Author: Shaun Williams

Tesla said that its Robotaxi application is now available for download on Apple devices, signaling a potential expansion of its ride-hailing service beyond the current invitation-only pilot. An Android version of the app is expected to launch soon, the company added. The app allows Tesla owners and users to sign in with a Tesla account to call a vehicle, start and end rides, control climate and music, and request support. While the rollout expands access to the platform, rides are still not fully driverless. Tesla’s Robotaxi service launched in Austin, Texas, on June 22 and more recently expanded to the…

BMW Motorrad has revealed its latest electric motorcycle concept, the Vision CE, offering a glimpse into the company’s vision for future urban mobility. The design emphasizes a modern, lightweight aesthetic, departing from traditional cruiser styles with low-slung frames and chrome detailing. The Vision CE features a structural canopy and four-point harness, designed to provide riders with enclosed protection. “The concept blends emotional tech with urban performance,” BMW Motorrad said, highlighting its focus on safety and advanced design. While eye protection remains necessary, the semi-enclosed architecture reduces reliance on a conventional helmet. Based on the CE 04 platform, the Vision CE…

Huawei will roll out a new partnership structure with automakers this year, giving carmakers more control while maintaining the tech group’s deep involvement in vehicle development, Chinese media outlet Caijing reported on Monday. The model differs from Huawei Inside, where the company mainly sells technology, and from brand co-creation ventures with automakers. Under the new structure, automakers will take the lead while Huawei contributes technologies such as its HarmonyOS operating system and Qiankun smart driving systems, the report said, citing sources close to Huawei’s intelligent automotive business unit. The approach has yet to receive an official name, but some pilot…

Vontier-owned Driivz, a global provider of software for electric vehicle (EV) charging, has partnered with Berlin-based ENAPI to expand roaming access across more than 350,000 charge points in Europe. The agreement is designed to simplify cross-network charging for operators, service providers and drivers. The integration connects Driivz’s smart charging and energy management platform with ENAPI’s OCPI-based roaming broker, allowing charge point operators and e-mobility service providers to extend coverage without managing multiple bilateral agreements. “Interoperability and flexibility are key to the future of e-mobility,” said Andy Bennett, chief executive of Driivz. ENAPI co-founder Jakob Kleihues said the company’s aim is…

Xpeng reported record vehicle deliveries in August, extending its recent sales momentum as the Mona M03 sedan drove demand in an expanding product lineup. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 37,709 units last month, a 168.66% rise from the 14,036 vehicles delivered a year earlier and a 2.7% increase from July’s 36,717, according to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Deliveries of the Mona M03 exceeded 15,000 units in August, with cumulative sales of the sedan surpassing 160,000 since its launch in late August 2024. Se also: Next-Generation Xpeng P7 Electric Sedan: Specifications, Range and Price From January…

Denza, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under BYD, introduced four new variants of its D9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on Friday at the Chengdu auto show, cutting entry prices for the model. The updated lineup includes three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions and one battery electric vehicle (BEV) version. Pricing for the new PHEV models begins at RMB 309,800 ($43,450), while the BEV variant starts at RMB 319,800. At launch in December 2024, the PHEV started at RMB 339,800 and the BEV at RMB 379,800. The new PHEV options are powered by BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology, pairing a…

Porsche has introduced its 2026 Macan electric vehicle (EV), featuring a range of updates aimed at enhancing both driver convenience and passenger entertainment. The German automaker opened orders for the refreshed SUV on Thursday, with prices starting at $78,000 and deliveries expected in spring 2026. The 2026 Macan EV builds on the previous model with several technology upgrades. A new Porsche Digital Key allows drivers to lock, unlock, and manage vehicle functions through compatible smartphones and smartwatches. In addition, the SUV now offers in-car gaming and entertainment via a system called AirConsole, which enables video games, streaming music, and video…

Alef Aeronautics has begun test operations of its Model A flying electric car at airports in the United States, moving closer to bringing road-to-air mobility into practice. The California-based company has reached agreements with Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports to conduct trials, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a Special Airworthiness Certification in 2023. The Model A, unveiled last year, is designed to operate both on public roads and in the air with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for a runway. The vehicle has an estimated range of 320 km (200 miles) on land and…

Bare-bones electric vehicle (EV) startup Slate said on Thursday it will build its first production facility in Indiana, marking a significant milestone in its plan to bring a low-cost pickup and SUV to market by late 2026. The young automaker, which first gained attention earlier this year with its “Blank Slate” design, officially opened the doors to its planned manufacturing site in Warsaw, Indiana, where it intends to retool a former printing plant. The facility will serve as the production hub for Slate’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), a simplified pickup with over 100 accessory options and an SUV conversion…

Porsche has disclosed further technical details of its upcoming all-electric Cayenne, positioning the model as the second SUV based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) after the Macan. The electric Cayenne, internally designated “E4,” will launch with a 113 kWh battery (108 kWh usable), larger than the 100 kWh unit used in the Macan and Audi’s PPE models. Porsche has equipped the battery with a dual cooling-plate system, which it says will support peak charging power of up to 400 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 15 minutes where compatible infrastructure is available. Reports from prototype drives suggest the SUV…

ADASTEC has introduced a fully autonomous electric bus service at Michigan State University (MSU), aiming to enhance campus mobility while supporting research on automated vehicle systems. The bus, named SpartanXpress, is a full-size SAE Level-4 vehicle that meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Operating along a 5.12-mile loop through the central campus, it connects commuter lots, academic buildings, and cultural venues. The service runs Monday through Friday between 10:05 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. and is free for students, staff, and visitors. “The SpartanXpress is more than a transit service—it’s a platform…

Luxeed, the electric vehicle brand co-developed by Huawei and Chery, launched updated versions of its S7 sedan and R7 coupe SUV on Friday as it seeks to expand market share with lower pricing and advanced driver-assistance features. The updated Luxeed S7 is priced from 229,800 yuan ($32,130), while the R7 starts at 249,800 yuan, both below earlier pre-sale prices. Each model is available in three trims — Max, Max+, and Max Ultra — with prices ranging from 229,800 to 289,800 yuan for the S7 and from 249,800 to 309,800 yuan for the R7. Both vehicles are equipped with Huawei’s ADS…