Author: Derick Munoz

COBCO, a joint venture between Morocco’s Al Mada investment fund and China’s CNGR Advanced Materials, has commenced production of lithium-ion battery components at its facility in Jorf Lasfar, 125 kilometres south of Casablanca, the company announced on Wednesday. The plant’s initial production phase includes nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and precursor cathode materials (pCAM), using nickel, cobalt, and manganese — all key ingredients for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and stationary energy storage systems. According to a source close to the project, the site aims to reach a total annual capacity equivalent to 70 gigawatt-hours, which could support battery production for approximately one million…

Uber Technologies said on Tuesday that electric vehicle (EV) prices are no longer the primary barrier for its drivers, with the number of EVs on its platform reaching 230,000 globally. However, the company warned that a lack of home charging infrastructure continues to hinder broader EV adoption among its ride-hailing operators. The findings come from Uber’s first large-scale EV survey in several years, reflecting significant momentum in EV deployment. Uber said that 60% of its total EV fleet growth occurred between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. “Drivers are telling us price is no longer…

Tesla’s new car registrations in Europe dropped by 27.9% in May compared to a year earlier, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline, even as overall battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the region jumped by 27.2%, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Tesla’s market share in Europe shrank to 1.2% in May from 1.8% a year ago, amid intensifying competition from lower-cost Chinese EV makers and growing consumer backlash tied to the political statements of CEO Elon Musk. The company’s revised Model Y, expected to boost flagging sales, has yet to show a meaningful impact. Meanwhile,…

Kia has announced UK pricing and opened order books for its updated 2026 EV6 GT and EV9 GT electric SUVs, with the EV6 GT receiving a notable price reduction and performance upgrades. The EV6 GT will now start at £59,985 on the road — a £2,690 decrease from the previous model year. Equipped with an 84kWh battery, the vehicle offers a WLTP range of up to 279 miles and features all-wheel drive, 641hp, and 770Nm of torque. Deliveries are expected in late Q3 2025. Standard color for the EV6 GT is White Pearl, with four premium paint options — Runway…

Tesla has extended its 1.99% annual percentage rate (APR) financing offer for the new Model Y Long Range AWD in the United States until June 30, giving prospective buyers two additional weeks to take advantage of the deal. The electric vehicle maker updated the terms on its website over the weekend, stating that the promotional rate applies to well-qualified buyers who take delivery of the vehicle by the end of June and place a minimum 15% down payment, plus taxes and fees. The update was first flagged by Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt on social media platform X. https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1934842684528840793 Tesla confirmed…

RWTH Aachen University has launched a new research initiative to improve the quality and efficiency of battery cell manufacturing. The program, called CellLab, will be established by the university’s Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) and integrated into its existing CellFab prototype production line in Aachen, Germany. The CellLab project is backed by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and aims to deploy advanced measuring systems to better understand the materials and processes involved in battery cell production. The new laboratory will incorporate both in-process sensors and post-process analytical tools, offering real-time and retrospective insights into material and…

A new research initiative in Germany is exploring the wireless charging of electric vehicles (EVs) while in motion, with the goal of improving the practicality and efficiency of electromobility. The ERS.T-NRW project, led by the University of Wuppertal in cooperation with industry partners Denso Automotive Deutschland, Electreon Germany, and Strabag, is developing a 400-meter test track in Aldenhoven, North Rhine-Westphalia, to evaluate inductive charging under real-world conditions. The three-year project is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union, with a total budget of €3.9 million. Research efforts are focused on two main areas: the hardware needed…

Polestar has rolled out a new over-the-air (OTA) software update for its flagship Polestar 3 electric SUV, introducing the Abbey Road Studios Mode—an audio enhancement feature designed in collaboration with the famed London recording studio and audio partner Bowers & Wilkins. The Abbey Road Studios Mode is available exclusively for vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins system and delivers a tailored listening experience inspired by the historic studio’s control rooms and live spaces. The update includes four new sound presets—Intimate, Open, Energized, and Expansive—as well as a Producer mode for customized tuning. “The Bowers & Wilkins sound system…

Zevo, the first peer-to-peer electric vehicle (EV) sharing marketplace, has secured $6 million in funding to support expansion into major metropolitan areas across the United States. The company, which allows EV owners to rent out their vehicles through a fully contactless platform, raised the capital through pre-seed and seed rounds from private investors aligned with its mission. Unlike traditional rental models, Zevo’s platform connects EV owners directly with renters, providing an income-generating opportunity for vehicle owners and flexible access to EVs for users—particularly gig economy workers—without the burdens of ownership. The funding will be used to scale operations, enhance its…

Chinese automaker Geely has officially launched its next-generation Leishen AI Hybrid 2.0 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, claiming a segment-leading thermal efficiency of 47.26%. The upgraded system, which includes variants dubbed EM-i, EM-P, and a hydrogen-powered option, aims to rival and potentially surpass established hybrid systems such as BYD’s DM-i. Geely introduced the first-generation Leishen hybrid in 2021, pairing a 1.5-liter engine with 43.32% thermal efficiency and a three-speed DHT gearbox. The updated 2.0 version builds on that foundation with a more efficient internal combustion engine, combined with AI-based control systems designed to improve powertrain performance and extend battery life. Geely…

Chinese LiDAR manufacturer RoboSense Technology has become the world’s first company to deliver one million automotive LiDAR units, marking a major milestone in the adoption of autonomous driving technologies. The company confirmed the achievement on Monday, underscoring its position as a global leader in the sector. RoboSense introduced its mass-producible M-platform LiDAR in 2019, with the first deliveries commencing in June 2021. The product has since become the most widely adopted ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) LiDAR platform worldwide, according to the company. The milestone reflects accelerating demand among electric vehicle makers for advanced driver-assistance technologies. In 2024 alone, RoboSense…

Lucid Group has officially expanded its operations in Arizona with the opening of a new Phoenix-based research and development hub and a multi-functional manufacturing site in Coolidge. The move comes after the company acquired key assets from Nikola Corporation in April for $30 million, including Nikola’s former Phoenix headquarters and a production facility in Coolidge. Lucid said the Phoenix Hub will support advanced research and development efforts, with equipment including battery testing chambers, a full-size chassis dynamometer, and machining tools. The Coolidge site, meanwhile, will be used for warehousing, pre-delivery inspections, and as a pilot line for its upcoming midsize…