Author: David Wilson

UK-based electric motor specialist Helix has partnered with McMurtry Automotive to provide a bespoke twin-motor propulsion system for the McMurtry Spéirling electric fan hypercar, with production deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. The rear-wheel-drive setup uses two Helix SPX242-94 electric motors delivering a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower. Each motor produces around 500 Nm of torque while weighing just 33 kilograms, enabling a compact packaging layout suited to the Spéirling’s single-seat design. The propulsion system integrates with McMurtry’s gearbox and operates alongside the vehicle’s proprietary Downforce-on-Demand fan system, which generates aerodynamic grip independent of speed. Performance targets for…

Ford Motor has upgraded its compact electric van models, the Ford E-Transit Courier and Ford E-Tourneo Courier, with improved battery capacity, extended driving range, and faster charging capabilities, the automaker said. The enhancements follow similar powertrain updates recently introduced on the European Ford Explorer EV and Ford Capri EV. Both Courier models now feature an increase in usable battery capacity from 43 kWh to 46 kWh. The change delivers an approximately 11% improvement in range, raising the E-Tourneo Courier’s maximum driving distance to about 320 kilometres on a single charge and the E-Transit Courier’s to around 334 kilometres. See also:…

Mahle has unveiled a new heat recovery system designed to improve cabin heating efficiency in electric vehicles, saying the technology can reduce energy demand for climate control by about 20% compared with conventional exhaust air systems. Heating remains one of the main factors affecting driving range in battery-electric vehicles during winter. Unlike combustion-engine cars, which use engine waste heat to warm the cabin, EVs must rely largely on electric heating elements powered by the traction battery due to the high efficiency of their drivetrains. Mahle’s HeatX Range+ system seeks to address this limitation by recovering thermal energy from cabin exhaust…

Warsaw’s public transport operator Miejskie Zakłady Autobusowe (MZA) has exercised an option to expand its electric bus procurement contract with Solaris Bus & Coach, doubling the size of an order signed in September 2025. Under the contract extension, MZA has ordered an additional 79 battery-electric buses, comprising 50 articulated Urbino 18 electric vehicles and 29 standard-length Urbino 12 electric buses. The expanded order brings the total number of zero-emission buses under the agreement to 158 units. See also: Swiss Operator PostAuto Orders Up to 115 Electric Buses From Solaris The newly ordered vehicles will match the specifications of the earlier…

The Nissan LEAF has been ranked the UK’s most reliable used electric vehicle, according to a study by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) based on real-world warranty repair claims. The analysis reviewed 1,000 EV warranty claims filed between January and December 2025 and found the Nissan LEAF recorded the lowest claim rate in the sample at 1.52%, outperforming all other electric models included in the study. See also: 2026 Nissan LEAF Wins Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award WSG said the results underline the importance of long-term durability as the used EV market expands, offering reassurance to consumers weighing total ownership…

Poland is preparing potential restrictions on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) near sensitive military locations, reflecting growing European concern that advanced automotive technologies could pose data security risks, according to officials and local media reports. Polish authorities are drafting rules that could prohibit such vehicles from entering military installations and adjacent parking areas, a move that would follow similar steps taken by the United Kingdom to limit access by Chinese EVs to defense-related zones. The focus is on modern cars’ use of cameras, sensors and radar systems that can collect detailed environmental and geolocation data. See also: Poland Offers €290 Million…

Chinese startup Tianjin Gongjiangpai Auto Technology is preparing to bring a lightweight electric sports car to Europe, with plans that could include limited production in Italy, according to media reports and company disclosures. The model, known as the SC01 in Europe and marketed in China as the JMEV 01, is designed as a compact, high-performance electric sports car inspired by classic lightweight designs associated with brands such as Lotus. The vehicle was first unveiled in September 2022 but only entered production in China in April 2025 after a prolonged development pause. European market entry is currently planned for 2026. See…

New registrations of battery-electric cars in the European Union rose sharply in 2025, far outpacing growth in the broader auto market and lifting electrified drivetrains to more than half of all new vehicle sales, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). A total of 1,880,370 electric cars were newly registered across the EU last year, an increase of 29.9% compared with 2024, ACEA said. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 17.4% of all new registrations, up from 13.6% a year earlier. By comparison, the overall EU passenger car market grew by just 1.8% in 2025 and remains below pre-pandemic…

The Volvo EX60 Cross Country brings Volvo’s familiar Cross Country formula into the brand’s next-generation electric lineup, adding rugged character and greater versatility to the EX60. While the standard EX60 was deliberately styled with a clean, estate-like appearance, the Cross Country introduces the off-road-inspired elements that many buyers traditionally associate with the Volvo SUV identity. Built on the electric-only SPA3 platform, the EX60 Cross Country features a suspension raised by two centimetres compared with the regular EX60, increasing ground clearance and improving approach and departure angles. Visually, it is differentiated by brushed aluminium underbody protection at the front and rear,…

Renault reported higher global vehicle sales in 2025, reflecting continued recovery and growth across its Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands, supported by rising demand for electrified models and a broader product lineup. The group sold 2,336,807 vehicles worldwide during the year, up from 2024 levels. Sales under the Renault brand accounted for around 1.6 million units in Europe, a 3.2% year-on-year increase. Budget brand Dacia sold close to 700,000 vehicles globally, up 3.1%, with Europe remaining its largest market. Alpine recorded the strongest percentage growth, with global sales up 139.2%. Renault said the increase reflected a full year of sales…

Mazda is phasing out sales of its MX-30 R-EV range-extender model in Europe, ending the compact crossover’s availability in the region after limited demand, according to Autocar. A Mazda spokesperson told Autocar that the decision was driven by a “combination of reasons,” including changing consumer trends and production priorities, adding that the MX-30 R-EV had “sold relatively poorly in Europe.” Production of the model for the Japanese market has been temporarily suspended but is expected to resume later this summer, the spokesperson said. See also: Mazda Pushes Back Launch of In-House EV Platform to at Least 2028 The move follows…

Skoda Auto has confirmed that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship will be called Peaq, with a global debut scheduled for summer 2026, bringing the Vision 7S concept into series production. The Peaq will become the Czech automaker’s largest and most premium electric model to date, positioned at the top of Skoda’s portfolio as it expands its battery-electric offering beyond the Enyaq range. The model is intended to translate the Vision 7S concept, first unveiled in 2022, into a production-ready vehicle. See also: Skoda Reaches 100,000 Production Milestone for Elroq Electric SUV “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for…