Author: Todd Gilbert

Finnish charging station manufacturer Kempower has launched a zero-percent financing offer for its DC charging solutions in eight key markets, aiming to accelerate the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The initiative, running until May 19, 2025, is available in the UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and Australia. See also: Kempower and Ziegler Energy Solutions Partner to Enhance EV Charging for Fleets Dubbed ‘0% Financing, 100% Electric,’ the campaign is part of Kempower’s collaboration with DLL, a global provider of financial solutions. The offer allows investors to acquire Kempower’s fast-charging stations with no interest costs or prepayments over…

China holds a commanding position across the electric vehicle battery supply chain, controlling raw material extraction, refining, and cell production, according to a new study by Fraunhofer FFB and the University of Münster. The analysis underscores Europe and the United States’ dependence on Chinese supply lines, despite efforts to secure greater control over critical battery components. The study examined four key raw materials essential for lithium-ion battery production—lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese—and found that China dominates all but one. “Mineral raw materials are at the very beginning of the supply chain for battery cell production, and Europe is almost 100…

Kia has officially launched the EV9 GT, the high-performance variant of its flagship electric SUV, in South Korea. The new trim features a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain producing 509 horsepower (374 kW) and 740 Nm of torque, significantly enhancing its performance. This powertrain enables the EV9 GT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds, making it the fastest and most powerful version of the EV9 to date. The model starts at 88.49 million won ($61,500) in its domestic market and is set to launch in North America, Europe, and other global markets later…

Eve Energy has commenced production at its newly built Malaysian plant, marking a key milestone in the Chinese lithium battery maker’s international expansion, the company announced on Friday. The facility, located in Kulim District, Kedah, saw its first battery unit roll off the assembly line on February 16. It is Eve Energy’s first overseas factory and its 53rd globally. “The Malaysian plant is the first step in Eve Energy’s expansion in overseas markets and is a key step in the company’s efforts to connect with the world,” the company said. See also: Eve Energy Unveils Omnicell: A Revolutionary 6C Fast-Charging…

EVPassport, a provider of enterprise EV charging solutions, has partnered with CBRE to install 3,600 electric vehicle chargers across 600 properties in North America. The collaboration aims to expand charging infrastructure at multifamily and hospitality locations, improving accessibility for residents and tenants, the companies said. See also: Zerova and Go Eve Partner to Improve EV Charging Efficiency with DockChain Technology CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, cited growing demand for EV infrastructure as a factor in the initiative. According to its 2024 Occupier Sentiment Survey, 54% of respondents consider EV charging a key factor in property selection.…

DAF Trucks and TotalEnergies have signed a letter of intent to explore cooperation in electric truck charging infrastructure and energy solutions. The partnership aims to integrate DAF’s fleet with TotalEnergies’ charging network, develop Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), and supply low-carbon energy to DAF’s manufacturing sites. TotalEnergies intends to provide DAF customers with access to its charging infrastructure and roaming services, enhancing long-distance electric truck operations. The companies also plan to launch a pilot initiative to accelerate the development of MCS technology, which is expected to enable faster charging times for heavy-duty electric trucks. See also: DAF Trucks Expands its Electric…

Bentley Motors has officially opened its new Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch, a key facility designed to support the company’s shift towards electrification. The opening ceremony was attended by Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG, alongside Bentley’s senior management. The new facility is a central part of Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, which involves transforming the company’s product lineup to include electric vehicles. The Excellence Centre is designed to support the development of new technologies and the production of Bentley’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV). The facility aims to achieve zero environmental impact and set high…

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging is expanding its network into Canada, with plans to deploy over 2,500 fast chargers across Canada and the United States. The first stations are set to debut in Metro Vancouver in 2025, followed by more chargers opening in Toronto by 2026. The network, which will feature 400 kW DC fast chargers with both CCS1 and NACS connectors, will be accessible to all electric vehicles (EVs). However, Mercedes-Benz owners will benefit from exclusive privileges, including automatic charger reservations and the “Plug & Charge” feature through the Mercedes me Charge app. See also: Mercedes-Benz and BMW Begin Construction of…

Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ.O) reported a $2.9 billion loss for 2024, with its pivot to electric vehicles (EVs) cited as a key factor contributing to the financial downturn. The rental company, which made headlines in 2021 with a high-profile purchase of 100,000 Tesla vehicles, has since scaled back its EV fleet due to lower-than-expected demand and infrastructure challenges. “Our focus in 2024 was stabilizing the business and implementing fundamental changes to transform our company,” said Hertz CEO Gil West during the company’s earnings call on Thursday. “With our new leadership team and organizational structure in place, we are well positioned…

Dutch charge point operator PowerGo has finished installing 152 electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the Danish municipality of Ikast-Brande, the company said. The project, awarded through a public tender, aims to expand charging accessibility across the region. The installation includes 138 AC charging points with a capacity of 22 kW, six DC chargers with 50 kW, and eight high-power charging (HPC) stations capable of 150 kW, according to PowerGo. The stations are positioned in public locations such as schools, sports clubs, daycare centers, and municipal buildings. “We want to create a comprehensive charging network that is accessible, affordable, and…

Volvo is exploring the possibility of sourcing electric vehicle (EV) batteries from U.S. suppliers for its EX90 SUV as the company looks to reduce production costs impacted by rising tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite being manufactured in the U.S., the EX90 currently relies on batteries from China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a supplier to several global automakers, including Tesla and BMW. See also: Volvo Prepares for “Turbulent 2025” with Updated Lineup and Strategic Focus on EVs The EX90, Volvo’s first luxury seven-seater electric SUV, has faced price hikes, with the starting price increasing by $3,300 to $81,290 before…

Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis NV, will begin pre-sales of its B10 SUV on March 10, aiming to bring advanced intelligent driving technology to a more budget-friendly price segment, the company announced on Weibo. The Leapmotor B10 will be the automaker’s first model priced under RMB 150,000 ($20,520) to feature LiDAR, enabling smart driving capabilities in urban environments. The model, which made its international debut at the Paris Auto Show in October and its China debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November, is built on the company’s Leap 3.5 architecture and marks the first…