Author: Jonathan Collins

Nissan Motor has initiated formal consultations with the labor union representing employees at its European regional headquarters in France, as part of a wider restructuring plan that could include job losses, according to internal communications and a company document reviewed on Wednesday. The Japanese automaker, currently undergoing a major global overhaul, confirmed discussions have begun with staff representatives at its Nissan Automotive Europe office in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, near Paris. The site employs around 560 people and also manages operations across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Oceania. While no decisions have yet been finalized, the company document indicated that voluntary redundancies…

Electric aircraft manufacturer Bye Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian charging technology company Electro.Aero to co-develop portable fast-charging solutions for electric aircraft, with a focus on transforming the pilot training sector. The partnership aims to deliver fast-charging systems for Bye Aerospace’s upcoming eFlyer aircraft fleet, including mobile chargers capable of replenishing batteries in under 30 minutes—potentially enabling back-to-back training flights. The announcement comes as Bye Aerospace nears completion of its full-size eFlyer 2 prototype at Centennial Airport in Colorado, marking a key milestone in the company’s development process. “As we prepare for our full-scale prototype’s inaugural…

The Victorian government has launched a comprehensive freight strategy that includes an $8 million Freight Sector Innovation Fund, aimed at helping logistics companies reduce emissions and expand electric vehicle infrastructure across Australia’s second-most populous state. The new plan, announced after consultation with more than 100 industry stakeholders, outlines a broad set of measures to support decarbonisation across the freight sector. This includes encouraging the use of electric trucks, enhancing road, rail, and port infrastructure, and conducting feasibility studies on green methanol bunkering. The state also plans to develop Green Shipping Corridors to promote regional emission reductions. “With the freight task…

Curo and SWTCH have formed a strategic partnership to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for commercial fleets and increase the utilization of existing infrastructure across North America. The companies plan to combine their platforms and networks to support property owners in expanding charging availability while providing fleets with more reliable and distributed charging options. Kieran White, CEO and co-founder of Curo, said the collaboration with SWTCH’s open network allows property owners to maximise returns on investment while ensuring fleets have quicker access to the resources they need. The joint initiative is aimed at resolving two persistent issues in…

Go Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN) has selected 36 projects to receive more than $3.3 million in funding under its Charging Infrastructure Funding Opportunity programme, aimed at expanding public access to electric vehicle (EV) charging across the state. The award will support the installation of 18 DC fast-charging stations and 18 Level 2 charging locations. According to GOEVIN, the fast-charging hubs will be placed along Indiana’s designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, located near shopping centres, restaurants, and service areas, and will provide 24/7 access. The Level 2 charging hubs are intended for sites where drivers spend longer periods, including both urban and…

Tesla’s vehicle sales in Europe continue to slump, with new figures showing steep declines in two of the region’s key markets despite the recent launch of an upgraded Model Y. According to data released on Tuesday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tesla’s new registrations in the United Kingdom fell nearly 60% in July to 987 units, down from 2,462 in the same month a year earlier. In Germany, the country’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) reported a 55.1% drop to 1,110 vehicles, with year-to-date sales down 57.8% to 10,000 units. The sharp downturn comes as Tesla…

Tesla has introduced a new feature to the Cybertruck aimed at enhancing towing safety and preventing long-term damage from overloaded cargo. The update, included in software version 2025.26, adds a “Smart Warning System” that alerts drivers when the rear axle load exceeds the recommended limit. The Cybertruck, launched in late 2023, is Tesla’s first vehicle designed for heavy-duty towing, with Dual and Tri Motor All-Wheel-Drive variants offering a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds. However, until now, the vehicle did not provide a system to notify drivers when they were approaching or exceeding that threshold. According to Not a…

Maserati could revive plans for its next-generation Quattroporte sedan and Levante SUV by leveraging Alfa Romeo’s platforms and components, according to comments made by Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO Santo Ficili to Autocar. The strategy comes after Stellantis reportedly halted major investments in Maserati and paused development of new models in 2023. The redesigned Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio could provide the foundation for Maserati’s upcoming models, using Stellantis’ STLA Large platform. The same platform underpins vehicles such as the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S, offering flexibility for internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains. Ficili said the company…

Polestar 4 has won the Red Dot “Best of the Best” award in Product Design for 2025, with both Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 receiving the Red Dot Label in the same category. The recognition highlights the brand’s focus on combining innovation with practical design. See also: Polestar 4 Earns 5-Star Safety Rating from European NCAP The Red Dot jury noted the absence of a rear window as a standout feature of Polestar 4 and commended the vehicle for balancing coupé-like proportions with the usability of an SUV. Other design elements include frameless side mirrors, dual-blade headlights, and ambient lighting…

Battery testing company Aviloo has criticised media interpretations of a recent Stanford University study suggesting that occasional high‑power driving could extend electric vehicle battery life. The company called the claim “misleading – both technically incorrect and unsupported by real‑world data,” arguing that the research was misrepresented in coverage following its publication under the title Dynamic Cycling Enhances Battery Lifetime. According to Aviloo, the study focused on laboratory methods for battery stress testing rather than real‑world driving practices. Two approaches were evaluated: constant current cycling, which can only be replicated in controlled lab settings, and dynamic cycling, which uses variable charge…

Tata Motors has signed a memorandum of understanding with Green Energy Mobility Solutions (GEMS) to supply 100 units of its Magna EV electric coach. The deal was finalised during the Passenger Vehicle Expo 2.0 in Chennai, with deliveries set to expand GEMS’ electric bus fleet managed under its parent company, Universal Bus Services (UBS). The Magna EV is a 12‑metre intercity coach powered by a 250 kW motor and available with customisable battery packs that provide a range of up to 300 kilometres. The vehicle accommodates 44 passengers in a 2×2 seating layout and offers features such as USB charging…

Rivian and Lucid on Tuesday reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results and issued cautious full-year outlooks, citing U.S. policy changes and trade restrictions that have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for electric vehicle manufacturers. Under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the removal of federal EV tax credits, higher tariffs on imported auto parts and the elimination of penalties for failing to meet fuel economy standards have reduced key revenue streams and raised production expenses. China’s curbs on exports of heavy rare earth metals, vital for electric motors, have added further pressure. See also: Lucid Lowers Annual Output Forecast, Misses…

Lucid Group on Tuesday reduced its annual production forecast and reported second-quarter revenue below Wall Street expectations, as U.S. trade tensions and higher borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand for big-ticket purchases such as electric vehicles. The company now expects to build between 18,000 and 20,000 vehicles this year, down from its prior estimate of 20,000 units. See also: Lucid Introduces Hands-Free Driving Capabilities to Air Sedan via Software Update Revenue for the second quarter came in at $259.4 million, missing analyst estimates of $279.9 million, according to LSEG data. Adjusted loss per share was 24 cents, wider than the…

Mazda is taking a gradual approach to electrification, expanding its hybrid offerings and maintaining updates to its core lineup as it navigates a changing automotive landscape. The company’s strategy includes the introduction of a hybrid CX-5, new electrified models, and future electric vehicle plans, while also addressing tariff uncertainties and evolving consumer sentiment. The automaker recently unveiled a new generation of its top-selling CX-5, with a hybrid version expected in 2027. The move marks a step forward in Mazda’s electrification efforts in the U.S. and complements existing hybrid and plug-in hybrid models such as the CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90. The…

EDF has acquired all remaining shares in London-based Pod Point Group Holdings PLC, making the electric vehicle charging provider a wholly owned subsidiary and delisting it from the London Stock Exchange. The deal, carried out through EDF Energy Customers Ltd, follows a June buyout offer that was recommended by Pod Point’s board. At that time, EDF already held a 53% stake in the company. The move consolidates EDF’s position in the UK’s EV charging market and supports its broader strategy to accelerate electrification and reduce carbon emissions. “Pod has been a key player in the EV charging space and as…

Polestar’s sales presence in China has sharply contracted, with the Swedish-headquartered, Geely-backed electric vehicle brand now operating just one direct-sales outlet in Shanghai and suspending online sales, according to CarNewsChina and Yicai. The company recorded no local sales in April and May, with only 69 vehicles delivered in the first half of 2025, CarNewsChina reported. Industry sources cited by the outlets say the retreat reflects a combination of falling demand and a restructuring of the brand’s China strategy. Test drives are now available only by prior phone arrangement, and the single remaining retail location marks a steep drop from the…

Honda’s Prologue electric SUV posted an 83% increase in US sales in July, surpassing monthly deliveries of Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, the automaker said on Monday. Honda sold 6,318 Prologue units in July, contributing to record US monthly sales for its light trucks at 86,700 units and electrified vehicles, including EVs and hybrids, at 38,715 units. The Prologue, which began deliveries in March, outpaced the Mustang Mach-E’s 5,308 units and the Ioniq 5’s 5,818 units, despite both rivals also setting monthly sales records. Year-to-date, the Mustang Mach-E remains ahead with 27,093 units sold, compared to 22,635 Prologues…

Volvo Cars said on Monday its global vehicle sales fell 14% in July from a year earlier to 49,273 units, extending a five-month streak of declines amid softer demand for electric and plug-in hybrid models. The drop followed a 12% year-on-year decrease in June, when the automaker sold 62,858 units, and similar contractions in May and April, with sales down 12% and 11% respectively. In March, deliveries fell 10% to 70,737 units. Fully electric vehicle sales declined 26% last month to 10,511 units, while plug-in hybrid deliveries fell 21% to 11,461. Together, they made up 45% of total sales, down…

Electric cars accounted for a record 97.2% of new passenger vehicle registrations in Norway in July, driven by strong deliveries of battery-powered models, according to data from the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV). A total of 9,291 electric cars were registered last month out of 9,563 new vehicles, surpassing the previous monthly high of 91.9% set in July 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, all-electric cars made up 94.1% of registrations, up from 85.6% a year earlier. Hybrid vehicles — both plug-in and full hybrids — accounted for 1.7% of July’s registrations, while diesel cars represented 0.9%…

Italy plans to launch a new €600 million incentive programme for electric vehicles as early as September, targeting the purchase of at least 39,000 zero-emission cars by June 30, 2026, Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto said on Thursday. The funds, partly drawn from the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR), will provide grants of up to €11,000 for private individuals with an Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente (ISEE) of up to €30,000, and up to €9,000 for those with an ISEE between €30,000 and €40,000. Micro-enterprises will be eligible for grants covering up to 30% of the…