Author: James Bryant

UK-based electric motor manufacturer Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has introduced its second-generation HDRM300C motor, featuring compressed coil technology that promises improved power density and efficiency over conventional wire designs. The HDRM300C incorporates plug-in connectors instead of gland fittings and strengthened internal components. AEM has also enhanced the motor’s cooling system, allowing commercial vehicles to operate longer without overheating. The company claims the new design achieves conductor slot fill rates exceeding 80%, compared to less than 60% for traditional wire layouts. See also: UK-Based Advanced Electric Machines Secures £23 Million Investment for Production Expansion “By combining our patented coil compression technology…

Tesla has launched a one-month free trial of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China, aiming to increase adoption after introducing the feature in the country. Between March 17 and April 16, eligible Tesla owners who have not purchased FSD can access the feature after updating to the latest software, the company announced on its mobile app. However, availability may vary depending on the vehicle and update schedule. See also: Tesla China Developing Lower-Priced Model Y to Address Market Competition Tesla emphasized that FSD remains an L2 assisted driving system, requiring drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and…

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded $2.9 million in funding to 29 community-led projects aimed at advancing shared electric transportation solutions across the state. The funding is part of New York’s $32 million Clean Mobility Program, which supports feasibility studies exploring the development or expansion of community transportation initiatives. The selected projects will focus on shared mobility services, including zero-emission micromobility, electric shuttles, and ridesharing, with an emphasis on reducing emissions and improving accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. See also: New York Seeks Electric Construction Equipment for Trial Program Each of the awarded teams…

Germany has allocated €154 million in public funding to support two hydrogen innovation and technology centres, part of a broader initiative to advance hydrogen technology under the country’s National Hydrogen Strategy. The funding, announced by the German Ministry of Transport, will be distributed to the ITZ Chemnitz and the IT Centre North, which consists of a cluster of four cities—Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Stade. See also: Hyundai to Establish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plant in Ulsan, Expanding Hydrogen Strategy ITZ Chemnitz will receive approximately €84 million, with the state of Saxony contributing an additional €14 million, while the northern German centre…

U.S. President Donald Trump met with General Motors CEO Mary Barra on Wednesday to discuss the automaker’s investment strategy as the administration pushes for more domestic production, a White House official said. The meeting comes as Trump seeks to shift more auto assembly and parts manufacturing to the United States, a key issue in his trade policy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has echoed these concerns in discussions with automakers. See also: Volvo Considers U.S. Production Shift Amid Tariff Concerns, Sticks to EX30 Export Plans Trump last week granted automakers a temporary one-month exemption from a 25% tariff on imports from…

Li Auto said it has completed over 8 million kilometers of road tests for the Li i8, its first battery electric SUV, as the company prepares for a nationwide testing phase ahead of the model’s official launch in July. The extensive testing program, equivalent to circling the globe more than 200 times, spanned two winters and two summers in 300 cities across China, the company said on Weibo. Engineers evaluated the Li i8 in varied terrains, including deserts, mountains, swamps, and icy roads, assessing over 1,200 Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) metrics. See also: Li Auto to Launch Li i8…

Thailand plans to introduce tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), with changes potentially taking effect from 2026, pending approval, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced on Monday. Under the proposed scheme, tax rates would be determined based on a vehicle’s electric-only travel range per battery charge, offering lower taxes for longer ranges. Paopoom stated that the proposal is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by April. See also: Mazda to Introduce Five Electrified Models in Thailand by 2027, Including Two EVs Thailand, recognized as Southeast Asia’s largest automotive production hub and an export base for…

The global battery market experienced rapid growth in 2024, fueled by a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, while the average price of EV battery packs fell below $100 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the first time, according to a new analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA). “The battery industry has entered a new phase,” the IEA stated, noting that worldwide EV sales climbed by 25% to reach 17 million units in 2024. As a result, global annual battery demand surpassed one terawatt-hour (TWh) for the first time. Although this figure includes all types of batteries, EVs accounted for 85%…

Swedish public transport operator Svealandstrafiken has placed an additional order for 33 electric city buses from Volvo Buses, bringing its total order with the manufacturer to 106 units. The newly ordered Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated buses are set to enter service in Örebro in 2026. Earlier this year, Svealandstrafiken ordered 73 electric buses from Volvo, comprising 13 articulated city buses for Örebro and 60 regional buses for operations in Örebro County and Västmanland County. The city buses are expected to be delivered in early 2026, while the regional buses will arrive in early 2027. The latest order boosts the total…

Chicago-area utility ComEd is partnering with Nuvve to explore the potential of bidirectional charging, using electric school buses to support the grid as part of a new pilot program set to launch in 2025. The initiative will test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing school buses to serve as mobile energy storage units. When not in use, their batteries can feed power back into the grid during peak demand periods, providing financial benefits to school districts and additional energy resources to the utility. See also: Nuvve Unveils New Bidirectional and Unidirectional EV Chargers to Advance Electrification “Nuvve’s cutting-edge V2G technology transforms electric…

U.S. charging provider Electrify America said demand for its electric vehicle (EV) chargers grew by 50% in 2024 as it looks to expand its network of 350 kW chargers across North America this year. The company, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, now operates over 4,800 public chargers at more than 1,000 locations, including 20 ‘Hyper-Fast’ chargers at its first indoor hub in San Francisco. It claims to have contributed to the largest rollout of 350 kW chargers in the U.S. and Canada. See also: Electrify America and 4 Gen Logistics Unveil Charging Station at Port of Long Beach Electrify America said…

Nio recorded an average of 97,800 daily battery swaps in February, driven by increased travel demand during the Chinese New Year holiday, the company said in a report on Wednesday. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker completed 2,738,400 battery swaps from February 1 to 28, with peak activity recorded on February 3, when it provided a single-day high of 136,720 swaps. “This surge in battery swap services was largely due to the increased driving trips during the Chinese New Year period,” Nio stated. See also: Nio Reports 13,192 Deliveries in February as Main Brand Recovers, Onvo Declines The company added…