Author: Thomas Schmidt

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…

German supplier and thermal management specialist Mahle has secured its first series order for a new cooling module designed for megawatt charging systems (MCS). The module will be integrated into fast-charging stations for electric commercial vehicles, the company said on [DAY]. Mahle did not disclose the customer but described it as a European cable manufacturer and supplier of MCS charging systems. The customer selected Mahle’s solution due to its “performance and cost efficiency,” the company stated. While the initial application is for megawatt charging stations, Mahle said the modular cooling unit could also be adapted for fast-charging systems used in…

The German state of Bavaria has exceeded its 2024 target for alternatively powered bus subsidies, funding over 500 “climate buses” last year, including 220 electric models, according to an annual report from the Bavarian government. The state also allocated nearly €15 million to support depot electrification, emphasizing the expansion of charging infrastructure. In total, Bavaria provided around €50 million in funding for buses powered by electricity, hydrogen, and renewable fuels such as HVO100 or biogas. Despite the variety of drive systems, less than half of the subsidized fleet was electric. See also: Paris Public Transport Hits Milestone with 1,000th Electric…

Researchers at RWTH Aachen University, in collaboration with industry partners, have launched the ‘SchnelleZelle’ (FastCell) project, aiming to optimize the fast-charging capability of prismatic lithium-ion batteries. The three-year initiative, backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, seeks to improve battery performance by reducing charging times and increasing charging power while maintaining safety and longevity. Although the findings could be applicable to electric mobility, the project primarily focuses on stationary energy storage systems, which are expected to play a key role in the energy transition. While batteries in photovoltaic-connected storage units typically charge at a steady rate,…