Author: Harding Greenwood

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares on Thursday dismissed rumors of a potential merger with Renault as “pure speculation” during a visit to one of the French-Italian automaker’s hubs in eastern France. His comments came in response to growing media reports suggesting a tie-up between the two automotive giants. Meanwhile, Renault CEO Luca de Meo, speaking at an event in Paris, declined to comment directly, saying, “I don’t comment on rumors,” when asked about the possible merger. Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore had earlier reported that discussions of a merger were becoming more persistent, with economies of scale seen as a…

The United States Department of Energy announced a conditional loan guarantee of up to $1.05 billion to EVgo (EVGO.O) on Thursday to expand its public electric vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide, including installations in underserved urban communities. ‘If finalized, the loan will support the deployment of approximately 7,500 high-power public charging stalls at nearly 1,100 stations, capable of charging two EVs at once. Jigar Shah, head of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) at the Department of Energy, emphasized the significance of the financing, which will help EVgo, a company with high capital costs, compete more effectively with Tesla’s (TSLA.O) charging network.…

Volkswagen’s (VW) plant in Osnabrück is reportedly at risk of closure following Porsche’s recent decision not to assign production contracts for the facility after Easter 2026. This development comes in the wake of VW’s earlier warnings about potential plant closures in Germany due to high costs and underutilization. A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to German media that Porsche will not be awarding a follow-up contract for the Osnabrück plant, which currently produces three models, including the VW T-Roc Cabrio. The T-Roc Cabrio is set to be discontinued in spring 2026, with no successor planned. Production of the regular T-Roc has already…

Swissport, the world’s largest operator of airport ground support equipment, has announced a new procurement policy mandating the purchase of several electric ground handling vehicle models, effective January 2025. This initiative is part of Swissport’s broader strategy to electrify ground services at nearly 300 airports worldwide, focusing on vehicles for baggage transport, conveyor belts, mobile passenger boarding stairs, and service vehicles for waste disposal and fresh water supply. From 2027 onwards, Swissport plans to procure only electric ground handling vehicles, contingent on the availability of the necessary equipment and the development of sufficient charging infrastructure at airports. “Swissport reaffirms its…

German logistics provider Karldischinger Logistikdienstleister has announced plans to acquire 100 zero-emission Mercedes-Benz trucks over the next five years. The trucks, depending on operational needs and technological advancements, will either be battery-powered or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This move is part of Karldischinger’s commitment to modernizing its fleet with emission-free solutions. A letter of intent has been signed by both parties, marking the continuation of a century-long partnership between Karldischinger and Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “For a century, the name ‘Karldischinger’ has stood for reliability and innovative spirit in the transport industry,” said Jürgen Distl, Head of Operations at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, highlighting…

A recent study conducted by researchers at Lero, the Research Ireland Center for Software, and the University of Limerick reveals that drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to be involved in at-fault road traffic accidents compared to drivers of gasoline and diesel cars. Published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, the open-access paper analyzes insurance claims and data from onboard sensors, uncovering several significant findings. Key findings from the study indicate that electric and hybrid vehicle drivers exhibit different behaviors than their traditional vehicle counterparts. Notably, electric vehicles record a higher number of at-fault claims, and they…

Teco 2030, a Norwegian fuel cell manufacturer, is strategically pivoting its business model from exclusive production to licensing its fuel cell technology, citing slow domestic support and promising subsidies in international markets. The company aims to enhance the adoption of its technology in heavy-duty applications through upcoming licensing agreements with global partners. The decision to adopt a licensing model is designed to capitalize on international growth opportunities, particularly in sectors such as maritime and heavy-duty road transport. Teco 2030 indicated that while the production of fuel cell stacks could remain in Norway, this approach would allow the company to expand…

Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk secured the dismissal of a lawsuit on Monday, which accused them of misleading shareholders about the effectiveness and safety of Tesla’s self-driving technology to inflate the company’s stock price. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin in San Francisco ruled that shareholders failed to demonstrate that Tesla and Musk were liable for overstating the technology’s capabilities. The lawsuit centered on Tesla’s “Autopilot” and “Full Self Driving” software, which aim to enhance autonomous driving. Shareholders alleged that Tesla falsely claimed it was close to achieving self-driving technology that was safer than human drivers, despite ongoing safety concerns…

Ford is aiming to attract more electric vehicle buyers by offering free home chargers and installation to those who purchase or lease its EV models by the end of 2024. The incentive, announced on Monday, applies to the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning pickup truck, and E-Transit Cargo van, as automakers work to counter slowing demand in the EV market. https://twitter.com/jimfarley98/status/1840731015960035450 Ford, like other automakers, has identified charging infrastructure as a key concern for potential EV buyers, with CEO Jim Farley acknowledging, “There’s no bigger obstacle than charging.” The initiative comes after Farley’s own experiences during EV road trips, which highlighted…

Chevrolet has officially opened orders for the 2025 Blazer EV, marking an exciting addition to its electric vehicle lineup. The new electric SUV is priced starting at $45,995, making it more accessible while boasting enhanced range capabilities. Building on the momentum from its best EV sales month in August, Chevrolet aims to sustain this growth as the year draws to a close. The 2025 Blazer EV will be offered in a comprehensive trim lineup, including front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and a high-performance SS variant. Notable improvements in the 2025 Blazer EV include increased range and…

American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian has commenced the rollout of its latest software update, version 2024.35, which aims to enhance safety for drivers, passengers, and their gear. This update follows closely on the heels of Rivian’s previous significant software enhancement and includes a host of new features designed to bolster security and improve user experience. Notably, Rivian has also teased a new front lighting theme inspired by the iconic Knight Rider series, set to debut in time for Halloween. The 2024.35 update is available for all generations of Rivian’s flagship R1T pickup and R1S SUV, focusing primarily on safety…

Komatsu Ltd., the Japanese equipment manufacturer, introduced its latest mining vehicle, the Power Agnostic 930E, at the MinsExpo trade show in Las Vegas. The 320-ton truck is designed to run on multiple power sources, including diesel, hydrogen, and battery-electric power, marking a step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainability in the mining sector. The Power Agnostic 930E is Komatsu’s first commercial rigid-frame dump truck featuring a modular powertrain that allows for flexibility in energy options. The truck is intended to provide mining companies with a future-ready solution that can adapt to different power sources as technological advancements are made.…

Mazda has officially opened pre-orders for its new electric vehicle, the Mazda EZ-6, along with extended-range electric versions (EREV), in China. Co-developed with Chinese automaker Changan Auto, the EZ-6 is priced starting at approximately 160,000 yuan ($22,800), making it a competitive entry in the electric vehicle market. The EZ-6, which debuted earlier this year alongside the CX-5-sized crossover Arata, features three fully electric (BEV) versions and four EREV variants. Despite its affordable price point, the EZ-6 offers several premium features, including leather seating, a 14-speaker Sony audio system, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims incorporate leather and suede seating…

Onvo, a sub-brand of Nio, has started deliveries of its debut model, the L60, across China following its official launch on September 19. The company held delivery ceremonies in multiple cities today, though it did not disclose the exact number of vehicles delivered. The Onvo L60, an SUV, entered the market with a starting price of RMB 206,900 ($29,510), significantly undercutting the Tesla Model Y, which starts at RMB 249,900 in China. Customers can also opt for the BaaS (battery as a service) plan, with a base price of RMB 149,900 and monthly battery rental fees of RMB 599 or…

Nanotechnology company OCSiAl has launched a new dispersion plant for single-walled carbon nanotubes in Serbia, designed to bolster the supply chain for ProLogium, a manufacturer of solid-state battery cells. This facility aims to support ProLogium’s factory in Dunkirk, France, which is set to begin mass production in early 2027. The new production plant will have an annual capacity of 3,000 tons of nanotube dispersion, reinforcing ProLogium’s Gigafactory project in Dunkirk, scheduled for completion at the end of 2026. By integrating OCSiAl’s single-walled carbon nanotubes, ProLogium seeks to develop advanced lithium ceramic batteries, which are expected to offer enhanced energy density…

Sales of new fully electric and hybrid vehicles in Brazil are projected to surpass those of combustion engine vehicles by 2030, according to a study released by the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea) on Friday. This analysis positions Brazil as a key player in the global automotive market, being the world’s eighth-largest car producer and the sixth-largest domestic market by sales, based on 2022 data collected locally and by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The study, commissioned from the Boston Consulting Group, forecasts a significant transformation in the Brazilian automotive landscape, predicting that sales of fully…

Hyundai Motor and Kia have initiated a four-year project in South Korea to develop cathode materials for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This effort is part of the automakers’ strategy to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery safety, performance, and cost efficiency. The project, undertaken in collaboration with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, seeks to advance the production of LFP battery materials through a direct synthesis process aimed at reducing emissions and production costs. LFP battery cathodes are typically made by adding lithium to precursor materials such as phosphate and iron sulfate. However, Hyundai’s approach involves directly synthesizing the cathode material…

Vay Technology has announced a partnership with Verizon Business to utilize its 5G connectivity for the company’s fleet of remotely controlled vehicles in Las Vegas. Vay, a German company that launched commercial operations in the city earlier this year, will rely on Verizon’s high-performance, low-latency network to manage the significant data needs of its teleoperated fleet. Vay’s approach differs from traditional autonomous driving, as the company uses remote human drivers to control Kia EVs from a central teledrive center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVSifReOYG8 These vehicles are delivered to users without occupants, and once the customer reaches their destination, control is returned to the…

Volvo Trucks North America has delivered 70 VNR electric trucks to various fleets in Southern California as part of the SWITCH-ON initiative. These trucks, designed for regional transport and drayage, are supported by subsidies under the programme aimed at improving air quality. The delivery includes 15 units of the first-generation Volvo VNR Electric trucks, with the remaining 55 featuring extended range and faster charging capabilities. The trucks will collect data through 2025 to provide insights into electric trucking operations. “Infrastructure development remains a challenge for fleets, even with public funding,” said Wayne Nastri, Executive Officer of South Coast AQMD, highlighting…

Hyundai Motor Group’s Kia and Hyundai Motor brands have entered a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics to develop an open ecosystem that connects vehicles with smart home devices and smartphones. The agreement, signed at Samsung Electronics’ Seoul R&D Campus, focuses on preparing for the era of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Under the partnership, Hyundai and Kia aim to enhance in-vehicle services by leveraging Samsung’s technology. In return, Samsung will work to link its smart home devices and phones with Hyundai and Kia vehicles, allowing seamless integration. The next-generation infotainment system developed by Hyundai and Kia will be connected to Samsung’s SmartThings…