Author: Christopher Harrison

Fastned has opened its latest fast charging hub in Antrim, marking its second major investment in Northern Ireland following the launch of a similar facility in Banbridge earlier this year. The new drive-thru charging station, located at the Junction Retail & Leisure Park, features three Hypercharger HYC400 units with six charging bays. The site is designed for future expansion, with capacity for up to 12 bays. Like the Banbridge location, the Antrim hub includes a solar-powered roof canopy above the chargers. See also: Fastned Launches First Fast-Charging Station in Italy Fastned has invested £3 million (€3.5 million) in its Northern…

Tesla was removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show in Canada due to safety concerns, event organizers said on Thursday, citing security risks linked to ongoing protests targeting CEO Elon Musk. “The Vancouver International Auto Show has removed Tesla as a participant in this week’s event, after the automaker was provided multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw,” said Eric Nicholl, the show’s executive director. “The Vancouver Auto Show’s primary concern is the safety of attendees, exhibitors, and staff.” See also: Tesla Aims to Double U.S. Vehicle Production Within Two Years, Says Musk The decision follows protests in the United States against…

Indonesia’s car sales increased by 2.2% year-on-year in February, marking the first growth since June 2023, according to data from the country’s car association. This uptick is attributed to the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly those from Chinese manufacturers. The automotive market in Southeast Asia’s largest economy had been facing challenges due to weakened consumer spending and a tendency to postpone car purchases during the national elections last year, as noted by association officials. However, more affordable EV options and improving economic conditions have contributed to the recent sales growth. See also: China’s Xpeng Enters Indonesia, Plans Local…

Stellantis is developing a multi-speed transmission system for electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to improve efficiency, according to a recently disclosed patent filing. The patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Feb. 27, 2025, but originally filed in 2023, details the integration of a second forward gear into drive modules commonly used in EV powertrains. The filing primarily discusses how the system would manage gear shifts and proposes the use of magnetic fluid for actuation—a technique employed in adaptive dampers. See also: Stellantis Warns U.S. Dealers of Competitive Risks from New Tariffs “This…

TELO Trucks has introduced its first pre-production vehicle, the TELO MT1, a compact electric pickup truck designed to enhance urban mobility. The vehicle combines advanced battery technology, innovative safety features, and a space-efficient interior layout. With over 5,000 pre-orders representing more than $250 million in customer interest, the startup aims to carve out a niche in the competitive electric vehicle market. See also: TELO Trucks Partners with Aptera to Integrate Solar Panels into MT1 Electric Pickup The MT1 features a sustainable interior design developed by Yves Béhar, incorporating biodegradable cork and a unique “Monster Tunnel” storage system beneath the truck…

California’s Clean Mobility Options (CMO) voucher program is injecting $33 million into a variety of sustainable transportation initiatives, from electric vehicle (EV) carsharing to electric bikes and buses. The state government says the funding is aimed at addressing transportation challenges and reducing pollution in under-resourced communities. See also: WattEV Orders 40 Tesla Semi Trucks, Expands EV Fleet in California With this latest round of funding, the CMO program has now allocated a total of $66 million to mobility projects designed to serve low-income and disadvantaged areas, particularly those affected by poor air quality. The program mandates that all projects benefiting…

Volkswagen has introduced the ID. Every1, a concept for an entry-level electric vehicle aimed at making EVs more accessible to a wider audience. The compact hatchback is expected to enter production in 2027 at the company’s Wolfsburg facility, with a projected starting price of €20,000 ($21,500). The automaker positions the model as part of its strategy to expand its all-electric compact lineup. See also: Volkswagen Updates ID.3 in China with New LFP Battery, Enhanced Interior Built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the ID. Every1 features a front-wheel-drive layout with a single electric motor delivering 94 horsepower. The estimated driving range is…

Chinese automaker Geely Auto announced plans on Monday to integrate its AI-powered G-Pilot system into all vehicle brands under its umbrella, including Galaxy, Zeekr, and Lynk. The move underscores Geely’s ambition to accelerate autonomous driving adoption in China’s highly competitive market. “As an industry leader in AI technologies for smart vehicles, Geely Auto Group is committed to promoting greater utilization of smart technologies among the wider public,” said Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely’s passenger car division, during a virtual briefing. The G-Pilot system will enable automated highway navigation and self-parking, bringing advanced driver-assistance features to a broader customer base. See…

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,…