Author: Jonathan Collins

Renault is showcasing the Emblème at the Paris Motor Show, presenting a vision for a family vehicle that integrates both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The Emblème aims to demonstrate how CO2 emissions can be significantly minimized throughout a vehicle’s entire lifecycle. Building on the Scenic Vision H2-Tech Concept introduced in 2022, the Emblème reportedly reduces CO2 equivalents by 90% compared to conventional combustion engine vehicles. This innovative family car is a product of collaboration between Renault and Ampere, emphasizing a low carbon footprint achieved through a variety of sustainable practices. Renault’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just the…

ENNOVI has expanded its battery cell contacting systems with the introduction of the ENNOVI-CellConnect-Pouch. This new system is tailored for battery manufacturers that prefer the pouch cell form factor, focusing on cost-effectiveness, expedited manufacturing cycle times, and enhanced safety features during thermal events. The ENNOVI-CellConnect-Pouch prioritizes several key factors: it aims to reduce production costs and cycle times while providing protection against thermal runaway through advanced lamination and flexible die-cut circuit (FDC) technologies. “With the ENNOVI-CellConnect-Pouch cell contacting system, we offer battery manufacturers a fully vertically integrated production solution, enabling us to produce a part at a lower cycle time…

Sales of zero-emission buses and coaches in Europe surged by 35% in the first half of 2024, rising from 2,088 units to 2,819 units, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). However, despite this growth, the overall market share of zero-emission buses dropped slightly, from 16% in the same period in 2023 to 15% in 2024. Leading the electric bus segment were Yutong and Daimler Buses. The ICCT’s report on the market for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) in Europe reveals that total zero-emission HDV sales, spanning multiple segments, increased by 54% in the first half of 2024 compared to…

UK-based hydrogen truck developer HVS has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spanish company Kopala International, headquartered in Barcelona, to supply hydrogen-powered trucks and assist the customer in its emissions reduction efforts. This agreement marks HVS’s first contract for left-hand drive vehicles. Under the terms of the MoU, Kopala International plans to deploy HVS’s hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on actual delivery routes. The partnership will leverage HVS’s Transition to Zero Programme, which will provide support in areas including technology evaluation, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, financial options, safety standards, and government incentives. The Spanish government has identified hydrogen adoption…

Sony has introduced the ISX038 sensor, designed to enhance assistive and autonomous driving systems by providing simultaneous RAW and YUV image outputs. This innovation aims to minimize the number of camera sensors required in modern vehicles, streamlining automotive technology. The sensor is compatible with the widely used Mobileye EyeQ 6 system-on-a-chip, which is integrated into various advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by manufacturers such as Porsche. The 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor features 2.1 μm pixels, offering a dynamic range of up to 130 dB in HDR mode. When the anti-LED flicker mode is activated, the sensor maintains a dynamic range of 106…

Rolls-Royce is set to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030 but has expressed openness to alternative options based on customer preferences. Unlike many car manufacturers that are adopting hybrid powertrains as a temporary measure before fully embracing electric models, Rolls-Royce has stated that hybrids do not align with the driving experience it aims to deliver. According to Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge, the brand does not envision incorporating hybrids into its offerings, as doing so could compromise the signature driving experience known as “waftability.” This term describes the smooth, effortless ride characteristic of Rolls-Royce vehicles, emphasizing a tranquil driving experience…

Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup, is exploring options to localize production in Europe as a strategy to avoid impending tariffs on Chinese-built EVs. With plans for a significant global expansion in 2024, Xpeng is set to begin sales in nearly 40 new countries, including several in Europe, as well as markets in Southeast Asia and Australia. The European Union is scheduled to vote on the implementation of new tariffs on Chinese EVs this week. If approved, Xpeng could face a substantial additional tariff of 21.3%, layered on top of the existing 10% duty it currently pays. In an…

Oshkosh Corporation announced that Republic Services has placed an order for 100 McNeilus Volterra ZSL electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles, following a successful initial deployment. This marks a significant step in Republic Services’ efforts to transition its fleet toward more sustainable operations, reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Republic Services, which first ordered 50 Volterra ZSL electric vehicles in 2023, plans for electric trucks to make up half of its new purchases over the next five years. “This second order strengthens our partnership with Oshkosh and highlights our goal of making our fleet more environmentally friendly,” a company…

HEVI has revealed its latest electric heavy equipment model, the H65L wheel loader, now the largest battery-electric wheel loader in the North American market. With an operating weight nearing 50,000 lbs., the H65L boasts a rated load capacity of more than 14,300 lbs., a 5.5-cubic-yard bucket capacity, and over 47,000 pound-feet of breakout force, making it a strong competitor against models like the Volvo CE L120 Electric. Raymond Wang, CEO of HEVI, highlighted the machine’s advanced capabilities, stating, “This marks another major achievement for us, as we introduce North America’s largest all-electric wheel loader.” The H65L offers extended runtime, faster…

A competitive selection process is reportedly underway within the Volkswagen Group to identify the plant designated to produce the anticipated €20,000 electric cars, slated for launch in 2027. According to a report by Der Spiegel, three factories are leading the race, with none located in Germany. The favoured candidates for this project are the Volkswagen facility in Palmela, Portugal; the Poznan factory in Poland; and Skoda’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. The report notes that the VW plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, has minimal chances of being chosen for this project. Every year, the Volkswagen Group conducts a ‘planning…

California-based start-up Helm.ai has launched an upgraded version of its generative AI model, VidGen-2, designed specifically for autonomous driving applications. Following the earlier release of VidGen-1, this updated model produces highly realistic driving video sequences, enhancing the capabilities for automakers developing and validating autonomous vehicles. VidGen-2 boasts double the resolution of its predecessor, now at 696 x 696 pixels, and offers improved realism at up to 30 frames per second, along with multi-camera support. The model can generate videos either without an input prompt or from a single image or input video, resulting in smoother and more detailed simulations. According…

SK on, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, has initiated a rights offering to enhance its standing in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector. On October 2, SK Innovation revealed that SK on plans to issue 18,031,337 common shares, which constitute 3.7% of the company’s total issued shares. The shares will be offered at an issue price of KRW 55,459 each, aiming to raise approximately KRW 1 trillion. The payment date for the new shares is set for October 15, with the distribution of share certificates scheduled for October 16. This rights offering is part of a larger strategy to secure…