Author: Harding Greenwood

Chinese battery and electric vehicle maker BYD said on Wednesday its energy storage division has signed a cooperation agreement with Poland-based Greenvolt Power to develop a battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Poland. The project, with a total capacity of up to 1.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh), marks another step in BYD’s expansion into international energy storage markets. The partnership covers the design and operation of two energy storage facilities with a combined capacity of 400 megawatts (MW)/1.6 GWh, the company said in a statement. See also: BYD Appoints Former Stellantis Executive to Lead Key European Markets Amid Expansion Construction of…

Ford Motor is recalling 950 units of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to a potential battery defect that could lead to a short circuit. The issue stems from misaligned electrodes in battery cells supplied by an external manufacturer, which, after repeated charge cycles, could result in an internal short circuit, according to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). See also: Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning Now Support NACS Fast Charger Routing via Apple Maps in CarPlay The recall affects F-150 Lightning models from 2022 to 2024. The automaker has advised owners to limit…

Toyota has unveiled the all-new C-HR+, an electric SUV that expands the automaker’s growing EV portfolio. Despite sharing its name with the gas-powered C-HR, the C-HR+ is built on the e-TNGA 2.0 platform, the same architecture underpinning the larger bZ4X. Positioned as a more compact alternative, the C-HR+ has been announced for European markets but is expected to arrive in the United States next year. See also: Toyota Partners with Nvidia for Next-Generation Autonomous Driving Capabilities With a 108.2-inch (2,750 mm) wheelbase, the C-HR+ is four inches shorter than the bZ4X, making it a better fit for urban drivers and…

Daimler Buses is introducing a temporary free digital service package for all newly delivered buses and coaches, aiming to enhance fleet efficiency and reduce operational costs, the company announced. The offer applies to the battery-electric eCitaro, eCitaro fuel cell, and, later, the eIntouro models, with a free service period of six years. Customers will have the option to extend the service at a reduced rate after the term expires. For Mercedes-Benz and Setra diesel buses, the free service period is limited to three years. See also: Daimler Buses Puts eIntouro Electric Intercity Bus to Arctic Test Ahead of 2026 Launch…

Mercedes-Benz has introduced MB.CHARGE as the new umbrella for its digital charging solutions, replacing the existing Mercedes me Charge service. The transition, set for completion by mid-March, will maintain current pricing and tariffs, the company announced. MB.CHARGE Public, the first step under the new platform, will be available to private users and, starting in April, to fleet and business customers. See also: Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network Expands to Canada with Plans for 2,500 Fast Chargers Existing contracts under Mercedes me Charge will be automatically transferred to MB.CHARGE Public without changes, and current RFID charging cards will remain functional. The service…

Changan Automobile plans to install all-solid-state batteries in prototype vehicles by the end of 2024, as the Chinese automaker moves forward with next-generation battery technology, according to minutes from an investor communication meeting released on Monday. Changan aims to validate its solid-state battery technology in vehicles by 2026 and gradually begin mass production by 2027, the company said. The batteries, branded under the name Jinzhongzhao, are expected to offer an energy density of up to 400 Wh/kg, enabling a driving range of more than 1,500 kilometers on a single charge. See also: Changan Introduces Dubhe Plan 2.0, Plans 35 Intelligent…

Toyota has unveiled three new electric vehicle (EV) models as part of its broader push to strengthen its presence in the European market. The updated lineup includes a refreshed version of the bZ4X SUV, the all-electric C-HR+ SUV coupé, and the Urban Cruiser, a compact electric SUV developed in collaboration with Suzuki and produced in India. These additions reflect Toyota’s strategy to accelerate its transition toward battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations in the UK and the European Union. bZ4X: Upgraded Performance and Range The bZ4X, Toyota’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV introduced in 2022, has undergone significant…

Nio has implemented layoffs across multiple departments, with the majority of reductions affecting sales and service teams, according to a report by Chinese tech media outlet Leiphone. The company is offering compensation and reassignment options to affected employees. The sales team has been a primary focus of the restructuring, along with the UR Fellow department, which handles after-sales services, Nio House locations, and related customer service operations. The layoffs are estimated to be around 10%, though the impact varies by region, Leiphone reported, citing employees familiar with the matter. See also: Nio Restructures to Enhance Cost Control, CEO William Li…

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.…