Author: James Bryant

Rivian will officially revive its long-teased “Tank Turn” maneuver in its upcoming 2026 R1S and R1T Quad-Motor variants, the company announced ahead of the feature’s debut on July 8, 2025. Originally showcased in 2019, the feature allows a vehicle to spin in place like a tank by rotating wheels on opposite sides in reverse directions. Though it never made it into production due to concerns over environmental impact, Rivian is bringing the feature back—now optimized for the second-generation versions of its all-electric SUV and pickup. In a teaser posted by the company, a new R1S is seen performing a 90-degree…

Hubject and Chargemap have announced an expansion of their partnership to introduce Plug & Charge functionality to Chargemap’s network, enabling more than 600,000 users across Europe to benefit from automatic vehicle authentication and payment. The integration will be based on the ISO 15118 standard and aims to further simplify the electric vehicle (EV) charging process. The two companies already share a long-standing eRoaming partnership, allowing Chargemap Pass users—primarily based in France—to charge their EVs across various European networks. The new phase of the collaboration will build on this by incorporating Hubject’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which enables secure, automated charging…

Researchers in South Korea have developed a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based coil that could serve as a viable alternative to copper in electric motors, marking a significant step toward lighter, more efficient, and potentially more sustainable electric drivetrain components. The team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has created what they describe as the first high-performance CNT-based coil that functions without any metal. Copper, the standard material in motor windings, offers excellent electrical conductivity but comes with notable drawbacks including weight, cost, and heat generation — issues the CNT solution aims to overcome. While carbon nanotubes have long…

German battery cell manufacturer CustomCells has reached a rescue deal with a consortium of investors led by existing backer Abacon, enabling the troubled company to continue operations with a streamlined workforce and a renewed focus on electric mobility, according to sources familiar with the matter. The takeover agreement was signed Wednesday evening, according to a Handelsblatt report citing financial and negotiation sources. While CustomCells has yet to make an official statement, the agreement marks a key step in the company’s recovery after it filed for insolvency earlier this year. “CustomCells is a highly innovative German battery pioneer with enormous potential,”…

Hyundai Motor is preparing to debut a new electric crossover SUV aimed at the entry-level segment in Europe, with a formal unveiling expected in the coming months and a market launch scheduled for mid-2026. The model is widely anticipated to be named the Ioniq 2, according to industry reports. The new EV will be built in Europe and will slot below the Kona Electric, joining Hyundai’s expanding portfolio of battery electric vehicles. Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed the vehicle’s imminent reveal, stating it will be “presented in the next few months.” Sharing its underpinnings with the…

Mercedes-Benz has completed a long-distance test of its upcoming all-electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the VLE, demonstrating the potential of its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) with a 1,090-kilometer (677-mile) journey from Stuttgart, Germany to Rome, Italy. The test involved two camouflaged VLE prototype vans, which crossed the Alps and urban roads in real-world conditions, stopping for only two brief charging sessions of approximately 15 minutes each. The trip spanned roughly 13 hours, beginning in cool 52°F temperatures in Stuttgart and ending in Rome at 91°F. “Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the…

Chinese carmaker Changan is actively considering locations for a European factory to support its expanding electric vehicle (EV) sales across the region, an executive said on Wednesday, reinforcing the company’s commitment to establishing a local manufacturing footprint. “We’re committed to being in Europe, making in Europe for Europe,” said Nic Thomas, Changan’s European head of marketing, sales and service, during a media event near London. He noted that plans for an assembly facility are under development, though no timeline has been confirmed. Changan previously announced its intention to enter 10 European markets this year with its Deepal electric vehicle brand.…

Archer Aviation  has successfully completed its first test flight of the Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The flight marks a significant step toward launching commercial air taxi operations in the United Arab Emirates and scaling the company’s footprint in the Middle East. The demonstration, conducted in collaboration with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), was attended by representatives from key regulatory and transport bodies, including the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Abu Dhabi Aviation. The test flight focused on evaluating…

Sweden’s Volvo Cars said on Wednesday that global sales fell for the fourth straight month in June, citing weaker demand for electric vehicles and growing pressure from international trade tariffs. The automaker, majority-owned by China’s Geely, reported 62,858 units sold last month, marking a 12% decline from June 2023. Fully electric vehicles accounted for 22% of the total, but sales in that segment dropped 26% year-on-year. Combined sales of electrified models, including plug-in hybrids, fell 19% and represented 44% of overall volume. “This month’s performance is an example of the tough conditions that we have indicated,” a Volvo Cars spokesperson…

Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi will delay any potential international sales of its electric vehicles until 2027, according to CEO Lei Jun, citing strong domestic demand for the company’s SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. Speaking during a livestream on Wednesday, Lei said Xiaomi must prioritize its operations in China for the time being. The company’s SU7 model has outperformed Tesla’s Model 3 in monthly sales since December, while its newly launched YU7 SUV has garnered significant interest, receiving over 240,000 orders within the first 18 hours of release. See also: Xiaomi Reports 240,000 Locked-In Orders for YU7 SUV Within 18 Hours…

Australian mining company Fortescue has presented the prototype of its ‘Infinity Train,’ a self-charging electric locomotive that uses regenerative braking to power its return journey, a key step in the company’s broader decarbonisation strategy. The train, which operates in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is designed to transport iron ore downhill to port terminals while harvesting energy through braking systems. The captured energy is stored in onboard batteries, which then power the empty train on its uphill return to the mine — eliminating the need for external charging or fossil fuels. First announced in 2022 following Fortescue’s acquisition of…

The European Commission has proposed extending the toll exemption for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles by more than five years, pushing the deadline from the current end date of 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031. The proposal, now formally submitted, will undergo review by the European Parliament and Council as part of the EU’s standard legislative process. The measure, if approved, is expected to support the transport sector’s decarbonization efforts by encouraging investment in electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. Under the current framework, countries like Germany had planned to partially reintroduce tolls for electric trucks starting in 2026, with a proposed 25%…