Author: Jonathan Collins

Blink Charging announced that its Series 7, 8, and 9 charger models have received Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 2.0.1 certification from the Open Charge Alliance. The recognition places Blink among a select group of companies advancing EV infrastructure standards. OCPP 2.0.1 is a globally recognized communication standard that allows EV chargers to connect seamlessly with backend management systems. Achieving this certification confirms that Blink’s chargers comply with both OCPP modules currently available for testing, ensuring interoperability across networks and enabling customers to connect to their preferred platform. Only 68 charger models worldwide have achieved OCPP 2.0 certification, including Blink’s…

California has awarded $1.1 million to New York-based charging startup It’s Electric to develop what could be the world’s first curbside vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger, the state’s energy commission said on Monday. The funding, part of the California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge initiative, supports research under the Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources program. It’s Electric will collaborate with UC Berkeley and the University of Delaware to bring the technology to market by 2028. Unlike conventional chargers, the curbside unit will allow energy to flow back into the grid directly from parked EVs, turning them into distributed energy…

Foxconn Interconnect Technology, a unit of Taiwan’s Foxconn, said on Wednesday its Saudi Arabian joint venture will begin building an electric vehicle (EV) charger factory in December, marking its first manufacturing base in the Middle East. The plant, part of the Smart Mobility venture launched in May with Saudi partner Saleh Suleiman Alrajhi and Sons, is scheduled to start production in 2026, FIT chairman Sidney Lu told an event in Taipei. The company, also known as FIT, produces connectivity components and server parts. “One of our targets as a country in Saudi Arabia (is that) by 2030, 30% of the…

Daimler Buses said it has sent its first hydrogen-powered coach, the Setra “H₂ Coach,” on test drives in Germany, marking a step toward expanding its range of locally emission-free long-distance buses. The technology carrier, based on the Setra S 517 HD model, uses fuel cell components derived from the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck developed by parent company Daimler Truck. Equipped with two hydrogen tanks holding 46 kilograms and a cellcentric fuel cell unit, the vehicle targets a minimum range of 800 kilometers on a full tank. The system delivers 300 kW of electrical output, which is converted by an electric motor…

The performance variant of Xiaomi’s YU7 electric crossover, reportedly named YU7 GT, was seen undergoing testing on Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, highlighting the company’s push into the high-performance electric SUV segment. The YU7 GT follows the recent domestic launch of the standard YU7 crossover and will adopt styling cues that differentiate it from the base model. Observers noted wide wheel arches, lower ground clearance, and a distinctive red-and-white camouflage livery. The vehicle also features a large ducktail spoiler, frameless side mirrors, flush door handles, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, suggesting a focus on both performance and advanced driver assistance systems. According…

KG Mobility’s electric pickup, the Musso EV, has surpassed 6,000 cumulative sales just over six months after its domestic launch, meeting its annual sales target ahead of schedule. The company announced the milestone on Sept. 17, noting that customer deliveries began in mid-March. The Musso EV recorded strong initial demand, with 3,200 cumulative contracts in the first two weeks after launch. An online-exclusive version sold out in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, signaling robust market interest. “It recorded cumulative contracts of 3,200 units within two weeks of launch, and the online-exclusive model sold out in just 1 hour and…

Wireless charging company Electreon has signed a collaboration agreement with ATLoS, a Portugal-based autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturer owned by ProCME Group, to integrate its technology into autonomous transport systems for industrial settings. The partnership aims to combine wireless charging with autonomous driving in fixed-route environments such as warehouses, logistics hubs and manufacturing compounds. By embedding charging coils into the ground along routes or at loading docks, ATLoS’s AVs can recharge while moving or at rest, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual charging. The initial project will see Electreon provide hardware, software and technical support to fit its charging…

Mitsubishi Motors will launch its first fully electric SUV for Europe, the Eclipse Cross, by late 2025, while Nissan will roll out its next-generation electric Micra in the same timeframe, the automakers said on Tuesday. Both models will be produced on Renault Group’s Ampere platforms at the Douai plant in northern France. The announcement came as senior executives from the alliance visited Douai, including Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa, Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, Renault’s newly appointed CEO François Provost, and Alliance Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard. The meeting underscored the group’s push to expand its electric vehicle offerings in Europe. “European governments…

The BMW Group said Jean-Philippe Parain will take over as head of MINI on October 1, 2025, succeeding Stefan Richmann in the latest leadership reshuffle at the brand. It marks MINI’s third change at the top in just over a year. Parain, who joined BMW France in 1997, has held senior roles across Europe and internationally, including president and CEO of BMW Group Belux, head of MINI Europe, and head of sales region Europe. Most recently, he oversaw sales in Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where the company reported strong growth and premium segment leadership. “We are…

Nissan has launched the sixth-generation Micra, now fully electric, marking a significant step in its European EV strategy. The compact hatchback made its first public appearance on the streets of Rotterdam, highlighting its responsive handling, intuitive technology, and versatile design aimed at making everyday all-electric driving more accessible. The new Micra is built on the AmpR small-car platform, which enables a low center of gravity, compact footprint, and optimized weight distribution. Weighing 1,500kg, it features multi-link rear suspension and direct steering for a nimble driving experience, whether navigating narrow urban roads or longer rural routes. Despite its size, the Micra…

Xpeng  released the first official images of its extended-range version of the G7 sport utility vehicle on Thursday, saying the model will launch in the first quarter of next year. The G7 extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) is the latest addition to the company’s Super Extended-Range lineup. “The Xpeng G7 Super Extended-Range Edition will set a new generation standard! See you in the first quarter of next year!” the company wrote in a post on Weibo. The new variant is built on an 800-volt high-voltage platform and will be equipped with a large battery capable of 5C ultra-fast charging, according to…

Japanese equipment maker Komatsu has announced a strategic partnership with Silicon Valley-based Applied Intuition to co-develop a unified software-defined vehicle (SDV) and autonomy platform for mining equipment. The system, described by both companies as the “central brain” of Komatsu’s next generation of machinery, is aimed at boosting productivity, reducing downtime, and improving operational precision across global mining operations. Peter Salditt, president of Komatsu’s Mining Business Division and CEO of Komatsu Mining Technologies, said the partnership represents “a step change in delivering innovative, high-performance technology,” adding that it would allow Komatsu equipment to evolve continuously to meet the unique requirements of…

Toyota Motor Corp., Lexus, and Subaru on Friday announced a recall of approximately 100,000 electric vehicles in the United States to address a potential safety hazard linked to windshield defrosters. The companies also said they are temporarily halting sales of certain models. The affected vehicles include the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ 300e, RZ 450e, and the 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra, all of which share a common platform. The problem stems from an electrical control unit (ECU) software issue that could prevent the windshield defroster from adequately removing frost, ice, or fog, potentially reducing driver visibility in cold weather. Toyota said owners…

Volkswagen Group outlined a new semiconductor procurement strategy at the 4th Semiconductor Summit held during the IAA Mobility auto show, detailing a joint initiative with Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies to manage sourcing across more than 50 semiconductor categories. The strategy covers components such as microcontrollers, power transistors, and printed circuit boards, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and simplify procurement for Volkswagen’s future vehicle portfolio. Measures include transparent volume planning, bundled purchasing, and improved component tracking. “Semiconductors are a key driver of automotive innovation, powering electrification, enhancing performance and safety, and shaping the user experience,” Volkswagen said.…

Xpeng’s  flying car unit, Xpeng Aeroht, has obtained a key flight permit in the United Arab Emirates for its Land Aircraft Carrier modular flying car, marking a milestone in the company’s overseas expansion. The permit, described by Xpeng Aeroht as the first manned aircraft special flight permit obtained by a Chinese flying car firm outside China, allows the company to conduct manned flight tests across multiple UAE locations. Xpeng Aeroht plans to complete the vehicle’s inaugural flight in Dubai this October and aims to begin deliveries in the second half of 2026, the company announced at the IAA Mobility auto…

Battery materials startup LeydenJar has raised €13 million ($15.2 million) to expand production of its silicon anode technology for a leading U.S.-based consumer electronics company. The Netherlands-based company plans to use the funding, together with a €10 million commitment from the U.S. customer, to build the first phase of its PlantOne facility in Eindhoven, which is scheduled to open in 2027. Investors Extantia and Invest-NL led the financing round. “This funding marks a pivotal moment for LeydenJar,” said Christian Rood, CEO and Co-founder of LeydenJar. “We’re now moving from breakthrough lab innovation to full-scale production. Our technology is already integrated into…

Hyundai’s new flagship electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, has been awarded a five-star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, released in September 2025. The large SUV scored highly across all major categories, with particular strengths in child occupant safety and advanced assistance technologies. The five-door SUV, tested in its 4×4 GLS variant, achieved 84% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupants, 77% for vulnerable road users, and 83% for safety assist features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqI_Cp7kyc&ab_channel=EuroNCAP Euro NCAP said the passenger compartment remained stable in frontal crash tests, offering good protection of the knees and femurs of both driver…

The U.S. federal government will bar states from allowing electric vehicles and other clean cars to use carpool lanes without meeting occupancy requirements beginning October 1, California officials said on Wednesday. California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that single drivers with the state’s Clean Air Vehicle decal will no longer be able to access carpool lanes or receive reduced toll rates in some areas. The incentive had been used by California and other states to encourage electric vehicle adoption. California Department of Motor Vehicles director Steve Gordon criticized the move, saying, “By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s…

Chinese automaker GWM is preparing to launch the ORA 5, a completely new electric hatchback under its ORA brand, later this year, according to filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The model is the first all-new ORA vehicle since 2022, signaling the brand’s renewed push in the highly competitive Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market. The ORA 5 features a distinctive retro-modern design with rounded headlights and a low hood, combining classic styling cues with contemporary proportions. The hatchback spans 4,471 mm in length, 1,833 mm in width, 1,641 mm in height, and has a 2,720 mm…

Amazon-owned Zoox said it has opened its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the public in Las Vegas, offering free rides in its custom-built electric robotaxis on and around the Strip. Zoox vehicles — all-electric, autonomous, and designed without steering wheels or pedals — can now be hailed through the company’s mobile app. The launch marks a major step for the Foster City, California-based startup, which has spent six years developing its technology before unveiling its cube-shaped robotaxi. Testing began on public streets in Las Vegas in 2023, initially limited to a one-mile loop near the company’s depot, before expanding to…