Author: Floyd Hawkins

Nissan has launched the third generation of its LEAF electric vehicle, aiming to reposition the nameplate that once symbolized early e-mobility. The all-new model is built on a fresh platform, delivers significantly improved range, and incorporates a host of technological upgrades designed to meet the expectations of modern EV consumers. First launched in 2010, the LEAF was among the earliest mass-market electric cars. Over 700,000 units have been sold globally across its first two generations. The new LEAF will go on sale this autumn, with production slated for Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK under its EV36Zero initiative. Nissan President…

Nissan Motor is considering reducing its stake in long-time French partner Renault as part of a strategy to boost investment in new vehicle development, according to a report from the Nikkei business daily on Monday. The move follows a broader restructuring of the Renault-Nissan alliance earlier this year, which included a mutual agreement to cut cross-shareholdings to 10% from 15%. Nissan currently owns 15% of Renault, and selling a 5% stake could raise about 100 billion yen ($640 million) based on current share prices. “We are bringing down our cross-shareholdings in order to invest in vehicles,” Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa…

German startup Hopper Mobility has begun mass production of its three-wheeled electric bicycle, designed as a compact alternative to cars for city transportation. Manufactured in collaboration with Little John Bikes, the vehicle targets urban commuters with its practical features and regulatory classification as an e-bike in most countries. The vehicle, which requires pedaling to activate its motor, supports electric assistance up to 16 mph (25 km/h), allowing it to remain within legal limits that typically exclude the need for a driver’s license, registration, or insurance. With a top speed of around 4 mph in motor-only mode, the Hopper emphasizes assisted…

Hyundai is preparing to relaunch its electric fastback, the Ioniq 6, with a series of key upgrades aimed at better positioning it as a contender against the Tesla Model 3. The refreshed Ioniq 6 will feature a more efficient 84 kWh battery, extended driving range, and built-in compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network via a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. First unveiled at the 2022 Busan International Motor Show, the Ioniq 6 was introduced as Hyundai’s sleek “electrified streamliner” and a potential Tesla rival. Despite its competitive specs—over 350 miles of estimated range and rapid charging—the model has struggled…

U.S. Senate Republicans on Monday introduced a sweeping tax and budget proposal that would eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicle (EV) purchases 180 days after the bill is enacted, marking a significant policy shift from previous pro-EV positions under President Joe Biden’s administration. The proposal, drafted by the Senate Finance Committee’s Republican members, also calls for the immediate end of the $7,500 credit for leased EVs assembled outside of North America. Leased EVs could still be eligible for the credit for six months following the bill’s passage if they meet North American assembly and content requirements…

A new report from the BlueGreen Alliance cautions that the Republican-led budget bill, recently approved by the House, could put approximately 2 million jobs at risk by eliminating domestic clean manufacturing tax credits and increasing the national debt to finance cuts favoring wealthy individuals. The analysis estimates that removing manufacturing credits could directly threaten around 300,000 jobs. It further warns that another 1 million indirect jobs — including supply-chain roles linked to electric vehicle and clean energy production — and 643,000 induced jobs, such as those tied to increased regional economic activity, would also be endangered. “The job-creating track record…

Tesla is set to expand its virtual power plant (VPP) operations across Japan, partnering with local firms to install Powerwall home battery systems for commercial clients at no upfront cost. The move builds on the success of Tesla’s 2021 pilot project in Miyakojima and marks a significant step toward grid modernization in the country. Under a new agreement, Powerwall batteries will be deployed at offices and factories within Global Engineering’s electricity service network. The batteries will be owned by Fuyo General Lease, while Global Engineering will manage the customer relationships and energy optimization services. The first phase of the national…

Vauxhall has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the Grandland Electric AWD, its first all-wheel-drive electric model, set to arrive in the UK this autumn. The dual-motor SUV delivers up to 311 miles of WLTP-certified range and a combined power output of 239 kW. The new variant builds on the existing Grandland Electric, adding a second motor with 82 kW on the rear axle to complement the 157 kW front motor. Together, the dual-motor setup produces 509 Nm of torque and enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds. Power is supplied by a 73…

Hyundai Mobis said it has developed a new active safety system designed to prevent rear-end collisions by detecting tailgating vehicles and autonomously adjusting the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance. The technology, which integrates with the vehicle’s Smart Cruise Control (SCC), marks a significant step in rear-end collision mitigation. The system uses rear-side radar sensors and a front-facing camera to assess road and traffic conditions. When a vehicle is detected following within approximately 10 meters, the system first issues visual and audio warnings to the driver. If the situation persists, the vehicle can accelerate to increase the distance from…

Canyon has launched the Pathlite:ON SUV 9, a new electric bicycle designed for both city riding and light off-road use, featuring modern components including a mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes with anti-lock system, and automatic gear shifting. The e-bike is built with a fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a Bosch PowerTube battery offering 800Wh of capacity. Riders seeking extended range can opt for a 250Wh range extender. The setup is complemented by a torque sensor for responsive pedal assistance and a 12-speed Tektro RD-8000E derailleur, capable of shifting automatically in varying terrain and traffic conditions. Canyon has integrated…

KTM has unveiled the Macina Style 810 Di2, a new premium electric trekking bike featuring an automatic wireless shifting system and a high-capacity integrated battery. The e-bike is now available in European markets with a retail price of €4,999. At the core of the new model is the Shimano Cues Di2 derailleur system, which operates electrically and can shift gears automatically without the use of traditional Bowden cables. The electronic gear system offers eleven speeds and reduces dependency on the Bosch mid-drive motor. Powering the Macina Style 810 Di2 is a Bosch Performance Line CX motor (BDU3840), supported by an…

Hyundai will debut the all-electric Ioniq 6 N sedan at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10, signaling the next chapter in the automaker’s high-performance EV strategy. The model follows the critically acclaimed Ioniq 5 N and draws heavily from the 2022 RN22e concept. The Ioniq 6 N showcases performance-focused exterior updates, including widened fenders, aggressive bumpers, and a prominent rear wing above an integrated ducktail spoiler. The sedan appears in Hyundai N’s signature Performance Blue paint, highlighted by red accents and lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires. Hyundai said the Ioniq 6 N is engineered around three…