Author: Harding Greenwood

LG Business Solutions USA has announced the launch of its first Level 3 DC Charger, model LG EVD175SK-PN, for the U.S. market. This new charger complements LG’s existing Level 2 AC chargers, offering commercial customers flexible options to support the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Assembly of the chargers is set to begin this fall at LG’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The LG EVD175SK-PN features a 24-inch high-resolution LCD touch-screen display, dynamic load management capabilities, and a liquid-cooled charging cable, enabling charging speeds of up to 175 kW. The Level 3 DC Charger includes a…

BYD has achieved a significant milestone by becoming China’s largest auto group, overtaking SAIC in September sales. Previously recognized as the best-selling brand in China, BYD has solidified its position with a remarkable surge in sales, reporting a 62% increase and surpassing 3 million vehicles sold in the previous year. In September, BYD recorded a historic sales figure of 419,426 vehicles, marking a 45% increase compared to September 2023. This achievement encompasses vehicles from BYD’s various subbrands, including Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, and Yangwang. The month also marked BYD’s fourth consecutive record-breaking sales performance, demonstrating resilience amid rising competition and…

GM Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Co. based in Detroit, announced today the launch of the GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage solution designed to empower electric vehicle (EV) owners by enabling them to store and transfer energy from the grid. The product also offers options for integration with solar power systems. The company has expanded access to its energy management products across all 50 states, further enhancing its offerings. The GM Energy PowerBank is available in two battery capacity variants—10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh—and can provide power to homes during outages or help offset higher electricity…

Tesla unveiled its new electric robotaxi, the Cybercab, during an event at Warner Bros. studios, revealing a vehicle that promises to redefine the autonomous driving landscape. With a price tag of less than $30,000, the Cybercab is expected to hit the roads in the next two years, though Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the timeline might extend to 2027. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1844584092605579397 The vehicle features a futuristic design with butterfly-wing doors, no steering wheel or pedals, and is equipped with wireless induction charging as standard, making it Tesla’s first vehicle to adopt this feature. The Cybercab, also referred to as a…

A recent report from Germany indicates that Tesla’s Giga Berlin facility achieved a significant milestone by producing its 400,000th vehicle by the end of September, just two and a half years after commencing Model Y production. Internal communications cited by Handelsblatt revealed that Tesla celebrated this achievement with an extended break and a pizza party for employees on September 25. However, plant manager André Thierig expressed caution regarding the milestone, suggesting that while impressive, the production figures should be viewed in light of challenges faced by other automakers in Germany. Thierig reportedly raised concerns about the situation at Volkswagen, which…

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has unveiled a groundbreaking facility designed for agile battery cell production, a project made possible through collaboration between researchers and mid-sized machine manufacturers as part of the AgiloBat initiative. This new facility is characterized by its robot-based, modular production system, enabling the production of customized battery cells in the required quantities. KIT’s new production facility is described as the “world’s first agile battery cell production facility.” The innovative system, developed in partnership with Exyte and various mechanical engineering companies, aims to provide flexibility in battery cell production while also automating processes. The facility is…

Porsche has announced another recall for the Taycan electric vehicle, this time affecting approximately 27,527 units produced between 2021 and 2024. The recall, posted on Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is due to potential short circuits within the high-voltage battery pack, which could increase the risk of fire. The root cause of the issue appears to be linked to a production problem at the supplier level, specifically with the battery packs manufactured by LG and assembled in Poland. “There’s no identification or early warning that a short circuit is about to take place with the battery…

Mercedes-Benz has officially released images of its upcoming next-generation vans, offering a respite for spy photographers who have been tracking the development of these vehicles. The new vans are built on the innovative Mercedes-Benz Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), which the company describes as “modular, flexible and scalable.” The latest prototypes, while still covered in camouflage and padding, showcase design elements closer to the final production models. Notable features include updated headlights and flush-mounted door handles, along with a redesigned greenhouse and a more upright front fascia. The new design also incorporates lower door-mounted mirrors and alterations to the rear liftgate.…

Battery manufacturer Varta has taken a major step toward financial recovery, aided by a bridge loan and agreements with creditors, bondholders, Austrian investor Michael Tojner, and sports car manufacturer Porsche. These measures include a total equity injection of €60 million from Tojner and Porsche, with Porsche acquiring a 50 percent stake in Varta AG and aiming to secure a 70 percent share in its subsidiary, V4 Drive Battery. This subsidiary specializes in large-format lithium-ion cylindrical cells, which are used in high-performance hybrids like the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. For Porsche, maintaining Varta and V4 Drive Battery is vital to its…

HL Group announced on October 8 its intention to acquire the French robotic parking company Stanley Robotics, a significant move within the growing autonomous parking market. The acquisition will be carried out through HL Robotics, a subsidiary established by HL Group in September. Stanley Robotics is recognized as the first company to commercialize parking robots, having introduced its autonomous parking robot, ‘Stan,’ at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in 2018. ‘Stan’ utilizes digital twin technology and a fleet management system (FMS) to autonomously park vehicles without spatial constraints, establishing the company as a leader in the autonomous parking sector. In September 2023,…

Chevrolet has officially released details on the highly anticipated 2025 Silverado EV, the battery-powered version of its iconic pickup truck. This all-electric truck marks a major advancement in General Motors’ electrification strategy, offering a combination of lower starting prices, increased driving range, and new trim options that broaden the vehicle’s appeal. With the introduction of new models, Chevrolet is positioning the Silverado EV to compete more aggressively in the electric truck market against rivals like Ford and Rivian. The 2025 Silverado EV will start at a more affordable price point of $57,095, making it a compelling option for a wider…

Fortescue Metals Group has announced a new partnership with Canadian manufacturer MacLean to further its decarbonization efforts in mining. The collaboration will see the delivery of 30 electric graders, known as GR8 EVs, for Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia. The fleet will be supplied between 2026 and 2029, marking the latest step in Fortescue’s ongoing push toward electrifying its vehicle fleet. This deal follows a recent major order from Liebherr, in which Fortescue secured 475 electric vehicles for its mines in Western Australia. Like the agreement with Liebherr, Fortescue is not merely a customer; it will be contributing its…

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal have announced a significant advancement in the development of solid-state lithium batteries, successfully eliminating the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes. This achievement could enhance battery efficiency and performance for various applications, particularly in the automotive sector. The findings, detailed in the study titled 4.8 V All-Solid-State Garnet-Based Lithium-Metal Batteries with Stable Interface, were published in Cell Reports Physical Science. Solid-state batteries are seen as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which utilize flammable liquid electrolytes. The new solid-state designs offer the potential for greater durability and reduced degradation over…

Toshiba Corporation has announced a partnership with Kawasaki Tsurumi Rinko Bus Co., Ltd. (Rinko Bus) and Drive Electro Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly study a demonstration project for a super-rapid charging battery system powered by a pantograph. The project, scheduled to begin in November 2025, will see a modified bus operating on public roads in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. This initiative, Japan’s first demonstration of an e-bus charged by a pantograph on public roads, aims to assess the feasibility of commercial operations. Rinko Bus will manage the bus service, while Drive Electro Technology will provide the pantograph charging system and…

BYD will officially launch its highly anticipated Seal 06 GT model on October 18, following its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show in August. Zhang Zhuo, BYD’s head of sales for the Ocean series, confirmed the launch date in a video shared on Weibo, adding that more detailed specifications will be revealed during the event. BYD began taking reservations for the Seal 06 GT on August 30, offering a price range between RMB 150,000 ($21,370) and RMB 200,000, though specific variants have not yet been disclosed. The Seal 06 GT is being positioned as the first rear-drive, all-electric performance hatchback…

Ionna, the North American fast-charging joint venture formed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota, has started construction of its first charging site, or ‘Rechargery,’ in Apex, North Carolina. The station, located at a former petrol station site, will feature ten covered fast-charging stations offering up to 400 kW of power through both CCS and NACS connectors. The site is designed with a focus on customer comfort, with amenities such as secure bathroom access, coffee service, food and beverage options, and Wi-Fi, allowing drivers to relax or work while their vehicle charges. Outdoor facilities, including pet-friendly…

Magenta Mobility, a leading provider of e-mobility solutions for logistics in India, has announced that it now operates over 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across more than 18 cities in the country. This fleet includes 2,000 electric three-wheelers and over 250 electric four-wheelers, facilitating deliveries in major urban centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Manesar, Noida, Faridabad, Surat, and Ghaziabad. The company plans to expand its reach to additional planned cities like Jaipur and Lucknow and has recently integrated 100 electric trucks from Tata Motors into its fleet. Maxson Lewis, founder and CEO of Magenta Mobility,…

A California-based eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle manufacturer, Jump Aero, has entered into a partnership with the Calhoun County Emergency Management Service in Texas to trial its emergency response flying vehicle in rural communities. The announcement noted, “The county spans barrier islands with poor road access, is in a geographic area susceptible to disaster incidents, and includes many remote and rural communities.” The collaboration aims to address the issue of delayed ambulance arrivals, which can significantly impact emergency outcomes. By enabling skilled first responders to fly directly to emergency scenes, Jump Aero’s JA1 Pulse vehicle is expected to…

Waymo has announced that members of the public can now hail self-driving taxis in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step toward the commercial launch of its autonomous ride-hailing service in the city. Previously, the autonomous vehicles were only accessible to Waymo employees. Selected customers can now order a Waymo taxi through the company’s Waymo One app, with the service initially being available to those on the “interest list” on Waymo’s website. The announcement was made via a post on X, stating, “This week, we’re beginning to welcome riders in Austin from our interest list to try our fully autonomous ride-hail…

The European Union’s recent decision to implement tariffs on electric vehicles made in China is not anticipated to lead to immediate price changes for the affected vehicles, according to various automakers. In a statement released before the EU member states’ vote, the French division of SAIC’s MG Motor indicated that the outcome of the vote would not affect the prices of its electric vehicles in France for the current year. In the vote, 10 EU member states supported the tariffs, five opposed them, and there were 12 abstentions, EU sources reported. MG Motor France criticized the tariffs as “excessive,” asserting…