Author: Joshua Morris

A consortium of French aerospace companies including Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace, and Ascendance has launched a joint research initiative to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for small aircraft, marking a strategic effort to reduce carbon emissions in general aviation. The project, named TAGINE (Tentative dans l’Aviation Générale d’Introduction de Nouvelles Énergies), is backed by France’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and national aviation research body CORAC. It aims to develop and test a hybrid-electric propulsion system for six- to ten-seat aircraft by 2027, a category that accounts for approximately 25,000 aircraft worldwide. At the core of the TAGINE project…

Xpeng officially launched the right-hand drive version of its X9 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Indonesia on Wednesday, as part of its broader strategy to grow in Southeast Asia. Local assembly is set to begin next month in Jakarta. The right-hand drive X9 is priced from 9.9 billion Indonesian rupiah ($60,980) and marks Xpeng’s first localization production project outside China. “The right-hand drive version of the X9 will begin local production in Jakarta in July,” the company said on Weibo, describing it as “the official launch of Xpeng’s first overseas localization production project in Indonesia.” Initially unveiled in China on January…

French hydrogen taxi operator Hype is pivoting away from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to battery-electric taxis, citing rising hydrogen costs, infrastructure shortcomings, and the insolvency of electrolyser maker McPhy as key factors behind the decision. Hype, which has operated a hydrogen-powered fleet in Paris since 2015, said the economic environment for hydrogen mobility in the Île-de-France region has become unsustainable. “Hydrogen prices have exploded since 2021,” the company wrote in a post published on LinkedIn, accusing major suppliers Air Liquide and TotalEnergies of creating “a kind of oligopoly.” The operator claims there is currently no credible path to green hydrogen…

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is preparing to introduce its battery swapping technology in Europe, as part of a broader strategy to lower electric vehicle (EV) costs and expand its global footprint, a senior company executive told the Financial Times. Jiang Li, CATL’s Vice President and Board Secretary, said the company sees “huge potential” in battery swapping, particularly for making EVs more affordable by decoupling battery ownership from vehicle purchase. “Then we can copy the business model in Europe and other regions,” Li said, outlining plans to bring the system abroad after scaling domestically. CATL aims to build 1,000 battery swap…

Opel has announced plans to bring a road-legal version of its electric rally vehicle, the Mokka GSE Rally, into series production, aiming to extend the motorsport experience to everyday drivers. The new model, called the Opel Mokka GSE, is based on the electric rally car prototype unveiled at the ELE Rally in the Netherlands last month. The prototype featured a 207 kW electric powertrain delivering 345 Nm of torque, a 54 kWh battery, and visual elements including a yellow-black livery, bold “OMG! GSE” graphics, and rally-specific components like a roll cage and crash protection system. “During the development of the…

Nio is considering bringing in strategic investors for its chip-related business, according to a report from Chinese outlet LatePost, as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker seeks to trim operating costs and advance toward profitability. The company’s chip team, currently functioning as an internal business unit, is expected to spin off into an independent entity, LatePost reported, citing multiple sources and internal documents. While the company will reportedly retain control of the new entity, it may sell a minority stake to industrial or strategic investors. When approached by LatePost, a Nio representative described the information as speculative. However, several industry…

Gotion High-tech will supply its newly developed 46-series cylindrical battery cells to Chinese eVTOL maker Ehang, as part of a strategic partnership to enhance the capabilities of the EH216 electric aircraft series. The agreement upgrades a previous framework signed in December 2023 and includes collaboration on battery systems, energy storage, and charging infrastructure. Gotion’s high-energy-density, high-power 46-series cells will form the core of a custom battery system designed to extend range, increase power, and improve safety for Ehang’s flagship EH216 model. “Gotion’s advanced 46-series cylindrical battery cell technology will unlock higher performance boundaries for the EH216 series,” said Feng Shuai,…

Autonomous vehicle software specialist Applied Intuition has closed a $600 million Series F and tender offer round, more than doubling its valuation to $15 billion. The round was co-led by funds managed by BlackRock and Kleiner Perkins, with new participation from the Qatar Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Greycroft, and others. Existing backers such as General Catalyst, Lux Capital, Elad Gil, and Bond also contributed. The raise follows a $250 million Series E just one year ago, which valued the company at $6 billion. Applied Intuition provides simulation software and data tools to assist companies and government agencies in…

Tesla has launched a new subsidiary, Tesla Morocco, marking the company’s first direct entry into the African market. The entity, officially registered on May 27, 2025, is a joint initiative by Tesla International B.V. and Tesla Motors Netherlands B.V., according to Arabian Gulf Business Insight. Tesla Morocco will handle the import, distribution, and servicing of Tesla electric vehicles, along with deploying solar and battery storage solutions. The subsidiary will also oversee the development of a national charging network. The company’s headquarters are located at the Crystal Tower in Casablanca Marina, a major business center in the country. Executives Rafael Arqueza…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng and BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging unit of BP (BP.L), have opened their first jointly constructed charging station in Guangzhou, marking a milestone in their strategic partnership to expand EV infrastructure. The Guangzhou station, which officially opened on June 11, includes 30 charging spots equipped with 50 charging guns, offering a maximum charging power of 480 kW, Xpeng said in a statement on Wednesday. The site is located in Xpeng’s home city and is the first of several collaborative projects between the two companies. “We will continue to improve the network based on experience…

Blink Charging UK has secured a new contract with North Herts Council to install 18 public electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs across the county. The initiative aims to expand access to EV infrastructure, particularly for residents without off-street parking, and is part of a broader push to support the UK’s transition to electric mobility. The charging points will be installed at street-side locations near residential areas, though specific models have not been disclosed. Blink’s portfolio includes AC chargers such as the Series 7 and Series 8 units, which offer up to 19.2 kW per port and are suitable for overnight…

Daimler Truck and Toyota have finalized an agreement to merge their Japanese commercial vehicle subsidiaries—Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors—under a new holding company, set to launch in April 2026. The move follows over two years of negotiations and aims to accelerate electrification and CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric) development in the commercial vehicle sector. The new holding company, to be headquartered in Tokyo, will be jointly owned by Daimler Truck and Toyota, each holding a 25% stake. The remaining 50% may be listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, although the structure of this portion—whether public…