Author: Floyd Hawkins

Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, is preparing to use data from its robotaxi operations — including footage from interior cameras tied to rider identities — to train generative AI models, according to a draft privacy policy uncovered by independent researcher Jane Manchun Wong. The proposed update also indicates that Waymo may use this data to tailor advertising and personalized services, a move that could raise privacy concerns as robotaxi adoption scales. The draft policy states: “Waymo may share data to improve and analyze its functionality and to tailor products, services, ads, and offers to your interests. You can opt out of…

Volkswagen Group and Horizon Robotics have expanded their collaboration on intelligent driving technologies, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced driver assistance systems across Volkswagen’s portfolio in China. The latest move builds on an existing joint venture, CARIZON, and centers on Horizon’s full-scenario smart driving solution, Horizon SuperDrive (HSD). The partnership is aligned with Volkswagen’s “in China, for China” strategy, focusing on local innovation and technology integration in the world’s largest automotive market. CARIZON, established in November 2023, brings together Horizon’s expertise in autonomous driving with Volkswagen’s manufacturing scale. The venture currently employs more than 500 engineers developing…

Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United Kingdom reached a record high in March, according to industry data released on Friday, though market share continues to lag behind the government’s 28% target for the year. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that 69,313 BEVs were sold last month, the highest monthly total to date. March is traditionally the UK’s busiest month for car sales due to new license plate registrations and end-of-quarter manufacturer targets. Buyers were also motivated by anticipated tax increases and manufacturer discounts. See also: BYD UK Sales Jump 658% to 8,700 Vehicles…

Li Auto  announced on Today that cumulative deliveries of its L-series extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) have surpassed 1 million units, reaching the milestone 31 months after the first model in the lineup was introduced. The Chinese automaker has positioned itself as a key player in the EREV segment, offering a range of SUVs under the L-series, including the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9. The company has also expanded into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market with the recent launch of the Li Mega MPV and plans to introduce its first all-electric SUV, the Li i8, in July,…

Polestar has announced a series of updates for the 2026 model year of its Polestar 2 electric vehicle, featuring a more powerful processor, an optional high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and enhanced charging functionality. The latest version is now available for order in Europe, with other markets to follow. The updated Polestar 2 integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which improves the responsiveness of the infotainment system, enabling faster app downloads, quicker navigation, and smoother interactions on the center display. See also: Polestar 2 Stands Out in Floods, Proving Electric Vehicle Resilience in Extreme Conditions For customers seeking an upgraded…

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are close to finalizing a deal to sell their jointly owned mobility app, FreeNow, to U.S. ride-hailing firm Lyft, German business publication Manager Magazin reported, citing industry sources. The two German automakers have been seeking a buyer for FreeNow for several months and are now in advanced discussions with Lyft, the report said. While initial valuations reportedly reached as high as 500 million euros ($540 million), the sale price is now expected to be in the “mid-double-digit million” range, according to the publication. Neither BMW, Mercedes-Benz, nor Lyft have publicly commented on the matter. See also: Mercedes-Benz…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) giant BYD has teased a new mid-class electric sedan, the e7, as it continues a rapid expansion of its model lineup. BYD revealed the e7 through a series of teaser posters but has yet to disclose detailed specifications. The vehicle was previously listed in the regulatory catalog of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in January, signaling an imminent market launch. See also: BYD Unveils Super e-Platform with 1,000-kW Charging, Adding 2 km of Range Per Second According to official filings, the e7 measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515…

Automaker stocks fell sharply on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles and auto parts entering the United States, triggering concerns over rising costs and potential disruptions to the global supply chain. Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Continental collectively lost €4.5 billion ($4.84 billion) in market value, as investors reacted to the prospect of higher expenses in an industry already grappling with the challenges of electrification and supply chain pressures. The tariffs, set to take effect on April 3 for vehicles and May 3 for auto parts, present a difficult…

Shared mobility provider Bolt has acquired Danish ride-hailing company Viggo, marking its entry into Denmark’s ride-hailing market with a fleet of 300 electric vehicles. Previously, the Estonia-based company operated only an e-bike sharing service in Copenhagen. With the takeover, Bolt gains access to Denmark’s two largest cities, Copenhagen and Aarhus, adding 500 professional drivers and a customer base of 450,000 users. Viggo, founded in 2019, has built a reputation for premium electric ride-hailing services, primarily using high-end EVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE. See also: Bolt Partners with Starship Technologies to Enhance Autonomous Food and Grocery Deliveries “We are not…

California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline pumps, reflecting the state’s aggressive push toward zero-emission transportation, according to data released by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates there are approximately 178,000 public and shared private EV chargers across the state, compared to 120,000 gas nozzles. “As the federal government works to make it harder for you to charge your electric car, California is doing the opposite,” Newsom said in a statement, referencing efforts to expand the state’s charging infrastructure despite potential regulatory challenges at the federal level. See also: General Motors, PG&E Launch…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and U.S.-based Doosan Bobcat have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop standardized battery pack solutions for compact construction equipment, the companies said in a joint statement. Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply lithium-ion battery cells or modules, while Doosan Bobcat will integrate them with battery management systems and package them into optimized battery packs for skid steer loaders and excavators. The companies also plan to explore expanding these battery packs for agricultural and landscaping equipment, including tractors. See also: Doosan T7X, World’s First Compact Electric Track Loader “We are pleased to develop…

Xiaomi Corp announced on Tuesday that it has secured $5.5 billion through an upsized share sale, aiming to advance its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing initiatives.​ The company sold 800 million shares at HK$53.25 each, as stated in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This pricing represents a 6.6% discount from Monday’s closing price of HK$57. See also: Xiaomi’s EV Revenue Surges 72% in Q4, Aims for 350,000 Deliveries in 2025 Initially planning to offer 750 million shares, Xiaomi increased the deal size during the bookbuilding process due to strong investor demand. More than 200 investors participated, with the…

Electric vehicle charging startup Revel has opened its first fast-charging station in San Francisco, marking its expansion into the Bay Area, the company said on Monday. The Brooklyn-based company launched the 12-charger facility in the city’s Mission District, with plans to install more than 125 fast chargers in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and South San Francisco over the next year. The chargers, developed by EV charging firm Kempower, will be open to all vehicle makes and available 24/7. See also: Revel and Port Authority to Install 24 Fast Chargers at JFK Airport “For years, Revel has operated the largest,…

German battery technology startup Pulsetrain has raised €6.1 million ($6.6 million) in seed funding to scale and industrialize its battery management solution, which it claims can extend battery life by up to 80%. The investment round, led by Vsquared Ventures and Planet A with participation from Climate Club, will support Pulsetrain’s efforts to enhance product development and prepare for commercialization. The company’s technology is designed to improve battery longevity, increase range and performance, and reduce manufacturing costs for electric vehicle (EV) makers. See also: German Battery Startup Theion Secures €15 Million to Advance Sulfur-Based Cells Pulsetrain, formerly known as Bavertis,…

French aviation startup Beyond Aero has introduced improvements to its hydrogen-electric light aircraft as it moves toward certification, aiming for commercial deliveries by 2030. The company has also secured backing from industry figures to accelerate development. Since unveiling the concept at Le Bourget in June 2023, Beyond Aero has enhanced the aircraft’s safety and efficiency. The updated design features a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system, powering two electric engines through independent channels for improved reliability. The fuel cell’s output has been increased to 2.4 megawatts. See also: REGENT’s Full-Scale Electric Seaglider Takes to the Water for Testing “We have designed…

German battery startup Theion has raised €15 million ($16.4 million) in a Series A funding round led by technology holding firm Team Global, investment group Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen, and German renewables company Enpal. The funding will be used to scale up its sulfur-based battery technology, which the company claims offers significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries. Theion says its sulfur-based cells provide three times the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries while costing only a third as much and generating a third of the carbon emissions. CEO Ulrich Ehmes stated that the company has successfully developed small coin cell prototypes…

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic have announced a strategic partnership to introduce electric air taxi services in the UK, initially focusing on short-range airport transfers for airline customers. Under the agreement, Joby will operate and maintain its fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while Virgin Atlantic will provide marketing and regulatory support. The initiative builds on an existing collaboration between Joby and Virgin stakeholder Delta Air Lines. See also: Joby Aviation Partners with Jetex to Build eVTOL Charging Infrastructure in Middle East The companies aim to launch operations at Heathrow and Manchester Airport, where Virgin Atlantic has a…

Europcar UK will introduce price parity between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle rentals for its business customers starting April 2025, eliminating a key financial barrier to corporate EV adoption. The initiative will cover a broad range of electric vehicles, including hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, and vans, such as the Jeep Avenger, Mercedes EQ models, Renault Kangoo, and Skoda Enyaq. Europcar Mobility Group UK said the move aims to encourage businesses to transition to electric mobility by removing the higher rental costs typically associated with EVs. “We understand that cost is a significant factor for businesses considering electric vehicles,” said…

Landis+Gyr (LAND.S), the Swiss energy management firm, has reached an agreement to sell its EV Solutions business to Slovenian investment firm KD Group, ensuring the division’s operations, employees, and customer commitments remain intact. The move follows Landis+Gyr’s announcement last month that it would withdraw from the electric vehicle charging infrastructure market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). At the time, the company did not disclose any plans to seek a buyer, raising uncertainty over the future of the unit. See also: BYD Unveils Super e-Platform with 1,000-kW Charging, Adding 2 km of Range Per Second “As part of…

Tesla has urged the U.S. government to consider the potential consequences of new auto tariffs, warning that retaliatory measures from affected countries could hurt American car exports. The electric vehicle maker raised concerns in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) this week, joining other automakers in opposing the Biden administration’s proposed 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, set to take effect in April. See also: Tesla Aims to Double U.S. Vehicle Production Within Two Years, Says Musk “While Tesla recognizes and supports the importance of fair trade, the assessment undertaken by USTR of potential actions to rectify unfair trade…