Author: Harding Greenwood

Daimler Buses has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro, a near-series prototype of its first battery-electric intercity bus. The eIntouro is expected to enter series production in late 2025, with deliveries commencing in 2026. The new model represents a strategic step to electrify interurban transport, offering a range of up to 500 kilometers powered by a shared technology platform from Daimler Truck’s electric portfolio. The eIntouro features two battery pack configurations, with a combined capacity of 414 kWh. Utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the bus offers improved longevity and efficient energy usage. Charging capabilities include a CCS Type 2 connector supporting…

Automotive supplier Webasto has implemented a one-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system at its plant in Schierling, southeast Germany. The system utilizes 30 second-life commercial vehicle batteries to store electricity generated by the facility’s solar power system, enhancing its energy sustainability. The battery storage unit is housed in a container, allowing easy installation and replacement through slide-in mechanisms. Each battery module offers a capacity of approximately 33 kWh, with most sourced from pre-series production. The system is integrated with the plant’s energy management infrastructure via Ethernet, enabling the storage of self-generated solar power. It is also connected to the local power…

The BMW Group has officially launched the initial phase of its new battery testing center in Wackersdorf, Germany, a year after the project was first announced. The facility, which spans over 8,000 square meters, will conduct comprehensive testing on battery cells, high-voltage batteries, and other electric powertrain components for upcoming BMW electric models. The center is expected to be fully operational by late 2025. Key highlights of the project include a significant investment of approximately 100 million euros, aimed at advancing test-bench technology and upgrading the infrastructure. The initial phase is now active, with the testing of battery cells taking…

The Swedish government has no plans to take an ownership stake in Northvolt, the lithium-ion battery maker facing financial challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch said on Tuesday. Busch confirmed that state ownership was not under consideration as the company grapples with production setbacks, the loss of a key customer, and funding shortages. “To come up with a completely new system that doesn’t exist today, that’s not on the table,” said Busch, who also serves as Sweden’s minister for energy, business, and industry. “To go in and have state ownership in Northvolt, for example, is not on the table.” Her…

SAIC-GM-Wuling has announced a partnership with CATL to introduce battery swap technology to the logistics vehicle segment, marking a new application for the technology. The companies unveiled the initiative on Monday, highlighting its potential to improve the efficiency and economic viability of commercial vehicle operations. The collaboration will integrate CATL’s Choco-SEB (swapping electric block) solution into logistics vehicles, enabling rapid battery swaps tailored to operational needs. This approach is expected to enhance energy replenishment processes for logistics fleets while supporting cost-effectiveness and reliability in operations. Previously focused on shared mobility vehicles, CATL’s battery swap technology offers modular flexibility to meet…

Altilium, a UK-based battery material and recycling company, has made progress in developing cathode active material (CAM) recovered from used electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Recent tests at Altilium’s ACT1 facility in Devon have shown that the recycled CAM performs similarly to commercially available materials used in high-performance EV batteries. The electrochemical testing of cells made with Altilium’s recycled CAM indicated comparable charge rates and cycle performance to commercial CAM, specifically for high nickel NMC 811 batteries. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis further confirmed that the structure of Altilium’s recycled material is similar to that of commercial variants. Christian Marston, Altilium’s co-founder…

Xiaomi Corp reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue for 2024, buoyed by the success of its electric vehicle (EV) business, particularly its SU7 model. Total revenue rose to RMB 92.5 billion ($12.6 billion), marking a 30.5% increase year-over-year, with growth seen across both its smartphone and AIoT segment and its EV and new initiatives segment. “In the third quarter of 2024, we achieved record revenue and solid earnings growth,” Xiaomi stated. “Revenue from our smartphone × AIoT segment reached RMB 82.8 billion, up 16.8% year-over-year, while our smart EV and other new initiatives segment contributed RMB 9.7 billion.” The company reported an…

Xiaomi’s high-performance electric sedan, the SU7 Max, is facing criticism following two reported brake failures during track use in China. Despite its impressive specifications, including 663 horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds, the vehicle’s braking system has been deemed inadequate for circuit driving. In April, a Chinese influencer crashed the SU7 Max while lapping the Shanghai Tianma Circuit. Video footage showed the vehicle failing to turn properly before barreling into a barrier. The crash, attributed to severely worn brake pads after five laps, garnered millions of views online. A similar incident occurred in June when another SU7…

Toshiba and Japanese startup Naturenix have begun testing a new battery replacement and monitoring service in Bangkok, Thailand. The service, which involves the use of Toshiba’s lithium-ion battery, the ‘SCiB,’ aims to offer fleet operators a cost-effective solution by leasing batteries through a subscription model. This approach allows vehicle purchasers to buy vehicles without batteries, lowering initial costs. Naturenix, responsible for developing and manufacturing the battery packs, has integrated technology to minimize heat generation, a critical feature for the hot climate in Thailand, where high temperatures can degrade lithium-ion batteries. The company also includes data analysis functionality in the battery…

Porsche is recalling 15,906 Taycan electric vehicles (EVs) in China, broadening a previous recall from May, following concerns over potential battery fire risks. The recall affects vehicles produced between January 7, 2020, and December 15, 2023, with implementation set to begin on November 15, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The recall stems from potential short circuits within the high-voltage power battery modules, which could lead to thermal runaway and increase the risk of fire in extreme cases. Porsche will conduct battery tests on the affected vehicles through authorized dealers and replace any faulty modules at no…

Daimler Truck North America has assisted Reyes Beverage Group (RGB) in deploying 29 zero-emission Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 electric semi trucks in California. The trucks will serve RGB’s California delivery fleet, marking a significant step in the company’s transition to a fully zero-emission truck fleet by 2039. The first 20 eCascadias will be stationed at RGB’s Golden Brands – East Bay and Harbor Distributing – Huntington Beach warehouses, with an additional nine trucks set for deployment at the Gate City Beverage – San Bernardino warehouse by the end of 2024. This initiative builds on RGB’s earlier shift to renewable diesel…

Denza, the premium brand under BYD, unveiled its Z9 sedan on the opening day of the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show. The Z9, a companion to the Z9GT hatchback launched in September, is available in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions, starting at RMB 334,800 ($46,320). The Z9 PHEV comes in three variants priced at RMB 334,800, RMB 364,800, and RMB 414,800, while the BEV variant is offered in two configurations priced at RMB 354,800 and RMB 384,800. The sedan features slightly different dimensions depending on the variant, with the PHEV measuring 5,235 mm in length…