Author: Jonathan Collins

German research institute Fraunhofer IWU said it is working with engineering firm EDAG Production Solutions to develop an automated pilot plant in Chemnitz that will dismantle used electric vehicle batteries as an alternative to conventional shredding. The project aims to process high-voltage storage systems that are no longer suitable for vehicles but still contain functional cells. These could be reused in large stationary storage applications for households, companies, or grid operators. “Shredding used modules or entire high-voltage storage systems would thus waste valuable resources. By repairing and remanufacturing these batteries, not only can precious resources be preserved, but the lifespan…

Mercedes-Benz has agreed to source 107 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries from South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES), strengthening its long-term supply of advanced cylindrical cells. Deliveries will be split between the United States and Europe, according to an official LGES filing. Under the agreement, LGES will supply 75 GWh of batteries to Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. between July 2029 and December 2037, and 32 GWh in Europe between August 2028 and December 2035. The order value was not disclosed, but Korean media estimate it at about 15 trillion won ($11.3 billion), based on current prices for next-generation “46 series” cylindrical…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has signed agreements with distributors in Morocco and Tunisia as part of its expansion across North Africa, the company said on Thursday. In Morocco, Xpeng’s strategic partner will be SMEIA, a general agent group representing local luxury car brands. With 44 years of experience in the automotive sector, SMEIA has a market share of over 30% in Morocco’s luxury car segment, a national network covering more than 97% of the population, and a comprehensive sales and service system. In Tunisia, Xpeng will collaborate with XP CARS Tunisia, a premier local automotive dealer group. XP CARS…

Tesla has expanded its robotaxi operations in Austin, Texas, with vehicles now permitted to drive on highways and safety operators repositioned from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat, marking a new phase in the company’s self-driving program. Until now, Tesla’s autonomous fleet in Austin had been limited to city streets, where vehicles were monitored at lower speeds. The move onto highways introduces more complex requirements such as lane merging, speed management and navigating interchanges, placing greater demands on the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. https://twitter.com/gailalfaratx/status/1962735236384530461 At the same time, Tesla has shifted its safety operators back behind the wheel,…

e-clearing.net, one of Europe’s leading electric vehicle (EV) roaming platforms, has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer following the departure of Dauaride Empere, who stepped down after more than three years with the company, most recently as managing director. Mark Steffen Walcher, CEO of e-clearing.net, said Empere’s tenure helped position the platform as a key player in the European market. “Under his leadership, e-clearing.net has developed into one of the leading roaming platforms in Europe. His successes include the introduction of a standardised transaction-based pricing model and the launch of our new platform,” Walcher said. “With this change in leadership,…

South Korea’s SK On said on Thursday it has signed an agreement with U.S.-based Flatiron Energy Development to supply lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for energy storage systems (ESS), in a deal valued at an estimated 2 trillion won ($1.43 billion). Under the agreement, SK On will provide containerized ESS units featuring 1 GWh of LFP batteries starting in the second half of 2026. The company has also secured the right of first offer for an additional 6.2 GWh project with Flatiron that runs through 2030. In total, the supply volume could reach 7.2 GWh over the period. “This highlights…

International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA has partnered with software-defined power conversion company Tau Motors to develop a next-generation “virtually isolated Onboard Charger” (viOBC) for electric vehicles. The viOBC design eliminates the need for a traditional transformer, allowing for reduced size and weight while achieving energy efficiency above 98 percent. According to FORVIA HELLA, the new charger reduces installation space by up to half and component weight by approximately a third, and is compatible with advanced features such as vehicle-to-grid integration. “The collaboration takes onboard charging to the next level and creates a product that sets new standards in power density,”…

Tesla has rolled out software update 2025.32.3 globally for its Model Y vehicles, introducing a significant upgrade to the vehicle’s airbag system. The update demonstrates Tesla’s continued focus on enhancing vehicle safety through software innovation. The release notes, shared by Not A Tesla App, describe the feature as the Frontal Airbag System Enhancement, which integrates Tesla Vision data to complement the automaker’s existing crash protection framework. Traditionally, airbags deploy based on sensors that detect sudden deceleration or collision forces. The new system incorporates real-time visual analysis, allowing airbags to inflate earlier and more effectively in the event of a frontal…

Germany’s tender to build a fast-charging network for trucks along motorways could face delays or reduced participation due to a government-mandated “pass-through” model, industry sources said. The tender, organised by NOW GmbH, requires operators at publicly funded truck charging parks to allow third-party electricity providers to supply power at their own chargers. The measure is intended to increase competition but may reduce the commercial appeal for charging point operators (CPOs), according to several participants. “Some charging network operators are threatening to withdraw entirely from the bidding process,” Knut Hechtfischer, CEO of Berlin-based pass-through service provider Decarbon1ze, told Handelsblatt. “The state…

U.S. electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers should prioritize product and technology development over pricing in response to advances in China’s EV industry, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said, highlighting the increasing sophistication of Chinese vehicles. Speaking on the Plugged-In Podcast, Scaringe noted that while ultra-low-cost Chinese EVs are unlikely to reach U.S. consumers due to tariffs, safety regulations, and production costs, Western automakers should still pay attention to technological developments abroad. “I think everyone should be planning for that and designing [their] technology stack around that,” Scaringe said. “What’s alarming, if you’re looking at the whole industry, is that the…

Charging infrastructure provider XCharge has introduced its GridLink DC fast charger with integrated battery storage to the European market, following earlier deployment in North America. The company presented the system at the Intercharge Network Conference (icnc) in Berlin. The GridLink delivers up to 194 kW of charging power while drawing a maximum of 44 kW from the grid, with the remainder supplied by a 215 kWh battery pack. The system targets logistics operators, dealerships, and petrol stations, enabling high charging capacity at locations with limited grid connections. “The concept of chargers with buffer storage is not new. But with GridLink,…

Tesla has released the fourth edition of its “Master Plan,” expanding the company’s mission to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy while leveraging artificial intelligence, the company announced on social media platform X. The plan, which follows three prior Master Plans dating back to 2006, outlines Tesla’s intention to develop products and services aimed at promoting global prosperity and human well-being. “Our desire to push beyond what is considered achievable will foster the growth needed for truly sustainable abundance,” the plan states. https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1962591324022153607 Tesla’s Master Plans have historically guided its strategic direction. The original 2006 plan envisioned starting with…