Author: Thomas Schmidt

Uber Eats has introduced autonomous sidewalk delivery robots in Jersey City through its partnership with Avride, marking the latest step in the ride-hailing company’s push into autonomous vehicle technology. The launch, which began this week, follows Uber’s ongoing expansion of AV partnerships, with deployments in 11 cities through collaborations with six companies, including Cartken, Nuro, and Serve Robotics. The company also plans to integrate Waymo’s robotaxis into its platform in Austin and Atlanta in early 2025. See also: Uber Partners with Avride for Autonomous Food Deliveries and Robotaxi Services Uber and Avride first announced their partnership in October 2024, launching…

Stellantis has filed a patent application in the United States for an exhaust system designed to address potential safety risks associated with overheating electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The system aims to prevent the ignition of flammable gases that could be released during thermal runaway events, which can occur when batteries overheat. The patent outlines a system that channels gases, such as hydrogen and hydrocarbons, which are produced when a battery suffers thermal runaway. These gases can accumulate within the battery housing and pose a fire risk if ignited at high temperatures. See also: Stellantis Expands Partnership with Mistral to Enhance…

Airbus has postponed the development of its hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, originally targeted for a 2035 launch, citing slower-than-anticipated technological advancements, the company said on Friday. In 2020, Airbus introduced three hydrogen-based concepts under the ‘ZEROe’ program, aiming to pioneer zero-emission commercial aviation. Since then, the company has advanced research in fuel cell propulsion and partnered with Toshiba to explore superconducting engines. However, Airbus now acknowledges that the broader hydrogen ecosystem—including infrastructure, production, and regulatory frameworks—faces significant challenges that require extensive global collaboration and investment. See also: Airbus Pauses Development of Electric Air Taxi Project Amid Technological Challenges “Hydrogen has the…

Stellantis has filed for exclusive rights to the Fulvia name in a recent trademark application at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), sparking speculation about the revival of the iconic Lancia model. While the filing doesn’t confirm any specific plans, it adds to the excitement surrounding Lancia’s resurgence. Known for its rich rallying history, the brand has been gaining attention, especially among a new generation of enthusiasts captivated by Group B rally videos circulating on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Lancia’s revival appears to be gathering momentum under Stellantis’ leadership. The brand has received a renewed focus, with design firms…

LiveWire has introduced the S2 Mulholland, a cruiser-styled electric motorcycle based on the S2 Del Mar platform. Designed for a more upright and comfortable riding position, the S2 Mulholland features higher and rearward-positioned handlebars, catering to riders who prefer a relaxed yet performance-driven experience. The model takes its name from the iconic Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles County, a road immortalized in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive by director David Lynch. Built on the same S2 platform as the Del Mar, the S2 Mulholland shares similar handling dynamics but with key design changes that enhance rider comfort and style. Weighing…

Safran Electrical & Power has achieved a significant milestone, receiving certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its ENGINeUS 100 electric motor. This certification marks the culmination of four years of collaboration between Safran and EASA to define airworthiness rules and develop assessment methods for the electric drive. Over the course of the certification process, Safran conducted 1,500 hours of testing and more than 100 flight hours. The ENGINeUS 100, designed to integrate seamlessly into all drive architectures, delivers 125 kW of power with a power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW/kg. See also: Swiss Startup H55, UK’s AeroVolt…

Tesla has unveiled several exciting updates to the new Model Y “Juniper” through an exclusive interview conducted at a Northern California showroom. Tesla’s Vehicle Engineering Head for the 3/Y platform, Nathan Di Giusto, and Model Y Program Manager, Emmanuel Lamacchia, shared insights with Tesla Owners Silicon Valley on the design improvements and efficiency upgrades that make the Model Y even better than its previous iteration. The Model Y has maintained its status as a top-selling vehicle, and Tesla is aiming to build on that success by introducing thoughtful refinements. Some of the most notable design changes include the removal of…

Ford CEO Jim Farley raised concerns on Wednesday about the selective approach to President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on vehicle imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, suggesting the policy might inadvertently favor certain global automakers over others. During a conference call, Farley questioned the rationale behind the proposed tariffs, asking why manufacturers like Hyundai-Kia and Toyota, which import large numbers of vehicles into the U.S., are not subject to additional tariffs. “Why are we having this conversation while Hyundai-Kia is importing 600,000 units in the U.S. with no incremental tariff? And why is Toyota able to import a half a…

Li-Cycle, a Toronto-based lithium-ion battery recycling firm, has entered an exclusive agreement to recycle manufacturing scrap from an undisclosed luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Under the deal, Li-Cycle’s facility in Germany will process battery materials generated during the EV maker’s production operations within the country. The agreement aims to secure a steady supply of recyclable feedstock for Li-Cycle’s German operations, which are part of the company’s global network of “Spoke” facilities that pre-process battery materials. Li-Cycle reported serving 13 EV manufacturers and 15 battery producers globally in 2024, with a major U.S.-based EV and battery company listed as its largest…

Volkswagen has scrapped plans to introduce its ID.7 electric sedan in North America, according to multiple media reports. The decision follows an earlier delay announced in May 2024 and is attributed to ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) market. According to The Car Guide and Automotive News, the German automaker has abandoned the North American launch, with The Car Guide citing Volkswagen Canada’s head of communications as the source. An unnamed Volkswagen spokesperson told Automotive News that the move was due to “the ongoing challenging EV climate.” Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg has yet to confirm the decision. See also:…

Industry and research institutions in Germany are working together on the HyCoFC project to develop durable and cost-effective fuel cell components aimed at enhancing performance in heavy-duty transport. The initiative, which includes Thyssenkrupp Steel and the Fraunhofer Institutes ILT and UMSICHT, seeks to provide emission-free alternatives for freight transport. The project aims to create a fuel cell stack that is lighter than battery-electric systems, potentially increasing payload capacity for trucks. Unlike battery-electric vehicles, fuel cell trucks could also benefit from significantly shorter refueling times. HyCoFC is receiving approximately €3 million in funding under the Energie.IN.NRW innovation competition. The collaboration includes…

Mitsubishi Motors is preparing to reenter the U.S. electric vehicle market with a new model set to launch in 2026. The automaker’s move marks its first EV offering in the region since the i-MiEV, which was discontinued in 2017, and is aimed at capturing a share of the U.S. EV segment, which grew 7.3% last year. The upcoming EV, expected to debut in the second half of 2026, will be produced in Japan. While Mitsubishi has not revealed the specifics, reports suggest the vehicle could be a compact crossover coupe, potentially drawing inspiration from Nissan’s Chill-Out concept. See also: Mitsubishi…