Author: David Smith

U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian is recalling 24,214 R1S SUVs and R1T pickup trucks due to a software defect that may cause its hands-free Highway Assist system to misidentify lead vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday. The issue traces back to vehicles running software prior to version 2025.18.30. Rivian discovered that in rare cases Highway Assist could misclassify a situation at very low speeds, resulting in a one-time functional limitation. See also: Rivian Prepares 2025.34 Software Update With Smarter Charging and Enhanced Driver Assistance This occurred in one reported field incident involving a 2025 R1S,…

Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.Buzz has secured a five-star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, published in September 2025, with high marks for occupant protection and advanced safety systems, though performance against vulnerable road users left room for improvement. The five-door MPV, tested in its 210 kW “Pro” variant, scored 84% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant protection, 70% for vulnerable road users, and 73% for safety assist technologies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrdXqKLatlk&ab_channel=EuroNCAP Euro NCAP said the passenger compartment remained stable in frontal crash tests, providing “good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger.” It added…

Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles grew 15% in August from a year earlier, the slowest pace since January, as Chinese demand cooled, data from market research firm Rho Motion showed on Friday. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid sales rose to 1.7 million units worldwide, compared with a 21% rise in July. The slowdown reflected tougher year-on-year comparatives, as China’s subsidy-driven demand in August 2024 boosted the base figure. See also: EY Report Sees Battery Electric Vehicles Surpassing Half Of Europe’s Light Vehicle Sales By 2032 China, the world’s largest car market, accounted for 1.1 million sales last…

The Aipas M2 Pro e-bike has entered the market as a budget-friendly fat-tire model, combining high power output with long-distance capability. Priced at $949, the bike features a rear-wheel motor rated at 1,800 watts peak, a top speed exceeding 36 mph (58 km/h), and a manufacturer-claimed range of up to 85 miles (137 km). Designed with a sturdy frame, 26×10 cm wide tires and a suspension fork, the M2 Pro includes full suspension, integrated lighting, mudguards and a luggage rack. Real-world testing has shown range performance varying from 23 miles at maximum assistance to over 80 miles at low assistance.…

Chinese electric vehicle and battery maker BYD reported a notable drop in second-quarter net income as competition in the domestic new energy vehicle (NEV) market intensified. The company posted net income of RMB 6.36 billion ($892 million) for the quarter ended June 30, down 29.9% from a year earlier and 30.6% from the first quarter, marking its second consecutive quarter of sequential decline, according to its semi-annual results released on Thursday. Revenue for the quarter reached RMB 201.0 billion, up 14.0% from the same period last year and 17.9% from the first quarter. BYD’s gross margin fell to 16.27%, down…

Hesai Group, China’s leading LiDAR manufacturer, announced it will supply its compact and long-range ATX LiDAR to a Toyota joint venture brand in China, with the vehicles set for mass production in 2026. The partnership underlines the joint venture’s focus on accelerating intelligent vehicle development through advanced smart driving technology and local R&D. The ATX LiDAR, featuring Hesai’s fourth-generation chip architecture and upgraded laser transceiver modules, has been adopted by several leading automakers and is planned as standard equipment for mass-produced models in 2025-2026. Hesai noted that this collaboration marks a new chapter in its engagement with Japanese automakers. Hesai…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has expanded its latest-generation Transporter line-up, adding three new body variants designed to meet a wider range of commercial requirements. The move builds on the existing panel van and Kombi models and brings additional choice for businesses seeking diesel, electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The new additions are the Transporter dropside with a double cab and large load platform, the panel van Plus for combined passenger and goods transport, and a panel van with an L-partition for carrying longer items. The company said the dropside model has proven a long-standing success in certain sectors. “This model…

The Netherlands-based Ambitious Air Mobility Group (AAMG) has expressed interest in taking over key assets from German electric flying taxi developer Lilium, which filed for insolvency earlier this year. The proposal includes acquiring Lilium’s intellectual property, testing facilities, and retaining essential technical and certification teams to continue development of the aircraft platform. AAMG said it plans to advance the certification process and establish a supply chain to manufacture the aircraft in Europe, provided an agreement is reached. Before Lilium’s financial troubles, AAMG had already placed an order for 16 aircraft and now intends to revitalise the programme. The group said…

Tesla’s market position in Europe is showing signs of strain, as the electric vehicle maker faces declining registrations across several key countries. A mix of increased competition, regulatory hurdles, and CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing image is contributing to the downward trend, with the company’s market share in the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) segment shrinking in recent months. According to newly released data, Tesla’s registrations fell sharply in July across multiple European markets. The Netherlands saw a 62% year-over-year drop to 443 vehicles, while Belgium declined 58% to 460 units. In Portugal, sales slid 49% to 284 vehicles. The most significant decline…

Autonomous driving firm Pony.ai said on Sunday it has received approval to operate fully driverless commercial Robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, expanding its footprint in China’s top-tier cities. The permit, announced at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, allows Pony.ai to launch services in key Pudong districts including Jinqiao and Huamu, with further expansion planned. The company said it is among the first to receive this type of permit in Shanghai, and now holds approvals to operate fully driverless commercial Robotaxis in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. “This achievement demonstrates increasing regulatory trust and recognition in the Company’s…

Opel has introduced the Mokka GSE, a high-performance electric crossover that joins Stellantis’ growing stable of compact EVs targeting enthusiasts in the European market. The new model represents the fastest electric Opel to date and marks the launch of the brand’s revamped GSE sub-brand. Positioned as a sportier version of the existing Mokka Electric, the Mokka GSE adopts styling elements inspired by last year’s GSE Rally prototype. Key exterior changes include aggressive black accents on the front and rear bumpers, aerodynamic 20-inch alloy wheels, and yellow brake calipers. GSE badging is also prominently displayed, reinforcing its performance identity. See also:…

Gridserve, a UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator, reported a pre-tax loss of £82.7 million in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of significant financial losses. The company also confirmed it had reduced its workforce by 81 employees during the same period. Despite the losses, Gridserve recorded a notable increase in revenue, rising from £29.1 million in 2023 to £46.2 million in 2024, according to accounts filed with Companies House. The company described the year as a period of strategic refinement and restructuring. In a statement, the board said 2024 was a year in which “we successfully refined our…