Author: Thomas Schmidt

The Polestar 3 has been awarded a five-star safety rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), following the latest round of crash and safety tests conducted by the independent body. The electric SUV scored 87% overall, earning high marks across all four testing categories: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, and Safety Assist. In the Child Occupant category, the vehicle achieved a 93% rating — the highest recorded score in that category for a passenger vehicle in nearly a decade. See also: Polestar Removes Polestar 2 from U.S. Website Amid Tariff Concerns “With a shared safety…

Chinese automaker BYD has expanded its European footprint with the launch of its electric vehicles in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, marking a shift in its regional market strategy. The company is debuting two models — the all-electric Sealion 7 and the plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i — as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Central Europe. The move diverges from BYD’s earlier approach, which focused on launching the Atto 3, Han, and Tang models in European markets. Last week, the automaker announced a similar entry into Switzerland with the same two models now offered in Slovakia and the…

Daimler Buses has begun customer testing of its upcoming electric intercity bus, the eIntouro, ahead of its world premiere at the Busworld trade fair in Brussels this October. A near-series prototype completed a 380-kilometre round trip in Switzerland and Germany with Eurobus, which will be among the first customers once the vehicle enters production in 2026. The test drive, conducted in early April, followed a regular Eurobus route from Bassersdorf in Switzerland to the Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. Daimler Buses said the eIntouro’s two high-voltage batteries, offering a combined capacity of 414 kWh, had ample reserves to cover the nearly…

Tesla has opened orders for a more affordable version of its updated Model Y Long Range AWD in the United States and Canada, pricing it at $49,000 before incentives, significantly undercutting the previous Launch Edition model. When Tesla introduced the refreshed Model Y in January, only the fully loaded Launch Edition was available, starting at $60,000. That version bundled all premium options, including the $8,000 Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, which is typically optional for most buyers. See also: Tesla Slashes Model Y Prices as U.S. Launch of Juniper Refresh Nears The new non-Launch Edition drops these bundled features, making the…

Huawei has announced a new 1.5 megawatt electric vehicle charger, positioning itself ahead of competitors such as Tesla and BYD in the race to electrify commercial transport. The charger, revealed by Huawei’s Digital Power division, is capable of delivering 20 kWh of energy per minute, restoring a full charge in as little as 15 minutes for vehicles equipped with high-rate battery systems. While Tesla’s V4 Superchargers currently support up to 1.2 MW output for the Semi truck, and BYD’s 1 MW systems are tailored for passenger vehicles, Huawei’s solution is specifically aimed at heavy-duty trucks and industrial vehicles. With a…

Coulomb Solutions has introduced its latest commercial EV battery system, designed for trucks, buses, trains, and other heavy-duty applications in North America. The ‘Super Long Life’ (SLL) system comes with a 900,000-mile, 15-year warranty, offering extended operational reliability. The battery system features a specific energy of 175 Wh/kg and an energy density of 270 Wh/L. Manufactured by Chinese battery giant CATL, the cells are assembled into battery packs by Coulomb for the North American market. The company is now accepting orders, with deliveries set to begin in September. The SLL battery system is intended for a wide range of commercial…

Xpeng exceeded its first-quarter delivery expectations, reporting strong growth in March as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker continued to expand its market presence. The company delivered 33,205 vehicles in March, marking a 267.88% increase from the 9,026 units sold in the same month last year and a 9.04% rise from February’s 30,453 units. It was the fifth consecutive month Xpeng delivered more than 30,000 vehicles. See also: Xpeng Marks Milestone as 100,000th Mona M03 Rolls Off Assembly Line For the first quarter, total deliveries reached 94,008 units, up 330.81% from 21,821 in the same period last year. The figure…

Chinese battery manufacturer Hina Battery has introduced a new sodium-ion battery solution aimed at commercial vehicles, highlighting faster charging capabilities and extended durability, the company announced on Friday. The battery solution, branded “Hina Battery · Haixing,” was unveiled at an event in Fuyang, Anhui province, on March 28. It features battery cells with an energy density exceeding 165 Wh/kg and can achieve a full charge within 20 to 25 minutes, Hina said. See also: Hina Battery Unveils Sodium-Ion Batteries for Passenger Cars, Poised to Revolutionize Affordable EV Market “Even if fast charging is used all the time, the battery’s cycle…

Kia will begin producing hybrid vehicles at Hyundai Motor’s new U.S. factory in Georgia starting in mid-2026, the company’s chief executive said on Wednesday, as the South Korean automaker adapts to evolving market trends. The facility, originally planned as an all-electric vehicle (EV) plant, will now include hybrid production in response to cooling demand for fully electric cars. Kia’s hybrid models will account for 40% of the plant’s total output, CEO Song Ho-sung told reporters during the facility’s opening ceremony. He did not specify which models will be produced. See also: Hyundai Opens Georgia EV Plant, Gearing Up for Ioniq…

Toyota has delayed plans to build a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Japan, a setback that could push back the automaker’s production of next-generation batteries promising over 620 miles (1,000 km) of range. The plant, originally expected to begin operations in 2028, now faces an uncertain timeline. The decision comes nearly two years after Toyota announced an ambitious roadmap for advanced EV batteries offering greater range, faster charging, and lower costs. The automaker’s first next-gen battery, known as the “Performance” variant, was scheduled for release next year with an estimated 500-mile (800-km) range and a 20-minute fast-charging capability.…

Hamburg-based e-scooter manufacturer Egret has unveiled its latest model, the Egret Pro FX, promising maximum flexibility with a compact foldable design and an extended range of up to 80 km. The new model expands Egret’s lineup alongside its X-series, known for their 12.5-inch pneumatic tires and up to 90 km range. See also: Apollo Launches High-Speed Phantom 2.0 Electric Scooters in North America The “FX” in Egret Pro FX stands for “flexible,” featuring a height-adjustable handlebar and foldable handlebar ends for easy portability. When folded, the e-scooter measures 108 cm in length, 62 cm in height, and 26 cm in…

Transport for London (TfL) and construction firm FM Conway have launched a trial to replace diesel-powered excavators and wheel loaders with electric alternatives at construction sites in the UK capital. The six-week trial aims to evaluate whether mobile charging can effectively power the vehicles on-site. The machines, supplied by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), will be charged using mobile units provided by British startup Charge Fairy. According to TfL, the system deploys a charging van to construction sites, allowing the vehicles to recharge within an hour. “Developments in how vehicles on construction sites are powered and charged could revolutionise how…

Finnish charging equipment manufacturer Kempower has introduced a new direct current (DC) charger for the North American market. The Kempower Flex Satellite is designed for public charging and supports both CCS1 and NACS connectors, aligning with U.S. federal funding requirements under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. See also: Kempower Enhances DC Station Charger with Silicon Carbide Power Module The newly launched charger delivers up to 400 amps via CCS1 and 380 amps through NACS, with Kempower highlighting the latter as among the highest-powered NACS connectors available. By offering both connector types, the company aims to provide greater flexibility…

Insolvent air taxi startup Volocopter has officially confirmed its acquisition by Diamond Aircraft, a move that integrates the German eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) pioneer into the Austrian aviation manufacturer’s structure. Despite the takeover, Volocopter’s headquarters will remain in Bruchsal, Germany. Volocopter announced that it has been incorporated into Diamond Aircraft Industries, which is based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Diamond Aircraft itself is a subsidiary of the Wanfeng Aircraft Division, part of China’s Wanfeng Auto Holding Group. Volocopter described its new parent company as an “internationally renowned aircraft manufacturer with over four decades of experience.” The acquisition follows months…

Tesla has begun deliveries of the updated Model Y in the United States, marking the latest rollout of the refreshed electric SUV. The first units were handed over to customers at the automaker’s factories in Texas and Fremont, with company executives in attendance to mark the occasion. Among those present at the event was Tesla’s head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, who posed for photos alongside new owners. The company acknowledged the milestone on its official X account, stating, “Celebrating first deliveries of the new Model Y at Giga Texas and Fremont Factory.” See also: Tesla Rolls Out Cabin Radar…

The UK’s public charging infrastructure for electric commercial vehicles is set for a major expansion, with motorway service operator Moto announcing plans to roll out 15 charging “superhubs” by the end of 2027, with further sites planned through 2030. Moto, which operates EV charging hubs in partnership with Gridserve, aims to establish more than 300 dedicated charge points for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) once the network is fully operational. A total of 23 charging locations will be in place by the end of the decade, significantly expanding access for electric truck drivers across the country. See also: Milence Opens First…

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…