Author: Harding Greenwood

Skoda has introduced new variants of its all-electric Elroq SUV in the UK, expanding the lineup ahead of the model’s official launch. The additions include the Elroq SportLine, offered with two battery options, and the Elroq SE L 60 and Edition 60 derivatives. The SportLine trim is designed to offer a sportier aesthetic and enhanced driving dynamics. “It is poised to introduce a striking new edge to the range thanks to an exclusive design package and sharper driving dynamics,” Skoda said. Prices for the Elroq SportLine start at £37,400. See also: Volkswagen’s €20,000 Electric Car to Debut Without Skoda Counterpart…

Belgian public transport operator De Lijn has placed a €24.2 million ($26 million) order for electric bus charging stations from SPIE-Ekoenergetyka, the company announced on Wednesday, as part of its broader plan to electrify all 50 of its bus depots. The investment will fund between 600 and 900 charging stations with capacities ranging from 50 to 180 kW, with the exact distribution dependent on the progress of infrastructure upgrades at various depots, according to De Lijn. See also: De Lijn Orders 32 More Electric Articulated Buses from Iveco The contract follows a framework agreement signed in November 2023, under which…

Tesla is rolling out a software update to address a power steering issue affecting certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, impacting an estimated 376,241 units. The fix is being deployed via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, meaning no physical service appointment is required. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has classified the issue as a “recall,” as it presents a potential safety risk, but the agency acknowledges on its website that it is being resolved through a software update. The new designation reflects the agency’s evolving approach to software-based vehicle fixes, which have become increasingly common with modern,…

Volvo has teased the upcoming ES90, an electric sedan poised to be one of its most software-driven models yet. The vehicle will feature dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin chips, enhancing computing power for AI-based safety systems, car sensors, and battery management. “These high-performance chips will manage functionalities such as AI-based, state-of-the-art active safety features, car sensors, and efficient battery management,” Volvo stated. The ES90 joins a growing list of smart EVs, including the Nio ES6 and Onvo L60, that leverage Nvidia’s technology for advanced driver assistance. See also: Volvo and Polestar Integrate Samsung Digital Key for Secure, Keyless Access Alongside…

Xpeng has shipped 300 right-hand-drive X9 MPVs to Thailand, marking the first international deliveries of its most expensive model. The company hosted a ceremony in Guangzhou on Wednesday, celebrating the milestone as part of its broader expansion into global markets. The Xpeng X9, launched in China on January 1, 2024, is the automaker’s flagship seven-seater MPV based on its Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0. The model starts at RMB 359,800 ($49,620) in China and is positioned as a premium offering to enhance Xpeng’s margins. In 2024, the X9 accounted for 11.39% of Xpeng’s total deliveries, with 21,653 units sold.…

Voyah, the premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under Dongfeng Motor, has introduced new variants of its Dream MPV equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 3.0 smart driving software, aiming to meet growing consumer demand for advanced autonomous driving capabilities. The updated lineup includes two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants and two battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants, all featuring Huawei’s intelligent driving technology and the HarmonyOS cockpit system. See also: Voyah’s Zhiyin SUV to Feature DeepSeek AI, Enhancing Smart Cockpit Capabilities The newly added Dream MPV variants come at a reduced entry price for Huawei’s advanced driving features. The PHEV…

Volvo Buses has received its first order for electric buses from British transport company Go-Ahead, marking a significant step in the Swedish manufacturer’s electrification efforts in the UK. Go-Ahead will add 25 Volvo BZL Electric solo buses to its London fleet throughout 2024, replacing older diesel and hybrid models to support the city’s sustainability goals. The new order builds on Volvo Buses’ longstanding collaboration with Go-Ahead, which previously focused on combustion engine vehicles. The BZL Electric buses, measuring 9.7 meters in length, are relatively compact and will be deployed on London’s streets as part of Go-Ahead’s transition to zero-emission public…

Italy’s antitrust authority has launched investigations into BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and Volkswagen over concerns that the automakers may have misled consumers regarding the performance of their electric vehicles (EVs). The probe focuses on potential violations of consumer protection laws, which could lead to substantial fines under Italian regulations. The investigations are centered on claims about EV driving range, battery capacity degradation, and the limitations of standard battery warranties. According to the antitrust authority, the manufacturers may have failed to provide clear and accurate information on these aspects, potentially breaching Italy’s Consumer Code. In line with standard practice in such cases,…

German electric aviation startup Lilium is facing renewed financial uncertainty after a promised €200 million investment failed to materialize, raising serious doubts about the company’s ability to continue operations. The Munich-based firm, which has been developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, had already been on the brink of insolvency before an investor stepped in on Christmas Eve to offer a last-minute rescue deal. However, recent revelations indicate that the promised funding was not what it seemed, leaving employees and stakeholders in limbo. Lilium had previously announced that an investor consortium, Mobile Uplift Corporation, had signed a purchase…

The city of Leeds has deployed its first all-electric refuse trucks, adding three Mercedes-Benz eEconic vehicles to its fleet as part of a push toward lower emissions and cleaner urban operations, the city announced on Friday. Each eEconic 300 truck is equipped with three battery packs totaling 36 kWh of energy storage and will be charged overnight at the Newmarket House depot. While Daimler Truck states that the eEconic 300 can charge from 20% to 80% in 75 minutes using a 160 kW DC charger, the exact charging infrastructure at the depot remains unspecified. Earlier reports indicate that the site…

Stellantis has introduced its STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system, its first self-developed automated driving technology featuring ‘Hands-Free’ and ‘Eyes-Off’ functions, which meet SAE Level 3 automation standards. The system is designed primarily for urban traffic but can operate at speeds of up to 59 mph (95 kph). According to Stellantis, STLA AutoDrive integrates with the company’s STLA Brain and STLA Smart Cockpit to enhance vehicle intelligence, automation, and user experience. The system enables automated driving at speeds up to 37 mph (60 kph), easing driver workload in stop-and-go traffic. It activates only under appropriate road conditions, with drivers receiving a notification…

A consortium of German research institutions and industry partners, including Siemens, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and Fraunhofer FFB, has launched the EXINOS2 project to develop a new production system for battery cell stacking. The initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with 3.64 million euros, seeks to improve the efficiency and adaptability of battery manufacturing. According to a statement from ACP Systems AG, one of the project’s participants, the EXINOS2 system concept is expected to “significantly improve the efficiency and flexibility of battery cell production.” The approach builds on prior research and aims…