Author: Harding Greenwood

Mining and industrial equipment maker Sandvik has secured €500 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to accelerate the development of next-generation electric and sustainable heavy machinery, strengthening its long-term research and development program in Europe. The EIB, the lending arm of the European Union, said the funding is intended to support innovation, competitiveness and sustainability across Sandvik’s equipment portfolio. The loan carries a seven-year maturity and will be used across the group’s business lines to advance productivity, safety and electrification technologies. See also: Sandvik Secures Largest Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) Order for Arizona Mining Project Sandvik has been…

Battery-electric van registrations in Britain rose sharply in November, defying a broader downturn in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, though industry data shows adoption still lags well behind government-mandated targets. Registrations of battery-electric vans climbed 25.3% year on year to 2,909 units in November, giving the segment a 12.3% market share — its highest monthly level so far in 2025 — according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Over the same period, total LCV registrations fell 22.2% to 23,570 vehicles. For the first 11 months of the year, battery-electric van volumes rose 44.7% to…

BHP and Rio Tinto have begun on-site trials of Caterpillar’s battery-electric haul trucks in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, marking a key step in efforts to reduce emissions from large-scale iron ore operations. Australia’s first Cat 793 XE “Early Learner” battery-electric haul trucks have arrived at BHP’s Jimblebar mine and are now undergoing commissioning ahead of operational testing. The joint initiative brings together BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar to assess the performance, infrastructure requirements and operational impact of zero-exhaust emission heavy haulage technology. See also: Rio Tinto Halts Serbia’s Jadar Lithium Project as New CEO Shifts Focus to Short-Term Priorities The…

Rivian’s chief executive said true hands-free and eventually fully driverless driving for consumer vehicles could arrive sooner than many expect, as automakers race to close the gap between today’s advanced driver-assistance systems and fully autonomous robotaxis. Speaking to Automotive News, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the company’s next major autonomy milestones will include a “hands-off everywhere” system, followed by a “point-to-point navigation” feature that would allow vehicles to navigate entire routes with limited driver input. Both features would still require driver supervision. See also: Rivian to Add Digital Key Support to Gen 2 Vehicles in Upcoming Software Update After those…

Kia unveiled the EV5 WKNDR concept at the Guangzhou Auto Show, showcasing a rugged, adventure-oriented interpretation of its electric SUV platform aimed at blending urban driving with off-road and outdoor utility. The concept was developed entirely by the Kia Design China team and is positioned as an exploration-focused variant of the EV5, featuring increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches and all-terrain tyres. Kia said the study reflects its “Opposites United” design philosophy, combining structural robustness with refined, lightweight styling. Externally, the EV5 WKNDR includes retractable front and rear tow hooks, protective body cladding and a panoramic roof rack designed to…

A converted BMW 1602 electric vehicle is drawing attention in the classic car and EV communities for retaining much of the driving character of its original combustion-engine form, including the use of a manual gearbox and a motor tuned to mimic traditional power delivery. The original BMW 1602 was first converted into an electric vehicle by BMW itself in 1972, but this modern conversion was carried out about seven years ago by British specialist Electric Classic Cars. From the exterior, the car remains visually unchanged, reflecting the builders’ goal of preserving both its appearance and driving dynamics. See also: Electric…

Tesla’s Shanghai manufacturing plant has produced its four millionth electric vehicle, marking a major production milestone for the U.S. automaker’s largest factory by output. The company said the four millionth China-made vehicle is a six-seat Model Y L sport utility vehicle. The announcement comes about 14 months after the plant reached its three millionth vehicle milestone in October last year, highlighting the rapid pace of output from the facility. See also: Tesla Marks Milestone as 5-Millionth Battery Pack Rolls Off Line at Giga Shanghai https://twitter.com/Tesla_Asia/status/1997907063259947229 Known as Giga Shanghai, the plant began operations in late 2019 after construction started in…

Tesla has introduced a lower-priced version of its best-selling Model Y crossover to the British market, aiming to widen its customer base as competition in the UK electric vehicle sector continues to intensify. The Model Y Standard, which was first launched in the United States in October, is now available in the UK at a starting price of £41,990. It replaces the previous rear-wheel-drive Model Y as the entry-level version of the vehicle and is being offered on lease from £299 per month, according to details published by the company. See also: Tesla Launches Affordable Model Y Standard in Germany…

A Lucid Air electric sedan owner has reported a repair bill of about $15,000 after a minor water spill inside the vehicle triggered a cascade of electronic failures, highlighting how modern electric vehicles can be vulnerable to liquid damage. The incident was detailed by a Reddit user posting under the name u/raging_onyx, who said the problem began during a routine trip to refill a large water container ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. A pothole on the return journey caused the container to tip over, spilling water inside the cabin. See also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Owner Faces Nearly $12,000 Repair…

Enphase Energy has begun shipping its second-generation IQ EV Charger 2 in the United States, expanding its product lineup as demand grows for higher-power and solar-integrated electric vehicle charging equipment. The charger supports power output of up to 19.2 kilowatts using the J1772 connector and up to 22.1 kilowatts with the J3400 North American Charging Standard (NACS). Designed for both residential and commercial use, the unit can operate as a standalone charger or integrate directly with Enphase solar and battery systems. See also: Enphase Energy Unveils Bidirectional EV Charger for Home and Grid Integration The IQ EV Charger 2 includes…

Ford Motor Chief Executive Jim Farley on Thursday backed the Trump administration’s decision to reset federal fuel-economy standards, saying the move would allow automakers to build more affordable vehicles in the United States without abandoning electric and efficiency technologies. Speaking at a press conference alongside President Donald J. Trump, Farley said the previous regulatory framework had made it difficult for carmakers to compete in lower-cost market segments. “What you should know is that this is a victory for affordability and common sense,” Farley said. “We will be able to offer more affordability on our popular models, and we’ll be able…

BYD’s Seal 6 DM-i saloon and Seal 6 DM-i Touring estate have received five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP, reinforcing the Chinese automaker’s push to position its plug-in hybrid models as long-range family vehicles for the European market. Both models scored 92% for adult occupant protection and 90% for child occupant protection, with Euro NCAP reporting maximum points in side barrier and side pole impact tests. Protection for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, was rated at 84%, while driver-assistance systems scored 85%. See also: BYD Announces SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon and Touring for UK Market with Extended Range…

General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra said the automaker will continue to improve the efficiency of its combustion engines even as recent U.S. regulatory changes sharply reduce penalties for missing federal fuel-economy targets, a move that has eased pressure on the industry. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this year effectively removed financial penalties tied to shortfalls in fuel-economy compliance, giving automakers greater flexibility in shaping their product portfolios. The change could encourage renewed emphasis on larger, higher-margin trucks and sport utility vehicles, which have historically faced less stringent efficiency requirements. See also: General Motors Lifts Full-Year Outlook, Trims Tariff Impact…

Tesla has expanded its lower-priced vehicle lineup in Europe with the launch of a new “Standard” version of the Model 3, now available in Germany starting at 36,990 euros, just months after introducing a simplified Model Y variant on the continent. The Model 3 Standard replaces the previous entry-level rear-wheel-drive version equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The next model up in the German configurator is now the “Premium” trim with maximum-range rear-wheel drive, priced from 44,990 euros and fitted with a larger battery pack. See also: Tesla Increases Model 3 Range in Europe After Battery Upgrade from…

The European Commission is likely to delay the release of its updated climate policy roadmap for the automotive sector, as pressure mounts to soften a planned 2035 phase-out of new combustion engine car sales, an industry source said on Wednesday. The announcement, initially set for Dec. 10, was expected to outline measures to support the car industry, including a possible revision of the planned cut-off date. European carmakers, backed by Germany, have stepped up lobbying efforts in Brussels for greater regulatory flexibility as they grapple with the high costs of transitioning to electric vehicles while facing intensifying competition from Chinese…

The European Commission has adopted a new action plan aimed at accelerating access to critical raw materials such as rare earths, lithium and cobalt, committing up to €3 billion over the next 12 months to support projects inside and outside the European Union. The initiative, called “RESourceEU,” builds on the Critical Raw Materials Act and is designed to shield European industry from supply disruptions and price volatility while reducing dependence on a narrow group of suppliers. The Commission said the funding will be used to “mobilise financial de-risking tools” and to “provide alternative supplies in the short term,” reflecting a…

U.S.-based sensing and perception technology company Aeva has secured an exclusive global production contract with a major European passenger automaker to supply lidar systems for Level 3 automated driving, marking a significant commercial milestone for its next-generation 4D sensing technology. The multi-year agreement, which will run into the next decade, follows a joint development programme and will see Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D lidar deployed across the automaker’s global vehicle platforms, including internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric models. Aeva said the customer ranks among the world’s top 10 passenger vehicle manufacturers and will standardise its Level 3 automated driving system on…

Britain has expanded eligibility for its highest-level electric vehicle purchase incentive, adding four new battery-electric models to the top tier of its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme as part of a broader effort to accelerate EV adoption through the end of the decade. The Renault 4, Alpine A290, Mini Countryman EV and the 52 kWh Renault 5 have been added to Band One of the scheme, making them eligible for the maximum £3,750 subsidy. Their inclusion lowers entry-level prices to £23,455 for the Renault 4, £23,945 for the 52 kWh Renault 5, £25,350 for the Mini Countryman EV and £30,245…

Dutch fast-charging operator Fastned has secured a tender to build France’s first motorway service station dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles, with the new site set to open in 2026 in St Yvi, Brittany, the company said. The charging hub will be located on Route Nationale 165, part of the E60 European highway network, one of western France’s main transport arteries. Fastned said the project is designed as an electric equivalent of a conventional motorway service area, combining ultra-fast charging with retail and rest facilities. The St Yvi site will feature six 400-kilowatt fast chargers and one charger adapted for electric…

A consortium of around 30 partners has completed a three-year effort to develop a centralised software architecture designed to support highly automated vehicles, with Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM) outlining key technical advances from the project. The Central Car Server (CeCaS) research initiative, launched in 2022 and led by semiconductor maker Infineon, aimed to create a high-performance computing platform that acts as the central processing unit for future software-defined vehicles. The project was backed by a total budget of 88.2 million euros, including 46.2 million euros in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).…