Author: Miguel Garcia

Chinese automaker BYD plans to introduce 3,000 Dolphin Mini electric taxis and build more than 100 charging stations across Mexico’s Nuevo León state, with full operations expected to begin in 2026. The large-scale e-mobility project is designed to serve the Monterrey metropolitan area, Monterrey International Airport, and major industrial zones in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pilot phase of the initiative is already underway, supported by a $50 million investment from Mexican car rental company One Car Now. At a presentation held at BYD’s Gonzalitos facility, company executives, local officials, and project partners outlined details of the…

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has initiated the ‘Kreislauf.IN.NRW’ research project to develop a holistic recycling process for lithium-ion battery cells, including components with unprecedented recycled content. The project is funded by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia and collaborates with industrial partners. The project focuses on producing battery cells with more than 80% recycled material, addressing the EU Battery Regulation’s minimum recycling quotas for cathode active material (CAM). The initiative goes beyond existing efforts, which often treat recyclable components individually rather than assessing their interaction…

The UK Department for Transport has unveiled proposals aimed at making it easier for renters and residents without off-street parking to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at home. The government plans to launch a consultation on the measures, which focus on expanding access to EV charging and reducing regulatory barriers. Key proposals include mandating EV charge points in new-build covered car parks and removing planning permission requirements for installations on pavements or public land for households without private driveways. See also: UK Introduces £42,000 Price Cap for Electric Car Grant Currently, installing an EV charger outside a private driveway is…

Switzerland will launch a national programme in 2026 to support the installation of charging infrastructure for electric trucks, committing 20 million Swiss francs ($21.5 million) to promote the transition to cleaner freight transport. The scheme will be managed by the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association (ASTAG) and will run through 2030. The initiative, titled “Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure,” will provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees. Applications open on January 1, 2026, and eligible companies will be able to receive up to 40 percent of the costs associated with planning, grid connection, cabling, and…

Jeep has begun production of the new Jeep Compass at Stellantis’ Melfi plant in Italy, marking a major milestone for the brand as it prepares to offer the model in fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. The announcement was made on Wednesday, though images from the factory indicate that assembly had already started earlier in October. The new Compass is built on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, which also underpins models such as the DS N°8, Peugeot E-3008, Peugeot E-5008, and Opel Grandland Electric. The lineup will expand in 2026 with the Lancia Gamma, followed by an Opel model. Measuring…

Lucid is partnering with Nvidia to bring advanced Level 4 autonomous driving to its upcoming midsize electric vehicles (EVs), the California-based automaker announced on Tuesday. The vehicles will use Nvidia’s DRIVE AGX Thor computing platform and DriveOS software to enable “eyes-off, hands-off, mind-off” operation under most driving conditions. The collaboration combines Lucid’s engineering expertise with Nvidia’s AI and high-performance computing capabilities, according to Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff, who said it aims to produce “the smartest and safest autonomous vehicles on the road.” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described the partnership as a step toward a future in which vehicles function…

Nissan Canada has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Montreal-based Lithion Technologies to recycle end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries using Lithion’s hydrometallurgical recycling process. The collaboration is designed to strengthen the domestic circular battery economy and support Canada’s clean energy transition. Under the agreement, Nissan Canada will work with Lithion to localize battery recycling and reuse critical raw materials. “The partnership with Lithion Technologies for battery recycling will not only help localise battery recycling but also reduce dependence on mining and support the growth of Canada’s clean tech sector,” said Andrew Harkness, Director of Dealer Network Development, Electrification, and Corporate…

Former ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne has joined Jaguar TCS Racing as reserve driver for the 2025/26 season, the team announced on Friday. The Belgian driver moves from Maserati MSG Racing, where he spent the previous season and delivered the team’s only GEN3 Evo victory in Tokyo. Vandoorne brings extensive Formula E experience, with over 100 race starts across seven seasons. His career in the all-electric series began with HWA Racelab before a three-year spell at Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, where he captured the 2022 world title. He later competed with DS Penske and Maserati, earning…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday it is seeking additional information from Tesla about a new driver assistance feature called “Mad Max,” which reportedly allows vehicles to operate more aggressively and at higher speeds than other Full Self-Driving (FSD) modes. The agency said it had received reports suggesting that Tesla vehicles using the mode can travel above posted speed limits. “NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the agency said in a statement, reiterating that “the human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all…

Dan Ticktum will remain with CUPRA KIRO for the 2025/26 Formula E season, extending one of the longest active driver-team partnerships on the grid. The upcoming campaign will be Ticktum’s second with CUPRA KIRO and his fifth overall with the Silverstone-based outfit since joining Formula E from FIA Formula 2 in 2021. The 26-year-old enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season, achieving his first Formula E podium in Tokyo, a maiden Julius Baer Pole Position in London, and a breakthrough victory in Jakarta. The results marked a significant step forward for the British driver, who will look to build on that momentum…

Altilium, a UK-based clean technology company, has officially opened its ACT 2 electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility in Plymouth, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to build a domestic, low-carbon battery materials supply chain. The facility is the UK’s first pilot plant dedicated to recovering critical battery metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt from end-of-life EV batteries. The VIP opening ceremony drew more than 20 key investors and stakeholders, including senior executives from Marubeni Corporation, Mizuho Bank, the Japan Organisation for Metals & Energy Security (JOGMEC), the Embassy of Japan, and Export Development Canada, highlighting strong international…

Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Ehang (NASDAQ: EH) on Monday unveiled its next-generation VT35 model, designed for medium-to-long-range intercity travel, at an event in Hefei, Anhui province. The VT35 is an upgraded lift-and-cruise design based on the earlier VT30 prototype, targeting applications such as intercity, cross-sea, and cross-mountain transportation. “The VT35 will join the EH216-S to build a comprehensive intelligent air transportation network covering short-, medium-, and long-range scenarios,” Ehang founder, chairman, and CEO Hu Huazhi said. See also: Gotion High-tech to Supply Advanced Battery Cells to Ehang’s EH216 eVTOL Series https://twitter.com/ehang/status/1977709777061851136 The tandem-wing, two-seat aircraft uses…

Keysight Technologies has introduced two new end-of-line (EOL) test platforms — the EV2020B and EV2020BE — designed to provide automakers and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturers with scalable and unified solutions for production testing. The platforms aim to streamline manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and ensure readiness for evolving industry standards. The EV2020B EV Manufacturing Functional Test Platform targets EV component manufacturers, offering customizable configurations for testing key systems such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers. See also: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Secure £5.4 Million to Expand EV Charging Network Meanwhile, the EV2020BE is tailored for EVSE testing, supporting both AC…

Lyten CEO Dan Cook has presented the company’s revised plans for the battery cell factory in Heide, Schleswig-Holstein, originally developed by Northvolt. While Lyten has secured approval to take over Northvolt’s sites in Germany and Sweden, Cook confirmed that the final sale process “is ongoing and details are subject to confidentiality.” Speaking at a meeting with the state government in Kiel, Cook said Lyten intends to maintain the Heide location but will pursue a smaller-scale project than Northvolt had envisioned. “In principle, we are planning a phased and modular approach for the battery cell factory near Heide, with various chemistries…

ScottishPower has been appointed as the new operator of the Highlands and Islands electric vehicle (EV) charging network, taking over from ChargePlace Scotland as part of a regional transition led by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS). The agreement covers public chargers across Argyll & Bute, the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, where HITRANS manages infrastructure on behalf of local councils. Around 123 charge points will move to ScottishPower’s management platform within 18 months, supported by Fuuse’s back-office technology. See also: ScottishPower to Boost EV Infrastructure in Underserved Areas of Western Scotland with HiTrans Partnership While ScottishPower will handle…

Polestar’s third-quarter vehicle sales climbed 13% from a year earlier, supported by resilient demand in Europe despite a difficult macroeconomic environment marked by tariffs and cautious consumer spending. The Swedish electric-vehicle maker said on Thursday it sold an estimated 14,192 cars during the quarter. To counter slowing demand and rising costs, Polestar has introduced discounts and leasing incentives across markets. The broader automotive industry has been grappling with U.S. trade tariffs on global partners, prompting several manufacturers to adjust supply chains and relocate production to mitigate the impact. See also: Polestar Posts $1 Billion Quarterly Loss as Tariffs Trigger Polestar…

U.S. startup Electroflow is developing a process to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery material at lower costs, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers, the company said. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Eric McShane, told TechCrunch that while LFP batteries are “literally 99% made in China,” Electroflow’s approach could reduce production costs by as much as 20% while establishing a domestic supply chain. “If we want to have a chance of competing, we’ve got to flip that script,” he said. See also: Siemens Mobility Breaks Ground on Rail Battery System Plant in Bavaria Electroflow’s technology transforms lithium from brine into LFP…

Audi has expanded its e-mobility portfolio with the release of its second-generation electric mountain bike, the eMTB 2.0, featuring performance improvements, a lower price point, and a design inspired by the brand’s Dakar-winning RS Q e-tron racecar. Developed in partnership with Italian e-bike manufacturer Fantic, the eMTB 2.0 incorporates an upgraded SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS electronic rear derailleur and larger EPTA STAGE brake rotors measuring 220mm at the front and 203mm at the rear. The bike is based on Fantic’s XEF 1.9 Factory enduro model and features a lightweight aluminum frame with a relaxed riding position. See also: BH…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will take 5% equity stakes in Canadian lithium producer Lithium Americas and its Nevada joint venture with General Motors, according to a DOE announcement on Tuesday. The move is part of a renegotiation of a $2.26 billion federal loan awarded under the Biden administration. The stakes will be acquired through no-cost warrants, which give the government the right to purchase shares at a predetermined price. The DOE said the equity positions will serve as additional collateral on the loan, helping to reduce repayment risk for taxpayers. Shares of Lithium Americas surged 34% in after-hours…

Electrify America said on Thursday it has received the Electric Innovation Scalable Catalyst Award from the Electric Innovation Initiative, in recognition of its deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across its U.S. charging network. The company has installed more than 170 BESS units with a combined storage capacity exceeding 65,000 kilowatt-hours. The technology enables Hyper-Fast charging in areas with limited utility capacity, including rural and underserved communities, by storing power during low-demand periods and discharging it during peak times. This approach reduces the need for costly grid upgrades and supports broader EV adoption. “Battery energy storage is unlocking a…