Author: Robin Cannon

British parcel delivery startup Hived has secured $42 million in Series B funding to expand its all-electric logistics network beyond London, as it looks to scale operations across southern UK cities and eventually reach 80% of the country within two years. The latest investment round was led by NordicNinja and included participation from existing backers Planet A, Wex Venture Capital, Marunouchi Innovation Partners, Elemental Impact, Yamato Holdings, Future Back Ventures by Bain & Co, and Rocketship VC. The funding follows previous rounds in 2021 and 2023 that helped the company establish its zero-emission delivery model across Greater London, where it…

Ford Motor said on Tuesday that its $3 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan is on track to qualify for U.S. production tax credits under recently revised federal legislation, despite earlier concerns over its use of Chinese technology. The automaker said the facility, which is 60% complete and expected to employ 1,700 workers, will begin production in 2026. “The Marshall, Michigan plant is on track to qualify for the production tax credit — a win for our customers and a win for American competitiveness,” the company said in a statement. Ford’s announcement follows earlier warnings in May that…

German automotive supplier Mahle has announced its entry into the electric mountain bike (eMTB) segment with the launch of the M40, a mid-drive motor system designed for high-performance e-bikes. The move marks a significant expansion of the company’s SmartBike Systems product range, previously focused on hub-drive models. The newly unveiled M40 system features a compact design, weighing 2.5 kilograms, and delivers up to 105 Nm of torque and 850 watts of peak power. It also introduces advanced features aimed at enhancing rider experience, such as Motor Dynamic Overrun to soften braking effects and a Hill Brake function to prevent rollback…

Skoda has revealed an updated version of its Enyaq RS Race concept, a motorsport-inspired electric prototype built to explore sustainable lightweight technologies for future production vehicles. The concept is based on the recently facelifted Enyaq Coupé RS and integrates biocomposite materials that could reduce vehicle weight by over 300 kilograms. First introduced in October 2024, the original Enyaq RS Race was a one-off built on the pre-facelift Enyaq Coupé RS. The latest iteration retains its 250 kW all-wheel-drive system and performance enhancements, including a lowered suspension and wider track—72 mm at the front and 116 mm at the rear. Skoda…

Tesla has begun racetrack testing of the upcoming 2026 Model Y Performance, marking the latest phase in development ahead of its expected launch next quarter. The camouflaged vehicle was seen undergoing laps at the Nürburgring circuit, signaling Tesla’s efforts to finalize tuning of the performance-oriented variant of its best-selling SUV. The 2026 Model Y Performance is part of a broader refresh for the lineup, codenamed Project Juniper. Alongside aesthetic updates such as new front and rear light bars and a more aerodynamic body, the Performance trim is anticipated to feature a dual-motor configuration capable of 510 horsepower, a notable increase…

More than a dozen major Chinese automakers, including BYD, Xpeng, and Geely Auto, have committed to shortening payment terms to their suppliers in an effort to safeguard supply chain stability, as price competition and delayed payments raise alarm in the country’s automotive sector. Automakers announced between late Monday and Tuesday that they would reduce payment cycles to within 60 days. The move comes amid growing scrutiny from regulatory authorities and rising concern over supplier viability as the electric vehicle (EV) price war compresses industry margins. In coordinated statements, automakers described the decision as a measure “to fulfill corporate social responsibility…

Porsche said  it has no intention of relocating any part of its vehicle production process to the United States, dismissing a media report suggesting the company was exploring such a move in response to rising tariff risks. The German luxury automaker, which does not currently manufacture any vehicles in the U.S., is particularly exposed to trade barriers. Like its Volkswagen Group sibling Audi, Porsche is grappling with slowing global demand, heightened competition in China, and sluggish adoption of electric vehicles. Bloomberg reported earlier on Friday, citing unnamed sources, that Porsche CEO Oliver Blume — who also leads the broader Volkswagen…

Greater Manchester will fully electrify its public transport system by 2030, using a £2.5 billion share of a broader £15.6 billion UK government funding package aimed at improving transport in city regions across England. Under the plans, the city region will deploy 1,000 new electric buses powered by renewable energy, alongside electrifying its tram, train, and public-use e-bike networks. The goal is to build what officials describe as the UK’s first fully integrated and all-electric public transport system outside London. “This is a game-changing moment that will underpin Greater Manchester’s green growth for years to come,” said Andy Burnham, Mayor…

Geely Galaxy, a sub-brand of Geely Auto, has previewed its upcoming A7 hybrid sedan, hinting at an imminent launch as the Chinese automaker accelerates its expansion in the new energy vehicle (NEV) market. In a series of images posted on social media platform Weibo on Tuesday, Geely Galaxy highlighted key specifications of the A7. According to the company, the plug-in hybrid model will deliver fuel consumption in the “two-liter level” per 100 kilometers when operating on low battery power and offer a combined range of up to 2,100 kilometers when fully fueled and charged. The five-seat sedan was listed last…

The UK government is reviewing a key tax policy that could ease the financial burden on electric vehicle (EV) buyers, signalling a potential increase in the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS), which critics say undermines the country’s electrification targets. Under the current regime, cars priced over £40,000 are subject to an additional £425 annual charge for five years on top of the standard £195 Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Electric vehicles, which had previously been exempt from the ECS and VED, will be subject to both starting April 1, 2025. With the average EV price hovering around £50,000,…

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has unveiled Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric tugboat, as part of its broader effort to accelerate maritime decarbonisation. Built by the Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group, the vessel is designed to deliver diesel-equivalent performance while operating with zero emissions. The Volta 1 is a Reversed Stern Drive (RSD) tugboat, enabling towing at both the bow and stern. It is powered by a 2,782 MWh battery system that allows up to 12 hours of sailing time and can be recharged in two hours via a 1.5 MW fast-charging station. With a tractive force of 70 tonnes, the…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will appoint a new Chair of the Board of Management on July 1, with Carsten Intra stepping down and Stefan Mecha, currently CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars in China, set to take over the role. In a statement released Thursday, Volkswagen said Intra is leaving the company “for personal reasons as part of a retirement programme.” Although the group did not elaborate further, the phrasing suggests the move may be a planned transition rather than a sudden departure. Carsten Intra has led the Commercial Vehicles division since September 2020 and is credited with driving key model launches…