Author: Thomas Schmidt

Battle Motors has introduced the Striker, a non-CDL Class 6 truck, marking a significant addition to the medium-duty truck market. The Striker is available in various configurations, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranging from 25,999 to 33,000 pounds. Powered by a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine and paired with two Allison transmissions, it offers fleet operators flexibility. Additionally, it can be configured as a Class 7 or 8 truck, equipped with a Cummins 9L diesel or CNG engine, or as a battery-electric model. Designed for durability and versatility, the Striker is engineered to handle multi-vocational tasks while ensuring reliability…

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) along with additional guidance on the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which was expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act. This guidance aims to clarify investments in alternative fuel vehicle refueling infrastructure, particularly for battery-powered electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling. Under the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Section 30C), individuals can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installing qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, which includes chargers and hydrogen refueling systems. The…

Charge point operator Fastned has partnered with Places for London, the property arm of Transport for London (TfL), to install ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hubs across London. The joint venture will initially launch five sites by 2026, offering a total of 50 charging bays, with more sites planned as demand grows. Fastned has confirmed that each location will feature at least six publicly accessible charging bays, including dedicated spaces for those with accessibility needs. The first sites, announced in 2023, include Hanger Lane, Canning Town, Tottenham Hale, Hatton Cross Tube station, and Hillingdon Circus. In addition to these initial locations,…

Xpeng has expanded its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup with the introduction of the new X9 610 Max, aiming to broaden its customer base and enhance sales growth. Launched today, the X9 610 Max starts at a price of RMB 379,800 (approximately $54,090), marking a RMB 20,000 increase over the entry-level X9 610 Pro. The X9 610 Max distinguishes itself with the inclusion of two LiDAR sensors, enabling the use of Xpeng’s advanced XNGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) system, which provides full-scenario assisted driving capabilities. In contrast, the X9 610 Pro lacks LiDAR and is limited to smart driving functions primarily on…

Riese & Müller has introduced the 2025 Nevo4 GT touring CORE electric bike, now available in North American and European markets. Designed for versatility and comfort, the e-bike comes equipped with advanced features including a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and integrated smart technology, enhancing the cycling experience for riders in both regions. The Nevo4 GT touring CORE is powered by an 85 Nm torque Bosch motor, complemented by a Bosch PowerTube 625 battery. Though the company has not specified an exact range, the e-bike’s performance is supported by a Suntour XCR32 suspension fork and Schwalbe tires for smooth handling.…

A new study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights growing concerns over driver distraction in vehicles equipped with partial automation systems. The research found that drivers using these technologies, such as Volvo’s Pilot Assist and Tesla’s Autopilot, were significantly more likely to engage in non-driving activities, including eating and checking their phones, even when the systems required their attention. In the first part of the study, researchers observed the behavior of 29 drivers in a 2017 Volvo S90, which features Pilot Assist technology. This system helps maintain speed and keep the vehicle within its lane, while…

Geely Auto Group has partnered with Vietnam’s Tasco in a joint venture aimed at launching vehicle production in the country by 2026. The collaboration, announced on September 23, marks a strategic move for Geely to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia. The project, which will involve the assembly of vehicles under the Lynk & Co and Geely Auto brands, will be based on a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production model. Using imported parts, the vehicles will be assembled at a plant in Thai Binh Province with an initial annual capacity of 75,000 units. The venture, valued at $168 million, will…

EHang Holdings, a Chinese flying taxi company, has secured approval for flight tests of its EH216-S pilotless electric aerial vehicle (EAV) in Brazil. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil granted EHang the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE), allowing the company to test and demonstrate its intelligent flight technology and cluster management system. In partnership with local operator Gohobby, EHang plans to conduct flight test campaigns in collaboration with ANAC and Brazil’s Airspace Control Department (DECEA). These exercises aim to further develop concepts related to unmanned aircraft traffic management systems for efficient urban air mobility (UAM) in Brazil using…

Swedish battery maker Northvolt will lay off around 1,600 employees, nearly 20% of its global workforce, in response to weaker-than-expected growth in electric vehicle (EV) demand. The company, once seen as a frontrunner in Europe’s bid to develop its own battery manufacturing industry, is now scaling back several initiatives due to commercial and operational challenges. The layoffs coincide with Northvolt’s decision to suspend a significant expansion of its Northvolt Ett factory in Skellefteå, northern Sweden. Originally intended to increase production capacity by 30 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the expansion has been put on hold as the company shifts its focus to ramping…

US battery manufacturer Microvast has introduced a range of high-performance battery solutions for electric commercial vehicles at the IAA Transportation event in Germany. The new offerings include silicon-based HnSO cells, lithium titanate oxide (LTO) cells, and the third-generation MV-I Pack, all designed to enhance energy density, safety, and sustainability. The HnSO cells, with an energy density of 300 Wh/kg and a life cycle of over 4,000 cycles, are optimized for long-distance applications in battery and hybrid electric vehicles. LTO cells, known for their safety and longevity, offer up to 20,000 cycles and an energy density of 100 Wh/kg, making them…

BMW of North America has teamed up with Redwood Materials to recycle lithium-ion batteries from its range of electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid vehicles, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad models in the U.S. This collaboration underscores the companies’ commitment to sustainability and represents a significant move towards a circular battery supply chain in the U.S. Redwood Materials will work with BMW’s extensive network of nearly 700 locations across the country, including dealerships and distribution centers, to collect end-of-life batteries. Key materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper will be recycled, with 95% to 98% of these minerals…

Stromer has officially launched the ST5 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition e-bike, a limited edition model with only 600 units available. This e-bike offers customizable options to meet individual preferences and is powered by an 850W motor for enhanced range and performance. Inspired by the Alinghi Red Bull Racing BoatOne, the ST5 features a striking marine blue and red color scheme. The e-bike is equipped with an SYNO Sport rear hub motor that provides assistance at speeds up to 45 kph (approximately 28 mph), paired with a Pinion Smart.Shift 9-speed gearbox and a Gates carbon belt drive for smooth operation.…