Author: Joshua Morris

Autonomous trucking software company PlusAI has been named to Inc.’s 2025 Best in Business list for the second consecutive year, receiving recognition in both the Best in Innovation and Best Collaborations categories as it advances toward the commercial launch of factory-integrated autonomous trucks in 2027. The U.S.-based company develops “virtual driver” software designed to power heavy-duty autonomous trucks. Inc. cited PlusAI’s expanding collaboration with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and its progress toward scaled commercialization as key reasons for the award. PlusAI is currently working with several major truck makers, including Scania, MAN and International under the TRATON GROUP umbrella,…

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would support stronger local sourcing rules for electric vehicles in Europe, backing what he described as a “European preference” as the European Commission prepares new proposals for the auto industry. Speaking during a three-day state visit to China, Macron said the European Union should allow more leeway in how automakers meet emissions targets over the coming decade. “We support more technological flexibility to have more technological neutrality by 2035,” he said, adding that Paris and Berlin had reached common ground on the issue. See also: France to Offer Extra €1,000 Bonus for Locally Assembled…

Chinese automaker Changan has disclosed regulatory images and technical specifications for a new five-door version of its Lumin electric hatchback, marking a significant update to the small EV first introduced in three-door form in 2022. Images published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) show that the five-door Lumin features revised front and rear bumpers, newly designed aerodynamic wheels and minor updates to the lighting units. The changes are intended to enhance practicality while retaining the compact profile of the original model. See also: Changan’s Nevo Launches Updated Q05 Electric SUV With RMB 79,900 Starting Price According to…

U.S. solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has signed a partnership agreement with South Korean battery materials maker Posco Future M to jointly develop advanced materials for next-generation all-solid-state batteries, the two companies said. Under the memorandum of understanding, Posco Future M will work with Factorial to supply cathode and anode materials designed specifically for solid-state battery applications. Factorial said it decided to formalize the partnership after testing Posco’s materials and confirming their performance in early-stage solid-state battery cells. See also: Factorial Energy Scales Solstice Solid-State Battery to 40 Ah Capacity Solid-state batteries replace conventional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, a…

China’s GAC Group reported declines in both vehicle production and sales in November as pressure on its traditional combustion-engine business continued to weigh on overall performance, partly offset by mixed results in its electric vehicle operations. The automaker said in a statement that total vehicle production in November fell 9.71% from a year earlier to 187,500 units, while sales declined 9.72% to 179,700 units. New energy vehicle (NEV) production reached 57,556 units and sales stood at 56,422 units during the month. For the first eleven months of 2025, cumulative production dropped 7.62% year-on-year to 1.5791 million units, while total sales…

Ava Community Energy, a not-for-profit public power provider in California, has opened its first electric vehicle fast-charging hub in downtown Oakland, marking the start of a broader regional network aimed at expanding public access to high-speed EV charging. The new facility is located at the Oakland City Center West Garage and is equipped with 18 DC fast-charging towers supplied by Finnish manufacturer Kempower. The site offers a total of 31 charging ports using both Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, allowing compatibility with nearly all electric vehicle models. Engineering, procurement and construction were managed by…

U.S.-based Pioneer Power Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding with Savvy Charging Technologies to introduce its mobile electric vehicle charging systems to the United Arab Emirates, marking the launch of its first international franchise operation. Under the agreement, Savvy Charging will act as Pioneer’s local franchise partner in the UAE for the deployment of e-Boost mobile charging units, with an initial pilot unit scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026. The companies aim to establish recurring revenue from franchise operations starting next year, with broader commercial scaling expected from 2027. See also: Long Beach Orders $725,000 Pioneer…

New registrations of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United Kingdom posted their weakest monthly growth in nearly two years in November, even as electric cars continued to gain share of the overall new car market, industry data showed. A total of 39,965 new BEVs were registered in November, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.6%, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). BEVs accounted for 26.4% of all new car sales, up 1.5 percentage points from the same month a year earlier. See also: UK Expands Top-Tier Electric Car Grant as More Models Qualify Electrified vehicles…

Stellantis plans to expand production of hybrid vehicles in the United States as it adjusts its powertrain strategy away from a stronger near-term emphasis on fully electric models, Chief Executive Antonio Filosa said, citing consumer preferences and market conditions. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs conference, Filosa said the company sees stronger demand for traditional hybrids than for plug-in hybrid vehicles among U.S. buyers. “Traditional hybrids will be a preferred powertrain option for American consumers,” Filosa said, adding that interest in plug-in hybrid models has been more limited. See also: Stellantis Backs Germany’s Push to Ease EU Car Emissions Rules as…

CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first domestic electric vehicle brand, on Thursday announced the launch of a new sonic identity designed to reflect its vehicle design language and brand positioning, as it builds out its presence in the global electric mobility market. The audio signature, titled “Pulse of the Land,” blends natural field recordings from across Saudi Arabia — including desert winds and flowing wadis — with modern synthesised sound elements. CEER said the sonic identity will be integrated across its customer touchpoints, including marketing, call centres, showrooms and brand events, as part of a broader effort to unify its brand experience.…

Norway will begin scaling back its long-standing value-added tax (VAT) exemption on electric car purchases from 2026 after a budget compromise stopped the government’s earlier plan for an abrupt removal, as the country’s electric vehicle market reached record levels. Under the proposal maintained in the October budget, VAT will be applied to the portion of an electric car’s purchase price exceeding 300,000 Norwegian kroner ($25,500) from Jan. 1, 2026, down from the current exemption threshold of 500,000 kroner. The standard Norwegian VAT rate is 25%. A separate plan to abolish the exemption entirely in 2027 was dropped, with lawmakers agreeing…

Electrify America has been named to Inc.’s Best in Business list in the Best in Innovation category for its nationwide deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS), a strategy aimed at supporting high-speed electric vehicle charging in locations with limited grid capacity. The recognition highlights the company’s rollout of large-scale energy storage to enable consistent ultra-fast charging where traditional electrical infrastructure would otherwise restrict power delivery. Electrify America has installed more than 170 BESS units across the United States, providing over 65,000 kilowatt-hours of cumulative storage capacity. See also: Electrify America Completes 1,765-Mile East Coast Demonstration to Validate Charging Network…