Author: Sibley Presley

Lidl has released a limited edition version of its Crivit Classic electric bicycle in France, featuring a new color scheme designed through an AI-based customer competition. Named the Crivit Electric Bike Edition #Lidlize, the model is priced at €1,299 and retains the same technical specifications as the standard version launched earlier this year in select European markets. The #Lidlize edition was developed as part of a recent initiative inviting customers to use the company’s Lidlize AI object creation tool to propose new product designs. The winning entry features a blue, yellow, and red color palette that differentiates it visually from…

Tesla has suspended plans to source components from China for its upcoming Cybercab and Tesla Semi vehicles due to escalating U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy, according to a person familiar with the matter. The automaker had intended to import certain parts from China for its next-generation vehicle programs, which are scheduled to begin production later this year at its Gigafactory in Texas and a new facility in Nevada. Tesla had initially planned to proceed despite a 34% tariff rate but halted the sourcing strategy after recent tariff increases pushed the rate to 145%.…

Canada will grant limited relief from its counter-tariffs to domestic automakers and key manufacturing sectors, provided they maintain local production and follow through on investment plans, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday. The measure follows Canada’s imposition of a broad set of retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on steel, aluminum, vehicles, and auto parts under President Donald Trump’s administration. See also: Canada Imposes 25% Tariff on U.S. Vehicle Imports in Response to U.S. Trade Measures Industry groups have raised concerns that the counter-tariffs could hurt Canadian businesses, with some companies already reporting layoffs and expected revenue declines. Canada-based…

Hyundai Mobis has introduced a new battery system that incorporates a built-in fire suppression unit, marking a proactive step toward improving safety in electric vehicles amid tightening global regulatory standards. The Korean supplier said the integrated system is capable of releasing a fire suppressant within five minutes of thermal ignition, targeting the critical time window during which occupants can safely exit a vehicle. The new Battery System Assembly (BSA) is designed not only to meet existing safety standards in Europe, China, and India but also to anticipate more stringent rules expected in the near future. See also: Hyundai Mobis Introduces…

Zeekr, the electric vehicle brand under China’s Geely Group, has started mass production of its Zeekr 007 GT electric estate at its Hangzhou-based factory, days ahead of the official launch scheduled for April 15. The model is set to be sold in Europe under the name Zeekr 7 GT, reflecting the company’s expanding global ambitions. See also: Zeekr to Launch 1.2-MW Ultra-Fast EV Charger, Surpassing BYD’s Latest Innovation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLfyiSYelns Manufacturing of the new model is taking place at the Zeekr Intelligent Factory, which began operations in 2021. The facility has been recognized for its innovation, including a Muse Design Award…

Vanwall, the performance brand backed by Austria’s ByKOLLES Racing, has revealed the Vandervell H-GT, a heavily modified version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Featuring bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork and styling inspired by the classic Lancia Delta HF Integrale, the H-GT sheds more than 230 kilograms (over 500 pounds), significantly enhancing the car’s acceleration and overall performance. See also: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Named 2024 EV of the Year by Car & Driver While the vehicle retains the Ioniq 5 N’s dual-motor electric powertrain—delivering 641 horsepower with boost and 568 lb-ft of torque—the substantial reduction in curb weight makes the H-GT…

In the U.S., trucks handle around two-thirds of the 20.2 billion tons of freight transported annually, but Parallel Systems, a Los Angeles-based startup, is aiming to shift a portion of this load to rail. The company is developing battery-powered, autonomous freight technology designed to work with existing freight cars and integrate with traditional train control systems. Rail has traditionally been underutilized for short-distance deliveries due to the reliance on large, expensive locomotives used for long-haul transportation. To address this, Parallel Systems has created a system that allows freight cars to autonomously attach and detach, reducing the need for manual labor…

A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of most assets of bankrupt electric vehicle (EV) startup Canoo to its CEO Anthony Aquila, clearing the path for a $4 million cash deal that drew scrutiny from potential competitors and creditors. Judge Brendan Shannon ruled on Wednesday that the sale process was conducted fairly and in good faith, despite limited objections from parties including electric truck startup Harbinger. The court found that Aquila was the only bidder to formally pursue the assets, even after several potential buyers signed non-disclosure agreements to evaluate the offering. See also: Harbinger Challenges Canoo’s Asset Sale…

Volvo Trucks on Monday unveiled what it calls one of the world’s largest electric concrete pump trucks, offering a zero-exhaust, low-noise alternative for construction firms. The launch took place at the Bauma construction equipment showcase in Munich. The Volvo FM Electric 8×4 Rigid Tag Tridem, developed in collaboration with construction equipment firm Putzmeister, features a 360 kWh battery pack (250 kWh usable) and can pump up to 50 cubic meters of concrete on a single charge with a range of up to 50 kilometers. Notably, the vehicle can charge while pumping concrete using a 250 kW DC connection, or alternatively,…

Volkswagen plans to launch its most affordable electric vehicle yet, the ID.1, in 2027 with a starting price of approximately €20,000 ($22,000), the company said. The compact electric hatchback will mark the German automaker’s first software-defined vehicle (SDV), built in partnership with U.S. startup Rivian. Positioned below the upcoming ID.2all, the ID.1 is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to broaden its EV portfolio in the mass-market segment. “It’s the last piece of the puzzle,” Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said, referring to the brand’s vision of offering the widest EV range in its class. See also: Volkswagen to Produce Entry-Level ID.…

Toyota is set to develop approximately 15 electric vehicle (EV) models in-house by 2027 and aims to reach an annual production volume of around 1 million EVs, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources. The plan marks a strategic adjustment as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the evolving global EV market. The report noted that Toyota currently produces five internally developed EV models, with manufacturing limited to Japan and China. To diversify its supply chain and reduce exposure to tariffs and currency fluctuations, Toyota is reportedly preparing to expand EV production to markets such as…

BYD’s sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao is set to launch pre-sales for its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Tai 3 SUV, on March 31, marking the brand’s expansion into pure electric models. The launch event will begin at 7 p.m. Beijing time, the company announced on Weibo. The Tai 3 will be the first model in Fang Cheng Bao’s newly introduced Tai series, which focuses on family-friendly SUVs with unibody construction, differentiating it from the off-road-oriented Bao series. See also: BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Launches Smart Driving Edition Variants for Bao 5 SUV The mid-size SUV will feature dual motors—110…

Nova Scotia has become the latest Canadian province to exclude Tesla from its electric vehicle (EV) rebate program, citing concerns over CEO Elon Musk’s political associations and ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada. The provincial legislature voted on Friday to remove the automaker from the Electrify Nova Scotia Rebate Program, which offers subsidies of up to C$3,000 per vehicle. Lawmakers from the Progressive Conservative government, as well as the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and Liberal Party, supported the amendment. See also: British Columbia Excludes Tesla from EV Charger Rebate Program Amid US-Canada Trade Dispute Susan Leblanc,…

Tesla is introducing enhancements to the Steer-by-Wire system in its Cybertruck, further refining the vehicle’s steering feel and driver experience, the company said in a software update rolling out with version 2025.8.4. The Cybertruck remains the only Tesla model equipped with Steer-by-Wire, a system that eliminates the traditional mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Unlike conventional electric power steering, which relies on a steering column, Steer-by-Wire electronically controls wheel movement. This approach enhances maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces, despite the Cybertruck’s large size. See also: Tesla Recalls Nearly All Cybertrucks in U.S. Over Exterior Panel Issue The…

Trade-ins of Tesla vehicles have reached record levels as some owners react to CEO Elon Musk’s evolving political affiliations, according to new data from Edmunds. The trend suggests a notable shift in consumer sentiment toward the electric vehicle (EV) maker. Tesla vehicles from model year 2017 or newer accounted for 1.4% of all trade-ins through March 15, a significant increase from 0.4% in the same period last year, Reuters reported, citing Edmunds data. CNBC further noted that this represents the highest rate of Tesla trade-ins toward vehicles from other brands on record. See also: Chinese EV Brands Overtake Tesla in…

The Finnish Minerals Group and Beijing Easpring Material Technology have announced plans to commence construction of a cathode active material (CAM) plant in Kotka, Finland. The facility, expected to start production in 2027, will have an initial capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year and employ approximately 270 workers. The project, valued at around 800 million euros, will be undertaken by Easpring Finland New Materials Oy, a joint venture established in 2024. Beijing Easpring holds a 70% stake in the company, while the Finnish Minerals Group owns 30%. Financing will be sourced from shareholders, external loans, and subsidies, including a 100-million-euro…

Flexis, a joint venture between Volvo Group, Renault, and CMA CGM, has announced a collaboration with Prologis Mobility to support commercial fleet operators in transitioning to electric vehicles. The initiative will integrate vehicle procurement, charging access, and fleet management tools, with a focus on infrastructure planning and connectivity. “Beyond vehicles, Flexis’ vision for the future of the industry is to offer clients a full range of services, solutions, and support for the electrification journey, including consulting on infrastructure and energy needs,” said Philippe Divry, CEO of Flexis. The partnership will provide customers with access to Prologis’ charging expertise, either at…

Swedish manufacturer Volvo Buses has introduced the Volvo 7800 Electric, an electric articulated and double-articulated bus designed specifically for the Mexican market. The new model, built on the BZR Electric platform, will be manufactured in Mexico and is expected to enhance public transportation in the country. See also: Volvo Buses Secures Electric Bus Order from Go-Ahead for London Fleet Expansion “We are accelerating the transformation to sustainable and efficient transport solutions to further improve the public transport system in Mexican cities. This will not only have a positive effect for the operators and the passengers, but it will also improve…

Mahle subsidiary chargeBIG has introduced the ‘smallBOX,’ a compact wallbox available in two versions, but it requires a central charging unit to function, the company said. The smallBOX comes in an ECO variant with a 7.4-kilowatt charging capacity and a PRO version capable of 22 kW, according to Mahle. Unlike conventional wallboxes, which are typically standalone units mounted in home garages, the smallBOX serves as a charging point within chargeBIG’s centralized charging system, rather than an independent charging solution. See also: Mahle Secures First Series Order for Megawatt Charging Cooling Module “The new, modular approach makes it possible to respond…

Toyota Motor Europe has introduced the FT-Me, a compact all-electric concept car designed to redefine urban micromobility with its small footprint and energy efficiency. Measuring under 2.50 meters in length, the FT-Me is a two-seater that occupies only half the parking space of conventional cars. Toyota describes it as a “versatile electric runabout” aimed at adapting to evolving urban mobility needs. The vehicle’s compact size and 360-degree visibility concept are designed for city driving, and in some markets, it could be driven from the age of 14 with the appropriate license. See also: Everything You Should Know About Toyota C-HR+…