Author: Jessica Park

Xpeng has officially launched the Mona L03 sport utility vehicle (SUV), introducing its first model to debut simultaneously in China and Europe as the company accelerates its global expansion with competitive pricing, dual powertrain options and next-generation intelligent driving technology. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer unveiled the Mona L03 during a global launch event in Munich, Germany. The model is offered in nine variants in China, with prices ranging from 123,800 yuan (US$18,300) to 156,800 yuan, while the battery electric version starts at €35,600 (US$40,770) in Europe. The Mona L03 will eventually be available in 64 overseas markets, making…

Zeekr has expanded the availability of its 7 GT electric shooting brake across 16 European countries, marking another step in the Geely-owned premium electric vehicle (EV) brand’s international expansion strategy. The company announced that the Zeekr 7 GT, the European name for the Zeekr 007 GT, is now available with a starting price of €45,990 (US$52,460). The latest rollout covers Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. The expansion significantly broadens the model’s footprint after its initial launch earlier this year in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and…

Berlin-based semiconductor startup NextGO Epi has secured €2 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development of gallium oxide epitaxial wafers for next-generation power semiconductors. The company, which was spun out of the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) in 2025, said the investment will support product development, team expansion and growth across European and international markets. Funding to support semiconductor development The financing round was led by Vireo Ventures, with participation from Ultratech Capital Partners, IBB Ventures and business angel Boris Habets. NextGO Epi said it is currently the only European manufacturer producing industrial-grade gallium oxide epitaxial wafers with…

European Union tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China have reduced the share of China-built battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the bloc’s market, but Chinese automakers continue to expand their presence, according to a new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E). The organization said battery-electric vehicles manufactured in China accounted for 17% of the EU market in the first quarter of 2026, down from a peak of 22% in 2024 when the tariffs were introduced. However, T&E said the decline was driven largely by Western automakers relocating production from China rather than a broad reduction in Chinese vehicle exports. Western Brands…

Hyundai has expanded its Charge myHyundai Preferred Partner Network into nine additional European countries while introducing a new Ionity Pro subscription package designed to reduce public fast-charging costs for electric vehicle owners. The expansion extends the charging program to Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Poland and Slovakia, building on its existing availability in Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Preferred Partner Network Expands The Preferred Partner Network integrates selected charging infrastructure operators into Hyundai’s charging ecosystem, allowing customers to access discounted charging rates through the Charge myHyundai platform. Customers subscribed to Hyundai’s Smart Tariff receive…

Knorr-Bremse has unveiled a new portfolio of zero-emission technologies at IAA Transportation 2026, highlighting a multi-emission strategy that supports battery-electric, hydrogen and other low-emission commercial vehicle platforms rather than relying on electrification alone. The German supplier’s showcase is led by the debut of its oil-free Multi Tumble Piston (MTP) electric compressor, alongside new braking, steering and air supply technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions, noise, oil consumption and particulate pollution. Oil-Free Electric Compressor Headlines Product Launch The new Multi Tumble Piston electric compressor expands Knorr-Bremse’s existing electric compressor portfolio with a modular design intended for different commercial vehicle applications and…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is close to deciding on the acquisition of an existing automotive manufacturing plant in Europe, with Spain and France emerging as the leading candidates, according to comments made by the company’s Special Adviser for Europe, Alfredo Altavilla, at the Reuters Automotive Europe conference in Frankfurt. Altavilla said teams are currently evaluating potential sites and indicated that a final decision is expected soon. “This week, we have two teams looking around in different jurisdictions, so we’re close,” Altavilla said, adding that the decision “needs to be made very soon.” European Manufacturing Expansion The proposed acquisition would…

Dacia has confirmed that the next generation of its all-electric Spring will be built in Europe, marking a major production shift for the compact city car as the automaker continues its strategy of offering affordable battery-electric vehicles for the mass market. The second-generation Spring will retain its fully electric powertrain, four-seat layout, and practical luggage space while continuing to target urban drivers seeking an accessible entry into electric mobility. Production Moves to Europe Since its launch in 2021, the Dacia Spring has sold around 210,000 units across Europe, including approximately 50,000 vehicles in Germany. Unlike the current model, which is…

Xpeng has officially launched its flagship X9 electric MPV in seven European countries, marking a major step in the Chinese automaker’s international expansion strategy. The premium electric people mover is now available in Germany, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary, with customer deliveries already underway in several markets. According to Xpeng, some of the first European deliveries have already taken place in Norway, while deliveries in Germany are expected to begin this month following the vehicle’s market launch in May. Flagship MPV Targets European Families Originally introduced in China in late 2023, the X9 is the seventh model in…

Kyiv is preparing a significant expansion of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with city authorities currently assessing approximately 6,500 potential locations that could eventually support around 13,000 charging points across the Ukrainian capital. The initiative was announced by Kostjantyn Usov, Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA), during the Elektroperspektive 2026 forum. According to city officials, the project is designed to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles while creating new opportunities for private investment in urban infrastructure. Mapping Future Charging Locations The Kyiv City Administration has launched a comprehensive assessment programme to identify suitable locations for future…

Microlino AG has filed a legal complaint against Switzerland’s Federal Office of Energy, challenging the exclusion of light electric vehicles from the country’s CO₂ fleet emissions regulations. The Swiss manufacturer argues that its Microlino electric microcar is being unfairly disadvantaged compared with larger battery-electric vehicles because light electric vehicles classified under the L6e and L7e categories are not included in Switzerland’s CO₂ fleet regulation framework. The case has been submitted to the Federal Administrative Court in St. Gallen, where Microlino is seeking to overturn the current regulatory treatment and allow its vehicles to participate in emissions communities and fleet-average calculations.…

Lucid Motors has reportedly postponed its planned market launches in Austria and Spain from 2026 to 2027, marking the latest adjustment to the US electric vehicle manufacturer’s European expansion strategy. According to reports by Eletric-vehicles citing industry sources, the company has delayed its entry into the two markets despite previously identifying them as part of a broader rollout across seven additional European countries. The reported postponement comes as Lucid continues to refine its international growth plans while managing financial pressures and operational challenges. European Expansion Progresses More Slowly Than Planned During the presentation of its 2025 financial results, Lucid outlined…

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has endorsed the principle of a European preference policy under the European Union’s emerging “Made in EU” agenda, while urging policymakers to adopt a gradual and pragmatic approach that does not hinder public transport decarbonisation efforts. In a newly released position paper titled “Made in EU: The Vision of the Public Transport Sector,” UITP argues that measures designed to strengthen European industrial competitiveness should avoid creating additional costs, administrative burdens, or procurement barriers for public transport authorities (PTAs) and public transport operators (PTOs). The document comes as European institutions continue discussions on the…

Kia UK has announced an expansion of its PV5 electric vehicle lineup for the 2027 model year, introducing a new entry-level Cargo variant and a seven-seat Passenger model as part of its broader Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. The additions arrive less than a year after the PV5’s launch in the UK and are aimed at widening the vehicle’s appeal across both commercial and passenger transport segments. Order books for the new models are scheduled to open on June 8, with first customer deliveries expected in October. New Entry-Level Cargo Variant The new PV5 Cargo L1/H1 becomes the entry point…

Several European Union commissioners have reportedly raised concerns about the charging requirements of their electric service vehicles, as mandatory recharging stops continue to add time to official journeys between Brussels and Strasbourg. According to Politico, the issue has become a recurring source of frustration among some members of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s team. Officials from the offices of three commissioners told the publication that battery-electric vehicles used for official travel are unable to complete the approximately 440-kilometre route without stopping to recharge. Charging Stop Becomes Regular Part of Journey The vehicles used to transport commissioners and senior…

GreenWay has secured €138 million in debt financing from a consortium of European financial institutions to support the expansion of its electric vehicle charging network across Central and Eastern Europe. The Polish charging infrastructure operator said the latest funding increases the total capital it has raised for electric mobility development to €258 million. The company plans to use the new financing to accelerate the deployment of charging stations, enhance service quality and customer experience, and strengthen its market position in Poland while expanding operations across the broader Central and Eastern European region. Backing From European Financial Institutions The financing package…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have expanded rapidly across Europe in recent years, supported by competitive pricing, extensive equipment packages and attractive leasing offers. However, new market data suggest that depreciation rates for some Chinese electric vehicles are becoming a growing concern for consumers and industry participants. According to figures from Germany’s vehicle valuation specialist DAT, Chinese electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are currently depreciating significantly faster than the broader automotive market. The trend is creating challenges for vehicle owners, leasing companies and manufacturers as residual values come under pressure. Residual Values Under Pressure DAT data indicate that Chinese electric vehicles…

Ford Energy is pursuing additional customer agreements as it prepares to enter the utility-scale battery energy storage market, according to comments from Ford Motor Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley reported by the Detroit Free Press. The newly established subsidiary plans to manufacture battery energy storage systems (BESS) for utilities, data centers, and industrial and commercial customers in the United States, with production targeted to reach at least 20 GWh annually beginning in late 2027. Early Customer Interest Speaking during Ford’s recent shareholder meeting, Farley said the company is currently engaged in discussions with multiple prospective customers. “We have a great…

MAN Truck & Bus and Dettendorfer Energy GmbH have launched the Initiative Green Brenner, bringing together companies from the logistics, energy and infrastructure sectors to accelerate the deployment of battery-electric trucks along the Brenner freight corridor connecting Germany, Austria and Italy. The initiative aims to support the transition to zero-emission freight transport on one of Europe’s busiest cross-border logistics routes by promoting charging infrastructure, demonstrating commercial viability and encouraging broader adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles. Dettendorfer Energy is a joint venture between regional utility Energie Südbayern and Dettendorfer Spedition, an Upper Bavarian logistics company operating a fleet of approximately 240…

Italian public transport operator Tper has introduced hydrogen-powered buses into service in Bologna, marking the start of operations for a new fleet of fuel cell vehicles as part of the city’s broader zero-emission mobility strategy. The first Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses entered operation on selected services across routes 11, 14, 20, 36 and 92 following completion of the authorisation process for the hydrogen refuelling station at the Via Battindarno depot. The deployment represents the first phase of a planned fleet of 127 hydrogen buses that will operate primarily on urban and suburban routes across the Bologna metropolitan area. Tper…