Author: Todd Gilbert

Fleet services provider DKV Mobility has expanded its electric vehicle charging network by integrating over 1,500 fast-charging stations from UK-based Gridserve. This partnership extends DKV Mobility’s roaming network across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, connecting customers to Gridserve’s ‘Electric Highway’ with charging points capable of up to 360 kW output. Gridserve’s Electric Highway includes chargers located along major UK motorways, busy retail hubs, and dedicated Electric Forecourts, offering up to 350 kW at many sites—enough for a 160-kilometer range boost in under 10 minutes. Gridserve’s plan to add a network for electric lorries aligns with DKV Mobility’s vision, supporting…

Daimler Truck is set to launch series production of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 in November, with a major component known as the “front box” now in production at its Mannheim engine plant. Positioned in the former engine space, the front box comprises over 1,000 parts and integrates key control units, high-voltage systems, and an electric air compressor essential to the eActros 600’s functionality, though it does not directly power the vehicle. Built on a layered structure to accommodate the numerous components, the front box is the result of a dedicated team at Mannheim, which Daimler Truck plans to expand from…

Tesla is set to make another bold move in the automotive industry with its proposal for the Low-Voltage Connector Standard (LVCS), aimed at standardizing car connectivity within its 48-volt electronics architecture, currently utilized in the Cybertruck. This initiative follows the successful rollout of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), which has gained traction among major automakers, including Ford and General Motors. In a brief blog post, Tesla highlighted the advantages of its 48-volt architecture, describing it as “the optimal long-term choice, requiring only a quarter of the current to deliver the same amount of power.” The architecture is designed to…

Finnish battery chemical producer Terrafame announced on Tuesday that it has begun negotiations with employees to reduce costs, which may include job cuts and reduced working hours, as a result of a global slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand. Factors such as limited charging infrastructure and concerns over EV resale values have led to a deceleration in EV sales, impacting demand for battery chemicals. Terrafame noted that prices for battery chemicals have fallen, mirroring declines in metals like nickel and cobalt, which are essential to battery production. The company, which employed 826 people as of September, projects that the cost-saving…

Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT) and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate charging infrastructure deployment for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHDVs). The partnership will focus on ensuring grid readiness and establishing best practices for affordable and efficient infrastructure expansion, supporting the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy and aligning with federal and state zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) goals. PACT and EEI plan to advance grid readiness across regions, enabling manufacturers and fleet operators to meet regulatory requirements for ZEVs. This collaboration will prioritize efficient energization, accurate demand estimation, and streamlined processes to reduce…

LG Business Solutions USA announced it has opened orders for its first U.S.-assembled DC fast charger, a stand-type model equipped with a Power Bank that can provide up to 175 kW of charging power. The new Level 3 charger, designated as the LG EVD175SK-PN, is being built at LG’s Fort Worth, Texas facility. The unit features a high-resolution 24-inch LCD touchscreen, an 18-foot liquid-cooled CCS/NACS charging cable, and dynamic load management capabilities. The charger also allows over-the-air updates and supports multiple payment options. Certified to UL 2594, the new charger is part of LG’s effort to expand its footprint in…

Hyundai is gearing up to launch its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) in China next year, as competition intensifies with the rise of low-cost EVs. Despite a significant increase in electric vehicle sales—1.29 million new energy vehicles were sold in September, marking a 42% year-over-year rise—many legacy automakers are struggling to maintain their market presence. Hyundai’s share of the Chinese market has dropped to 1.2%, and the automaker’s sales have declined since 2017. In response, Hyundai has established the Hyundai Motor China Advanced Tech and R&D Center in Shanghai, aimed at developing a dedicated EV designed specifically for Chinese consumers.…

The United States has reached a significant milestone in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, surpassing 200,000 public EV charging ports nationwide. This achievement was announced by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, highlighting the growing momentum in expanding EV charging facilities. In its Q3 2024 update released on August 30, the Joint Office reported an increase of approximately 9,000 charging ports over the preceding three months, bringing the total to nearly 192,000 public EV charging ports. The latest announcement indicates a further increase of about 9,000 ports within just seven weeks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44Clb8A_brk Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration,…

Stagecoach West Scotland has introduced 12 new electric midibuses to enhance public transportation in Ayrshire, marking the global debut of the Enviro100EV vehicle type. This initiative is part of a £5 million investment aimed at improving local transport options across East, South, and North Ayrshire. These electric buses are designed by Alexander Dennis Limited and are engineered for navigating areas where larger buses may struggle, making them ideal for the region’s diverse communities. The introduction of the Enviro100EV expands Stagecoach’s electric fleet to 60 vehicles operating in Ayrshire, significantly contributing to cleaner, quieter public transport with zero emissions and engine…

French automotive supplier Valeo has revised its annual sales forecast downward for the second time this year, citing the adverse impact of a weakening Chinese economy and uncertainties surrounding the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The company expressed caution regarding the upcoming year, anticipating continued economic challenges globally, particularly in China, alongside new environmental regulations that may further pressure car manufacturers and potentially lead to additional delays in product launches. “We see a market that is softer than anticipated, roughly in all geographical areas, for different reasons,” Valeo CEO Christophe Perillat stated during a media call. The European automotive sector…

Cornish Lithium has inaugurated a new demonstration plant in Cornwall, aiming to produce 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually by 2027. The £15 million facility represents a significant step towards reducing the UK’s dependence on carbon-intensive lithium imports from countries like China. The plant will extract lithium hydroxide from granite sourced from an old clay pit, helping to localize supply and lower the environmental impact of lithium production. The company has ambitious plans for the region, predicting a gross economic value of “at least £800 million” and the creation of over 300 jobs for local residents, according to a LinkedIn…

Stellantis has introduced the Leapmotor C10 electric SUV in Malaysia as part of its push into the Southeast Asian market. The launch, held on Wednesday, October 16, marks a significant step in Malaysia’s ambitions to become a regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) production. The Malaysian government is aiming for EVs and hybrids to make up 20% of new car sales by 2030, supported by a well-equipped EV supply chain. The Leapmotor C10, a medium-sized electric SUV, comes with a 69.9 kWh battery offering an estimated range of 262 miles, based on the European WLTP standard. It delivers 218 hp…