Author: Floyd Hawkins

Trek has launched the Checkpoint+, its first electric gravel bike, expanding the U.S. company’s lineup into a new category with three models now available worldwide. The Checkpoint+ is built on an OCLV carbon frame from Trek’s 500 series and integrates the latest HPR60 motor from German manufacturer TQ. The motor delivers up to 350W of peak power and 60 Nm of torque, providing pedal-assist support up to 28 mph (45 km/h) in the United States. Unlike some competitors, the model does not include a throttle option. A 360 Wh internal battery is standard, offering an estimated range of 50 miles…

Volkswagen is grappling with difficulties in its software partnership with U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian, with several planned electric models facing delays of at least a year, according to a report by German business magazine Manager Magazin. The software joint venture, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, was set up in mid-2024 as part of Volkswagen’s multibillion-euro effort to resolve longstanding challenges with its in-house software unit, Cariad. The partnership aims to integrate Rivian’s zonal electronic architecture into both Rivian and Volkswagen Group models. However, software designed primarily for electric vehicles has proven difficult to adapt to Volkswagen’s internal combustion engine…

Nissan’s electric vehicle lineup in the United States is undergoing another shakeup, with the Ariya crossover set to be discontinued after the 2025 model year. Barely three years after its launch, the electric SUV will be pulled from the U.S. market as the automaker reallocates resources toward the upcoming 2026 Leaf, according to a dealer memo first reported by Automotive News and later confirmed by Nissan. “Nissan is pausing production of the MY26 Ariya for the U.S. market and reallocating resources to support the launch of the all-new 2026 Leaf, which will have the lowest starting MSRP out of all…

Chinese automaker Changan has supplied 443 Deepal electric vehicles to Krungthai Bank in Thailand as part of a fleet order aimed at supporting the lender’s goal of transitioning entirely to electric mobility by 2030. The vehicles are being provided through asap Car Rental, a leasing company based in Samut Prakan Province. Krungthai Bank has already taken delivery of the first batch under the agreement. The order includes three Deepal models—the S05 compact SUV, the S07 mid-size SUV and the L07 mid-size saloon—though Changan has not disclosed the breakdown by model. Retail prices for the vehicles in Thailand range from 799,000…

Waymo announced that its self-driving fleet has completed a total of 96 million rider-only miles without human intervention as of June 2025. The mileage was recorded across four major U.S. cities: Los Angeles (16.46 million miles), San Francisco (29.88 million miles), Phoenix (46.39 million miles), and Austin (3.22 million miles). Waymo also clocked the highest number of autonomous miles driven in Phoenix, Arizona, with 46.39 million miles. https://twitter.com/Waymo/status/1968072428178825618 The company highlighted the safety performance of its fleet, noting that its self-driving cabs experienced 91% fewer serious injuries and 79% fewer airbag deployments compared to human drivers in the cities where…

Xpeng will introduce Eve Energy as a new battery supplier for its Mona lineup to lessen reliance on BYD, local outlet Jipian Lab reported on Monday. The company plans to use Eve Energy’s prismatic-cell batteries in the base models of upcoming Mona vehicles, while long-range versions will continue using BYD’s blade batteries. The Mona series, launched in August with the M03 sedan priced from 119,800 yuan ($16,820), relies entirely on BYD’s lithium iron phosphate blade batteries through its FinDreams unit. Eve Energy’s solution allows greater layout flexibility compared with BYD’s short blade design, helping Xpeng diversify supply and manage costs,…

Germany’s Vacuumschmelze (VAC), one of the few rare earth magnet producers outside China, said it is pressing ahead with a $500 million plant in South Carolina, backed by U.S. government funding, to expand production of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense equipment. The facility, due to open before the end of 2025, will produce just under 2,000 metric tons of magnets annually when fully operational. VAC said it has secured about $200 million in U.S. funding and tax credits for the project, with roughly 90% of output contracted to General Motors (GM.N) and the remainder to…

General Motors has released a comprehensive software update for its battery-electric full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, introducing new driver-assistance tools, infotainment applications, and user interface enhancements. The update, identified as version 86277880 with Build Number SQBR6, is applicable to 2024 and 2025 models, and replaces the previous SQBR5 build. GM has indicated that installation must be performed at dealerships, although the 2026 models already come with the new software pre-installed. See also: GM CEO Mary Barra Reaffirms EV Ambitions Amid Production Shifts Among the new features, the update enables Turn Signal Activated View, which displays…

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD said its sales growth in the United Kingdom will not be hindered by the country’s new Electric Car Grant (ECG), despite being excluded from the subsidy scheme aimed at encouraging buyers to switch to EVs. The ECG offers up to £3,750 ($5,000) off the price of a new EV, depending on the sustainability of its manufacturing process. Chinese brands, including BYD, were excluded under the rules that consider energy use in production. See also: BYD To Launch 1,000 kW ‘Flash Charging’ In Europe With Single-Cable CCS System Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, told Autocar…

The U.S. auto industry is facing sweeping changes in 2025 after the Trump administration eliminated federal tax credits for electric vehicles and removed penalties for automakers that miss fuel economy targets under Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The moves are reshaping strategies across the sector, favoring traditional combustion-focused manufacturers while creating new challenges for EV specialists. See also: Stellantis Pays $190.6 Million In U.S. Fuel Economy Penalties For 2019-2020 Automakers such as General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis stand to benefit immediately, as they are no longer required to purchase emissions credits to offset sales of trucks and SUVs.…

Australia’s first dedicated charging hub for electric trucks will be built in Melbourne, backed by AUD 12.3 million ($8 million) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The Laverton North facility will feature 14 dual plug chargers for heavy battery-electric trucks and is intended to showcase the feasibility of electrifying freight operations. The funding has been awarded to Mondo Power, which will develop, build and operate the hub in Melbourne’s western freight precinct. Alongside the installation of charging infrastructure, the initiative will support 20 heavy electric trucks and reduce their total cost of ownership. Mondo also plans to…

Dreame Technology, a Chinese company best known for its robot vacuum cleaners, has secured its first round of funding for its electric vehicle (EV) business, just two weeks after announcing its entry into car manufacturing. Chinese tech outlet Sina Tech reported the financing on Thursday without disclosing the investment amount or participants. Securing this funding signifies capital recognition of Dreame’s automotive strategy — “China R&D, Germany manufacturing, global sales”, the company was cited as saying. Dreame added that its existing brand, technology and global distribution channels will support the new unit. The company is scouting a factory site in Germany,…