Author: Shaun Williams

TotalEnergies has launched a pilot project in Utrecht to trial dynamic charging tariffs at 15 charging stations, adjusting prices based on the expected availability of solar and wind energy. The French energy company has not disclosed the exact locations of the sites, but an accompanying press image suggests the inclusion of AC chargers. It remains unclear whether DC fast chargers are part of the trial. See also: DAF Trucks, TotalEnergies to Collaborate on EV Charging and Megawatt Systems However, as part of its broader infrastructure expansion in Utrecht, TotalEnergies plans to install 38 high-power charging stations at 17 locations across…

Ästad Vingård, one of Sweden’s largest commercial vineyards, has adopted electric machinery to enhance its sustainability efforts and maintain the integrity of its award-winning wines. The vineyard, located in the Åkulla beech forest nature reserve, now utilizes a Volvo L25 Electric compact wheel loader, reducing emissions and noise pollution in its operations. See also: Volvo EX30 Charging Test Shows Real-World Fast Charging Performance The decision to integrate electric equipment aligns with Ästad Vingård’s commitment to organic grape cultivation and an eco-friendly visitor experience. Diesel emissions can affect the delicate balance of acidity, aroma, and taste in grapes, making clean-energy solutions…

Chevrolet has introduced the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, a high-performance, track-only electric vehicle, ahead of this weekend’s Daytona 500. The one-off prototype, developed in collaboration with NASCAR, showcases Chevrolet’s push into electrified racing technology and mirrors similar efforts from Ford Motor (F.N). See also: Ford Reveals High-Powered Electric NASCAR Prototype, Eyes Future of EV Racing The Blazer EV.R NASCAR is built around NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis and is powered by a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery paired with three six-phase electric motors, producing a combined 1,300 horsepower. Power is distributed through a programmable all-wheel-drive system designed for high-speed track performance. “NASCAR…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded to recent reports suggesting that the automaker was poised to win a $400 million contract from the U.S. Department of State to supply armored electric vehicles (EVs). The contract, initially listed as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Procurement List for 2025, was widely anticipated to involve the supply of armored electric vehicles, with the Cybertruck seen as a likely candidate. However, the list was later updated to remove Tesla’s name from the award listing, prompting questions about the status of the deal. See also: Tesla Officially Launches Full Self-Driving in Mexico, Surprising…

May Mobility has launched its first fully driverless commercial shuttle service in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, marking a significant step in its approach to autonomous transportation. The Michigan-based startup has been operating a free, on-demand autonomous vehicle service along Technology Parkway since September 2024, but with a human safety operator onboard. With the latest deployment, May has removed the operator and begun charging for rides. See also: May Mobility Unveils Electric Autonomous Minibus to Expand Transit Access Peachtree Corners, a tech-focused city in the Atlanta metropolitan area, is home to the Curiosity Lab, a living laboratory featuring a 5G-enabled, three-mile autonomous…

U.S. engine manufacturer Cummins has acquired First Mode, a Seattle-based company specializing in the electrification of mining and rail vehicles, marking a strategic move to expand its alternative drive solutions. The acquisition, completed on February 11, includes First Mode’s hydrogen and battery drive technologies, along with its production and engineering teams in the U.S., Australia, and Chile. See also: Heliox and Cummins Introduce Two New DC Chargers to North America The deal follows Anglo American’s decision to divest from First Mode as part of a broader effort to “prioritise its capital.” Cummins will integrate First Mode into its Power Systems…

The ‘SkaleD – Scaling extrusion-based direct coating’ project, coordinated by EAS Batteries, aims to revolutionize the manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. With an investment of approximately 2.1 million euros from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the project seeks to enhance the efficiency of the direct coating process in industrial battery cell production. This development aims to reduce manufacturing costs while addressing environmental concerns by eliminating solvent-intensive processes. The project brings together five research partners—EAS Batteries, Manugy, Matthews International, the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), and the Fraunhofer Research Centre for Battery Cell…

Rivian has launched a teaser campaign hinting at a major announcement scheduled for February 19. The cryptic visuals include tire tracks in the sand, an underbody shot of a vehicle, and a peek through the R1T’s gear tunnel, with distant sand dunes in the background. Accompanying these images is the tagline, “A mirage takes shape,” sparking widespread speculation about the company’s next move. The desert-themed teaser has generated several theories regarding Rivian’s upcoming reveal. Some industry observers believe the company may be unveiling a special edition or a new color option for its R1T and R1S vehicles, possibly a sand-colored…

British chemical firm Johnson Matthey has entered a long-term collaboration with German technology company Bosch to develop and manufacture catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for fuel cell stacks, the companies announced. The technology is aimed primarily at commercial vehicle applications. Under the agreement, Johnson Matthey will supply its CCMs for Bosch’s integrated fuel cell power module, which is designed to be compact and scalable. The collaboration seeks to enhance the performance and efficiency of fuel cell technology, supporting wider adoption in mobility and energy sectors. See also: Plug Power and Johnson Matthey Partner to Accelerate Green Hydrogen Economy Growth with 5GW CCM…

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS has been selected as the official pace car for the 67th Daytona 500, marking the first time an electric vehicle will lead “The Great American Race.” Chevrolet announced the decision ahead of the NASCAR season opener, set for February 16, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway. With up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Blazer EV SS is Chevrolet’s most powerful SS model ever. The performance-oriented SUV, equipped with Wide Open Watts mode, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It will pace the Daytona 500 with its…

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (FFIE) is advancing the development of its FX 6 electric vehicle, with two prototype mules set to arrive at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters this month. Shipped from FF China, these vehicles mark the official start of the testing and validation phase for the FX 6 in the U.S. This step aligns with FF’s goal of introducing AI-driven electric vehicles (AIEVs) under its FX brand, with further updates expected in March regarding the FX 6 and the brand’s overall strategy. See also: Faraday Future Unveils FX Prototype, Begins Development Phase The FX 6 prototypes will…

Kia’s high-performance EV6 GT is now more affordable than ever, thanks to lease savings of nearly $20,000. As the automaker prepares to launch the 2025 model year, it is offering significant incentives to clear out the 2024 EV6 GT, making it a compelling option for performance-focused EV buyers. Introduced in 2022, the EV6 GT is Kia’s most powerful production vehicle ever, boasting 576 horsepower and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.4 seconds. The automaker designed the GT with a focus on high performance, equipping it with GT and drift drive modes that adjust the vehicle’s motor, brakes, steering, and suspension…