Author: Joshua Morris

Tesla plans to make its robotaxi service available to the general public in Austin, Texas, next month, expanding access beyond the small group of early users who have been participating in the pilot since June. The timeline was confirmed by Chief Executive Elon Musk in a brief social media post, in which he said the service “will be open access next month,” without offering further details. Tesla’s Austin program uses its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology to transport passengers without a human driver at the wheel, though a safety operator currently rides in the front passenger seat. The company runs…

AMPECO, a provider of electric vehicle charging management software, has partnered with Dutch manufacturer Peblar to roll out solar-powered EV charging solutions across Europe. The partnership combines AMPECO’s software platform with Peblar’s smart charging hardware, enabling EV owners to align charging with renewable energy production and reduce reliance on the power grid. Peblar’s charging stations can integrate with home energy systems and smart meters, offering three charging modes: Smart Solar, which allocates energy intelligently; Pure Solar, which runs entirely on solar power; and Fast Solar, which accelerates charging while prioritizing renewable energy use. AMPECO’s software supports dynamic electricity tariffs, allowing…

Aito, the premium electric vehicle brand backed by Huawei and Seres, has filed the latest version of its M7 sport utility vehicle with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, featuring a larger body, updated styling and a choice of extended-range electric (EREV) or pure electric powertrains. The new M7 measures 5,080 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,780 mm in height, with a 3,030 mm wheelbase, marking increases over the current model. It will be offered in both five-seat and six-seat configurations. Design updates bring the M7 in line with the brand’s newer M8 model, with a…

Hyroad Energy has acquired 113 hydrogen fuel cell trucks along with related assets from the Nikola Corporation bankruptcy auction, a move aimed at accelerating the rollout of zero-emission commercial fleets in the United States. The purchase also includes spare parts, software platforms, and intellectual property, positioning the company to strengthen its role in the hydrogen transportation sector. The California-focused deployment is part of Hyroad’s broader plan to simplify the adoption of green technology for commercial fleets by offering turnkey hydrogen trucking solutions. “These trucks and the corresponding equipment and systems represent immediate capacity to put proven hydrogen fuel cell technology…

Trek Bicycle, the US-based cycling brand, has launched redesigned versions of its Fuel and Fuel+ trail bike platforms, featuring updated frame geometry, modular configurations, and expanded suspension options across three variants: EX, MX, and LX. The Fuel serves as a traditional analog mountain bike, while the Fuel+ represents its electric counterpart, equipped with a TQ HPR60 motor and a larger 580Wh battery. The new Fuel and Fuel+ bikes offer three distinct setups tailored to diverse riding preferences. The EX model provides a balanced suspension with 145mm travel at the rear and 150mm upfront. The MX variant incorporates mixed wheel sizes,…

Acura is set to reveal its all-electric RSX prototype to the public for the first time during Monterey Car Week, which runs from August 8 to 17. The unveiling will offer a clearer look at the upcoming model, which marks Acura’s initial bespoke electric vehicle built on Honda’s new EV platform and ASIMO OS operating system. The RSX nameplate, originally associated with the early 2000s Acura Integra successor, is returning as an electric SUV, based on the Japanese automaker’s Performance EV Concept. Acura first announced plans for the RSX EV during a 2025 outlook briefing by American Honda, with the…

The ZAPI GROUP, an Italian electrification solutions provider, has acquired a majority stake in Stercom Power Solutions, a German developer of onboard chargers and energy systems for electric mobility, the companies said on Wednesday. Stercom, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Weyarn, Bavaria, will continue to operate independently within the ZAPI GROUP. The company was previously backed by German energy storage specialist Tesvolt, which acquired a stake in 2021 to support Stercom’s early work in inductive charging. Since then, the company has shifted focus toward onboard chargers for industrial and commercial vehicles, as well as bidirectional charging systems. “The acquisition…

Audi has rolled out a new entertainment feature across several of its electric and combustion-powered models in the United States, allowing drivers and passengers to play video games via the in-car AirConsole system. The feature turns the car into a mobile gaming console by enabling games to be played on the central or passenger display, with smartphones functioning as controllers. AirConsole, already available in select BMW and Mini models, has now been integrated into Audi’s infotainment platform through the Audi Application Store. Compatible vehicles include electric models such as the A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron, as well as gas-powered variants…

The United States Air Force has listed the Tesla Cybertruck among a fleet of vehicles it intends to use for target practice in a munitions training and testing program, citing the vehicle’s durability and unique design as critical factors in its selection. The Cybertruck is part of a group of 33 vehicles, including sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and Bongo trucks, that will be used in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Standoff Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) program. According to public procurement filings, the Air Force specifically noted the Cybertruck’s potential presence in real-world conflict scenarios and emphasized the…

Chinese industrial truck manufacturer Hangcha and France’s Manitou Group have announced plans to form a joint venture focused on lithium-ion battery production for industrial vehicles, expanding their existing partnership. The company will be based in Le Mans, France, and will operate independently, pending approval from European competition authorities. The joint venture, which remains unnamed, aims to manufacture and sell lithium-ion batteries with a focus on global industrial customers transitioning from lead-acid technologies. Both companies plan to equip their own vehicles—such as Manitou’s upcoming ME LIFT—with the batteries produced at the site, which will be housed in an existing facility. “This…

U Power Limited has entered into a Letter of Intent with a Hong Kong-based technology company to purchase 300 battery-swapping compatible electric vehicles (EVs), expanding the use of its UOTTA™ battery-swapping platform in the city. An initial deposit has been submitted, and the agreement will move forward following a definitive sales contract, according to the company. The vehicles, based on U Power’s MGEP platform, will operate using the company’s smart battery-swapping station launched in Hong Kong in June. The facility enables drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in minutes and includes an incentive system where “each swap…

California has rolled out a $55 million program to expand public fast charging for electric vehicles (EVs), offering up to 100% of eligible installation costs for direct current (DC) fast chargers at commercial and community sites across the state. “This is the biggest CALeVIP project ever. It’s the first to be statewide. And, it’s the first to cover up to 100% of eligible costs,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Fuels and Transportation Division. “Installing more fast chargers is vital to California’s zero emission vehicle transition, and the Fast Charge California Project prioritises ready-to-build fast charging…