Author: Shaun Williams

Stellantis will assume full ownership of its hybrid vehicle transmission joint venture with Punch Powertrain, taking over operations at production facilities in France and Italy, the company said in a statement. The decision affects plants in Metz, France, and at the Mirafiori complex in Turin, Italy, where Stellantis will now manage the development and production of electrified dual-clutch transmissions (eDCT) independently. “This move aligns with our strategic plan to expand and renew our mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineup,” Stellantis said. See also: Stellantis Confirms STLA Small Platform for Spanish Plants, With Production Expanding to Italy The hybrid drive facility, initially…

Waymo said it will begin offering fully driverless robotaxi rides to employees in Atlanta, a step toward opening the service to the public in 2025. The move signals Waymo’s expansion into new markets and follows its $5.6 billion Series C funding round, which valued the company at $45 billion. Investors in the round included Alphabet, Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, and Tiger Global. See also: Waymo to Test Autonomous Vehicles in 10 New Cities, Starting with Las Vegas and San Diego Earlier this week, Waymo announced plans to test in 10 additional cities this year, beginning with San Diego and Las Vegas.…

Toyota Motor Europe has joined forces with Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions (HRS) and French energy group Engie to develop advanced hydrogen refuelling systems aimed at significantly reducing refuelling times for commercial vehicles. The initiative, part of the European Union-funded RHeaDHy project, seeks to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source for heavy-duty transport. The RHeaDHy project (Refuelling Heavy Duty with very High flow Hydrogen) focuses on creating high-performance hydrogen refuelling stations capable of refuelling 700-bar hydrogen trucks with 100 kilograms of hydrogen in under ten minutes. This breakthrough is expected to address one of the key challenges in…

California’s Long Beach Transit (LBT) has placed an order for 30 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses from New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group. The order, which marks a significant step in LBT’s shift toward an all-electric fleet by 2040, involves buses that are each 40 feet (approximately 12 meters) in length. While specific delivery dates and contract values have not been disclosed, the purchase is part of New Flyer’s growing order backlog for the third quarter of 2024. New Flyer highlighted the importance of this order, noting that the Xcelsior CHARGE NG buses are also available in a 60-foot…

Farizon reached a significant milestone in 2025 by unveiling its Farizon brand and the Farizon SV model in Vienna, Austria. The event, held on January 23, marks the company’s continued expansion into the European market, following its entry into Serbia in 2024. The Farizon SV is designed to address urban logistics and green transportation needs in Europe, offering advanced safety features and Euro NCAP Platinum-level certification. See also: Geely Launches Farizon SV Electric Van in the UK with Jameel Motors Partnership The Farizon SV combines spacious cargo capacity with eco-friendly transportation technologies, powered by methanol-hydrogen and electric systems. This launch…

Pan-African electric motorcycle maker Spiro has joined forces with U.S.-based ACE Green Recycling to recycle lithium-ion battery materials from Spiro’s retired batteries and production waste in Africa. The collaboration marks a significant step in advancing sustainable battery management on the continent. “Together we are building a closed-loop battery ecosystem for Africa, ensuring that every battery we deploy has a responsible end-of-life solution,” said Kaushik Burman, Spiro’s CEO. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) while building a circular value chain that reduces carbon emissions and supports local economic development.” See…

The 2025 Kia EV9 has been awarded Edmunds’ Top Rated Electric SUV for the second year running. This honor is part of the Edmunds 2025 Top Rated awards, which were announced on January 22, after rigorous independent testing of over 300 vehicles. The EV9 was one of six vehicles recognized across various categories. Edmunds praised the EV9 for its combination of utility, value, and spaciousness, which helped solidify its reputation as a leading model in the electric SUV segment. The vehicle’s design and performance impressed the experts at Edmunds, further establishing its status in the market. See also: Everything You…

TravelCenters of America (TA) and BP have officially launched their first DC fast charging hub on I-95 in Jacksonville, Florida. The new station marks the beginning of a broader effort to build a network of EV charging hubs across major highway corridors. The hub offers 12 DC fast charging ports, each capable of delivering up to 400 kW of power, allowing electric vehicle (EV) drivers to recharge quickly while traveling. See also: Xpeng and BP Pulse Partner to Expand EV Charging Network in China TA, known for its red, white, and blue logo, has long been a familiar stop for…

The restructuring of German battery manufacturer Varta has been concluded, with Porsche and Austrian investor Michael Tojner committing €60 million to revive the financially troubled company. The agreement includes the removal of existing shareholders, whose shares will become valueless, and the delisting of Varta’s stock. The Stuttgart Regional Court dismissed all appeals against the plan, marking the process as legally binding. See also: German Regulator Approves Porsche’s Stake in Varta, No Competition Concerns Found Germany’s Federal Cartel Office had already approved Porsche’s plans to acquire a stake in Varta. The restructuring was initiated under the StaRUG Restructuring Act, allowing the…

The Zeekr 7 GT, the wagon variant of the Zeekr 007, is gearing up for its dual-market launch in Q2 2025, targeting both China and Europe. Known as the Zeekr 007 GT in China, this premium electric vehicle (EV) wagon is set to combine luxury, advanced battery technology, and cutting-edge performance, making it a standout in the growing EV market. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its specifications and features. Cutting-Edge Battery Technology The Zeekr 7 GT will feature the second-generation “Golden Brick” lithium iron phosphate battery, renowned for its rapid charging capabilities. With a 5.5C charging rate, the battery allows…

Tesla has launched the updated Model Y, codenamed Juniper, in Europe just two weeks after its debut in Asia. Building on its status as the world’s best-selling car in 2023 across all drive types, the revamped Model Y introduces design and technology upgrades aimed at improving comfort, quality, and efficiency – albeit at a higher price. The revised Model Y features a redesigned front end with a continuous light strip inspired by the Cybertruck, improved aerodynamics, and new 19-inch rims that Tesla calls “one of the most efficient wheels” it has ever developed. See also: Tesla Announces Redesigned Model Y…

The Greek government has reinstated free public parking for electric vehicles (EVs) in municipal parking lots, a program that expired at the end of 2024 but has now been extended until December 2026, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced. The exemption, part of Greece’s ongoing effort to promote electric mobility, allows EV drivers to apply online for parking fee exemptions through the government’s website. Approved applicants will receive a parking sticker to display in their vehicles. However, privately managed parking facilities remain excluded from the scheme. See also: EIB Grants €80 Million in Loans for Electric and Hydrogen Mobility…