Author: Jonathan Collins

Chinese sodium-ion battery manufacturer Jiangsu Zoolnasm Energy Technology has announced a new agreement with a global auto parts company, marking a key step in its growth within the low-voltage battery market. The four-year deal is valued at approximately RMB 200 million ($28.1 million), with initial volume orders expected to begin in early 2025, according to a company statement. While the customer’s identity and specific application details were not disclosed, the partnership appears focused on low-voltage battery systems rather than core electric vehicle batteries. The agreement aligns with a broader industry trend to replace lead-acid batteries in applications such as start-stop…

Logistics operator DFDS has introduced 10 additional Volvo FM Electric trucks to its fleet, with plans to add another 110 heavy-duty electric trucks soon as part of its broader initiative to lower emissions across its European operations. The new trucks will support DFDS’s logistics network in the UK and Ireland, marking a step toward the company’s goal to transition 25% of its fleet to electric vehicles by 2030. In a longstanding partnership with Volvo Trucks, DFDS has expanded its electric truck fleet across markets including Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. Allan Bell, vice president and head of DFDS Logistics in the…

Ford CEO Jim Farley has informed employees that manager bonuses will be cut to 65% of their usual amount, tying compensation more closely to quality and cost performance, according to sources familiar with the matter. Farley introduced a new performance-driven bonus system aimed at instilling greater accountability in the 121-year-old automaker’s culture, announcing the change in a town hall meeting on Wednesday. The bonus restructuring follows Ford’s Q3 earnings presentation, where Farley acknowledged recent improvements but noted Ford’s progress remains insufficient. “I’m proud of the progress but we’re not satisfied at all,” Farley said Monday. Ford executives disclosed that the…

Japan’s Panasonic Holdings reported a robust 42% increase in operating profit for its battery-making energy unit in the second quarter, driven by strong sales of energy storage systems for data centers. This positive performance helped offset a decline in demand for automotive batteries, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs). Operating income for the segment, which manufactures batteries for Tesla (TSLA.O) and other automakers, reached 32.7 billion yen ($213.82 million), despite a reduction in profits from the in-vehicle battery business. Despite the promising quarterly results, Panasonic has maintained its full-year operating profit forecast for the energy unit at 109 billion yen. The…

TALKE, a global logistics provider in the chemical sector, has concluded a two-week trial of Hyzon’s Class 8 200kW Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) truck at its Houston drayage operations, advancing the company’s pursuit of zero-emission logistics. This trial builds on an earlier pilot with Hyzon’s 110kW model two years prior, signaling TALKE’s steady progression toward large-scale deployment of hydrogen-powered trucks. The trial demonstrated the vehicle’s strengths in power, noise reduction, and smooth operational performance, with favorable feedback from drivers. Experienced TALKE driver Timothy Rivon praised the truck’s quieter ride and smooth handling, stating, “Change can be tough, but you…

Renault Group has established a new R&D team in Shanghai, marking its first effort to develop an electric vehicle (EV) outside Europe, according to a report from Chinese media outlet AutoPix. The carmaker aims to leverage China’s extensive supply chain to streamline production processes, although manufacturing and sales of the new model will be centered in Europe, with production set to begin by late 2025. Since 2021, Renault has taken steps to adopt a lighter asset approach in China, prioritizing cost reductions. The new Shanghai-based team, operational since early this year, focuses on EV design and reports directly to Renault’s…

British start-up Oxa, formerly known as Oxbotica, has introduced autonomous versions of the Ford E-Transit van and minibus equipped with its Oxa Driver software, marking a step forward in the commercialization of self-driving technology. The Oxford-based firm says these models exemplify its vision of “Universal Autonomy,” where its software stack can power self-driving capabilities in any vehicle. These E-Transits utilize Oxa’s Reference Autonomy Designs (RADs) – a blueprint enabling automakers to integrate Oxa’s software and sensors on new vehicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDad7_hlM8k Each E-Transit features an array of cameras, lidar, and radar for full 360-degree perception and is capable of autonomous operation…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng has announced a new distributor partnership to bring its all-electric cars to Ireland, marking the latest step in its broader European expansion. Through an agreement with Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), Xpeng will introduce its vehicles, beginning with the G6 SUV, to the Irish market, a key right-hand drive region, the company said in a statement. “This partnership aligns with our strategic commitment to Europe and brings us closer to our goal of making intelligent, eco-friendly mobility accessible in new markets,” Xpeng stated. The G6 SUV, a mid-size coupe-styled vehicle, will be the first model launched…

Ahead of Volkswagen’s next round of collective bargaining, Works Council Chairwoman Daniela Cavallo disclosed extensive cost-cutting proposals that reportedly include closing up to three plants, downsizing others, and implementing sweeping salary reductions across the Volkswagen Group. The proposed cuts would also impact Volkswagen’s electric car production, signaling a potential shift in the automaker’s operations. “This is not just sabre-rattling as a tactic in the current round of in-house wage negotiations – the Management Board really wants all of this and believes there is no alternative,” read a leaflet distributed to employees, summarizing remarks made at a recent works council information…

Swedish automaker Polestar, majority-owned by China’s Geely, has expressed concern over a proposed Biden administration rule that would prohibit the use of Chinese-made hardware and software in vehicles sold in the U.S., including those assembled domestically. Polestar indicated that this rule, aimed at addressing national security concerns with connected vehicles, would prevent it from selling cars in the U.S., including models produced in South Carolina. In comments to the U.S. Commerce Department, Polestar stressed that much of its operations are outside China, with a European- and U.S.-dominated leadership, and a workforce of 2,800 employees globally, including 280 in China. Polestar…

GreenPower Motor Company has confirmed an order for 50 all-electric school buses, funded under the EPA Clean School Bus Program, which provides $18.5 million to replace traditional diesel buses with zero-emission models in West Virginia. This fleet, featuring GreenPower’s Type D BEAST, Mega BEAST, and Type A Nano BEAST models, will be utilized by seven county school districts to advance cleaner transportation solutions for students. In collaboration with its local dealer Highland Electric Fleet, GreenPower worked with the participating school districts to assess transportation needs, guide the grant application process, and assist in setting up the required charging infrastructure. Monongalia…

Ford Motor reported third-quarter 2024 results after markets closed on Monday, surpassing Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings per share. The company posted Q3 revenue of $46 billion, above the anticipated $45.2 billion, and an adjusted EPS of $0.49, compared to the projected $0.42. This marks Ford’s 10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. However, the automaker continues to grapple with losses in its electric vehicle (EV) business, as third-quarter results show a significant financial impact from the segment. In the third quarter, Ford’s U.S. retail sales grew by 3%, with total vehicle sales up by 1% compared to…