Author: Michael Carter

Michael Carter is a journalist specializing in the North American electric vehicle (EV) landscape, with a focus on market trends, policy developments, and the evolving strategies of automakers and technology suppliers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The municipal transport operator EMT Valencia has added 26 electric buses to its fleet as part of a wider plan to expand and decarbonize public transport in the Spanish city. The operator said the new battery-electric buses have entered service, although details about the exact manufacturers and models were not disclosed. A press image released alongside the announcement shows several MAN Lion’s City E vehicles in the standard 12-metre configuration. In a LinkedIn post, EMT Valencia described the delivery as consisting of 26 battery-electric buses. However, information published on the website of the City of Valencia refers to 26 electric…

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Subaru has introduced hands-free highway driving capability in the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring and 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT, marking the first time the automaker has offered a hands-free driving system on one of its vehicles. The feature, called EyeSight Highway Hands-Free Assist, allows limited hands-free driving at speeds of up to 85 mph on most interstate highways in the United States. According to Subaru, the system is available as a standard feature on Outback Touring models produced after January 19, 2026. Owners of compatible vehicles produced earlier can activate the function through a free software update. The system operates…

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NFI Group has opened a new Customer Acceptance and Delivery (CAD) facility in Winnipeg, enabling full domestic production of heavy-duty transit buses in Canada for the first time in 15 years, including battery-electric models. The new site is expected to increase production capacity for the company’s New Flyer brand buses in Winnipeg by up to 240 equivalent units annually by 2027, with about four vehicles projected to enter production each week. NFI Group manufactures buses and coaches under several brands, including New Flyer, Alexander Dennis and Motor Coach Industries (MCI). According to the company, the facility allows New Flyer buses…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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