Author: Harding Greenwood

IM Motors, the electric vehicle (EV) unit of SAIC Motor, has introduced an updated version of its LS6 SUV, now featuring extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants alongside existing battery-electric options. The updated LS6, unveiled on September 10, is the first model to use IM Motors’ Hengxing EREV system, equipped with CATL’s Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery. The system is designed to deliver extended range through a larger battery than conventional EREVs. Shortly after launch, IM Motors reported on Weibo that the updated LS6 received more than 10,000 orders within 27 minutes. The SUV measures 4,937 mm in length, 1,988 mm in…

The 2025 Smart #5, a five-door large SUV, has achieved strong safety scores in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, with standout results for child occupant protection and active safety systems. According to Euro NCAP, the Smart #5 scored 88% for adult occupant protection, 93% for child occupants, 84% for vulnerable road users, and 92% for safety assist technologies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKSiS9h7fKI&ab_channel=EuroNCAP The test results showed the passenger compartment remained stable during the frontal offset crash, offering good protection to the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. While chest protection for the driver and rear passenger was rated as…

Ferrari has introduced the 849 Testarossa, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercar that replaces the SF90 Stradale at the top of the marque’s range. The vehicle was unveiled to international press and clients in Milan and will also be offered in a retractable-top “spider” variant. The 849 Testarossa combines a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 engine producing 830 horsepower with three electric motors delivering 220 hp, for a total output of 1,050 hp—50 hp more than the SF90 Stradale. Ferrari said the car features on-demand four-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and a revised hybrid system for improved performance and driving comfort. The car’s battery…

Xpeng  has filed for an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variant of its G7 SUV, a move that expands the company’s portfolio in the hybrid vehicle segment. The filing appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) latest catalog of vehicles pending approval for sale, with public comments open from Sept. 11 to 17. Inclusion in the catalog is typically the last major regulatory step before commercial sales. The G7 EREV, listed under model number NHQ6490SHEVMA and produced at Xpeng’s Guangzhou plant, is a five-seat SUV measuring 4,918 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,655 mm in…

The BYD Dolphin Surf compact electric vehicle has received the highest possible five-star safety rating from European testing body Euro NCAP, with strong results across crash protection and driver-assistance systems. The vehicle, which was recently launched across Europe and named World Urban Car of the Year, scored 82% for Adult Occupant protection and 86% for Child Occupant protection. Euro NCAP said the car provided good protection in side-barrier and side pole impact tests, awarding maximum points in the latter. https://twitter.com/BYD_Europe/status/1965345253910552731 For Child Occupant protection, the vehicle achieved one of the strongest results in its class. In the Vulnerable Road Users…

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is reportedly expanding its electric vehicle fleet with the purchase of 450 Rivian vehicles, though the agency has not yet issued an official statement. Speculation began after photos surfaced online showing Rivian R1T pickups carrying Caltrans’ orange stripe. A member of Rivian Forums wrote that he spotted one of the vehicles at the company’s West Sacramento Center, where staff allegedly confirmed the purchase. Additional images posted on Reddit showed Rivian trucks on a carrier and others being prepared for service in Los Angeles. https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/1n2tq1z/r1s_with_orange_stripes/ While confirmed details remain limited, the reported order includes both…

Ceva Logistics, the French freight forwarder, is rolling out a dedicated service for the collection, storage, and processing of end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the company said, as Europe’s EV market drives demand for specialized battery logistics. The company is investing several million euros in battery logistics centres, with the first facility already tested in Ghislenghien, Belgium. “Thanks to a multi-million-euro investment, CEVA is targeting the gradual expansion of Battery Logistics Centers dedicated to EV batteries across 10 European countries by 2027,” the company said in a statement. Up to 15 centres are planned, including sites in France, the United…

Xiaomi Auto delivered 36,396 vehicles in August, marking a 19.5% increase from July and a 177.6% rise compared with the same month last year, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This represents the second consecutive month the company has maintained deliveries above the 30,000-unit threshold. Model-specific performance showed mixed trends. The Xiaomi SU7 recorded 19,848 deliveries in August, down 18.7% from July’s 24,410 units, but up 51.4% year-over-year. The SU7 accounted for 54.5% of Xiaomi Auto’s total deliveries last month. Meanwhile, the YU7 saw 16,548 units delivered, a 173.9% increase from July’s 6,042 units, representing 45.5%…

Nissan is considering introducing hybrid vehicles using its e-Power technology in South Africa as a way to help consumers transition from petrol engines to electric vehicles, company executives said on Tuesday. Low incomes and high import duties have historically constrained automakers’ sales in Africa, while uneven electricity access and limited charging infrastructure have slowed adoption of battery-electric vehicles (EVs). Nissan has previously launched e-Power hybrids in Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, where the technology has gained traction, and believes it could also appeal to South African drivers. “This is currently under study,” Ramy Mohareb, communications head for Nissan Africa, said. “Why…

Chinese automaker GAC on Tuesday announced the European market debut of its Aion V electric SUV at the IAA Mobility show, marking the company’s first global model. Prices start at €35,990, with initial sales set to begin later this month in countries including Poland, Portugal, and Finland. The mid-size SUV, roughly the same size as a Volkswagen ID.4, features a 75.3 kWh battery capable of a WLTP range of 510 kilometres. GAC said the vehicle achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating and that its battery is “designed not to ignite even under gunfire,” referring to standard safety tests. GAC…

Volkswagen said on Tuesday it will invest up to €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in artificial intelligence by 2030, deploying the technology across its business to accelerate development and cut costs, with expected savings of up to €4 billion by 2035. The announcement came on the opening day of the IAA Mobility show in Munich, where European carmakers are unveiling new electric models and digital features to counter growing competition from China. See also: Volkswagen Adds Black Package To 2025 ID.4, Expands EV Lineup With Style Upgrade Volkswagen said the investment will support AI-driven vehicle development, industrial applications and expanded high-performance…

Daimler Buses has launched road testing of its hydrogen-powered coach concept, the Setra H2 Coach, a technology demonstrator expected to deliver at least 800 kilometres on a single tank, the company said on Monday. The 13.9-metre Setra S 517 HD is powered by two hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of 46 kg and a 300 kW fuel cell unit from Cellcentric, the Daimler Truck and Volvo Group joint venture. Energy is channelled to an electric motor rated at 320 kW continuous output and up to 400 kW peak, delivering a maximum torque of 2,470 Nm. “The bus is largely…