Author: Jonathan Collins

LG Chem has announced plans to become the first South Korean company to mass-produce cathode materials without precursors, a move expected to shorten development times and lower the carbon footprint of battery production. The company’s LPF (LG Precursor Free) cathode materials are produced through direct calcination of customized metals, eliminating the need for precursor manufacturing. See also: Exxon Mobil Signs Lithium Supply Deal with LG Chem for Arkansas Project LG Chem claims this approach improves power performance at low temperatures while reducing wastewater and CO2 emissions, though specific environmental benefits were not disclosed. Production of LPF materials is set to…

Rivian has filed a patent for wheel covers with active aerodynamic elements aimed at improving the efficiency of its electric vehicles, according to a recent disclosure by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, originally submitted in August 2023 and published on Mar. 6, describes wheel covers featuring movable openings that can align with wheel spokes in one position and create a smooth surface in another. See also: Rivian Files Patent for Stowable Bed and Roof Rack System for Pickups and SUVs A spring mechanism would rotate the cover between positions, allowing for adaptability based on driving…

Volvo Cars plans to upgrade its EX90 electric SUV from a 400-volt to an 800-volt electrical architecture in future model years, aiming to improve charging efficiency and align with industry advancements. The move will bring the EX90 in line with the recently unveiled ES90 sedan, which already features an 800-volt system. The current 400-volt EX90 can charge at speeds of up to 250 kW, reaching 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. The transition to 800 volts is expected to significantly reduce charging times when using high-power DC fast chargers. See also: Volvo Unveils ES90 Electric Saloon with 800V Charging and…

A research team from the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has conducted a comparative analysis of traction batteries from Tesla and BYD, reporting “surprising results” with new insights into their structure and efficiency. PEM noted that detailed data on modern electric vehicle batteries is scarce, particularly for Tesla and BYD, which have disclosed limited information about their battery technologies. “Both players have only ever revealed little data about their batteries, so the cells’ mechanical structure and most of their properties have remained hidden to date,” said PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker. See also:…

Insolvent German air taxi startup Volocopter has reportedly found a buyer, with Diamond Aircraft, an Austrian aircraft manufacturer owned by China’s Wanfeng, set to take over the company, according to German business publication Wirtschaftswoche. However, the deal has yet to be officially confirmed. Diamond Aircraft, primarily known for its motorized gliders and small aircraft for private aviation, has been expanding its footprint in the electric aviation sector. Sources close to the matter indicate that the acquisition deal has been agreed upon, though financial details remain undisclosed. The new owner reportedly plans to reduce Volocopter’s workforce from around 500 employees to…

Genesis has introduced a refreshed version of its GV60 electric SUV, featuring an extended driving range, updated styling, and new technology. The revised model debuted in South Korea on Thursday, with international markets including the United States and Europe set to follow later this year. The latest GV60 incorporates a fourth-generation 84 kWh battery, increasing its certified range in South Korea to nearly 300 miles (481 km), up from 280 miles (451 km) in the previous model. The all-wheel-drive variant now delivers up to 490 horsepower (360 kW) and 700 Nm of maximum torque with Boost Control, enabling acceleration from…

Volvo Trucks has reaffirmed its dominance in the European heavy-duty electric truck market, reporting sales of 1,970 units over 16 tonnes in 2024. The Swedish truckmaker retains a commanding 47% market share, matching its 2023 performance, when it delivered 1,977 electric trucks. This represents a significant lead over its 2022 position, when it held a 32.3% share of the segment. Volvo has identified Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland as key markets driving its electric truck sales this year. See also: Volvo Trucks Recalls 2023-2025 VNR Electric Trucks Over High-Voltage Battery Defect According to data from the European Automobile…

LG Energy Solution’s battery plant in Queen Creek, Arizona, remains on schedule to begin series production of large cylindrical battery cells in the first half of 2026, with Tesla and Rivian among the confirmed customers. Construction of the plant, which started in November 2023, is set to be completed by late 2025. “The construction of the battery plant is well on track, with production set to start in the spring of 2026,” Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley told Korea JoongAng Daily at InterBattery 2025. See also: LG Energy Solution to Cut Capex Amid Slow EV Demand Growth The Arizona facility will…

Arval, the corporate vehicle leasing subsidiary of BNP Paribas, reported a 52% rise in the number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in its fleet in 2024, bringing its total to 253,373 units. The company says it aims to continue expanding its EV offerings throughout 2025. The firm, which leases vehicles to over 400,000 clients across 29 countries, said BEVs accounted for 22.6% of its new vehicle orders last year but represented 14.1% of its total leased fleet. Despite an overall decline in European BEV registrations by 2%, Arval recorded a 35% increase in BEV adoption in the region, outpacing market trends.…

A proposal to impose a 100% tariff on Tesla vehicles has sparked debate in Canada, as the country considers its response to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Some experts and industry observers argue that instead of targeting the American EV maker, Canada should ease restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to maintain competition and consumer choice. Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former deputy prime minister and a candidate to lead the ruling Liberal Party, has called for a tariff specifically on Tesla as part of a broader response to the U.S. trade measures announced by President Donald Trump. The U.S. recently…

Stellantis has cautioned its U.S. dealers that newly imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada could put the automaker at a disadvantage compared to its Asian and European competitors, according to an email sent to retailers on Tuesday. “These tariffs will put Stellantis’ flagship Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands at a competitive disadvantage versus Korean, Japanese and European importers, which are not facing similar tariffs at this time,” the company stated in the email. Stellantis also said it is engaging with the Trump administration in an effort to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. See also: Stellantis…

Rivian is making significant progress on its upcoming R2 electric SUV, with plans to expand production and take the brand global, Chief Financial Officer Claire McDonough said in an update on social media late Wednesday. The company is “working around the clock” to expand its Normal, Illinois, plant ahead of the R2’s launch, McDonough said. Production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with sourcing for the vehicle now about 95% complete. See also: Rivian’s R2 and R3 Models Unlikely to Adopt 800-Volt Architecture, Says CEO RJ Scaringe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jghrB8iNAUw Rivian is positioning the R2, which starts at…