Author: Shaun Williams

Lion Smart, a subsidiary of German battery technology company Lion E-Mobility, has released initial samples of its new NMC+ battery platform to selected customers, marking a significant milestone ahead of planned series production in late 2025. The platform’s first product, the Lion Smart Mobility Power 53, is a modular and scalable system built on a standardized architecture. Designed for flexibility, the system supports applications ranging from light battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercial transport to stationary energy storage. Lion Smart says the platform uses “advanced cell chemistry” and “optimized thermal management” to deliver enhanced energy and power density. Initial customer trials…

Tesla said it remains on track to begin volume production of its long-delayed Semi electric truck in 2026, following the completion of its new manufacturing facility near Gigafactory Nevada. The automaker, which originally planned to launch the Semi in 2019, confirmed in a factory progress update that construction is complete and production line installation is underway. Tesla stated, “We finished building and are now deploying the production lines,” signaling a significant step forward after years of postponements. See also: Tesla Semi Surpasses Expectations in DHL’s 3,000-Mile Trial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Em2I7-DJ0 Tesla had previously targeted volume production for 2025 but now expects to…

The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Thursday a new regulatory framework aimed at accelerating the deployment of autonomous vehicles by relaxing certain safety requirements and modifying incident reporting obligations. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic automakers against international rivals, particularly those from China. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the initiative reflects a shift toward prioritizing innovation in the race to commercialize self-driving technology. “This administration understands that we’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Duffy said. “Our new framework will slash…

Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier has voiced concerns that the U.S. government’s 25% tariffs on imported vehicles could further escalate the already high cost of cars, making them unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. “Cars are becoming completely unaffordable,” Meunier told Reuters. “It’s not fair for the middle class or the lower class, the people that can’t afford a car, to force them to buy a used car… I think it’s the responsibility of the government as well to keep it possible for people to buy a new car.” See also: Volkswagen to Hold Vehicle Prices Steady Through…

U.S.-owned EV charging solutions provider ChargeTronix has unveiled a new range of charging systems, including what the company describes as the fastest fleet charging technology currently available on the market. The newly launched Nexus Distributed Charging System delivers up to 1,280 kilowatts of charging power and is designed to serve electric trucks in classes 6 through 8. According to ChargeTronix, the system can charge a heavy-duty electric truck up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Capable of supporting up to 16 simultaneous outputs, the Nexus platform can either charge multiple vehicles over longer dwell times or provide rapid power to…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr has officially launched its new 7GT all-electric shooting brake in its domestic market, marking the next step in the company’s expansion strategy with global deliveries expected to follow. The company said initial customer deliveries in China will begin within five days. The Zeekr 7GT, a performance-focused variant of the brand’s 007 sedan, arrives on the heels of a teaser campaign that began in January. Designed as a sportier, wagon-style shooting brake, the 7GT features a minimalist aesthetic under Zeekr ’s “Hidden Energy” design philosophy, along with a suite of luxury and technology enhancements. See also:…

Fraunhofer IISB is setting up a new research centre in Hallstadt near Bamberg, dedicated to advancing wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles (EVs). The project, named the E|Road Centre, has received €7.5 million in funding from the Bavarian state government. The first phase of the E|Road Centre will run until November 2027, with plans to make the facility permanent if the initial phase proves successful. Once operational, the centre will focus on both stationary and dynamic contactless charging, especially suited for environments with vehicles on fixed routes, such as port facilities and logistics centres. See also: Fraunhofer Researchers Advance Battery…

Cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in February have reportedly “disproportionately affected” employees working on vehicle automation safety, according to a report by The Financial Times. The staff reductions, which led to the firing of approximately 30 individuals, primarily impacted those within NHTSA’s newly established vehicle automation safety division, formed in 2023. See also: Nissan to Integrate Wayve’s Self-Driving Software in Vehicles by 2027 Many of the affected staff members were still in their probationary period, which could have contributed to their dismissal. One unnamed worker, who was…

Finnish charging equipment manufacturer Kempower has unveiled an upgraded version of its satellite EV charging system, increasing the number of connectors supported per power unit from eight to twelve and offering outputs of up to 1,200 kW, the company announced at the Nordic EV Summit. The decentralized charging system, consisting of a central power supply unit and separate satellite charging points, is designed to optimize space usage at charging sites by locating the bulk of the technology away from individual parking spaces. The enhanced system will be rolled out in two phases: higher power capabilities will be available this quarter,…

BYD maintained its position as China’s top new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in March, while Tesla advanced to third place, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). BYD recorded retail sales of 290,209 NEVs during the month, an 11.5% increase from 260,300 units in March 2023. The company held a 29.3% share of the NEV market, slightly up from 29.2% in February but lower than the 36.6% it held a year earlier. See also: China’s NEV Retail Sales Reach 991,000 Units in March, Regain Over 50% Market Share Tesla delivered 74,127 NEVs in China in March,…

U.S. autonomous vehicle startup Nuro has secured $106 million in fresh capital through a Series E funding round, bringing its total funding raised to $2.2 billion and setting its latest valuation at $6 billion, the company said on Wednesday. The latest valuation marks a decline from the $8.6 billion figure reached during its $600 million Series D round in 2021, reflecting a broader market correction across the tech sector. Despite the dip, Nuro executives maintain confidence in the business’s long-term trajectory following a strategic shift away from manufacturing its own delivery vehicles. See also: Nuro Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing with…

Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar reported a 76% jump in first-quarter sales on Thursday, as consumer discounts and promotional campaigns helped the company navigate a competitive market and ongoing economic headwinds. Polestar sold approximately 12,304 vehicles in the first quarter, up from 6,975 units during the same period last year, when the company was grappling with weak demand and industry-wide challenges. See also: Polestar Targets Tesla Owners with Up to $20,000 Discounts on Polestar 3 Leases The sharp increase in deliveries reflects the success of targeted promotions, including lease discounts of up to $20,000 aimed at Tesla owners, as buyers…