Author: James Bryant

Daimler Truck has released the results of a series of real-world crash tests on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, confirming that the high-voltage battery system and all electrical components remained intact following a severe side impact. The tests were conducted in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, as part of the manufacturer’s ongoing safety validation for its heavy-duty electric trucks. In the side-impact test, a mass weighing over one tonne collided with the side of the eActros 600 at more than 50 km/h. Daimler Truck said the high-voltage battery modules remained undamaged, and the protective housing showed no critical deformation thanks to a frame architecture…

Truck manufacturers including Volvo Trucks, Daimler Truck, Scania, MAN, Iveco, and Ford have urged the European Union to ease its planned CO2 emissions regulations for heavy commercial vehicles, arguing that the current framework poses excessive penalties and ignores external challenges such as limited charging infrastructure. According to a letter dated 13 October and reported by Reuters, the six companies called on the European Commission to introduce a more flexible credit system that would allow manufacturers to accumulate emission credits between target years—2025, 2030, and 2040. See also: ICCT Study: Europe to Require Up to 5,300 Megawatt Chargers for Electric Trucks…

Gotion High-tech has begun construction of its first large-scale European battery factory in Šurany, Slovakia, marking a key step in the company’s global expansion strategy. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on October 28, was attended by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Gotion chairman Li Zhen. The project, Slovakia’s first-ever mega battery manufacturing facility, spans 65 hectares and represents one of the largest industrial investments in the nation’s history. See also: Gotion Drops $2.4 Billion Michigan Battery PlantAmid U.S.-China Tensions The first phase is designed with an annual capacity of 20 GWh, with trial production expected to begin in 2026 and…

Holon, a subsidiary of German automotive supplier Benteler, has chosen Jacksonville, Florida, as the site for its first U.S. manufacturing plant to produce the fully electric, autonomous Holon Urban shuttle. The $200 million investment is expected to generate more than 800 jobs and mark Florida’s entry into large-scale autonomous vehicle production. The company has signed a term sheet with InLight Real Estate Partners for a 580,000-square-foot facility in Eastport Industrial Park. Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 2026, with production to begin in the second half of 2027 — a year later than originally planned. When complete, the Jacksonville facility will…

viveEV and RED E have teamed up to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging reliability at a new site in Carrollton, Texas, integrating viveEV’s hardware with RED E’s enterprise Charge Station Management System (CSMS). The collaboration aims to provide intelligent monitoring, real-time diagnostics, and seamless user experiences for EV drivers. At the Carrollton location, viveEV’s high-performance chargers will operate on RED E’s CSMS platform, which offers 24/7 monitoring, payment management, and proactive maintenance to maximize uptime. See also: viveEV Secures U.S. Safety Certification for 600kW Ultra Slim and Tron DC Fast Chargers “Partnering with RED E allows us to give drivers…

Electric vehicles are known for plugging in, but one African startup wants them to simply soak up the sun instead. Bako Motors is developing compact electric cars and cargo vans equipped with solar panels on the roof, allowing them to charge directly from sunlight and minimize reliance on wall sockets. While the concept of solar-powered EVs isn’t new, Bako’s focus on affordability and practicality sets it apart from flashier global startups, as it aims to deliver vehicles that truly fit Africa’s economic and energy landscape. According to founder and CEO Boubaker Siala, Bako’s solar systems can supply more than half…

Emerging American electric vehicle startup Slate announced two key developments on Wednesday, confirming that its upcoming flagship EV will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Additionally, Slate has entered into a nationwide service partnership with RepairPal to support future customers once deliveries begin. Slate first captured attention in early 2024 with its “Blank Slate” design philosophy, which centers on a modular electric pickup platform that can be customized with more than 100 accessories or converted into a five-seat SUV. See also: Slate Auto Faces Price Hike Challenge as EV Pickup Loses Federal…

Battery manufacturer BMZ Group has filed for insolvency for two of its key companies, BMZ Germany GmbH and BMZ Holding GmbH, after losing a major customer in the stationary energy storage segment. Both firms entered insolvency proceedings under self-administration, approved by the District Court of Aschaffenburg on 24 October, allowing existing management to oversee restructuring. The company cited an “acute liquidity crisis and the need for restructuring following the loss of a major customer in the energy storage segment, as well as resulting legal disputes and cost burdens.” BMZ did not disclose the customer’s name but confirmed that BMZ Holding…

Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) recorded its highest-ever third-quarter results, driven by robust growth in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and expanding global operations, according to the company’s latest financial report released on October 24. The automaker posted revenue of 61.25 billion yuan ($8.4 billion) for the third quarter of 2025, up 20.5% from a year earlier and 17.1% higher than the previous quarter. Vehicle sales totaled around 353,600 units, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year, also setting a new quarterly record. NEV sales rose sharply by 49.2% to 118,000 units, while overseas sales reached 136,500 vehicles, up 11.2% year-on-year.…

LG Energy Solution is advancing its dry electrode process, a next-generation battery manufacturing technology expected to reshape production efficiency and cost structures across the electric vehicle industry. The company plans to begin commercial production by 2028, positioning itself at the forefront of the global race to modernize battery manufacturing. The dry electrode process eliminates the need for solvents, which are central to the traditional wet electrode method. By mixing only solid powders, the process removes the drying and solvent recovery steps, leading to lower facility investment, reduced energy consumption, and more compact manufacturing layouts. This streamlined approach allows for faster…

Hankook Tire is set to enter its fourth and final season as the exclusive tire supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the championship-proven GEN3 Evo iON Race tire undergoing extensive pre-season testing at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia from October 27 to 31. The GEN3 Evo iON Race tire, engineered for consistent grip, high efficiency, and long-term durability, has powered all-electric Formula E cars since Season 9 without a single incident. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for reliability, performance, and safety under demanding racing conditions. During this week’s five-day testing session, all…

Power Innovations International (Pii) said its 30 kW and 60 kW Level 3 electric vehicle chargers have been approved for inclusion on the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Vetted Product List, a designation that supports their use in commercial, industrial, and utility charging applications. The Utah-based power systems company said both stationary and mobile indoor versions of its chargers were recognized by EPRI for meeting performance, safety, and reliability standards. The chargers support a wide voltage range—including 240 Vac single-phase, 208 and 240 3-phase, and 480 3-phase Wye—without requiring derating or step-up transformers. See also: VINCI Autoroutes and Electreon Test…