Author: Alexander Reed

Solid-state battery developer QuantumScape (QS.N) has integrated its proprietary “Cobra” separator manufacturing process into baseline production, marking a major advancement in its efforts to scale up commercial battery production for electric vehicles. The “Cobra” process is designed to streamline the production of QuantumScape’s solid-state ceramic separators—key components that enable the company’s lithium-metal batteries to deliver improved energy density, charging speed, safety, and lifespan over traditional lithium-ion technology. According to the company, Cobra significantly reduces both the footprint and processing time of separator manufacturing, supporting mass production at gigawatt-hour scale. “This innovation is expected to support higher-volume B1 sample production and…

Switzerland’s upper house of parliament, the Council of States, has approved a motion mandating legal guarantees for tenants to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in residential buildings, marking a significant step toward broadening access to sustainable mobility infrastructure. The motion, initiated by National Councillor Jürg Grossen (Green Liberal Party, Bern), passed despite some opposition, and now compels the Swiss Federal Council to prepare a legislative amendment or ordinance securing tenants’ rights to install slow (AC) charging stations. The measure aims to remove a key barrier to EV adoption in a country where over three-quarters of residents live in rented…

PowerGo, the Danish EV charging provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with hotel group Essendi to install electric vehicle charging points at several hotels across the Netherlands. The rollout will include a mix of AC and DC fast chargers, aiming to enhance sustainable travel options for hotel guests and nearby communities. Initial installations are taking place at key hotel sites in North and South Holland, including the Ibis and Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport hotels near Schiphol and the Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark. PowerGo has confirmed that chargers are already operational at Mercure Amsterdam City, where six 22kW AC chargers have…

Iveco Bus has inaugurated a new prototype and testing centre at its Vysoké Mýto facility in the Czech Republic, designed to support the development of battery-electric, hydrogen, and conventional powertrain buses. The two-storey facility spans 4,100 square metres—double the previous capacity—and will play a key role in the company’s future vehicle development strategy. The centre is equipped with twelve workstations, each featuring overhead platforms to provide access to bus rooftops where battery and hydrogen systems are typically housed. According to Iveco Bus, the upgraded facility can accommodate vehicles up to 18 metres in length. It includes specialized infrastructure such as…

Kia has opened orders for its first electric van, the PV5, in South Korea. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP.S platform, the PV5 is offered in two main variants: Passenger and Cargo. The Passenger model comes with either a five-seater or a 2-3-0 seating layout, while the Cargo model is available in three configurations tailored for varying load capacities. Dimensions and Interior Space The PV5 Passenger model features a wheelbase of 2,995 millimeters, comparable to the European-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz’s 2,998 millimeters. The five-seater version introduces a “fold & dive” rear seat function, which expands cargo capacity to 2,310 liters, enhancing…

French multi-technology provider SPIE is accelerating the rollout of its e-Vadea electric vehicle charging network, expanding beyond motorway rest stops to city centres and public hubs across the country. The company, which launched e-Vadea in 2022, has now opened its first fast-charging stations off motorways in Perros-Guirec and Châteauroux. SPIE’s subsidiary, SPIE CityNetworks, aims to install over 100 fast-charging points by the end of the year in 14 municipalities nationwide. In Perros-Guirec, the new network includes 16 charging points across four coastal locations, combining 120 kW and 60 kW units positioned near beaches, shops, and restaurants. In Châteauroux, four 180…

Nio reported a 13.08% year-on-year increase in vehicle deliveries for May, driven by strong performance from its sub-brands Onvo and Firefly, although deliveries fell slightly from April. The Chinese electric vehicle maker delivered 23,231 vehicles in May, up from 20,544 units a year earlier, but down 2.80% from 23,900 units in April. The Nio main brand delivered 13,270 units last month, marking a 35.41% decline from the same month last year and down 31.13% month-on-month. Firefly, Nio’s newest sub-brand, delivered 3,680 vehicles in its first full month of operation. Onvo contributed 6,281 deliveries in May, helping to offset declines from…

Geely Automobile Holdings  is facing mounting pressure from early investors in its premium electric vehicle unit Zeekr, who argue the company’s $2.2 billion privatization proposal significantly undervalues the fast-growing EV brand, according to sources cited by Reuters. Five cornerstone investors—battery giant CATL, Intel Capital, Boyu Capital and two others—have submitted joint letters to Zeekr’s board and its newly formed special committee, expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed buyout. The investors, who participated in Zeekr’s initial $500 million external fundraising round in 2021, said the $6.5 billion valuation implied by Geely’s offer falls short of fair value when compared with peers such…

Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) has started U.S. deliveries of its all-electric Ioniq 9, handing over one of the first units to customers in Georgia on Friday. The event marks the rollout of the company’s new three-row electric SUV, produced at its newly operational manufacturing facility in the state. Jennifer and Dwayne Maynard, who received one of the first vehicles, traded in their Hyundai Ioniq 5 for the larger Ioniq 9. “We loved our Ioniq 5, but the Ioniq 9 offers everything we need and more for our family and our adventures,” Jennifer Maynard said. The Ioniq 9, which seats up…

Zoox, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Amazon, has issued its second voluntary software recall in less than a month, following a collision involving one of its unoccupied robotaxis and an e-scooter rider in San Francisco on May 8. The incident occurred at low speed, with the Zoox vehicle reportedly yielding at an intersection when it was struck by the e-scooter. “The Zoox vehicle was stopped at the time of contact,” the company said in a statement. “The e-scooterist fell to the ground directly next to the vehicle. The robotaxi then began to move and stopped after completing the turn, but…

Fortum Battery Recycling has introduced its Battery Box service in Germany and Finland to simplify the collection and recycling of lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The solution is designed to ensure compliance with evolving EU regulations and promote circular material recovery. The Battery Box is a certified safety container that can be ordered through Fortum’s online platform, allowing customers to book delivery and collection, track status updates, and access all required documentation for regulatory compliance. The system targets efficient and safe battery waste management for companies. “From order to disposal, we offer a safe and transparent service as a specialist…

Nissan’s newly launched electric sedan, the N7, has received more than 10,000 orders within 18 days of its debut, according to a statement by its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng-Nissan. The company described it as the fastest-selling electric vehicle among joint venture brands in the country. Unveiled on April 28, the N7 began customer deliveries on May 16. It is the first dedicated electric vehicle developed under the Dongfeng-Nissan partnership and shares its platform with Dongfeng’s 007 model, while incorporating Nissan’s design elements. See also: Mitsubishi Motors to Launch U.S.-Made Electric Vehicle Based on Next-Generation Nissan Leaf The N7 is priced…