Author: Ryan Fisher

None of the world’s leading electric vehicle platforms achieved more than 76% reliability in charging processes, according to the latest Charging Reliability Index (CRI) published by German e-mobility company EcoG. The second edition of the CRI assessed 10 platforms, including BMW UKL2, Ford GE1, Geely SEA, Hyundai E-GMP, Lucid Air, Mercedes MFA2, SAIC LWB, Stellantis CMP, Tesla Model 3/Y and Volkswagen’s MEB. The highest-performing system scored 76 points out of 100, while the lowest reached 39. “Concerns about EV charging reliability are replacing range anxiety as one of the biggest hurdles for the adoption of electric mobility. Studies show that…

Volkswagen and its battery subsidiary PowerCo on Monday presented the production-ready version of their in-house “unified cell,” which will debut in small electric cars from Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra, while also outlining plans to integrate solid-state technology into vehicles by the end of the decade. The new prismatic cell, first announced in 2021, is set to enter series production at Volkswagen’s Salzgitter gigafactory later this year, with additional production in Valencia, Spain and St. Thomas, Canada to follow. Volkswagen said the unit cell has an energy density of 660 Wh/l, around 10% higher than previous volume-segment cells, and is designed…

Tesla shareholders will vote in November on whether the electric carmaker should invest in Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI, according to a proxy filing that also includes a proposed $1 trillion pay package for the CEO. The shareholder proposal was submitted by Stephen Hawk, a Florida-based investor holding about $2,000 worth of Tesla stock. In his supporting statement, Hawk wrote: “Tesla’s integration of Grok into its vehicles demonstrates the tangible benefits of collaboration with xAI. As Tesla pivots toward AI-driven technologies, including Full Self-Driving and robotics, a strategic investment in xAI would secure access to advanced AI capabilities, enhance…

The EU-funded SCAPE project, coordinated by the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), is developing new power electronics for electric vehicles aimed at improving efficiency, increasing power density, and reducing costs. The project — formally known as Switching-Cell-Array-Based Power Electronics Conversion for Future Electric Vehicles — is targeting efficiencies above 97.5%, double the current power density, and halved cost per kilowatt. Organisers say the advances could support longer vehicle ranges, more affordable models and strengthen Europe’s automotive supply chain. SCAPE’s approach centres on modular “switching cells,” standardised building blocks that integrate advanced semiconductor technology. These cells can be combined into…

A Rivian R1T owner has shared frustrations over recurring service problems, offering a glimpse into the difficulties that can accompany buying from a relatively new automaker. The customer’s account, detailed in two Reddit posts, described initial excitement followed by disappointment when the truck’s screens went dark and refused to reset, rendering the vehicle inoperable. “I love this truck, it’s amazing,” the owner wrote, “but these damn problems that keep popping up are making it hard to keep loving.” After being towed, the R1T underwent repairs that included a 12-volt battery replacement, a faulty AXM module swap, and coolant flushing. However,…

BYD reported sales of 373,626 new energy vehicles (NEVs) in August, a 0.15% increase from a year earlier, as gains in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were offset by continued declines in plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Sales rose 8.5% from July, company data showed on Monday. Passenger NEV sales reached 371,501 units, up 0.17% year-on-year and 8.9% month-on-month, while commercial NEV sales fell 4.7% to 2,125 units and dropped nearly 35% from July. BEV sales stood at 199,585 units in August, climbing 34.4% year-on-year and 12.2% month-on-month. PHEV sales, however, fell 22.7% to 171,916 units, marking the fifth straight month of year-on-year…

German automotive supplier Mahle said on Thursday it is expanding its Morristown plant in the United States to manufacture e-compressors for electric vehicles, marking a shift in production toward electrification. The new line in Tennessee will add about 50 jobs, bringing the site’s workforce close to 800. Mahle, which has been present in the US since 1975 and operates 15 locations nationwide, described the e-compressors as “crucial for battery life, high charging speeds and driving range.” The company did not disclose planned volumes or customer names. “Starting the e-compressor production in Morristown, Tennessee, marks an important milestone for MAHLE as…

Volvo has launched the new XC70 in China, introducing a plug-in hybrid crossover that offers an electric-only range of up to 112 miles. The model, priced from 446,900 yuan (about $62,000), is initially targeted at Chinese buyers but is expected to be introduced to Europe at a later date. The XC70, built on Volvo’s new Scalable Modular Architecture, features design cues reminiscent of the brand’s electric vehicles, including a fully enclosed grille and split lighting units. The crossover measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, making it slightly smaller than the XC90. Inside,…

British charge point operator Zest has partnered with Octopus Electroverse, making its charging network accessible via the Electroverse app, the companies said on Tuesday. The partnership will allow public and fleet drivers to start, stop and pay for charging sessions across Zest sites through the app, which provides access to more than one million chargers globally. According to Octopus Electroverse, about 500 new chargers are added daily. “Joining forces with Octopus Electroverse helps unlock even more convenience for EV drivers. Whether you’re driving for work or heading out for the weekend, you can now charge at any Zest site with…

BYD has launched the Atto 2 in Nepal, strengthening its presence in the South Asian market with the introduction of a second new energy vehicle (NEV) in the country this month. The Atto 2, a compact pure electric SUV known domestically in China as the Yuan Up, was unveiled on August 19 at the NADA auto show in Kathmandu. Its arrival follows the August 6 launch of the Atto 1 hatchback, marketed in China as the Seagull, underlining BYD’s strategy to diversify its lineup in Nepal with both entry-level and compact SUV offerings. Priced from 4.399 million Nepalese rupees ($31,410),…

Electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime than any other vehicle type in every county across the contiguous United States, according to new research from the University of Michigan. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, compared emissions across 35 combinations of vehicle classes and powertrains, from conventional gasoline pickups to fully electric sedans. It factored in not only driving but also vehicle production and disposal. “Vehicle electrification is a key strategy for climate action. Transportation accounts for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions and we need to reduce those to limit future climate impacts…

Tesla said on Monday that its new six-seat Model Y L SUV is “coming soon,” following leaked images showing updates to the vehicle’s interior. The images, circulating on Chinese social media, reveal several design changes compared with the recently refreshed Model Y. According to a teaser video released by Tesla on Weibo and the leaked photos, the Model Y L features a black headliner for the first time in a Model Y, redesigned front seats with adjustable headrests, and a second-row layout of captain’s chairs with powered armrests. The third row has also been updated with armrests and cup holders.…