Author: Ivan Popov

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has confirmed job cuts in China as part of a business consolidation effort, citing the need to improve operational efficiency in a challenging market environment. “Mercedes-Benz China will consolidate and cut redundant and duplicated positions, and the consolidation in business will inevitably involve some employees’ work schedules,” the company said, according to Chinese media outlet Guancha. See also: Mercedes-Benz Delays Production of Electric CLA Sedan in China The move follows a report from AutoPix that Mercedes-Benz China began layoffs on February 26, affecting approximately 15% of its workforce, primarily in sales and auto finance divisions. Research…

BYD is set to introduce the all-electric Qin L EV, following the launch of its hybrid counterpart, the Qin L DM-i, in May last year. The Chinese automaker signaled the upcoming release by posting three seals on its Weibo account on Feb 24. “The new mid-size pure electric sedan Qin L EV is coming soon,” the company stated. See also: BYD Unveils Updated Atto 3 with New Design and Advanced Driver Assistance Features Lu Tian, general manager of sales for BYD’s Dynasty series, described the model as a mid-size electric sedan targeting younger consumers. The Qin L EV was included…

Scientists at Princeton University have developed a high-energy sodium-ion cathode that could outperform lithium-ion counterparts, potentially offering a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative for battery technology. Sodium-ion batteries are considered a promising option for electric vehicles as sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium. Additionally, the supply chain for sodium is not concentrated in Asia, reducing geopolitical risks. The research, funded by Volkswagen’s Italian sports car brand Lamborghini, has been led by Professor Mircea Dincă. The team has developed an organic, high-energy cathode material designed to enhance the commercial viability of sodium-ion batteries. See also: Silicon Anodes Poised…

Jeep’s plan to introduce an all-electric Compass in North America has been put on hold as parent company Stellantis temporarily halts work on the next-generation model. The decision comes after Stellantis suspended operations at its Brampton Assembly Plant in Canada, where the current Compass is manufactured, citing the need to reassess its product strategy for the region. On Thursday, Stellantis confirmed a freeze on all activities at the Brampton plant, including development of the next-generation Compass, due to “today’s dynamic environment.” In a statement to Ontario-based newspaper Windsor Star, Lou Ann Gosselin, head of communications for Stellantis Canada, said the…

Rivian reported its first-ever quarterly profit in late 2024, signaling progress in its turnaround efforts as it streamlines production and prepares to launch its more affordable R2 model. However, the electric vehicle maker faces potential hurdles in 2025, including tariffs and shifting consumer incentives. The company posted a gross profit of $170 million in the fourth quarter, a sharp improvement from a $606 million loss a year earlier. For the full year, Rivian reduced its net loss from operations to $4.7 billion, down from $5.7 billion in 2023. See also: Rivian Unveils California Dune Edition of Tri-Motor R1 with Off-Road…

Kia will introduce a simulated manual gearshift across all versions of its upcoming EV4, aiming to enhance driving engagement in the affordable EV segment, a source familiar with the company’s plans told Carscoops. The system, which debuted on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and later appeared on the Kia EV6 GT, allows drivers to shift through virtual gears using paddle shifters while software adjusts power delivery to mimic the behavior of an internal combustion engine. Initially developed for Hyundai-Kia’s high-performance models, Kia now plans to roll out the feature across the entire EV4 lineup. See also: Kia EV4 Revealed with…

ChargePlace Scotland, the national EV charging network, has partnered with Zapmap to provide users with seamless access to in-app payments and an extensive charging network. The collaboration integrates ChargePlace’s 2,800+ charge points into Zapmap’s platform, offering live data on charger availability and enabling quick, cashless payments via Zap-Pay. To use the service, EV drivers must link a debit or credit card to their Zapmap profile. The Zap-Pay feature, first introduced in 2020, simplifies the charging experience by allowing payments across multiple networks within the app. ChargePlace Scotland operates with support from Transport Scotland and is managed by Evolt Charging. The…

Tesla is recalling 376,000 electric vehicles in the United States due to a power steering assist failure that could make steering more difficult, particularly at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash, the company said on Friday. The recall follows a year-long investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after multiple Tesla owners reported steering failures, including instances where they were unable to turn the wheel or required increased effort. NHTSA previously noted that more than 50 vehicles were towed due to the issue. See also: Tesla Deploys In-Cabin Radar to Improve Safety and Passenger Monitoring Tesla…

The European Union’s charging infrastructure has expanded significantly, with the number of charging points reaching approximately 845,000 by the end of 2024—a 180% increase from 2021, according to an interim assessment by the EU Commission. The report suggests that most member states are on track to meet or exceed the minimum targets set by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) before the 2030 deadline. Alongside the overall increase in charging points, the EU Commission noted an improvement in average charging capacity, which has risen from 26 kW to 33 kW per charging point. The region now has over 15,000 ultra-fast…

Compleo UK has secured a contract to install more than 500 electric vehicle chargers in the London borough of Islington to support the council’s transition to an all-electric fleet, with a particular emphasis on its waste and recycling operations. The charging infrastructure will include a mix of AC and DC units, although the company has not disclosed the exact distribution. The first installations are set to begin early this year, with all 550-plus chargers expected to be completed within two years. Se also: Compleo Charging Solutions Finds Buyer in Kostal Group: Acquisition Pending Approval “We’re thrilled to support such a…

South Korea’s SK On is increasing battery production at its U.S. facilities in response to rising demand from Hyundai and Kia, as the automakers ramp up electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the country. According to industry insiders, SK Battery America, the company’s U.S. subsidiary, will dedicate nine of its twelve production lines in Georgia to supplying batteries for Hyundai and Kia EVs starting in March. The move comes as Hyundai Motor Group intensifies efforts to meet local sourcing requirements for battery components, which impact eligibility for the U.S. federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500. “In the future, 75…

Dongfeng Nissan, the Chinese joint venture of Japan’s Nissan, has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) from DeepSeek into its upcoming N7 electric sedan, marking a rare move by a Japanese automaker in China. The company announced on its WeChat account that the N7 is the first joint venture vehicle to integrate the DeepSeek-R1 deep reasoning model. “Through the powerful data processing and self-learning capabilities of the DeepSeek-R1 large model, the N7 is able to accurately recognize user intent and provide a more natural and smooth human-computer interaction experience,” Dongfeng Nissan stated. See also: Nissan to Start Producing Electric Vehicles for Dongfeng…

Hesai Technology is expanding its partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. The companies will integrate Hesai’s lidar systems into more than 10 BYD models scheduled for mass production in 2025. The lidar technology will be part of BYD’s next-generation advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), “God’s Eye,” which aims to improve autonomous navigation for both urban and highway driving. This collaboration reflects BYD’s ongoing efforts to enhance its intelligent driving capabilities across its vehicle lineup. The “God’s Eye” system, powered by lidar, will be available in two versions and will help improve navigation on autopilot (NOA) in various driving conditions.…

Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have secured two grants totaling $58 million to support the transition to electric buses, officials announced. The funding will be used to replace 57 older buses with battery-electric models operating in and around Chicago. Pace, the suburban transit provider, will introduce 27 electric buses, while CTA will add 30 to its fleet. The grants will cover up to 75% of the eligible cost per electric bus, with Pace contributing $9 million and the Regional Transportation Authority (on behalf of CTA) providing another $10 million. See also: Illinois Secures Nearly $20 Million for Electric…

Vertical Aerospace has completed the second stage of piloted testing for its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype, marking a significant advancement in the company’s efforts toward commercializing its flying vehicle. The tests, which included more than 30 piloted flights, focused on hover maneuvers, low-speed flight, and performance procedures like roll, yaw, and spot-turns. These tests were conducted at the company’s flight test center in Cotswolds Airport, UK. The successful completion of these tests allows Vertical Aerospace to move beyond controlled airspace into real-world operating conditions. The company is now awaiting approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority…

Be.EV has launched a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Hulme Retail Park in Manchester, marking the first project funded through a £55 million financing deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank. The hub is designed to increase urban access to EV charging, addressing the UK’s growing need for public infrastructure as the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates. The Hulme site features six ultra-rapid charging bays capable of providing up to 165 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, this facility is part of Be.EV’s broader mission to bridge the charging gap…

Jeep has unveiled a new trim level for its all-electric Wagoneer S, introducing the ‘Limited’ variant at a lower price point for the North American market. The new model, priced at $66,995 in the United States, is $5,000 less than the previously announced ‘Launch Edition.’ The Wagoneer S Limited retains several key features from the Launch Edition, including a 100 kWh battery pack, a 400-volt electrical system, and a 45-inch usable screen for the infotainment system. The vehicle also supports DC fast charging, allowing it to charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 23 minutes. Jeep has not disclosed the…

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is working with XCharge North America to assess battery-integrated EV charging technology as energy demands increase alongside electric vehicle adoption in the state. As part of a one-year research agreement with an option for extension, OUC will evaluate the NZS charging unit’s ability to support EV charging needs while managing grid impact. “We’re always looking for solutions that can be strategically installed on existing infrastructure, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs,” said Paul Brooker, OUC Manager of Emerging Technologies. See also: XCharge North America and Grensol Partner to Develop EVSE Recycling Solutions Conventional direct current fast charging…

Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle (EV) owners in the U.S. can now charge at Tesla’s Supercharger network using a North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter, marking a significant step in the transition toward a more unified EV charging infrastructure. The German automaker becomes the first from its country to officially gain access to Tesla’s vast charging network, following the company’s previously announced timeline. See also: Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Targets 800-Mile Range with 20 Minutes of Charging Tesla updated its NACS website to include Mercedes-Benz in its list of supported automakers, confirming that owners of EQ models can now use the Supercharger network.…

Senior officials in the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) have been cautioned against discussing sensitive information in government-issued electric vehicles over concerns that Chinese manufacturers could be using them for surveillance, according to media reports. The UK government recently incorporated hundreds of Chinese-made electric vehicles into its fleet to reduce its carbon footprint. However, reports from the Daily Mail and The Sun—outlets previously criticized for sensationalism—suggest that these vehicles may be equipped with covert microphones capable of eavesdropping on confidential conversations. See also: UK Will Not Impose Tariffs on China-Made EVs, Unlike EU and US An unnamed MoD source cited…