Author: Ivan Popov

Mazda is set to introduce the Mazda6e in Germany this April, with prices starting at 44,900 euros. However, the Japanese automaker is scaling back its electrification investments, raising questions about the future of its electric sedan lineup. Mazda’s leadership announced a “Lean Asset Strategy,” which includes a 40% reduction in development investment and a 50% decrease in development man-hours for its battery electric vehicle (BEV) set to launch in 2027. See also: Mazda to Build 10 GWh Battery Plant in Japan Using Panasonic Cylindrical Cells The company aims to cut initial capital investment by 85% and mass production preparation time…

Charge point operator GreenWay has raised over €50 million from French energy investment firm Mirova, making the company its largest shareholder, GreenWay Holding announced. The investment will bolster GreenWay’s expansion efforts across Central and Eastern Europe amid what the company describes as “challenging market conditions.” GreenWay had sought an investor with strong long-term backing, and Mirova—already an investor in Driveco, Zunder, Jet Charge, and NEoT Green Mobility—was seen as a strategic fit. Mirova joins existing shareholders Janom Investment, Generation Capital, Helios Energy Investment Funds, and Neulogy Ventures, along with the company’s founders and management team. GreenWay operates fast and high-power…

Xpeng posted record revenue of RMB 16.11 billion ($2.21 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding analyst expectations and its own forecast, driven by record-high deliveries. The Chinese EV maker also reported a reduced net loss, though its gross margin edged lower. Revenue for the quarter rose 23.4% year-on-year and 59.4% sequentially, surpassing the upper end of its previous guidance. Vehicle sales contributed RMB 14.67 billion, up 20% from the prior year and 66.8% from Q3, supported by strong delivery figures. Xpeng delivered 91,507 units in the quarter, exceeding its target and marking a 52.1% year-on-year and 96.7% quarterly…

ChargePoint is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in upstate New York, with five new fast-charging stations supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The charging sites will be located in Cortland, Waterloo, Lake Placid, Niagara Falls, and Ripley, accessible via the ChargePoint mobile app. Expansion of Fast-Charging Network While specific details on power output and charging bay availability were not disclosed, the initiative aligns with ChargePoint’s broader effort to enhance fast-charging accessibility. The company, which operates the largest EV charging network in the U.S., currently has over 48,000 charging stations, including…

Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors is planning to outsource production of electric vehicles (EVs) to Taiwan’s Foxconn, in a move aimed at reducing costs and accelerating product development, Kyodo News reported on Thursday. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is seeking to strengthen its presence in the EV sector and establish ties with Mitsubishi Motors’ key partners, Nissan Motor and Honda, according to the report. See also: Foxconn Proposes Partnership with Honda Following Nissan-Honda Merger Collapse Mitsubishi Motors said it had not provided the information and stated that it continues to “explore collaboration opportunities with various partners to achieve sustainable…

Tesla intends to double its vehicle production in the United States within the next two years, according to CEO Elon Musk. The announcement, made on his social media platform X, was positioned as a show of support for former President Donald Trump’s policies and confidence in the country’s future. The move comes as Tesla faces declining sales in key global markets, including Europe and China. The recent facelift of the Model Y has led to speculation that some consumers may be delaying purchases until the updated version becomes widely available. See also: Tesla’s Future in Question as Elon Musk Faces…

Phil Molyneux has stepped down as CEO of Rad Power Bikes as the company undergoes a strategic realignment. The electric bicycle manufacturer announced that Stephanie Roberts, the company’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted. Molyneux will remain an adviser to the company. The leadership change follows a period of financial restructuring for Rad Power, which has seen five rounds of layoffs in less than four years. Molyneux took over as CEO in 2022 after company founder Mike Radenbaugh stepped down. His departure comes amid broader struggles in the e-bike…

Once car buyers transition to an electric vehicle, few return to gasoline-powered models, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study. The survey, conducted between August and December 2024, gathered responses from 6,164 owners of 2024 and 2025 model-year EVs and plug-in hybrids. The study found that 94% of EV owners were likely to consider another EV for their next vehicle, while only 12% said they would consider switching back to a gasoline or hybrid model. See also: J.D. Power: Consumer Confidence in Robotaxis Grows with Experience, Ranks High in Latest Study Despite concerns over charging infrastructure…

Amsterdam will implement a zero-emission zone in its central canals starting April 1, 2025, permitting only pleasure craft powered by electricity, hydrogen, or manual propulsion, city authorities announced. The regulation, aimed at reducing emissions in the city’s historic waterways, applies to non-commercial recreational boats but excludes sailing houseboats. See also: Albert Heijn Expands Emission-Free Deliveries in Amsterdam, Plans Nationwide Rollout Hybrid vessels will be allowed as long as they operate with zero emissions within the designated zone. The city noted that objections to the ruling could be submitted by “an interested party within six weeks of the announcement.” The zero-emission…

Ford Motor has introduced its patented Vapour-Injected Heat Pump (VIHP) technology as a standard feature in its E-Transit Custom, E-Tourneo Custom, and enhanced-range E-Transit models. Designed to optimize efficiency in extreme temperatures, the system captures heat from the air—even at temperatures below -10°C—helping electric vans travel further between recharges. See also: Electric Conversion Transforms Classic Fox-Body Ford Mustang While Retaining Manual Transmission For businesses that rely on vans for early starts, late finishes, and overnight shifts, driving in sub-zero temperatures remains a challenge well into spring. Ford’s VIHP system aims to reduce battery power consumption for cabin heating by utilizing…

Honda has introduced a new retail offer for its all-electric e:Ny1 SUV, providing customers with 0% APR Representative financing and a £5,000 deposit contribution. The offer, available from March 1 to May 31, 2025, aims to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible by reducing financing costs and lowering the initial deposit required for purchase. The financing deal covers both trims of the e:Ny1, with the Elegance model available from £469 per month and the Advance model starting at £499 per month. Customers who take advantage of the offer will also receive the Honda Customer Care Package, which includes five scheduled…

The European Commission plans to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in corporate fleets by phasing out tax breaks for petrol and diesel-powered company cars, according to a draft document set to be published on Wednesday. The EU executive will outline its auto industry action plan following discussions with sector leaders, aiming to help European automakers transition to electrification and remain competitive against more advanced U.S. and Chinese manufacturers. See also: EU Urged to Maintain 2025 CO2 Targets Despite Automakers’ Push for Relief While European carmakers continue to introduce new EV models, consumer demand has remained sluggish. The market…

BYD has introduced four electric commercial vehicles in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in partnership with Al-Futtaim, as the two companies strengthen their collaboration in the region. The launch event, held in Dubai on February 26, marks BYD’s growing footprint in the UAE’s commercial vehicle market. The new lineup includes the ETM6 all-electric truck, designed for urban logistics with a 3.6-ton load capacity and a 126-kWh blade battery. The Light Truck T5, another logistics vehicle, features a 4-ton capacity and a 132-kWh blade battery. See also: China’s NEV Bus Exports Surge in 2024, Led by BYD The ETH8 medium-duty truck,…

The European research initiative HARPOONERS is working on advanced high-voltage battery storage systems designed for maritime and inland waterway vessels. The project focuses on a modular and flexible AC battery system that integrates directly with onboard power electronics and networks, including high and medium voltage systems. The initiative aims to enhance adaptability by ensuring compatibility with both existing and future battery cell technologies, regardless of their chemical composition. The project is targeting practical applications with storage capacities between 5 and 10 MWh, supporting both all-electric and hybrid propulsion systems. See also: Corvus Energy to Supply Record 25 MWh Battery for…

Tesla’s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has hinted at potential future availability for the highly sought-after Glacier Blue and Midnight Cherry Red colors for the Model Y, though he stopped short of confirming any definitive plans. Speaking on the 500th episode of the Ride the Lightning podcast, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey, von Holzhausen discussed his design philosophy and various aspects of Tesla’s evolving color palette. See also: Tesla Cuts Model Y Prices Ahead of Expected Facelift Launch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96Gw0eynHec&ab_channel=RidetheLightningTeslaMotorsUnofficialPodcast When asked whether the Glacier Blue Model Y, currently available in Asia-Pacific markets, could be introduced in the U.S., von Holzhausen did…

A classic Fox-body Ford Mustang from the early 1990s has been converted to run on electricity, showcasing the potential of electrified classic cars while keeping elements of the original driving experience intact. The conversion, carried out by Georgia-based FuelTech and featured in a video by The Racing Channel, retains the vehicle’s manual gearbox, a feature not commonly associated with electric vehicles but one that adds to the car’s engagement and appeal for enthusiasts. The Fox-body Mustang, built from 1978 to 1993 on Ford’s Fox platform, was a significant model in the Mustang lineage, following the downsized and underpowered second-generation model.…

Mazda plans to launch five electrified vehicles in Thailand by 2027, including two battery electric models, as part of a multi-powertrain strategy to cut carbon emissions, the Japanese automaker said. The company will kick off its EV push in Thailand this year with the launch of the Mazda 6e sedan, followed by a second electric model in 2026. The announcement came as Mazda committed to a 5-billion-baht ($142 million) investment in Thailand, reinforcing the country’s role in its regional strategy. The 6e will be Mazda’s first EV offering in Thailand, as the MX-30 is not sold in the market. See…

Chinese battery maker Gotion High-Tech is pursuing a supply agreement with South Korea’s SK IE Technology (SKIET) for battery separators for its upcoming production facilities in North America and Europe, the companies announced. The two firms have signed a letter of intent, paving the way for a formal supply contract under which SKIET would provide separators for Gotion’s plants in Slovakia and Illinois, U.S. Gotion is developing a 20 GWh battery production facility in Slovakia in partnership with InoBat, backed by a €1.23 billion investment. See also: Gotion High-tech to Build Battery Factories in Slovakia and Morocco While Gotion is…

Lucid’s Air sedan has been widely praised for its performance and range, but some owners have expressed frustration with the company’s customer service. A Reddit user, posting under the alias MtrCityMadMan, shared his experience, stating that while the car is “a pleasure to drive” and its range is “fantastic,” Lucid’s service support has been disappointing. His issues began after he accidentally damaged his side mirror and had to visit a service center 2.5 hours away. What was estimated to be a one-to-two-hour repair turned into an all-day ordeal. “I sat in a McDonald’s for over 5 hours,” he wrote. “No…

Li Auto reported a decline in deliveries for February, with 26,263 vehicles handed over to customers. While this represented a 29.69% increase from the 20,251 units delivered a year earlier, it marked a 12.24% drop from January’s 29,927 units. The slowdown continued amid the typically weak start to the year for China’s auto industry, impacted by the Chinese New Year holiday. In the first two months of 2024, Li Auto delivered 56,190 vehicles, up 9.29% from the same period last year. The company’s cumulative deliveries since its inception reached 1,190,062 units by the end of February. See also: Li Auto…