Author: Floyd Hawkins

British electric sportscar startup Longbow has unveiled two ultra-lightweight models, the Speedster and Roadster, as it aims to carve out a niche in the high-performance electric vehicle segment. Both vehicles weigh under 995 kg and offer a stated range of 442 km (275 miles). Longbow, founded by former executives from Tesla and Lucid, describes its creations as “the world’s first Featherweight Electric Vehicles” (FEVs), drawing inspiration from classic British sportscars such as the Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type. “Many modern ‘sportscars’ tip the scales at 1500kg and BEVs can reach almost double that,” said Longbow CEO and co-founder Daniel Davey.…

Lexus has introduced an updated RZ lineup featuring improved range, faster charging, and increased motor output, along with its first steer-by-wire system and a new virtual manual gear shift system called Interactive Manual Drive. The company says enhancements to the battery and powertrain have resulted in up to 20% greater driving range, with the all-wheel-drive variant achieving up to 500 km and the front-wheel-drive model extending to 575 km. See also: Toyota to Build Wholly-Owned Lexus EV Plant in Shanghai, Aims for Production in 2027 Charging times have also been reduced, while performance has been boosted through a high-output motor…

Tesla is working with Chinese technology firm Baidu to enhance the performance of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in China, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to the report, Baidu has dispatched engineers from its mapping team to Tesla’s Beijing office in recent weeks. Their focus is on integrating Baidu’s navigation map data, including lane markings and traffic signals, into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Version 13 software. The effort aims to improve FSD’s ability to navigate Chinese roads by providing more accurate and updated map information. See also: Tesla Aims to Double U.S. Vehicle…

Volkswagen’s software division, Cariad, will cut 1,600 jobs by the end of 2024 as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving efficiency, German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Wednesday. The move affects about 30% of Cariad’s 5,900 employees. The unit, founded in 2020, was created to develop digital solutions across Volkswagen Group’s brands but has struggled with delays and cost overruns. Volkswagen had initiated a transformation plan for Cariad two years ago to enhance operational performance. “Now, it is time to look at the headcount,” the report stated, citing company sources. Volkswagen Faces Broader Cost-Cutting Measures The job cuts…

Waymo is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service in Silicon Valley, adding Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and parts of Sunnyvale to its “Waymo One” early rider program. The expansion, set to begin Wednesday, increases the company’s coverage in the Bay Area to 82 square miles, with 27 of those newly added. The Alphabet-owned firm is ramping up its commercial operations and geographic footprint. Last week, Waymo integrated its vehicles into Uber’s platform in Austin, Texas, with plans to extend the partnership to Atlanta later this year. The company is also launching in Miami through a collaboration with African mobility…

Mercedes-Benz has selected China’s Hesai to supply lidar sensors for its smart driving vehicles in global markets, marking the first time a foreign automaker has adopted Chinese-made lidar technology for models sold outside China, a person familiar with the matter said according to a report by Reuters. The decision comes amid escalating trade tensions, with the United States increasing restrictions on Chinese components and software in vehicles developed by global automakers. However, German automakers, key players in their country’s economy, are under pressure to remain competitive. Mercedes had deliberated for months due to legal and geopolitical risks before choosing Hesai,…

The UK government will remove tax exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs) priced above £40,000 starting April 1, 2025, subjecting them to the country’s expensive car supplement road tax. Under the new policy, owners of newly registered EVs exceeding the price threshold will pay an additional £425 annually for five years, totaling £2,050 over the period. See also: UK Expected to Ease ZEV Mandate as Pressure Mounts from Automakers The tax reform, first announced in late 2022, will also require existing EV owners to begin paying the standard Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from the same date. The changes will extend to…

XCharge North America (XCharge NA) has launched its first Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS) system, streamlining payment options for EV drivers. The new system enables users to pay via Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or standard credit and debit cards without requiring a dedicated app. Payments are processed through the SaaS platform Stripe, with the VPOS feature pre-installed on all new XCharge chargers. Existing customers can receive the update remotely without additional hardware. See also: XCharge NA Partners with OUC to Evaluate Battery-Integrated EV Charging Solutions To enhance security, XCharge NA’s VPOS system incorporates a dynamic on-screen QR code that refreshes…

Rivian has introduced a suite of new features in its latest software update, including hands-free driving via its Enhanced Highway Assist system and a new “Rally” drive mode designed for off-road performance. The over-the-air (OTA) update continues the company’s strategy of refining vehicle performance and user experience through software enhancements. The newly launched Enhanced Highway Assist allows hands-free driving for extended periods on compatible highways, available to owners of Rivian’s second-generation R1S and R1T models. The system employs an infrared camera in the rearview mirror to monitor driver attention, rather than requiring intermittent steering input. See also: Rivian Seeks Patent…

Volkswagen has selected its Autoeuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal, as the production site for its upcoming ID. EVERY1, the first model developed using its joint electric architecture with U.S. EV maker Rivian, Portuguese automotive news outlet Razão Automóvel reported on Monday. The ID. EVERY1, unveiled last week, is positioned as a €20,000 ($21,000) entry-level EV for the European market and is set to launch in 2027. See also: Volkswagen Unveils ID. Every1, a €20,000 EV Targeting Mass Market Adoption Volkswagen has yet to confirm the production location officially, but Greta Höhne, spokesperson for the ID.1 and ID.2 projects, stated that…

Nissan has unveiled new autonomous driving test vehicles based on its Serena minivan at its Yokohama headquarters, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s self-driving technology development. The vehicles are equipped with 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDAR sensors, similar to the Nissan Leafs used in last year’s trials, though with one less radar. See also: Nissan Plans Autonomous Ride Service in Japan by 2027 The key advancement in Nissan’s latest trials lies in the Serena’s capabilities—becoming the first test vehicle in Japan to navigate a complex urban environment on public roads without a driver onboard. The automaker has been…

Jaguar’s all-electric Type 00 Concept has made its first real-world appearance, taking to the streets of Paris in a striking shade of French Ultramarine. The concept, initially revealed in Miami Pink and London Blue, was driven under its own power before making a high-profile stop at Paris Fashion Week. The two-door coupe, featuring silver-accented lower bodywork and signature alloy wheels, drew attention as its butterfly doors opened, marking a dramatic entrance. The concept’s public debut comes as Jaguar accelerates its transition to an all-electric lineup, with its first production EV set for launch in late 2025. See also: Jaguar Unveils…

Tesla’s stock has experienced a sharp decline in recent months, reflecting investor concerns over the company’s leadership, sales performance, and market position. On December 17, Tesla shares reached an all-time high of $479.86, boosted by investor optimism surrounding regulatory prospects. However, as of the latest market close, the stock had fallen to $222.15, representing a loss of more than 50% in three months and wiping out approximately $800 billion in market value. The downturn has been accompanied by a wave of protests against Tesla, with demonstrations taking place in multiple cities. In France, arson is suspected in a fire that…

StoreDot, a developer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology, has entered a licensing agreement with South Korean battery manufacturer Kumyang to bring XFC cylindrical cells to mass production. The partnership focuses on the 4680 battery format, integrating StoreDot’s technology with Kumyang’s manufacturing expertise. See also: StoreDot, JR Energy to Mass Produce Ultra-Fast Charging Batteries in South Korea The collaboration aims to produce EV batteries capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes while maintaining high energy density and longevity. StoreDot stated that initial tests of the 4695 format have demonstrated a cycle life exceeding 1,000 standard charge…

Demand for battery-electric vans in the UK grew for the fifth consecutive month in February, even as overall light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales declined, industry data showed on Saturday. Registrations of new electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes rose 55.1% year-on-year to 1,413 units, securing a 9.7% market share, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). See also: UK’s AA Trials Electric and Hybrid Vans as Part of Fleet Transition However, this remains below the 16% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market share required under the UK’s 2025 target. Ongoing discussions suggest the government could ease these mandates.…

Indian electric bus manufacturer Olectra Greentech has placed an order for 2,325 electric bus chassis from BYD, encompassing models K9, C9, and K7.This order supplements a previous request of 750 units made in August 2024, adding 50 units of the K7 chassis and 275 units of the K9 chassis. BYD’s collaboration with Olectra Greentech underscores its position in public transportation. As of January 31, 2025, 2,330 buses equipped with BYD chassis were operating in 35 Indian cities, capturing a 24% market share. See also: Mumbai Plans to Convert Public Bus Fleet to Electric by 2027 Amidst Challenges Since entering the…

Yangwang, the ultra-luxury sub-brand of BYD, said on Thursday it would soon launch its U7 luxury sedan, following the start of pre-sales last November. “The never-before-seen DiSus-Z has now completed its development and testing, and will soon meet you with the launch of the Yangwang U7,” the brand announced on its Weibo account. See also: BYD’s Yangwang U7 Sedan to Feature Next-Gen Blade Battery with Enhanced Charging Capacity The DiSus-Z system, a newly developed branch of BYD’s DiSus body control system, will debut in the U7. Yangwang said the system enhances ride comfort beyond that of a maglev train. A…

Volkswagen’s mobility subsidiary Moia has been conducting winter trials of the fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD in Oslo since early 2024, expanding its autonomous vehicle testing beyond Austin, Munich, and Hamburg. The trials are focused on assessing the vehicle’s performance in snow, ice, and low temperatures, as well as its ability to navigate challenging visibility conditions. See also: Volkswagen Unveils ID. Every1, a €20,000 EV Targeting Mass Market Adoption The tests aim to evaluate how the vehicle interacts with traffic infrastructure, including snow-covered road markings and signs, while also ensuring reliable detection of pedestrians and other road users. A safety…

The Norwegian government is preparing legislation that would allow municipalities to establish zero-emission zones, a move aimed at accelerating the transition to cleaner transport. The Ministry of Transport has tasked the Norwegian Public Roads Administration with drafting the necessary regulatory framework, addressing technical, legal, and practical considerations. Local authorities will have the final say on whether to implement such zones. See also: Norway’s Hydro to Acquire Full Stake in Battery Recycler Hydrovolt from Northvolt for $6.79 Million Norway’s push for emission-free transport comes as electric vehicles (EVs) continue to dominate new car sales. In February, nearly 95% of newly registered…

Volvo has introduced the ES90, an electric saloon featuring the automaker’s latest 800-volt battery technology, enabling faster charging and improved efficiency. The vehicle, which follows the EX90 SUV on Volvo’s dedicated EV platform, is now available for order across several European markets, with additional regions to follow through 2026. See also: Volvo Reports 1% Sales Growth in February, But EV Deliveries Decline Unlike its predecessor, the S90, Volvo positions the ES90 as a distinct model that blends elements of a saloon, fastback, and SUV coupe. It features a long 3.10-metre wheelbase, a closed front grille, and Volvo’s signature vertical rear…