Author: Christopher Harrison

Kia is enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) offerings by launching smart charging and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) services in specific regions of Europe and the United States. This initiative is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s global strategy to advance Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) services. In the Netherlands, Kia EV owners can now utilize the Kia Smart Charge app to optimize charging times based on fluctuating electricity rates, potentially reducing their energy costs. The app, compatible with all home chargers, coordinates data between the vehicle and energy supplier to charge during lower-rate periods. Later this year, Kia plans to introduce a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) service, enabling…

Lucid Motors reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue on Tuesday and reaffirmed its production forecast of around 20,000 vehicles in 2025, buoyed by increasing output of its first electric SUV, the Gravity. The luxury EV maker posted Q4 revenue of $234.5 million, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $214 million and marking a nearly 50% increase from a year earlier. For the full year, revenue rose to $807.8 million from $595.2 million in 2023. The company also reduced its operating loss to $732.95 million, down slightly from $736.87 million in the previous year. See also: Lucid Secures Graphite Supply Deal with Syrah Resources…

Mercedes-Benz Vans will introduce a new combustion engine platform, dubbed Van Combustion Architecture (VAN.CA), alongside its previously announced Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), the company said in a statement on Friday. The move marks a strategic shift from its earlier plan to transition entirely to electric vans in the medium- and large-sized segments by 2026. The two platforms will share approximately 70% of their components and will be produced on the same assembly line, allowing greater flexibility and cost efficiencies, according to the German automaker. “This new Van Architecture allows for maximum synergies and generates economies of scale. With a maximally…

Xiaomi EV is set to launch its high-performance electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, in China on February 27, priced at 814,900 yuan ($111,790). The SU7 Ultra features a peak power output of 1,526 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.98 seconds. Pre-sales for the SU7 Ultra began on October 29, 2024, with 3,680 orders placed within the first 10 minutes. Initially scheduled for a March 2025 release, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun announced an earlier launch date of February 27. The company aims to sell 10,000 units of the SU7 Ultra in 2025. On February 11, the vehicle…

Volkswagen has confirmed plans to introduce an all-electric T-Roc SUV and provided a first glimpse of its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle, tentatively referred to as the ID.1, at a recent works meeting in Wolfsburg. Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer announced that the electric T-Roc, a compact SUV positioned alongside the future electric Golf, will be built on the next-generation SSP platform at the company’s main plant. “By relocating Golf production to Mexico, we are creating space for modern technologies. New production processes will be introduced in Hall 54, and our goal is to build the next-generation electric Golf on the…

Japan’s Panasonic Holdings has revised its full-year earnings forecast for its energy division, a key battery supplier to Tesla, citing robust sales in energy storage systems and enhanced profitability at its U.S. battery facility. The company now anticipates a 14% increase in the segment’s operating profit, projecting it to reach 124 billion yen ($798.35 million). This adjustment follows a 39% year-on-year rise in operating profit for the unit during the third quarter. The improved performance is attributed to heightened sales of energy storage solutions and favorable material costs, alongside better margins in its North American automotive battery operations. These gains…

Tesla has revealed significant updates for its 2025 Model Y with the launch of the Juniper facelift, a refreshed version of its popular electric SUV. Priced at $59,990 before any tax credit deductions, the new Model Y comes with several design and feature upgrades, which Tesla hopes will maintain the vehicle’s strong market appeal. The Model Y Juniper refresh includes various enhancements aimed at improving comfort, performance, and overall driving experience. One notable feature is the upgraded suspension system, which offers a smoother ride. The seats have been redesigned for added comfort, now with ventilated and heated options, and the…

ZM Trucks has announced the opening of its first manufacturing plant and regional headquarters in Fontana, California. The facility, covering 9.67 acres with a 210,000-square-foot production area, will support the company’s operations in the United States, with production expected to begin in early 2025. The new plant will focus on the manufacturing of electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment. Located approximately 49 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the facility is set to play a key role in the company’s U.S. operations and its broader global strategy. See also: 32GROUP Places First 900-Unit Order for ZM Trucks’…

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller views the controversy surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political endorsements as an opportunity to attract disenchanted Tesla owners to Polestar’s electric vehicle lineup. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Lohscheller criticized Musk’s public support of Germany’s far-right AfD party, calling it “unacceptable” and “pure arrogance.” See also: Polestar 5 Set for 2025 Launch, Polestar 7 SUV Revealed “For Germany, somebody outside of Germany endorsing right-wing political parties is a big thing. You just don’t do that,” Lohscheller stated. The CEO believes Musk’s political interventions have alienated many Tesla owners, particularly in Europe, where political sensitivities are heightened.…

Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, has denied speculation that it could be acquired by Xiaomi later this year, following claims made in a report by Haitong International, a Hong Kong-based financial firm. The report, published Saturday, outlined “five big conjectures for 2025,” one of which suggested that Xiaomi might acquire Nio. Hours after the claim surfaced, Ma Lin, Nio’s assistant vice president for branding and communications, refuted the speculation on Weibo, calling it “purely fictional.” “A colleague from the company had a brief ‘exchange’ with the author, who explained, ‘When sharing internally, the intent was to express recognition…

A fleet of 30 electric, automated terminal trucks is set to go into operation at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (MVII) in Rotterdam by early 2027. This comes as part of a collaboration agreement between APM, Embotech, a provider of autonomous vehicle technology, and Dutch special vehicle manufacturer Terberg. The move marks a significant step in the transition to more sustainable and efficient port operations. The project, which began with a successful pilot, will see the full implementation of autonomous technology to enhance the handling of containers. Embotech’s Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Kit has been specifically developed to enable trucks…

The State University of New York (SUNY) will receive $15 million in federal funding to install up to 350 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its campuses. The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Programme, aims to enhance air quality and promote sustainability in New York. The project includes deploying fast chargers and Level 2 charge points throughout SUNY’s 64 campuses. Select locations will feature advanced installations like solar canopies and battery storage systems. According to New York Senator Chuck Schumer’s office, the chargers will serve not only the campuses but also surrounding communities,…