Author: Ivan Popov

Germany’s automotive industry is warning of possible production stoppages after semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia, recently taken over by the Dutch government, said it could no longer ensure reliable chip deliveries. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said the move has created a new supply bottleneck for critical components and called on policymakers in Europe to act swiftly. The Dutch government assumed control of Nexperia and removed its CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, by court order, citing national security concerns over technology transfer to its Chinese parent company, Wingtech. In response, China imposed export restrictions on parts of Nexperia’s production, disrupting supply…

Zuup and GreenFlux have announced a partnership to introduce a driver-first electric vehicle (EV) roaming experience in Australia, aiming to unify fragmented charging networks and improve accessibility, reliability, and utilization across the country. The collaboration integrates Zuup’s locally focused eMobility services with GreenFlux’s established European charging platform, supporting drivers, fleets, and charge point operators (CPOs) through interoperable, scalable solutions. The initiative seeks to address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in Australia — inconsistent charging access — by enabling drivers to locate, charge, and pay across multiple networks using a single account. See also: Q-Park Netherlands Partners With…

Volkswagen has suspended production at two of its German electric vehicle (EV) factories as demand for battery-powered cars weakens, underscoring mounting challenges for Europe’s largest automaker as Chinese rivals such as BYD continue to expand aggressively across the region. The automaker paused production at its Transparent Factory in Dresden and the Zwickau plant in Saxony from October 6, citing “a slowdown in electric car sales.” The Zwickau facility, which manufactures models based on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, has also halted production of the Audi Q4 e-tron. The temporary shutdowns come amid broader output reductions across Volkswagen’s EV…

Spiro, a Dubai-headquartered electric mobility startup, has raised $100 million in fresh funding led by the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development arm of Afreximbank. The investment marks the largest-ever financing round for an electric mobility company on the African continent and will support the expansion of Spiro’s electric motorbike and battery-swapping network. The company plans to deploy more than 100,000 electric motorbikes across Africa by the end of 2025, up from about 60,000 today. Since its establishment in 2022, Spiro has expanded operations from Benin and Togo to six markets including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.…

Nissan has entered into a CO₂ pooling agreement with Chinese automaker BYD for the 2025 model year to help meet the European Union’s fleet emission targets and avoid financial penalties. The move marks the end of Nissan’s previous partnership with Renault and Mitsubishi, which expired at the close of 2024. Under EU regulations, automakers can combine their fleet emissions through so-called “CO₂ pools,” allowing manufacturers with higher emissions to offset them by joining forces with those selling low-emission vehicles. Nissan’s decision to team up with BYD—a company that exclusively sells battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles—reflects its need to balance…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said it will expand its manufacturing plant in Września, Poland, to prepare for the production of the next generation of its all-electric Crafter van, as the brand accelerates its electrification plans. The company said two new production halls will be built as part of the project, with the foundation stone set to be laid in November 2025 and completion targeted for 2027. The Września facility, operated by Volkswagen Poznań, currently produces the Volkswagen Crafter, its sister model the MAN TGE, and their electric counterparts, the eCrafter and eTGE. The smaller VW Caddy is also assembled at the…

Berlin’s public transport operator BVG and Volkswagen’s mobility subsidiary Moia have begun testing autonomous versions of the ID. Buzz electric van on public roads in the German capital. The initiative marks a major milestone in the NoWeL4 (North-West Area Level 4) project, designed to evaluate how autonomous driving could enhance future public transport systems. Supported by €9.5 million in funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the project focuses on collecting data and operational experience under real-world conditions. The first Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD (Autonomous Driving) vehicles, equipped with Level 4 technology, are being tested without passengers but…

New research has revealed more than 200 cases of theft and vandalism targeting electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the UK, prompting industry calls for urgent action to safeguard the nation’s expanding charging network. The findings, based on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request conducted by charge point operator Allego, collected data from police forces nationwide. Allego cautioned that the reported incidents likely represent only a fraction of the total, noting that 40% of surveyed police forces either could not provide data or stated they did not maintain relevant records. As the UK continues its rapid rollout of EV infrastructure, experts…

Mazda’s upcoming all-electric Mazda6e has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP ahead of its market introduction in the UK in 2026. The model achieved strong results across all assessment categories, reflecting the automaker’s continued focus on safety and vehicle development standards. The Mazda6e recorded 93% in both Adult and Child Occupant protection, performing particularly well in side impact and far-side collision tests. See also: Mazda Launches Mazda6e in Germany Amid Reduced Electrification Investment The far side airbag system helped limit occupant interaction during side impacts, while head restraints provided effective protection against whiplash in rear-end tests. In…

Porsche AG confirmed on Friday that Michael Leiters will take over as chief executive officer from Oliver Blume starting January 1, 2026, while Blume will continue to lead the Volkswagen Group, with his contract extended until 2030. The announcement follows reports earlier this week suggesting Blume’s withdrawal from Porsche and the identification of a successor. In a joint statement, Porsche said: “The Supervisory Board of Porsche AG has appointed Dr. Michael Leiters as CEO of Porsche AG, effective as of January 1, 2026. Dr. Oliver Blume, who has led Porsche AG as CEO for ten years, will continue to serve…

Chery Automobile has unveiled its first in-house all-solid-state battery module at the 2025 Chery Global Innovation Conference in Wuhu, representing a major step forward in China’s electric vehicle (EV) battery technology. The prototype achieves an energy density of 600 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), one of the highest values announced by a Chinese automaker so far, according to CLS. Developed by the Chery Solid-State Battery Research Institute, the module features an in-situ polymerized solid electrolyte system combined with a lithium-rich manganese cathode material. The company said the cell maintained performance even after extreme safety tests, such as nail penetration and power-drill…

Kingbull, a U.S.-based manufacturer known for its fat-tire electric bikes, has launched its new Voyager 2.0 cargo e-bike for the global market. The upgraded model builds on the company’s cargo-focused design with greater range, increased power, and enhanced versatility. The Voyager 2.0 is powered by a Bafang-customized 750 W brushless rear hub motor that delivers 85 Nm of torque and a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) in Class 3 mode, or 20 mph (32.1 km/h) under throttle-only operation. See also: Kingbull Launches Rover 2.0 All-Terrain Electric Bike in the U.S. It features dual removable Samsung 720 Wh lithium-ion…