Author: Harding Greenwood

Mercedes-Benz has moved its first luxury electric van, built on the Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform, to Sweden for winter testing ahead of its planned debut next year. The platform, designed to underpin a range of high-end electric vans, is undergoing trials in Arjeplog to assess its performance in extreme cold conditions. See also: Mercedes-Benz Introduces VAN.EA: The Next Generation Electric Architecture for Vans The VAN.EA platform will serve as the foundation for future Mercedes luxury vans, including VIP transport models, limousines, and multi-purpose vehicles. “VAN.EA clearly underscores our aspiration to ‘Lead in Electric,’” said Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker Leapmotor has launched pre-sales for its B10 SUV, introducing LiDAR technology at a lower price point. The B10, the first model in Leapmotor’s B-series, starts at RMB 109,800 ($15,130), the company announced at an event on Monday. The all-electric B10 is available in five variants, including three with a 510-km CLTC range, priced at RMB 109,800, RMB 119,800, and RMB 129,800. Two additional variants offer a 600-km range, starting at RMB 129,800 and RMB 139,800. See also: Leapmotor Launches Updated T03 Compact EV with Higher Starting Price The higher-end versions of both range options,…

In May 2023, Ford became the first automaker to announce its support for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), aiming to provide its electric vehicle (EV) customers with access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Over the subsequent months, other automakers in North America followed suit. By February 2024, Ford initiated over-the-air software updates to enable Supercharger access for its EVs. Despite initial challenges, including delays and recalls, Ford has now fulfilled all complimentary NACS adapter reservations, delivering to 140,000 U.S. customers. See also: Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning Now Support NACS Fast Charger Routing via Apple Maps in CarPlay…

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida will step down at the end of March, the automaker announced on Tuesday, with Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa set to take over in April as the company seeks to regain momentum. Uchida’s departure follows mounting speculation over his responsibility for the failed merger talks with Honda and the company’s financial struggles. Speaking to reporters, Uchida acknowledged internal and external concerns over his leadership. See also: Nissan Tests Fully Autonomous Serena Minivan on Public Roads in Japan “It is necessary to establish an environment where employees can work together as one to tackle challenges,” Uchida said.…

The first 100 units of Farizon’s Xinghan G heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck have rolled off the production line in China, marking the country’s first mass-produced H2 truck. The milestone, reported by local media, is part of Farizon’s plan to manufacture 600 units at its Tianjin facility. The initial batch is set for delivery this month, with customers including Tianjin Port and Huanghua Port. See also: Farizon Launches SV Model in Austria, Expanding European Market Presence Built on the GXA-T platform, the Xinghan G is designed for long-haul transport and boasts a range of over 700 kilometers. The truck features…

Kia has launched its first electric sedan, the EV4, in South Korea, opening orders with a starting price of 41.92 million won ($29,000). The automaker expects government incentives to bring the cost down to around 34 million won ($23,500). The EV4, part of Kia’s “EVs for all” strategy, is available in two battery configurations. The standard model, equipped with a 58.3 kWh battery, offers a range of up to 382 km (237 miles). The long-range version, featuring an 81.4 kWh battery, extends the driving range to 533 km (331 miles), the highest among Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicles. See also:…

Apple has introduced an update to Apple Maps EV Routing, allowing Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning drivers to plan trips using Tesla Superchargers and other North American Charging Standard (NACS) stations via CarPlay, the automaker said on Monday. The update comes after Ford began shipping CCS-to-NACS adapters last year, enabling its electric vehicle (EV) customers to charge at Tesla’s network. See also: Ford Issues Recall for 234 Mustang Mach-E Vehicles Over Software Update Error Until now, Apple Maps EV Routing only directed Ford drivers to Combined Charging System (CCS) stations, even when a NACS charger could have been a…

Nissan’s board of directors is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss potential successors to CEO Makoto Uchida, who faces mounting pressure to step down amid the automaker’s declining financial performance and the collapse of merger talks with Honda, sources familiar with the matter said. While Uchida’s position has become increasingly untenable, it remains uncertain whether he will depart immediately, the sources added. A new CEO, potentially serving in an interim capacity, would be Nissan’s fourth leader in less than six years. See also: Japanese Group Seeks Tesla Investment in Nissan, but Musk Unlikely to Agree Potential candidates for the…

Tesla has begun deliveries of its refreshed Model Y in Europe, with the first vehicle handed over on Friday, the company announced on its social media channels. Ahead of the launch, numerous trucks carrying Model Y Juniper units had been spotted on German motorways, signaling the imminent rollout. Tesla locations had also received display and demonstration vehicles in recent weeks, making the start of customer deliveries widely anticipated. See also: Tesla Begins Deliveries of Updated Model Y in U.S. https://twitter.com/teslaeurope/status/1898093662137204976 The ‘Launch Series’ of the updated Model Y, available for order since January, is currently being delivered, while additional variants…

Four Tesla stores in Canada recorded an average of 30 vehicle sales per hour, totaling 120 per hour across all locations—equivalent to one car per minute, 24 hours a day, over three consecutive days. This sales spike coincided with the imminent expiration of Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) subsidy program, leading Tesla to file for C$43.1 million (US$30 million) in rebates. The amount represents more than half of the remaining C$71.8 million (US$50 million) allocated for EV subsidies, prompting scrutiny from officials. According to the National Post, Tesla has recently struggled with sales in Canada, with deliveries declining approximately 70% between…

Rivian has named Sreela Venkataratnam as its new Chief Accounting Officer, the company announced. She will oversee financial reporting, tax and trade, internal controls, compliance, finance transformation, and manufacturing controllership. Venkataratnam brings over 25 years of finance and accounting experience, including more than a decade at Tesla, where she served as Vice President of Finance and Business Operations until 2024. See also: Volkswagen’s ID. EVERY1 to Be First EV Featuring Rivian’s Software and Architecture She played a key role in scaling Tesla’s global operations and improving business efficiencies. Prior to Tesla, she held finance positions at Kleiner Perkins, Intuitive Surgical…

Chinese battery manufacturer Farasis Energy has introduced a new battery technology capable of 6C ultra-fast charging, aiming to meet the growing demand from automakers for higher charging speeds. At a recent forum in Shanghai, Jiang Weiran, vice president of research and development at Farasis, said the company had optimized its battery design using an in-house simulation ROM model, enabling large pouch-style batteries to achieve 6C fast charging at the system level. “Our structural design significantly enhances heat dissipation, addressing the key challenges of high-rate charging,” Jiang said, according to a company statement released. See also: Farasis Energy Advances Solid-State Battery…

Honda will introduce its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia later this year, with plans to roll out a total of three models in the country by 2027, the automaker said on Saturday. The Japanese carmaker confirmed the e:N1, a fully electric small SUV, as the first model to be launched. It was showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show last December to gauge consumer interest. See also: Honda S7 Electric SUV Launched in China, Priced from $36,000 “Aligned with our 2025 business direction, we are set to energise the market with the debut of our first BEV,…

BMW has commenced production of its updated iX electric SUV at the Dingolfing plant, marking the latest iteration of the model that has been in production since 2021. The luxury automaker has sold more than 130,000 units of the iX globally, with the refreshed version featuring performance and battery upgrades. The iX xDrive60 remains BMW’s longest-range electric vehicle, offering up to 701 kilometers (WLTP). The company describes the iX as its most significant all-electric innovation for 2025, ahead of the launch of its next-generation New Class EVs later in the year. See also: J.D. Power Study: BMW iX Tops EV…

Ford Motor has rolled out an over-the-air software update for its F-150 Lightning electric pickup, enhancing DC fast charging performance and addressing software bugs, the company said. The update, which became available last month for F-150 Lightning owners across the United States, aims to shorten charging times, though Ford did not specify exact improvements. The automaker’s release notes stated only that the “charging rate at DC fast chargers” has been increased. See also: Ford F-150 Lightning Sales Decline Amid Rising Competition in EV Pickup Market https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjv-Pma4cTc A real-world test by a vehicle owner provided more details. The owner of a…

Honda has officially introduced its first high-end electric SUV, the S7, in China, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y and other premium electric vehicles. The S7, launched under Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng, starts at 259,900 yuan ($36,000) and offers a driving range of up to 650 km (404 miles) under China’s CLTC standard. See also: Honda Enhances 2025 Prologue with More Range and Power, Keeps Pricing Unchanged Honda describes the S7 as a breakthrough in its EV strategy for the world’s largest auto market. “The surge is about to break out,” Dongfeng-Honda said in…

Tesla is set to construct a new megafactory near Houston to support its battery storage business, Electrek reported on Wednesday, citing a tax abatement agreement with Waller County, Texas. The facility, spanning over 1 million square feet near Katy, Texas, will be used to manufacture and manage Tesla’s Megapack energy storage systems, the report said. See also: Apple Maps to Add NACS Adapter Warnings in Future Update Under the agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements based on property upgrades, which include $44 million in facility improvements and $150 million in manufacturing equipment. While Tesla’s core revenue comes from its electric…

Canadian electric scooter maker Apollo has begun shipping its new flagship model, the Phantom 2.0, in North America, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands further into the high-performance scooter market. The Phantom 2.0 comes in two variants. The base model, Phantom 2.0 52V, features dual 1,750W motors, reaching speeds of up to 44 mph (70 km/h), while the high-performance Phantom 2.0 Stellar 60V boasts dual 3,350W motors, achieving a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h). See also: Apollo Unveils Lightweight Entry-Level Electric Scooter, the Apollo Go Both models use 21700 battery cells, with the former…

Germany’s Infineon Technologies signed a partnership with India’s CDIL Semiconductors on Thursday to manufacture chips for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, marking Infineon’s first manufacturing collaboration in the country. Under the agreement, Infineon will supply wafers to CDIL, which will handle packaging and assembly at its facility in Mohali, Punjab. The chips will target applications in electric two- and three-wheelers, solar inverters, and energy storage systems. See also: EU Approves €920 Million German Grant for Infineon’s Dresden Semiconductor Plant “We believe that India is still in the more early stage of an exponential curve, but we do believe that…

Daimler Buses has conducted extreme cold-weather tests on its upcoming eIntouro electric intercity bus in the Arctic Circle, as the company prepares for the model’s 2026 market debut. Two near-series Mercedes-Benz eIntouro buses were driven from Neu-Ulm, Germany, to Rovaniemi, Finland, covering a 3,000-kilometre journey in stages using publicly available charging infrastructure. See also: Daimler Buses Unveils New Battery Generation and Hydrogen-Only Mode for eCitaro The vehicles were tested in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, with engineers evaluating battery performance, drivetrain resilience, and overall vehicle operability under severe winter conditions. “Our extensive tests on the behaviour of…