Author: Nico Romano

Ground handling provider dnata is expanding its electric vehicle fleet at Rome Fiumicino Airport with four VEGA electric apron buses from manufacturer Cobus. The vehicles are scheduled to enter service by mid-November to transport passengers between airport terminals and aircraft. According to dnata, it will become the first ground handler to deploy the new Cobus model. The buses have been specifically designed for airport apron operations, where they provide passenger transfers between terminal buildings and parked aircraft. The VEGA vehicles offer greater passenger capacity than conventional airport buses, according to the company. Their redesigned doors are intended to accelerate passenger…

German automotive supplier Schaeffler plans to eliminate approximately 3,460 positions across Europe, including 2,660 jobs in Germany and another 800 elsewhere on the continent, as part of a cost improvement programme targeting annual savings of around €300 million. The restructuring reflects mounting pressure on the European automotive industry, with Schaeffler citing weaker market demand, intensifying competition, declining sales of internal combustion engine vehicles and a slower-than-expected expansion of electromobility. The company also points to comparatively high labour costs per employee in Germany and organisational complexity, including excessive management layers and insufficient spans of control. Electric Mobility Division Continues to Record…

E.ON Drive Infrastructure is expanding its electric vehicle charging network in Italy through the acquisition of Smatrics EnBW Italia, taking over four operational high-power charging (HPC) sites in the northern part of the country. The transaction covers 100% of the share capital of Smatrics EnBW Italia and includes a total of 64 fast-charging points. The purchase price has not been disclosed. The acquisition marks Smatrics EnBW’s withdrawal from Italy after approximately two years of operations, while strengthening E.ON’s presence along major European transport corridors. Four Charging Parks Added to E.ON’s Italian Network The acquired facilities are located across northern Italy,…

An Post and DHL Express Ireland are participating in a pilot project designed to connect electric vehicle fleet depots directly to Ireland’s electricity flexibility markets. The initiative will allow operators to adjust charging demand in response to grid conditions, potentially reducing energy costs and creating additional revenue opportunities. The project covers three An Post sites in Cork and Galway and one DHL Express depot in Dublin. Together, the locations represent a fleet of 211 electric vehicles and 181 charging points, with up to 500 kW of flexible electricity demand. The initiative brings together VIOTAS, Mitsui Ireland, ESB Smart Energy Services,…

Portugal plans to introduce a new electric vehicle incentive programme that would cover up to 80 per cent of the purchase price for low-income households. The initiative is expected to support around 20,000 electric car purchases, while the government also intends to maintain its existing incentive scheme with a budget of €50 million in 2027. Portuguese Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho announced the proposed programme during parliamentary discussions on the 2027 state budget, according to The Portugal News. The initiative would mark the first time Portugal has introduced a dedicated electric car subsidy specifically for lower-income households.…

Turkish bus manufacturer Karsan has secured a contract to supply 110 electric buses to Milan’s public transport operator, Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM). The agreement also includes a 10-year maintenance service, with deliveries scheduled to begin gradually towards the end of 2027. The order follows a tender launched by ATM this spring, valued at more than €100 million. According to reporting by Sustainable Bus, the contract is being handled through Karsan’s Italian dealer, Kmobility, and is expected to have a total value of approximately €76 million. This amount covers vehicle deliveries, maintenance services and future battery replacements. Order includes urban and…

Skoda has increased the system output of the Kodiaq plug-in hybrid to 200 kW, adding 50 kW through engine improvements and a powertrain control software update. The changes arrive as the SUV marks its tenth anniversary, alongside the introduction of a new Laurin & Klement flagship trim. The updated plug-in hybrid combines a 130 kW 1.5 TSI four-cylinder gasoline engine with an 85 kW electric motor. The system’s revised output improves performance without requiring Skoda to introduce an entirely new drivetrain. The Kodiaq first launched in 2016 and has since attracted 1.2 million customers across 70 markets, according to the…

Battery-electric vehicle registrations in the European Union rose 72.9% year on year in September to 290,117 units, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Fully electric cars accounted for 29.9% of all new passenger car registrations during the month, as the EU automotive market recorded broader growth. Total new passenger car registrations reached 971,048 in September, up 9.3% from the same month in 2025. From January to September, the EU registered 1,931,465 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), an increase of 48.5% year on year. Their market share climbed to 22.7%, compared with 16.1% in the same period last…

Leapmotor has started production of its B10 compact SUV at the Zaragoza plant in Spain and presented the A05 for the first time in Europe, expanding its manufacturing and product presence in the region. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer announced the developments on Monday at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Leapmotor founder Zhu Jiangming and Leapmotor International CEO Danilo Annese jointly unveiled the models. The Zaragoza facility, developed through the partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis, uses Stellantis’ manufacturing infrastructure to produce vehicles for the European market. Leapmotor described the production start as a milestone in its “in Europe, for Europe”…

Rome is investing around €116.7 million to decarbonise its public transport system, with most of the funding allocated to new battery-electric and hydrogen buses for public transport operator ATAC. The programme will also support upgrades to operating facilities and the development of a green hydrogen production and refuelling hub at ATAC’s Acilia site. Rome Expands Zero-Emission Bus Fleet The funding comes from Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and will be provided through the city of Rome. An agreement between Rome and ATAC has cleared the way for the programme to move forward. https://evmagz.com/rome-to-introduce-e1000-annual-ztl-fee-for-electric-vehicles/ Media reports indicate that €83.6 million…

Ferrari’s first battery-electric vehicle, the Luce, has sold for $40 million at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California. The vehicle was the first production example, known as “Chassis 0,” and the full proceeds from the sale will benefit the Ferrari Foundation. The auction result was substantially above the vehicle’s estimated value of $1.1 million and its regular list price of €550,000. RM Sotheby’s waived its buyer’s premium for the sale, allowing the proceeds to go to the foundation. https://evmagz.com/ferrari-says-luce-ev-remains-available-in-china-despite-sellout-rumors/ Unique Luce Was Configured Through Tailor-Made The vehicle sold at auction is a one-off example configured through Ferrari’s Tailor-Made personalisation…

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched legal proceedings against US-based vehicle logistics provider CargoLoop, claiming improperly packed electric vehicles caused a fire aboard one of its container ships during a voyage from the United States to Europe. The shipping company is seeking approximately US$273,000 in damages following the incident aboard the MSC Carlotta, which occurred in September 2023. Lawsuit Follows Onboard Container Fire According to court filings, the dispute centres on two 40-foot containers supplied and packed by CargoLoop that contained used battery-electric vehicles previously involved in accidents. Cargo documentation identified the vehicles as dangerous goods, and MSC accepted the…

Volkswagen Group is reportedly in advanced discussions with Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech over the creation of a joint venture for PowerCo’s battery cell factory under construction in Sagunto, Spain, according to Spanish trade publication La Tribuna de Automoción. The reported talks come as Automobilwoche reported that PowerCo regularly reviews strategic partnership opportunities while maintaining it has no plans to relinquish control of the Valencia gigafactory. Joint Venture Proposal Under Discussion According to the report, the negotiations are being led by Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall and have progressed significantly, with Gotion Chief Executive Officer Zhen Li…

Stellantis has agreed to sell its entire stake in the Free2move car-sharing business to investment company Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The divestment forms part of Stellantis’ capital allocation strategy under its FaSTLAne 2030 plan, which prioritizes investment in regions, brands and technologies expected to generate stronger long-term returns. https://evmagz.com/mobileye-to-supply-cloud-enhanced-adas-technology-for-stellantis-vehicles-from-2027/ Free2move to Operate as Independent Mobility Platform Free2move provides short- and long-term free-floating car-sharing services through a mobile application and operates fleets across 14 cities in Europe and the United…

Fersa will showcase its latest bearing and drivetrain technologies at Automechanika Frankfurt and IAA Transportation in September, highlighting products designed for both conventional and electric vehicle platforms. New Products for Passenger and Electric Vehicles The Spanish manufacturer will exhibit at Hall 3.0, Stand C30 during Automechanika Frankfurt from September 8–12, before appearing at Hall 12, Stand E48 during IAA Transportation in Hannover from September 15–20. Among the featured products will be Fersa’s second-generation Fuel Efficient wheel end hub assemblies, developed to meet increasingly stringent efficiency requirements from European vehicle manufacturers. According to the company, the updated hub assemblies incorporate optimized…

Spain has approved the regulatory framework for its new Auto+ incentive program, introducing a centrally managed subsidy scheme for electric vehicle purchases that will remain in effect through the end of 2030. The program replaces the previous MOVES III initiative and is designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles while simplifying the grant application process. Only vehicles that qualify for the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic’s (DGT) ZERO-emissions environmental label will be eligible for support. Two Funding Streams Introduced The Auto+ program is divided into two funding pillars based on the type of buyer. The first pillar is aimed…

Volkswagen has opened order books for the new ID. Cross in Germany, with the electric crossover initially available in a single 155 kW front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 52 kWh battery. Taking into account Volkswagen’s current purchase incentive, prices start at €34,025, while the previously announced entry-level model priced from €27,995 is expected to become available from mid-October. Initial Launch Focuses on Higher-Spec Models The ID. Cross Life has a list price of €36,525, which falls to €34,025 after Volkswagen’s current €2,500 purchase incentive. The better-equipped Style trim is priced at €39,110, or €35,610 after a €3,500 purchase incentive. The…

The Spanish government has approved nearly €105 million in funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and support fleet electrification, reinforcing the country’s transition to zero-emission transportation under its broader España Auto 2030 strategy. The funding package includes more than €97 million for the Moves Corredores de Recarga program, which will finance 341 charging infrastructure projects expected to install 2,674 fast-charging points along Spain’s main transport corridors. Fast-Charging Network Receives Majority of Funding The government said the charging projects will be implemented across 15 autonomous communities on the Iberian Peninsula, with Andalusia receiving the largest number of approved projects at…

Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech has officially launched plans for a major battery materials complex in Valladolid, Spain, committing approximately €950 million to establish a cathode materials production facility alongside a large-scale battery recycling plant. The investment, unveiled in cooperation with Spain’s Ministry of Industry, will be backed by €138 million in grants under the country’s Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) programme. Two-Phase Battery Materials Project Construction of the industrial complex is scheduled to begin in 2027 on a 12-hectare site near Valladolid. The first phase will focus on building a battery recycling facility capable of processing…

Italian public transport operator CTM Cagliari has placed 47 Iveco E-Way electric midi buses into service, completing the city’s largest-ever fleet renewal programme under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The new battery-electric buses are now operating on some of Cagliari’s busiest urban routes as part of the city’s strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission public transport fleet by 2030. Electric Midi Buses Enter Service The newly delivered Iveco E-Way buses measure 10.7 metres in length and 2.33 metres in width, making them well suited for operating through Cagliari’s narrow city streets and densely populated urban areas. The…