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.…

BMW announced that construction of its high-voltage battery assembly plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Lower Bavaria, is progressing on schedule, with the central production building now completed and technical systems sufficiently advanced to allow the installation of production equipment beginning in June. The facility will serve as a key part of BMW’s plans to manufacture sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage batteries for its upcoming electric vehicle lineup. Construction began in April 2024, with the first pillar of the main production hall installed by the end of June that year. “The very good cooperation within the BMW teams and with our partners has made this…

U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger has entered a long-term supply agreement with Panasonic Energy to source cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells for its medium-duty commercial vehicle platform, the companies said on Friday. Under the deal, Harbinger will integrate Panasonic’s high-performance 2170 battery cells into all of its electric chassis models. These cells, known for their energy density exceeding 800 Wh/l, will power a range of applications including delivery vans, RVs, and emergency response vehicles. Panasonic initially will ship cells from Japan, with plans to localize production at its gigafactory in De Soto, Kansas. See also: Harbinger Begins Production of Medium-Duty EV…

OMV, the partly state-owned Austrian energy company, announced plans to discontinue its public hydrogen refuelling operations in Austria, citing falling demand and a lack of profitability. The company will instead redirect its efforts towards expanding its commitment to electromobility, including the establishment of a fast-charging network across Austria. OMV has already closed its hydrogen station in Vienna and intends to shut down additional stations in Graz, Innsbruck, Asten, and Wiener Neudorf by the end of August 2025. Only one hydrogen station will remain open, but it will not be accessible to the public. The company’s decision marks a significant shift…

Waymo and Toyota have signed a preliminary agreement to explore a possible collaboration on autonomous vehicle development, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi operator said in a blog post. The scope of the potential partnership includes the joint creation of a self-driving platform for ride-hailing and an investigation into integrating Waymo’s autonomous technology into future Toyota consumer vehicles. While the agreement does not constitute a binding partnership, both companies have expressed interest in aligning their efforts around safety and automated driving. “The scope of the collaboration will continue to evolve through ongoing discussions,” Waymo said. See also: Uber and Waymo to Launch Robotaxi…

Mullen Automotive has received an order for 20 units of its all-electric Mullen Three trucks from Cashflow on Wheels, a Houston-based logistics company specializing in last-mile delivery and transportation services. The order, valued at approximately $1.4 million, marks a new partnership aimed at supporting major clients such as FedEx and Amazon. The Mullen Three is classified as a Class 3 vehicle in the United States, featuring a gross vehicle weight of around five tonnes. Delivery of the trucks is scheduled for May, after which Cashflow on Wheels will deploy them for last-mile operations in Texas and Georgia, the companies said…

Electric Era has introduced a new AI-enabled platform aimed at transforming electric vehicle (EV) charging at retail locations such as convenience stores, grocers, and restaurants. The platform, called Retailer AI, integrates voice-activated technology and machine learning to personalize the charging experience, providing concierge-style services and offering new marketing opportunities for businesses. The system is designed to recognize individual vehicles, assess battery status, validate loyalty programs, and suggest promotions, creating a tailored user experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qs7OdxCiwU Through voice-guided assistance, users can access charging updates, locate nearby amenities, place orders, and process payments directly from the charging screen. It also connects to retailers’…

Electric vehicles are proving more dependable than their combustion-engine counterparts, according to a new study by Germany’s largest roadside assistance organization, the ADAC. The organization, which responded to over 3.6 million breakdowns last year, reported that EVs accounted for just 1.2% of total callouts—a figure that strengthens the case for electric reliability as adoption grows. See also: German Study Finds No Elevated Health Risk from Magnetic Fields in Electric Vehicles In 2024, the ADAC said it had sufficient data to draw clear comparisons between propulsion types. The findings showed that among cars registered between 2020 and 2022, electric models experienced…

Volkswagen plans to introduce three concept vehicles at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show as part of its “In China, for China” strategy, with the models highlighting the company’s focus on tailored offerings for the Chinese market. The concepts, developed through its Chinese joint ventures, include two crossovers and one notchback sedan, each designed to appeal to local consumers. While full details have not yet been disclosed, Volkswagen confirmed that one of the crossovers will be an electric vehicle developed by Volkswagen Anhui, and the second—a B-segment SUV featuring a range-extended powertrain—will come from SAIC Volkswagen. FAW-Volkswagen is responsible for the…