Author: Michael Carter

Two major carmakers, Toyota and Stellantis, are set to withdraw from the European CO₂ compliance pool centred around Tesla for 2026, potentially removing two of the largest contributors to the EV maker’s regulatory credit revenue in the region. Under European Union rules, automakers may form CO₂ pools that combine the emissions of multiple manufacturers into a single fleet for compliance purposes. Companies with large shares of electric vehicles can offset emissions from partners with higher CO₂ output, helping them avoid EU penalties in exchange for financial payments to the low-emission partners. According to reporting by automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt, Toyota…

Germany and Canada have signed a joint declaration of intent to strengthen cooperation in the automotive and mobility sectors, covering areas including trade, battery production and hydrogen technologies, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action said. The agreement was signed by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Mélanie Joly. It aims to expand bilateral industrial collaboration, foster sector development and increase dialogue among companies, research institutions and industry associations in both countries. A “Joint Cooperation Group on Automotive and Mobility” will be established to support these efforts.…

Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) has presented two new electric vehicle prototypes at the 2026 Canadian International Auto Show, showcasing domestic supplier expertise and innovative production techniques aimed at future mobility. The prototypes form part of Project Arrow, an initiative launched in 2021 to demonstrate Canada’s ability to design and manufacture a complete electric vehicle despite lacking a globally recognized domestic automaker brand. The program brings together industry partners, universities and technology companies to highlight the country’s automotive supply chain. In the project’s second phase, the original battery-electric SUV concept has been joined by a van concept. The SUV…

Rivian has released a new software update that adds performance enhancements, expanded features and a smartwatch-based vehicle key to its R1S sport utility vehicle and R1T pickup, extending capabilities across both first- and second-generation models. The update, version 2026.03, introduces a dedicated Apple Watch application that allows drivers to control key vehicle functions without carrying a physical key or smartphone. For first-generation owners—who previously lacked full digital key support—the app enables locking and unlocking by tapping the watch screen and, when connected via Bluetooth, allows the vehicle to be placed into drive with the app active in the foreground. Second-generation…

BorgWarner has secured its first production program for a 48-volt electric cross differential (eXD) with a major Chinese original equipment manufacturer, marking the debut of the technology in its global portfolio. The system will be integrated into the automaker’s existing 48V electrical architecture, expanding BorgWarner’s presence in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. The eXD technology is designed to improve traction, stability, and handling by dynamically controlling torque distribution between wheels in real time. According to the company, the system continuously monitors driving conditions and adjusts slip control to maintain vehicle stability, particularly during high-speed maneuvers or challenging road situations.…

Mapping and navigation provider HERE Technologies has introduced new capabilities to its HERE Tour Planning solution, targeting transport and logistics companies transitioning to electric vehicles for last-mile delivery. The enhancements combine artificial intelligence with EV-focused route optimisation to address operational challenges such as congestion, tight delivery windows, and workforce shortages. The updated platform includes an “EV Planning” function designed to improve route efficiency for electric fleets. According to the company, internal testing shows the feature can deliver up to 20% better planning and routing for electric vehicles. The system evaluates each vehicle’s operating characteristics, including battery range behaviour and technical…

DHL Supply Chain has opened a new electric vehicle logistics centre in Senec, Slovakia, expanding its global network of specialised facilities supporting the growing electromobility sector and marking the company’s first such site in Central Europe. The 26,000-square-metre warehouse will provide end-to-end logistics solutions for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicle components and related technologies, covering inbound and outbound transport, storage and aftermarket services. The facility becomes DHL Supply Chain’s 20th global Centre of Excellence for Electric Vehicles, reflecting increasing demand for specialised handling of battery systems and hazardous materials. “At DHL, we are thrilled to unveil the first EV Centre of…

Austrian waste management company Brantner Green Solutions has replaced 13 diesel trucks with battery-electric vehicles supplied by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, creating what it describes as the largest electric truck fleet in Austria’s waste collection sector. The vehicles, delivered to the firm’s headquarters in Krems an der Donau, include a mix of Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 and Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 models configured as tractor units, refuse compactors, and box trucks. The company said the trucks have been fully integrated into daily operations since early 2026, serving municipalities and commercial customers across the region. Josef Scheidl, managing director of Brantner Green Solutions, said the…

Rivian said it will disclose full pricing, options and final specifications for its upcoming R2 electric sport utility vehicle on March 12, as early prototype reviews begin to surface ahead of the model’s planned launch. In a post on social media platform X, the electric vehicle maker confirmed that the first version to reach customers will be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant. Rivian has previously indicated a starting price of about $45,000, positioning the vehicle below its larger R1 models and in direct competition with high-volume electric SUVs such as Tesla’s Model Y, Ford Motor’s Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5.…

Potomac Edison has received regulatory approval to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at helping local school districts in Maryland transition to electric school buses, the utility said, as the state moves to implement stricter zero-emission vehicle requirements. The pilot, approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission, will fund up to 28 electric school buses across Potomac Edison’s Maryland service territory. The program will cover the cost difference between diesel and electric buses, install charging infrastructure, and support testing of vehicle-to-grid technology that allows stored energy in bus batteries to be fed back into the electricity network. See also:…

Hyundai Motor has paused production of the Kona Electric for the U.S. market, meaning the battery-electric crossover will not be offered there for the 2026 model year, the company said, as weakening demand reshapes electric vehicle line-ups in the country. A Hyundai spokesperson told U.S. automotive publication Car and Driver that “sufficient stock of the 2025 model year Kona Electric is currently available to meet consumer demand,” adding that production of the 2027 model year Kona Electric is scheduled to begin in June. The company did not indicate whether similar pauses would apply to other regions. See also: Hyundai Ioniq…

Subaru has begun U.S. production of its first domestically assembled hybrid vehicle, with the 2026 Forester Hybrid rolling off the assembly line at its Indiana plant, the company said. Production started on Feb. 2, 2026, at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), when a Forester Hybrid Premium in Autumn Green Metallic was completed at 11:53 a.m. EST. The launch follows five years of preparation to equip the facility with hybrid assembly capabilities. See also: Subaru Sets U.S. Pricing for 2026 Uncharted EV, Starting at $34,995 With 300-Mile Range The move consolidates all U.S.-market Forester production at the Lafayette site, covering both…

The Lucid Air Grand Touring delivered the longest driving range among 24 vehicles tested at Norway’s 2026 NAF Winter Test, covering 520 kilometres on a single charge under the coldest conditions recorded in the event’s history. The U.S.-built electric sedan outpaced its nearest rival by 99 km, with the second-place vehicle managing 421 km, according to results published by Norges Automobil-Forbund (NAF). Temperatures during the test fell as low as minus 31 degrees Celsius, significantly increasing energy demand for heating and traction. See also: Lucid Recalls Air And Gravity Models Over Rearview Camera Software Issues The biannual winter evaluation, branded…

Volkswagen has launched two separate recall campaigns in the United States covering a total of 44,551 ID.4 electric SUVs due to a potential fire risk linked to defects in high-voltage battery modules, according to filings published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The larger recall affects 43,881 vehicles from the 2023 to 2025 model years. NHTSA said the traction battery in the affected vehicles could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Volkswagen dealers will update battery management software and, if necessary, replace the battery at no cost to customers. The automaker estimates that about 1% of the…

Porsche’s electric vehicle sales declined in both the United States and Canada in 2025, even as the automaker reported strong overall performance in North America, underlining continued consumer preference for gasoline and hybrid models as the brand prepares its next phase of electrification. In Canada, Porsche Cars Canada delivered 10,010 vehicles in 2025, down 3.5% from a year earlier. The Macan remained the brand’s best-selling model, with 3,877 units delivered, followed by the Cayenne at 2,551 vehicles. Deliveries of the 911 sports car totaled 2,037 units, reflecting slightly softer demand in a higher interest rate environment. See also: Porsche Engineering…

Canada’s transition to electric vehicles took a decisive turn in the third quarter of 2025, with hybrid models pulling sharply ahead of fully electric cars as consumers increasingly prioritised cost, convenience and climate resilience over policy ambition. Data from S&P Global Mobility showed that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 10.4% of new light-duty vehicle registrations in the July–September period, a slight rebound from the previous quarter. Even so, ZEV volumes fell 0.4% quarter on quarter, underscoring persistent weakness in a broader market where total light-duty vehicle sales dropped nearly 12%. Hybrids emerged as the clear winner. Full hybrid vehicles captured a…

Hyundai Mobis said on Jan. 21 it is developing a 5G wireless communication-based, antenna-integrated telematics solution as part of efforts to strengthen its electronics business and expand its role in next-generation mobility technologies. The solution, known as a multi-functional telematics control unit (MTCU), is built on 5G connectivity and supports a wide range of vehicle services, including navigation, accident and theft detection, remote vehicle control and high-speed data transmission. Telematics systems combine information and communication technologies with automobiles and are increasingly viewed as a core component of connected and software-defined vehicles. See also: Hyundai Mobis and Qualcomm Agree to Co-Develop…

Rivian has begun rolling out validation units of its upcoming R2 electric SUV from its factory in Normal, Illinois, a key milestone as the automaker works toward launching what it has described as its most important vehicle to date. Chief Executive RJ Scaringe said the validation vehicles are now coming off the production line, indicating the company remains on track to begin customer deliveries in the first half of 2026. The update was shared by Scaringe in a post on social media platform X. See also: Rivian’s 2025 Production Falls to 42,284 Vehicles as Deliveries Total 42,247 https://twitter.com/RJScaringe/status/2011936932419268653 The R2…

Rivian said it has appointed Greg Revelle as chief customer officer, placing a veteran of retail, e-commerce and automotive businesses in charge of the electric vehicle maker’s customer-facing functions as it prepares to launch new models. Revelle, who joined Rivian in early 2026, will oversee the entire customer journey and lead the company’s go-to-market strategy, including sales, marketing and operations. He previously founded Revatek, a startup focused on off-grid energy storage solutions for outdoor use, and has held senior marketing and commercial leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Kohl’s, Best Buy, AutoNation and Expedia. He also serves on the…

Vehicle design has emerged as the strongest driver of purchase intent for battery electric vehicles, overtaking technical specifications such as driving range, charging performance and even brand, according to new research from data analytics firm Escalent. The findings come from Escalent’s 2025 Product DeepDive study under its EVForward® research program, which examines consumer attitudes toward electric vehicles and broader electrified powertrain adoption. The study found that 71% of new-vehicle buyers consider both interior and exterior design equally important when choosing their next vehicle. See also: Study Finds Modern EV Batteries Retain Most Driving Range After Three Years Participants ranked interior…