Author: Shaun Williams

RAA Charge, the electric vehicle infrastructure division of Australia’s Royal Automobile Association, has completed its state-wide EV charging network, featuring more than 550 charging plugs across 144 locations in South Australia. The initiative, supported by a AUD 12.35 million grant from the South Australian government, is described by RAA as a “border-to-border” network with charging hubs placed at intervals of less than 200 kilometres along major routes and regional centres. According to RAA, the network covers areas from Yalata to Mount Gambier. The project aims to address range anxiety and support the uptake of low-emission vehicles by improving regional accessibility.…

Australia’s largest electricity distributor, Ausgrid, has connected its first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system to the New South Wales power network, enabling electric vehicles to discharge power back to the grid in a bid to increase grid flexibility and open new revenue opportunities for drivers. The V2G integration marks a new phase in electric vehicle usage, with EVs no longer limited to energy consumption but also acting as mobile energy storage units. The system enables electricity to be returned to the grid during peak demand periods, helping to reduce pressure on existing infrastructure and potentially delaying the need for expensive upgrades. “This…

Zeekr Group  delivered 43,012 vehicles in June, down 7.58 percent from May’s 46,538 units, marking the first monthly decline after three consecutive months of sequential growth, according to figures released today. The Zeekr brand recorded 16,702 deliveries in June, representing a year-on-year decline of 16.93 percent and an 11.67 percent drop from the previous month. Meanwhile, Lynk & Co delivered 26,310 vehicles, up 7.66 percent compared to June 2024, but down 4.78 percent month-on-month. Combined deliveries from both brands totaled 130,866 vehicles for the second quarter, reflecting a 9.28 percent year-on-year increase and a 14.78 percent gain from the previous…

Trimble and InvenSense, a subsidiary of TDK Corporation, have announced a strategic collaboration to deliver a high-performance navigation system tailored for automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The partnership merges Trimble’s ProPoint® Go positioning engine and RTX® correction services with TDK’s SmartAutomotive™ inertial measurement units (IMUs), aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of location data in demanding environments. The joint solution leverages quad-frequency global navigation satellite system (GNSS) support and features what the companies describe as the first Automotive Safety Integrity Level-C (ASIL-C) certified correction data in the market. Paired with TDK’s six-axis motion sensors—combining a triaxial accelerometer…

Future Flight Global (FFG) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Eve Air Mobility for the purchase of 54 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The deal, aimed at supporting urban air mobility operations in Brazil and the United States, underscores both companies’ focus on addressing congestion and reducing travel time in major cities. Under the agreement, Eve Air Mobility will supply the eVTOL aircraft, and FFG will operate them as part of a broader initiative to establish a diverse electric aircraft fleet. Financial terms of the LOI were not disclosed. FFG is targeting the deployment of these…

Bosch eBike Systems has unveiled updated versions of its Cargo Line, Performance Line Speed, and Performance Line drive units at the Eurobike trade fair in Germany this week. The enhancements bring more torque, increased power output, and quieter, lighter designs, underscoring Bosch’s continued investment in e-bike innovation. The revised Cargo Line motor now delivers up to 100 Newton meters of torque—up from 85 Nm—and a peak power output of 750 watts, replacing the previous 600-watt model. Weighing just 2.8 kilograms, the unit is approximately 100 grams lighter and also operates more quietly. Designed for electric cargo bikes, it includes features…

BYD is preparing to launch the Sealion 06 SUV by the end of July, expanding its popular Sealion lineup with both battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, according to a report by local automotive outlet Auto Home. The upcoming model will be based on BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid technology and the e-Platform 3.0 Evo electric vehicle architecture, both of which were introduced in May this year to deliver improved efficiency and integration. The Sealion 06 is expected to carry a price tag between RMB 160,000 ($22,280) and RMB 200,000. Although BYD has not yet confirmed a launch date…

Volkswagen is preparing a major refresh for its ID.4 electric SUV, with significant updates to both exterior styling and interior features, the company said. The updated model, expected to arrive in late 2026, will align with the automaker’s new electric vehicle design direction, beginning with the ID.3 earlier that year. The facelifted ID.4 will adopt Volkswagen’s latest styling language showcased in the ID.2all concept car, with a lower and wider stance and streamlined character lines. According to Autocar, VW’s head of technical development, Kai Grünitz, confirmed that the ID.3 would be the first to adopt the new design in 2026,…

Madrid regional authorities have partnered with Iberdrola España to launch the city’s largest fast-charging hub for electric vehicles, featuring 47 charging points and strategically located to serve the greater metropolitan area including Getafe, Fuenlabrada, Alcorcón, and Leganés. The 1,260-square-meter facility includes 15 ultra-fast chargers — seven delivering up to 350 kW and eight rated at 240 kW — capable of charging EVs to 80% capacity in under 15 minutes or providing up to 200 km of range in five minutes. An additional 10 fast chargers at 60 kW and 22 semi-fast 22 kW chargers complete the station’s offering. All chargers…

Tesla’s attempt to bring its Full Self-Driving (FSD) testing program to Stockholm has been denied by the city’s Traffic Office, not due to concerns about the software’s safety or capability, but rather because city officials say they are too occupied with existing projects. According to official documents cited by user @FSDEurope on X, Stockholm is currently updating its automation policy and managing a high number of innovation pilots. “The Traffic Office is currently working on updating its approach to automation,” the agency stated, adding that the scope and novelty of Tesla’s request—covering citywide testing with potential infrastructure and safety implications—was…

Arval, the leasing arm of BNP Paribas, has partnered with solar energy specialist Otovo to help German customers charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home using self-generated solar power. The initiative aims to simplify the process for Arval business customers’ employees to access Otovo’s photovoltaic (PV) solutions, either through purchase or leasing. The pilot program integrates Otovo’s services into Arval’s corporate customer structure, with Otovo handling installation and communication via certified partners. Customers will receive reimbursement for charging electricity at household rates and benefit from reduced per-kilowatt-hour prices due to solar generation. Otovo says this setup could shorten the amortisation period…

Tesla plans to temporarily suspend production of its Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles at its Austin, Texas Gigafactory during the week of June 30 to July 6, the company informed employees, in a move aimed at performing assembly line maintenance and upgrades. The pause, first reported by Business Insider, marks at least the third production halt at the Texas facility in the past year. Previous stoppages included one in late May that incorporated workplace culture training, and another in December triggered by battery supply constraints. In April, Tesla also scaled back Cybertruck production and reassigned some workers amid operational adjustments.…