Author: Thomas Schmidt

Insolvent air taxi startup Volocopter has officially confirmed its acquisition by Diamond Aircraft, a move that integrates the German eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) pioneer into the Austrian aviation manufacturer’s structure. Despite the takeover, Volocopter’s headquarters will remain in Bruchsal, Germany. Volocopter announced that it has been incorporated into Diamond Aircraft Industries, which is based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Diamond Aircraft itself is a subsidiary of the Wanfeng Aircraft Division, part of China’s Wanfeng Auto Holding Group. Volocopter described its new parent company as an “internationally renowned aircraft manufacturer with over four decades of experience.” The acquisition follows months…

Tesla has begun deliveries of the updated Model Y in the United States, marking the latest rollout of the refreshed electric SUV. The first units were handed over to customers at the automaker’s factories in Texas and Fremont, with company executives in attendance to mark the occasion. Among those present at the event was Tesla’s head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, who posed for photos alongside new owners. The company acknowledged the milestone on its official X account, stating, “Celebrating first deliveries of the new Model Y at Giga Texas and Fremont Factory.” See also: Tesla Rolls Out Cabin Radar…

The UK’s public charging infrastructure for electric commercial vehicles is set for a major expansion, with motorway service operator Moto announcing plans to roll out 15 charging “superhubs” by the end of 2027, with further sites planned through 2030. Moto, which operates EV charging hubs in partnership with Gridserve, aims to establish more than 300 dedicated charge points for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) once the network is fully operational. A total of 23 charging locations will be in place by the end of the decade, significantly expanding access for electric truck drivers across the country. See also: Milence Opens First…

Less than a week after Kia unveiled its EV4 electric sedan, a high-performance GT variant has been spotted undergoing testing, signaling the automaker’s intent to expand its EV sports lineup. Expected to be among the most affordable electric sports cars, the EV4 GT could become Kia’s most powerful vehicle to date, raising questions about whether it can rival the Tesla Model 3 Performance. The EV4, Kia’s first electric sedan-hatchback model, debuted last week during the company’s EV Day, where four trims were showcased—two sedan and two hatchback versions, each in standard and GT-Line configurations. The latest sighting of the camouflaged…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first official look at its upcoming all-electric GLC SUV, signaling a major step in the brand’s EV transition. The vehicle, currently undergoing winter testing in Northern Sweden, features a fresh design, advanced technology, and an all-new electric platform. Powered by Mercedes’ next-generation MB.EA architecture, the GLC EV is expected to set new benchmarks in range, charging speed, and efficiency. The model will be one of the first to use the platform, which will also underpin future EVs, including an electric S-Class. See also: Mercedes Drops ‘EQ’ Naming for EVs, Will Use ‘With EQ Technology’ Instead Mercedes…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD has launched its vehicles in Kazakhstan, expanding its footprint in Central Asia, the company announced on Monday. BYD, in partnership with Astana Motors, introduced its first models in the country at a product launch event in Almaty on February 28. The lineup includes the Han EV, an all-electric sedan; the Song Plus EV, an electric SUV; and the Song Plus DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV. See also: BYD Begins Production at Uzbekistan Plant, Rolls Out First Vehicles Kazakhstan is the third Central Asian market for BYD, following its entry into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.…

Volocopter, the German air taxi manufacturer, has transitioned from provisional to regular insolvency proceedings as it continues its search for investors. The Karlsruhe district court initiated the proceedings, following the company’s insolvency filing in December. “The opening of insolvency proceedings is independent of a potential continuation solution for the company and the business operations of Volocopter GmbH, but always follows the insolvency application proceedings in terms of procedure,” a court spokeswoman said, according to the German press agency DPA. See also: Volocopter, Jet Systems Partner to Introduce eVTOL Services in France Amid Insolvency Proceedings Volocopter, founded in 2011, has been…

Aventon has launched the Level 3, its latest smart electric bicycle, featuring advanced security technology, extended range, and commuter-friendly design enhancements. The U.S.-based e-bike brand aims to set new standards for smart urban mobility with the introduction of its Aventon Control Unit (ACU), a system designed to enhance theft protection and rider convenience. The Level 3 is Aventon’s second e-bike to integrate the ACU, which provides GPS tracking, remote locking, geofencing, and passcode protection. These features enable riders to monitor and secure their bike remotely, offering greater peace of mind in urban environments. The bike also supports real-time ride tracking…

Aston Martin announced on Wednesday it will cut 5% of its workforce after reporting a sharp increase in fourth-quarter losses, marking another setback for the luxury automaker as it struggles to adapt to the electric vehicle (EV) transition. The British luxury carmaker posted a 400% surge in pre-tax losses for the final quarter of 2024, missing full-year estimates as wholesale volumes fell 9% year-on-year. The company’s debt burden also grew 43% to 1.16 billion pounds ($1.47 billion). CEO Adrian Hallmark cited “industry-wide supply chain disruptions” and “macroeconomic weakness in China” as key factors behind the disappointing performance. See also: Aston…

Tesla is rolling out an upgrade for the Cybertruck’s windshield wiper after owners reported streaking issues on the vehicle’s large front glass, particularly in winter conditions, according to Wes Morrill, the Lead Engineer for the Cybertruck program. The Cybertruck’s oversized wiper, a unique design element of the all-electric pickup, has been a topic of discussion since the vehicle’s public release in November 2023. Some owners raised concerns about streaks left behind after using washer fluid to clear salt and debris. See also: Cybertruck Rated Five Stars in U.S. Crash Tests, Rollover Risk at 12.4% Thanks for the feedback – If…

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s largest producer of cobalt, has imposed a four-month export ban on the metal in response to a global supply glut, the country’s regulatory authority said. “This measure is intended to regulate supply on the international market, which is faced with a production glut,” Patrick Luabeya, President of the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Markets for Strategic Mineral Substances (ARECOMS), said in a statement. The export ban, effective since Feb. 22, could be revised or lifted after three months, according to a decree signed by Luabeya and Mining Minister Kizito Pakabomba. See…

Electric truck startup Nikola is seeking to sell its entire business by April as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, company lawyers told a Delaware judge on Thursday. Nikola, which filed for bankruptcy protection this week, has already attracted interest from at least three potential buyers, the lawyers said, without disclosing names. The company plans to solicit additional bids, with a submission deadline expected in late March. See also: Nikola Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks Asset Sale Amid Financial Struggles Should a full sale prove unsuccessful, Nikola intends to sell off assets individually to address more than $1 billion in…