Author: Jonathan Collins

CATL and SAIC Commercial Vehicle announced an expanded strategic partnership at Auto Guangzhou 2025 on November 21, outlining a plan to accelerate electrification and digitalization in commercial transport. The cooperation will cover joint technology development, ecosystem construction and international market expansion, with the two companies working to build an integrated network connecting vehicles, battery systems, swap stations and cloud platforms. The initiative aims to modernize logistics and urban delivery operations while supporting a transition toward more efficient and lower-emission commercial mobility. SAIC Commercial Vehicle, a key player in China’s logistics and urban transport sector, has made new energy technologies central…

The Dutch vehicle authority RDW said on Monday it expects to decide on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in February, after the company demonstrates that its driver assistance system meets required safety standards. The announcement follows a social media post by Tesla claiming the RDW “has committed to granting the company the Netherlands National approval” in February. https://twitter.com/teslaeurope/status/1992317016821350665 Tesla added that this approval could pave the way for recognition across other EU countries and a subsequent vote by the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles for EU-wide authorization. The company encouraged customers to contact RDW to “express excitement and thank them…

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast reported a larger third-quarter net loss on Friday, citing heavy spending to expand its market presence and support sales amid intense competition. The company posted a Q3 loss of 24 trillion dong (S$1.2 billion), up from 13.25 trillion dong a year earlier. Quarterly gross margin was negative 56.2%, compared with negative 24% in the same period last year, driven largely by higher warranty provisions and vehicle production costs, VinFast said. Shares of VinFast fell more than 5% in premarket trading following the earnings report. VinFast also secured two loan facilities totaling US$250 million during the…

Tesla has brought its updated 2026 Model S and Model X to the Chinese market, although customers remain restricted to purchasing from existing inventory rather than placing factory orders. The limitation stems from trade tensions between China and the United States, which led Tesla to halt new orders for both models in April. See also: Tesla Sues Corporate Buyers in China to Reclaim EV Subsidies After Mileage Shortfalls The Model S and Model X are built exclusively at Tesla’s Fremont, California facility, placing them directly within the scope of tariff-related measures imposed by both countries. As a result, Tesla replaced…

Autoflight, a Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company backed by battery manufacturer CATL, has introduced a water-based vertiport designed to support electric air taxi operations in locations where land-based infrastructure is limited. The system, jointly developed with CATL, functions as a battery-powered vessel equipped with a landing platform, photovoltaic energy storage, charging systems, dispatch tools, and communication equipment. According to Autoflight, the concept is intended to address constraints such as site selection challenges, slower deployment timelines, and operational complexities on land. The company said the solution is designed for several application areas, including energy platform maintenance, emergency response,…

Kempower has opened downtown Durham, North Carolina’s first public DC fast-charging station, marking a milestone for local EV infrastructure. The station, located at 111 W. Chapel Hill Street, is operated in partnership with National Car Charging and features two connectors—CCS1 and CHAdeMO—near restaurants, retail, and other downtown amenities. Although the area has long offered numerous Level 2 chargers, this is the first DC fast charger in the city center. Until now, EV drivers needed to travel about three miles outside downtown for the nearest fast-charging option. Kempower did not disclose the unit’s peak charging output, but a recent PlugShare report…

Changan Automobile’s sub-brand Nevo has launched the updated Q05 small electric SUV at the opening of the 2025 Guangzhou auto show on Friday, positioning the model as a low-cost competitor to vehicles such as the BYD Yuan Up. The new Q05 is available exclusively as a battery electric vehicle, with prices starting at RMB 79,900 (USD 11,230). The Q05 measures 4,539 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,656 mm. This places it slightly larger than BYD’s Yuan Up, which has a length of 4,310 mm and a wheelbase of 2,620…

CATL is preparing to resume operations at its Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun as early as next month, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes as lithium carbonate prices in China experience sharp swings. According to the report, the company has developed a preliminary plan to restart production in early December and has asked suppliers and partners to ready equipment, chemicals and personnel. CATL has also notified refineries that process raw materials from the mine. Bloomberg noted that the preparations “do not guarantee regulatory approval,” and that the plan may still change depending on…

Xpeng officially introduced its extended-range X9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on Thursday, marking the company’s first entry into the EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) segment. The model starts at RMB 309,800 ($43,550), reflecting an 11.5 percent reduction from its pre-sale price and undercutting the battery electric variant, signaling Xpeng’s focus on competitive positioning. The X9 EREV is available in two variants: the 1602 Max at RMB 309,800 and the 1602 Ultra at RMB 329,800, down from RMB 370,000 during pre-sales. “We aim for the vehicle to operate solely on electricity in 90 percent of scenarios without activating the range extender,” Xpeng said,…

Autonomy, a US electric-vehicle subscription provider, said it is expanding its fleet with an additional 1,250 battery-electric cars after securing $25 million in financing, marking a shift from its previous Tesla-only offering. The investment, backed by a loan from SR Alternative Credit arranged through Finacity Corporation, will support the integration of new models, including the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 Highland and Tesla Model Y Juniper. The company said the procurement round is designed to diversify model categories and price ranges. It added that the inclusion of Volvo and Polestar vehicles is intended “to offer more models and price categories,…

PowerCo, Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, has appointed Alexander Schmitt as its new Chief Procurement Officer and member of the Executive Board, effective 18 November. Schmitt replaces Jörg Teichmann, who is leaving the position by mutual agreement and will transition to another role within the Volkswagen Group. The company did not disclose details on Teichmann’s future assignment or whether he will join a specific VW brand or take up responsibilities at group headquarters. Teichmann joined PowerCo in 2022 as one of its first board members and oversaw the creation of the procurement division during the company’s formative phase. Schmitt previously held senior…

Kia unveiled its first fully electric PV5 Chassis Cab at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon, marking the expansion of its PV5 light commercial vehicle range to include a driver’s cab model suitable for multiple conversions. Orders are now open in Germany. The PV5 Chassis Cab was developed in collaboration with European conversion companies to support a variety of body types and applications, the company said. The chassis measures under five metres in length and can carry payloads of up to 1,005 kilograms with cargo volumes of up to eight cubic metres. At the trade fair, Kia showcased a food truck built…