Author: Moira Shortle

Carbon Robotics has introduced the Carbon AutoTractor, a new autonomous tractor system that combines artificial intelligence with real-time remote oversight. Designed as a retrofit for existing John Deere 6R and 8R Series tractors, the solution allows farmers to automate routine field operations while retaining the ability to supervise and intervene remotely. The AutoTractor is intended to address labor shortages and operational inefficiencies by minimizing downtime and enabling continuous work. It is compatible with Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder and can be used for a range of agricultural tasks including plowing, mowing, and tilling. Installation can be completed in under 24 hours without…

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, a key electric vehicle (EV) battery supplier to General Motors and Tesla, projected a 138% increase in its quarterly operating profit on Monday, though it reported an underlying loss when excluding U.S. tax credits. The company estimated an operating profit of 374.7 billion won ($255.2 million) for the January-March period, up from 157.3 billion won a year earlier and significantly higher than the 29 billion won forecast by LSEG SmartEstimate, which prioritizes the most accurate analysts. However, without the benefits of tax credits from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, LG Energy Solution said it would…

Wayve, a British startup specializing in Embodied AI, has unveiled GAIA-2, a next-generation generative video model designed to simulate complex driving environments for the development and testing of assisted and autonomous driving systems. GAIA-2 produces synthetic driving data that mimics real-world conditions while offering high levels of control and realism. The model aims to reduce dependence on real-world data collection by enabling developers to generate diverse and safety-critical scenarios on demand. See also: UK’s Wayve to Open Self-Driving Tech Hub in Germany, Expands Testing Fleet “GAIA-2 provides a way to systematically and controllably test safety-critical edge-case data in a virtual…

Drive-by-Wire and Safety-by-Wire® systems developed by Arnold NextG and NX NextMotion are gaining ground in the mining sector as companies seek to improve operational safety and efficiency in high-risk environments. The technology enables autonomous and teleoperated control of heavy machinery, reducing exposure of workers to dangerous conditions such as high temperatures, toxic gases, and unstable terrain. The systems are already being deployed in a variety of applications, including self-driving haulage trucks from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Liebherr; teleoperated drilling rigs from Epiroc and Sandvik; and remote-controlled bulldozers and loaders used in stockpile management by Komatsu and Hitachi. These solutions…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is stepping up its efforts to grow in South Korea, aiming to double its sales and service network and launch additional models by the end of the year, the company said Thursday. “We will increase our sales network to 30 by end of this year from 15 to meet demand from Korean consumers,” said Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD’s Asia Pacific auto sales division, during the Seoul Mobility Show in Ilsan, Bloomberg reported. See also: BYD Secures Over 1,000 Preorders for Atto 3 in South Korea in First Week At the show, BYD…

Sion Power is taking a key step toward commercializing its Licerion battery cells, which are expected to cut the cost of 200 kWh battery packs by 35%. The company claims its lithium-metal technology delivers twice the energy of conventional lithium-ion batteries at the same size and weight. In partnership with Mühlbauer Group, Sion is developing a fully automated production line capable of manufacturing 75 MWh of 56 Ah lithium-metal cells annually. The company says these cells will exceed 50 amp-hours and will be supplied to automotive OEMs for testing. The facility, aimed at making Sion “volume-production ready” by 2028, will…

Rivian reported higher-than-expected vehicle production and deliveries for the first quarter, with output at its Normal, Illinois plant reaching 14,611 units, surpassing analysts’ estimates of 12,380. The company delivered 8,640 vehicles, slightly exceeding the expected 8,610. Rivian stated that the quarterly results aligned with its prior outlook of approximately 14,000 vehicles produced and 8,000 delivered. The electric vehicle maker reaffirmed its 2025 delivery forecast, projecting between 46,000 and 51,000 units. Last week, Rivian announced the spin-off of its micromobility division into a separate entity, Also Inc. The new company will focus on lightweight electric vehicles designed to address global transportation…

Yamaha has agreed to acquire the electric bike drive and system business of German automotive supplier Brose, pending regulatory approval. If cleared by antitrust authorities, the unit will become part of Yamaha’s subsidiary, Motor eBike Systems GmbH. Brose, traditionally focused on the automotive sector, has been active in the e-bike industry for the past decade but is now divesting its e-bike drive division as part of a strategic shift toward its core business. The sale includes Brose’s development resources and 110 employees based in Berlin. The purchase price was not disclosed. See also: German Manufacturer Brose Introduces Impressive 48V Drive…

Chinese battery giant CATL has signed a strategic partnership with state-owned fossil fuel company Sinopec Group to accelerate the development of a nationwide battery swap network, the companies announced today. Under the agreement, CATL and Sinopec will build at least 500 battery swap stations this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 10,000, according to a press release from CATL. The collaboration aims to leverage CATL’s expertise in battery technology and swap systems alongside Sinopec’s extensive network of fuel stations and infrastructure. See also: CATL Secures Approval for Hong Kong Share Sale, Eyes $5 Billion Fundraising “We hope to make…

Esslingen’s public transport operator, Städtischer Verkehrsbetrieb Esslingen (SVE), has awarded a contract to Skoda Group for the supply of 46 battery-powered trolleybuses, with deliveries scheduled by the end of 2026. The deal includes an option for an additional 15 vehicles. The investment, valued at approximately €41.5 million, follows the insolvency of Belgian manufacturer Van Hool, which had previously been contracted to supply new trolleybuses in 2022. “As energy and raw material prices have now recovered somewhat, the offer from Skoda is even more favourable than the original order from Van Hool,” said Johannes Müller, Technical Plant Manager at SVE. The…

A Hyundai Ioniq 5 has driven more than 413,990 miles (666,255 km) in just under three and a half years, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle (EV) longevity. According to a post in the Facebook group Mileage Impossible, the owner has been averaging nearly 10,000 miles per month, relying exclusively on DC fast charging. See also: Hyundai Group Launches Pleos Software Platform to Drive Software-Centered Mobility The vehicle initially covered 360,000 miles on its original battery before receiving a replacement under Hyundai’s warranty—despite exceeding the automaker’s standard 10-year/100,000-mile coverage. Remarkably, at the time of replacement, the battery still retained…

Genesis has announced pricing and details for its updated Electrified GV70, introducing three new trim levels and enhanced features. The premium electric SUV is now available to order in the UK, with deliveries expected to commence in July. Replacing the previous Sport trim, the Electrified GV70 will now be offered in Pure, Dynamic, and Luxury trims. Standard across all variants are Highway Driving Assist, fingerprint recognition, a power-opening tailgate, heated front seats, wireless charging, and Genesis’ Preview Electronic Control Suspension. See also: Hyundai, Genesis EVs Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers, Free NACS Adapters Offered Pricing for the base Pure trim…