Author: David Smith

The Ionity high-power electric vehicle charging joint venture has opened a new ultra-fast charging park in Elverum, Norway, offering charging capacities of up to 500 kilowatts and marking the first use of shared-power technology from Polish charging equipment maker Ekoenergetyka at an Ionity site. The Elverum facility is the first commercial deployment of Ekoenergetyka’s dynamic load-balancing system for Ionity, following a testing phase that began earlier this year. The site is located on the Østerdalen route, a key long-distance corridor linking Oslo with Trondheim and inland regions. Under the pilot configuration, two DLBS power cabinets dynamically distribute a total system…

Volkswagen has disclosed regulatory images and specifications for the new Passat ePro plug-in hybrid sedan in China, as the German automaker introduces a higher-positioned electrified variant under its newly created ePro series. Photos published in December by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) show the Passat ePro with a redesigned front end, featuring a streamlined profile and a partially closed grille, setting it apart from the existing Passat PHEV already on sale in the Chinese market. The model is manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen, the company’s long-standing joint venture with SAIC Motor. See also: Volkswagen Anhui Files for ID.UNYX 08…

Tesla’s China-made vehicle sales recovered in November following a sharp fall a month earlier, supported by stronger domestic deliveries and exports, data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed. Tesla China’s wholesale sales reached 86,700 vehicles in November, including both domestic sales and overseas shipments. The figure was up 9.95% from 78,856 units a year earlier and marked a 40.98% increase from October’s 61,497 vehicles. The rebound was supported in part by higher deliveries in the domestic market, as Tesla intensified marketing efforts during the month. See also: Tesla Sues Corporate Buyers in China to Reclaim EV Subsidies…

PwC Belgium has taken delivery of 723 battery-electric vehicles from BMW Group Belux, marking the largest single shipment in the local distributor’s history and accelerating the professional services firm’s transition away from internal combustion engines. The delivery consists of 423 BMW iX1 eDrive20 electric crossovers and 300 MINI Aceman electric models, all added to PwC Belgium’s company fleet to expand access to electric driving for employees. The latest order will replace hundreds of diesel and hybrid vehicles as part of a broader fleet renewal programme. See also: Biogena Rolls Out Austria’s Largest Electric Mini Fleet with 126 Cooper SE Models…

Australia’s first purpose-built battery-electric heavy haul locomotives have arrived in Western Australia, with mining giant BHP set to begin real-world trials on iron ore rail corridors in the Pilbara region, the company said. The two battery-electric locomotives (BELs) were manufactured by Wabtec, a U.S.-based rail equipment producer headquartered in Pittsburgh, and were designed specifically for BHP’s mining operations under the region’s high-temperature and high-load conditions. Each locomotive is equipped with a 7 megawatt-hour battery system and regenerative braking technology, which allows energy generated during downhill braking to be captured and reused. Following safety commissioning, the locomotives will be tested on…

Hyundai Motor is pursuing new fast-charging technology aimed at cutting electric-vehicle charging times to about three minutes, a target the company says aligns with consumer expectations for refuelling. The effort comes as the automaker works to reduce charging anxiety among drivers who rely heavily on public infrastructure. Current Hyundai EVs built on the E-GMP platform — including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 — can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes using 350 kW DC fast chargers and an 800-volt architecture. Although the system is among the fastest on the market, Hyundai says customers are increasingly looking…

MAN, the commercial vehicle brand under Traton, plans to cut 2,300 jobs across three German sites over the next ten years, citing weak demand and rising cost pressures. The company told DPA the reductions would be implemented gradually and without compulsory redundancies, describing the plans as “absolutely socially responsible.” A spokesperson said the job cuts would be balanced by natural retirements during the same period, allowing MAN to hire selectively while maintaining operations in Germany. The workforce is expected to decline from more than 15,000 to about 13,000. “All our production sites in Munich, Nuremberg, Salzgitter and Wittlich are to…

German automotive supplier ZF introduced its new eTERRADRIVE, a fully electric transaxle system for tractors, at Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover. Designed for agricultural machines in the 60 to 100 kW power range, the unit is compatible with existing tractor interfaces and standards, offering manufacturers a plug-in pathway toward electrification. ZF described the eTERRADRIVE as “a significant step towards zero-emission agricultural machinery.” The integrated driveline combines traction, power take-offs, and rear lift in a single housing, ensuring a seamless power flow and optimized energy use across multiple tractor functions while maintaining full utility. See also: Kodiak AI Expands Partnership With ZF,…

Major Chinese battery and electric vehicle (EV) makers are moving to introduce what could become an industry-wide standard for long-term EV battery warranties, prompting Tesla to develop its own extended coverage plans to remain competitive. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is working with Chinese automakers including Nio to formalize a 15-year EV battery warranty that guarantees up to 85% capacity retention. The move aims to enhance consumer confidence and strengthen the resale market for used electric vehicles. See also: Tesla Weighs Building Massive “Terafab” Chip Plant to Meet Soaring AI and Robotics Demand, Says…

Changan Automobile Group and Haier Group have advanced their strategic partnership, focusing on integrating smart home technologies with connected electric vehicles. The visit by Changan Chairman Zhu Huarong to Haier’s Qingdao headquarters on November 6–7 marked the latest step in cooperation following an agreement signed in July that aims to combine the strengths of both companies in new energy, supply chains, and global brand development. See also: Changan’s Nevo Launches A06 Sedan with BEV and EREV Options in China The collaboration includes the development of a “vehicle-home ecosystem,” combining smart appliances with automotive applications, co-developing automotive products, and establishing logistics…

Tesla shareholders have approved a record remuneration package for CEO Elon Musk, with 75 per cent of votes cast in favour of the plan. The deal, which could be worth up to US$1 trillion in Tesla shares, is designed to keep Musk at the helm for the next decade as the company seeks to expand its footprint in electric vehicles, AI, and robotics. See also: Tesla Marks 15 Years at Fremont Factory, Producing Over 3 Million Vehicles Since 2010 The package, first proposed by Tesla’s board two months ago, links Musk’s potential payout to a series of ambitious targets. “Given…

Octopus Electric Vehicles (Octopus EV) has appointed Gurjeet Grewal as its permanent Chief Executive Officer after a year of record expansion, innovation, and international growth under his interim leadership. The announcement follows significant milestones for the UK-based electric vehicle leasing company, including a nearly 50% increase in fleet size, £1.5 billion in funding from institutional investors, and a new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) partnership with BYD. Grewal, who joined Octopus EV in 2018 as one of its founding employees, has been instrumental in scaling the company from a startup to one of the UK’s leading EV leasing providers. See also: Octopus Energy…