Author: Thomas Schmidt

Aventon has launched the Level 3, its latest smart electric bicycle, featuring advanced security technology, extended range, and commuter-friendly design enhancements. The U.S.-based e-bike brand aims to set new standards for smart urban mobility with the introduction of its Aventon Control Unit (ACU), a system designed to enhance theft protection and rider convenience. The Level 3 is Aventon’s second e-bike to integrate the ACU, which provides GPS tracking, remote locking, geofencing, and passcode protection. These features enable riders to monitor and secure their bike remotely, offering greater peace of mind in urban environments. The bike also supports real-time ride tracking…

Aston Martin announced on Wednesday it will cut 5% of its workforce after reporting a sharp increase in fourth-quarter losses, marking another setback for the luxury automaker as it struggles to adapt to the electric vehicle (EV) transition. The British luxury carmaker posted a 400% surge in pre-tax losses for the final quarter of 2024, missing full-year estimates as wholesale volumes fell 9% year-on-year. The company’s debt burden also grew 43% to 1.16 billion pounds ($1.47 billion). CEO Adrian Hallmark cited “industry-wide supply chain disruptions” and “macroeconomic weakness in China” as key factors behind the disappointing performance. See also: Aston…

Tesla is rolling out an upgrade for the Cybertruck’s windshield wiper after owners reported streaking issues on the vehicle’s large front glass, particularly in winter conditions, according to Wes Morrill, the Lead Engineer for the Cybertruck program. The Cybertruck’s oversized wiper, a unique design element of the all-electric pickup, has been a topic of discussion since the vehicle’s public release in November 2023. Some owners raised concerns about streaks left behind after using washer fluid to clear salt and debris. See also: Cybertruck Rated Five Stars in U.S. Crash Tests, Rollover Risk at 12.4% Thanks for the feedback – If…

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s largest producer of cobalt, has imposed a four-month export ban on the metal in response to a global supply glut, the country’s regulatory authority said. “This measure is intended to regulate supply on the international market, which is faced with a production glut,” Patrick Luabeya, President of the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Markets for Strategic Mineral Substances (ARECOMS), said in a statement. The export ban, effective since Feb. 22, could be revised or lifted after three months, according to a decree signed by Luabeya and Mining Minister Kizito Pakabomba. See…

Electric truck startup Nikola is seeking to sell its entire business by April as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, company lawyers told a Delaware judge on Thursday. Nikola, which filed for bankruptcy protection this week, has already attracted interest from at least three potential buyers, the lawyers said, without disclosing names. The company plans to solicit additional bids, with a submission deadline expected in late March. See also: Nikola Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks Asset Sale Amid Financial Struggles Should a full sale prove unsuccessful, Nikola intends to sell off assets individually to address more than $1 billion in…

German supplier and thermal management specialist Mahle has secured its first series order for a new cooling module designed for megawatt charging systems (MCS). The module will be integrated into fast-charging stations for electric commercial vehicles, the company said on [DAY]. Mahle did not disclose the customer but described it as a European cable manufacturer and supplier of MCS charging systems. The customer selected Mahle’s solution due to its “performance and cost efficiency,” the company stated. While the initial application is for megawatt charging stations, Mahle said the modular cooling unit could also be adapted for fast-charging systems used in…

The German state of Bavaria has exceeded its 2024 target for alternatively powered bus subsidies, funding over 500 “climate buses” last year, including 220 electric models, according to an annual report from the Bavarian government. The state also allocated nearly €15 million to support depot electrification, emphasizing the expansion of charging infrastructure. In total, Bavaria provided around €50 million in funding for buses powered by electricity, hydrogen, and renewable fuels such as HVO100 or biogas. Despite the variety of drive systems, less than half of the subsidized fleet was electric. See also: Paris Public Transport Hits Milestone with 1,000th Electric…

Researchers at RWTH Aachen University, in collaboration with industry partners, have launched the ‘SchnelleZelle’ (FastCell) project, aiming to optimize the fast-charging capability of prismatic lithium-ion batteries. The three-year initiative, backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, seeks to improve battery performance by reducing charging times and increasing charging power while maintaining safety and longevity. Although the findings could be applicable to electric mobility, the project primarily focuses on stationary energy storage systems, which are expected to play a key role in the energy transition. While batteries in photovoltaic-connected storage units typically charge at a steady rate,…

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…