Author: Jonathan Collins

New York City is inviting manufacturers and suppliers of electric construction equipment to participate in a trial program, aiming to evaluate battery-powered machinery for public works before making procurement decisions. The city intends to test light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric equipment free of charge for up to six months, according to a statement from the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) and the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). See also: Falco Construction Trials Electric Excavators in Push Toward Net Zero Manufacturers have until March 10 to submit proposals, with selected companies set to be announced in April.…

The European Commission is signaling potential flexibility on its planned 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicle sales, as automakers push to ease regulations on CO2 penalties and extend the role of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). According to a report by German publication Der Spiegel, EU officials have not ruled out allowing the sale of PHEVs beyond 2035. A recently published EU strategy paper suggests that regulators will “examine possible flexibilities to ensure that our industry remains competitive without lowering the overall ambition of the 2025 targets.” The document also acknowledges that a “technology-neutral approach” may be required to meet…

The UK government has abandoned a proposal to increase the maximum continuous power of electric bike motors from 250W to 500W, following widespread opposition. The plan, put forward by the Conservative Party, aimed to encourage greater adoption of electric bicycles, but was met with significant concern during the public consultation process. A year ago, the Department for Transport (DfT) launched a consultation to explore the potential benefits of raising the motor power limit and allowing throttle-assisted electric bikes to reach speeds of up to 15.5 miles per hour (25 km/h) without requiring type approval. However, after reviewing the responses from…

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has paused funding for a $5 billion electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure program, a move that has sparked criticism from industry groups and legal experts who argue the decision is unlawful. The program, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) initiative, has already allocated at least $31 million to Tesla, which accounted for approximately 6% of total awards as of mid-2023. See also: Ford CEO Questions Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Auto Imports The suspension follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, targeting federal charging infrastructure programs, including NEVI. A…

Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC), the automaker’s first in-house battery manufacturing facility outside of Japan, is set to begin production in April. The nearly $14 billion facility, located in the United States, will produce batteries for a range of electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The plant, which is Toyota’s 11th manufacturing site in the U.S., is expected to support approximately 5,000 jobs. See also: Toyota Considers New EV Battery Plant in Kyushu This new plant is part of Toyota’s strategy to produce locally and invest in communities…

BYD is set to announce its vehicle intelligence strategy on February 10 at its global headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. The company has extended invitations for the event, highlighting its commitment to making technology accessible. “Technology is made for people and should be available to everyone,” BYD stated in the invitation. The forthcoming “God’s Eye” system aims to usher in a new era of intelligent driving, providing users with enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience. BYD’s Shenzhen-listed shares experienced a significant uptick, rising nearly 9% to RMB 307.02, reaching a three-month high, partly due to this announcement. See also: BYD Sells…

Li Auto reported a sharp decline in deliveries for January, reflecting the seasonal slowdown in China’s auto market. The company delivered 29,927 vehicles during the month, down 48.85% from December’s 58,513 units and 3.97% lower than the same period last year. China’s auto industry typically experiences weaker sales at the beginning of the year, with demand peaking toward year-end. Despite the downturn, Li Auto’s Li L6 surpassed a cumulative delivery milestone of 200,000 units in January. See also: Li Auto Establishes First Overseas R&D Center in Germany The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) model, which launched in April 2024 at a…

Researchers at George Washington University (GWU) and collaborating institutions have created a new method to extract and purify lithium directly from geothermal brines, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional mining for electric vehicle (EV) battery production, according to a study published this week. The process avoids harsh chemicals and uses an electro-driven system to selectively capture lithium ions, converting them into battery-grade lithium hydroxide with 99.5% purity. Traditional methods rely on solar evaporation and chemical precipitation, which consume significant water and energy. See also: German Research Institutes Complete ‘InForm’ Project to Accelerate and Optimize Battery Cell Production The GWU…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio reported a sharp drop in deliveries for January, reflecting seasonal weakness due to the Lunar New Year holiday. Nio delivered 13,863 vehicles last month, marking a 37.87% increase from 10,055 units in January 2024 but a 55.48% decline from December’s record 31,138 units. See also: Nio Collaborates on Draft Standard for Electric Car Battery Swapping Systems in Germany The main Nio brand accounted for 7,951 deliveries in January, down 20.92% year-on-year and a steep 61.42% drop from the previous month. Meanwhile, its sub-brand Onvo delivered 5,912 units, a 43.84% decline from December’s 10,528 units. The…

Swedish truckmaker Scania has deployed staff to assist Northvolt’s flagship battery plant in northern Sweden, aiming to improve production quality and output as the struggling battery maker seeks crucial funding. Since November, Scania employees have been present at Northvolt Ett, the Skellefteå-based facility employing 2,500 workers, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters. Under the support initiative, Scania personnel have been paired with Northvolt shift managers and team leaders to enhance processes and implement standards. See also: Northvolt Seeks $1.29 Billion from Shareholders Amid Bankruptcy Challenges  Scania, a key Northvolt customer, confirmed its involvement but declined further comment. “The value…

Rightech, the new brand under Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus, has introduced the RT75 battery-electric truck, designed for urban logistics and sustainable transport. The RT75 comes in two versions: RT75 UK and RT75 Europe, both featuring cutting-edge electric propulsion technology for efficient and environmentally friendly operations. Here’s a detailed look at their specifications. Battery and Charging Both the RT75 UK and RT75 Europe are equipped with a 107 kWh battery pack supplied by CATL. This high-capacity battery enables the trucks to achieve a driving range of up to 230 kilometers on a single charge. Charging capabilities include: DC fast charging:…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company will upgrade HW3 self-driving computers for owners who have purchased its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, marking a key update for customers using older hardware. Speaking during Tesla’s fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call, Musk confirmed that all vehicles equipped with HW3 would receive an upgrade to new self-driving computers. However, he specified that the offer would apply only to customers who purchased FSD outright, not to those who subscribe to the service. See also: Tesla Confirms Mid-2025 Launch for Affordable EVs, Cites Next-Gen Manufacturing and Tech “The honest answer is that we’re going to have…

Nearly half of Americans intend to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) within the next five years, with 21% planning to do so in the next one to two years, according to a new survey by Verra Mobility. The report, titled The State of EVs: 2025 Report on Smart Mobility, reflects evolving consumer attitudes toward EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and maintenance concerns. The survey, conducted among 2,000 U.S. adults aged 25 and older, found that while interest in EVs remains high, practical concerns continue to shape consumer decisions. See also: EV Prices Drop 25% Since 2018, Narrowing the Gap with Combustion…

Munich-based BMW has unveiled a refreshed version of its iX electric SUV, introducing performance enhancements and range improvements while making only subtle design changes. The mid-cycle update sees a power boost across all three variants, alongside battery capacity increases that extend driving range. The model retains its signature styling, including the distinctive kidney grille and aerodynamic profile. “The almost seamless design and larger areas painted in body color contribute to a sporty yet elegant presence,” BMW said in a statement. The facelifted iX now features redesigned air intakes, updated headlights, and BMW’s ‘Iconic Glow’ illuminated contour lighting as standard on…

Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand, announced plans to phase out pure combustion models in Europe this year as it transitions to an all-electric product lineup. The brand will update its three existing battery electric vehicles (BEVs)—the GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80—with enhancements in battery capacity, equipment, and overall performance. See also: Genesis Unveils GV60 MIV Concept for Extreme Rescue Operations The Electrified G80 saloon is set to debut in the second quarter with a longer wheelbase and increased range. While specific updates are pending, the current model features an 87.2 kWh battery, offering up to 520 kilometers of range. The…

E.ON and the Danish Fleggaard Group are collaborating to install 36 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points at four border shopping locations in northern Germany, aiming to enhance public charging infrastructure along the German-Danish border. The charging stations, which include both 150 kW and 400 kW DC fast chargers, will be located at Fleggaard and Calle border shops, catering to customers, commuters, and tourists traveling between the two countries. See also: PowerGo and E.ON Drive Infrastructure Launch Ultra-Fast Charging Hub in Denmark The largest installation will be at the Harrislee Fleggaard shop near Flensburg, which will feature 16 chargers with…

HD Hyundai announced plans to debut a production-ready version of its hydrogen fuel cell-powered HW155H 14-ton wheeled excavator at the Bauma construction trade show, marking a significant step in its push to meet global demand for zero-emission construction equipment. The excavator is among ten updated or new machines the South Korean firm is expected to showcase at the event. The HW155H, first introduced as a concept at Bauma 2022, is designed to address tightening emissions regulations and noise concerns in urban environments. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, it delivers 70 to 100 kW of power to electric motors, enabling up…

Swiss electric aircraft developer H55 has partnered with British charging infrastructure firm AeroVolt to address gaps in electric aviation, including expanding charging networks and launching the first all-electric pilot training programs, the companies announced on Thursday. The collaboration will focus on standardizing charging software using AeroVolt’s proprietary system, Squadron, and deploying charging infrastructure at regional airports. The partners also aim to introduce end-to-end electric training programs for private pilot licenses, integrating H55’s B23 Energic aircraft into AeroVolt’s network. See also: AeroVolt Expands Electric Vertical Take-Off Aircraft Charging Network in the UK “Electric aviation is no longer a concept; it’s a…

Everrati Automotive Limited has introduced an electric version of the 1968 W113 280SL Pagoda, combining the vintage design of the classic car with modern electric vehicle (EV) technology. This fully restored model aims to offer a sustainable and modern alternative to the original while retaining the iconic features of the Pagoda. See also: Everrati Transforms Classic Mercedes-Benz SL “Pagoda” into Electric Beauty with Over 200 Miles of Range The electric Pagoda retains the original design elements, including the concave roofline, while incorporating an updated electric powertrain. The restoration process focuses on maintaining the vehicle’s original driving dynamics and weight distribution…

Stellantis has confirmed the allocation of its STLA Small platform to its Spanish production facilities in Vigo and Zaragoza. The multi-energy platform, designed primarily for electric vehicles (EVs), will also support internal combustion engines. Production in Spain is set to complement a rollout at the Pomigliano plant in Italy, starting in 2028, the company announced. The decision to award the STLA Small platform to the Vigo and Zaragoza plants reflects their competitiveness, expertise, favorable social climate, and support from public authorities, Stellantis said in a statement. See also: Stellantis and CATL to Build Major EV Battery Plant in Spain with…