Author: Christopher Harrison

Volkswagen Group is overhauling its in-house software division, Cariad, in a major strategic shift that will see the unit transition from an independent developer to a coordinator for externally developed technologies. The move comes as Volkswagen expands partnerships with U.S. electric vehicle startup Rivian and Chinese automaker Xpeng to accelerate progress on software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures. The change marks a departure from the original vision set out in 2020 by then-CEO Herbert Diess, who established Cariad to unify the company’s software efforts across its multiple brands. However, the division, which employs around 6,000 people, struggled to deliver on its objectives,…

BriarPatch Food Co-op and Skycharger have expanded the electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at the co-op’s Grass Valley location, increasing capacity from two to ten fast-charging ports in a move to boost clean transportation options in Nevada County. The new installation features Kempower technology capable of delivering charging speeds of up to 320 kilowatts. The system includes six CCS1 and two NACS ports, allowing compatibility with a wide range of EV models. The hub can provide an 80% charge in about 15 minutes for many vehicles, depending on their battery and charging capabilities. “This expansion not only increases charging speed…

Ford reported strong third-quarter sales on Thursday, driven by a combination of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electrified models, including hybrids and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). During the quarter, Ford and Lincoln sold a total of 85,789 electrified vehicles, up 19.8 percent from the same period in 2024. Electrified models represented 15.7 percent of the brands’ total sales, compared with 13.5 percent in the previous quarter. See also: Ford and GM Offer Dealer Programs to Extend $7,500 EV Lease Tax Credit Battery-electric vehicle deliveries reached 30,612 units, marking a 30.2 percent increase from the prior year. The Mustang Mach-E…

ZF Friedrichshafen has reached an agreement with employee representatives on a restructuring plan for its Electrified Drive Technologies division, ruling out site closures or a sale for now but confirming deep personnel cuts. The “restructuring alliance” will see the struggling division remain part of ZF after management had considered alternatives ranging from a sale to winding it down. However, the company said 7,600 jobs will be cut in Division E by 2030, mainly through attrition and severance programmes, while working hours and benefits will also be reduced. See also: ZF Names Mathias Miedreich as CEO Amid Restructuring, Klein and Laier…

Toyota, including its Lexus brand, sold only 18 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Japan last month, underscoring the slow pace of EV adoption in its home market compared to overseas. Globally, Toyota and Lexus sold just over 17,000 BEVs in August, with nearly all delivered in markets such as Europe, China, and North America. Through the first nine months of 2025, the automaker sold 117,031 BEVs worldwide, putting it on track to surpass the 140,000 sold in all of 2024. In Japan, however, cumulative sales stood at just 469 units through August, far behind the 2,038 sold domestically in 2024.…

Austrian telecom operator A1 has partnered with Renault Austria to test how electric vehicles can supply backup power to mobile phone masts during blackouts, the companies said on Tuesday. The pilot project, launched in the municipality of Raasdorf near Vienna, uses Renault’s V2L-enabled 5 E-Tech and 4 E-Tech electric models to feed power directly into a mobile network antenna, helping to maintain emergency communications if grid power fails. “In an emergency, an electric car can be used as a mobile power bank to keep operations going for longer,” said Christian Zeindlhofer, A1’s Head of Risk and Resilience Management. A1’s Chief…

Stellantis, in partnership with Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has unveiled an electric vehicle prototype featuring an advanced battery system that integrates inverter and charger functions directly into the pack. The Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS) is designed to deliver faster charging, reduced weight, and improved efficiency, the automaker said on Friday. The French-based collaborative research project aims to develop a more efficient and cost-effective energy storage and conversion system for both mobile and stationary applications. Road testing is underway in a Peugeot e-3008 built on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, following years of design, modeling and simulation supported by E2-CAD,…

Munich Airport has inaugurated Bavaria’s largest electric vehicle charging park in parking garage P44, equipped with 275 charging points powered by rooftop solar panels. The €5.2 million project is part of the airport’s NetZero 2035 strategy and its broader effort to expand sustainable mobility infrastructure. Located opposite the LabCampus innovation hub, the new charging facility is among Germany’s largest public charging parks. Of the 275 chargers, 138 provide a nominal output of 11 kW, with peaks of up to 22 kW. Power comes from two rooftop photovoltaic systems on parking garages P44 and P43, which together feature 7,216 solar modules…

BYD has unveiled its latest innovation in electric mobility, the e-Bus Platform 3.0, designed to enhance both safety and performance for public transportation. One of the standout features is the high-speed tire blowout stability system, which maintains vehicle balance even at speeds of up to 63 mph (100 km/h). The system is engineered to activate within milliseconds of detecting a tire blowout, providing an added layer of safety for passengers. The platform also includes a driver-assist safety feature: a dashboard button that allows passengers to bring the bus to a complete stop if the driver becomes incapacitated. This technology underscores…

BMW is offering a new lease deal on its 2026 i5 xDrive40 electric sedan in the United States, cutting monthly payments by about $150 compared with the average lease cost for the model, according to industry data. The i5 xDrive40 is now available at $529 per month for 36 months with $5,809 due at signing, BMW said. The offer includes $9,900 in Lease Credit, a dealer contribution, and up to $2,000 in Loyalty Credit for returning BMW customers. Security deposits are waived for qualifying buyers through BMW Financial Services. CarsDirect data shows the promotion reduces the monthly lease cost by…

BMW plans to expand the range of exterior colors available for its iX3 electric SUV, with special Individual hues set to be offered from the middle of next year. The model currently launches with a limited palette dominated by black, white, grey and silver, alongside a small selection of shades including Ocean Wave Blue, Fire Red and Eucalyptus Green. See also: BMW Sees Path Back to Growth in China With Neue Klasse EV Series The German automaker confirmed that its Debrecen plant in Hungary was equipped from the outset to support Individual colors. The facility’s paint shop, spanning 33,000 square…

techtron® Future Tech Ltd has introduced its EV7+ smart electric vehicle charger, designed to meet the growing needs of UK EV owners seeking faster and more intelligent home charging solutions. The Level 2 Type 2 charger delivers up to 7.6kW of single-phase AC power and features advanced connectivity, a durable weatherproof build, and universal compatibility with modern electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. “The EV7+ is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern electric vehicle owners who demand smart, efficient, and reliable charging solutions,” said Danyaal Hussain, Managing Director at techtron® Future Tech Ltd. He added that the device aligns…