Author: Ryan Fisher

LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners has received a US$700,000 grant to support its commercial lithium carbonate refining unit, capable of producing up to 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) of industrial and battery-grade lithium carbonate. This funding follows the company’s partnership with Wellspring Hydro (WSH) and aligns with North Dakota’s efforts to accelerate critical minerals development within the United States. The grant is part of Wellspring’s US$10-million state-backed facility, which includes both grants and loans, with US$4.2 million still available for future drawdown. The initial refining unit will be deployed at LibertyStream’s Texas facility, with plans to relocate to North Dakota once the…

Canada’s government said it will invest in 33 projects aimed at accelerating the country’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs), with funding directed toward expanding charging infrastructure, advancing clean freight technologies, and modernising commercial fleets. The bulk of the investment – C$9.7 million ($7.1 million) – will support 23 projects to install more than 850 chargers nationwide under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Much of the new infrastructure will be in Quebec and will include both Level 2 and fast chargers. Recipients include Funding Quebec, awarded C$3 million to deploy 320 Level 2 chargers in public spaces, as well…

American e-bike maker Priority has introduced its latest model, the Skyline, a high-performance electric bike designed for enthusiasts seeking advanced technology and robust capabilities. Equipped with a 750-watt torque-sensing rear hub motor, the Skyline delivers a top speed of 28 mph and 90 Nm of torque, enabling smooth climbs on varied terrain. The Skyline’s drivetrain integrates a Pinion C1.12i smart shift gearbox offering 12 electronically controlled gears across a 600% range, combined with a Gates Carbon belt drive known for durability and low maintenance. Power comes from a removable 720 Wh downtube battery, supporting an estimated range between 20 and…

Tesla is refocusing its artificial intelligence efforts by stepping back from the development of its Dojo supercomputer, CEO Elon Musk confirmed, shifting attention to the company’s internally designed AI5 and AI6 chips. The move marks a strategic pivot away from building a custom supercomputer specifically for AI training towards optimizing chips for product use, according to Musk. The news was initially reported by Bloomberg News, which cited sources familiar with Tesla’s plans. Bloomberg also reported that Peter Bannon, who led Project Dojo, would be leaving the company, and that the Dojo team has seen around 20 members depart recently. Remaining…

UK-based bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis said on Wednesday it will begin trials of a factory-supported retrofit programme in 2026 to convert existing diesel buses to electric drivetrains, starting with the Enviro400 double-decker model. The initiative, called ‘AD Repower’, will be conducted in partnership with clean transport technology company KleanDrive. The repowering service aims to provide bus operators with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to replacing diesel fleets with new electric vehicles. The trial will begin in the UK in the first half of 2026, with future expansion to additional models and markets depending on demand. The conversion replaces the…

Lucid Group said on Tuesday that production of its Gravity SUV is ramping up more slowly than anticipated due to supply chain bottlenecks and limited access to rare earth magnets from China, prompting the electric vehicle startup to lower its full-year output guidance. The California-based company now expects to produce between 18,000 and 20,000 vehicles in 2025, slightly down from its earlier projection of 20,000 units. The Gravity, Lucid’s second model and first SUV, is considered critical to the company’s growth as it aims to transition beyond its Air luxury sedan and scale up manufacturing. See also: Lucid Lowers Annual…

Toyota Motor cut its full-year operating profit forecast by 16%, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles, rising material costs, and a stronger yen. The Japanese automaker now expects operating profit for the financial year ending March 2026 to total 3.2 trillion yen ($21.7 billion), down from an earlier projection of 3.8 trillion yen. The revision reflects Toyota’s latest assessment of the financial strain from newly imposed U.S. import tariffs. The company said it now anticipates a 1.4 trillion yen ($9.50 billion) reduction in annual profit linked to the U.S. levies. It had previously estimated a smaller hit…

Foxconn said on Monday it will sell its Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturing facility to an existing business partner but will continue to occupy and operate the plant, a move it says will enhance operational efficiency and flexibility. The global electronics manufacturer, which operates in six U.S. states, said the sale does not signal an immediate shift toward vehicle manufacturing at the site. It added that its broad footprint enables it to “rapidly ramp up automotive production to meet customer demand when required.” Parent company Hon Hai Technologies said the transaction is aimed at providing “greater flexibility and operational efficiency” as Foxconn…

BMW has begun series production of its sixth-generation (Gen6) electric drive systems at its Steyr plant in Austria, which will power the upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ range of electric vehicles. The drives use current-excited synchronous machine (SSM) technology without permanent magnets and incorporate 800-volt system voltage and silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors for improved efficiency. Production involves a largely Austrian supply chain, with rotors, stators and inverters made in Steyr, electrical steel supplied by Voestalpine in Linz, and aluminium housings produced at BMW’s Landshut foundry. BMW has set up two new assembly lines in Steyr, employing 1,000 people, and introduced in-house inverter…

Nissan launched its “Nissan Energy Marketplace,” a new one-stop online platform offering electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar panels, and battery storage solutions, developed in partnership with U.S.-based home energy marketplace provider Electrum. The launch comes ahead of the arrival of the redesigned 2026 Nissan LEAF, set to reach U.S. dealerships this fall with a longer range and updated design. Nissan said the platform will allow customers to compare prices from a nationwide network of contractors, access local, state, and federal incentives, and receive guidance from Electrum’s Energy Advisors. “Through the new marketplace, you can research and find EV chargers, solar…

Autonomous vehicle company Zoox has announced a new partnership with AREA15, designating the Las Vegas entertainment district as an official pickup and drop-off location for its upcoming ride-hailing service. Zoox, a subsidiary of Amazon, has been testing its purpose-built autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas and plans to begin offering rides to the public later this year. The collaboration with AREA15 follows a similar agreement with Resorts World Las Vegas announced in June. https://twitter.com/zoox/status/1950244045512675413 “As the world’s first immersive art, entertainment, and live events destination, AREA15 embraces technological innovation and prioritizes the guest experience,” said Mark Stutzman, Chief Operating Officer at…

Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) said on Sunday it has secured Saudi Arabia’s first permit for robotaxi operations, marking a key milestone in its international expansion and making it the only autonomous driving technology firm to hold permits in six countries. “This permit marks a major step in our global expansion, enabling us to scale robotaxi services and unlock new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia,” said Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide. With the new authorization, WeRide is now licensed to operate autonomous vehicles in Saudi Arabia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore,…