Author: David Smith

KG Mobility has introduced its first hybrid vehicle, the Torres Hybrid, marking its entry into the hybrid market with a focus on fuel efficiency and affordability. The Torres Hybrid features KG Mobility’s Dual-Tech Hybrid System, incorporating a parallel dual motor and an e-DHT transmission. See also: KG Mobility and Chery Automobile Partner to Co-Develop Plug-In Hybrids This setup enables multiple driving modes, including an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, a parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) mode, and an Engine Drive mode. The company states that the vehicle can operate in EV mode for up to 94% of urban driving. With a…

Toyota’s bZ3X is an electric SUV that shares much of its foundation with the GAC Aion V, offering similar dimensions, drivetrain, and electric motors but differing in battery configurations. The bZ3X is a five-door, five-seater vehicle measuring 4,600 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. It features a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout and is powered by a single electric motor that delivers either 150 kW or 165 kW of maximum power, allowing it to reach a top speed of 160 km/h. See also: Toyota’s Cheapest EV Yet? bZ3X SUV Launches…

Turkish manufacturer Karsan has secured new orders for its electric buses in Italy and Romania, further expanding its footprint in European public transport networks. Karsan will supply 42 units of its e-ATAK model to Italy’s Campania region by the end of the year. The latest deal will increase the company’s presence in the area to 50 units and bring the total number of Karsan buses in Italy to 300. See also: Karsan Launches Right-Hand Drive e-Jest Electric Minibus in the UK The e-ATAK, an 8-meter low-floor bus, accommodates up to 52 passengers and features a 230 kW electric motor with…

Luminar announced that its LiDAR technology will be integrated into Volvo’s forthcoming fully electric ES90 sedan, scheduled to commence production later this year. This development marks the second collaboration between Luminar and Volvo, following the integration of Luminar’s technology into the Volvo EX90 SUV, which is currently being delivered to customers. See also: Volvo Unveils ES90 Electric Saloon with 800V Charging and Up to 700 km Range LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, utilizes laser pulses to create precise three-dimensional mappings of a vehicle’s surroundings. This technology enhances safety by detecting pedestrians at distances up to 250 meters…

Porsche has taken over Varta’s battery subsidiary V4Drive, renaming it V4Smart, as the German sports car maker consolidates its position in high-performance battery technology. The acquisition, effective March 4, gives Porsche a majority stake, while Varta AG retains a minority share without operational influence. Varta launched V4Drive in 2022 to produce specialized cylindrical battery cells designed as “booster cells” for high-power applications rather than primary traction batteries in electric vehicles. The cells, which can quickly absorb and release energy, are used in Porsche’s 911 GTS T-Hybrid system to enhance short-term power output. See also: Porsche Appoints New CFO and Sales…

The high cost of DC fast chargers remains a significant barrier to widespread electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion, with a single 300-kilowatt Level 3 charging stall costing over $100,000. A substantial portion of this expense—nearly 60%—is attributed to critical safety mechanisms, particularly isolation links designed to prevent electric shocks, industry experts say. See also: Apple Maps to Add NACS Adapter Warnings in Future Update “The reality is that more than half the cost of an EV charger goes into keeping you alive,” IEEE Spectrum reported. The isolation link, a key component ensuring galvanic isolation between the power source and vehicle,…

Hyundai is preparing to launch its first three-row fully electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, aiming to strengthen its position in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. The new model, which builds on the design and technology of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, is expected to offer an extended driving range and faster charging capabilities. See also: Hyundai, Kia Adjust U.S. EV Batteries to Qualify for $7,500 Tax Credit; SK On Scales Up Production The Ioniq 9 features a 110.3 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, providing an estimated range of up to 335 miles on the U.S. EPA cycle and up…

Hyundai recorded its fifth straight month of record-breaking sales in the U.S. last month, with electrified models, including the upgraded 2025 Ioniq 5, playing a key role in its continued growth. The automaker reported over 62,000 vehicle sales in February, a 3% year-over-year increase, surpassing the industry’s estimated 1% growth. “This was the best ever February for Hyundai in total sales and the fifth consecutive month of total sales records,” said Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. See also: Hyundai Plans U.S. EV Production Expansion Amid Potential Tariffs Hyundai’s electrified sales surged 25% compared to February 2024, with the…

Vietnam’s Vingroup has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with JTA Investment Qatar to explore a potential investment of at least $1 billion in its electric vehicle subsidiary, VinFast, the conglomerate said on Tuesday. The agreement, which also covers Vingroup’s hospitality business Vinpearl, will facilitate discussions between the two firms on a possible collaboration. “Under the MoU, the companies will engage in discussions to define their future collaboration in pursuing mutually beneficial objectives,” Vingroup said in a statement. See also: VinFast Nearly Triples EV Sales in 2024, But Struggles Abroad VinFast, which was listed on Nasdaq in 2023, has been…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 on March 18, before U.S. markets open, the company said on Monday. Xpeng’s management will host an earnings call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time (8:00 p.m. Beijing time) on the same day. The Guangzhou-based automaker delivered 91,507 vehicles in the fourth quarter, surpassing the upper end of its guidance range of 87,000 to 91,000 units. See also: Xpeng to Launch Mona M03 Max With Enhanced Smart Driving in May The figure marks a 52.1% increase year-on-year and a 96.7% rise…

Volkswagen Group of America has recalled 60,490 electric vehicles due to a software issue that prevents the gear display from showing the correct position, posing a potential safety risk, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced. The recall affects the 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4, the 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and the 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback models. See also: Volkswagen ID.4 Tops Tesla Model Y as Europe’s Best-Selling EV in January The malfunction could prevent the vehicle from engaging the parking brake properly, increasing the risk of unintended movement and potential accidents. The issue violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…

The European Commission is set to introduce measures aimed at increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the European Union and strengthening domestic battery production, according to a draft proposal seen by Reuters. The plan, expected on March 5, is intended to help European car manufacturers transition to electric mobility and compete with Chinese and U.S. rivals. The draft recommends steps for the 27 EU member states to accelerate EV uptake, particularly in corporate fleets, which account for around 60% of new car sales in the bloc. It also proposes exemptions from road charges for zero-emission heavy vehicles and explores financial…