Author: Derick Munoz

Huawei-backed Aito has launched the Aito M8, an extended-range electric SUV aimed at family buyers, with deliveries scheduled to begin on April 20. The vehicle, introduced under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), is priced from RMB 359,800 ($49,250) and is available in six variants. All versions of the Aito M8 are extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and are offered in Max, Max+, and Ultra trims, each available in five- and six-seat layouts. The new model undercuts its pre-sale starting price announced in March by RMB 8,200. The six-seat Ultra variant is the highest-priced model, starting at RMB 449,800. See also:…

California-based battery materials developer Sila has initiated the commissioning phase of its first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, marking a key step toward scaled domestic battery production. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the second half of 2025. The commissioning phase includes mechanical completion, integration of systems, verification of equipment, and a series of safety and regulatory tests to ensure the facility is production-ready. Once operational, the plant will serve both the automotive sector—through partnerships such as that with Mercedes-Benz—and a broader range of industries including consumer electronics, drones, and robotics. See also: UK…

German research institute Fraunhofer IZM, in collaboration with Porsche and Bosch, has developed a next-generation inverter capable of delivering sustained high power for electric vehicles, with potential applications across a broad range of platforms including electric sports cars and heavy-duty trucks. Dubbed the “Dauerpower inverter,” the new technology achieves a peak efficiency of 98.7% and delivers a continuous output of around 600 kilowatts, or 815 horsepower. This output level exceeds by roughly 50% the power handled by conventional diesel-powered heavy trucks, according to Fraunhofer IZM. See also: Fraunhofer Researchers Advance Battery Cell Simulation to Improve EV Efficiency “The Dauerpower inverter…

Stellantis, the French-Italian automaker behind brands such as Jeep and Peugeot, has reduced its shortlist of CEO candidates to five, sources familiar with the matter revealed. This development comes as the company prepares to appoint a new leader following the sudden departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares in December, which marked the end of a tumultuous period marked by plummeting sales and profits. Stellantis is expected to provide further insights on the CEO search and its strategy to cope with President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on foreign auto imports at its annual general meeting in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Investors will…

BMW has introduced a new sound experience for its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles, as part of a broader overhaul that includes a fresh electric platform, updated exterior styling, and redesigned dashboard layout. The HypersonX soundscape, developed in-house by BMW’s Sound Design Studio, will debut with the 2026 iX3 SUV, scheduled to launch in September. The German automaker, which had previously collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on sound design for its earlier electric vehicles, said the new audio system provides a more immersive and emotional driving experience. According to BMW, HypersonX integrates 43 unique sound signals tailored to different drive…

Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar said it has cut its per-vehicle carbon emissions by nearly 25% since 2020, driven by improvements in materials, battery production, and logistics, according to its fourth Annual Sustainability Report published on Tuesday. Since it began measuring emissions five years ago, the company said it has achieved a 24.7% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per car sold. Key contributors include a greater use of low-carbon aluminium, renewable electricity across all manufacturing operations, improved battery production processes, and logistics strategies such as incorporating biofuels on select ocean freight routes. See also: Polestar Cuts Back Retail Network…

Rivian has released a new software update for its R1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 electric vehicles aimed at improving ride comfort during low-speed driving. The update, version 2025.10, is designed to enhance the suspension’s responsiveness to uneven surfaces, particularly in urban and off-road conditions. The latest changes are most noticeable when drivers select softer ride settings. The refinement is enabled by Rivian’s vertically integrated approach to hardware and software development, which allows for ongoing system enhancements through over-the-air updates. See also: Rivian Offers Up to $13,500 in Incentives Amid Slump in Q1 Deliveries Central to the upgrade is the…

Daimler Buses plans to offer reconditioning and replacement services for early-generation batteries in its Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses, aiming to extend their operational lifespan and align it with that of diesel counterparts. Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses, said the company is moving at a “breathtaking pace” with battery development. “We are learning very quickly: you can see this in our battery generation for the eCitaro, which will soon be the fourth,” Oberwörder told journalists during a business update. See also: Daimler Buses Begins Real-World Testing of eIntouro Electric Intercity Bus The eCitaro, launched in 2018, has already undergone three…

Swedish firm Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry will resume regular daily operations on Stockholm’s waterways from May, following a limited five-day weekly schedule since its debut in autumn 2024. The vessel, part of the city’s public transport system, has seen strong commuter demand on Route 89, contributing to a 30% increase in ridership on the corridor. The first operational unit, known as Nova, had been temporarily paused during the winter due to ice conditions. It will now return to service with increased capacity. Since its launch, Nova has completed 120 journeys, transporting over 2,300 passengers. Travel time on the commuter…

Stellantis has upgraded the battery and efficiency of three of its key electric hatchbacks—the Lancia Ypsilon Electric, Peugeot E-208, and Vauxhall Corsa Electric—delivering increased driving ranges and new functionalities such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. Lancia’s recently redesigned Ypsilon Electric, which debuted just last year, now offers a WLTP range of 425 km, a 6% increase over the previous model. See also: Stellantis U.S. Sales Decline 12% in Q1; Electrified Models Show Mixed Performance Credit: StellantisThe company attributes the 22-km gain to improved NMC battery chemistry and a more efficient powertrain, which lowers average energy consumption to 14.3 kWh per 100…

Volvo has refreshed several models in its UK line-up of plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), including the EX30, EC40, EX40, XC60 and EX90. The updates include larger battery capacities, enhanced infotainment technology and revised exterior and interior styling. A key highlight is the UK debut of the EX30 Cross Country, a more rugged variant of the EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra. The small electric SUV features all-wheel drive, an increased ground clearance of 190mm, tuned suspension, and bespoke exterior elements. It retains a system output of 315kW and a 64kWh net battery, offering a range of up to 427km.…

Electric vehicle maker Rivian is rolling out a series of incentives aimed at boosting sales after a difficult start to 2025. The company reported a 36% year-over-year drop in deliveries for the first quarter, with just 8,640 vehicles handed over to customers. In response, Rivian is launching an “Electric Refresh” campaign offering significant financial incentives to prospective buyers of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Under the new promotion, valid from April 1 through April 30, customers who trade in a battery-electric, hybrid, or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle from any brand are eligible for a $3,000 discount on a…