June 25, 2024
Aptera Motors, the Californian start-up for solar electric vehicles (SEV), wants to expand into new mobility industries by licensing its innovative solar technology. Retrofitting cars with solar panels can significantly boost their range. Aptera Motors is looking into various sectors to offer its propriety technology, not only automotive. Aptera is in the phase of scaling […]
June 24, 2024
Fisker’s bankruptcy leaves thousands of Ocean SUV owners in limbo. With the company’s future in doubt, customer concern about the long-term support and maintenance for their cars is growing. In the US, they decided to unite. The European branch is still up and running, so servicing is not an immediate worry. Some Ocean owners have […]
June 21, 2024
“Unprecedented” and “shocking”. The Chinese automotive players involved in the EU survey into state subsidies are stirred by the resulting tariff proposal. They have joined forces and called upon Beijing to impose retaliating import duties, which could hurt the premium brand’s sales performance in the region. Chinese manufacturers are urging their government to implement punitive […]
June 19, 2024
Polestar is gearing up to expand its retail operations, targeting seven new markets in 2025, including a return to France, where Citroën kicked it out. As the company’s model line-up grows, the conquest of new markets aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities. In 2025, Polestar plans to accelerate its geographic expansion by entering seven new […]
June 19, 2024
Kia is preparing to launch its new, cost-effective EV4, slated for next year. The car has already been unveiled as a concept, and final testing versions popping up in South Korean videos hint at how the production version sticks closely to the ‘wild’ form factor of the show car. As anticipation builds for the official […]
June 18, 2024
Audi is following the slipstream of the recently facelifted Porsche Taycan and unveiling an updated version of its all-electric sports car, the E-Tron GT. The new version boasts enhanced range, sharper performance, and faster charging capabilities to align with the advancements seen in its Porsche Taycan counterpart. The E-Tron GT was introduced in 2021 as […]
June 18, 2024
Fiat has officially revealed the fourth-generation Fiat Panda, aptly named the Grande Panda. It ventures back into European showrooms with a blending style of off-road and retro borrowed from the concept car from earlier this year. Obviously, the latest iteration boasts an entirely new look and will offer electric powertrain options and a mild hybrid. […]
June 18, 2024
Lancia’s unexpected European comeback starts in Belgium and Luxembourg, where the famous Italian brand strategically relaunched itself in six dealerships. This marks the beginning of the brand’s ambitious ten-year plan, which aims to re-establish the brand in the European premium segment. The opening of six new showrooms took place over the weekend. The newly opened […]
June 14, 2024
Alpine, Renault’s performance brand, has officially entered the electric era by launching the A290, an electric hot hatch emphasizing performance, agility, and lightness. The new model marks a significant departure from Alpine’s traditional line-up and is set to debut later this year. The A290 is heavily inspired by last year’s Beta concept, bringing a bold […]
June 14, 2024
Mercedes-Benz is accelerating its electric vehicle infrastructure plans with a new deployment of cutting-edge charging technology from supplier Alpitronic. The German carmaker already collaborates with the provider for its branded high power charging (HPC) network, but the announced charging points offer up to 400 kW peak power. Alpitronic is Mercedes’ partner for the rollout of […]
June 11, 2024
According to The Times, Volvo is investigating plans to shift some of its manufacturing output from China to Ghent in response to the upcoming new import tariffs from the EU. The ramp-up to build units of the EX30 in Belgium would be accelerated, while reportedly, the EX90 is also named for a production move. The […]
June 10, 2024
Citroën has announced a plan for the future to streamline its model line-up, focusing on Europe’s primary market segments. CEO Thierry Koskas confirmed in an interview with Autocar that the brand will prioritize the B- and C-segments, phasing out smaller and larger models. Citroën’s future range will start with the B-segment C3, including its electric […]
June 07, 2024
The Manhattan congestion charge, planned for activation in late June this year, has been axed. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the “indefinite suspension” of the controversial charge, which was modeled after similar low-emission zones in London, Stockholm, and Singapore. “I’ve made a tough decision: implementing the traffic tax puts too much at risk […]
June 07, 2024
Van specialist Maxus is widening its passenger car offering in Belgium. After the Uniq6 and Mifa 9, the smaller sibling of the latter is launched. Seating seven persons with ample interior space, the model aims to be the modern Renault Espace. The Chinese version with a swappable battery isn’t imported. Showing its more compact dimensions […]
June 06, 2024
In full transition to a mobility provider, D’Ieteren is taking a pioneering step by introducing tele-driving on Belgian roads. Partnering with Ush, the driverless vehicle arm of the company, and Poppy, Benelux’s largest car-share provider, operations are scheduled for later this year. The service must boost the efficiency and customer experience of car sharing. Ush […]
June 06, 2024
Volvo will launch the world’s first electric vehicle (EV) battery passport with its new EX90 electric SUV, which has finally gone into production. The move aims to provide customers with detailed information about the battery’s composition, material origins, carbon footprint, and usage. Despite many brands diluting their commitment to a deadline for an all-electric portfolio, Volvo’s […]
June 05, 2024
The market uncertainty surrounding electric car sales is impacting the Franco-German battery cell manufacturer Automotive Cells Company’s (ACC) plans. The joint venture of Stellantis, Mercedes, and TotalEnergies has decided to pause the construction of its factories in Germany and Italy. In addition to the EV slowdown, other reasons are cited. ACC, the joint venture between […]
June 05, 2024
Kia has set an ambitious target for the European market: achieving annual sales of 800,000 vehicles by 2028, with 85% of these vehicles powered by electrified drivetrains. The strategy was unveiled during a detailed presentation at a dealer convention held in Berlin. In the wake of the conquest of Chinese newcomers, one tends to forget […]
June 04, 2024
Sales of certain Japanese models, like the Mazda MX-5 RF and Toyota Yaris Cross, have been halted. Four Japanese automakers have been found liable for manipulating testing data. Toyota, Mazda, Suzuki, and Honda say they will do anything to comply and restore customer confidence. The new fraud scandal follows in the slipstream of the earlier […]
June 03, 2024
Volvo is expanding its range of emission-free construction machines with a battery-powered excavator and a set of wheel loaders. To keep them operational in remote areas, the company is introducing a mobile energy storage system for grid-independent recharging. At the showcase event, Volvo Days in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) introduced an array […]
May 31, 2024
Volkswagen facelifted the ID.3 extensively precisely one year ago, but it churns out another update. The entry-level version Pure is back with a different battery, and peak power for DC charging has increased. Customers can choose a power hike – even as an after-purchase option. Nothing tells old from new on the outside. The facelift […]
May 31, 2024
According to news agency Reuters, China is set to invest more than 6 billion yuan (765 million euros) in a government-led project to develop solid-state batteries (SSB). The state funding will be attributed to six companies supporting their work on next-generation battery technology and securing the nation’s lead on the global EV playing field. Belgian […]
May 29, 2024
Despite much political debate about governmental subsidising, Belgium has witnessed a major transformation in its employee salary car fleet. The number of electric payroll cars has grown fivefold from early 2022 to the end of 2023. This shift, reported by the National Office of Social Security (RSZ), may not be to the liking of public […]
May 29, 2024
The EV cooldown is taking a further toll. According to German media outlets, Chinese automotive giant Great Wall Motors is closing down its European headquarters in Munich. Late last year, the company announced it would expand into eight more European countries, but it is now abruptly aborting these plans. It will remain present in the […]
May 29, 2024
The German automaker Volkswagen is putting the rumours to rest and has officially announced the arrival of an entry-level electric car to compete with the Dacia Spring and the Citroën ë-C3. The successor to – remember? -the e-Up will arrive in 2027 and will be dubbed ID.1. In recent weeks, it became apparent that the […]
May 28, 2024
Porsche took the wraps off the T-Hybrid, the first electrified version of its iconic 911 sportscar. Don’t expect it to be a Prius with nostalgic coachwork. The electric assistance is primarily used to boost performance, which is why the GTS is entitled to kick off the technology. There’s a good reason why Porsche keeps silent […]
May 28, 2024
In the annual charging test from P3, the Lotus Emeya set a new benchmark, charging 458 kilometers in only 20 minutes. This is the highest ever recorded, highlighting Chinese advancements in charging technology and crowning the Lotus the long-distance champion. Previous winners in the test were the Mercedes EQS, Kia EV6, and Lucid Air. Every […]
May 28, 2024
Those planning an electrified car holiday for the upcoming summer must plan their trip when visiting Greek islands. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) have imposed new safety guidelines on electric and hybrid vehicles traveling on ferries, which Greece has adopted as restrictions. For safety reasons, electric […]
May 27, 2024
According to the media outlet Automotive News Europe, China plans to retaliate against the tariff hike from the Biden Administration, and a similar plan from the EU is expected within the coming weeks. China is considering elevating these duties from 15% to 25% Elevated tariffs from Chinese customs could impact US and EU automakers, exacerbating […]
May 27, 2024
In its latest Impact Report, Tesla has excluded its ambitious goal of delivering 20 million vehicles annually by 2030. This omission signals a strategic pivot away from traditional electric vehicles toward the development of robot axes. As the outlook for EV adoption remains below expectations, the company is cutting production in its biggest factory in […]
May 27, 2024
Peugeot has announced a groundbreaking shift in its vehicle design, set to debut in 2026 with the introduction of a rectangular steering wheel. The French car maker unveiled the decision to start marketing its innovative feature, ‘Hypersquare’, at the Parisian technology show Vivatech. It will be gradually implemented across Peugeot’s entire range as of 2026. […]
May 24, 2024
The world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer is intensifying its global expansion efforts as it seeks to sustain its growth amid increasing competition in China’s EV market. CATL believes it can only maintain its dominant position by focusing on international markets. As the Chinese domestic market heats up over EV price wars and factory overcapacity, […]
May 23, 2024
Jeep expands the Avenger range with the 4xe, an all-wheel-drive version that benefits from hybrid propulsion. The brand aims to enlarge the success story of its smallest model by offering a version that sits closer to its heritage. Initially, the Jeep Avenger debuted as an electric vehicle (EV) in mid-2023 and was crowned Car of […]
May 23, 2024
Electra, one of Europe’s experts in fast-charging stations, announces a collaboration with the Colmar Group, a renowned restaurant chain, to enhance the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Belgium and France. By the end of 2025, all six Belgian sites under the Colmar Restaurant brand will feature fast-charging stations managed by Electra. This collaboration aims to […]
May 15, 2024
“We will never let China control the market for this type of vehicle.” With those words, the President of the US, Joe Biden, announced that he would raise current import rates for Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%. Fearing an engulfment of cheaper Chinese electric cars, this doubles their retail price. Citing the impossibility of […]
May 13, 2024
Stellantis has received testing samples from Lyten, a start-up in lithium-sulfur battery technology that it started investing in last year. It’s the first time a company has set up a production line for this type of chemistry. Lyten says it has also shipped samples to other major automotive OEMs on both sides of the Atlantic. […]
May 13, 2024
Despite slumping sales for hydrogen cars worldwide, Hyundai is set to introduce an all-new version of its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Nexo, by the second quarter of 2025. This is the first major update since the model’s debut in 2018. Introduced in early 2018, the Nexo has remained on the market without […]
May 10, 2024
Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled another special edition of its all-electric supercar, Battista. The Cinquantacinque, whose name translates from Italian as “fifty-five,” is a tribute to the 1955 Lancia Florida, one of the design house’s most celebrated historical models. The successor will also make its public debut in Tokyo, Japan, to woo potential customers. As a […]
May 10, 2024
Sticking to its deadline of an all-electric line-up by 2030, Volvo plans to overhaul its production process. Its platform for next-generation EVs, spearheaded by the EX60, will be constructed by Gigapresses, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly. But there’s a drawback. In November last year, the news agency Reuters reported that three car manufacturers […]
May 09, 2024
Four years after its introduction, Land Rover has revised its iconic Defender. In addition to minor cosmetic tweaks and new packs, the drivelines have been reshuffled to comply with Euro 6e emission standards. The Defender’s facelift has been surrounded by rumors, such as the introduction of an all-electric version, which is not happening, and the […]
May 08, 2024
Recent research highlights a troubling issue in modern vehicles: the presence of flame retardants, added to meet safety standards, may be jeopardizing the health of drivers and passengers. The warmer the interior gets, the more toxic air we breathe in while driving. Flame retardants, commonly used in various commercial products, are intended to slow fire […]
May 03, 2024
Belgian registrations showed a slight decline in April, but the trend is positive over the first four months. Taking inflation and a larger crisis for European automakers into account, the national market demonstrates resilience. And lest not forget: despite the absence of the Brussels Motor Show, not everyone is keeping up their heads. Last month, […]
April 29, 2024
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the growth rate of charging point installations is not keeping pace with the expansion of EV sales. If not accelerated, the rollout of EV adoption will inevitably be hampered. However, a similar study by Transport & Environment is more optimistic about the progress. The report highlights an […]
April 26, 2024
Honda has announced building four electric vehicle and battery plants in Canada, which is increasingly becoming an eldorado for the global electric vehicle industry. The move from the Japanese automaker marks the largest automotive investment in Canadian history, representing a historic €10.2 billion investment. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe announced during a press conference in Alliston, […]
April 26, 2024
Automotive supplier Continental has agreed to a 100 million euro fine imposed by prosecutors for its involvement in the notorious dieselgate emissions scandal. The fine was due to a “negligent breach of supervisory duties”, meaning the company undertook too little to inspect responsibility and managers for the supply of engine control units and related software […]
April 26, 2024
Ford Motor Company reported in its first-quarter results a whopping 84% plunge in revenue from its all-electric Model e division. While the commercial department is demonstrating positive growth, and the Detroit giant exceeded overall expectations, it is grappling with substantial challenges in its electric vehicle (EV) sector. Overall, the news isn’t bad. Recording $42.8 billion […]
April 25, 2024
At the Beijing Motor Show, Mini unveiled the Aceman, a compact crossover that skillfully bridges the gap between the smaller hatchback and the larger Countryman. Built in China exclusively as an electric model, the Aceman marks a pivot in Mini’s design ethos. With a starting price of 36,500 euros, it is eligible for the Flemish […]
April 24, 2024
Tesla is riding a rollercoaster. Its falling delivery numbers from the first three months of the year have slashed revenue in half, forcing workforce cuts around its global operations. To heal the wound, the company announced that it would produce affordable models at the beginning of next year, despite several previous reports claiming it was […]
April 24, 2024
In its Global EV Outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a “robust” 20% growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales for the entirety of 2024. This optimistic projection positions the year to shatter previous records, with an estimated 17 million EVs expected to be sold. The findings are surprising as they collide with earlier signs of […]
April 22, 2024
After posting its worst quarter results in five years, Tesla is lowering its pricing in China, the US, and Europe to fight its way back in the sales charts. This is part of a series of measures to defy the declining market for battery-powered vehicles. Customers can now save around 2,000 euros on most models. […]
April 22, 2024
The Mercedes concept van for sustainable logistics has been updated to enhance the efficiency of its battery pack. It also introduces an integrated solution for last-mile delivery, linking the van to cargo bikes from Onomotion. This aims to reduce waiting times and relieve traffic infrastructure. Mercedes-Benz Vans debuted the Sustaineer in 2022 to showcase sustainability […]
April 19, 2024
The claims over unjustified name use on car models come in waves. The latest in the line is Volkswagen, which faces a court case from a former supplier over its ID badge. Identytec, a logistics hardware and software provider, is appealing to the court. For over 15 years, the company has used the abbreviation of […]
April 19, 2024
The police zone of Ghent has started testing the feasibility of electric drivelines for intervention vehicles. As of today, one anonymous and one striped Volkswagen ID.4 are patrolling the streets of the city, not only to monitor safety but also to gather feedback on operational viability. ‘Politiezone Gent Conceptcar EPV’ reads a sticker on the […]
April 18, 2024
Though automakers face headwinds over stalled EV adoption and need to make drastic cuts, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares will receive exorbitant salaries this year. Carlos Tavares’s approved record remuneration of 36.5 million euros is sparking a political debate in France. The compensation package of the Portuguese leader of Stellantis ranks […]
April 17, 2024
The latest analysis from Transport & Environment reveals that the roll-out of charging infrastructure is proceeding as planned. Last month, several car makers complained about insufficiencies hampering EV adoption, but the numbers show that the EU countries live up to their promises. The deployment of charging infrastructure in the EU has been successful, according to […]
April 17, 2024
Dutch fast-charging company Fastned has launched its first-ever charging hub where customers can shop or visit a restaurant. The new facility is situated at a key charging station along the E19 motorway between Antwerp and Breda, near Brecht. In Belgium, opening a highway shop without offering fossil fuels is complicated. The debut of this retail […]
April 16, 2024
Deemed illegal, Alfa Romeo is removing the Milano name from its youngest crossover. After an intervention from the Italian government, which threatened legal action over the use of the original name, the car model will be named Junior. The relationship between Alfa’s parent company and the Italian government is at an all-time low. The next […]
April 16, 2024
More bad news for Tesla. After its worst quarter results since the pandemic, the EV maker is cutting its workforce by roughly 10%, or about 14,000 people. The company cites “hiring inefficiencies over rapid growth”, but heads are rolling over some key projects as well. The worldwide headcount of Tesla is 140,473 people. Citing the […]
April 15, 2024
The Pininfarina Battista is already one of the most exclusive EVs on the planet, but the one-off Reversario ups the stakes. This bespoke all-electric hypercar was commissioned by a customer who wanted to add a stablemate to the one he already had. As typical for the hyper exclusive category, it can never be exclusive enough, […]
April 15, 2024
Sales of EV brand Polestar took a big hit during the first quarter of this year. With only 7,200 units delivered, the figures slid by 40% in a year-on-year comparison. Most automakers managed to grow their EV deliveries compared to the same period last year (but reported strong declines compared to the final quarter of […]
