Author: Andy Williams

Kia America has released full pricing and specifications for the 2026 Niro HEV, highlighting the compact crossover’s strong focus on fuel efficiency, safety, and advanced technology. The hybrid model delivers a Kia-estimated 53 MPG combined, combining practicality and performance within a refined and modern design. See also: Kia Delays US Launch of EV4 Fastback Amid Challenging Market Conditions The 2026 Niro HEV is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and SX Touring, with prices starting at $27,090, excluding a $1,445 destination fee. All trims are powered by a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine paired with a 32 kW electric…

Australian logistics company Toll Group is introducing twelve Volvo FE Electric trucks to its delivery network in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the companies said on Wednesday. The electric vehicles will replace existing diesel trucks in CCEP’s Australian operations. The initiative forms part of Toll Group’s broader $67 million investment in sustainable transport solutions across Australia. In a LinkedIn post, the company noted that the funds earmarked for electrification last year have not yet been fully used, and include the acquisition of 28 battery-electric trucks along with charging infrastructure at ten customer and Toll-owned sites. Charging stations are planned…

Hyundai Motor Company presented the new NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and the INSTEROID concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, highlighting its ongoing developments in hydrogen and electrified mobility. The event marked Hyundai’s most extensive public presentation in Japan to date, as the company continues to expand its presence in the market and demonstrate its hydrogen technology. See also: Hyundai Begins Construction of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plant in Ulsan, Production to Start in 2027 The second-generation NEXO features an improved fuel cell system, providing a driving range of more than 826 kilometers (WLTP) on a full hydrogen refill…

WeRide has achieved Start of Production (SOP) for its WePilot 3.0 one-stage end-to-end ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), developed in collaboration with Bosch, marking a major milestone in intelligent driving technology. The achievement, completed in just seven months, establishes a new industry benchmark for development speed, scalability, and execution in the ADAS sector. The WePilot 3.0 platform integrates end-to-end large model architecture, sensor fusion, and multi-platform compatibility, enabling real-time perception and decision-making that closely replicates human behavior in complex traffic environments. See also: WeRide Accuses Rival Pony.ai of Defamation in Hong Kong IPO Roadshow Unlike traditional modular ADAS systems, WePilot…

Amazon has begun deploying its new fleet of electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in its plan to decarbonise logistics operations across Europe. Once fully operational, the company will run 160 electric trucks on British roads — its largest fleet of electric HGVs globally — alongside more than 800 new electric delivery vans set to enter service in the coming months. See also: Amazon Deploys First Fleet of Rivian Electric Vans in Canada The trucks, ordered in January 2025, are Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 models designed for long-haul freight. With a range of around…

NextStar Energy, the battery joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, will begin series production of battery cells next month at its Windsor, Ontario factory — making it the first such facility in Canada to do so. However, the initial production will be aimed not at electric vehicles but at stationary energy storage systems, as the companies adapt to softer EV market conditions. “Expanding into the growing market for energy storage production will keep the plant busy until EV sales pick up again,” said NextStar CEO Danies Lee. “The EV market is slowed down. It’s like a trend that…

Norway saw 10,852 new electric cars registered in October 2025, representing a 22 per cent decline from September and a slight year-on-year decrease. However, battery electric vehicles (EVs) still dominated the market, accounting for 97.4 per cent of all new car sales during the month, according to data from the Norwegian Road Information Council (OFV). The OFV said that October’s dip falls within the seasonal norm, noting that the year-to-date EV market share has reached 95.2 per cent, compared with 88.8 per cent over the same period in 2024. Overall, 124,463 new cars were registered in the first ten months…

WeRide has accused domestic rival Pony.ai of making false and misleading statements in its Hong Kong IPO roadshow materials, intensifying competition between the two autonomous driving technology firms ahead of their market debuts. According to a report by Sina Tech, WeRide Chief Financial Officer Li Xuan issued a lengthy rebuttal in an analyst group, denying what she described as inaccurate claims made by Pony.ai in presentations to Hong Kong investors. She cited multiple misrepresentations, including false data on WeRide’s operational areas and claims that it had completed no rides. See also: Pony.ai and WeRide Receive Regulatory Approval for Hong Kong…

Li Auto reported a 38.2% year-on-year decline in October deliveries to 31,767 vehicles, marking its fifth consecutive month of falling sales as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker works to expand production capacity for its new models. The October figure also represented a 6.4% drop from September’s 33,951 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. From January through October, Li Auto delivered 328,916 vehicles, down 16.4% from the same period last year. Cumulative deliveries since the company’s founding have reached 1.46 million units. See also: Li Auto Expands Hong Kong Operations as Overseas Headquarters Despite the ongoing decline, Li Auto…

German engineering company Bertrandt has introduced a new autonomous shuttle vehicle called the BumbleB, developed in collaboration with the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The small, driverless shuttle is designed to enhance mobility options in rural areas that lack public transport or ridesharing services. While technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, Bertrandt said the BumbleB can be used in a variety of settings beyond its rural focus. “Small, agile and yet fully suitable for everyday use, BumbleB brings cutting-edge sensors, software, and system intelligence to the streets – without a steering wheel,” the company said in a statement. “The…

Porsche has revealed a special camouflage livery for its 99X Electric Formula E race car, inspired by the upcoming all-electric Cayenne, during pre-season testing in Valencia this week. The design marks the German automaker’s effort to highlight how innovations from its motorsport program are being transferred into production vehicles. The two 99X Electric cars, driven by Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller, feature the new Cayenne-inspired design as Porsche prepares for the world premiere of the Cayenne Electric SUV. According to the company, both the race car and the new SUV share advanced energy recovery systems and highly efficient powertrains capable…

BYD plans to introduce several of its advanced vehicle technologies, including low-temperature fast-charging batteries and high-level driver assistance systems, to its more affordable Qin and Song series models priced around RMB 100,000 ($14,000) starting in 2026, according to Chinese media reports. The move aims to expand BYD’s presence in colder regions such as Northeast and Northwest China, where new energy vehicle (NEV) adoption remains below the national average. From January to April, NEV penetration in Jilin and Liaoning provinces was around 35%, while in Heilongjiang and Qinghai it fell below 30%. An industry insider said the low-temperature fast-charging battery is…