Author: Ivan Popov

German automotive supplier Eberspaecher has inaugurated a new production facility in Przylesie, Poland, dedicated to manufacturing thermal management systems for electric city buses and coaches. The facility is expected to enhance the company’s capacity for meeting rising demand in the e-mobility sector. The new plant spans 12,500 square meters and will commence production this month. It replaces part of the operations from Eberspaecher’s existing Bus & Coach division in Olawa, Poland, which has been producing vehicle heaters for various drive types for seven years. The relocation, coupled with the launch of a new thermal management system, prompted the investment in…

Honda is intensifying its focus on electric vehicles, confirming plans to debut two new electric vehicle prototypes at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The Japanese automaker is looking to strengthen its electrified portfolio, following a year-long teaser of its next-generation EV vision. A teaser image reveals a glimpse of the two prototypes, one of which appears to be an evolved version of last year’s Saloon EV Concept. While retaining signature design elements such as the LED taillights, illuminated Honda script, and diffuser-mounted slim brake light, Honda has labeled the vehicle a “prototype” rather than a concept…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved California’s ambitious plan to phase out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, a move hailed by environmental advocates but likely to face legal and political challenges. EPA Administrator Michael Regan granted a waiver under the Clean Air Act, allowing California to enforce its regulations requiring that by 2035, at least 80% of new vehicles sold in the state be fully electric and up to 20% be plug-in hybrid models. California’s rules, initially unveiled in 2020, have already been adopted by 11 other states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon. “Clean cars…

Parcel delivery company DPD has entered a strategic agreement with BP Pulse to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK. Under the deal, BP Pulse will upgrade existing chargers and install new fast-charging stations at DPD’s facilities, accelerating the company’s transition to an all-electric fleet. So far, 14 DPD sites have been upgraded, with an additional 16 planned for 2025. These include key hub locations in cities such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Middleton. Valerio Ferro, General Manager of BP Pulse UK, described the collaboration as a “blueprint for large-scale fleet electric charging solutions.” He added,…

Cube has introduced the Kathmandu Hybrid Comfort Pro 800 2025, an e-bike that blends cutting-edge technology with user comfort. Available in both diamond and step-through frame options, the e-bike caters to a wide range of riders. Priced at €3,799, the model sits in the premium segment, offering advanced features while maintaining accessibility compared to higher-end competitors. One of the standout innovations is the bike’s Gates belt drive, replacing the traditional chain for a low-maintenance and durable transmission system. Coupled with an Enviolo continuously variable hub gear, the drivetrain delivers smooth and seamless shifting across a compact gear range. Powering the…

BYD’s largest production base in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China, has surpassed 1 million vehicles in annual production for the first time, marking a significant achievement for the new energy vehicle (NEV) maker. The milestone was reached on December 13, according to a post by the Xi’an Hi-tech Industries Development Zone administration. The Xi’an facility, operational for 20 years, has become BYD’s most significant automotive production site. The plant has seen its capacity grow with the completion of new production phases, enhancing its output. Currently, the facility operates four assembly lines, producing between 4,000 to 4,400 units daily. BYD’s Xi’an plant…

The Swiss Federal Council has approved a new ordinance on automated driving, set to come into effect on March 1, 2025. The regulation will permit drivers to use certain autonomous functions on freeways and enable automated parking, while also establishing guidelines for pilot projects involving fully autonomous routes. The ordinance primarily focuses on Level 3 (“conditionally automated”) driving, which allows vehicles to temporarily manage both lateral and longitudinal control. While drivers can rely on these systems for specific tasks, they must remain alert and ready to take over control when prompted. This step follows the Swiss parliament’s amendment of the…

Schneider National Inc., a major player in North America’s logistics sector, has announced that its battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet has surpassed 6 million zero-emission miles, underscoring the company’s efforts to curb carbon emissions and advance sustainable transportation solutions. “Reaching 6 million zero-emission miles is a testament to our steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke. “Leading the way in adopting electric vehicle technology not only benefits the environment but also serves as an example of the broad service capabilities and flexibility we can offer to customers.” Since deploying its BEV fleet, Schneider has…

Tesla has officially begun operations at its lithium refining facility in Robstown, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to bolster domestic battery production. The factory, located near Corpus Christi, is the first large-scale U.S. refinery for battery-grade lithium and pioneers an acid-free lithium refining process, a key innovation announced by Tesla when the project broke ground over a year ago. On Saturday, Tesla announced that the facility had successfully processed raw materials through its kiln for the first time. The site is expected to produce approximately 50 GWh of battery-grade lithium annually once it reaches full production…

EVgo has announced the closing of a $1.25 billion guaranteed loan facility from the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), aimed at expanding the company’s public charging infrastructure across the United States. The financing will support the installation of 7,500 new public charging points, helping to grow EVgo’s network to at least 10,000 fast-charging stalls. This loan will allow EVgo to significantly increase its footprint, with plans to more than triple its network by 2029. The company’s CEO, Badar Khan, emphasized that this expansion will help meet the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure, driven by the rising…

Hyundai has launched its XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell semi trucks in Georgia, marking a significant step in the use of hydrogen power for medium- and heavy-duty trucking in North America. The trucks are set to operate at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), where they will support logistics operations at the new manufacturing facility. The fleet will consist of 21 Hyundai XCIENT trucks, each equipped with electric motors delivering around 470 hp and 1650 lb-ft of torque at 0 rpm. Unlike other electric vehicles with direct-drive systems, the XCIENT trucks utilize an Allison 400 Series six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring…

Toyota has just revealed its newest addition to the electric vehicle market—the Urban Cruiser SUV. Positioned between the Yaris Cross and C-HR in the brand’s European lineup, this compact SUV shares many design elements with its Suzuki e-Vitara counterpart, albeit with a few signature Toyota touches. Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the Urban Cruiser promises a spacious and efficient ride, thanks to its dedicated electric platform and impressive range of features. At 4,285 mm (168.7 inches) in length, the Toyota Urban Cruiser features design cues inspired by last year’s Urban SUV Concept, yet adapted for the…