Author: Robin Cannon

MAN Truck & Bus has launched the “MAN TruckScenes” dataset, the first of its kind from a truck manufacturer, aimed at supporting research and development in autonomous vehicle technology. The dataset, which contains 747 unique driving scenes, is available for free to developers, universities, and research institutions. This move is intended to promote collaboration, accelerate the development of autonomous systems, and contribute to the standardization of data formats in the autonomous driving industry. The dataset includes data from various sensors, such as four cameras, six lidars, six radars, two inertial measurement units (IMUs), and a high-precision GNSS system. Noteworthy is…

TIER IV has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a permit for Level 4 autonomous driving operations in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture. The permit, granted in collaboration with local government and service operators, allows for fully autonomous driving under predefined conditions and marks a major step in advancing autonomous mobility solutions. The company received Level 4 certification under the Road Transport Vehicle Act in October 2024, and the new permit issued under the Road Traffic Act allows the Minibus to operate on public roads. This includes shared spaces with pedestrians and general traffic, running between Shiojiri Station and Shiojiri City Hall.…

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $635 million in funding for 49 zero-emission infrastructure projects aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and alternative fueling infrastructure across the country. The initiative will add over 11,500 EV charging points, with projects focusing on both community-based infrastructure and designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Of the total funding, $368 million is allocated to 42 community projects, emphasizing local EV infrastructure expansion. The remaining $268 million will support seven projects along Alternative Fuel Corridors, bolstering the nation’s alternative-fueling network. California is among the largest recipients, with six projects receiving funding,…

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland have developed a novel process designed to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough focuses on creating a protective layer for cathodes using trifluoromethane (CHF3), a gas that is typically produced as a by-product during the manufacture of plastics like PTFE, PVDF, and foam. In their laboratory experiments, the PSI team, led by project leader Mario El Kazzi from the Centre for Energy and Environmental Sciences, initiated a reaction between trifluoromethane and a thin lithium carbonate layer covering the cathode surface. This reaction, which occurs at 300 degrees Celsius, converts…

Thomas Built Buses has introduced the new second generation of its Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus, emphasizing enhanced efficiency, improved performance, and simplified maintenance. Originally launched in 2017, the updated Jouley incorporates significant technological upgrades and design changes. At the core of the second-gen Jouley is the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera, a zero-emissions division of Cummins. This compact unit integrates the motor, transmission, brakes, and rear-drive gear directly on the rear axle, eliminating the need for a traditional driveshaft. The eAxle provides smoother rides, improved torque, and better acceleration while reducing weight and complexity, making the bus more efficient…

Stellantis (STLA.MI) revealed plans to invest €2 billion in its Italian factories by 2025, aiming to expand its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicles while keeping options open for the development of the Automotive Cells Company (ACC) Gigafactory. During a roundtable at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, Stellantis detailed specific production plans across its facilities. The Pomigliano plant will begin manufacturing two models based on the STLA-Small platform in 2028. Production of the Fiat Panda, initially slated to end in 2027, has been extended to 2030. Meanwhile, Turin’s Mirafiori plant will serve as the production hub for…

BMW is set to showcase the latest iteration of its iDrive system and display, which will be featured in upcoming Neue Klasse production models. The new technology will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month. The unveiling will take place at the BMW Pavilion, with a special event hosted by comedian Tim Meadows. The system includes BMW’s first panoramic iDrive display, which the company claims will “set new standards for in-vehicle experiences with a clear focus on driver orientation, safety, and personalization.” The announcement comes as part of BMW’s broader strategy to integrate more…

A report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), released on Tuesday, revealed that U.S. government agencies failed to meet the Biden administration’s electric vehicle (EV) purchase targets for the 2023 budget year, purchasing more than four times as many gas-powered vehicles as EVs. In total, agencies bought 25,300 gas-powered vehicles, while only 5,500 EVs and plug-in hybrids were acquired, falling short of the target of 9,500 set by 11 selected agencies. This figure represents 60% of the target, the report said. In December 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order aimed at ending the purchase of gas-powered vehicles by…

Singaporean EV charge point operator Charge+ has acquired 140 public and shared charging stations from eChargz, Quickcharge, and PacCom, boosting its total number of charging points in Singapore to approximately 2,500. This milestone solidifies Charge+’s position as the country’s largest EV charging operator and aligns with its compliance efforts under Singapore’s EV Charging Act, enacted in 2023. The newly acquired chargers span 42 locations, including condominiums and commercial sites such as Esplanade. Charge+ CEO Goh Chee Kiong emphasized the importance of expanding while maintaining high-quality standards, stating, “We are excited about extending our charging service to more properties while, at…

V-Green, the charging infrastructure company founded by VinFast’s Pham Nhat Vuong, has signed a letter of intent with the Prime Group to develop 100,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Indonesia over the next three years. This initiative, which is scheduled to commence in 2025, comes with an estimated investment of up to 1.2 billion US dollars (1.14 billion euros). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on St. Nicholas’ Day reflects both parties’ intent to explore the collaboration further. While the agreement has yet to be finalized, V-Green’s rollout plan is already in motion, focusing initially on the development of…

Japanese semiconductor company Rohm and Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC have formed a strategic alliance to develop and mass-produce gallium nitride (GaN) power devices for electric vehicle (EV) applications. This collaboration combines Rohm’s expertise in device development with TSMC’s advanced GaN-on-silicon process technology, aiming to create efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for automotive systems like on-board chargers and inverters. The use of GaN semiconductors in EV applications has gained significant attention for their energy-saving and miniaturization capabilities. These features position GaN as a key technology for advancing decarbonization efforts. Katsumi Azuma, Senior Managing Executive Officer at Rohm, highlighted the partnership’s importance, stating,…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has achieved a cumulative 60 million battery swap services milestone, just four months after reaching 50 million swaps. The milestone was recorded at 9:06 pm Beijing time on December 13, according to data from Nio’s real-time charging map. As of today, Nio operates 2,785 battery swap stations across China, including 909 strategically located along highways. In November, the company facilitated over 2.3 million swaps, averaging 77,268 services daily. Founder and CEO William Li announced during a year-end media briefing that Nio plans to add 200 new battery swap stations this month. The battery swap…

Vessev, a New Zealand-based company, has received commercial approval for its VS-9 electric hydrofoil, which is set to begin operations in Auckland on 29 January 2025. The first customer for the VS-9, Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, will offer this innovative transportation option to tourists, showcasing a new level of high-end tourism in the region. The VS-9, an electric hydrofoil, is designed to achieve a top speed of 25 knots (46.3 kph) and a range of 50 nautical miles (92.6 km), similar to the electric hydrofoil ferry P-12 from Swedish manufacturer Candela. However, unlike the P-12, which can carry…

Stellantis and Chinese battery maker CATL have announced plans to invest €4.1 billion ($4.33 billion) to construct one of Europe’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery factories in Zaragoza, Spain. The joint venture, which aims to begin production by the end of 2026, is expected to have a capacity of 50 gigawatt hours, sufficient to power up to 700,000 cars per day. The plant will focus on producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, intended for affordable small and medium-sized electric vehicles, according to the companies. The decision to build the plant in Zaragoza comes as European automakers face increasing competition from…

In a significant setback for Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese battery suppliers, Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States last month. The move is part of the company’s strategy to restructure its debt and secure new funding. Although the process is expected to be completed by early next year, Northvolt has emphasized that it will continue operations as usual for the time being. Behind the scenes, however, sources reported that several European automakers may face delays in their future vehicle models due to issues at Northvolt. Among the affected projects is…

Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle unit, announced plans to bring its self-driving robotaxi service to Miami, with testing set to begin in 2025 and public rides available in 2026. The company’s electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles will initially operate with human safety drivers before transitioning to full autonomy through the Waymo One app. The decision reflects Waymo’s confidence in managing adverse weather conditions, a challenge the company studied during tests in Miami in 2019. “We deepened our learning and understanding of the Waymo Driver’s performance in adverse weather conditions,” a Waymo spokesperson said. Miami’s tropical climate and sprawling metropolitan area, home…

Milence, a joint venture of Daimler Truck, Traton Group, and Volvo Group, has announced plans for its first truck charging hub in Spain. The facility, set to open in 2025, will be located at the Zaragoza Logistics Platform (PlaZa) in Aragon, marking Spain as the eighth market in which Milence operates. Strategically situated near the A2 motorway and Zaragoza airport, the hub will be accessible from key transport routes and connected to two major TEN-T corridors: the Mediterranean corridor linking Spain to Eastern Europe and the Atlantic corridor facilitating access to Northern Europe. The development aligns with Milence’s goal of…

The Fiido Air Carbon is a sleek, lightweight e-bike designed for those looking for a futuristic look and a smooth ride. Weighing in at just 30.3 pounds (13.75 kg), this e-bike features a carbon fiber frame that not only enhances its visual appeal but also ensures durability and ease of use. Currently available for $1799, Fiido is offering a special “super early bird” discount that includes an additional battery to double the bike’s range—making it an even more appealing option for long-distance riders. However, this discounted price will increase as sales progress, so early buyers benefit from the best deal.…

KGMC Commercial (KGMC) has introduced its new 9-meter electric bus, the KGC 090, as part of its expanding eco-friendly vehicle lineup. Mass production began this month at the company’s Gunsan plant, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence on Nov. 25. The KGC 090 complements KGMC’s existing 11-meter electric bus model, reinforcing its portfolio of environmentally friendly vehicles. KGMC reported contracts for 300 electric buses in 2023, encompassing both 9-meter and 11-meter variants, generating approximately 100 billion won ($71.44 million) in revenue—an increase of 160% compared to last year’s sales of 115 units worth 38 billion won. To date, 227 of…

Electric vehicle maker Nio has denied circulating rumors suggesting it could be acquired by BYD, China’s leading EV manufacturer. The claims, which originated from a suspected BYD employee on social media, alleged a joint venture between the two companies, with BYD holding a majority stake. Both companies have firmly denied these assertions. The rumors, claiming BYD would take a 51% stake in a joint venture with Nio, gained significant attention due to the alleged involvement of a BYD employee. Nio dismissed the claims as baseless, while BYD also denied any truth to the speculation. The companies indicated they are considering…