Author: Jonathan Collins

Fiido has unveiled the C11 Pro, a new premium variant of its urban e-bike flagship, featuring an upgraded S200 dual-sided torque sensor from Mivice for improved pedal responsiveness. The upgraded sensor, with a response latency as low as 0.01 seconds, promises a smoother start by adapting instantly to pedal pressure, and retains IP67 weatherproofing for durability. The C11 Pro is built on the same 700C aluminum alloy frame as the standard model and includes premium components such as a custom-designed Velo saddle and dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes. However, it extends its range to approximately 104 kilometers (64 miles) per charge,…

Struggling battery manufacturer Northvolt has raised a small amount of fresh capital, sufficient to ensure that employee salaries are paid at the end of this week. Simultaneously, discussions are underway regarding a larger support package that could exceed $300 million by the end of the month, according to internal sources cited by the Swedish publication Dagens industri. This potential funding would bolster Northvolt’s liquidity into the coming year. According to a report by Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs’ investment subsidiary is considering collaborating with other investors to assist Northvolt, with a commitment dependent on additional backing. Goldman Sachs Asset Management, the company’s…

First Bus has commissioned Heliox to electrify five additional bus depots in the UK, as part of its broader plan to expand its electric vehicle charging network. The public transport operator aims to operate 14 depots and more than 800 electric buses by 2025, enhancing its contribution to the country’s zero-emission goals. The depots, located in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Minehead, Taunton, and Basildon, will be equipped with charging infrastructure developed by Heliox, a Dutch company now owned by Siemens. First Bus is investing £89 million in the project, with an additional £16 million from the UK government’s ZEBRA 2 funding programme.…

On September 24, the Luxeed R7 officially launched, marking the latest entry into the electric vehicle market from Luxeed, a brand co-developed by Chery and Huawei. Built around Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) ecosystem, the Luxeed R7 offers a mix of technology, performance, and luxury, aimed at competing with top electric SUVs. The pre-sales for the R7 began on September 10, but the official launch revealed an additional fourth variant, offering more choices for consumers. Prices for the R7 range from 259,800 to 339,800 yuan (36,950 – 48,300 USD), with the following versions available: RWD 82 kWh Pro: 259,800…

Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT) and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHDVs). The collaboration will focus on grid readiness and sharing best practices for efficient and cost-effective infrastructure development. This initiative aligns with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, aimed at promoting the adoption of electric commercial vehicles. The partnership is intended to enhance grid readiness across various regions, helping truck manufacturers and fleet operators meet federal and state zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) requirements. PACT and EEI will work together to…

Arkup, a developer of sustainable and livable marine vessels, has officially unveiled its latest solar-electric houseboat, the ARKUP 50, which will be showcased at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show later this month. This innovative modular solar yacht can be configured with up to two bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing it to function as both a stationary residence and a mobile watercraft—all while maintaining zero emissions. Notably, it also features Starlink internet for seamless connectivity. Founded in 2016 and based in Miami, Arkup aims to provide luxurious, resilient, and sustainable livable yachts. The company garnered attention with its original model, the…

Decathlon has expanded its electric bike lineup with the launch of the Rockrider E-ACTV 500 high frame model in Europe. This new e-bike shares several features with the low-frame version, which debuted earlier this year. Both models are equipped with a 250W Yamaha motor delivering 55Nm of torque, offering a robust and efficient ride. The Rockrider E-ACTV 500 provides five assistance modes, powered by a 504Wh battery capable of delivering up to 150 km (~93 miles) on eco mode, the lowest power setting. Riders can adjust the assistance level using the bike’s color control screen, which also includes a USB-A…

Cupra has announced a new three-month return option for its all-electric Cupra Born, aimed at alleviating concerns for first-time electric vehicle buyers in the UK. This initiative, designed to provide potential EV owners with peace of mind, allows customers to experience the Cupra Born without a long-term commitment. Under the scheme dubbed “Love Me or Leave Me,” buyers can return the vehicle within three months for a full refund of their deposit, subject to conditions related to damage and excess mileage. This unique offer encourages consumers to transition to electric mobility with reduced risk and is applicable to qualifying vehicles…

The 2025 Kia EV9 enters its second model year following a successful debut as an all-electric, three-row SUV in 2024. As a continuation of the popular model, Kia has introduced only minor updates and a price increase for one specific trim, maintaining the momentum of the EV9’s early success. The vehicle’s high demand and strong sales have prompted minimal changes, focusing mainly on cosmetic tweaks. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the EV9 offers an impressive range of up to 310 miles and 800V charging capabilities. Since its U.S. launch in December 2023, the SUV has sold over 14,000…

Garrett Motion Inc. and China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd. (SinoTruk) have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the development of advanced electrified powertrain technologies for commercial vehicles, with the goal of mass production by 2027. The partnership will focus on creating next-generation electric powertrains designed to improve energy efficiency and simplify vehicle integration for both light and heavy trucks, supporting the expansion of zero-emission technology in China’s commercial vehicle sector. The collaboration will leverage Garrett’s expertise in high-speed electric motors and SinoTruk’s strengths in transmission systems, aiming to develop solutions that reduce material usage while…

New Flyer of America, a subsidiary of NFI Group, has announced a firm order for 108 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ 40-foot transit buses from San Mateo County Transit (SamTrans). This order marks the largest single fuel cell bus order in New Flyer’s history. The contract for these buses was added to New Flyer’s backlog in the second quarter of 2024, with orders placed throughout the second and third quarters. SamTrans provides public transportation services across San Mateo County, including service to San Francisco and Palo Alto, California. The agency delivers nearly nine million bus rides annually across…

Volkswagen Group’s Indian subsidiary is reportedly shifting plans away from using the MEB platform for locally produced electric vehicles (EVs), opting instead for the cost-effective China Main Platform (CMP). Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) initially intended to localize the MEB21 platform, a front-wheel-drive version, for upcoming models like the VW ID.2, Skoda Epiq, and Cupra Raval. However, due to high costs, the company decided to abandon the MEB21 in favor of the CMP21, which offers a 30% cost reduction. The CMP21 platform, derived from Volkswagen’s rear-wheel-drive MEB31 platform, can support SUVs in the 4.30-4.80 meter range, making it…

Forvia, the world’s seventh-largest car parts supplier by revenue, has announced new agreements with Chinese automakers BYD and Xiaomi as part of its efforts to offset declining demand from domestic manufacturers. Chinese sales account for a quarter of Forvia’s total revenue, and these contracts are seen as vital to stabilizing its performance. In a statement accompanying its third-quarter sales report, Forvia revealed that it had been selected to supply parts for BYD’s second European factory, located in Turkey. The company also confirmed new deals with Chery and Li Auto, further expanding its presence in the Chinese market. Analyst Stephen Reitman…

Ford dealerships in the U.S. can now earn bonuses of up to $22,500 for ordering 2024 F-150 Lightning models through the automaker’s Rapid Replenishment Centers (RRCs), a network of regional distribution hubs. This program, launched on October 15 and running through November 15, is aimed at encouraging dealers to utilize the RRCs rather than maintaining large EV inventories on-site. Dealers will receive $1,000 for each F-150 Lightning XLT, Flash, Lariat, or Platinum model ordered, up to a limit of nine trucks. For orders of 10 to 15 trucks, the bonus increases to $1,500 per vehicle, allowing a dealer to earn…

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz has been awarded the title of 2025 Green Van of the Year™ by Green Car Journal, acknowledging its role as an electric reinterpretation of the classic VW Microbus. This recognition is part of the journal’s annual Green Car Awards, which also honored the Fiat 500e as the Urban Green Car of the Year™ for the second year running and the Ford Maverick as the Commercial Green Truck of the Year™. The ID. Buzz features options for single or dual electric motors, producing between 282 and 330 horsepower. It seats up to seven passengers and has a driving…

Blink Charging has partnered with Stable Auto to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging network through the use of AI-powered technology. This collaboration is focused on improving site utilization, network efficiency, and profitability by incorporating Stable Auto’s AI platform, which analyzes usage patterns and adjusts pricing based on regional energy costs and driver demand. The partnership has already led to a 34% efficiency increase across 60 locations, as part of Blink’s initiative, “Right Charger, Right Place, Right Time, Right Price.” This approach is aimed at optimizing charger placement and pricing to better meet consumer needs. Stable Auto’s AI solutions are…

Chinese automaker Chery introduced its innovative flying car during an innovation conference on Friday, aiming to gain a competitive advantage in the global automotive market. The futuristic vehicle is designed without a traditional steering wheel or accelerator and has successfully completed a test flight covering a distance of 80 kilometers. The flying car features dual modes for both road driving and aerial travel, enabling smooth transitions between land and air. Chery asserts that this capability could significantly alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. In addition to its flying car, Chery outlined its broader strategy focused on advanced battery technology. The…

Chinese electric vehicle battery giant CATL reported a 26% year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter, according to a stock filing released on Friday. The company achieved a net profit of 13.14 billion yuan ($1.85 billion) for the July-September period, marking an acceleration from the previous quarter. However, revenue fell by 12.5% year-on-year to 92.3 billion yuan, continuing a trend of declining revenues for the fourth consecutive quarter. This profit increase follows a 13.4% rise in the second quarter, indicating CATL’s ability to sustain profitability despite ongoing revenue challenges. As of September, CATL held a 44% market share…

Mini, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, has significantly reduced the prices of its electric vehicle (EV) models in China to enhance its competitiveness in the market. From October 18 to November 30, customers can benefit from discounts of up to 29% on the all-electric Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman, as highlighted on Mini China’s official website. The price adjustments apply to three variants of the electric Mini Cooper, which are now priced at RMB 148,800 ($20,930), RMB 182,800, and RMB 194,800, down from their original starting prices of RMB 209,800, RMB 239,800, and RMB 259,800, respectively. This translates to…

Charge point operator Allego has been commissioned by retail property investor Ascencio to install 212 fast-charging points across 45 locations in Belgium. These high-power chargers, with capacities of up to 400 kW, will be installed primarily in car parks at retail properties, such as supermarkets and shopping centres, which Ascencio specializes in. The strategic placement of the chargers aims to benefit both drivers, who can charge their vehicles while shopping, and retailers, who could see increased customer traffic. Thomas Vandervecken, Allego’s Business Developer Manager for Belux, highlighted the advantages of placing charging infrastructure along major roads in these commercial hubs.…