Author: Harding Greenwood

Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to set an unconventional world record with its battery-electric eActros 600 by reversing over 100 kilometres without interruption, surpassing the existing Guinness World Record of 89 kilometres set by a diesel truck in the United States. The German truckmaker announced on Friday that the record attempt will take place on June 4 in Oschersleben, Saxony-Anhalt. The event will also serve as a platform to promote road safety awareness and raise the profile of truck driving as a profession, in partnership with the associations Blicki e.V. and PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. See also: Daimler Truck’s eActros 600…

Daimler Buses has introduced a new hydrogen-only driving mode for its eCitaro G articulated electric buses, allowing the vehicles to operate exclusively on energy supplied by an onboard fuel cell without requiring external battery charging. Ten of these updated buses have been delivered to Stuttgart’s public transport operator, SSB. The new “H2 mode” enables the fuel cell to directly power the electric drivetrain, unlike previous models where the fuel cell acted solely as a range extender to recharge the battery. Daimler Buses said the development improves energy efficiency and extends operational range for urban transit fleets. See also: HEAG mobilo…

Zagreb’s public transport operator ZET has launched a tender for 70 battery-electric buses as the Croatian capital advances efforts to modernise its fleet and reduce emissions in line with long-term climate goals. The tender, which is part of the city’s broader electrification plan, includes the procurement of three vehicle types: 33 standard 12-metre buses, 29 articulated buses, and eight midi-sized buses, according to documents published by ZET. The estimated total investment stands at €50 million, with funding allocated across vehicle categories – €23.6 million for standard models, €23.2 million for articulated units, and €3.2 million for midi-buses. The city has…

Renault has opened priority reservations for its all-electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E, with only 1,980 units planned and an initial reservation fee set at €50,000. The automaker aims to begin deliveries in 2027, with a customisation phase scheduled for 2026. Customers can register interest through regional Renault websites and select a dealership for formal reservation and showroom appointments. See also: Renault Updates Scenic and Megane E-Tech Electric with One-Pedal Driving, Bidirectional Charging and Lower Prices The 5 Turbo 3E revives the spirit of the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 rally cars, reimagined as a modern electric performance vehicle.…

Lynk & Co, a brand under the newly formed Zeekr Group, unveiled its flagship hybrid SUV, the Lynk & Co 900, in Shanghai, targeting China’s competitive large SUV segment. Prices start at 309,900 yuan ($42,480), undercutting the model’s earlier pre-sale price of 330,000 yuan. This marks the first model release by Lynk & Co following its merger with sibling brand Zeekr, finalized on February 14. The Zeekr Group aims to position Zeekr in the upper premium segment while Lynk & Co expands into broader markets through product diversification, said Andy An, CEO of Zeekr Group. See also: Lynk & Co…

Japanese autonomous driving startup TIER IV has completed a government-backed initiative aimed at developing self-driving trucks to alleviate a critical driver shortage in the logistics sector, the company said on Thursday. The project, supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), involved testing autonomous trucks from Isuzu Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, where a dedicated lane for autonomous vehicles is being trialed. See also: Nippon Steel and TIER IV Plan to Deploy Autonomous Transport Vehicles by Fiscal 2025 TIER IV collaborated with logistics providers Yamato Multi Charter and Suzuyo Cargo-Net to demonstrate…

Hyundai has released pricing and specifications for its first three-row electric SUV, the 2026 Ioniq 9, as the vehicle prepares to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the coming days. The SUV, which is assembled at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Georgia, will start at $60,555 including destination fees. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 9 RWD S is priced at $58,955 before freight and offers an estimated range of up to 335 miles. Hyundai also confirmed a variety of trim options, including the all-wheel-drive SE model priced at $64,365 with 303 horsepower and a 320-mile range. See also: Hyundai Ioniq 9…

U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive has rolled out a new lease promotion for its second-generation R1 electric vehicles, aiming to stimulate consumer interest and support ongoing production efforts. The offer, available throughout May 2025, allows customers to lease a Rivian R1S or R1T equipped with a dual-motor drivetrain, Max battery pack, and performance upgrade without an initial down payment. See also: Rivian Stockpiled Batteries Ahead of U.S. Tariff Changes to Mitigate Cost Impact The lease deal combines a $6,500 discount from Rivian with the existing $7,500 federal EV lease credit, potentially offering customers up to $14,000 in total savings.…

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday voted to block California’s plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, a move that challenges a key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver underpinning the state’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The legislation seeks to overturn a waiver granted by the EPA in December under former President Joe Biden, which allowed California to require that at least 80% of new vehicles sold by 2035 be electric. That rule, which has been adopted by 11 other states including New York and Oregon, covers about 40% of the U.S. auto market. Automakers…

Maextro, the automotive brand created through a joint venture between Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), has revealed the interior of its first vehicle, the Maextro S800, ahead of its official launch later this month. Images shared by Maextro on Weibo on Thursday show the luxury sedan’s interior, including three connected screens at the front. The S800 features a four-seat configuration, with a roof designed to create a star-effect ambiance. See also: Huawei-Backed Maextro to Launch Ultra-Luxury S800 Sedan in May, Targeting High-End Market These images were shared as the vehicle is displayed at Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility…

Chinese electric vehicle startup Leapmotor has signed a deal with state-owned automaker FAW to supply its EV platform for future Hongqi-branded electric vehicles aimed at overseas markets, marking a key step in Leapmotor’s international ambitions. Executives from both companies confirmed the agreement during the Shanghai Auto Show, where Leapmotor showcased its latest mid-size sedan and electric SUV platforms. “We have finalised the partnership to jointly develop a model for overseas market,” Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming told Reuters in an interview. He added that production is expected to begin in the second half of 2026. See also: Leapmotor Unveils All-Electric B01…

Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm on Thursday dismissed a report that the company’s board was actively searching for a replacement for CEO Elon Musk, calling the claims “absolutely false” and reiterating confidence in his leadership. Denholm responded on social media platform X, stating the electric vehicle maker’s board is “highly confident in Elon’s ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead.” The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Tesla board members had contacted executive search firms about a month ago to explore CEO succession options. Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the Journal linked the reported move…

French automotive supplier Valeo and Chinese technology firm PanGood have jointly developed a new axial flux generator aimed at enhancing efficiency and compactness in electric vehicle powertrains, with a particular focus on extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), the companies announced during Auto Shanghai. The generator, described as a next-generation axial flux system, integrates both motor and inverter into a single lightweight unit. According to Valeo, the system is designed to be versatile enough to support a variety of electric vehicle types while being optimized for EREVs – a segment growing in popularity within the Chinese market. See also: Valeo Cuts…

U.S. electric vehicle startup Slate Auto unveiled its debut model on Thursday in Long Beach, California — a bare-bones, highly customizable EV pickup that eschews modern tech frills in favor of affordability and analog design. The three-year-old company said its base model, dubbed the “Blank Slate,” will be priced under $20,000 with the federal EV tax credit when it arrives in late 2026. Unlike most electric vehicles, Slate’s truck features manual windows, no main infotainment screen, and comes unpainted. Buyers can opt to wrap the vehicle using kits sold by Slate, either on their own or via company-approved installers. “The…

Chinese EV charging company Elecq is preparing to launch in Germany this May, marking its first move into the European market. The Shenzhen-based company, founded in 2023, plans to introduce a full range of AC and DC charging solutions supported by its proprietary software platform. Elecq will present its product line at the Power2Drive trade fair in Munich from May 7 to 9. The company’s modular charging systems, which include wallboxes and high-power chargers, are designed to integrate with dynamic load management and enable efficient installation and maintenance. The company’s approach emphasizes flexibility and energy optimization. Unlike conventional systems that…

Leapmotor reported a strong performance in April, delivering 41,039 vehicles, marking its second-highest monthly total on record. The result was driven by the launch of the new B10 all-electric compact SUV, the first model in the company’s B-series lineup. The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer’s April deliveries increased 173.5% from 15,005 units in the same month last year and rose 10.6% from 37,095 units in March. Cumulative deliveries in 2025 have reached 128,591 units, up 165.6% year-on-year, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. Leapmotor’s total deliveries since inception now stand at 728,139 units. See also: Leapmotor Launches B10 Crossover…

LG Electronics is exiting the electric vehicle (EV) charger business, citing ongoing stagnation in global EV demand and intensifying price competition as the main reasons for the shift. The company has confirmed plans to dissolve its EV charger subsidiary, HiEV Charger, which was launched in 2022, and reassign staff from the division to other departments within the company. The company has not yet issued an official statement regarding the closure, but reports from South Korean media indicate that LG will continue to provide maintenance and customer service to existing clients. LG entered the EV charger sector in 2022 with the…

The Lucid Gravity, a luxury electric SUV, has officially started its customer deliveries, revealing the lease pricing for the highly anticipated vehicle. With a lease cost of $1,102 per month for the 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, this premium EV offers cutting-edge features, including an impressive 450-mile range and ultra-fast charging capabilities, but it comes at a higher price than some competitors. The monthly lease is based on a 36-month contract with 10,000 miles per year, and an initial down payment of $8,030. This puts the Gravity Grand Touring at a considerably higher leasing cost compared to its rivals, such…

Horse Powertrain, the joint venture between Renault and Geely, introduced its ‘Future Hybrid Concept’ at Auto Shanghai, showcasing a compact powertrain designed to hybridize battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platforms with minimal structural changes. The new system is aimed at offering manufacturers greater flexibility as strategies around electric mobility evolve. The ‘Future Hybrid Concept’ integrates a combustion engine, electric motor, gearbox, and drive control unit into a single compact module. According to Horse Powertrain, the design allows for the unit to directly replace the existing electric motor within a BEV platform, easing the transition for manufacturers considering hybrid options. Although specific performance…

bp pulse has opened its first electric vehicle (EV) charging site in Massachusetts, establishing a new Gigahub near Boston Logan International Airport as part of its broader plan to scale ultrafast charging infrastructure in high-demand locations across the United States. The site, located at Hertz’s parking and maintenance facility at 450 William F. McClellan Highway, features 20 EV charging bays equipped with a mix of 400kW and 150kW DC fast chargers. The chargers are powered by Eversource, the region’s utility provider. bp pulse is offering launch pricing of $0.36 per kilowatt-hour (excluding taxes and fees) at the Boston location for…