Author: Sibley Presley

BMW has announced a recall affecting approximately 1,000 of its 5-Series and 7-Series models in the United States, citing a potential issue with the steering spindle. The recall encompasses 982 vehicles, with the automaker estimating that about 1% may be impacted by the defect. The problem arises from the specifications of the spindle’s double universal joint, which may not be suitable for its intended application. If the swivel socket sustains damage during specific steering maneuvers, it could break, resulting in increased steering effort for the driver and elevating the risk of a crash. The recall affects several 2024-2025 models, including:…

Spain has approved a €133 million ($146 million) subsidy to support Stellantis in potentially establishing a battery production facility near Zaragoza, according to Industry Minister Jordi Hereu. The funding, part of a broader government initiative using European Union pandemic relief resources, aims to enhance Spain’s position as a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries. Stellantis, which owns brands such as Fiat and Peugeot, is still evaluating the decision to build the battery plant, also known as a gigafactory, near its existing car production site in Figuerelas. The project, developed in collaboration with Chinese battery giant CATL,…

MAN has unveiled a suite of digital services designed specifically for buyers of its electric trucks, including the eTGX and eTGS series. This innovative package, set to be included as standard with the purchase, features a route planner optimized for electric trucks and is expected to be available from mid-2025. Customers will benefit from these services at no additional cost for the first five years. The new digital offerings expand upon existing services like Geo, Timed, Compliant M, and Perform, while also introducing features tailored to the unique needs of electric fleets. Notable additions include MAN eManager and MAN SmartRoute,…

In a collaborative effort between Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge, a new Mercedes eEconic has been adapted for use as an electric helicopter refueling vehicle. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks reported that initial tests by Airbus Helicopters indicate that the tanker can operate for approximately one week under normal conditions without requiring intermediate charging, thanks to its installed battery capacity. The tank designed to hold Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) was developed by ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge, with both companies working together to integrate the tank with the eEconic base vehicle. This initiative aims to reduce emissions from the handling fleet while enhancing the…

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would impose tariffs as high as 200% on vehicles imported from Mexico, intensifying his protectionist trade stance ahead of the November 5 election. This announcement comes as Trump faces off against Democrat Kamala Harris in a competitive race. At a rally in Juneau, Wisconsin, Trump reiterated his commitment to protecting the domestic auto industry, stating, “We’ll put a tariff of 200% on if we have to. We’re not going to let it happen. We’re not letting those cars come into the United States.” This marks a significant increase from…

Kia has taken a bold and surprising step into the world of restomods by transforming a 1996 Kia Pride into an all-electric vehicle, complete with a five-speed manual transmission. This one-of-a-kind build, created in collaboration with Electrogenic, is Kia UK’s tribute to the company’s 80th anniversary, blending nostalgia with modern electric performance in a way that few could have anticipated. Originally known as the Ford Festiva in many markets, the Kia Pride was a humble economy car based on a Mazda platform. Kia’s history traces back to 1944, when it began as a manufacturer of bicycle parts, producing Korea’s first…

LG Energy Solution (LGES) has announced its first official corporate strategy, titled “Empower Every Possibility,” as the company looks to broaden its business beyond electric vehicle batteries and strengthen its position across the entire energy value chain. The strategy aims to double LGES’s revenue by 2028, focusing on diversifying its portfolio, expanding into new markets, and investing in next-generation battery technologies. One of the key goals of the strategy is to reduce LGES’s reliance on the electric vehicle sector by expanding its non-EV business lines. This includes diversifying product offerings to cover a wider range of applications, from Urban Air…

Researchers at Cornell University have engineered a porous crystal that effectively absorbs lithium-ion electrolytes and facilitates their movement through one-dimensional nanochannels, potentially paving the way for safer solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The findings are detailed in a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The study was led by Yu Zhong, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering, whose lab focuses on synthesizing soft and nanoscale materials aimed at enhancing energy storage and sustainability technologies. Traditional lithium-ion batteries utilize liquid electrolytes, which can lead to the formation of spiky dendrites that may cause short circuits or, in…

Hyundai is set to launch its first small electric vehicle (EV) in Europe, with the new Hyundai INSTER EV aimed at challenging low-cost electric cars in the UK. Hyundai announced that prices for the INSTER EV will start at under $31,000 (£23,495), offering a competitive option in the urban EV market. Unveiled in June as the Casper Electric in Korea, the INSTER EV features Hyundai’s latest design elements, including a pixelated front bumper inspired by the IONIQ models, LED daytime running lights, and pixel-graphic turn signals to complement the car’s modern look. Hyundai says the INSTER offers “segment-leading driving range”…

Asahi UK is taking significant strides toward sustainability by committing to zero tailpipe emissions for all deliveries, starting with the introduction of a Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigid truck for its London operations. This silent and emission-free vehicle will facilitate the delivery of beer from Fuller’s, a 174-year-old brewery. The 18-tonne Volvo electric truck will operate from the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London, which first opened its doors in 1845. The inaugural journey will deliver Fuller’s London Pride cask beer to the Churchill Arms pub in Kensington, marking a new chapter in the brewery’s delivery methods. Following its…

Kia is enhancing the convenience of electric vehicle (EV) charging for drivers with its Kia Charge service, which now boasts over 800,000 charging points across 28 European countries—an impressive 39% increase from the previous year. Launched in September 2021, Kia Charge serves as the automaker’s exclusive EV charging solution in Europe, providing a comprehensive service that includes route planning, authentication, and payment options all in one platform. Martin Enthofer, Kia Europe’s director of customer experiences and solutions, emphasized the company’s commitment to making electric driving more accessible. “Kia continues to set the benchmark for making electric driving more accessible to…

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has entered into a strategic agreement with Tesla to incorporate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into its upcoming Afeela brand electric vehicles. These vehicles are set to launch in the U.S. in 2025, followed by a debut in Japan. This partnership makes SHM the first company in Japan to adopt the NACS standard, which will provide access to Tesla’s V3 and V4 Superchargers. The Afeela electric saloon will be equipped with the NACS as its charging standard from the outset, at least for the North American market. Pre-orders for the initial Afeela model are expected…