Author: Shaun Williams

Researchers at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have developed a novel battery housing for electric vehicles that replaces conventional aluminium with sustainable materials such as wood, thin sheet steel, and cork. Despite initial skepticism over the use of wood in high-temperature environments, the prototype surpassed a standard Tesla battery housing in fire safety tests. The innovation is part of the Bio!Lib project, led by TU Graz’s Institute of Vehicle Safety. The new battery housing completely eliminates aluminium, a material widely used for its strength but known for its high energy-intensive production. Instead, the housing relies on a steel shell…

Chinese battery giant CATL has initiated its first external financing round for its skateboard chassis subsidiary, Contemporary Amperex Intelligence Technology (Shanghai) Limited (CAIT-SH), according to a report by Chinese media outlet Yiou. CAIT-SH, a wholly-owned CATL unit established in 2021, recently opened a targeted RMB 2 billion ($280 million) financing round, with a reported pre-investment valuation of approximately RMB 9 billion. The fundraising aims to support CATL’s ambitions to expand its footprint beyond power batteries into battery-integrated chassis solutions. See also: Mazda to Co-Develop EVs with CATL and Changan Using CIIC Skateboard Platform Unlike a public offering, CATL reportedly restricted…

The U.S. Congress is moving forward with legislation designed to support the deployment of autonomous driving systems in commercial vehicles, seeking to establish a unified regulatory framework across state lines. The proposed bill, titled the AMERICA DRIVES Act, would preempt state requirements mandating human drivers in vehicles equipped with high-level automation and direct the federal government to update existing rules. Formally known as the Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act, the legislation targets key regulatory gaps that currently complicate interstate operations for vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADS). It would…

DHL Group will add 2,400 additional electric vans from Ford Pro to its delivery fleet in Germany by the end of this year, the companies announced, expanding a partnership that supports DHL’s e-mobility strategy. With many of the vehicles already in operation, DHL released an interim review citing favorable performance and user satisfaction. “In our Post & Parcel Germany division, we are receiving very positive feedback from our delivery personnel regarding Ford’s electric vehicles,” said Nikola Hagleitner, Board Member for Post & Parcel Germany at DHL Group. “Together, we are making a significant contribution to making parcel and postal delivery…

Kia has revealed the PV5, its first dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), developed to offer flexible electric mobility solutions for both commercial and individual users. The vehicle is based on a modular platform aimed at improving efficiency, usability, and adaptability across a range of operational needs. The PV5 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), which standardizes components such as batteries, motors, and suspension to help streamline production and reduce development time. The model offers three battery options—43.3 kWh LFP, 51.5 kWh NCM, and 71.2 kWh NCM—each paired with a 120 kW motor. Kia said…

BYD has introduced the Sealion 06 SUV, the latest model in its Ocean lineup, as the Chinese new energy vehicle maker continues to grow its presence in the hybrid and all-electric vehicle segments. The launch brings both the Sealion 06 DM-i plug-in hybrid and the Sealion 06 EV to market, each available in three variants. The hybrid Sealion 06 DM-i is priced from RMB 139,800 ($19,540), while the all-electric Sealion 06 EV starts at RMB 149,800. The SUV measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm—slightly larger than…

Mobileye Global raised its full-year revenue forecast for fiscal 2025 on Thursday, citing improved order visibility for its autonomous driving chips as automakers begin replenishing inventories following a prolonged slowdown. The self-driving technology firm now expects annual revenue between $1.77 billion and $1.89 billion, up from its prior guidance of $1.69 billion to $1.81 billion. The outlook upgrade comes as automakers, having previously held off on new orders due to stockpiles built during pandemic-related supply disruptions, resume procurement of driver-assistance hardware. “Stronger visibility on industry supply-demand alignment since late-April supports our decision to raise the full-year outlook, while we continue…

General Motors said it has surpassed 500,000 vehicles equipped with its Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance system, more than doubling the number on the road compared to the same period a year earlier, as the automaker continues to scale its advanced driver-assistance technologies. Despite the rapid deployment, usage levels have not kept pace. GM reported that around 200,000 drivers actively used the feature on a monthly basis in the second quarter, representing approximately 60% of equipped vehicles. Super Cruise, classified as a Level 2 driving assistance system under the SAE framework, allows hands-free driving on over 750,000 miles of compatible…

Isuzu is entering the electric pickup segment with its first-ever battery-powered truck, the D-MAX EV, targeting markets in Europe and the UK. Marking a shift from its diesel roots, the new electric D-MAX offers robust capabilities including a full-time four-wheel-drive system, a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs), and specialized off-road features such as a dedicated Terrain Mode. Built for durability and utility, the D-MAX EV retains the rugged design of its combustion-engine counterpart. It features 210 mm (8.3 inches) of ground clearance and can navigate water depths up to 600 mm (nearly 24 inches). Powered by…

Waabi, a startup specializing in AI-driven self-driving technology, has introduced a new testing method called Mixed Reality Testing (MRT), aiming to transform how autonomous vehicles are validated for safety. The system merges real-world closed-course tracks with real-time virtual simulations, allowing autonomous systems to interact with both physical and digitally rendered elements in a single, seamless environment. Traditional AV testing relies heavily on closed-course setups, which are often resource-intensive, lack repeatability, and limit exposure to diverse driving scenarios. MRT addresses these issues by using a neural simulation system, Waabi World, that alters sensor data in real time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peg0HtB72m4 This creates a…

Autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai has completed over two million kilometers of on-road testing with its Level 4 automotive-grade domain controller, a key component of its seventh-generation Robotaxi fleet. The milestone highlights the system’s performance, reliability, and readiness for commercial-scale deployment. The domain controller, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, is built entirely with automotive-grade components and integrates four NVIDIA OrinX chips delivering a combined 1,016 TOPS of computing power. Three of the chips are used in the main unit while the fourth serves as a backup for redundancy. Designed for a 10-year lifecycle or 600,000 kilometers, the controller supports…

Farasis Energy, a battery manufacturer backed by Mercedes-Benz, has begun pilot production and deliveries of its sulfide-based solid-state batteries, according to a report by Chinese tech outlet IT-Home. The announcement marks a new phase in Farasis’ push to commercialize advanced battery technologies for electric vehicles. Farasis said it aims to complete a pilot production line with a planned annual capacity of 0.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by the end of 2025. The company is currently delivering 60Ah battery samples to strategic partners and intends to expand sample deliveries to additional clients based on market feedback. The company’s current solid-state battery design uses…