Author: Thomas Schmidt

Mercedes-Benz’s advanced DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving system has been approved by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), paving the way for its deployment in the EQS SUV and S-Class sedans. The system, designed for highly automated driving, will be available for purchase in Germany starting in spring 2025, with a price tag of €5,950 (VAT included). The latest iteration of DRIVE PILOT allows operation on German roads at speeds of up to 95 km/h under specific conditions, including flowing traffic on the 13,191-kilometer Autobahn network. Notably, the system permits drivers to take their eyes off the road for tasks like…

Engwe has launched its latest all-terrain electric bike, the M1, in Europe, offering two versions for different markets. The EU version features a single battery with an assistance range of up to 90 km (~56 miles), while the international version, equipped with dual batteries, provides a longer range of up to 170 km (~106 miles). Both versions of the Engwe M1 are powered by a 250W 65Nm hub motor and are capped at a top speed of 25 kph (~16 mph). Riders can enjoy added comfort thanks to front and rear suspension, as well as 20 x 4.0 inches fat…

Stellantis’ premium brand, DS Automobiles, has officially introduced its new flagship model, the DS N°8, an all-electric SUV coupé that aims to redefine the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market. This new model will be the first from DS to launch exclusively with an electric powertrain and is set to offer impressive features, including a WLTP range of up to 750 kilometres. The vehicle will be available to order from early 2025, with a market launch expected around mid-2025. At 4.82 metres in length, the DS N°8 is slightly longer than the Tesla Model Y (4.75 metres), but it is still…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled $735 million in funding aimed at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles across the country. The funding, which will benefit a total of 70 applicants, is part of the agency’s ‘Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.’ Notably, approximately 70 percent of the allocated funds will be directed toward replacing traditional school buses with zero-emission alternatives. This funding announcement marks the first distribution of subsidies through the EPA’s new program, established under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), to support the transition to cleaner transportation. The funds are expected to replace over 2,400…

Fraunhofer IEG has initiated the three-year EU-backed project BASE (Battery Passport for Resilient Supply Chain and Implementation of Circular Economy) to advance digital battery tracking and ensure compliance with upcoming EU regulations. Aiming to enhance traceability and promote a circular economy, the project focuses on developing a blockchain-based digital battery passport that provides comprehensive data on batteries’ lifecycle, components, and performance. BASE, coordinated by Fraunhofer IEG with contributions from partners like Mercedes-Benz, Ford Otosan, and the European Lithium Institute, will create four demonstrators across the automotive, maritime, and stationary energy storage sectors. These include showcasing applications in Mercedes-Benz Türkiye’s eCitaro…

Ascend Elements announced plans to begin producing high-purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) from recycled lithium-ion batteries at its facility in Covington, Georgia, starting in 2025. The company aims to produce up to 3,000 tonnes annually, marking a milestone as the first lithium carbonate derived from recycled materials in the United States. Currently, the only other domestic source of lithium carbonate comes from mining operations in Nevada. The lithium carbonate produced by Ascend Elements will serve various applications, including batteries for electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, boats, and aircraft. The company highlighted the significance of this domestic supply, which will reduce reliance…

A recent study from scientists at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center indicates that electric vehicle (EV) batteries may have a longer lifespan than previously anticipated, challenging traditional assumptions about battery degradation. The findings are particularly relevant as battery life is a crucial factor in determining the long-term viability of EVs, with degradation often leading to reduced range or the need for costly replacements. The study reveals that the typical methods used to calculate battery life cycles do not accurately reflect real-world conditions for EVs. Traditional testing assumes a consistent discharge and recharge cycle, but EVs undergo a much more varied experience.…

Toshiba has unveiled a direct recycling method for lithium-ion batteries featuring oxide anodes, employing a simple heat treatment process that preserves the material’s stability. The new technique, which aims to address sustainability concerns in response to the EU Battery Regulation that came into effect in August 2023, allows for the recycling of high-power, long-life oxide anode lithium-ion batteries without the need for complex reactivation procedures. In a press release, Toshiba outlined the advantages of this new recycling process, stating, “We developed a direct recycling method that enables the recycling of high-power, long-life oxide anode lithium-ion batteries through a simple heat…

SAE International has unveiled a framework aimed at enabling universal Plug & Charge functionality for electric vehicles (EVs), simplifying charging and billing processes across all public charging stations. Developed in collaboration with the US government’s Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, the framework is expected to eliminate the current fragmentation in the EV charging market, with initial tests set to commence in 2025. The initiative is spearheaded by the SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) and its Electric Vehicle Public Key Infrastructure (EVPKI) consortium. This framework will enable secure communication between vehicles, chargers, and charging networks, fostering seamless interoperability. The EVPKI…

BYD continues to dominate the global plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market, with its hybrid models experiencing significant sales growth. According to a recent report from market research firm TrendForce, global sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including PHEVs, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, reached 4.12 million units in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 19.3 percent increase from the same period last year. Of the total, PHEVs accounted for 1.61 million units, a 55.3 percent increase year-on-year. The Chinese market remains the largest contributor to global PHEV sales, accounting for 80 percent, with several local…

Revel, an electric vehicle charge point operator, is partnering with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to install 24 fast charging stations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The new chargers, located at For-Hire Vehicle Hold Lot 1, are expected to be operational by early 2025 and will serve public and rental vehicle customers. This expansion will increase JFK’s total publicly accessible fast charging ports to 46. The initiative supports the Port Authority’s broader net-zero carbon emissions goal for 2050. Alongside public access, plans include developing charging infrastructure for electric airside vehicles and converting 50% of…

Jeep has reduced the price of its Avenger Electric in the UK, making it more competitive in the market. The electric SUV now starts at £29,999 for the ‘Longitude’ trim, offering a more affordable entry point than before. Other trims also see significant price cuts: the ‘Altitude’ trim is now priced at £31,999, a reduction of £4,700, while the top-tier ‘Summit’ trim is available for £33,999, down by £4,900. The price cuts position the Jeep Avenger Electric to compete more directly with rivals like the Ford Puma Gen-E, which was revealed this week and starts at £29,995. The Avenger is…

Hyundai set a new sales record in the US in November 2024, driven by a significant surge in demand for its electric vehicles (EVs), led by the IONIQ 5. The company sold 76,008 vehicles last month, marking the best sales performance in its history in the US. Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker attributed the growth to the increasing consumer preference for electrified vehicles, with EV sales rising by 77% year over year and hybrid sales up 104%. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, one of the brand’s flagship EV models, played a key role in the record sales. The electric SUV…

Mercedes-Benz Vans Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has partnered with energy company E.ON to provide tailored charging solutions for commercial fleets in Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The collaboration aims to accelerate the shift to electric mobility for business customers across the region. The partnership offers comprehensive support to companies purchasing electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Vans CEE, including expert advice, installation, and maintenance of charging infrastructure. “Our aim is to decarbonize the last-mile logistics sector, and Mercedes-Benz Vans CEE is the ideal partner to make this vision a reality,” said Davide Villa, CEO of E.ON Drive. The initiative…

Proviridis, a French energy infrastructure specialist, has introduced a new charging solution for trucks that integrates most of its components underground, addressing spatial constraints in depots. Developed in partnership with Finnish charging technology company Kempower, the system is tailored for logistics environments where space efficiency is critical. At its Saint Quentin Fallavier site, Proviridis faced the challenge of installing charging points within limited space, accommodating both diesel and electric trucks in a shared parking area. The solution places Kempower’s control units in underground shafts between parking spaces, with charging cables stored in durable metal pipes. These pipes, painted yellow for…

Chinese automaker GAC has introduced the Aion UT, its third electric model under the Aion brand, at the Guangzhou Auto Show. With a focus on refined interiors, advanced safety, and smart technology, the Aion UT is being positioned as a “global model,” signaling its potential launch in international markets. The Aion UT features a lithium iron phosphate battery developed by GAC-owned Yinpai Battery Technology. While specific battery capacity and range details remain undisclosed, the vehicle is powered by a 100 kW electric motor, enabling a top speed of 150 kph. Compactly designed, the Aion UT measures 4.2 meters in length,…

LG Magna e-Powertrain, a joint venture between LG Electronics and Magna International, is planning workforce reductions to address a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand and a potential loss of EV subsidies in the United States under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. According to industry sources, LG Magna will implement reductions in various business units, which include drive motors, chargers, and inverters. “While it may vary by unit, some units could see reductions of up to 20-30%,” explained an LG Magna representative. This follows a workforce reduction in June, with affected employees reassigned to other LG affiliates. Sales for LG…

Zypp Electric, an ‘EV-as-a-service’ provider, has made a significant investment in Indian electric scooter manufacturer Odysse Electric, ordering 40,000 electric two-wheelers to be used for last-mile delivery services. The investment, the exact amount of which has not been disclosed, is intended to support Odysse Electric’s nationwide expansion, helping to scale up its production capacities and dealer network. The first batch of scooters is expected to be delivered over the next three years. Nemin Vora, CEO of Odysse Electric, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “This strategic collaboration with Zypp Electric marks a significant milestone for us. Their expertise in fleet…

DHL has introduced hydrogen-powered Nikola semi trucks and a standalone hydrogen fueling station to support logistics for Diageo North America, the makers of Captain Morgan rum. The deployment aligns with DHL’s strategy to reduce emissions in its operations and explore alternative fuel options for long-haul trucking routes. Since 2015, DHL has incorporated battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) into its fleet, starting with an Orange EV terminal truck at Diageo’s Plainfield, Illinois, terminal. However, in this initiative, DHL opted for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) rather than BEVs, due to specific operational needs. Hydrogen-powered trucks are seen as a viable alternative for DHL’s…

Skoda plans to introduce its Enyaq electric vehicle (EV) to the Indian market in 2025, but with a notable difference from the model currently available in Europe. The Czech automaker will launch the facelifted version of the Enyaq rather than the existing model, as initially planned for this year. The company has deferred the launch, opting to unveil the updated version, which is set to feature significant design and technological upgrades. Petr Janeba, Skoda’s Brand Director for India, confirmed the delay and indicated that the facelift will offer such substantial changes that the existing Enyaq would appear outdated by comparison.…