Author: Moira Shortle

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is entering the Finnish market, initially offering only its electric SUV models, the G6 and G9, while its P7 sedan will not be available at launch. Xpeng will sell its vehicles in Finland through Inchcape Motors Finland, with deliveries set to begin by the end of February. The company plans to open a showroom in Helsinki, followed by another location in Espoo. The G6 will start at €48,290, with a discounted Launch Edition available for €45,790. The G9 pricing begins at €62,900, with the Launch Edition priced at €75,900. See also: Xpeng Unveils G7 SUV…

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed discussions with the company’s Chinese joint venture partners regarding their potential interest in investing in Europe. However, a spokesperson for the automaker clarified on Tuesday that no concrete decisions have been made. Blume responded to a question about whether he would consider entering talks with Chinese investors about acquiring Volkswagen’s German factories, stating that any investment in Europe, particularly if it creates value and jobs, is generally viewed positively. See also: Volkswagen Faces Challenges in U.S. Market Expansion and Cost-Cutting Efforts in Europe He added that while discussions with Volkswagen’s Chinese joint venture partners…

Flexis, a joint venture between Renault, Volvo Group, and shipping giant CMA CGM, has received letters of intent for 15,000 units of its new electric van from 10 European transport and distribution companies, the company said on Tuesday. Among the buyers are France’s Colis Privé, a CMA CGM subsidiary, UK-based Hived, and Germany’s DB Schenker. The remaining customers have not been disclosed. The orders will contribute to sales under the Renault and Renault Trucks (Volvo) brands. See also: Renault and Volvo Launch Joint Venture Flexis for Electric Vans The European market is seeing increased demand for electric vans as cities…

Daimler truck subsidiary Fuso and charging specialist Connexx Systems are set to begin a demonstration phase in February for a project involving discarded batteries from the eCanter electric truck. The initiative aims to use these batteries in battery-supported charging stations, with plans to commercialize the solution in 2026. The project, spearheaded by the Japanese companies, will repurpose old batteries from eCanter models to serve as energy storage for Connexx Systems’ EnePOND EV Charger. See also: Planway Logística Adds 22 Fuso eCanter Electric Trucks to Fleet for Correos This charger, currently under development, is designed to absorb electricity slowly from the…

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…