Author: Moira Shortle

Zeekr Group delivered 41,316 vehicles in April, a slight increase of 1.48% from 40,715 units in March, according to data released by the company on Wednesday. The figure includes combined deliveries from both the Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands, which are now fully integrated under the Zeekr Group umbrella. The Zeekr brand accounted for 13,727 of those deliveries, a 14.7% drop from April 2024 and down 11% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, Lynk & Co delivered 27,589 vehicles, marking a 47.3% increase year-on-year and a 9.1% rise from March. This reflects the brand’s strong rebound and growing momentum…

Stellantis and U.S.-based battery developer Factorial Energy have validated automotive-sized solid-state battery cells with high energy density, marking a significant step toward introducing the technology in production vehicles by 2026. The announcement builds on their previous commitment to equip a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytonas with solid-state batteries. The validated cells feature Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) and deliver an energy density of 375 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). According to the companies, the 77 ampere-hour (Ah) cells have undergone over 600 charging cycles and are progressing toward automotive qualification—a key milestone for the use of large-format lithium-metal solid-state batteries…

At Auto Shanghai 2025, Volkswagen Group introduced its first self-developed, AI-powered Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), marking a milestone in its “In China, for China” strategy. The system, tailored specifically for the complex traffic conditions in China, is designed to provide seamless and safe driving experiences, leveraging local innovation to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers. Developed by CARIZON, a joint venture between Volkswagen’s software arm CARIAD and Horizon Robotics, the ADAS utilizes the AI-driven GAIA platform to deliver high-precision driving functions up to Level 2++, with plans to eventually advance to Level 3. Key highlights of the system…

Slate Auto, an electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has begun teasing its first product by discreetly placing multiple concept versions of its vehicle on California streets, according to individuals familiar with the company’s internal plans. The strategy, days ahead of its official unveiling on April 24 at Long Beach Airport, is part of a marketing push to highlight the vehicle’s modular, customizable nature. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Michigan, Slate Auto has maintained a low public profile until recently, when reports surfaced revealing Bezos’ investment and the company’s goal to sell a highly configurable EV…

Legislators in Washington state have introduced a proposal to impose a 10 percent tax on the sale of emissions credits, a move that could impact Tesla , which earned nearly $1.8 billion globally from such transactions last year. Democratic lawmakers in Olympia submitted companion bills aimed at what they described as “windfall profits” from emissions credit sales by companies not burdened with legacy combustion engine production. The proposed legislation would apply a tax to the credits—financial instruments created by zero-emission vehicle mandates that allow EV-only manufacturers like Tesla to sell compliance allowances to automakers that have not met regulatory targets.…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) has formally exited a multibillion-dollar electric vehicle battery investment project in Indonesia, the company said on Monday, citing shifting market conditions and investment considerations. The move marks a withdrawal from the so-called Indonesia Grand Package (GP) agreement, a $8.45 billion plan signed in late 2020 to develop a full EV battery supply chain in the resource-rich Southeast Asian country. See also: LG Energy Solution Forecasts 138% Rise in Quarterly Profit Despite Underlying Operating Loss “Taking into account various factors, including market conditions and investment environment, we have agreed to formally withdraw from the Indonesia…

Hankook Tire has partnered with U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors to provide its iON evo AS SUV all-season tires as original equipment for the new Lucid Gravity. The move reinforces Hankook’s growing presence in the global EV tire market, particularly in the premium segment. See also: Lucid Gravity SUV Gains Access to Tesla Supercharger Network Without Adapter The iON evo AS SUV tire is specifically designed for large electric vehicles, featuring advanced compound technology to ensure strong grip, improved mileage, and enhanced driving performance. For the Lucid Gravity, a high-performance, full-size electric SUV capable of delivering up to 828…

Nio’s third brand, Firefly, has integrated smart driving chips from domestic supplier Horizon Robotics in its debut model, as the automaker moves to reduce production costs and localize technology for its budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) line. The collaboration was revealed through a post by Horizon Robotics on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The first Firefly-branded model, which shares its name with the sub-brand, is powered by Horizon Robotics’ Journey series of automotive-grade chips. The company describes the new model as offering responsive handling and intelligent driving capabilities, aimed at younger, urban consumers looking for compact and tech-equipped mobility solutions. See…

Metlink, the public transport provider for Wellington, New Zealand, has added 16 new battery-electric buses (BEBs) to its fleet, replacing 10 older diesel models. This expansion brings the total number of electric buses in the fleet to 119, marking a significant step towards Metlink’s 2030 goal of full electrification. With the addition of these buses, Metlink’s fleet is now 25 percent electrified. See also: Gijón’s EMTUSA Orders Four Irizar Electric Buses as Fleet Electrification Expands The new BEVs will be in service by the end of April and will operate on several routes around the city, including route 2 and…

Volkswagen said on Wednesday it will keep vehicle prices unchanged through the end of May, becoming the latest automaker to reassure consumers amid growing concerns that potential tariffs could drive up prices. The announcement follows similar commitments from other car manufacturers seeking to ease shopper anxiety and sustain sales momentum. Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor said it would maintain current sticker prices on its vehicles through June 2. See also: Volkswagen Q1 Profit Falls 40% on Emissions Fines, U.S. Tariff Impact U.S. carmakers have also responded with pricing strategies aimed at boosting demand. Ford Motor and Stellantis introduced significant discounts…

Waste management firm PreZero has placed an order for 35 battery-electric trucks from Volvo Trucks, marking the company’s largest investment in electric vehicles to date. The order follows earlier deployments of Volvo electric trucks by PreZero in 2022 and an additional batch of 30 units ordered in 2024. The new order includes 24 Volvo FM Low Entry Electric trucks, 10 Volvo FM Electric trucks, and one Volvo FL Electric vehicle. All trucks will feature Volvo’s Dynamic Steering (VDS) system, designed to enhance maneuverability and reduce driver fatigue. Delivery timelines for the vehicles were not disclosed. See also: DFDS Expands Electric…

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann warned on Tuesday that escalating tariffs in the United States and stringent emissions regulations in the European Union pose significant risks to the automotive sector, as the company continues its search for a new chief executive. Speaking at the group’s annual shareholders’ meeting, Elkann said that current policy directions in major Western markets could jeopardize the competitiveness of local car manufacturers. “With the current path of painful tariffs and overly rigid regulations, the American and European car industries are being put at risk,” Elkann said. See also: Stellantis Narrows CEO Search to Five Candidates Amidst Industry…