Author: Todd Gilbert

Berlin-based startup ME Energy, which specializes in off-grid fast-charging stations, has been acquired by Indian investor Trinity Cleantech after filing for insolvency last year. The acquisition provides ME Energy with a new strategic partner to expand its charging infrastructure internationally. “With the Indian company Trinity Cleantech Private Limited as a new investor, ME Energy is well positioned for the future and ready to further expand its innovative charging infrastructure on an international level,” the company stated in a press release. See also: Fastned Launches First Fast-Charging Station in Italy ME Energy developed the ‘Rapid Charger 150,’ a mobile fast-charging station…

Hyundai plans to produce electric vehicles at its plant in İzmit, Turkey, starting in 2026, as part of its strategy to expand its EV lineup in response to growing demand in Europe. The facility will continue to manufacture combustion engine models alongside the new electric vehicles. The automaker has not disclosed which EV models will be produced in İzmit or in what quantities. However, Hyundai Motor Group placed an order with supplier Posco in January 2024 for 550,000 electric motor components to be delivered to the Turkish plant by 2034, indicating long-term production plans. See also: Hyundai Plans U.S. EV…

Chinese automaker Li Auto will introduce its first all-electric SUV, the Li i8, in July, the company said on Monday, marking its second battery electric vehicle (BEV) after the Li Mega MPV. The company shared a teaser video of the Li i8 on Weibo, confirming the planned release. Li Auto first announced the model’s name and released initial images on February 25. See also: Li Auto’s February Deliveries Decline 12.24% From January, Annual Growth Remains Positive Li Auto, known for its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), currently sells the L-series SUVs, including the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li…

Xiaomi President Lu Weibing said on Monday that the company is targeting 2027 to begin selling its electric vehicles overseas, according to Chinese media outlet Jiemian. “I’ll set a goal – I’m hopeful that in 2027 we will officially be able to start going abroad,” Lu said in a group interview during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. See also: Xiaomi Begins Deliveries of High-Performance SU7 Ultra, Orders Surpass Expectations Xiaomi, the world’s third-largest smartphone maker, entered the automotive sector last year with its SU7 electric sedan and has since expanded its lineup. The company recently introduced the SU7 Ultra,…

The European Union-backed SeNSE project, led by a consortium of research institutions and industry partners, has made “significant improvements” in lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles, according to Empa, the Swiss federal laboratories for materials science and technology. Launched in 2020 and concluded in early 2024, the four-year initiative aimed to enhance battery performance across the value chain, from material development to cell production. The resulting prototype lithium-ion cells are said to be more sustainable, safer, and higher in energy density, though researchers acknowledge stability challenges remain. See also: Shenhuo New Materials Begins Mass Production of China’s Thinnest Battery Foil…

Ford Motor has decided to discontinue its Rapid Replenishment Centers (RRCs) program, which aimed to streamline electric vehicle (EV) distribution in the United States. The initiative, launched in May 2024, sought to improve inventory management by storing unsold EVs at 21 hubs and shipping them to dealerships only after an order was placed. However, the company is now reverting to a traditional wholesale model. Ford executives informed dealers of the decision during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show. Mike O’Brien, Ford’s senior director of retail network and sales strategy, stated, “Our intent all along was to better serve the…

Finnish battery chemicals producer Terrafame announced on Thursday it has raised €100 million ($104.72 million) in equity and shareholder loans while securing an extension on its existing bank loans and credit facilities, bolstering its financial position amid a challenging market environment. The funding comes from Terrafame’s main owners, Finnish Minerals Group and the Galena funds managed by commodities trader Trafigura, and will support the company’s investment program over the next few years. Additionally, Finland’s government injected €30 million into Finnish Minerals Group, which holds a 56.1% stake in Terrafame, strengthening the state-owned company’s ability to support its subsidiary. See also:…

Nio has launched its first battery swap station in the United Arab Emirates, marking its entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The facility, located at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, is aimed at enhancing charging convenience for EV users traveling between Emirates, the company said in a statement. The Yas Island site is Nio’s 3,189th battery swap station globally and aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in sustainable and innovative transport solutions, the company noted. See also: Nio Prepares Facelift for Four Key Models, Minor Exterior Tweaks…

Vulcan Energy has received authorisation to begin seismic surveys for its geothermal energy and lithium extraction project in the Ludwigshafen region, a collaboration with chemical giant BASF. The approval marks the first phase of development as the two companies explore the potential for renewable heat and lithium production from deep geothermal resources. The German-Australian lithium specialist and BASF signed a letter of intent three months ago to assess the feasibility of using geothermal energy at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site. Vulcan will lead the exploration phase, conducting two-dimensional seismic measurements over approximately 75 square kilometres in the Vorderpfalz region, which includes the…

Nearly all Renault 5 and Alpine A290 vehicles delivered in France must return to the workshop due to a potential issue with the inverter that could prevent the cars from starting, according to French automotive news portal L’Argus. The report states that 15,722 units assembled at Renault’s Douai plant between September 1 and December 23, 2024, may be affected. Customers will be notified via email or the ‘My Renault’ app. Renault emphasized that the action is a “special technical operation” rather than a recall. See also: Renault Reports Record 2024 Operating Profit, Lowers Margin Forecast for 2025 Some owners have…

Tesla will acquire portions of the struggling German high-tech parts maker Manz AG, including more than 300 employees at its Reutlingen site in southwest Germany, the company said on Tuesday. The deal marks an expansion of Tesla’s operations in Germany, where it already runs a major manufacturing plant near Berlin. See also: Tesla Rolls Out Advanced Assisted Driving Features in China, Avoiding FSD Label The acquisition comes as the U.S. electric vehicle maker faces declining sales in the country, with a nearly 60% drop in January compared to the previous year. Tesla Automation GmbH, a subsidiary specializing in special-purpose machine…

BYD has launched its new electric compact SUV, the Atto 2, in France with a starting price of €28,990 ($30,358), making it the company’s most affordable SUV in the region, a senior company executive said. The vehicle was presented on Tuesday at Paris’ La Défense Arena. The Atto 2 enters the competitive European B-segment SUV market with pricing significantly below key rivals. It is €5,000 cheaper than the Kia Niro, €6,000 less than the Opel Mokka-e, and €7,000 below the Peugeot e-2008. See also: BYD Officially Introduces Atto 2 in Europe with Two Trim Levels and 312 km Range However,…