Author: Moira Shortle

Stardust Power, a U.S.-based developer of battery-grade lithium products, commenced construction on a $1.2 billion lithium refinery at the Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The facility is poised to become the largest lithium refinery of its kind in the United States. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Jan. 22, featured appearances by Stardust Power CEO Roshan Pujari, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, and Muskogee Mayor Patrick Cale, alongside other state and local officials. The refinery is being built on a 66-acre site acquired by Stardust Power in December 2024, with additional expansion potential on an adjacent 40-acre parcel. See also: Chinese…

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said the electric vehicle maker is unconcerned about potential changes to U.S. electric vehicle policies under former President Donald Trump, including the possible repeal of the $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers. Speaking with Automotive News at the opening of Rivian’s new showroom in San Francisco, Scaringe emphasized that the company’s mission remains focused on advancing electrification regardless of government subsidies. “I don’t think we’re particularly worried about any of it because whatever happens will be equally applied to all,” Scaringe said. “I started the company with the view of making highly compelling products, and none…

SAIC-GM-Wuling has issued a recall for 1,116 units of its Baojun Yep urban SUV, citing a software issue in the Electronic Brake Assist (EBS) system. The recall, reported to the State Administration for Market Regulation, involves vehicles produced between April 20 and June 14, 2023. See also: Baojun Launches Yunduo: A $13,270 Compact EV with Impressive 460 km Range The EBS software fault arises from its use of a 365-day calendar, which fails to properly account for leap years. On the last day of a leap year, this software miscalculation disrupts communication within the EBS, potentially leading to brake assist…

As of the end of 2024, South Korea reached a significant milestone with 26.3 million registered vehicles, marking a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year. Despite a slowdown in the demand for electric vehicles, the market for hybrid cars grew, pushing eco-friendly vehicles to represent over 10% of the total vehicle count for the first time. Eco-friendly vehicles, which include electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles, accounted for more than 40% of new vehicle registrations in 2024. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the number of registered vehicles in South Korea stood at 26,298,000 by the end…

A new study by the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University, in collaboration with industrial partners, outlines the challenges and opportunities for establishing solid-state battery production in Europe. The study analyzes global efforts in this field, identifies the strengths of potential domestic production, and explores what a European alternative to China’s All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP) could look like. See also: Chery to Launch All-Solid State Battery by 2026, Unveils Kunpeng Battery Brand The PEM study emphasizes that while fundamental research on solid-state electrolytes has largely been completed, the focus has now shifted…

In 2024, China’s new-energy bus exports saw a substantial increase, with 15,444 units shipped abroad, marking a 28.3% year-on-year growth. This growth mirrors the rising demand for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) globally, with BYD solidifying its dominance in the sector. The export figures, compiled by China Bus, include a variety of buses over 3.5 meters in length, such as city buses, intercity buses, and minibuses. See also: BYD to Establish Electric Bus Manufacturing Base in Azerbaijan The statistics cover NEVs with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell drives, but no further breakdown by drive type or destination market is provided. A…

Skoda has officially launched the series production of its second all-electric vehicle, the Elroq, at its Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. The new compact SUV is now rolling off the production line alongside the Enyaq, marking a significant step in the company’s push towards electrification. By the end of 2024, Skoda had already received over 20,000 orders for the Elroq, demonstrating strong demand for the vehicle. See also: Skoda to Launch Facelifted Enyaq EV in India in 2025 The Elroq is built on a flexible production line that accommodates both electric vehicles (EVs) and combustion-powered models. The production…

BEDEO has introduced its innovative electrification solutions for motorhomes at the CMT trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany, marking a key milestone in its European expansion. In collaboration with the TRIGANO group, BEDEO unveiled the ElectriX motorhomes, featuring the Challenger X150 and X250 models equipped with advanced Range Extender (RE) Drive Electric technology. These developments highlight BEDEO’s focus on creating sustainable travel options for environmentally conscious adventurers. The ElectriX motorhomes are designed with BEDEO’s proprietary Range Extender technology, enabling 100 km of full-electric driving with a 37 kWh battery and 115 kW motors. For extended journeys, an integrated thermal engine increases…

Hesai Technology has secured design wins with Chery Automobile for several upcoming vehicle models, with mass production planned for the second half of 2025. The models will feature Hesai’s ATX lidar, a compact, high-performance sensor aimed at advancing assisted driving capabilities. Chery, a prominent Chinese automaker, reported a 38% year-over-year increase in global sales in 2024, reaching 2.6 million vehicles, and expects over 3 million deliveries in 2025. The collaboration with Hesai is intended to enhance Chery’s vehicle offerings across various segments, including passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as urban mobility solutions. Hesai has secured more than 100 design…

Hanoi has added three fully electrified bus routes—lines 05, 39, and 47—supported by a fleet of 46 electric buses supplied by a local manufacturer, marking a significant step toward the city’s goal of converting its entire bus network to electric by 2030. The new fleet comprises 35 medium-sized buses with seating for up to 60 passengers and 11 smaller buses accommodating up to 30 people. While the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) has not disclosed the exact make and model of the buses, press images indicate they are VinBus models, manufactured by VinFast, a prominent Vietnamese electric vehicle company. VinFast’s electric…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has elevated its investigation into Ford Motor’s BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system to an engineering analysis, a critical step before a potential recall, the agency said this week. The probe, which began in April, focuses on 129,222 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with BlueCruise. The system was active during two fatal crashes where vehicles struck stationary objects, NHTSA noted. “The investigation will assess BlueCruise’s limitations, including potential issues with detecting stationary vehicles at high speeds and during low-visibility conditions,” the agency said in a statement. It added that initial findings pointed to…

As the Trump administration prepares to assume office, the U.S. auto industry faces potential upheaval, with speculation mounting that the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) could be rescinded. Industry leaders warn that such a move could have significant repercussions for the domestic EV market, hindering progress in electrification and green technology adoption. John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents nearly all major automakers except Tesla, has already reached out to the incoming administration. Speaking to The Detroit News during the Detroit Auto Show, Bozzella emphasized the need for the new administration to recognize…

Chevrolet has rolled out new deals on its 2024 Equinox and Blazer EV models, making them even more affordable for buyers. Starting January 14, the electric SUVs are available with 0% APR financing for 60 months, as well as other financing options such as 0.9% APR for 72 months and 2.9% APR for 84 months. This financing deal represents the best offer Chevy has provided on its newest EVs to date. Previously, the best financing rates were 0.9% APR for 60 months, 3.9% for 72 months, and 5.9% for the 84-month term. According to online auto research firm CarsDirect, these…

Thomas Built Buses has launched the second-generation Jouley, an electric school bus designed to meet the evolving needs of sustainable student transportation. The updated model features the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins and an 800-volt Proterra battery system, enhancing its performance and efficiency. Production of the 219-inch wheelbase version, which can seat up to 60 passengers, has already begun, with additional wheelbase options set to be available in 2025. While details on the range and charging capacity were not disclosed, the first-generation Jouley offered a driving range of up to 150 miles, with a 246 kWh battery that could…

Sunderland’s upcoming autonomous transport project, the Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle (SAMS), has selected Oxa as the autonomy provider for its Ford E-Transit shuttle. The initiative, set to begin in early 2025, is designed to promote sustainable urban mobility and connectivity in the region. Oxa will supply its self-driving software and services for the project, leveraging its experience in passenger transport and industrial logistics. “We’re proud to be part of the movement to radically modernize public transport in the UK,” said Oxa CEO Gavin Jackson. “The project will demonstrate the potential of autonomous vehicles to create safe, efficient, and sustainable transport…

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has launched the Battery Startup Incubator (BaStI) to enhance Germany’s independence in battery technologies and strengthen European production capacities. Backed by €3.3 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), BaStI will support German startups in bringing innovative battery technologies to market, reducing reliance on imports. The initiative seeks to address global dependencies, with over 70% of battery production currently concentrated in China. BaStI, as part of the TUM Venture Labs, aims to leverage Germany’s strong research capabilities and improve the transition of breakthroughs into commercial enterprises. “With BaStI, we…

Volkswagen is considering ways to expand its collaboration with U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian, CEO Herbert Diess said in an interview with Spiegel magazine, published on Friday. Following the establishment of their joint venture, “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC,” in November, Volkswagen is already looking to deepen the partnership with the electric vehicle startup. Diess remarked, “The Volkswagen Group offers great opportunities for a small brand like Rivian,” adding that they are exploring possibilities such as “sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes.” Volkswagen has committed to investing up to $5.8 billion in the collaboration. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted…

The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have impounded a Tesla Cybertruck after it was driven illegally on public roads in Whitefield, UK. The vehicle, which has not received the necessary certification for use in the country, was seized due to safety concerns for both pedestrians and other drivers. Tesla had imported the Cybertruck to the UK for demonstration purposes, notably at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but it has not yet been approved for regular road use in the country. The Cybertruck was registered and insured in another nation, which is in violation of UK laws. The driver, a UK resident,…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its investigation into 6,971 Fisker Ocean SUVs over concerns about inadvertent activation of the automatic emergency braking system. The regulator cited a lack of new information to further pursue the case, as Fisker, which filed for bankruptcy protection in June, has not provided additional details due to the company’s financial struggles. Fisker, a startup impacted by a highly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market and operational challenges, did not recall vehicles for this issue. “The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does…

Cupra has confirmed plans to continue producing combustion-powered versions of the Leon model into the next decade, but the brand has also announced that the next-generation Leon will eventually transition to an all-electric offering. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s versatile Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), the electric Leon will share its underpinnings with a range of future EVs from the group. Cupra’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths, emphasized that the current Leon will remain available for several years. “The Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor are both based on the same platform,” Griffiths told Autocar. “We will extend those well into the next decade.…