Author: Todd Gilbert

The UK government has extended its plug-in grant scheme for electric vans and taxis by an additional year, with £120 million in funding allocated to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The subsidy program, originally set to expire in April 2025, will now continue until April 2026. Under the scheme, businesses and individuals purchasing electric vans can receive up to £2,500 for models weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, while those buying vans of up to 4.25 tonnes are eligible for grants of up to £5,000. The program also offers grants of up to £4,000 for taxi drivers switching to electric…

Chinese LiDAR manufacturer RoboSense Technology has reached a major industry milestone, delivering its one millionth LiDAR unit as it continues to expand into robotics. The company announced that its one millionth LiDAR rolled off the production line at its Shenzhen facility on February 21 and was delivered to Shanghai-based Humanoid Robot on February 24. RoboSense claims it is the first company globally to reach the one-million-unit mark with high-channel LiDAR. See also: RoboSense Unveils World’s First LiDAR With Over 1,000 Channels Hong Kong-listed RoboSense is China’s largest LiDAR supplier, with customers including BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY), SAIC Motor Corp,…

Onvo, a sub-brand of Nio, has released the first official image of its second model, the Onvo L90, as it gears up for entry into China’s competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. The image, shared on Onvo’s Weibo account today, reveals a side view of the L90, albeit wrapped in camouflage. “The flagship SUV for large family spaces, the Onvo L90, is rechargeable, swappable, a better experience than refueling, and a better pure electric than pure electric,” the company wrote in its post. See also: Li Auto Unveils Li i8, Its First All-Electric SUV, with Official Images Released Onvo President Alan…

Chinese battery manufacturer CALB expects its net income to rise sharply in 2024, citing business expansion and cost reductions, according to its earnings preview released on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The company anticipates a net profit of between RMB 786 million ($108 million) and RMB 874 million, marking an increase of approximately 80% to 100% from RMB 437 million in 2023. CALB attributed the earnings growth to its improving economies of scale and continued enhancements in product performance. “Thanks to our leading technology and product competitiveness, we have successfully reduced costs while maintaining performance improvements,” the company said in…

Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has introduced the second generation of its hydrogen-powered double-decker bus, the Streetdeck Hydroliner, featuring improved efficiency, increased passenger capacity, and lower operating costs. Wrightbus, which launched the first generation of the Streetdeck Hydroliner in 2020, said the latest model has been completely redesigned over a four-year development period. The company claims the new bus offers a range of more than 300 miles (482 km) and can be refueled in eight minutes, making it a viable alternative to diesel-powered buses. See also: Wrightbus Unveils Rightech Brand with Four New Battery-Electric Vehicles “Alongside our market-leading EV bus,…

Scania and DHL Group have unveiled plans for an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), integrating battery power with a fuel-powered range extender to enhance operational flexibility. The truck, set for deployment in February 2025, will be used for parcel transport between Berlin and Hamburg, DHL’s Post & Parcel Germany division announced. The EREV is designed as a transitional solution, enabling DHL to operate on 80–90% renewable electricity while utilizing a fuel-powered generator when necessary. The hybrid approach addresses charging infrastructure limitations while reducing carbon emissions. See also: Scania Steps In to Support Northvolt’s Struggling Battery Production “The future is electric,…

As the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate consultation nears its conclusion, Asif Ghafoor, CEO of national EV charging network Be.EV, has emphasized the importance of a consistent approach to the transition toward electric vehicles (EVs). Ghafoor suggests that automakers’ concerns reflect the challenges of adapting to industry changes. “It’s not surprising that carmakers are raising concerns,” Ghafoor said. “Market shifts often bring challenges for established businesses. The transition to EVs represents a significant change, and companies must navigate this evolving landscape.” Ghafoor believes that UK and European automakers have had time to prepare for the shift to EVs and…

Tesla is preparing to enter the Indian market, with the electric vehicle maker expected to ship an initial batch of vehicles to a port near Mumbai in the coming months, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company is targeting a sales launch around the third quarter of 2025 and is expected to focus on major urban centers, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, according to the report. However, it remains unclear which models will be introduced and where they will be sourced from. Tesla’s best-selling models, the Model Y SUV and the updated Model 3 sedan, are…

Maextro, a new automotive brand formed by Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), is set to launch its first model, the Maextro S800, at the end of May, the companies announced on Tuesday. The luxury sedan will debut at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Auto Show in Shenzhen. Richard Yu, managing director of Huawei and chairman of its smart car solutions unit, said the Maextro S800 will be available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions. “This model incorporates advanced intelligence and safety features while offering a luxury driving experience,” Yu said…

Milence has inaugurated its first truck charging park in Italy, marking a significant step in its expansion across Europe. The new site, located in Bagnolo San Vito along the A22 Brenner motorway, features four high-power chargers (HPC) with a capacity of up to 400 kW. This development strengthens Milence’s commitment to supporting zero-emission freight transport by providing crucial infrastructure for heavy-duty electric vehicles. Italy becomes the sixth country to host a Milence charging park, following the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, and Germany. The Bagnolo San Vito site is strategically positioned about 40 kilometers south of Verona, serving as a key…

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Volkswagen to advance collaboration in lithium battery research and development for new energy vehicles (NEVs), as well as new materials and parts development, the company announced. The partnership aims to create advanced and cost-efficient battery solutions, CATL said in a statement. “The two companies will jointly develop technologically advanced and cost-competitive battery concepts and products,” the company noted. See also: CATL Expands Workforce in Germany to Boost Battery Production The agreement also paves the way for further cooperation in battery recycling, battery swapping, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology,…

Hyundai Motor Group is reportedly preparing to expand production capacity at its electric vehicle plant in Georgia, aiming to raise annual output from 300,000 to 500,000 units in response to potential U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles, the Korea Times reported. Industry observers say Hyundai has been bracing for tariff measures since Donald Trump’s re-election and seeks to increase the share of vehicles built in the United States. See also: Hyundai, Kia Adjust U.S. EV Batteries to Qualify for $7,500 Tax Credit; SK On Scales Up Production The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia has been assembling the Ioniq…