Author: Harding Greenwood

Italian bus manufacturer Iveco Bus has won a significant tender in Germany to supply 580 buses to the German BusGruppe, marking its largest electric bus order in the country to date. The deal includes 250 electric buses and underscores the company’s growing presence in sustainable public transport. Under the five-year framework agreement, Iveco will deliver 200 Crossway LE Elec buses and 50 articulated E-Way electric buses. The exact configurations of these models remain unclear, as the Crossway LE Elec, for instance, is offered in a 12-meter city bus version and a 13-meter intercity variant with battery capacities of 416 or…

Swedish electric-vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt announced on Friday that it is in discussions with over 100 lenders and investors to secure additional bankruptcy financing, aiming to finalize new funding arrangements by late January. Northvolt filed for bankruptcy on November 21 with an initial $100-million loan from Swedish truck maker Scania, its largest customer and shareholder. However, the loan was designed to provide temporary support, and the company is actively evaluating proposals for longer-term financing to complete its restructuring. “We are pleased with the results of this hearing, at which we gained final approval of our motions to access new funding,…

Shell Recharge Solutions (SRS) has entered into an agreement with Dutch charging solutions provider 50five, transferring responsibility for its home and workplace chargers across six markets, including Germany. As part of the transaction, Shell employees will also move to 50five. The deal includes markets such as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Shell Recharge Solutions will continue to operate in other regions and explore additional external partnerships in the future. The transition, which will not affect services for existing customers, includes the migration of Shell Recharge Solutions’ charge points to 50five’s operations. Customers will be informed directly…

The Volkswagen Group and its battery subsidiary PowerCo are making a significant move in the lithium supply chain with a $48 million investment in Patriot Battery Metals, acquiring a 9.9% stake in the company. This strategic partnership aims to ensure a stable lithium supply for PowerCo as the company prepares to begin industrial lithium production at its Shaakichiuwaanaan project in Quebec, Canada. The investment goes beyond financial backing, as the agreement includes a long-term supply commitment of 100,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year for ten years, starting with the commencement of production at the Shaakichiuwaanaan project. Spodumene concentrate, a…

Mitie, the British energy service provider, has achieved a significant milestone by adding the 6,000th electric vehicle (EV) to its fleet. With 73% of its fleet now running on electricity, the company is making rapid progress towards its goal of fully electrifying its fleet by the end of 2025. This means that nearly 6,850 vehicles are currently part of Mitie’s electric fleet. Having already reached the 4,000th and 5,000th EV milestones earlier this year, Mitie continues to accelerate its efforts. The company began its fleet electrification journey in 2018 as part of its broader sustainability initiative, “Plan Zero,” aimed at…

China’s battery manufacturing giant, CATL (300750.SZ), announced on Wednesday the co-development of 10 electric vehicle (EV) models featuring its innovative swappable battery technology, marking a push to reshape the EV charging landscape. CEO Yang Jun of CATL’s battery-swapping brand EVOGO revealed that the first vehicle utilizing the “choco-swap” battery system will debut this month, with additional models to follow in the coming months. To bolster adoption, CATL plans to establish 1,000 battery-swapping stations in 2024, with an accelerated rollout anticipated through partnerships. “China could eventually have 30,000-40,000 battery swapping stations, potentially replacing a third of the country’s approximately 100,000 gasoline…

Volvo continues to invest heavily in the electric vehicle (EV) market, despite stepping back from its commitment to go all-electric by 2030. The Swedish automaker has emphasized its plans to expand its electric lineup, with plans to introduce a new model each year over the next five years. However, the company remains uncertain about launching an all-electric estate to compete with rivals like the BMW i5 Touring, Audi A6 e-tron, and VW ID.7 Tourer. In recent years, Volvo has trademarked the names EV60 and EV90, sparking speculation that these models could be the next step in the brand’s electric expansion.…

Car.los has introduced its V1 electric cargo bike in Germany, offering a practical solution for urban transport with its foldable design and high-capacity features. The V1 is available in two versions: the V1 Basic and V1 Full, with the primary difference being the inclusion of a collapsible front basket in the Full model. The V1 Full’s basket can carry up to 65 kg (143 lbs), while the total permissible weight, including the rider, reaches 195 kg (430 lbs). The V1 is powered by a Brose Drive T motor, offering a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph) and paired with…

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely Holding Group, will present three models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, marking its third consecutive participation in the event. The Zeekr 001 FR, Zeekr 009 Grand, and Zeekr Mix will be displayed at the world’s largest consumer electronics and ICT trade show, which runs from January 7 to January 10. The company will also hold a press conference and panel discussion on January 6 and 7 to share insights into its technological developments and global expansion plans. The models on display represent key products in Zeekr’s…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) is in discussions with India’s JSW Energy to establish a joint venture for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The proposed venture would require an investment of over $1.5 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, LGES would contribute technology and equipment for battery production, while JSW would invest the necessary capital. The joint venture is expected to set up a plant in India with a total capacity of 10 gigawatt hours. JSW plans to use approximately 70% of this capacity for…

Honda Motor plans to double its global hybrid car sales to 1.3 million units annually by 2030, up from 2023 levels, positioning hybrid vehicles as a transitional solution until fully electric vehicles (EVs) become more widely adopted, the company announced on Wednesday. Starting in 2026, Honda intends to introduce more fuel-efficient hybrid systems for its compact and mid-sized models, overhauling engines, platforms, and control technologies. The move comes as demand for gasoline-electric hybrids continues to rise, particularly in North America, Honda’s largest market, while the expansion of electric vehicles slows. “Hybrids will serve as a bridge until EVs become fully…

India’s Ashok Leyland subsidiary, Switch Mobility, has launched two new low-floor electric buses—the EiV12 and E1—targeting domestic, European, and Gulf markets. The announcement underscores the company’s focus on sustainable urban transport solutions. The EiV12, designed and engineered in India, is touted as the nation’s first low-floor electric bus with chassis-mounted, IP67-rated batteries. Depending on configuration, its batteries offer a storage capacity between 189 and 423 kWh, delivering a range of up to 314 km on a full charge via its CCS2 rear charging port. Built with accessibility in mind, the EiV12 features a kneeling and tilting mechanism, an automated wheelchair…

Three ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs will be installed in Northumberland by national charging network Be.EV, in partnership with development company Advance Northumberland. The initiative aims to improve EV infrastructure for residents and visitors while supporting the region’s efforts toward sustainability. The hubs will be located at Tyne Valley Retail Park in Hexham, Ramparts Business Park in Berwick, and Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington. Positioned near key transport routes, they will provide charging options for travelers and those visiting nearby retail centers and attractions. “These new hubs are a milestone in Northumberland’s journey toward a sustainable future,” said…

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to introduce its 2026 CLA EV, heralded as a game-changer for the entry-level EV market. The electric sedan, built on the company’s new MMA platform, is set to deliver significant advancements in range, charging speed, and efficiency, targeting rivals such as Tesla’s Model 3 and BMW’s i4. “This car is designed to set new standards in range, efficiency, and charging speed,” said Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, describing the CLA EV as the beginning of “a new chapter for the entry-level segment at Mercedes-Benz.” Cutting-Edge Technology for Long-Distance Driving The CLA EV features an 800V high-voltage system…

The Luxeed R7 EREV fastback crossover, a collaboration between Huawei and Chery, is set to make its official debut on December 19 in China. With an impressive range of up to 1,570 km, the vehicle is positioned to compete with premium SUVs like the BMW X6, offering advanced technology and a starting price below 250,000 yuan (around 34,350 USD). Luxeed is a joint venture between Chery, which handles platform development and manufacturing, and Huawei, responsible for providing the vehicle’s brain and key components, as well as managing sales. The current model lineup includes the S7 sedan and the R7 SUV…

Tesla is facing a significant issue with new vehicles, as multiple reports and insider sources have revealed widespread computer failures linked to the latest version of Tesla’s HW4 (AI4) self-driving computer. According to Electrek, these failures are causing critical system malfunctions in brand-new cars, with key features such as active safety, cameras, GPS, navigation, and range estimations failing to function. The problem appears to stem from a short-circuiting of the low-voltage battery during the camera calibration process, which is affecting vehicles built in recent months. Despite a growing number of complaints, Electrek sources say Tesla has yet to issue a…

Hubject has announced a new roaming partnership with the EasyPark Group, aimed at extending the Swedish-based company’s parking and charging services beyond Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia to broader regions in mainland Europe. The collaboration will integrate Hubject’s e-roaming technology, allowing EasyPark customers to access an expanded network of EV charging stations across several European countries in the future. Cameron Clayton, CEO of EasyPark Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “At EasyPark, we are driven by our vision to make cities more liveable. Partnering with Hubject enables us to offer EV drivers a seamless charging experience that fits naturally…

Italy is pressing Stellantis to incorporate a strong focus on its domestic factories within the company’s future strategy. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated, “There must be an assertive Italy plan within Stellantis’ industrial plan that protects national factories.” He made these remarks ahead of a key meeting on December 17, which will involve trade unions and government officials to discuss the future of Italy’s automotive sector. The Italian government aims to ensure that Stellantis, which owns brands like Fiat and Alfa Romeo, maintains its manufacturing base in Italy. Urso’s comments follow the recent resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, which…

Stockholm’s groundbreaking fossil-free construction site has reached a major milestone, with 50% of its equipment now running on electric power. This achievement was made possible by the addition of a Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader, which joins two 30-ton Volvo EC230 Electric excavators at the site. Located in the redevelopment area of the Slakthusområdet (meat-packing district) in central Stockholm, the project has become an international model for sustainable construction. The site’s electrification efforts have already resulted in a CO₂ reduction of 2,759 tons as of mid-2024 — equivalent to removing 600 internal combustion engine cars from the road for…

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s transition team has outlined plans for sweeping changes to the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) policies, including cutting support for EVs and charging infrastructure, while imposing tariffs to prioritize domestic battery and critical mineral production. The proposals, detailed in a document seen by Reuters, represent a significant shift from the Biden administration’s EV-centered approach. The recommendations suggest redirecting federal funding away from EV subsidies and charging stations into bolstering “national defense supply chain and critical infrastructure.” This includes securing domestic production of critical battery materials, such as lithium and graphite, which are essential for both EVs…