Author: Jonathan Collins

Dongfeng Motor’s premium electric vehicle (EV) unit, Voyah, has commenced research on its third-generation solid-state battery technology, according to a report from local media outlet Cailian. The new power battery system is expected to maintain an energy density of 300 Wh/kg, while significantly improving charging speed, with a charge rate of 3 to 5 C. A 5 C charging rate suggests the battery could theoretically achieve a full charge in as little as 12 minutes. See also: Voyah Dream MPV Sales Soar with Over 65,000 Orders Since Launch Voyah’s solid-state battery features zero electrolyte content and is designed to function…

Charging infrastructure company Jolt has received $144 million (C$194 million) from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to support the installation of up to 1,500 fast-charging stations across Canada. The Australia-based company, which also operates in New Zealand and the UK, aims to expand accessible charging options in urban areas. Jolt’s business model integrates advertising-supported charging, offering users up to 7 kWh of free fast charging per day—equivalent to roughly 50 kilometers of driving range—through its mobile app. The allowance resets daily at midnight. The company funds this service through a built-in Digital Out-of-Home advertising network on its charging stations, with…

Technotrans has received a follow-up order from a major European electric bus manufacturer for its battery thermal management systems (BTMS), the company said on Monday. The order, valued in the double-digit million-euro range, will cover multiple electric bus series on a larger scale than previous agreements. See also: Technotrans Secures Major Follow-Up Order from ADS-TEC Energy for Charging Station Cooling Solutions The unnamed customer, which had placed an initial order in May 2024, has now secured its BTMS supply for 2025 in advance. Technotrans did not disclose the manufacturer’s name, in line with industry practices, though it confirmed continued deliveries…

Everrati, a company specializing in electrifying classic vehicles, has joined forces with SODA, an AI-driven automotive software provider, to develop a software-defined powertrain aimed at premium and niche automakers. The collaboration seeks to offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for manufacturers looking to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) development. The partnership will integrate Everrati’s modular EV powertrain technology with SODA’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) expertise, enabling automakers to deploy tailored powertrain solutions without extensive development costs. The system, which includes Everrati’s EverDrive suite and SODA’s SDV Library, is designed to enhance vehicle efficiency, reduce engineering complexity, and improve overall performance. See also:…

REE Automotive has partnered with Geotab, a global telematics and fleet management provider, to enhance data analytics for North American fleet operators. The collaboration integrates REE’s software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with Geotab’s advanced telematics platform, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Through the integration of REEai Cloud with Geotab’s system, fleet operators can monitor both REE’s electric trucks and other vehicles in real time, allowing for more comprehensive fleet management. The partnership is expected to streamline the adoption of REE’s EV technology within existing fleet operations. See also: Ree Automotive Partners with Roush Industries for P7…

Automakers and battery manufacturers are increasingly turning to silicon anodes to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery range and charging performance, a shift that could redefine the industry’s approach to energy storage. “The evolution towards silicon anodes is now starting,” George Cintra, battery R&D director at General Motors, told InsideEVs. “You’re going to see more silicon incorporated into EV batteries because it provides added range and also helps [EVs] fast-charge.” See also: General Motors and LG Energy Solution Unveil Prismatic Battery Cell Development Partnership Currently, EV battery anodes primarily consist of graphite, but experts say higher silicon content could boost energy…

Nio has filed for minor exterior updates on four of its best-selling models—the ES6 SUV, EC6 coupe SUV, ET5 sedan, and ET5 Touring—signaling an upcoming facelift. The changes were listed in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) latest regulatory catalog, which is open for public feedback from February 20-26. Inclusion in this catalog is one of the final steps before a model is cleared for sale in China. The updates focus primarily on aesthetic refinements rather than major mechanical upgrades. The four models appear in MIIT’s information change filing catalog, suggesting that their core components, including batteries and…

Fang Cheng Bao, a sub-brand of BYD, has introduced Smart Driving Edition variants of its Bao 5 off-road SUV, following a similar move by BYD earlier this month. The new Bao 5 variants, launched on Tuesday, are available in four options, with two featuring BYD’s God’s Eye C intelligent driving system and the other two equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 3.0 system. Pricing starts at RMB 239,800 ($33,090) for the base model, rising to RMB 259,800, RMB 284,800, and RMB 329,800 for the higher-tier variants. See also: Everything You Should Know About BYD’s “God’s Eye” Driving Assistance System The two…

Finnish EV charging manufacturer Kempower has launched an upgraded version of its DC ‘Station Charger,’ featuring the new ‘Kempower V2 Power Module’ with silicon carbide technology. The latest upgrade also includes enhanced energy measurement capabilities for improved efficiency and transparency. Unlike Kempower’s satellite system, the ‘Station Charger’ integrates power modules directly into the charging station’s housing. Available in 500V and 800V versions, the fast charger offers power outputs from 50 kW to 400 kW. It supports up to two dedicated DC charging points (CCS and/or CHAdeMO) and can also supply up to two Satellite columns or Kempower Control Unit wallboxes.…

At the recent Tech Days event in Landshut, Germany, BMW Group offered a detailed look into the development and production of its sixth-generation high-voltage battery and electric drive systems, set to power the forthcoming Neue Klasse series. Series production of these Gen6 drive units is slated to commence at BMW’s Steyr plant in Upper Austria by mid-2025. Pre-series production began in September 2024, with initial units undergoing rigorous testing. Some of these pre-series motors are already integrated into Neue Klasse test vehicles produced at BMW’s Debrecen facility in Hungary. The next-generation iX3, anticipated to be the first model based on…

German air taxi developer Volocopter has signed a long-term agreement with French aviation company Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in France. The partnership comes as Volocopter continues to navigate insolvency proceedings in Germany. Under the agreement, services will initially launch in Paris, where flight routes have already been approved by European and French aviation authorities, Volocopter said. The companies plan to expand operations to southwestern and southeastern France, leveraging Jet Systems’ existing helicopter routes, which currently serve around 15,000 passengers annually. Volocopter plans to deliver two VoloCity eVTOL aircraft once certification…

Israeli battery developer StoreDot said it will form a joint venture with South Korea’s JR Energy Solution to mass-produce its ultra-fast charging (XFC) batteries, aiming to establish South Korea as a key production hub. The partnership will initially target an annual production capacity of 1.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2024, scaling up to 4 GWh by 2027. If demand rises, capacity could expand to 10 GWh, which would support battery supply for about 130,000 high-performance electric vehicles. South Korean media reported that reaching 10 GWh capacity would require an investment exceeding €650 million. See also: StoreDot Opens Advanced Technology Campus in…