Author: Joshua Morris

The Spark Alliance, formed in April by electric vehicle (EV) charging providers Electra, Ionity, Fastned, and Atlante, has launched the initial phase of integration, allowing EV drivers to view and access more than 11,000 charge points across the networks via each partner’s mobile app. Electra reported that all Spark Alliance charging locations are now visible and accessible through its app. Ionity confirmed that its route planner, as of July, displays over 1,700 charging sites across Europe, including those operated by alliance members. The integration enables drivers to plan trips using a broader charging network without switching between apps. While the…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio is expanding customization options for its executive-class ET9 sedan, aiming to strengthen its position in the premium EV segment with enhanced exterior styling choices. A new filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveals that Nio plans to offer two-tone paint combinations, luxury-style wheels, and revised rear badges for the ET9. These updates echo the design language of high-end vehicles like those from Mercedes-Maybach, with color schemes and wheels that mirror models such as the Maybach GLS and S-Class. The addition of these premium elements positions the ET9 closer to global luxury…

Rivian plans to restart site preparation for its planned electric vehicle factory in Georgia next month and aims to break ground in early 2026, according to documents obtained by TechCrunch through a public records request. The company has already invested over $80 million in the project as of June 20, 2025, marking a significant increase from $41 million in July 2024. The development follows the U.S. Department of Energy’s approval of a $6.6 billion loan under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program, which will support construction. As part of the next steps, Rivian intends to begin installing deep utilities in…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the CLA Shooting Brake, the estate-bodied version of its all-electric CLA saloon, offering greater utility without compromising performance or design. While deliveries are not expected to begin until March 2026, the new model will initially launch in the same powertrain configurations as the CLA saloon—namely, the CLA 250+ with rear-wheel drive and the CLA 350 4MATIC with all-wheel drive. Pricing has not yet been announced but is expected to exceed the CLA saloon’s base price of €55,858.60. As with the saloon, both versions of the CLA Shooting Brake are built on Mercedes-Benz’s 800-volt MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture)…

China’s robotaxi market is poised for significant expansion, projected to grow nearly 900 times to reach $44.5 billion by 2035, supported by robust supply chains and decreasing hardware costs, according to a report released by research firm TrendForce. The report forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 96% from 2025 to 2035 for China’s robotaxi sector, outpacing the estimated $36.5 billion size of the U.S. market during the same period. The market in China is expected to grow from a relatively modest $52 million in 2025, the report added. See also: Travis Kalanick Reportedly Eyes U.S. Arm of Pony.ai…

Transport Scotland has introduced a £2 million Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Market Readiness Fund to help decarbonise the country’s road freight sector. The fund, running through 2025–26, aims to support small fleet operators and industry partnerships in reducing emissions from heavy-duty transport. The initiative builds on the Scottish Government’s HGV Decarbonisation Pathway, published in 2024, which outlined the infrastructure and investment needs for a transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles. Although HGVs account for only 1.2% of road vehicles in Scotland, they contribute nearly 12.8% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to 2023 data. The Market Readiness Fund is divided…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is transitioning its Swedish operations to direct management, ending its importer agreement with Hedin Mobility Group and assuming full responsibility for distribution and sales activities in the country. Hedin Automotive Sweden will continue as an authorised dealer during and after a brief transition period. Both parties announced the restructuring on Monday, stating that the change reflects a shift to the “next phase of development in the Swedish market.” Effective immediately, BYD Sweden AB will oversee vehicle and spare parts distribution, replacing the role previously held by Hedin subsidiary Hedin Electric Mobility AB. A transition period…

General Motors announced plans to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells at its joint-venture facility with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The move marks a strategic shift toward more cost-effective battery technology as U.S. automakers recalibrate their electric vehicle (EV) targets in response to softening consumer demand. GM said it will begin converting battery cell lines at the $2.3 billion Ultium Cells LLC plant later this year, with commercial LFP cell production expected by late 2027. The plant currently manufactures nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) battery cells, which will continue to be produced at GM’s separate facility in Ohio. LFP…

Mercedes-Benz and Japanese battery technology company PowerX have opened their first jointly developed fast-charging station in Japan, located in the city of Chiba. The launch marks the beginning of a broader rollout, with 100 high-power charging (HPC) units planned across 25 locations in Japan by the end of 2026. The new charging hub features PowerX’s Hypercharger system, which includes two CHAdeMO charging stations offering up to 120 kW of power, with a 150 kW boost mode available for short periods. Unlike earlier Mercedes charging locations, this site debuts custom-built Mercedes-Benz-branded charging stations with a large touchscreen interface. The facility is…

The City of Cape Town has awarded a contract to Volvo Bus Southern Africa to supply 30 fully electric buses for the MyCiTi bus rapid transit system, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2027. The order follows a public tender process and forms part of the city’s broader transport strategy. According to Volvo, only the BZRLE electric bus chassis will be imported, while the bus bodies will be produced locally. The company stated that the project will support skills development and manufacturing capacity within South Africa. “This project is more than just a bus delivery – this will be the…

Lidl will convert its entire company car fleet in Belgium and Luxembourg to electric vehicles by 2030, the supermarket chain announced on Thursday. The move is part of its broader Net Zero 2050 strategy and is expected to reduce emissions by more than 22,000 tonnes. The transition to fully electric company cars will begin this autumn. The retailer said it had already conducted trials with a pilot group of employees since April to assess vehicle performance, comfort, range, and charging feasibility. Based on positive feedback, Lidl confirmed the full-scale adoption would go ahead as planned. Lidl has been investing in…

Tesla saw its Canadian vehicle registrations fall 67% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, according to data from Automotive News, with just 9,000 units sold compared to more than 26,000 during the same period in 2024. The decline comes amid reduced incentives and rising geopolitical uncertainty. The drop in sales follows the removal of federal and provincial EV rebates, particularly in British Columbia and Quebec—provinces previously leading in electric vehicle adoption. These cuts have significantly affected consumer affordability and demand for EVs across the country. In response to the slowdown, Tesla reduced the price of its Model Y by…