Author: Robin Cannon

Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car division of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng, has entered into a strategic partnership with Harbin Dongan Auto Engine to co-develop hybrid power systems as it prepares for the mass production of its modular flying car. The agreement, signed on May 21, will see both companies jointly develop next-generation aerospace hybrid technology focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing weight, and lowering production costs. The collaboration is expected to enhance the core powertrain systems of Xpeng Aeroht’s next-generation flying vehicles, the companies announced. Xpeng Aeroht, a majority-owned subsidiary of Xpeng, began working with Dongan in July 2023,…

Volvo Trucks plans to launch its long-distance electric truck, the FH Aero Electric, in the second quarter of 2026, the Swedish manufacturer said on Tuesday, unveiling key specifications and the first images of its upcoming flagship. The long-haul electric model is expected to offer a range of up to 600 kilometres and will feature a new e-axle architecture that enables installation of up to eight battery packs, boosting gross capacity to 780 kilowatt-hours – more than any electric truck currently on the market. Volvo said the vehicle will support megawatt charging and can charge from 20% to 80% in approximately…

Renault is willing to share vehicle technologies with other carmakers in an effort to lower production costs and increase output, CEO Luca De Meo said on Tuesday, signaling a continued push for industry partnerships despite a recent failed collaboration with Volkswagen. “We remain fully open,” De Meo told lawmakers during a parliamentary hearing in Rome, adding that technological cooperation — particularly in areas such as vehicle platforms and architecture — could be critical for sectors like small passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. See also: Renault Unveils Full Details of New E-Tech Electric Van Lineup Featuring 800-Volt Architecture and Software-Defined…

Slovak battery startup InoBat said on Monday it plans to launch a high-performance battery cell for military drones and unmanned aerial systems, aiming to capitalize on growing defense investment across Europe. Production of the new E10 battery cell is scheduled to begin in September, CEO Marian Bocek told Reuters. “We are engaging with drone manufacturers that require a technologically superior European battery solution,” Bocek said, adding that the company is already in early-stage collaboration with selected European drone makers. The E10 cell is designed to meet the advanced energy demands of military drones, offering a charging time of under 15…

U.S.-based UL Solutions has opened a new battery testing laboratory in Aachen, Germany, as it expands its capabilities in evaluating electric vehicle (EV) and large-scale energy storage batteries for safety and performance compliance. The facility, named the Europe Advanced Battery Testing Laboratory, is UL Solutions’ first European lab dedicated solely to battery testing. The Illinois-based safety science company said the new lab aims to support growing demand for battery validation during both the R&D phase and final product assessments. “Our new location in Germany provides us with access to the region’s deep engineering talent and places us close to many…

Nevo, a sub-brand of Changan Automobile, has unveiled a preview of its upcoming sedan model, the C390, generating significant interest with its elegant exterior design. The company shared nine images and a detailed video of the vehicle’s exterior on its official Weibo account, highlighting the sedan’s sleek styling. In China’s fiercely competitive electric vehicle market, design appeal has become a key factor influencing consumer choice. Some social media users praised the C390, with several commenters suggesting it could be among the most beautiful family cars of 2025. See also: Changan Nevo E07 Specifications: Everything You Should Know Launched in August…

German-Canadian lithium producer Rock Tech Lithium has appointed Mirco Wojnarowicz as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, as the company enters a critical phase in its efforts to build a sustainable battery materials supply chain across Europe and North America. Wojnarowicz succeeds Dirk Harbecke, who had served as interim CEO since 2022. Harbecke will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors and continue to guide the company’s strategic direction as its largest shareholder. “We are delighted that Mirco has accepted our offer to become CEO,” Harbecke said in a statement. “He is an exceptional individual who has already delivered…

Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced on Tuesday a pause to the state’s electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements for both passenger cars and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, citing logistical and technological challenges. The decision comes as part of growing scrutiny over California’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) rules, which Vermont and ten other states have adopted in an effort to phase out gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. Scott said feedback from automakers indicated the EV mandate could lead to a reduction in gasoline vehicle availability for Vermont dealerships. “It’s clear we don’t have anywhere near enough charging infrastructure and insufficient technological advances in heavy-duty…

U.S. electric vehicle charging firm Gravity said on Monday it will roll out eight ultra-fast charging sites across the Los Angeles area, each capable of delivering up to 500 kW—double the power of Tesla’s current Supercharger network. The company expects the first sites to go live before the end of 2025, targeting underserved neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach, East Pasadena and Long Beach. Each site will host roughly 12 of Gravity’s proprietary Distributed Energy Access Points (DEAPs), which offer 500 kW of charging power and are compatible with all major EV brands. Gravity first introduced the DEAP units in…

India and the United Kingdom have concluded a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after more than three years of negotiations, with major implications for the electric vehicle (EV) and automotive sectors in both countries, officials announced on Monday. Under the deal, India will reduce tariffs on UK-manufactured vehicles from the current rate of over 100% to 10% for a set quota of high-end models. While the reduced rate will initially apply to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, it will later extend to hybrid and electric cars. In return, the UK will allow a limited number of Indian EVs and hybrids…

Kia’s compact electric SUV, the EV3, could be nearing its North American debut after a camouflaged version was recently spotted testing on U.S. roads, sparking speculation that the model could arrive as early as 2026. The EV3 has already gained significant traction in overseas markets. In the first quarter of the year, Kia sold 27,761 electric vehicles in Europe, a 17% increase over the company’s previous record in Q3 2023. The EV3 accounted for 64% of those sales, with 17,878 units sold. In Korea, it continues to lead as the country’s top-selling electric vehicle. See also: Kia EV3 Named 2025…

Retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China rose 33.9% in April from a year earlier, although volumes declined from March, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). A total of 905,000 NEVs were sold at retail last month, down 8.7% from March but higher than the CPCA’s end-of-April forecast of 900,000 units. The figure was slightly lower than the earlier preliminary estimate of 922,000. See also: BYD Sells 380,089 NEVs in April with Record 79,086 Units Overseas, BEV Sales Up 46% and Battery Installations Double Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for the largest share with…

Rad Power Bikes has introduced its latest RadRunner series of electric bikes, including the all-new RadRunner, RadRunner Plus, and the flagship RadRunner Max Cargo. The new lineup features enhanced performance, upgraded safety features, and increased utility for urban and off-road use. The top-tier RadRunner Max Cargo is equipped with a 750 W rear hub motor generating up to 90 Nm of torque and supports speeds of up to 28 mph (45 kph). Designed to manage inclines of up to 25 degrees, the e-bike also includes a 672 Wh detachable battery with safe-shield thermal protection, providing an estimated range of 60…

Indonesian electronics manufacturer Polytron has entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of the G3, a mid-size electric SUV. The G3 marks the first electric vehicle to be sold under an Indonesian brand, though it is based on a rebadged version of the Chinese Skyworth EV6. The G3 features a redesigned front fascia with an upper grille to distinguish it from its Chinese counterpart. While the vehicle is imported as a knocked-down kit from China, it is assembled locally by contract manufacturer Handal Motor in Purwakarta, West Java. According to Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the G3…

Tesla has officially discontinued its planned range extender for the Cybertruck, weeks after the optional add-on quietly vanished from its website. The $16,000 accessory, aimed at improving the electric pickup’s criticized range performance, will no longer be offered, the company confirmed in customer communications. See also: Tesla Cybertruck Inventory Surges Past 10,000 Units Amid Slowing Demand https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1920253628012470621 The Cybertruck has faced scrutiny over real-world driving range, which reviewers reported could drop to as low as 240 miles—and even below 100 miles under certain heavy load or winter conditions. In response, Tesla introduced a modular battery pack designed to be placed…

Blue Bird, long known for its iconic yellow school buses, is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of a new all-electric medium-duty Class 5-6 truck chassis, marking its most significant venture beyond school buses in decades. The company, which began building its own chassis in 1952, is entering the competitive electric step van market with a model designed to support a range of applications such as food trucks, parcel delivery, and local service vehicles. The step van, which has a gross vehicle weight rating of 23,000 pounds, comes equipped with a 140kWh LFP battery pack and promises a…

Volvo Cars has begun producing its fully electric EX30 model at its Ghent factory in Belgium, expanding its European production capacity for the compact SUV. Previously manufactured exclusively in China, the EX30 will now be assembled at the Belgium facility to support growing demand across the region. The plant, located near the port city of Ghent, is Volvo’s largest European production site alongside its facility in Torslanda, Sweden. In 2024, the Ghent plant produced over 186,000 vehicles, including fully electric models such as the EX40 and EC40. See also: Volvo Group to Cut Up to 800 U.S. Jobs Amid Market…

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio reported April deliveries of 23,900 units, marking a 53% increase from the same month a year earlier and a 59% rise compared to March, driven by strong demand for its premium Nio-branded models. The April figure is the company’s second-highest monthly delivery volume to date, trailing only its record of 31,138 vehicles in December 2024. Deliveries under the Nio brand accounted for 19,269 units, representing an 88.6% increase from the previous month and a 23.4% year-on-year rise. See also: Nio to Launch Third-Generation ES8 and Onvo L80 in Q4, CEO Reaffirms 2025 Product Roadmap Deliveries…

Li Auto delivered 33,939 vehicles in April, representing a 31.61% increase from the same month a year earlier, though falling 7.46% from the 36,674 units reported in March, according to data released by the company on Wednesday. For the January-to-April period, the company’s total deliveries reached 126,803 vehicles, a 19.41% year-on-year increase. Cumulative deliveries stood at 1,260,675 units by the end of April. See also: Li Auto Files Li i8 All-Electric SUV for Regulatory Approval in China The sequential decline in April deliveries was attributed in part to a product transition, as Li Auto prepares to roll out updated versions…

BYD has commissioned a new car carrier with a capacity of 9,200 vehicles, further strengthening its global logistics network for new energy vehicle (NEV) exports. The vessel, named BYD Shenzhen, was officially delivered in Yizheng, Jiangsu province. It becomes the fourth car carrier operated by the company and was constructed by a shipyard owned by China Merchants Group. See also: BYD Xi’an Joins Expanding Car Carrier Fleet as Automaker Boosts Global Exports At 219.9 meters in length and 37.7 meters in beam, the ship has 16 decks and is currently the largest car carrier in operation globally in terms of…