Author: Nico Romano

Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda said a subsidiary is facing a lawsuit from a Geely Holding Group–affiliated company over alleged quality issues in battery cells supplied for electric vehicles, marking a rare legal dispute in China’s EV supply chain. In a stock exchange filing, Sunwoda said its subsidiary, Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Co Ltd, has been sued by VREMT, a battery system company under the Geely umbrella, which is seeking compensation of 2.31 billion yuan ($330 million). The claim relates to battery cells supplied between June 2021 and December 2023 that VREMT alleges had quality defects. The case has not yet…

Hyundai Motor Europe will debut its largest electric vehicle to date at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, marking a key milestone in the automaker’s electrification strategy as it accelerates its transition toward a fully electric lineup. The new model, which will feature 800-volt charging architecture, is set to make its world premiere at the event running from January 9 to 18, 2026. It will become the flagship of Hyundai’s European electric vehicle range, complementing existing models from the compact INSTER to the large IONIQ 9. Hyundai said the unveiling will form part of a broader presentation outlining its European electrification…

Italy’s competition authority has closed investigations into BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen over alleged misleading claims about electric vehicle performance, after the companies agreed to revise how they communicate key information to consumers. The probe, launched in February by Italy’s competition watchdog AGCM, examined whether the automakers engaged in unfair commercial practices in the way they presented information on EV driving range, battery capacity degradation and limitations contained in battery warranty terms. According to the authority, the companies’ websites had provided “generic and sometimes contradictory information” about vehicle range, without sufficiently explaining the factors — such as driving style, temperature…

Turkish electric bus manufacturer Karsan has won a tender to supply 42 battery-electric articulated buses for the Italian port city of Bari, the company said, strengthening its footprint in one of Europe’s growing zero-emission public transport markets. The contract, launched under a Europe-wide tender in May, covers the delivery of 18-metre e-ATA 18 buses, which are scheduled to be handed over in June 2026. The vehicles will operate on Bari’s four planned high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, designed to provide fast and frequent public transport services across the city. See also: Karsan Delivers 17 Electric Buses to Mersin Under…

Renault has begun taking pre-orders for the Twingo E-Tech Electric in selected European markets as part of its R-Pass pre-order programme, with the battery-electric city car initially offered in the top-spec “Techno” trim. The Twingo E-Tech Electric Techno is priced from €21,090 before government incentives and will be available to R-Pass customers in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands from December 16. Orders will open to the wider public on January 8, 2026, Renault said. The Techno trim is the highest specification for the electric Twingo and includes Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in, adaptive cruise…

French automaker Renault is winding down its electric car-sharing activities and slowing the rollout of fast-charging infrastructure under its Mobilize division, as it refocuses investment on areas with stronger profitability. “Mobilize Beyond Automotive is no longer a standalone entity,” Renault said in a statement, adding that while the Mobilize brand will continue for Mobilize Financial Services, its use for other offerings will be reviewed “over the coming months”. As part of the reorganisation, Renault said electric vehicle charging solutions will be integrated into the group’s core operations and placed under the responsibility of Chief Growth Officer Fabrice Cambolive. The changes…

Stellantis plans to bring the tiny Fiat Topolino electric vehicle to the United States, marking one of the smallest and most affordable EVs ever introduced to the market. The announcement comes amid rising public curiosity about micro-EVs following recent comments from President Trump, who described Japan’s kei cars as “really cute” during a White House meeting with auto executives. Fiat CEO Olivier Francois revealed the plan during Miami Art Week, saying the micro-EV has generated “tremendous excitement among consumers” after several high-profile appearances, including at the LA Auto Show. “I’m happy to share that we’ll be bringing the Fiat Topolino…

Public transport operator Busitalia, through its subsidiary Busitalia Veneto, has introduced 19 new battery-electric buses into service in the northern Italian city of Rovigo, increasing the city’s electric bus fleet to 25 vehicles, all supplied by manufacturer Iveco. Busitalia Veneto invested a total of €9.88 million for the recent acquisition of the 19 e-buses, a purchase partially funded by the European Union and the Italian government. In addition to the urban fleet expansion, the operator this year purchased 16 hybrid intercity buses for the Rovigo area and has approved the purchase of twelve more fully electric intercity buses for next…

Renault Group and Ford Motor Company today announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at expanding Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) offerings to European customers and significantly enhancing the overall competitiveness for both companies in the continent’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The collaboration’s cornerstone is a partnership agreement for the development of two distinct Ford-branded electric vehicles. These new models will utilize the Ampere platform, leveraging Renault Group’s EV industrial scale and expertise. Production for the new Ford models will take place at Renault Group’s ElectriCity manufacturing facilities in the North of France. See also: Ford CEO Warns EU on Electric Vehicle…