Author: Shaun Williams

Geely Auto’s Galaxy brand has expanded into the rugged off-road SUV segment with the launch of the Cruiser 700, also known as the Zhanjian 700. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines traditional off-road styling with electrified powertrains, high system output and a cabin equipped for family travel and outdoor activities. Built on Geely’s GTA architecture for new energy off-road vehicles, the Cruiser 700 features a five-seat layout and multiple powertrain configurations, including two-wheel drive and triple-motor four-wheel drive. Depending on the variant, its combined system output reaches as high as 830 kW, while its maximum claimed CLTC combined range is…

Euro NCAP’s 2026 vehicle safety assessments have highlighted differences in how manufacturers design controls for essential driving functions, with physical buttons and switches receiving particular attention under the organisation’s updated testing protocols. The latest results cover the Audi Q7, Kia EV2 and XPENG X9. All three vehicles earned five-star overall safety ratings, although their performance in the driving-control assessment varied. Euro NCAP’s findings indicate that the availability and placement of physical controls can influence how easily drivers operate essential functions without navigating touchscreen menus. Physical Controls Affect Driving-Control Scores Under Euro NCAP’s Safe Driving assessment, essential functions such as indicators,…

TRATON Group sold 78,900 vehicles in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 10% compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released on 12 October. The company attributed the increase primarily to higher customer demand in the United States. For the first nine months of 2026, total sales reached 230,400 vehicles, up 3% from 224,500 units in the corresponding period of 2025. All-electric vehicle sales totalled 770 units in the third quarter, down 6% year on year. However, sales for the January-to-September period increased by 29% to 2,670 units, compared with 2,070 in the previous…

The Volkswagen Group delivered approximately 6.01 million vehicles worldwide in the first nine months of 2026, down 9% from 6.60 million in the same period last year. Despite the overall decline, demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) gained momentum in Europe, where deliveries increased during the third quarter and electric models accounted for around 40% of the Group’s order book. The automaker delivered 678,700 all-electric vehicles globally through September, a 5.4% decrease from 717,700 a year earlier. However, European BEV deliveries increased by 12.1% to 586,100 units over the nine-month period, with third-quarter deliveries rising 19.6% year on year to 209,100…

E.ON Drive Infrastructure is taking over the former BP Pulse public fast-charging network in the Netherlands, comprising 79 locations and 370 charging points. The network will operate under the Essent brand, expanding the Dutch energy supplier’s services into public fast charging while E.ON Drive Infrastructure retains ownership and responsibility for the charging infrastructure. Under the arrangement, charging stations will display the Essent brand alongside the notice “Operated by E.ON Drive”. Essent will manage customer-facing marketing and communications, while E.ON Drive Infrastructure will handle investment, installation, operation and maintenance. Fast-Charging Network Includes 79 Locations Most of the acquired sites are situated…

Scania has unveiled a new generation of its Touring coach, introducing the company’s Super powertrain, revised aerodynamics and updated driver and passenger features. The model, first launched in 2009, is also prepared for Euro 7 emissions requirements, while a battery-electric version is planned as a future addition to the lineup. Scania says the updated Super powertrains can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 8% to 10%, extend in-service lifespan by 25% and simplify maintenance. The manufacturer has not announced a launch date for the electric Touring. Super Powertrain and Euro 7 Readiness The new Touring incorporates Scania’s Super powertrain technology,…

BMW is expanding its Neue Klasse electric vehicle lineup with the new iX4, a sporty SUV coupé positioned between the iX3 and the upcoming larger iX5. The model will be offered in three all-wheel-drive variants, with the range starting at €70,900. The BMW iX4 40 xDrive and iX4 50 xDrive will be available to order ahead of the planned market launch in March 2027. The high-performance iX4 M60 xDrive is scheduled to open for orders in January 2027, bringing a maximum system output of 450 kW and a claimed driving range of up to 777 km. Three All-Wheel-Drive Variants All…

Hyundai Motor Group presented its multi-pathway electrification strategy at the Aachen Colloquium on 6 October 2026, outlining development across battery-electric vehicles, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Manfred Harrer, President and Head of the group’s R&D Division, highlighted the integration of engineering and artificial intelligence as an important part of the company’s approach to future vehicle development. Four Powertrain Pathways Address Different Requirements Hyundai Motor Group is pursuing several powertrain technologies rather than relying on a single solution for all markets. The strategy reflects differences in customer requirements, vehicle applications and the pace of electrification across…

Ionity is installing centralised contactless payment terminals at selected charging parks across Europe, using units designed to resemble birdhouses. The terminals allow drivers to pay by debit or credit card for charging sessions at multiple charging points without requiring a separate payment terminal at every charger. The rollout is part of Ionity’s efforts to retrofit older charging locations to meet the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requirements. One Payment Terminal Serves Multiple Chargers The centralised terminals, which Ionity calls “Birdhouses”, are intended for older charging stations where retrofitting individual chargers with payment terminals is difficult. https://twitter.com/electricfelix/status/2101973285864972658 Drivers paying…

Winduction, a spin-off from ETH Zurich, has developed an inductive charging system designed to supply electricity to electric buses through their wheels at bus stops. The technology could allow operators to use smaller batteries and reduce vehicle weight, with a pilot project planned for 2028. The system transfers energy from a charging plate embedded in the road surface to a coil integrated into a specially developed bus tyre. When a bus stops above the plate, a magnetic field transfers energy into the vehicle’s battery. Charging System Transfers Energy Through Bus Wheels Unlike conventional inductive charging systems that use a receiver…

The global market for electric mining machines is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades as mining companies, equipment manufacturers and governments increase efforts to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of mining operations. According to IDTechEx’s “Electric Vehicles in Mining 2027-2047: Technologies, Players, Forecasts” report, the global market for electric mining machines is forecast to exceed US$27 billion by 2047. The market has developed considerably over the past five years as electric powertrains have increasingly been applied to mining equipment. Operating Costs Support Mining Electrification Mining is a significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions, with diesel-powered…

GEODIS has placed an order for 110 heavy-duty battery-electric trucks from Renault Trucks and Volvo Trucks as it expands the electrification of its European road transport operations. The 44-tonne electric trucks are scheduled to be delivered by May 2027 and will initially operate in France. GEODIS plans to use the vehicles for both urban deliveries and long-haul transport. GEODIS Expands Electric Truck Fleet The new order will increase the electric truck fleet operated by GEODIS’ European Road Network business unit to 190 vehicles. GEODIS has not disclosed how the 110 trucks will be divided between Renault Trucks and Volvo Trucks.…

Rivian delivered 19,248 electric vehicles in the third quarter, its highest quarterly sales figure to date, as the launch of its more affordable R2 SUV helped increase deliveries. The company produced 19,751 vehicles during the quarter, while deliveries increased by approximately 45% from the same period a year earlier. The third quarter was the first full quarter of R2 sales following the vehicle’s launch in June. Rivian Records Strongest Quarterly Deliveries Rivian did not disclose how many of the 19,248 vehicles delivered during the quarter were R2 SUVs. The company said it will provide its full third-quarter financial results on…

The Fraunhofer Battery Alliance is expanding its cooperation with South Korean research and industry partners through two new letters of intent focused on battery technology and the wider battery value chain. The agreements were signed during a delegation visit to the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB) in Münster. The partners include Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the city of Pohang and the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco). The planned cooperation covers research and development in areas including battery materials, cell production, next-generation battery technologies and recycling. Research to Cover Battery Materials and Cell Manufacturing The agreement…

Renault has opened UK orders for updated versions of its Scenic E-Tech and Megane E-Tech electric vehicles, with prices starting at £33,245 and £28,245 respectively after the full £3,750 UK Electric Car Grant. The UK launch follows the introduction of the revised models in continental Europe. Renault opened orders for the updated Scenic in France in September, followed later that month by the Scenic and Megane in Germany. The Megane starts at €34,990 in Germany, while the Scenic is priced from €42,590. However, direct comparisons between the UK and German prices are complicated by differences in national incentives, with the…

Hyundai Mobis has reached a final agreement to sell its automotive lighting business to French automotive components manufacturer OPmobility in a transaction valued at KRW 600 billion ($441 million) on an enterprise value basis. The agreement covers 100% of Hyundai Mobis’ lighting business, which was being prepared for separation into a standalone company. The transaction is expected to strengthen OPmobility’s position in automotive lighting while allowing Hyundai Mobis to focus more closely on its broader future mobility solutions portfolio. Hyundai Mobis Lighting Business Generates $1.8 Billion in Revenue Hyundai Mobis’ lighting operation generates approximately KRW 2.5 trillion ($1.8 billion) in…

Kempower has delivered an electric bus charging infrastructure project for Polish public transport operator Koleje Małopolskie, deploying 18 charging points across three locations in the Małopolska region. The infrastructure, installed in Kraków, Tarnów and Proszowice, provides a combined charging capacity of 1.4 MW and supports the operation of Koleje Małopolskie’s growing zero-emission bus fleet. Kempower described the deployment as its largest electric bus charging infrastructure project in Poland to date. Kempower Charging System Supports 20 Buses The charging infrastructure supports 15 electric buses and five hydrogen fuel-cell buses acquired by Koleje Małopolskie as part of its fleet electrification program. The…

Great Wall Motor sold 114,944 vehicles in September, down 13.99% from a year earlier despite a 1.37% increase from August. The Chinese automaker recorded its steepest year-on-year sales decline of 2026 as stronger overseas deliveries failed to offset a deeper contraction in its domestic market. The September decline was also GWM’s largest since January 2025, partly reflecting a high comparison base. The company sold 133,639 vehicles in September 2025, when sales had increased 23.29% year-on-year. GWM’s cumulative sales for the first nine months reached 920,302 vehicles, down 0.33% from the same period a year earlier. The company had still been…

FlixBus will deploy eight battery-electric coaches on regular scheduled services between Vienna and Bratislava from October 1, marking a move from pilot projects to daily electric long-distance bus operations. The approximately 80-kilometer route will offer 66 daily connections between the Austrian and Slovak capitals, including services connecting the two city centers with their respective airports. Eight Yutong Electric Coaches to Serve the Route The electric fleet will consist of eight Yutong T12E battery-electric coaches. Austrian FlixBus partner Blaguss has procured 12 vehicles of the same model, with eight assigned to the Vienna-Bratislava route. The coaches are equipped with 466 kWh…

Polestar has introduced two new subscription tiers for its Polestar Charge public charging service in Europe, giving customers access to discounted charging rates at selected fast-charging networks for a monthly fee. The Plus and Pro tariffs are designed for drivers who regularly use public fast-charging infrastructure. In Germany, the Plus subscription costs €7.99 per month and provides a 15% discount at EnBW, Shell Recharge, Vattenfall, Mer and Fastned. The Pro subscription costs €14.99 per month and increases the discount to 30%, while also adding Ionity and Allego to the participating networks. Polestar Expands Discounted Charging Access Polestar says Plus customers…