Author: Jonas Berg

Electric drivetrain developer Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company said they have formed a partnership to integrate in-wheel motor technology with a lightweight aluminum skateboard platform, with a functional prototype planned for debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The collaboration brings together Donut Lab’s direct-drive in-wheel motors and WATT’s PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform, a modular architecture designed for low-volume production and reduced vehicle weight. The companies said the initial prototype will feature two in-wheel motors mounted on the rear axle, with a four-wheel-drive configuration scheduled to follow later in 2026. See also: Donut Lab Unveils…

Sweden-based electric vehicle maker Polestar said on Tuesday it has entered into a loan agreement of up to $600 million with its majority owner, China’s Geely Holding, as the company manages liquidity challenges during a broader slowdown in global EV demand. The shareholder loan will be provided through Geely’s Swedish unit and is structured as a subordinated facility, meaning it does not count toward Polestar’s debt covenants, which are set at $5.5 billion, a company spokesperson said. Polestar added that it continues to seek additional equity financing. The final tranche of $300 million under the agreement would require Geely’s consent,…

Volvo has postponed the rollout of a major software update originally scheduled for release this year, delaying the update for approximately 2.5 million vehicles until early next year, the automaker said. The update is intended to bring older Volvo models in line with the user experience and functionality found on the company’s latest vehicles. It applies to cars built from 2020 onward that are equipped with Volvo’s Google-based Android Automotive infotainment system. Vehicles running the older Sensus infotainment platform are not eligible. See also: Volvo Cars’ EV Sales Rise in November Even as Global Deliveries Fall 10% “To ensure that…

Sweden has become the first European Union member state to receive approval for its Climate Social Plan under the EU’s new Social Climate Fund, unlocking more than €500 million to support affordable access to electric vehicles, particularly for low- and middle-income households. The European Commission said Sweden’s plan is aimed at easing the social impact of the green transition, especially for citizens facing rising transport costs and limited access to clean mobility options. The Social Climate Fund, financed mainly through revenues from the forthcoming ETS2 emissions trading system, will distribute a total of €86.7 billion across the EU between 2026…

A Volvo Cars executive said on Tuesday he hoped the European Commission would resist pressure to scrap an effective ban on sales of new combustion engine cars from 2035, arguing the Swedish automaker is already prepared for a fully electric future. Germany, Italy and their automotive industries have been lobbying Brussels to soften or delay the ban, citing intense competition from Chinese manufacturers and concerns over costs. A senior German EU lawmaker said last week the Commission could move to scrap the ban and instead propose a 90% cut in fleet CO2 emissions from 2035. See also: Automakers and Fleet…

Ford Motor has secured its largest-ever European order for electric Transit vans after Bravida, a Danish engineering and supply company, placed an order for 500 battery-electric commercial vehicles as part of its fleet electrification strategy. The order includes 350 E-Transit Custom vans and 150 E-Transit Courier models, with deliveries scheduled for 2026. Once the vehicles are deployed, Bravida said about 60% of its total vehicle fleet will be made up of fully electric models. “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Bravida, which marks a significant acceleration of the electrification of vans in Denmark,” said Frank Skjærbæk, chief executive…