Author: Ryan Fisher

Registrations of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe have seen a modest decline of 5.5% between January and August 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Center of Automotive Management (CAM). While the overall numbers dipped, significant differences emerged between individual countries, with some markets experiencing notable growth. A total of 1,213,262 BEVs were registered across Europe in the first eight months of 2024, down from 1,283,776 in 2023. Europe, as defined by CAM, includes EU member states, the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and the United Kingdom. The EFTA countries’…

Franco-Italian automaker Stellantis and French nuclear fuels firm Orano have announced the cancellation of their planned joint venture aimed at recycling electric car batteries, as confirmed by both companies on Wednesday. The two firms had previously signed a memorandum of understanding last year, with the intention of developing a facility to recycle used electric vehicle batteries and scrap materials sourced from Stellantis gigafactories in Europe and North America. Production was anticipated to commence in early 2026. In a joint statement, Stellantis and Orano noted, “Stellantis and Orano will not finalize the intended joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries…

Italy will officially propose this week to bring forward the European Union’s review of the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso announced on Monday. The proposal seeks to move the review from 2026 to next year and will be presented by Italy’s national delegation at a meeting of EU industry ministers on Thursday. Italy is part of a group of EU countries pushing back against the European Commission’s Green Deal, which aims to tackle climate change and reduce pollution. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has often criticized the initiative as overly “ideological.” Addressing business associations…

Bollinger Motors has unveiled the pricing for its all-electric B4 Chassis Cab, with a starting MSRP of $158,758 for the 2025 model year. Series production commenced in mid-September, and the company expects to begin customer deliveries next month. The B4, first introduced in 2022, is built on an 800-volt platform featuring rear-axle electric drive and two LFP battery packs with a combined energy capacity of 158 kWh. This configuration allows for a maximum range of 185 miles (approximately 300 kilometers). The batteries, sourced from Our Next Energy (ONE) under a 2022 agreement, can be charged using both AC at 19.2…

Tesla is experimenting with charging capacities exceeding the current standard of 250 kW for its V4 and V3 Superchargers in the US, with some drivers reporting speeds just over 320 kW. This development comes as Tesla plans to open its charging network to other electric vehicle brands. Electrek reports that Tesla is assessing the potential of its Supercharger V4 to charge at over 300 kW at select stations. These V4 Superchargers are still paired with V3 generation charging technology cabinets, leading to the designation of these stations as V3+ Superchargers. Currently, Tesla EVs have a maximum charging capacity of 250…

Solaris Bus & Coach has secured a contract to deliver four 12-meter Urbino hydrogen buses to Artois Mobilités for the TADAO transport network in northern France, with delivery scheduled for early 2025. The contract, awarded through a collaboration with the Transdev Group and the CATP, reflects a strategic move towards more environmentally friendly public transportation in the Artois Mobilités region. The initiative highlights the push to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in public transit. Brice Bonavia, Director of Solaris France, commented on the contract, saying, “There are a number of arguments in favor of hydrogen. First of all, it is…

General Motors (GM) is set to launch the Chevy Blazer EV in Brazil, marking the start of a new electric vehicle (EV) campaign in Latin America’s largest auto market. This move aims to counter the rise of Chinese EV makers, particularly BYD, in the region. The Blazer EV, one of GM’s most recognized models, was introduced in 2022 as part of Chevrolet’s next-generation EV lineup, alongside the Equinox and Silverado EVs. GM reported sales of 7,234 Blazer EVs in the first half of 2024, with 6,634 sold in the second quarter alone. According to GM, the electric SUV is attracting…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng has expanded its international presence by entering the Singapore automotive market. The company marked its entry on July 25 with the launch of a pop-up store at UOB Plaza in the central business district, as announced on Weibo. Visitors to the pop-up showroom can test drive the Xpeng G6 SUV, according to the company. Pre-sales have begun, offering exclusive privileges and discounts for UOB customers. Xpeng’s first official store in Singapore is scheduled to open in September. “We are excited for the launch of XPENG in Singapore. As one of the global leaders in…

Ford Motor is offering substantial lease discounts on its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to the class-leading Tesla Model Y. The discounts, aimed at boosting the appeal of the Mach-E, make it significantly cheaper to lease than the Tesla. The automaker has increased the lease cash available on the 2024 Mustang Mach-E to $9,000, coupled with a $600 Summer Sale bonus. This reduces the monthly lease payments on the Mach-E Select RWD to $319 for a 36-month lease, with $4,469 due at signing. See also: Ford Revives Legendary Capri Name with New Electric Model In…

Battery cell manufacturer Northvolt is grappling with significant challenges following the loss of a billion-euro order from BMW and production delays, which have now put its contract with Volkswagen (VW) in jeopardy, according to reports from German publication Automobilwoche. Volkswagen has reportedly established an internal task force to assess the situation at Northvolt’s battery cell plant in northern Sweden. The initiative aims to evaluate Northvolt’s ability to meet delivery commitments and explore contingency plans if restructuring becomes necessary. Volkswagen, however, has refrained from official comments on these developments. The issues at Northvolt’s Swedish facility could potentially impact plans for its…

Volkswagen has finalized a pivotal agreement with U.S. startup QuantumScape to commence mass production of solid-state batteries, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) with enhanced energy storage capabilities. Announced on Thursday, Volkswagen’s battery unit PowerCo will obtain the license to manufacture battery cells based on QuantumScape’s advanced technology, marking a significant shift from their previous joint venture arrangement. According to Volkswagen, this collaboration underscores their commitment to advancing battery technology for widespread automotive use. “QuantumScape’s technology is poised to enter a pivotal stage where PowerCo’s specialized expertise, resources and global factories can help facilitate the transition to…

Volkswagen cautioned on Tuesday that it may close Audi’s Brussels site due to a sharp drop in demand for high-end electric cars, impacting Europe’s top carmaker. The company revised its margin target downwards for the year. “The employee representatives of Audi AG are calling for a future-proof perspective for the plant and our colleagues in Brussels. The Audi management must take responsibility for the site,” said Rita Beck, spokeswoman for the Audi Committee in the European VW Group Works Council. The Brussels site, which produced about 50,000 cars last year, faces “long-standing structural challenges” such as logistical constraints and layout…