Author: Jonathan Collins

Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids increased 24% year-on-year in June, driven by continued demand in China and Europe, according to market research firm Rho Motion. However, sales declined in North America, reflecting policy shifts and a slowdown in Canadian and U.S. demand. Sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids reached 1.8 million units in June. China accounted for the majority of this growth, with registrations climbing 28% to 1.11 million vehicles. Europe followed with a 23% increase to about 390,000 units, while the “rest of the world” category — comprising emerging markets in Southeast Asia,…

Volkswagen has unveiled a limited-edition production model of its ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE, one year after its debut as a show car at the ID. Meeting in Locarno in 2024. Only 1,990 units of the high-performance electric hatchback will be produced, honouring the launch year of the original Golf II Fire and Ice from 1990. Available in two power variants—210 kW and 240 kW—the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE features a rear-mounted electric motor delivering up to 545 Nm of torque. Volkswagen claims acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 kph. The vehicle is powered…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered the first two eActros 600 electric trucks to Dutch logistics provider Simon Loos, marking the initial phase of a 75-vehicle order announced last year. The trucks will be used for retail distribution by supermarket chain Lidl. The order, revealed during the IAA Transportation event in Hanover in 2023, more than doubles Simon Loos’s existing electric fleet from 60 to 135 vehicles. Most of the company’s current electric trucks were also supplied by Daimler Truck, including earlier eActros 300 models. “After months of intensive testing under various conditions, the two eActros 600 trucks have impressively proven their…

Volkswagen and its Chinese joint venture partner SAIC have closed their vehicle production plant in Nanjing, marking the first time the German automaker has shuttered a facility in China. The site, which primarily manufactured internal combustion engine (ICE) models such as the VW Passat and Skoda Superb, has ceased operations, with production expected to shift to SAIC-Volkswagen’s nearby Yizheng facility. Rumours of the plant’s closure surfaced last year, and Volkswagen has now confirmed the decision to German outlet Automobilwoche, following an initial report by Handelsblatt. Unlike previous adjustments such as VW’s exit from the controversial Xinjiang facility—which was sold rather…

German vehicle inspection company DEKRA and Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose have announced a cooperation agreement aimed at supporting safety standards for electric and automated transport systems across several global regions. The collaboration will cover areas such as battery and vehicle safety testing, battery state-of-health diagnostics using DEKRA’s proprietary methods, and the use of DEKRA’s international network to support Windrose operations in Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia. According to a joint statement, the partnership seeks to support the implementation of consistent safety practices in new energy and autonomous vehicle technologies. “DEKRA and Windrose will drive harmonised safety standards across…

Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport, will soon roll out its first fleet of fully electric shuttle buses as part of a new partnership with Spanish manufacturer Irizar e-mobility. The 14 all-electric ie tram buses will operate between long-stay car parks and terminal buildings, marking a significant step in the airport’s push toward low-emission transport. While technical specifications for Gatwick’s buses have not been disclosed, Irizar’s standard 18-metre ie tram models typically feature a 285 kW electric drivetrain and a battery range of around 350 km. To support rapid recharging, Gatwick will also install an “ultra-fast” pantograph system capable of…

Firefly, the budget electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand of Chinese automaker Nio, will begin customer deliveries in Europe at the end of July, starting in the Netherlands and Norway, the company said on Wednesday. The rollout is part of Firefly’s broader European expansion strategy, with the first markets chosen for their ability to support direct-to-consumer sales through Nio-owned showrooms, also known as Nio Houses. “We are able to move quickly in the Netherlands and Norway because of our direct retail network, which gives us greater control and agility,” said Daniel Ge, Firefly brand chief. In the Netherlands, customer test drives began…

Lucid Group has achieved a new milestone in electric vehicle performance, with its flagship Lucid Air Grand Touring setting a Guinness World Record by traveling 1,205 kilometers (749 miles) on a single charge. The record-setting journey, announced on Tuesday, exceeded the previous benchmark by 160 kilometers (99 miles). The record was set during a drive from St. Moritz, Switzerland, to Munich, Germany. The route included a combination of alpine roads, highways, and secondary streets, providing a varied terrain to test the vehicle’s efficiency. The prior record of 1,045 kilometers (649 miles) was established in June 2025. Lucid attributes the achievement…

Tesla will hold its annual shareholder meeting on November 6, the company said on Thursday, following calls from investors to set a date in accordance with legal obligations. The announcement came one day after a coalition of 27 major shareholders urged the electric vehicle maker to confirm a meeting date, citing governance concerns and the delayed release of the company’s annual proxy statement. Tesla also said it has set a new deadline of July 31 for the submission of shareholder proposals to be included in the upcoming proxy materials. The company last held its shareholder meeting in June 2024. In…

Stellantis Pro One has begun production of new battery-electric versions of its large ‘Cargo Box’ van and recreational vehicles at its Atessa facility in Italy, marking a key step in the company’s electrification strategy for commercial vehicles. The Atessa plant, the largest in Europe dedicated to large vans, will now support zero-emission production for both cargo and leisure transport markets. The Cargo Box, described by Stellantis as “the most capable BEV light commercial vehicle,” is built on the company’s Battery Electric Chassis Cab platform. It features a 110 kWh battery paired with a 200 kW electric drivetrain, delivering up to…

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said it will strengthen regulatory guidance for used vehicle exports to support the sector’s national rollout and ensure orderly development, as reported by CCTV News. At a regular press briefing, MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong said the ministry will continue to coordinate with other government departments to implement the decision made in February 2024 to expand used car export operations nationwide. The announcement followed the conclusion of a pilot program first launched in 2019. Used vehicle trade is a common international practice, MOFCOM noted, and China is seeking to formalize the sector through stricter technical standards…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has begun pre-sales for the updated version of its C11 SUV, introducing a range of enhancements in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The updated model features notable hardware upgrades and higher pre-sale pricing, which typically signals possible reductions at the official launch. Pre-orders opened today, with the updated C11 EREV starting at RMB 158,800 ($22,170) and RMB 168,800 for its two variants—an increase of RMB 10,000 or 6.7% over the previous model. The C11 BEV variants are priced at RMB 165,800 and RMB 175,800, representing a RMB 14,000, or…