market share. See also: EV Demand to Stay Weak Until 2026, Says Samsung SDI Chief Despite a slight drop from 39.1% in January 2024, CATL…

Tayniu, a global provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, has launched the Infinity 7kW Portable EV Charger, designed to enhance convenience and efficiency for EV owners worldwide. The charger supports Type 1 (J1772), Type 2, and GB/T standards, ensuring broad compatibility across various vehicle models. The device features a plug-and-play design that eliminates the need for complex installation, making it accessible to a wide range of users. With a 7kW power output, it can fully charge an electric vehicle within four to six hours, depending on the battery capacity. See also: Easelink Secures €11.5 Million EU Grant for EV Charging…

Velotric introduced its latest fat-tire electric bike, the Nomad 2, on Tuesday, featuring a more powerful motor, improved suspension, and advanced pedal assist options for both urban and off-road riding. The new model builds on the company’s success in the e-bike market, offering a balance of performance and comfort. See also: Velotric Unveils two variants Lightweight Electric Bike , Velotric Thunder 1 and Thunder 1 ST Equipped with a 750W motor delivering 90 Nm of torque, the Nomad 2 is designed to tackle steep inclines and rugged terrain with ease. Riders can choose between throttle mode or 15 levels of…

Leapmotor has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China’s FAW Group, marking another partnership between an emerging Chinese automaker and a legacy industry player. The memorandum of understanding, signed on March 3 in Changchun, Jilin, outlines joint efforts in developing new energy vehicles (NEVs) and related components while exploring opportunities for deeper capital collaboration. See also: Leapmotor Launches Updated T03 Compact EV with Higher Starting Price FAW, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, delivered over 3.2 million vehicles in 2024, with its high-end Hongqi brand recording steady growth. Leapmotor, a newer entrant in the industry, surpassed its 2024 sales target…

XPEL, a provider of protective films and coatings, has expanded its collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, introducing a program that allows owners of Rivian R1T and R1S models in the U.S. and Canada to order protective solutions directly. The program offers paint protection films, window films, and ceramic coatings, with set pricing and coordinated installation through XPEL’s Certified Rivian Network Partners. See also: Rivian to Offer OTA Performance and Range Upgrades for Select R1T, R1S Models “This new program allows for the enhanced protection and customization each customer desires to keep their vehicle looking great during their ownership experience,”…

MAN Trucks is ramping up efforts to assist commercial fleet operators in Europe and the UK with electrification, offering free consultation services to help businesses navigate the transition to battery-electric vehicles. The initiative, led by MAN’s electric commercial vehicle consultation team, provides fleet managers with insights into operating costs, vehicle suitability, and charging infrastructure. Roger Turnbull, Head of EV Truck Consultation at MAN Trucks, highlighted the growing interest in electrification among transport firms. See also: MAN Truck & Bus Releases Comprehensive Dataset for Autonomous Truck Development “After another busy week of meetings presenting to haulage and transport organizations of all…

Crash claims for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States increased by 38% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from collision management software provider Mitchell. The rise in claims aligns with the growing adoption of electric vehicles, yet it also underscores the high costs associated with their repairs. BEVs accounted for 2.71% of all crash claims in the U.S. in 2024, up from the previous year. In Canada, the figure stood at 3.84%, reflecting a 34% increase. “It’s clear that electric cars are here to stay, and they’re crashing just as often as their gas-guzzling counterparts,”…

Renault Trucks and German bodybuilder Schwing-Stetter have developed a fully electric concrete mixer based on the Renault E-Tech C truck, set to debut at the Baum trade fair in April, the companies announced. The E-Tech C 10×4 model, a five-axle vehicle, is designed to carry up to 10 cubic meters of concrete, surpassing most diesel equivalents, which typically accommodate eight cubic meters. “Concrete transport requires a high payload for both technical and economic reasons,” Renault Trucks stated. See also: DB Schenker France Expands Electric Fleet with 66 Renault Trucks To offset the additional weight of electric batteries, the truck’s design…

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has selected Resource Innovations and The Mobility House to install 100 bidirectional chargers as part of a statewide pilot aimed at bolstering grid resilience, reducing energy costs, and integrating more renewable energy, the organizations said on Friday. The initiative, described by The Mobility House as “one of the largest state-led V2X initiatives in the US” and “a first-of-its-kind” statewide project, will allow electric vehicles to function as mobile energy storage units. The chargers will be deployed across residential properties, school buses, municipalities, and commercial fleets, with a combined storage capacity of approximately 1.5 megawatts.…

Chinese manufacturer Shenhuo New Materials Technology has begun mass production of an 8-micron double-sided photovoltaic cell foil, marking a milestone in the country’s battery components industry. The company says it can produce approximately 100 tons of the ultra-thin foil per month, making it the slimmest battery foil currently in large-scale production in China. See also: China Dominates Global EV Battery Supply Chain, Study Finds The foil, which serves as a current collector in lithium-ion batteries, is designed to enhance battery energy density and performance. “Making the foil thinner improves battery energy density and overall performance,” said Mao Yunfeng, deputy general…

French sporting goods retailer Decathlon has introduced the Rockrider E-ACTV 100 e-bike ahead of schedule in Europe, making the high-frame version of its new entry-level electric bicycle available in select markets. Unveiled in early February, the Rockrider E-ACTV 100 was originally expected to go on sale in March. However, Decathlon has already released the high-frame variant, which features an anthracite gray frame, in several European countries. “The model is designed for trail rides or commuting, with Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated smartphone mount,” Decathlon stated. See also: Decathlon Unveils Rockrider E-ACTV 100 e-Bike in Europe, Priced at €999 In France…

Bergamont has introduced the E-Horizon SUV FS 10, a new electric bike designed for diverse terrains, blending characteristics of mountain and trekking bikes. The model features full suspension and a robust motor system, though its versatility comes with a high price and considerable weight. Marketed as an “SUV e-bike,” the E-Horizon SUV FS 10 shares its frame with the Bergamont E-Revox FS series and includes a suspension fork and rear shock absorber, both offering 130 millimeters of travel. The bike is powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, paired with an 800 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery. A Bosch Intuvia…

Tesla has announced plans to implement a virtual queuing system at its Supercharger stations, with pilot tests set to begin in the second quarter of 2025. The move comes in response to a viral video showing an altercation between drivers at a charging site, highlighting growing tensions at public EV charging stations. Charging an electric vehicle requires time, even with high-speed chargers, leading to interactions between drivers that can sometimes escalate. Tesla’s virtual queue system aims to streamline access by organizing the order in which vehicles charge, likely following a first-come, first-served basis. “While all-out fights are rare, limited parking…

Bosch has introduced a high-performance 800-volt electric drive system for construction machinery at the Bauma trade fair, featuring the Bosch SMG230 electric motor and an advanced inverter with silicon carbide power modules. The newly developed system supports battery voltages of up to 850 volts and is designed to meet the high power demands of construction machinery, including compact equipment like wheel loaders. “The latest generation of our powerful electric drive system combines high power density, compact dimensions, and optimum efficiency,” said Philipp Kurek, head of the Off-Highway and Marine division at Bosch Engineering. See also: Bosch to Shut Down Charging…

Polestar is looking to lure Tesla owners with a new trade-in promotion that offers up to $20,000 in incentives for leasing its Polestar 3 SUV, the automaker announced on its website last week. The deal includes a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus for customers who currently own or lease a Tesla vehicle, along with a $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive. The promotion is set to expire on Feb. 28, and interested buyers are encouraged to contact local retailers for details. See also: Polestar 3 Rolls Out Digital Key and Free NVIDIA Processor Upgrade The Polestar 3 features an estimated range of…

Austrian EV charging technology firm Easelink has secured €11.5 million ($12.4 million) in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to support the standardization of its Matrix Charging system, the company said on Monday. Easelink described the grant as part of the “most competitive EIC funding round to date,” noting that only 71 companies were selected from 1,211 applications. “We are delighted about the EIC support. It underlines that our standardisation efforts are in line with the EU’s electrification strategy,” said Hermann Stockinger, founder and CEO of Easelink. “When it comes to automated charging, interoperability is key.” See also: Verbund…