Author: Thomas Schmidt

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is set to unveil its new G7 mid-size SUV on Wednesday evening, a model it describes as the company’s most advanced “AI car” to date, featuring L3-level computing capabilities and a design that balances high-tech innovation with practical space for families. Chairman He Xiaopeng highlighted the G7’s position as a smart SUV that combines “hardcore technology with spacious comfort,” noting its futuristic appearance, flowing silhouette, and focus on user-centric features. “This is a rare intelligent SUV that prioritizes both innovation and lifestyle,” He said in a statement. Positioned as a mid-size vehicle, the G7 measures…

Autonomous driving technology firm Pony.ai has begun public road testing of its seventh-generation Robotaxis in Guangdong Province, China, marking a key milestone in the company’s plan to commercialize its self-driving vehicle technology by 2025. The new Robotaxis, based on GAC’s second-generation Aion V, feature a 360-degree sensor suite designed to eliminate blind spots and operate in a wide range of weather conditions. The company said the system integrates six types of mass-production sensors and includes proprietary sensor-cleaning technology. See also: Pony.ai and Xihu Group to Deploy Over 1,000 Robotaxis in Shenzhen Pony.ai stated that the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost…

Decathlon has rolled out a refreshed version of its Van Rysel E-GRVL AF HD Mahle X35 electric gravel bike in select European markets, now equipped with a 12-speed drivetrain and a new GPS display system. The upgraded model replaces the previous 11-speed setup and is available in countries including France and Spain for €2,899.99—the same price as its predecessor. The updated E-GRVL now features an SRAM Apex 1×12 groupset, offering improved gearing over the earlier 1×11 configuration. Another significant change is the transition from the Mahle Pulsar One display to Decathlon’s in-house BC900 GPS cyclometer. This unit offers Bluetooth connectivity…

Canadian battery recycler Li-Cycle has filed for bankruptcy protection in both Canada and the United States after months of financial strain, marking a significant downturn for the once high-valued firm as it begins the process of selling its business or assets. The Toronto-based company confirmed it has commenced proceedings under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alongside Chapter 15 filings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. These filings cover its North American operations, including spoke facilities in Arizona, Alabama, and New York, as well as the Rochester,…

Westfalia Technologies has introduced Weplug, a novel automated overhead charging system designed to simplify EV charging infrastructure while reducing costs and complexity. The 50 kW DC fast charger employs a gantry-mounted robotic arm that connects to electric vehicles via a driver-inserted adapter, streamlining the charging process. The key innovation in Weplug is its overhead gantry equipped with a vision-guided robotic arm that autonomously lowers the charging connector into an adapter previously placed in the vehicle’s charge port by the driver. This approach avoids the challenges and reliability issues associated with fully robotic systems that must precisely align with each vehicle’s…

Elon Musk said he expects to remain Tesla’s chief executive for at least the next five years, and is seeking to raise his ownership stake in the electric vehicle maker to about 25% to safeguard his control over the company’s strategic direction. Speaking via video link at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha this week, Musk addressed recent speculation about his future at Tesla amid shareholder concerns over his political involvement and expanding commitments outside the company. “I have no doubt I will remain CEO for at least the next five years, unless I die,” Musk said, dismissing recent reports…

Scientists at Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) are developing a next-generation battery approach using a liquid alkali metal anode, aiming to enhance the performance and practicality of solid-state batteries for everyday applications. The initiative, part of the NASICON project, addresses a key limitation of current lithium-ion batteries: their graphite-based anodes, which have limited ion storage capacity. By switching to alkali metals like pure lithium or sodium, which offer greater energy density and sustainability, researchers hope to improve both battery efficiency and environmental impact. However, these materials require a solid electrolyte for safe operation—posing challenges due to…

UK-based clean technology firm Altilium has successfully completed large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery cell manufacturing trials using recycled cathode materials, with results demonstrating performance nearly identical to that of cells made from conventionally mined components. The pilot, conducted at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry, utilized Altilium’s proprietary EcoCathode NMC 811-2036 cathode active material (CAM), which was recovered from end-of-life EV batteries at its Devon site. The results support the feasibility of industrial-scale battery circularity and the creation of a localized battery materials supply chain in the United Kingdom. “These results mark a pivotal moment for battery circularity…

Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has approved €920 million in subsidies for Infineon Technologies to support the expansion of its semiconductor manufacturing site in Dresden, a project aimed at strengthening Europe’s chip production capabilities and meeting growing demand from the electric mobility sector. The funding will go toward Infineon’s Smart Power Fab, an advanced manufacturing facility currently under construction adjacent to its existing Dresden operations. The investment includes the development of Factory Module 4, designed to produce 300-millimetre wafers using a first-of-its-kind flexible production line that can handle multiple chip technologies without requiring time-intensive retooling. The facility is expected…

Volvo Cars has introduced its first extended-range plug-in hybrid, the XC70, a mid-size SUV capable of traveling up to 200 kilometers on electric power alone. The vehicle marks a further step in the company’s strategy to diversify its electrified vehicle lineup. Built on the new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform, the XC70 combines a larger electric range with a combustion engine for longer trips. The company said the SUV is initially targeted at the Chinese market, with plans to consider additional markets at a later stage. See also: Volvo Begins Production of Electric EX30 at Belgium Plant to Boost European…

Mercedes-Benz has begun taking orders for its all-new CLA in the United Kingdom, with first customer deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2025. The new CLA debuts as a fully electric model, with a hybrid version confirmed to arrive later in the year. Built on the carmaker’s Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the electric CLA 250+ features an 85 kWh battery and a 200kW rear-mounted electric motor. Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 484 miles (779 km) on a single charge. The vehicle supports ultra-fast DC charging up to 320kW, enabling 200 miles of additional range in approximately…

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday that the $7,500 federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit is “more likely than not” to be eliminated as part of ongoing budget negotiations, signaling a potential rollback of a key clean energy policy. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Johnson said, “I think there is a better chance we kill it than save it. But we’ll see how it comes out,” referencing the incentive that has helped drive EV adoption in the United States. His comments come as Congress returns from its April recess to resume contentious negotiations over the federal budget.…