Author: Jonathan Collins

Three-quarters of UK van drivers now consider a fully electric van suitable for their business, up from 67% in 2023, according to research published by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The findings come as electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations rose more than 50% year-on-year to June 2025. The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers highlighted cost-effectiveness as a primary factor, with 62% saying electric vans would be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel models. Charging time (49%) and driving range (43%) remain the top concerns. However, 69% of respondents who do not currently operate an electric van expect to buy…

Daimler Truck’s Japanese subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Taiwan’s Foxconn have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore strategic cooperation in electric bus development, production and distribution, the companies said. The agreement confirms reports earlier this year that the two sides were in advanced talks. Under the plan, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing and Foxconn’s automotive unit Foxtron Vehicle Technologies will work together on the supply chain, production and distribution of battery-powered buses, including adaptations of Foxtron’s existing Model T and Model U designs. The Model T, a 12-metre city bus with a range of around 400…

Alphabet-owned Waymo said it has introduced a new feature that allows passengers to schedule rides in advance, part of ongoing efforts to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service. The option enables users to select a pickup time through the Waymo app. “Set your pickup time, we’ll handle the rest. Now you can plan a ride with Waymo ahead of time, on your terms,” the company said. https://twitter.com/Waymo/status/1960039470763262329 The update comes as Waymo last week received authorization to test its self-driving vehicles on public roads in New York City, marking the first time the city has granted such approval. The permit allows…

Camouflaged prototypes of what appears to be a long-wheelbase version of Xiaomi’s SU7 electric sedan have been captured in spy photographs shared by automotive blogger @风清颂, fueling speculation the Chinese electronics group is preparing an executive-focused variant of its debut car. The test vehicle, informally dubbed the “SU7 L,” retains the fastback profile of the standard SU7 but appears visibly stretched behind the B-pillar. Estimates suggest its overall length could extend to 5.2 metres, compared with the current 4,997 mm, with the wheelbase lengthened by 80–150 mm. The modification is expected to improve rear passenger space, a feature often prioritised…

Tern has launched two new electric bikes in collaboration with Airstream, aiming to provide RV owners with compact and versatile mobility options. The collection includes special edition versions of Tern’s Vektron S10 folding e-bike and HSD P5I compact cargo e-bike, both featuring Airstream’s signature polished aluminum design. The Vektron S10 Airstream model combines folding convenience with full-size performance, powered by Bosch’s Performance line drive system and capable of carrying cargo or a passenger. The HSD P5I Airstream, a compact electric cargo bike, offers utility in a nimble package for errands, campsite use, or short trips from an RV site. Both…

Subaru has begun testing all-solid-state batteries at its Oizumi plant in Japan, initially deploying the technology in industrial robots used to automate production, the company said. The batteries, which can last more than a decade without replacement, are currently too small to power vehicles, according to Automotive News. The automaker plans to begin testing solid-state batteries in vehicles by the end of the month, although a commercial EV using the technology is not expected in the near term. Maxwell Ltd., which manufactures the ceramic-packaged all-solid-state batteries, is focusing on smaller battery packs for industrial equipment while exploring potential automotive applications…

Jeep has returned the Cherokee SUV to the market after a two-year hiatus with a new hybrid powertrain for the 2026 model year, as the automaker emphasizes hybrid technology over fully electric vehicles. The 2026 Cherokee combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a battery to deliver 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Jeep estimates the hybrid SUV will achieve over 500 miles of range and approximately 37 miles per gallon, exceeding the fuel efficiency of several competitors. The new model features updated styling, including a more upright stance, increased length and height, and LED…

BYD’s sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao will launch and deliver the Tai 7 SUV, the second model in its Tai product line, in September, the company said. Brand head Xiong Tianbo confirmed the plan in a Q&A session on Weibo, adding that the first batch of display vehicles is expected to arrive at Fang Cheng Bao stores by the end of August. The first production model of the Tai 7 rolled off the assembly line on August 11, preparing for deliveries in the fourth quarter. The Tai 7 measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width and 1,865 mm in…

Rivian is progressing toward more advanced hands-free driving capabilities in its electric trucks, with point-to-point driving expected by 2026, CEO RJ Scaringe said in a recent interview with InsideEVs. The company aims to move beyond current driver-assistance systems, which require constant attention from the driver, toward full personal autonomy in everyday driving. Rivian has been developing technology that would allow vehicles to operate on city streets and highways without direct input from drivers. “We’re at the precipice of starting to see the delivery of capabilities that map to all this infrastructure that we built. First was hands-free. The obvious next…

China has opened the world’s first 100-megawatt-class heavy-duty truck supercharging station in Sichuan province, a step aimed at supporting the electrification of commercial transport and improving charging efficiency. The Sichuan Yuanqi Xingguang Heavy-Duty Truck Megawatt Supercharging Station, located in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, was developed by Sichuan Yuanqi Xingguang Digital Energy Technology Co. Ltd. with an investment of 150 million yuan ($20.9 million). Built on Huawei’s megawatt supercharging technology, the 11.5-acre site is designed to serve medium-to-short-haul trucks transporting bulk materials such as sand and gravel. The station has a designed power capacity of 100MW and includes 18 bays with…

Aston Martin is preparing for its electric future through a strategic partnership with American EV manufacturer Lucid, securing access to advanced electric motors and battery technology, the company said. While its first fully electric vehicle (EV) is expected later this decade, Aston Martin is exploring ways to retain its distinct driving character in an EV format. Speaking to CarBuzz during Monterey Car Week, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman discussed potential features such as simulated gear changes and sound profiles reminiscent of internal combustion engines. “If it is a benefit to the driving performance capability of our cars, and…

China EV Marketplace said on Friday it is introducing a new service for European customers that will allow them to buy Chinese-made battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and have them delivered directly to their doors, removing the need to handle customs paperwork and collect vehicles from ports. “For the first time, EV enthusiasts across Europe can order a new Chinese BEV or PHEV directly from China and have it delivered directly to their door. Our new service removes the traditional complexities and headaches associated with international car imports,” said Jakub Gersl, Chief Operating Officer of China…

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly in discussions with BMW over sourcing four-cylinder engines to offset weakening electric vehicle sales, according to Germany’s Manager Magazin. The proposed deal could see Mercedes use BMW’s B48 engine, currently powering most BMW and Mini models, across a range of Mercedes vehicles including the CLA, GLC, GLB, C-Class and E-Class. The discussions are said to be in advanced stages, with an announcement potentially expected by the end of the year, Autocar reported. Mercedes’ U.S. electric vehicle sales have fallen 55% in the first half of 2025, while European registrations dropped 2% through June compared with 2024. The…

Munich Airport and its ground handling subsidiary AeroGround have opened a new electric bus depot in the southern part of the airport, equipped with 37 charging points for passenger buses. AeroGround has been operating 37 electric buses on the apron since May 2025. The fleet, manufactured by MAN, includes 20 solo buses and 17 articulated buses that transport passengers between terminals and aircraft. The new depot provides a permanent charging infrastructure for the vehicles. Another 18 buses are set to join the fleet this year, with plans to expand to 72 vehicles depending on operational needs and charging capacity. “With…

Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled its 2026 bZ electric SUV, featuring extended driving range, updated interior and exterior designs, and a built-in NACS port that allows drivers to recharge at Tesla Superchargers. The base model now starts under $35,000. The company said the base XLE FWD trim with a 57.7 kWh battery provides 236 miles of range, while the extended-range XLE FWD Plus offers up to 314 miles with a 74.7 kWh battery. Toyota added that “the new and improved Toyota bZ is cheaper than the outgoing bZ4X,” which it replaces. All-wheel-drive variants start at $39,900, with power increased to 388…

Vauxhall has revealed the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, an 800-horsepower electric concept car designed to showcase the future of its GSE performance sub-brand, the company said on Wednesday. The compact EV will make its public debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich before becoming available to drive virtually in Sony’s Gran Turismo 7 video game later this year. Vauxhall said the project merges physical and digital experiences to highlight design and engineering innovation. Equipped with dual electric motors producing a combined 800hp and 800Nm of torque, the concept accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.0 seconds and reaches…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer Leapmotor said it has delivered a total of 900,000 vehicles since its founding, a milestone the company announced on its social media platforms as it continues rapid expansion. The company said its B series and C series models continue to gain traction among consumers. July deliveries reached 50,129 units, the first time monthly sales exceeded 50,000, and set a new record for the third consecutive month, according to previously disclosed figures. Leapmotor’s current product lineup includes the T03, B10, B01, C01, C10, C11, and C16. The T03, B01, and B10 are offered only as…

Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has partnered with U.S. startup The Routing Company to improve the efficiency and scalability of its robotaxi operations, the two companies announced on Wednesday. The Routing Company, founded by former Uber Pool leader James Cox, provides software that helps transit agencies match riders with vehicles quickly and cost-effectively. Since its founding, the company has facilitated around 3 million trips across 13 U.S. states and five countries. Under the deal, Zoox will acquire a nonexclusive license to The Routing Company’s technology and hire five of its engineers to work on the company’s autonomous vehicle service. Cox…

The Trump administration is considering reallocating at least $2 billion from the CHIPS Act to fund critical minerals projects, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The move would divert money from semiconductor research and factory construction to reduce U.S. dependence on China for minerals vital to electronics and defense. It would also expand Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s role in funding decisions. “The administration is creatively trying to find ways to fund the critical minerals sector,” one source said. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022, provides $52.7 billion for semiconductor research and manufacturing. Trump has…

Tesla  has launched a new lease program for its certified preowned Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, providing lower monthly payments and the option to purchase the vehicles at the end of the lease term. The program is available for select inventory vehicles in states including Texas and California, with lease terms of 12 or 24 months and annual mileage options ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Monthly payments start at $192 for the Model 3 and $225 for the Model Y, with a zero down payment option. Some Model 3 units can be leased for as low as $130…