Author: Floyd Hawkins

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has concluded the Fluxlicon research project, which developed a stationary energy storage system using second-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The three-year initiative was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The innovative storage system, with a capacity exceeding one megawatt-hour, integrates used EV batteries with approximately 80% residual capacity, enabling additional years of utility in modular energy applications. “With a residual capacity of around 80 per cent, most traction batteries are no longer suitable for further use in electric cars, but they…

The UK government will fund the installation of up to 1,500 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Brighton & Hove over the next three years, with the city awarding new contracts for the project later this year. Brighton & Hove City Council announced it will receive £2.8 million in funding, enabling the installation of 500 EV charging points annually until 2027. The initiative aims to expand charging options and offer more flexible tariffs, including off-peak rates, with access to over 2,000 charging points. “The dramatic increase in the number of public locations will help give residents confidence they can…

The first all-electric models from Jeep and Dodge have officially arrived at U.S. dealerships, marking a significant step in Stellantis’ electric vehicle (EV) strategy. Despite delays, the highly anticipated EVs are now available for purchase, as the automaker prepares for an all-out electric push in 2025 with additional models from Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck. Originally expected to hit dealerships by the end of 2024, the arrival of Jeep and Dodge EVs was delayed due to software issues. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear discussed the extensive software refinements made to the electric Charger, noting that “90%-plus, 95%-plus” of the software had…

Amazon has announced an order of 200 fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty trucks from Daimler, marking its largest electric truck purchase to date. The trucks will be deployed on high-mileage routes across Amazon’s middle-mile network, which connects fulfillment centers, sort centers, and delivery stations in Germany and the UK. This is a key step in Amazon’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Andreas Marschner, Vice President of Amazon Worldwide Operations Sustainability, called the order a “major milestone,” highlighting the difficulty of decarbonizing the heavy goods sector. The eActros 600 trucks, each capable of covering 500 kilometers (311 miles)…

As Tesla continues to tease the upcoming release of its Roadster 2 with promises of SpaceX-inspired features, including the possibility of the car “flying,” BYD has already made waves with a hypercar capable of limited flight. The Yangwang U9, an electric supercar from the world’s largest EV manufacturer, has demonstrated its impressive active suspension system by executing a 20-foot jump to avoid a pothole, showcasing its advanced suspension technology in action. Elon Musk recently hinted that the Tesla Roadster 2, expected to debut in 2025, will feature a “flying” capability through the use of cold air thrusters from SpaceX, a…

Hubject has formed a partnership with AmpUp, a North American provider of EV charging solutions, to improve the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle charging. The collaboration begins with the integration of Hubject’s Plug&Charge platform, allowing users to authenticate and pay for charging sessions automatically. As part of the partnership, AmpUp’s charging stations will be connected to Hubject’s global eRoaming network, providing access to over 1,000,000 charging points worldwide. This move is intended to expand charging opportunities for EV drivers and enhance the overall user experience. AmpUp’s CEO, Thomas Sun, highlighted the importance of charger availability and user-friendly solutions in…

Aptera Motors has signed an agreement with LG Energy Solution (LGES) to supply batteries for its solar-powered electric vehicle from 2025 to 2031. The deal, announced during CES 2025 in Las Vegas, involves a total supply volume of 4.4 GWh of battery capacity. The agreement also includes CTNS, a company responsible for assembling LGES’s 2170 NCMA cathode round cells into battery modules and packs, which will then be supplied to Aptera for installation. Under the contract, LGES will serve as the exclusive battery supplier for the Aptera solar electric car during the specified period. Aptera plans to introduce its three-wheeled…

Bologna’s public transport operator, TPER, has opened tenders for the procurement of new electric buses in two separate lots, totaling €126.48 million. The tender process, which will remain open until March 31, 2025, aims to enhance the city’s electric bus fleet as part of its broader push toward sustainable public transport. The first lot seeks 35 trolleybuses equipped with In Motion Charging (IMC) technology, with an option to procure an additional 35 units. These vehicles are expected to measure between 18 and 18.75 meters in length, include four doors, IMC functionality, and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. The second…

Retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China reached a record 1.302 million units in December, marking a 37.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Despite this growth, the market penetration of NEVs dropped below 50% for the first time since June, reflecting a slower pace of adoption relative to traditional gasoline vehicles. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 58.5% of NEV sales, with 762,000 units sold in December, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) combined for 541,000 units, showing a significant year-on-year increase…

The Škoda Group has been awarded a contract to supply up to 70 trolleybuses for Tallinn’s public transport system, as part of a modernization plan for the Estonian capital’s network. The agreement includes the delivery of 22 articulated type 33Tr trolleybuses and 18 standard type 32Tr trolleybuses starting in 2026, with an option for an additional 30 vehicles. The city’s initiative includes substantial upgrades to the trolleybus infrastructure, incorporating systems that will allow operations in some areas without overhead lines. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski stated that the city plans to invest over €100 million in the coming years to enhance public…

Cenntro, a U.S.-based electric commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Freehold, New Jersey, has secured an order for 500 light electric vehicles from Japan. The vehicles, the Metro MR vans, are currently being produced at Cenntro’s facility in Hangzhou, China, with deliveries scheduled for this quarter. The Metro MR is a compact electric van designed for urban use, measuring 3.9 x 1.4 x 1.9 meters and offering an output of 21.5 kW in its standard configuration. The customized version ordered by the Japanese customer, however, includes unspecified adjustments to meet local needs. “Our Metro MR is an ideal electric delivery vehicle…

The BK Group has announced the addition of caretaking services for electric vehicle (EV) charging parks in Germany and France to its expanding portfolio. The new service package includes cleaning the sites, emptying rubbish bins, maintaining green spaces, and providing winter services, with potential for expansion into other European countries based on demand. For the past three years, the BK Group has honed its expertise in managing charging parks through its BK World locations, which offer lounges at EV charging sites. This experience has been leveraged to develop a new caretaking service tailored to the needs of charging infrastructure operators.…

Honda presented two prototypes of its next-generation electric vehicles, the Honda 0 Series, at CES 2025: the Honda 0 Saloon and the Honda 0 SUV. Both models, which are expected to launch globally in 2026, mark a significant step forward for the automaker as it looks to expand its electric vehicle (EV) offerings. The Honda 0 Series was initially previewed at CES 2024 with two design concepts, followed by more detailed information about the technologies driving the new models. In January 2025, Honda unveiled prototypes of the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, showcasing the brand’s focus on “Thin, Light, and…

Mexico’s government has launched Olinia, a new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer backed by both state and private capital, aiming to produce affordable electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026. The initiative, which emphasizes regional production, is set to unveil its first model during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico’s Aztec Stadium, with production slated to begin later that year. The three planned Olinia models, ranging from 90,000 to 150,000 pesos (approximately 4,200 to 7,100 euros), are expected to be far more affordable than current electric vehicles in the Mexican market, where models from brands such as JAC,…

The UNDERCOVER research project, launched on January 1, aims to explore deep raw material deposits and improve the discovery of critical materials for the European Union. The three-year initiative involves 16 partners from Europe and beyond, including Finland, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Namibia, and Canada. The project will test new strategies and sustainable technologies to enhance the efficiency of raw material exploration at greater depths. UNDERCOVER, which stands for ‘Unified Novel Deep ExploRation for Critical Ore discoVERy,’ is coordinated by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). The project seeks to leverage knowledge of subsurface mineral systems to support…

Germany’s federally funded DRivE project, led by RWTH Aachen University and a consortium of industrial partners, has developed a web-based route planning system designed to optimize routes for electric trucks, promoting a shift toward low-emission transportation solutions. The system, which integrates data from charging and refueling infrastructure with vehicle conditions and route specifics, aims to alleviate the “range anxiety” often experienced by companies in the transport and logistics sectors. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) with a budget of approximately 2.1 million euros, seeks to support the transition to alternative drive systems, such…

Hongqi, a brand under China FAW Group, introduced the Tiangong 08 on [day], an all-electric mid-to-large-size SUV aimed at expanding its lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The Tiangong 08 offers a range of battery configurations, catering to varying consumer preferences. Built on the Tiangong modular platform, which supports a variety of vehicle types including SUVs, MPVs, and crossovers, the Tiangong 08 comes in five variants. Prices start at RMB 239,800 ($32,730) and go up to RMB 339,800. The five-seat SUV measures 4,925 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. It is available with both single-motor rear-wheel…

Dacia, Renault’s low-cost brand, announced on Tuesday a reduction of €2,000 ($2,086) in the price of its electric Spring model in France. This move comes as part of a broader trend of expected price cuts across Europe aimed at stimulating flagging electric vehicle (EV) sales. The price of the entry-level Spring is now set at €16,900, positioning it closer to the price point of Chinese EV maker Leapmotor’s T03, which recently dropped to €14,900. Dacia’s price cut is part of the strategy to remain competitive in a market where carmakers are relying on discounts to meet tougher emissions regulations set…

Tesla has asked a Swedish court to compel the Transport Agency to provide access to vehicle licence plates, which have been blocked by postal workers participating in a broader labour dispute. The conflict stems from Tesla’s refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement, a move that has drawn criticism from unions across Sweden. The labour dispute began in October 2023 when a group of Tesla mechanics initiated a strike. Over a dozen unions, including dockworkers, electricians, and postal workers, have since launched solidarity actions, complicating Tesla’s operations in the country. One such measure includes a postal blockade that restricts the…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr used CES 2025 to provide a glimpse into its future lineup, teasing three new models set to launch in 2025. The company also showcased its use of NVIDIA DRIVE Thor, a next-generation smart driving platform, as part of its efforts to advance autonomous vehicle technology. Zeekr announced that the NVIDIA DRIVE Thor platform would power its upcoming vehicles, enabling functions like automated driving, parking, driver monitoring, and infotainment within a unified system. “As the first automaker to integrate NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor, Zeekr is advancing vehicle intelligence and efficiency,” the company shared during the event. At…