Author: Ivan Popov

Embotech, Outsight, and Hesai Technology have formed a partnership to integrate lidar technology and perception software into Embotech’s Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) system at BMW production facilities. This collaboration, internally known at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW), aims to enhance efficiency and safety in autonomous vehicle operations within automotive manufacturing environments. Embotech serves as the system provider for BMW’s AFW solution, utilizing real-time optimization technology. Outsight contributes a lidar software platform that monitors the ego-vehicle and surrounding obstacles, while Hesai provides high-precision lidar sensors for the AVM system. Together, the companies combine expertise in software, sensor technology, and system…

Jaguar Land Rover’s investment arm, InMotion Ventures, has contributed $2 million to Cyclic Materials, a rare earth magnets recycling company. This investment brings Cyclic Materials’ Series B funding round total to $55 million, further strengthening its expansion plans in North America and Europe. InMotion Ventures has a history of investing in technologies aimed at improving sustainability, including supply chain traceability, battery repair, reuse, and recycling. With this latest investment in Cyclic Materials, the company is focusing on rare earth magnet recycling, a key area for supporting the automotive industry’s shift toward more sustainable practices. See also: JLR to Limit New…

Electric bike maker Ado has unveiled the Ado Air 30, an innovative e-bike equipped with automatic gearshift technology, anti-theft GPS, and an ultra-slim removable battery, promising a range of up to 62 miles. The announcement marks a step forward in urban mobility solutions. The Ado Air 30 Ultra features a discreet design powered by a Bafang hub motor integrated into the rear hub, which houses a triple-speed gearbox. Riders benefit from an automatic gearshift system, enabling smooth transitions between gears without manual intervention—a practical feature for city commutes involving frequent stops. Riders can toggle between “Sport” and “Eco” modes, balancing…

Hyundai Motor Group has completed its new development center, dubbed the ‘Square Campus,’ at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) in Rüsselsheim, Germany, significantly enhancing its research and development capabilities in Europe. The 25,000-square-meter facility is slated to open in March and will focus on advancing electric vehicles (EVs), driver-assistance systems, infotainment, and electrification technologies, according to the automaker. See also: Hyundai Expands Partnership with General Motors Amid U.S. Policy Changes The new site, which houses Hyundai’s largest Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) test bench to date, as well as chassis and powertrain testing facilities, marks a major investment…

Kodiak Robotics, a developer of autonomous vehicle technology, has completed its first commercial deployment by delivering two self-driving trucks to Atlas Energy Solutions. The vehicles, equipped with Kodiak’s AI Driver system, began operations in December in the remote Permian Basin, marking a significant milestone for the startup. Atlas, a provider of oilfield logistics and proppant, has already utilized the autonomous trucks to deliver 100 loads without a human safety driver, Kodiak founder and CEO Don Burnette told TechCrunch. “This is the first time, as far as we’re aware, that the customer is owning and operating the driverless vehicle, instead of…

Rivian, the U.S. electric pickup and SUV manufacturer, is in discussions with other automakers about supplying its software and electrical architecture, according to a senior executive. The joint venture between Rivian and Volkswagen, formed after the German automaker’s $5.8 billion investment in November 2024, aims to integrate advanced electrical infrastructure and Rivian’s software technology into both companies’ upcoming electric vehicles. See also: Volkswagen Explores Deepening Partnership with Rivian in EV Expansion Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer and co-CEO of the joint venture, noted that the partnership with Volkswagen will provide Rivian with greater production volumes, helping to secure better…

Volkswagen (VW) is entering 2025 facing significant challenges in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, following over four years since the debut of its ID.3 and ID.4 models. Initially, these vehicles were expected to offer a strong competition to Tesla, but the reality has been more difficult for the German automaker, with few new releases in the pipeline for the near future. See also: Volkswagen Explores Deepening Partnership with Rivian in EV Expansion VW’s electric lineup has seen limited updates in recent years. The latest addition, the ID.7 sedan, was introduced in the third quarter of 2023. However, the company’s next…

Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is reportedly shifting its strategy to include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option for its upcoming #5 SUV, alongside the all-electric version. The move reflects growing concerns over sales performance in key global markets, including China and Europe. The decision, first reported by Autocar and confirmed by Smart representatives in China, highlights a departure from the brand’s all-electric focus since its relaunch. A Smart Europe spokesperson stated, “We see individual mobility powered by combustion engines and, in particular, with hybrid drives as a transitional technology towards purely electric driving. It is important to…

Hyundai is sweetening the deal for customers purchasing or leasing the 2025 IONIQ 5 by offering a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger or a $400 charging credit. This promotion, launched in January 2025, is designed to make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) even more attractive by providing home charging solutions or credits for use at public stations. The program builds on the success of Hyundai’s earlier offer, which began in September 2024 and included the IONIQ 6 and Kona Electric models. With the 2025 IONIQ 5 now offering more range, a sleek redesign, and the addition of an…

A research team from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea has developed a lithium metal battery featuring a triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte, offering significant improvements in fire safety and battery lifespan. Led by Principal Researcher Kim Jae-hyun, the team’s innovation aims to advance energy storage systems, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs). The new battery design incorporates a three-layer structure for the electrolyte, with each layer serving a specific function. According to the researchers, the middle layer enhances the mechanical strength of the battery, while the outer layers improve electrode contact and enable better lithium-ion…

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced plans to allocate 1.5 trillion won ($1.02 billion) in 2025 to encourage domestic consumers to purchase electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to boost sales amidst concerns about safety and limited access to charging infrastructure. The government’s initiative follows a decline in domestic EV sales, which dropped by 9.7% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of reduced demand. The number of EVs and hydrogen fuel cell cars in South Korea reached 720,000 by the end of 2024, with EVs accounting for 680,000 of that total. One significant factor affecting consumer sentiment has…

Electric vehicle (EV) sales maintained their strong momentum in December 2024, with sales incentives playing a significant role in the continued growth, according to the latest report from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book. The average transaction price (ATP) for EVs in December reached $55,544, contributing to a slight increase in the industry-wide ATP. The December ATP for EVs saw a year-over-year increase of 0.8%, slightly below the industry average, and a month-over-month rise of 1.1%. Notably, Tesla saw an increase of 10.5% in its ATP compared to the previous year. Incentives for EVs remained robust in December, accounting for 14.3%…