Author: James Bryant

Mitsubishi is set to expand its European lineup with the introduction of two new compact SUVs, which will be locally manufactured by Groupe Renault. According to the company, one model will be an electric vehicle (EV), while the other will feature internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid powertrain options. Both models are slated for launch in 2025. In a recent teaser image, the two SUVs were shown alongside Mitsubishi’s existing European lineup, with speculation suggesting that the model on the left may be the Mitsubishi equivalent of the Renault Symbioz. This vehicle shares many design elements with the Mitsubishi ASX…

Freyr Battery has announced that it will receive a grant of €122 million from the European Union Innovation Fund (EUIF) to support a potential joint venture for the production of cathode material in Vaasa, Finland. The proposed project aims to establish an industrial-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material plant with an initial nominal capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year. Freyr’s CEO, Tom Einar Jensen, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are very grateful to be selected for this grant award from the EU Innovation Fund, which demonstrates the EU’s continued support for Freyr’s ongoing industrialization efforts of sustainable…

Navier, a Bay Area startup specializing in maritime electrification, has reached a significant milestone by commencing commercial production of its flagship electric hydrofoiling boat, the N30. The company has successfully delivered its first model, the N30 Pioneer Edition, to a customer in California, marking a swift accomplishment just 2.5 years after unveiling its initial prototype. Founded by two MIT alumni, Navier aims to revolutionize watercraft design by integrating hydrofoils, electrification, advanced composites, and intelligent software to create a sustainable vessel that drastically reduces running costs by up to 90%. The N30 is recognized as the first all-electric hydrofoiling boat in…

Canoo  has secured Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificates for its Right-Hand Drive (RHD) electric delivery vans in the UK, enabling the company to move forward with pilot testing of its LDV 130 and LDV 190 models with a prominent fleet partner. This certification confirms that Canoo’s vehicles meet UK safety and environmental standards, allowing them to be legally registered for operation in the country. The IVA certification process was completed in three months, requiring less than 2% modification to the original U.S.-certified Bill of Materials (BoM). This streamlined approval reflects Canoo’s flexible engineering, as most modified parts are shared between…

Stellantis, the multinational automotive group, has launched its new subsidiary, Free2Move Charge, which offers access to over 800,000 charging stations across 29 European countries. The service, known as ‘Free2Move Charge Go,’ is part of Stellantis’s broader strategy to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and energy management. This new initiative follows the announcement of the Free2Move Charge ecosystem last year, which encompasses home, business, and public charging solutions. With the introduction of Free2Move Charge Go, Stellantis has rolled out the second of its three strategic pillars, alongside ‘Free2Move Charge Home’ and the upcoming ‘Free2Move Charge Business.’ Free2Move Charge Go provides…

Stellantis has announced a significant investment of $29.5 million to upgrade its wind tunnel at the Auburn Hills research and technical center by incorporating Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology. This enhancement aims to reduce drag and improve the aerodynamics of electric vehicles (EVs), ultimately enhancing their driving range and efficiency. The MGP technology allows for the simulation of real-world travel conditions, making aerodynamic testing more precise and expediting the development process of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The upgraded wind tunnel, equipped with MGP technology, will enhance the ability to measure and minimize airflow resistance, particularly from wheels and tires, which…

Anthro Energy has been awarded a $24.9 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance the domestic battery supply chain, marking a key step toward bolstering US electric vehicle (EV) production and clean energy efforts. The funding, granted through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, is part of the Biden administration’s broader initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to modernize infrastructure and foster clean energy innovation. With this grant, Anthro Energy will repurpose an existing site in Louisville, Kentucky, to create the nation’s first large-scale, US-owned advanced electrolyte production facility. Advanced electrolytes play a crucial…

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have launched the initial phase of a fast-charging network across China through their joint venture, Ionchi, with the first seven fast-charging stations now operational. By the end of 2026, the companies plan to establish 1,000 charging parks across 100 Chinese cities, amounting to a total of 7,000 charging points. Following regulatory approval from European competition authorities in early 2024, Mercedes-Benz Group China and BMW Brilliance Automotive formed Ionchi, a 50-50 joint venture. The initial fast-charging stations are located in Beijing, Qingdao, and Nanjing, each offering liquid-cooled chargers with a capacity of up to 600 kW, supporting a…

The Chinese government has reportedly advised domestic automakers to temporarily halt expansion efforts in Europe due to the European Union’s planned import tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China. Sources close to the matter indicate that automakers have been encouraged to delay seeking European production sites and refrain from signing new agreements, while adopting a low-profile stance as Beijing negotiates with the EU on the tariff issue. The guidance, described as non-mandatory, comes after the European Commission announced plans to raise tariffs on Chinese-made EVs by up to 45%, on top of the existing 10% rate, following support from…

General Motors (GM) has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding reports of poor phone call quality in its recently launched all-electric Chevy Blazer EV. The issue, which affects Bluetooth-connected calls, could impact all 2024 and 2025 models. According to the GM memo, some drivers have reported that while sound quality is adequate for the person inside the vehicle, it can be muted or muffled for the call’s recipient. GM attributes the issue to a potential backward installation of the microphone, which may prevent sound from properly reaching the device due to misaligned microphone holes. Owners experiencing this…

The 2025 model year Ford E-Transit electric van has officially entered the U.S. market, offering competitive pricing and several incentives for buyers, including a $2,000 rebate for charging infrastructure. The new E-Transit models are priced at approximately $51,000, aligning closely with the cost of gas-powered Transit models. Additionally, these electric vans qualify for a federal tax credit of $7,500 designated for commercial vehicles. Ford’s electric van lineup also includes the 2025 E-Transit Chassis Cab and Cutaway models, priced at $46,200 and $47,700, respectively. To enhance functionality, the Ford E-Transit vehicles offer several optional packages tailored to various trades. The $4,370…

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast announced on Tuesday that it delivered 21,912 EVs in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 66% increase from the previous quarter. The surge in deliveries was largely driven by strong domestic sales, with over 9,300 EVs delivered in Vietnam during September, the company’s highest monthly delivery record in the country. Despite the strong growth, VinFast has faced financial challenges amid its overseas expansion efforts. Last month, the company reported a larger second-quarter loss, attributing it to rising costs linked to international expansion and impairment charges. However, its revenue rose during the period. VinFast has…