Author: Shaun Williams

Tesla’s Cybertruck team has revealed that off-road armor and rocker accessories for the all-electric pickup truck are expected to launch by the end of March 2025. The update, shared on social media platform X by Cybertruck Vehicle Program Manager Siddhant Awasthi, sheds light on the upcoming enhancements for the vehicle, which has yet to officially debut. The accessories, designed to increase durability and protection during off-road use, will complement the existing range of items available on the Tesla Shop. However, Awasthi clarified that the launch of these off-road accessories has experienced delays. “We are working on it, and they should…

BYD has made a strong debut in South Korea’s electric vehicle (EV) market, with its Atto 3 compact SUV securing over 1,000 preorders in just one week. The Chinese automaker officially entered the South Korean market on January 16, with the Atto 3 priced at approximately 31.5 million won ($21,600). The vehicle is offered in two trims: Standard and Plus, with the latter priced at 33 million won ($23,000), featuring upgrades such as a Dirac HD 8-speaker sound system, ventilated seats, and an electric tailgate. See also: KG Mobility and BYD Join Forces to Construct Battery Pack Factory in South…

Formula E will debut in-race fast charging during the Saudi Arabia E-Prix on February 14-15, 2025, adding a new tactical element to the championship. The “Pit Boost” feature will allow drivers to recharge their cars during a pit stop, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of electric racing. Initially announced in 2022, the Pit Boost system faced delays to ensure reliability under high-pressure race conditions. With the system now deemed ready, race cars can recharge 10% of their energy, or 3.85 kWh, through a 30-second, 600 kW fast charge in the pit lane. The process, including plugging and unplugging,…

The Croatian Ministry of Economy has launched a grant programme worth €50 million to develop charging infrastructure for electric buses in public transport. The initiative aims to establish at least 150 charging stations, accelerating the country’s transition to zero-emission transportation. The tender, open from February 17 to June 30, is directed at public transport service providers. Funding recipients will use the subsidies to build private charging stations exclusively for their operations. This initiative aligns with a parallel funding programme by the Croatian Ministry of Transport for the procurement of electric buses, though details on its structure remain limited. See also:…

Lithium-ion batteries often experience a significant decline in performance in cold environments, a limitation that has spurred research into alternative materials. A team of Chinese researchers has demonstrated the potential of lithium titanium phosphate (LTP) as a promising electrode material capable of addressing this issue by tackling the root cause of performance loss at low temperatures. See also: China Proposes Export Restrictions on Battery and Metal Processing Technologies Current strategies to mitigate the “cold problem,” such as incorporating battery heaters or modifying electrolytes and electrode coatings, come with added complexity and costs, often at the expense of performance. Researchers from…

Turkish manufacturer Bozankaya has secured a milestone contract with Prague transport company DPP for up to 70 trolleybuses, marking the largest order of its kind in the Czech Republic. The $50 million framework agreement will span five years, with the new vehicles set to serve several key routes in the capital. The decision to award the contract to Bozankaya has sparked discontent from Czech manufacturer Skoda Group, which previously contested the deal. See also: Svealandstrafiken Orders 73 Electric Buses from Volvo to Expand Fleet Bozankaya’s winning bid includes the delivery of 12-meter-long SNG T12 trolleybuses, capable of carrying 82 passengers,…

Bidfood Netherlands is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet with an additional 25 Renault Trucks E-Tech electric units by the end of the current quarter. This follows a successful partnership that began in 2021 with the integration of Renault’s electric trucks into Bidfood’s logistics operations. With the new order, Bidfood’s fleet of electric Renault trucks will reach 50 units by spring 2025, contributing significantly to the company’s sustainability goals. See also: Renault Trucks Announces Long-Haul Electric Truck with 600 km Range for 2026 Bidfood, a leading wholesale supplier in the hotel and catering industry, operates a large fleet…

BYD’s Shark pickup truck achieved exports of over 10,000 units in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the company’s expansion in the global pickup market. The Shark’s December exports reached 3,410 units, bringing its full-year total to 11,038 units, BYD announced on its Weibo account. While the specific manufacturing location was not disclosed, media reports suggest production takes place in Zhengzhou, Henan province. Notably, the Shark is not available in the domestic Chinese market. BYD launched the hybrid pickup in Mexico on May 14, 2024, marking one of the rare occasions a new model debuted overseas. The Shark is offered…

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has announced a $43.7 million funding award to 25 innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging projects across the U.S. The funding, provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to tackle critical challenges related to EV infrastructure, including expanding access to electrified mobility and improving grid reliability. Launched on April 16, 2024, the Communities Taking Charge Accelerator focuses on three primary goals: expanding access to home and shared charging options, accelerating fleet electrification, and advancing managed charging systems to optimize grid usage. The 25 awarded projects span 23 states, the District of Columbia,…

Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng has forecasted that competition within the automotive industry will intensify significantly over the next few years. In an internal letter to company staff last month, He stated that the period from 2025 to 2027 will serve as a critical phase in the industry, describing it as an “elimination round.” He further emphasized that 2025 will see an unprecedented level of competition. “Competition in 2025 will be fiercer than ever,” He wrote, signaling the escalating pressures companies will face in the rapidly evolving market. Xpeng, which delivered 190,068 vehicles in 2024—marking a 34% increase from 2023—continues to…

Suzuki Motor plans to establish India as its global production hub for electric vehicles (EVs), exporting them to markets including Japan and Europe, despite a global slowdown in EV sales, company President Toshihiro Suzuki said on Thursday. The decision highlights India’s strategic importance as Suzuki’s largest market by sales and revenue through its majority-owned subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki. On Friday, Maruti Suzuki will debut its first electric vehicle, the e Vitara, a mid-sized SUV that will be exported globally and supplied to Suzuki’s partner, Toyota Motor. Speaking in New Delhi, Toshihiro Suzuki emphasized India’s role in the company’s EV strategy: “For…

Electric vehicle startup Canoo has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and will cease operations immediately. The company has initiated a liquidation of its assets in Delaware Bankruptcy Court. In a press release issued on Friday, Canoo explained that it had been unable to secure the necessary funding, despite engaging in discussions with foreign sources of capital. Additionally, the company highlighted its inability to obtain support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office, which has been providing loans to other companies in the sector. This filing follows a series of setbacks, including the furloughing of the company’s remaining workers…