Author: Todd Gilbert

A new e-bike conversion kit called Kamingo is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter, offering a compact system that enables cyclists to turn traditional bicycles into electric-powered bikes in just minutes. The kit weighs 2.3 kg and requires only a 10-minute initial setup, according to the manufacturer. The Kamingo system includes three main components: a motor, a control unit, and a battery. Once installed, the components can be detached and reattached in roughly 10 seconds. The company claims that complete installation after setup takes less than three minutes and does not require tools. The motor is mounted on the seat post and…

GAC Toyota, one of Toyota Motor’s joint ventures in China, will transfer decision-making responsibilities for new vehicle development from Japan to China, the automaker said, as it aims to adapt more rapidly to the demands of the local electric vehicle (EV) market. The change was announced by Yoshiaki Konishi, head of Toyota’s EV research and development center in China, during a technology event hosted by GAC Toyota on Wednesday. The move will see the company expand its RCE (Regional-Chief Engineer) system, allowing local teams to lead R&D efforts for new models and product facelifts. “In China’s rapidly changing market, Toyota…

Despite strong reviews for performance and comfort, the refreshed Rivian R1S is drawing criticism from at least one longtime EV owner who cites recurring reliability issues. The case underscores challenges that can arise with early ownership of vehicles from emerging automakers. Michael Rauch, an EV enthusiast and early adopter of Rivian’s products, encountered multiple problems after purchasing a second-generation R1S to replace a Tesla Model X that was totaled in an accident. The new R1S, a tri-motor variant with a Max battery pack, was delivered in December following an initial order in July. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN-n1yVo6F0 Soon after delivery, the vehicle experienced…

LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo reaffirmed the South Korean conglomerate’s long-term commitment to its electric vehicle (EV) battery business during a visit to Indonesia, even as Chinese competitors continue to strengthen their lead in the global market. Koo visited HLI Green Power, a 50:50 joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor Group, located in Karawang, West Java. The plant, Indonesia’s first EV battery manufacturing facility, began mass production in April 2024 and has an annual output capacity of 10 gigawatt-hours—sufficient to power around 150,000 electric vehicles. The factory achieved a 96% yield rate within four months of starting…

Mazda is preparing to roll out its own electric vehicles (EVs) from 2027 using a flexible production system at its Hofu 2 plant in Japan, moving away from dedicated EV manufacturing lines favored by some rivals. The automaker, which has faced criticism for a slow introduction of compelling EV models, currently sells its EZ-6 sedan and EZ-60 SUV mainly in China and Europe, both based on Chinese designs. However, Mazda’s new EV lineup will be developed independently and produced alongside existing hybrid, gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Mazda officials told AutoNews that this mixed production system will reduce investment…

Automakers and parts suppliers across Europe are facing mounting pressure as Chinese export restrictions on rare-earth magnets threaten to bring production lines to a halt, industry executives and analysts said. Frank Eckard, CEO of German magnet manufacturer Magnosphere, described an influx of urgent inquiries from automotive firms seeking alternative supplies. “The whole car industry is in full panic,” Eckard told reporters. “They are willing to pay any price.” Some manufacturers have warned their plants could be idled by mid-July without access to critical components. Rare-earth magnets, essential for electric motors and various electronic vehicle parts, are the latest flashpoint in…

California’s State Assembly has approved Assembly Bill 33 (AB33), a measure that would require a trained human operator to be present in autonomous vehicles used for commercial delivery to homes or businesses. The bill now moves to the State Senate for further consideration. AB33, supported by the Teamsters union, is aimed at regulating the deployment of autonomous delivery vehicles. Proponents argue the measure is necessary to protect middle-class jobs and address safety concerns associated with fully driverless technology. “State lawmakers have an obligation to support workers and middle-class jobs, and that’s exactly what this legislation does,” said Peter Finn, President…

French retail network operator Engie Vianeo has announced a partnership with shopping centre company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) to equip twelve of URW’s shopping centres in France with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure this year. The rollout will include 134 ultra-fast chargers with up to 400 kW output and 242 fast chargers offering up to 50 kW, totalling 376 charging points. Eight locations are in the Île-de-France region around Paris, with additional sites in Lyon, Dijon, and Rennes. The charging stations will be installed in outdoor parking lots and multi-storey garages, depending on the site. Engie Vianeo, founded in 2023 as a…

Mercedes-Benz is in discussions with its leading suppliers to explore the creation of rare earth stockpiles, as the automaker moves to strengthen its supply chain resilience amid mounting concerns over global shortages. The initiative comes despite Mercedes-Benz not currently facing disruptions from the rare earth shortage that has forced several automotive suppliers to halt production. The carmaker said the move is part of broader efforts to avoid supply chain shocks, taking cues from lessons learned during the semiconductor crisis. “We have learnt a lot from the semiconductor situation in the automotive industry and are constantly … looking at what risk…

London will end the full exemption of electric vehicles (EVs) from its central congestion charge starting 2 January 2026, while increasing the general daily fee from £15 to £18, as part of a broader strategy to reduce road traffic and emissions. Transport for London (TfL) confirmed the changes this week, which will affect drivers entering the Congestion Charge zone, covering areas such as Westminster, Covent Garden, and Soho. While EVs are currently exempt from the charge, the new policy will replace the exemption with a tiered discount system. Electric cars will receive a 25% discount, while electric vans, trucks, and…

BYD’s largest car carrier, the BYD Shenzhen, has arrived at the port of Itajaí in Brazil, transporting 7,300 new energy vehicles (NEVs). The arrival marks the completion of its maiden voyage, one month after departing from China. The BYD Shenzhen, which set sail from Taicang, Jiangsu province, on April 27, is the fourth car carrier in the automaker’s fleet and the second with a 9,200-vehicle capacity. Measuring 219.9 meters in length with 16 decks and a beam of 37.7 meters, the vessel covers an area equivalent to 20 football fields. The ship was officially delivered to BYD on April 22…

South Korean battery manufacturer Samsung SDI will expand and modernize its facility in Göd, Hungary, to supply next-generation prismatic batteries for Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles in Europe. The expansion follows a successful 1.65 trillion won ($1.2 billion) stock offering, with the funds allocated toward renovating the plant’s first production line and enlarging its second. The investment supports a multi-year battery supply agreement signed in 2023 between Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Group, covering deliveries from 2026 through 2032. According to BusinessKorea, the deal includes battery cells for up to 500,000 EVs and features sixth-generation (P6) prismatic cells with NCA…