Author: Floyd Hawkins

Germany-based ADS-TEC Energy said it has secured a new order from Belgium’s HyperFast to supply more than a dozen ChargePost fast charging stations. The deployment, which will be supported by local energy platform MobilityPlus, is expected to significantly expand HyperFast’s fast-charging infrastructure by the end of the year. The ChargePost units, which deliver up to 300kW of power, will be rolled out across HyperFast sites in Belgium. According to ADS-TEC, the technology enables ultra-fast charging without requiring costly or time-consuming upgrades to local grid infrastructure. The system operates with an integrated battery-buffer solution that stores energy drawn gradually from the…

Volkswagen has partnered with Bandai Namco and N-Dream to expand its in-car gaming platform, AirConsole, by introducing the PAC-MAN Championship Edition. The initiative aims to enhance the digital experience for drivers and passengers by offering entertainment through the vehicle’s infotainment system. The game will be offered exclusively in Volkswagen’s ID. series electric vehicles, including the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3, as well as selected variants of the Golf, Passat, Tayron, and Tiguan. The PAC-MAN title has been tailored to fit the Active Info Display and will synchronize with the ID. Light system in compatible vehicles, adding a more immersive visual…

Nissan plans to significantly increase the driving range of its LEAF electric vehicle, with the upcoming 2026 model expected to offer over 300 miles on a single charge, a major leap from the current version’s maximum EPA-rated range of 212 miles. Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice president and chief planning officer at Nissan, told Car and Driver at the New York auto show that the extended range will apply to some variants of the new LEAF . “Range will vary for different versions of the new Leaf,” he said, suggesting that the highest range figure will likely be tied to an…

British military personnel have been informally instructed to avoid parking electric vehicles (EVs) containing Chinese-made components near sensitive defense installations, amid growing concerns over potential surveillance risks tied to advanced automotive sensors and data access laws in China. According to UK news outlet The iPaper, service members at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire have been advised to park EVs with Chinese parts at least two miles away from critical buildings. Similar informal restrictions are reportedly in place at other locations, including the Salisbury Plain training area. The guidance also includes recommendations to avoid holding sensitive conversations inside Chinese-manufactured vehicles, citing concerns…

Spanish manufacturer Irizar has announced a landmark achievement for its hydrogen-powered i6S Efficient Hydrogen coach, completing a 2,500-kilometre round trip from its headquarters in Ormaiztegi, Spain, to the alpine town of Briançon, France. The journey is being hailed as a record-setting performance and a major milestone in the evolution of hydrogen mobility in Europe. The vehicle’s route from the Basque Country to the French Alps traversed a range of terrains and elevations, including cities across the Pyrenees and the Provence region. According to Irizar, the coach overcame elevation gains of more than 1,400 metres and successfully logged a stretch of…

Subaru of America has officially unveiled its second electric vehicle (EV), the Trailseeker EV, at the New York International Auto Show. Slated for release in the U.S. in 2026, the Trailseeker EV brings advanced off-road capabilities and a robust all-wheel-drive system, marking another step in Subaru’s transition toward fully electric vehicles. At the same time, the automaker has revealed updates to its first EV, the Solterra, which now features increased range and improved charging capabilities. The Trailseeker EV is built to cater to the adventurous spirit typical of Subaru’s brand identity. With a design geared towards off-road enthusiasts, it comes…

Xpeng Motors has officially launched its 2025 X9 electric MPV, bringing significant updates to the model. The new version follows a pre-sale period that started on April 8, with the official launch price set at 359,800 yuan ($49,900), which is the same as the 2024 model despite a pre-sale price increase of 40,000 yuan ($5,300). Xpeng claims the 2025 model includes 80,000 yuan ($11,000) worth of enhancements, aimed at improving comfort, technology, and intelligent driving features. The vehicle is available in multiple variants, with prices and ranges as follows: Long Range Max: 650km range, 359,800 yuan ($49,900) Ultra Long Range…

G7 Taxi, Vietnam’s largest taxi alliance operating in Hanoi, has placed an order for 899 VF 5 electric vehicles from local automaker VinFast, marking a significant step in the group’s transition from petrol-powered taxis to an all-electric fleet. The current order, composed entirely of white-coloured VF 5s, is expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2025. VinFast described the VF 5 as “especially suitable for urban taxi services thanks to its outstanding advantages in flexible operation and significantly lower operating costs compared to petrol cars of the same price range.” See also: First Real Estate to Lease 1,000 VinFast…

CASE Construction Equipment, a brand under CNH Industrial, presented a futuristic concept electric wheel loader at bauma 2025, showcasing a cabless design that prioritizes remote and autonomous operation. The concept, named Impact, is aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and round-the-clock functionality in challenging work environments. While currently a prototype, CASE has a record of turning concept elements into commercial products. The Impact loader eliminates the traditional operator cabin in favor of AI-driven autonomy or remote operation, allowing for flexible deployment in hazardous areas and severe weather conditions. CASE said the new design could enable operators to control the machine remotely…

The EU-funded MARBEL project, coordinated by Catalonia’s Eurecat technology centre, has introduced a novel electric vehicle (EV) battery system that emphasizes modularity, ease of recycling, and innovations in ultra-fast charging. The new battery concept, developed with input from 16 partners across eight countries, seeks to improve sustainability and efficiency in EV battery design and performance. Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, the MARBEL battery architecture integrates up to 60% recycled aluminium, helping reduce up to 777 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per battery pack. The modular structure facilitates component reuse, simplifies repairs, and extends battery lifespan. The battery’s cells are also…

An Austrian-led research initiative is advancing the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries by using recycled silicon from decommissioned solar panels to create a new type of composite anode. The project, called MoSiLIB and coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, is exploring a silicon (graphite)-tin sulfide (SnS₂) anode designed to reduce raw material usage while boosting energy storage capacity and battery lifespan. According to AIT, the MoSiLIB project is targeting a reversible capacity of 800 mAh/g over more than 1,000 charging cycles using a combination of spray drying and high-energy ball milling for material processing. Spray drying involves evaporating…

Stellantis-backed electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has officially launched the B10 compact crossover in China, setting a starting price of 99,800 yuan ($13,580), significantly lower than the previously announced presale price and undercutting rival BYD’s Atto 3. The Leapmotor B10, which was first unveiled for presales on March 11, garnered 15,000 orders within the first hour of opening. Initially priced from 109,800 yuan ($14,940), the model has now launched at a more affordable base rate. Customers who place orders before May 31 will receive complimentary gifts valued up to 15,600 yuan ($2,120), the company said. See also: Hesai to Supply 200,000…