Author: Shaun Williams

Tesla reported a significant drop in vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting challenges from increased market competition and public backlash related to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.​ The electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 336,681 vehicles in Q1, marking a 13% decrease compared to the same period last year. Production also declined, with 362,615 vehicles produced, down from 433,371 in Q1 2024. This shortfall is partly attributed to production adjustments at the Fremont, California, factory for the updated Model 3 and operational disruptions at the Berlin plant due to external factors. ​ See also: Global Protests Target Tesla Showrooms…

Hyundai has revealed a refreshed version of the Ioniq 6 at the Seoul Mobility Show, featuring a sleeker front-end design while maintaining the streamlined profile of the electric sedan. The facelift introduces a more refined and aggressive look, particularly in the N Line variant. One of the key updates is the redesigned headlights. Hyundai has replaced the distinctive lights of the outgoing model with a split lighting setup, consisting of slim LED daytime running lights and separate headlamps positioned lower on the bumper. The change aligns the Ioniq 6 with the brand’s recent design language, seen in models like the…

Stellantis has reached an agreement with trade unions for 350 voluntary job reductions at its Pomigliano and Pratola Serra plants in southern Italy, the Fiom u nion said on Wednesday. A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs would involve employees nearing retirement and are part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance production in Italy, as outlined in discussions with the Italian government in December. See also: Stellantis to Buy CO2 Credits from Tesla in 2025 Despite EU Compliance Extension The job reductions include 300 workers from the Pomigliano assembly plant and 50 from the Pratola Serra engine facility, both…

German truck manufacturer MAN has completed a 3,400-kilometre journey from northern Sweden to Munich using its fully electric eTGX truck, showcasing the viability of long-haul electric transport with existing public charging infrastructure. Dubbed the “MAN Polarexpress,” the 32-tonne eTGX traveled through extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and icy roads. The truck, which required high-traction tires that increased rolling resistance, maintained an average energy consumption of 117 kWh per 100 kilometres, according to the company. In milder conditions in Denmark and Germany, consumption dropped to 105 kWh per 100 kilometres. See also: MAN Trucks Expands EV Consultation Services to Support…

Stellantis has ceased van production at its Vauxhall plant in Luton, UK, and will close the facility as part of a broader restructuring plan, the company confirmed. The move comes as the automaker consolidates its UK manufacturing operations, shifting electric van production to Ellesmere Port. The decision marks the end of a 120-year history for Vauxhall in Luton, where the brand first established a factory in 1905. The final vehicle, a Vivaro van, rolled off the production line on Friday. The plant closure will result in the loss of 1,100 jobs, though Stellantis plans to transfer several hundred positions to…

South Korea’s Samsung SDI has commenced production of its 4695 cylindrical battery cells, with initial shipments destined for a U.S. customer in the micromobility sector before expanding to electric vehicles, the company said on Friday. The 4695 cells, featuring a 46-millimeter diameter and 95-millimeter height, are being produced at Samsung SDI’s facility in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. Assembly into battery modules takes place in Vietnam, the company said. See also: EV Demand to Stay Weak Until 2026, Says Samsung SDI Chief “With the initial supply of 46-series batteries, the company has diversified its product portfolio,” a Samsung SDI official said.…

Xiaomi Auto has partnered with NaaS Technology to integrate its extensive charging network with the Xiaomi Auto app, significantly expanding charging accessibility for Xiaomi’s growing base of electric vehicle (EV) customers. Through this collaboration, Xiaomi EV drivers will be able to use more than 100,000 charging hubs across China, enhancing convenience and charging efficiency. NaaS Technology, a U.S.-listed company, operates one of China’s largest EV charging networks, having installed 1.15 million charging points—accounting for approximately 35% of the nation’s public charging infrastructure. This new partnership follows similar agreements NaaS has established with BYD sub-brands such as NETA, IM Motors, Hongqi,…

BP has announced plans to sell its petrol station network in Austria, aiming to complete the transaction before the end of 2025. The British energy company is seeking a buyer for more than 260 petrol stations and associated charging infrastructure, with a contract expected to be signed by the end of the third quarter. The sale includes not only BP’s fuel stations but also its fleet business in Austria and its stake in the operating company of the Linz terminal. See also: BP Pulse Chief Departs Amid Shift in EV Strategy Of the 260 locations, only 120 are directly owned…

The vehicle-to-everything (V2X) market is poised for significant expansion, with total capacity expected to reach 40 megawatts (MW) by 2025, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. Electric school buses are leading this growth, benefiting from their large battery capacities, predictable schedules, and extended idle periods, making them ideal candidates for bidirectional energy transfer. The report, titled Power from the People: The State of the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Market, highlights the potential of V2X technology to enhance grid resilience and create new revenue opportunities. However, key barriers remain, including inconsistent utility interconnection processes and a lack of standardized compensation models…

Danish transport and logistics company Danske Fragtmænd has launched its first charging hub for electric trucks in Aalborg, marking the start of a broader electrification strategy across its national network. The site features a Kempower charging system, developed by energy company GodEnergi, with four high-power charging satellites, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW. The Aalborg charging hub is the first of several planned installations, with additional sites set to open in Sakskøbing, Taastrup, Odense, and Aarhus. Ultimately, Danske Fragtmænd aims to establish charging stations at all 27 of its logistics terminals across Denmark. See also: Kempower Unveils Flex…

Renault Group has named Josep Maria Recasens as the new chief executive officer of its electric vehicle unit, Ampere, effective April 1, 2025. Recasens, who has served as Ampere’s chief operating officer, will succeed Renault CEO Luca de Meo, who had been managing the division in a dual role since its spin-off in 2023. “I am very pleased to hand over to Josep Maria as CEO, following on from his role as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Ampere, to continue the deep and rapid transformation we have been driving with Ampere since its creation,” de Meo said in a statement.…

Pittsburgh Public Schools has introduced 16 new electric school buses into its fleet, marking a significant step toward cleaner and quieter student transportation. The deployment, made possible through first-round funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, aims to reduce emissions and enhance student health. The district, the largest in Allegheny County and the second-largest in Pennsylvania, serves nearly 20,000 students. Its new fleet consists of Blue Bird Micro Bird G5es buses, which offer a range of up to 100 miles per charge. See also: First Student and Con Edison Launch Solar-Powered V2X Hub with Electric…