Author: James Bryant

Skycharger, a leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, has announced plans to build two public charging hubs for electric trucks in Southern California. The initiative is backed by a $10 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and will be located in Kettleman City and Lebec, CA, along the busy Interstate 5 corridor. The two new charging hubs will feature charging stations capable of delivering at least 200 kW of power and will accommodate up to 64 electric trucks at once. To minimize the environmental impact and enhance operational reliability, each site will be powered by 5.1 MW…

QuantumScape, the U.S.-based solid-state battery developer backed by Volkswagen, has signed a strategic agreement with Japan’s Murata Manufacturing to explore joint production of ceramic separators, a key component in QuantumScape’s lithium-metal battery cells. The collaboration brings together QuantumScape’s proprietary separator technology and Murata’s manufacturing expertise in high-precision ceramics. Murata, a leading producer of passive electronic components and ceramic-based solutions, is the latest addition to QuantumScape’s network of strategic partners, which includes materials suppliers, automotive OEMs, and contract manufacturers. See also: QuantumScape Advances Solid-State Battery Production with New Separator Plant “Murata’s deep expertise in high-precision ceramics manufacturing makes them an exceptional…

Dongfeng has introduced the Nammi 06, its latest compact electric SUV, at the Auto Shanghai show, marking the second model under its Nammi sub-brand. Built on Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture Platform 3, the Nammi 06 will initially be sold only in China, with pre-sales scheduled to begin later this month. Positioned above the previously launched Nammi Box (also known as the Nammi 01), the Nammi 06 is a 4.3-meter-long electric crossover comparable in size to the Nissan Kicks. See also: China Urges Auto Industry Consolidation to Boost EV Transition, Eyes Dongfeng-Changan Merger A launch is expected in 2025 with a reported…

Honda has expanded its Ye Series electric vehicle lineup with the debut of two new GT models at Auto Shanghai, developed through its Chinese joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. The vehicles serve as flagship EVs for each partnership and represent Honda’s efforts to accelerate time-to-market by leveraging local innovation in China. See also: Honda Considers Toyota Batteries for U.S. Hybrid Cars Amid Rising Tariffs Although both models share the GT designation, the Dongfeng Honda GT and GAC Honda GT differ in design, with each tailored to reflect the distinct brand identities of the respective joint ventures. Both vehicles adopt…

Rivian secured a large inventory of electric vehicle batteries both before and after the election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a move aimed at softening the potential impact of heightened auto tariffs, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday. The electric vehicle maker reportedly purchased an unspecified quantity of lithium iron phosphate batteries from Chinese supplier Gotion for its commercial delivery vans, the majority of which are produced for Amazon. See also: Rivian Appoints Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez to Board Amid Push for AI Integration Following the election, Rivian collaborated with Samsung SDI to relocate a significant volume of battery…

Tesla has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a fatal crash in Ohio, marking a rare legal concession by the electric vehicle maker, which has previously said it does not settle cases unless at fault. The lawsuit was filed by the estate of Clyde Leach, 72, who died in 2022 after his Tesla Model Y reportedly accelerated unexpectedly, veered off the road, and crashed into a pillar at a gas station before catching fire. Leach suffered blunt force trauma, burns, and other injuries, according to court documents. See also: Tesla Postpones Rollout of Cheaper Model Y Variant…

Stellantis-owned mobility provider Free2move has added 50 Opel Mokka Electric vehicles to its carsharing fleet in Amsterdam, as part of an ongoing effort to expand its battery-electric offerings in the Dutch capital. Free2move said the expansion supports its policy of operating an all-electric fleet in Amsterdam. The Opel Mokka Electric joins existing models such as the Corsa Electric and Peugeot e-208, already available via the company’s app. See also: Stellantis Introduces Free2Move Charge Go, Expanding Access to EV Charging in Europe The latest addition is aimed at addressing user preferences for larger electric vehicles, according to Lotfi Louez, Co-CEO of…

Korean technology firm LG CNS has partnered with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to launch a series of smart city initiatives at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT), marking a major step in the city’s digital and sustainable transformation efforts. The collaboration brings advanced electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, a new mobility-focused mobile app, and plans for energy storage systems (ESS) to the terminal site. Through a joint effort with Boston-based startup Matcha, LG CNS has installed state-of-the-art EV chargers at BAT, which will remain operational through December 2025. These chargers are part of a broader plan to…

Hitachi has launched a new digital platform called ZeroCarbon, aimed at supporting businesses in transitioning their commercial fleets to electric vehicles (EVs). The platform offers a range of tools covering planning, charging, battery management, and fleet operations, with the goal of simplifying the electrification process. The ZeroCarbon platform is organized into four main components: Fleet, Charge, BatteryManager, and Strategy. According to Hitachi, the platform is intended to provide end-to-end support, from initial planning and financing to the daily management of electric vehicles and infrastructure. See also: Hitachi ZeroCarbon Partners with COBUS Industries to Enhance Electric Bus Fleet Management ZeroCarbon Fleet…

Kia is expanding its EV9 lineup with the introduction of the Nightfall Edition for the 2026 model year, offering distinctive blacked-out styling elements and a performance enhancement borrowed from the higher-end GT-Line variant. The new trim level, available on the EV9 Land configuration, incorporates a temporary torque boost feature—known as “Boost” mode—that increases output from 443 to 516 pound-feet. While total horsepower remains unchanged at 379, the upgrade allows the three-row electric SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, according to manufacturer estimates. See also: Kia EV9 Owners Can Now Use Their SUV to Power Their…

Moke International has opened a new factory in Leamington Spa to assemble its updated electric vehicle (EV) range, as the British automaker expands production and aims to export to markets including the United States and the Mediterranean. Located in Warwickshire, a region known for its concentration of automotive manufacturing, the facility is expected to produce more than 500 units this year. The company also introduced refreshed customisation options for its electric Moke, including new body colours, Bimini soft tops, and wheels. The launch event was held at an open day attended by European retail partners, investors and British politicians. Moke…

Mercedes-Benz plans to withdraw from the small commercial vehicle segment and will discontinue the EQT and eCitan electric vans by the second quarter of 2026, according to German media reports citing an internal memo sent to dealers. The two models, developed under a long-standing partnership with Renault, are manufactured at Renault’s Maubeuge plant in France and share the electric drivetrain of the Kangoo E-Tech Electric. Both the EQT and eCitan feature a 90 kW electric motor and a 44.5 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 278 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. See also: Mercedes-Benz Vans to Introduce New…

Electric vehicle maker Polestar has significantly scaled back its retail operations in China, reducing its physical presence from 36 stores to just 10, according to location data on its purchasing app. The move comes as the brand, jointly owned by Volvo and China’s Geely, looks to redirect its focus toward stronger-performing markets in Europe and North America, Bloomberg reported. The company has also begun dismantling its joint sales operation in the country, just weeks after dismissing restructuring rumors. Despite the pullback, Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said the automaker remains in China, but is making strategic adjustments. “This is not an…

U.S.-based energy management firm Emporia Energy has unveiled its latest home EV charger, the “Pro,” featuring built-in load management technology and charging speeds up to nine times faster than standard 100V outlets. Founded in 2018, Colorado-headquartered Emporia Energy has focused on providing affordable and efficient energy management solutions to homeowners. Its first EV charger, the “Classic,” received widespread acclaim in 2024 and is part of a broader platform designed to optimize residential power use without the need for expensive electrical panel upgrades. See also: Oakland Approves Rollout of 244 EV Chargers Backed by California Energy Commission The new “Pro” charger…

UK energy supplier OVO has partnered with electric vehicle charging firm InstaVolt to offer discounted rates to EV drivers using the OVO Charge app, the companies said on Wednesday. Under the agreement, users will be able to access InstaVolt’s public charging network through the OVO Charge app, and benefit from up to 15% savings compared to standard pay-as-you-go rates. The initiative is part of OVO’s public charging solution known as Charge Anywhere. See also: InstaVolt Unveils UK’s Largest Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Superhub The move comes as InstaVolt continues to expand its infrastructure. The company recently opened its largest charging site…

The Port of Barcelona has introduced a new all-electric commuter ferry equipped with German-made electric motors from Molabo and a propulsion system designed by Azimut Marine, marking a step forward in the city’s efforts to reduce emissions from maritime transport. The new vessel, Ecocat Tres, is powered by two Molabo ARIES i50 inboard electric motors, each delivering 50 kW, and draws energy from 36 onboard batteries with a combined capacity of 216 kWh. According to Molabo, the aluminium catamaran can operate for up to 21 hours on a single charge at its cruising speed of 5 knots. Solar panels integrated…

Tesla has expanded the use of autonomous vehicle navigation at its Texas Gigafactory, with new footage showing Model Y and Cybertruck units driving themselves to the outbound lot, mirroring a process already implemented at the company’s Fremont, California plant earlier this year. Drone operator and longtime Giga Texas observer Joe Tegtmeyer posted a video on social media platform X on Monday, showing several vehicles independently exiting the production line and heading to the delivery area. “I saw this happening constantly, with Model Ys exiting and immediately driving away on their own from the factory,” Tegtmeyer said in the post, calling…

The European Commission has introduced a draft regulation proposing temporary flexibility in CO2 compliance requirements for automakers, allowing them to meet emission targets over a three-year period instead of annually. The proposal, part of the Commission’s broader strategy for the automotive sector, follows an announcement by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this month. The draft regulation, titled “Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631,” aims to adjust compliance calculations for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from 2025 to 2027. The document underscores that existing CO2 reduction targets will remain…

Go North West, the operator of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, has begun trials of its first diesel-to-electric converted bus, as it explores cost-effective ways to accelerate fleet electrification. The vehicle is based at the Bolton depot, where the company already operates 69 electric buses. The trial aims to assess the feasibility of retrofitted buses by evaluating their efficiency, range, operational costs, and overall performance. “Converting an existing vehicle extends its life and provides a lower-cost way to cut emissions quickly,” said Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North West. “If successful, this could become a vital tool in delivering Greater…

Tesla is bracing for substantial effects from the United States’ recent imposition of 25% tariffs on imported cars and certain automotive parts. CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the situation, stating, “Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here. The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.” ​ Effective April 2, 2025, the tariffs apply to all passenger vehicles and specific components imported into the U.S., encompassing sources from Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. See also: Tesla’s Future in Question as Elon Musk Faces Growing Criticism While Tesla manufactures the majority of its vehicles domestically, it relies on imported parts, including…