Author: James Bryant

According to data released by the Department of Energy (DOE), SUVs accounted for more than half of all battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in 2023. The report indicates that manufacturers now offer electric vehicles across a diverse range of vehicle classes, with the small SUV segment leading in sales. Overall, SUVs comprised 53% of BEV sales and 83% of all PHEV sales when combined with standard SUVs. In contrast, traditional cars represented less than 10% of PHEV sales while making up 43.4% of BEV sales. In total, over 1.4 million plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs)…

Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is making progress towards securing a new financing package, the company told Reuters on Monday. The battery maker has been in discussions with investors and lenders in recent weeks to obtain short-term funding as it seeks to stabilize its financial situation, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Northvolt has begun gathering signatures for a financing package, which could exceed $300 million and may be announced by the end of the month, a person with direct knowledge of the deal said. The funding is expected to sustain the company through next year, the source added,…

Nevo, a sub-brand of Changan Automobile (SHE: 000625), has introduced the E07, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) designed to convert into a pickup truck. This launch aims to provide an alternative for consumers seeking electric pickup trucks in light of stringent regulations in China’s pickup segment. The E07, Nevo’s second SUV following the Q05, debuted at a launch event yesterday. It is available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) configurations. One of the key features of the E07 is its transformability, which enhances its load capacity by allowing it to switch between SUV and pickup…

Indian air taxi developer Sarla Aviation has teamed up with Bangalore International Airport to create the country’s first eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) equipped airport. This partnership will establish facilities at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, designed to support air taxi services and address the city’s growing congestion issues. Sarla Aviation is developing an electric aerial vehicle (EAV) capable of carrying a pilot, six passengers, and their luggage. “I am proud to partner with Kempegowda International Airport, marking a significant step in addressing Bengaluru’s congestion challenges,” said Adrian Schmidt, CEO and co-founder of Sarla Aviation. He highlighted the significant reduction…

During the unveiling of the Tesla Cybercab late last week, CEO Elon Musk stated that the vehicle would be produced in “very high” numbers. While this bold claim excites potential consumers, Tesla faces significant regulatory challenges before the fully autonomous vehicle can move toward production and deployment. The Cybercab, like Tesla’s other models, utilizes the company’s vision-only autonomous driving technology. However, it is designed without a steering wheel, pedals, or any conventional driving controls. Although this design is logical for a vehicle that can operate entirely without human intervention, gaining regulatory approval for such a vehicle to be used on…

Goldman Sachs Asset Management is in talks to join a consortium of investors to support cash-strapped Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt. According to insiders cited by Bloomberg, the U.S. bank’s investment arm, Northvolt’s second-largest shareholder, is actively involved in efforts to address the company’s liquidity challenges. However, any deal would hinge on participation from additional investors. Northvolt is reportedly seeking around €200 million to cover short-term needs, with verbal commitments already securing about €150 million, according to Bloomberg. Despite these efforts, the company’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. Earlier this week, Northvolt announced progress on its financing package and…

The German government has decided not to provide federal funding to Lilium, a Munich-based startup developing electric flying taxis. Despite efforts by top officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, to secure state aid, a majority vote in favor of the project was not reached, government representatives confirmed on Thursday. Lilium had been seeking a state guarantee for a loan of at least 100 million euros to continue its development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, founded by graduates of the Technical University of Munich, employs 850 people but has not generated any…

General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for hundreds of its 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV models across the United States due to a critical safety defect involving door strikers. The issue, which affects 731 vehicles in the U.S., could cause doors to unexpectedly open while driving or during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury. The affected vehicles were equipped with faulty door strikers sourced from Brano Group A.S., which were not properly heat-treated, leading to insufficient hardness. GM explained that these strikers could crack under pressure, potentially causing doors to swing open unexpectedly. Fortunately,…

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM), has raised concerns over the intensifying electric vehicle (EV) price war in China, asserting that it exerts significant pressure on automakers worldwide. During a discussion at Fortune’s 2024 Most Powerful Women Summit, she described the situation as a “race to the bottom” with many companies struggling to maintain profitability. “It has become a race to the bottom with pricing and the level of subsidies,” Barra told Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell. Barra emphasized GM’s commitment to distinguishing itself from the influx of affordable Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) flooding global markets. She acknowledged the complexity…

China-based autonomous driving firm Pony AI, which is backed by automaker Toyota, filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States on Thursday. This move comes as investor interest in new listings grows, coupled with easing regulatory pressures and favorable market conditions. The filing marks another significant step in the return of Chinese companies to U.S. capital markets, following a period of reduced activity. Pony AI, in which Toyota holds a 13.4% stake, reported impressive financial growth, with revenue nearly doubling to $24.7 million in the first half of 2024. However, the company posted a net loss of…

The new Porsche Macan Electric will provide Canadian buyers with two years of complimentary charging at Electrify Canada stations. With a starting price of $94,900, the Macan Electric is equipped for ultra-fast charging, making it a convenient option for long-distance travel. Under optimal conditions, the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. Porsche Cars Canada has partnered with Electrify Canada to include two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at public stations across the country with all new Macan Electric models. This offer is valid at Electrify Canada highway and metro stations, as well as many…

European pricing and release dates for the Segway Ninebot ZT3 Pro electric scooters have surfaced online. First introduced in July alongside the Xyber electric bike, the ZT3 Pro models are already available for pre-order in the US. Two versions of the scooter, the ZT3 Pro D and ZT3 Pro E, are set to launch in Europe. The ZT3 Pro D features a top speed of 20 kph (13 mph) powered by a rear-wheel motor that produces 500W of typical power, peaking at 1,600W. In comparison, the ZT3 Pro E offers a higher top speed of 25 kph (16 mph) and…

BASF has introduced Ultramid Advanced N3U41 G6, a new polyphthalamide (PPA) specifically engineered for insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) semiconductor housings. This development caters to the growing demand for high-performance, reliable electronic components in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and smart manufacturing. Semikron Danfoss, a global leader in power electronics, has adopted BASF’s PPA for its Semitrans 10 IGBT module, which is used in inverters for photovoltaic and wind energy systems. The PPA enhances the robustness and reliability of IGBTs, which are essential for efficient power switching and energy-saving performance. “IGBTs are a key element of modern electronics,…

John Deere has introduced the new Z370R Electric ZTrak, a zero-turn electric riding mower designed to offer the same power and reliability that customers of its internal combustion engine (ICE) models have come to expect, but in a quiet and maintenance-free electric version. This innovative mower is set to revolutionize lawn care for homeowners, combining cutting-edge electric technology with the efficiency and durability Deere is known for. One of the key upgrades in the Z370R Electric ZTrak is its larger mowing deck. The new model features a 54-inch cutting deck, which offers a significant improvement in capacity over its predecessor,…

The updated Enviro200EV electric bus from Alexander Dennis is set to hit the market in 2025, with the company already identifying some of its first customers, including a confirmed order from Stagecoach for 54 units. The bus, a member of the Enviro EV family, will maintain its proven features while offering enhancements aimed at operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director at Alexander Dennis, emphasized that the new model will retain much of the design and technology that made its predecessor one of Britain’s top-selling buses. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Gall said, explaining that…

Rio Tinto, the British-Australian mining giant, is set to become one of the world’s largest lithium producers through a $6.7 billion takeover of Arcadium Lithium, a U.S.-based company supplying lithium for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This move positions Rio Tinto to provide one of the key raw materials for EV batteries on a large scale in the coming years. The acquisition deal offers a 90% premium on Arcadium’s share price as of October 3, just before the takeover announcement, although Arcadium’s stock had previously dropped due to declining lithium prices. With this purchase, Rio Tinto enters a rapidly growing market,…

EVBox, a Dutch charging infrastructure provider, is set to drastically scale down its operations after incurring significant losses. The company, which has been under the ownership of French energy giant Engie since 2017, has posted total losses of €800 million, forcing it to close most of its branches and lay off the majority of its workforce. Only 30 out of approximately 700 jobs are expected to be retained, according to a report by Het Financieele Dagblad. The closures will affect EVBox’s locations in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, while the factory in Bordeaux, France, has been sold. Engie,…

Tesla has once again reintroduced the option for customers to transfer Full Self-Driving (FSD) to a newly purchased vehicle, coinciding with the unveiling of its autonomous Cybercab and Robovan platforms this week. The promotion allows FSD Supervised transfers for those who take delivery of a new Tesla vehicle by the end of this year, with specific conditions applying. On Thursday, Tesla updated its support page, stating, “Customers who take delivery of a new Tesla vehicle between October 10, 2024 and December 31, 2024 may qualify for transferring Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) from their current vehicle to their new vehicle.” However,…

A3 Global has announced the launch of the NuVant Systems LVc-40, a tool designed for diagnosing, repairing, and reconditioning hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The tool was unveiled at the Battery and EV Technology Show in Detroit and aims to provide precise performance metrics while extending battery life, thereby supporting sustainability initiatives. The LVc-40 is currently available for pre-order, with shipments anticipated to begin in early 2025. The product has already received the 2024 Green GOOD DESIGN® Award, recognizing its potential to reduce environmental impact. The LVc-40 builds on established NuVant technology developed at Northeastern University and features 40…

Xos, Inc. has announced the launch of the 2025 Xos SV Stepvan, featuring two new wheelbase options—158 inches and 208 inches—alongside the existing 178-inch option. This expansion aims to provide fleet operators with enhanced flexibility to address various operational needs. The stepvan is offered in five body lengths, ranging from 14 to 22 feet, designed for use across multiple industries. The new wheelbase configurations are intended to support applications in areas such as parcel delivery, uniform services, and cash-in-transit. The 2025 SV Stepvan also includes improved battery performance for greater efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements. “Customization and flexibility are key…