Author: Harding Greenwood

Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely Holding Group, will present three models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, marking its third consecutive participation in the event. The Zeekr 001 FR, Zeekr 009 Grand, and Zeekr Mix will be displayed at the world’s largest consumer electronics and ICT trade show, which runs from January 7 to January 10. The company will also hold a press conference and panel discussion on January 6 and 7 to share insights into its technological developments and global expansion plans. The models on display represent key products in Zeekr’s…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) is in discussions with India’s JSW Energy to establish a joint venture for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The proposed venture would require an investment of over $1.5 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, LGES would contribute technology and equipment for battery production, while JSW would invest the necessary capital. The joint venture is expected to set up a plant in India with a total capacity of 10 gigawatt hours. JSW plans to use approximately 70% of this capacity for…

Honda Motor plans to double its global hybrid car sales to 1.3 million units annually by 2030, up from 2023 levels, positioning hybrid vehicles as a transitional solution until fully electric vehicles (EVs) become more widely adopted, the company announced on Wednesday. Starting in 2026, Honda intends to introduce more fuel-efficient hybrid systems for its compact and mid-sized models, overhauling engines, platforms, and control technologies. The move comes as demand for gasoline-electric hybrids continues to rise, particularly in North America, Honda’s largest market, while the expansion of electric vehicles slows. “Hybrids will serve as a bridge until EVs become fully…

India’s Ashok Leyland subsidiary, Switch Mobility, has launched two new low-floor electric buses—the EiV12 and E1—targeting domestic, European, and Gulf markets. The announcement underscores the company’s focus on sustainable urban transport solutions. The EiV12, designed and engineered in India, is touted as the nation’s first low-floor electric bus with chassis-mounted, IP67-rated batteries. Depending on configuration, its batteries offer a storage capacity between 189 and 423 kWh, delivering a range of up to 314 km on a full charge via its CCS2 rear charging port. Built with accessibility in mind, the EiV12 features a kneeling and tilting mechanism, an automated wheelchair…

Three ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs will be installed in Northumberland by national charging network Be.EV, in partnership with development company Advance Northumberland. The initiative aims to improve EV infrastructure for residents and visitors while supporting the region’s efforts toward sustainability. The hubs will be located at Tyne Valley Retail Park in Hexham, Ramparts Business Park in Berwick, and Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington. Positioned near key transport routes, they will provide charging options for travelers and those visiting nearby retail centers and attractions. “These new hubs are a milestone in Northumberland’s journey toward a sustainable future,” said…

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to introduce its 2026 CLA EV, heralded as a game-changer for the entry-level EV market. The electric sedan, built on the company’s new MMA platform, is set to deliver significant advancements in range, charging speed, and efficiency, targeting rivals such as Tesla’s Model 3 and BMW’s i4. “This car is designed to set new standards in range, efficiency, and charging speed,” said Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, describing the CLA EV as the beginning of “a new chapter for the entry-level segment at Mercedes-Benz.” Cutting-Edge Technology for Long-Distance Driving The CLA EV features an 800V high-voltage system…

The Luxeed R7 EREV fastback crossover, a collaboration between Huawei and Chery, is set to make its official debut on December 19 in China. With an impressive range of up to 1,570 km, the vehicle is positioned to compete with premium SUVs like the BMW X6, offering advanced technology and a starting price below 250,000 yuan (around 34,350 USD). Luxeed is a joint venture between Chery, which handles platform development and manufacturing, and Huawei, responsible for providing the vehicle’s brain and key components, as well as managing sales. The current model lineup includes the S7 sedan and the R7 SUV…

Tesla is facing a significant issue with new vehicles, as multiple reports and insider sources have revealed widespread computer failures linked to the latest version of Tesla’s HW4 (AI4) self-driving computer. According to Electrek, these failures are causing critical system malfunctions in brand-new cars, with key features such as active safety, cameras, GPS, navigation, and range estimations failing to function. The problem appears to stem from a short-circuiting of the low-voltage battery during the camera calibration process, which is affecting vehicles built in recent months. Despite a growing number of complaints, Electrek sources say Tesla has yet to issue a…

Hubject has announced a new roaming partnership with the EasyPark Group, aimed at extending the Swedish-based company’s parking and charging services beyond Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia to broader regions in mainland Europe. The collaboration will integrate Hubject’s e-roaming technology, allowing EasyPark customers to access an expanded network of EV charging stations across several European countries in the future. Cameron Clayton, CEO of EasyPark Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “At EasyPark, we are driven by our vision to make cities more liveable. Partnering with Hubject enables us to offer EV drivers a seamless charging experience that fits naturally…

Italy is pressing Stellantis to incorporate a strong focus on its domestic factories within the company’s future strategy. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated, “There must be an assertive Italy plan within Stellantis’ industrial plan that protects national factories.” He made these remarks ahead of a key meeting on December 17, which will involve trade unions and government officials to discuss the future of Italy’s automotive sector. The Italian government aims to ensure that Stellantis, which owns brands like Fiat and Alfa Romeo, maintains its manufacturing base in Italy. Urso’s comments follow the recent resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, which…

Stockholm’s groundbreaking fossil-free construction site has reached a major milestone, with 50% of its equipment now running on electric power. This achievement was made possible by the addition of a Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader, which joins two 30-ton Volvo EC230 Electric excavators at the site. Located in the redevelopment area of the Slakthusområdet (meat-packing district) in central Stockholm, the project has become an international model for sustainable construction. The site’s electrification efforts have already resulted in a CO₂ reduction of 2,759 tons as of mid-2024 — equivalent to removing 600 internal combustion engine cars from the road for…

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s transition team has outlined plans for sweeping changes to the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) policies, including cutting support for EVs and charging infrastructure, while imposing tariffs to prioritize domestic battery and critical mineral production. The proposals, detailed in a document seen by Reuters, represent a significant shift from the Biden administration’s EV-centered approach. The recommendations suggest redirecting federal funding away from EV subsidies and charging stations into bolstering “national defense supply chain and critical infrastructure.” This includes securing domestic production of critical battery materials, such as lithium and graphite, which are essential for both EVs…