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…