Author: Harding Greenwood

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed that an electric version of the Land Rover Defender will not be introduced for the current-generation model. Despite the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), electrifying the current Defender platform presents significant challenges that the British automaker is not willing to compromise on. The Defender, currently in its L66-generation since 2019, is available with various petrol and diesel engine options, including a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. The growing popularity of luxury EVs, such as the electric Mercedes-Benz G580, might make an electric Defender a tempting prospect, but according to JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lennard Hoornik,…

Renault has started accepting orders for the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, a fully electric supermini recognized as the European Car of the Year 2025. Public sales will begin on January 29, 2025, with prices starting at £22,995, and the first UK deliveries are expected in Spring 2025. R Pass members can place early orders and access up to three years of complimentary servicing when financing the vehicle through Mobilize Financial Services before March 31, 2025. See also: Renault Expands Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Lineup with New ‘Urban Range’ Battery Financing options include 0% APR plans starting at £182 per month…

London-based research firm Brand Finance has released its 2025 Brand Finance report, ranking the world’s leading automotive brands. Toyota emerged as the most valuable brand in the sector, while electric vehicle maker Tesla dropped to fourth place. According to the report, Toyota’s brand value was estimated at $64.7 billion, maintaining its position at the top of the automotive rankings. Tesla’s brand value, meanwhile, declined by over 26% year-over-year, falling from $58.3 billion in early 2024 to $43 billion in early 2025. This decline allowed Mercedes-Benz and the Hyundai Group to surpass Tesla in the rankings. See also: U.S. EV Sales…

Volvo Cars has revealed the U.S. pricing for its new 2025 EX30 and EX90 electric SUVs, marking significant steps in its electrification strategy. The EX30, the company’s smallest and most affordable EV, will start at $44,900, while the EX90, its first three-row electric SUV, is priced from $79,995. The EX30, already a bestseller in Europe with nearly 100,000 units sold in 2024, is set to arrive in the U.S. by late 2024. The Twin Motor Performance variant of the EX30 boasts 422 horsepower, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and offers a range of up to…

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday took action against the electric vehicle (EV) policies introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden, revoking a 2021 executive order that aimed for electric vehicles to account for 50% of all new vehicle sales by 2030. The target, which was non-binding, received support from both U.S. and foreign automakers. Trump’s executive order includes halting the distribution of unspent government funds from a $5 billion fund meant for expanding vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the order calls for the ending of a waiver that allowed states to implement zero-emission vehicle rules by 2035. Trump’s administration also plans…

Scania, SKF, LOTS Group, and Ahréns Åkeri have launched one of Europe’s longest routes for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with the goal of significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving transport efficiency. The project, which will span 221,000 kilometers annually, is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 298 tonnes—equivalent to the emissions of 210 passenger cars in Sweden. The initiative aims to achieve 85% utilization of the vehicles over their yearly mileage, focusing on full load efficiency. Full-scale operations are scheduled for mid-2025 after initial validations in early 2025. The partners are also aiming to demonstrate that sustainable transport solutions can…

Xiaomi has introduced the Electric Scooter 5, the latest model in its electric scooter lineup, which will be available globally. The new scooter features several significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Electric Scooter 4, including a more powerful 700W motor and an improved range of up to 60 km (approximately 37 miles), providing better performance for tackling inclines of up to 18%. The Electric Scooter 5 also boasts dual spring shock absorbers for a smoother and more comfortable ride. While the top speed remains at 25 kph (16 mph), other features, such as a foldable design, dual braking system, multifunctional…

Charge Cars, the UK-based electric vehicle (EV) startup known for its bespoke electric muscle car, the ’67, has been revitalized under new ownership. The company, which emerged in 2016, has experienced its share of challenges, including entering administration in May 2024. However, a consortium of private investors has stepped in, acquiring the company with plans to expedite the development of its flagship model, the ’67, based on the classic 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. The ’67, which requires a license from Ford to use its body components, is designed to offer a unique EV experience with modern performance and classic muscle…

The Peugeot 3008 has surpassed 100,000 global orders within six months of its debut, the company announced Thursday, highlighting the strong market reception of its latest SUV iteration. Offered in petrol-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric configurations, the 3008 appeals to a diverse customer base. The all-electric E-3008 has been a significant contributor to sales, particularly in France, the U.K., and Germany, where it achieved 35,000, 25,000, and 9,000 units sold, respectively. Electric models now constitute 21% of the total 3008 sales, reflecting growing demand for EVs across Europe. Peugeot also reported strong demand for its GT trim, with premium…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Neta Auto reported strong overseas sales growth in 2024, with nearly 30,000 cars sold across key international markets. The company also expanded its global reach, growing its sales channels to 184 in regions such as Southeast Asia, Central, and South America. Neta recently held its second overseas dealer conference, where investors and dealers from over 40 countries gathered to discuss the company’s international expansion plans. Looking ahead to 2025, Neta aims to double its overseas sales and increase brand recognition, focusing on localized management and production to improve user satisfaction and appeal to global consumers.…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation have earmarked more than $43 million to fund 25 electric vehicle (EV) charging and micromobility projects across 23 states. The funding is part of the Communities Taking Charge Accelerator program and focuses on expanding electric mobility options and improving transportation and energy infrastructure. The initiative targets three main areas: solving no-home charging issues, expanding e-mobility solutions through electrified micro, light, and medium-duty fleets, and improving managed charging to ensure clean and reliable energy. One of the projects, led by the San Francisco…

Honda and its luxury brand Acura are set to gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network in the spring of 2025, the company announced on Monday. This development comes even as the brands are not yet listed on Tesla’s official “coming soon” page, which has seen recent updates to include other automakers. The announcement was made in a press release related to the upcoming launch of the Acura RSX EV. Honda stated that both Honda and Acura electric vehicle (EV) owners would be able to use the Tesla Supercharger network, with adaptors expected to be available for customers in the spring.…