Author: Floyd Hawkins

Swedish logistics property developer Catena has announced a partnership with Einride to establish charging hubs for electric trucks at two of its strategically located properties. This initiative aims to support the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure along key transport routes in Sweden. The first charging hub, located in Norrköping in eastern Sweden, is already operational. The second hub, situated in Helsingborg on the western coast near the Danish border, is anticipated to commence operations by November 2025. Each hub will feature six to eight charging terminals with capabilities of up to 400 kW, accommodating various electric truck models. While…

Aptera Motors has successfully completed the first drive of its production-intent solar electric vehicle (sEV), marking a significant step in validating the vehicle’s design and components. This development paves the way for rigorous real-world testing to assess critical performance metrics, including range, solar charging, and overall efficiency. The vehicle features Aptera’s newly integrated Vitesco Technologies EMR3 drivetrain, which is an in-board motor solution unveiled earlier this year. The initial test drive confirmed the compatibility of Aptera’s proprietary battery pack with the EMR3 powertrain under real-world conditions. Notably, this marks the first time that Aptera’s composite body structure, known as its…

Caterpillar has introduced the first of its next-generation CAT 793 XE Early Learner battery electric trucks, equipped with a massive 240-ton payload, at Newmont’s Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Teller County, Colorado. This deployment marks a significant milestone in Caterpillar’s Early Learner electric vehicle program. The announcement follows the unveiling of Caterpillar’s new battery electric Large Mining Truck line, with Newmont’s CC&V mine selected as a key testing and validation site for the initial seven CAT 793 XE Early Learner haul trucks. This production phase is pivotal, following the demonstration of Caterpillar’s first battery electric 793 prototype in…

Denza, the premium brand of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, has officially launched in Thailand, marking its fourth entry into the Asia-Pacific market after Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Singapore. The expansion reflects Denza’s aim to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, a region increasingly receptive to electric and luxury vehicles. Denza introduced the Premium-AWD version of its D9 MPV, an all-electric, luxury multi-purpose vehicle tailored for both urban and long-distance driving in Thailand. The D9, spanning over 5.25 meters, boasts a power output of up to 275 kW (368 hp) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9…

Asahi Kasei and Honda Motor Co. are launching a new joint venture to produce advanced lithium-ion battery separators at an integrated plant in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. The project aims to convert an existing Asahi Kasei subsidiary into a high-output facility, capable of producing Hipore lithium-ion battery separators. The joint venture, tentatively named the Asahi Kasei Honda Battery Separator Corporation, has been in discussions since April 2024 and is expected to gain regulatory approval, with production projected to start in early 2025. With an initial capital of CAD$240 million, Asahi Kasei will hold a 75% stake while Honda will acquire…

BCA has introduced an EV Battery Health Grading service, giving used electric vehicle (EV) buyers detailed insights into battery condition and transparency in the purchasing process. The new service, supported by the AVILOO battery testing system, assesses traction battery health in used EVs and is expected to accompany BCA’s 40,000 EV sales projected for the next 12 months. According to BCA COO Stuart Pearson, the rapid growth in EV volumes at BCA’s online auctions has fueled advancements in remarketing services. “Thanks to our continued investment in infrastructure and support services, our customers remain best placed when it comes to selling…

In October, Norway’s electric vehicle (BEV) market sustained its dominance with BEVs accounting for 94% of new car registrations, according to the Norwegian Road Authority (OFV). A total of 10,862 electric cars were registered, led by Toyota’s bZ4X with 761 units, narrowly surpassing the Skoda Enyaq’s 757 units. Non-electric models were limited to only 23rd place in the sales rankings, reinforcing Norway’s position as a global leader in electric mobility. Though down slightly from the record-breaking 96.4% BEV market share seen in September, October’s figures remain consistent with Norway’s steady progress toward full electrification. The country’s BEV market share for…

Hyundai Motor Company is making significant strides toward a sustainable future by signing the largest renewable energy supply contract in South Korea. Announced on Wednesday, the agreement with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, SK E&S, GS E&R, and Enlighten will provide the automaker with 610 GWh of renewable energy annually over the next 20 years, enough to fully charge its all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV more than 7 million times. The new power purchase agreement (PPA) is poised to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with Hyundai estimating a decrease of approximately 5.6 million tons as a result of the contract. “In addition…

VinFast Auto, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, officially launched its brand in the Middle East during an event on Bluewaters Island in Dubai on October 28, 2024. The company also inaugurated its first dealership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in downtown Dubai. The new dealership spans over 1,000 square meters and includes a showroom as well as a service workshop. It features VinFast’s electric vehicle lineup, which includes models such as the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9. VinFast plans to expand its dealership network to additional countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar,…

Xiaomi, the Chinese tech titan, has taken a bold step into the high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market with the debut of its luxury SU7 Ultra sedan. Unveiled at a comprehensive product launch event in Beijing, the new EV highlights Xiaomi’s intent to compete with established automotive giants. Priced at RMB 814,900 ($114,200), the SU7 Ultra is nearly four times more costly than the standard SU7 model. The company has already opened pre-orders, requiring a refundable deposit of RMB 10,000, ahead of the model’s official release in March 2025. The SU7 Ultra, described by Xiaomi’s founder and CEO Lei Jun as…

Canadian EV battery repurposing company Moment Energy will establish the first UL1974-certified facility for EV battery reuse in the United States, following a $20.3 million award from the Biden-Harris Administration. The project, set to begin in 2025, will create a manufacturing hub in Texas to transform used EV batteries into safe, reliable energy storage systems, with an eventual capacity of 1 GWh annually. The funding forms part of a $428 million initiative aimed at boosting clean energy production in former coal communities, supporting the Justice40 initiative by creating over 250 jobs in Taylor, Texas, and nearby disadvantaged areas. “This facility…

Peugeot has been chosen to supply Royal Mail with over 2,000 electric vans as part of the postal service’s push to expand its electric vehicle fleet. The new addition comprises 1,100 Peugeot e-Partner and 1,000 e-Expert models, building on Royal Mail’s initial announcement in July to acquire 2,100 electric vans. This expansion supports Royal Mail’s goal to electrify its entire fleet by 2030. The updated Peugeot e-Partner offers a range of up to 213 miles (WLTP) and features an electric drivetrain delivering up to 270Nm of torque powered by a 50kWh battery. Equipped with a regenerative braking system adjustable at…