Author: Thomas Schmidt

BYD is refreshing its Seal lineup in China, introducing advanced technologies and new models to enhance its electric vehicle offerings. The updated Seal sedan now features an 800-volt platform, a LiDAR sensor for improved driver assistance systems, and new battery options. Additionally, BYD is launching the Seal 07 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid variant, marking the Seal as the first vehicle to utilize the new e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture. The 2025 Seal model year introduces both the all-electric version and the Seal 07 DM-i hybrid in China. The updated Seal, available at prices starting from 175,800 yuan (approximately 22,500 euros), offers…

The Portuguese energy supplier Galp, in collaboration with BMW and BeePlanet, has launched a stationary energy storage system in Madrid utilizing disused electric car batteries. This system supplies high-power charging (HPC) points with buffered energy from the grid. The core of the ‘Second Life Batteries’ project is a container-based storage unit with a capacity of 368 kWh. According to Galp, the unit comprises used EV batteries, likely provided by BMW. The storage system gradually draws energy from the power grid and supplies it to two 180 kW chargers for rapid vehicle charging. As per the project participants, the system can…

Volkswagen has launched its new ID.3 GTX range, positioning it as the sportiest electric vehicle (EV) series in its lineup. The top-end Performance variant boasts a 240 kilowatt (kW) output and accelerates from 0 to approximately 60 miles per hour (mph) in under six seconds. It supports DC fast charging up to 185 kW and is now available for pre-order in Europe alongside the standard GTX model. Volkswagen compares the new GTX Performance to the Golf GTI Clubsport, but in an electric form, featuring the most powerful iteration of the ID.3’s powertrain to date. The Performance model closely resembles the…

Honda will close one of its combustion engine plants in China and pause production at another factory as part of a strategic shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The Japanese automaker plans to open two new EV factories in China by the end of the year with its partners, GAC and Dongfeng. The closure of the combustion engine plant, operated jointly with GAC, is scheduled for October, while production at another Honda factory, in partnership with Dongfeng, will be paused starting November. These moves will reduce Honda’s annual vehicle production capacity in China from 1.49 million to 1.2 million units. Despite…

Fastned has announced plans to expand its network in Spain by constructing two new fast-charging hubs in collaboration with motorway operator Autopistas. The agreement includes the installation of 16 charging stations, each with a capacity of up to 400 kW, at the Garraf Nord and Garraf Süd service stations in Barcelona province. The new charging stations will be located along the C-32 motorway, an important route along Catalonia’s coast, specifically in the municipalities of Vilanova i la Geltrú and Cubelles, southwest of Barcelona. These locations are already marked as ‘Under construction’ on Fastned’s map. Fastned first announced its expansion into…

The Port of Los Angeles is making significant strides towards achieving zero emission operations with the deployment of five new electric top handlers capable of handling heavy shipping containers. Similar in appearance to forklifts but designed to grasp containers from the top rather than the bottom, these electric top handlers are pivotal in loading containers onto trucks and train cars, as well as stacking them up to six levels high within terminals. “After years of rigorous testing and development, we are proud to deploy these all-electric cargo top handlers at our port,” stated Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port…

Hyundai Motor America continues to dominate the US electric vehicle (EV) market with record-breaking sales figures for its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models in the second quarter of 2024. The company’s commitment to offering long-range EVs at competitive prices has resonated strongly with American consumers, driving unprecedented growth. In a standout performance, Hyundai sold 3,755 units of the Ioniq 5 in June alone, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year and setting a new June sales record. Despite a slight dip from May’s figures, the Ioniq 5 contributed significantly to Hyundai’s overall success in the second quarter,…

Uber Freight and Aurora Innovation have announced an extension of their partnership with a new long-term deal aimed at deploying autonomous trucks on shipping routes between Dallas and Houston, Reuters reported based on company statements. The collaboration, which follows a successful pilot phase, marks a significant step in the autonomous trucking industry. Initially utilizing autonomous trucks with safety drivers in Texas, Aurora’s acquisition of Uber’s autonomous vehicle unit in 2020 laid the foundation for this expanded initiative. See also: Uber Freight partners with WattEV for its first zero-emission electric truck pilot Aurora Innovation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, plans to introduce driverless deliveries…

Co-op Funeralcare has launched a new fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), including an electric hearse, available at select funeral homes across the UK as part of a £9 million investment aimed at promoting sustainability. The electric vehicles, already operational in east London, Briston, and Leeds, are designed to offer clients “a more sustainable travel option when saying goodbye to their loved ones,” according to Co-op Funeralcare. This initiative forms a key component of the company’s broader climate plan, aiming for net zero emissions across its operations by 2040 and a complete transition to electric fleet alternatives by 2035. See also: Brahms…

Chinese construction machinery giant Sany has introduced its first electric excavator, the SY215E, outside China, targeting the European market with a debut in the Netherlands and plans for further expansion across the continent. Designed specifically for European conditions, the medium-sized SY215E boasts cost efficiency, user-friendly operation, impressive performance, and high safety standards, according to Sany. The Netherlands was selected as the initial launch market due to its reputation as a leading adopter of electric technologies. See also: Pony.ai and SANY to develop and produce autonomous trucks in new joint venture The SY215E was unveiled in collaboration with local partner DNL Machine…

China has urged the European Union (EU) to withdraw its preliminary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) before July 4, reported China’s state-controlled Global Times. The EU plans to impose provisional duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese-made EVs, citing concerns over alleged excessive subsidies provided to Chinese manufacturers. The call for tariff withdrawal comes as both sides agree to resume trade talks, following discussions initiated during a recent visit to China by Germany’s economy minister, where EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and China’s Commerce Minister engaged in talks. See also: EU and China to Initiate Talks on Tariffs for Chinese…

In response to the European Union’s decision to impose higher import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), several Chinese car manufacturers are contemplating retaliatory measures against European imports of large combustion-powered vehicles. The move comes as tensions escalate between the two automotive powerhouses. A closed-door meeting convened by China’s Ministry of Commerce in Beijing included key players such as SAIC, BYD, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Renault, and other Chinese auto manufacturers. The meeting aimed to strategize on pressuring Europe and advocating against the increased EV tariffs. See also: EU to Impose Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Excluding Tesla, in Anti-Subsidy Move…