Author: Derick Munoz

Three months after announcing a major partnership to bring Lucid Gravity SUVs to the ride-hailing market as autonomous robotaxis, Uber has revealed where the vehicles will first debut. As expected, the San Francisco Bay Area will serve as the launch site for the next-generation service, set to begin operations in 2026. In July, Uber Technologies committed to a $300 million investment in Lucid Group, the parent company of Lucid Motors, to deploy at least 20,000 Lucid vehicles as robotaxis over the next six years. See also: Lucid Delivers First Gravity SUV to Nuro-Uber for Robotaxi Testing These vehicles—starting with the…

Honda unveiled two new electric prototypes — the Honda 0 α SUV and the Super-ONE Prototype — at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, underscoring its commitment to expand its electric vehicle lineup with next-generation design and technology. The Honda 0 α SUV joins the company’s 0 Series lineup, following the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV introduced earlier this year at CES 2025. The production version is expected to go on sale from 2027, beginning in Japan and India. See also: Honda Unveils WN7 Electric Motorcycle for European Commuters While Honda has yet to disclose technical specifications such as…

Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo will delay the start of series production at its battery cell factory in Sagunt, near Valencia, until July 2027, according to a report from La Tribuna de Automoción. The postponement, however, is not expected to affect the automaker’s planned 2026 production launch of its small electric vehicles in Spain. PowerCo’s current roadmap foresees battery cell deliveries beginning in mid-2027, when two production blocks with a combined capacity of 20 GWh come online. The cells from the Sagunt facility will supply Volkswagen’s plants on the Iberian Peninsula, which are set to manufacture four small electric models —…

Honda has brought back the iconic Prelude to Europe after a 25-year hiatus, introducing a hybrid sports coupe that blends the brand’s heritage of dynamic performance with modern electrified technology. The new Prelude e:HEV integrates Type R-derived suspension, Honda’s latest hybrid powertrain, and the innovative S+ Shift system for enhanced driver engagement. The Prelude’s low, wide stance and aerodynamic form are inspired by the elegant simplicity of gliders, emphasizing both stability and flow. Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist, premium design philosophy focused on the driver. The suspension setup borrows from the Civic Type R, with adaptive dampers and Agile…

General Motors (GM) has announced a recall affecting 22,914 units of its Chevy Equinox EV and Cadillac Optiq models from 2025 and 2026, citing a potential safety risk where tire treads could detach during use. The issue was identified in 21-inch all-season tires supplied by Continental Tire, which were fitted on certain trims of both electric SUVs. According to GM’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Continental discovered that the affected tires were manufactured with a noncompliant tread base rubber compound during the production week of October 6, 2024. This defect could lead to the partial or…

Maryland’s Department of the Environment (DoE) has awarded more than $5 million in new grant funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state, supporting both public and workplace installations. The latest round marks the final phase of funding from the $75.7 million settlement the state received from the Volkswagen diesel emissions case. More than 130 organizations applied for the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) grants. Following a competitive review process, the DoE selected several key projects, including $1.2 million for fast chargers along major transport corridors in Western Maryland, $650,000 for chargers on the Eastern Shore, and $250,000…

QuantumScape, a developer of solid-state lithium-metal batteries, said on Thursday it has started shipping B1 samples of its QSE-5 cell, marking a key milestone in the third quarter of 2025. The QSE-5 cells feature separators produced using the company’s Cobra process. QuantumScape said the combination of the new cell design and improved production processes represents a step toward higher-volume manufacturing of its battery technology for electric vehicles and other applications. See also: QuantumScape Partners With Corning To Advance Solid-State Battery Manufacturing The Cobra-based QSE-5 cells are included in the company’s first vehicle program with the VW Group, which features the…

GAC Group has introduced its all-electric Aion V SUV in Finland, marking its third market entry in Europe and a key milestone in the company’s European Market Plan. The move strengthens the Chinese automaker’s presence in the region and highlights the growing influence of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the Nordic market. See also: GAC Aion and DiDi Unveil Level 4 Autonomous EV with 10 LiDAR Units and Multi-Layer Safety Architecture The launch follows GAC’s strategic partnership with Inchcape, first announced at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. The collaboration leverages Inchcape’s established retail and service infrastructure alongside GAC’s EV technology,…

The EFFEREST project, supported by the European Union, is focused on improving the efficiency of electric vehicles by optimising the interaction between cabin comfort systems and powertrain performance. Led by Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, the initiative seeks to deliver significant enhancements in both interior comfort and drivetrain efficiency by the end of 2026, ensuring technical solutions meet user needs while maintaining performance and affordability. See also: Vulcan Energy Signs Eight-Year Lithium Supply Deal with Glencore for Phase One Project The three-year project, which began in early 2024, has a total budget of €4.9 million and involves eleven partners from six…

Volvo Cars has launched a new initiative in Sweden offering customers one year of free home charging when they purchase or lease a new fully electric vehicle, in partnership with energy company Vattenfall. The program, which begins in February 2026, aims to encourage more drivers to transition to electric mobility while promoting the use of fossil-free electricity. Under the offer, Volvo’s fully electric car customers will receive complimentary fossil-free home charging for one year, covering up to 25,000 kilometers of driving. Eligible customers will need to sign an electricity contract with Vattenfall and use the smart charging function in the…

Dongfeng Motor has announced the establishment of a fully independent and self-controlled solid-state battery supply chain, marking a major milestone in China’s electric vehicle battery technology. The company said it has achieved breakthroughs in critical components including electrolytes, separators, and in-situ solidification processes, strengthening its position in the next-generation EV battery race. See also: Chery Unveils 600 Wh/kg Solid-State Battery Prototype, Targeting 2027 Rollout Dongfeng has developed two solid-state battery products offering energy densities of 240 Wh/kg and 350 Wh/kg, capable of supporting driving ranges exceeding 1,000 km. These batteries combine high energy density with robust safety performance, having successfully…

TU Dresden has marked a key milestone in its mobility research ambitions with the topping-out ceremony for its new Smart Mobility Lab (SML) at the Lausitz Research Campus. The €86 million facility, located in the Hoyerswerda district of Schwarzkollm, is set to become one of Europe’s most advanced testing and innovation centres for automated, connected, and zero-emission mobility. See also: Infineon to Build €5 Billion Chip Manufacturing Plant in Dresden, Germany The SML will focus on developing and testing solutions for future mobility across multiple sectors, including automated road transport, autonomous aviation, and robotic agricultural systems. Research initiatives at the…

The Cadillac OPTIQ, a new electric compact SUV from the United States, has earned a five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety testing, reflecting its performance across multiple safety categories. The vehicle scored 83 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 81 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 76 percent for Vulnerable Road User protection, and 74 percent for Safety Assist, placing it ahead of several other small EVs in the European market. See also: Cadillac Unveils Optiq-V, One of General Motors’ Fastest Electric Vehicles Yet https://twitter.com/EuroNCAP/status/1978464689970454559 “There have been times in the past when U.S. vehicles have fallen well short of the safety…

UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer Simpson & Partners is expanding into European markets as it continues to grow its footprint across the United Kingdom. The company said the move follows a sharp increase in customer demand and consistently positive reviews for its premium, British-designed charging products. Founded in the Cotswolds, Simpson & Partners designs and manufactures all of its chargers in the UK, emphasizing sustainability, craftsmanship, and ease of use. The company has received over 90 percent five-star reviews on Trustpilot, which it says reflects growing consumer appreciation for products that combine performance with design appeal. See also: Blink…

Ferrari has unveiled the technical specifications and powertrain details of its first all-electric vehicle, the Elettrica, marking a major step in the luxury automaker’s shift toward electrification. The Italian company disclosed the information during a media briefing at its Maranello headquarters but stopped short of showing the completed car, which will debut in 2026. Ferrari Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna said the presentation is part of a three-phase introduction plan. “Today we are sharing the technology that will define Ferrari’s electric future,” Vigna said. “Our goal is not just to build an electric vehicle but to deliver the driving thrills that…

French automotive supplier Valeo has introduced a new electric compressor with an integrated inverter, developed specifically for use in electric buses. Unveiled at Busworld in Brussels, the EDC-120 marks Valeo’s first entry into the electric bus component market, with production planned to begin in China in 2026. Valeo said the EDC-120 was engineered to meet the unique demands of electric buses “in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.” Electric compressors play a key role in thermal management systems, helping to maintain optimal battery and cabin temperatures. While detailed specifications were not disclosed, Valeo noted that the new unit builds…

Ioncor, the battery business spun off from Valmet Automotive in 2024 and now partially nationalised, has introduced its new Energy Pack Long battery system for electric buses. The cell-to-pack solution, which eliminates the need for traditional modules, delivers 79 kWh per pack and can be combined into larger systems with total capacities reaching 1,000 kWh. Operating at 666 volts, the Energy Pack Long boasts an energy density of 290 Wh/l or 160 Wh/kg — a figure described by Ioncor CEO Roberts Abele as “industry-leading.” The battery packs measure 194.6 x 55.8 x 24.9 cm and are designed to perform in…

French automotive supplier Valeo and battery life-cycle specialist VoltR have announced a strategic partnership to develop and industrialise a joint solution for repairing and reusing batteries used in small electric vehicles across Europe. The collaboration aims to extend battery lifespans, reduce material waste, and support a more sustainable circular economy for the fast-growing micromobility sector. The two companies will combine Valeo’s expertise in electronic battery repair with VoltR’s experience in reconditioning and cell pack manufacturing. Together, they aim to deliver what they describe as “material savings of at least 95 percent” compared to producing new batteries. Their offering will target…

Polish manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach has unveiled the Urbino 10.5 Electric, a new compact battery-electric city bus that combines advanced technology with urban efficiency. Making its debut at Busworld 2024 in Brussels, the 10.5-metre-long model joins the company’s growing Urbino family and is designed to offer high manoeuvrability, long range, and sustainable operation in dense city environments. The Urbino 10.5 Electric is equipped with Solaris’ modular drive system and features a 240 kW synchronous motor at its core. Depending on configuration, the bus is powered by high-energy batteries with a capacity of approximately 350 kWh, with larger options exceeding…

Polestar Australia has announced pricing and updates for the MY26 Polestar 4, maintaining its position as one of the brand’s most premium all-electric SUVs. Pricing remains unchanged from the previous model year, starting at $78,500 for the Long Range Single Motor variant and $88,350 for the Long Range Dual Motor version. For the 2026 model year, Polestar has replaced the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls from MY25 with physical buttons, addressing customer feedback for improved usability. The company has also made minor adjustments to the option pack structure, including reduced pricing for both the Bridge of Weir leather upholstery and the…