July 26, 2024
Toyota has engaged in a pilot program with Coca-Cola and Air Liquide to test its hydrogen fuel cells in a heavy-duty transport application. Toyota provides Coca-Cola with the converted truck for long-distance logistics operations, while Air Liquide provides the renewable hydrogen. Last year, Toyota showed the first of its hydrogen fuel cell-converted DAF trucks provided […]
July 25, 2024
Farizon, Geely’s commercial vehicle brand, has unveiled its ‘Black Tortoise Battery’. It’s a battery pack specially designed for light commercial vehicles, with a low pack height and, more importantly, a long-lasting service life of ten years, or the equivalent of 800,000 km. This new battery pack will be introduced to Farizon’s V7E and V6E models, […]
July 24, 2024
Kodiak, a US-based start-up specializing in autonomous driving tech for heavy trucks, has made its first real-world driverless delivery by hauling a load of sand for Atlas Energy Solutions on dirt roads in West Texas. By early next year, these driverless trucks should do these sand runs 24/7. Kodiak was founded in 2018 by Don […]
July 19, 2024
Porsche has launched the most powerful Panamera of all time with the new Turbo S E-Hybrid. Its combination of a turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor gives it nearly 800 hp, enough to set a new Nürburgring lap record for its class. But all of this power comes at a price. Promise made, promise […]
July 19, 2024
Volvo Cars has partnered with Hubject, a specialist in OEM and charging point interoperability, to enable Plug&Charge compatibility in its fully electric vehicles. The EX90 SUV will become the first Volvo to feature Plug&Charge, with other electric models to follow. Plug&Charge is the official standard that allows electric vehicles to recharge at a charging point […]
July 18, 2024
Renault Trucks’ prototype for a safer, fully electric low-entry delivery truck, Oxygen, is entering a new test phase. After starting trials in Lyon and Paris, the French truck manufacturer has signed a partnership with Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo and its transport supplier SVZ to test the Oxygen prototype in Amsterdam. The Renault Trucks Oxygen is […]
July 17, 2024
Nissan is bringing its Ariya Nismo, which debuted at Tokyo Auto Salon in January, to Europe. The Ariya Nismo builds on the e-4orce version and turns up its dual electric motors, while the Japanese manufacturer has used its experience in Formula E to elevate the driving experience. The European market launch is expected by the end […]
July 17, 2024
After initially launching the new electric Macan as the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, Porsche doubled its options by introducing the Macan and Macan 4S to the range. The former only has rear-wheel drive, making it the most efficient and cheapest. Whereas before only the 408 hp Macan 4 and 612 hp Macan Turbo were […]
July 16, 2024
Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBV) are coming closer to fruition. From next year, the Korean manufacturer will launch its mid-size electric PV5 van on the European market, which targets a range of around 400 km and which will be available in both passenger and cargo versions. Eventually, a full range of 5 PBVs will be […]
July 05, 2024
Ferrari has introduced a new warranty scheme for owners of its plug-in hybrid models to preserve battery performance. Customers can opt-in for a yearly fee, which not only extends the warranty of the entire vehicle but also gives them a ‘free’ battery replacement at 8 and 16 years, with future upgrades also on the cards. […]
July 04, 2024
After the JCW sports package, a full-fat Mini Cooper Electric John Cooper Works is coming soon. A prototype of the sporty electric hatchback will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will storm up the hill wearing a light layer of camouflage. Whereas the John Cooper Works trim only gave […]
July 04, 2024
Opel’s latest compact electric SUV is now available for ordering. One electric version and two mild hybrid gasoline engines are available, with enticing price tags, and a second ‘Long Range’ Electric is on the horizon. There’s space on board for seven people, but not if you go for the Frontera Electric. If you’re in the […]
July 03, 2024
The US-based hydrogen truck manufacturer Hyzon is narrowing its focus further on North America. After shutting down its European production facility in the Netherlands, the company plans to leave the Australian market, one of the most significant contributors to its revenue, to focus on the North American waste truck business instead. The road ahead continues […]
July 03, 2024
Electrogenic, a British-based firm specializing in EV conversions for classic vehicles, has launched a ‘plug-and-play’ EV conversion kit for the DeLorean DMC-12, made famous for its appearances in the ‘Back to the Future’ movie trilogy. The futuristic-looking car’s disappointing PRV V6 gets replaced by an electric motor that offers nearly double the performance. While the […]
July 02, 2024
Ampere, Renault Group’s electric vehicle department, has secured the supply of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries from LG Energy Solution and CATL. These cheaper batteries will be used from 2026 in a cell-to-pack configuration to lower the purchase price of the group’s electric models and sell sub-€20,000 EVs. Until now, Renault has only used nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries […]
July 01, 2024
Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has unveiled the production version of its eCV1 electric van. It features cell-to-frame technology, a central seating position for the driver, and a flexible skateboard platform to offer professionals a complete range of body styles. But two critical questions remain the price… and the range. WEVC, founded in 2019, first […]
July 01, 2024
The Skoda Enyaq is about to get a little brother, the Elroq. The Czech manufacturer has revealed the technical details of the compact SUV, although the design remains camouflaged. The Elroq shares many components with the Enyaq and features a more than 560 km range according to the WLTP cycle. Like the Enyaq, the new […]
June 28, 2024
With three Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide delivered to the Chilean transport company Trailer Logistics, Renault Trucks has expanded its electric offering outside of Europe. The manufacturer has always been mostly focused on Europe but is looking to deliver its electric models on a global scale. The three Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide models for […]
June 24, 2024
Mercedes has completed its EQT and (e)Citan model range with a long-wheelbase version of the electric versions of its compact van, while the Citan gets a new ‘Mixto’ variant. All Citan and EQT models also bring more safety systems as standard, following the EU regulations. Thanks to an additional 38 centimeters in the wheelbase, the […]
June 21, 2024
The successor to the Bugatti Chiron loses its quad-turbocharged W16 engine but gains an electrified and naturally aspirated V16 instead. The Tourbillon is not only even faster than the Chiron but also achieves a fully electric range of 60 kilometers and features gemstones in the instrument cluster made by Swiss watchmakers. As Bugatti entered a […]
June 18, 2024
Like several of its Stellantis counterparts, Jeep is also working on an affordable battery-electric model to target younger people and private customers in North America and Europe. This new model will be the next-generation Renegade, expected by 2027, with a sub-$25,000 price tag for the electric version. Like Fiat and Citroën, which recently unveiled their […]
June 18, 2024
The first French-built Mercedes eCitaro electric city bus rolled off the Ligny-en-Barrois production line in France after the model was initially only built in Mannheim, Germany. Daimler Truck has confirmed its dedication to the French plant with a €50 million investment between now and 2030. Until now, the Ligny-en-Barrois production facility in Lorraine, France, exclusively […]
June 12, 2024
As well as being a part of Milence, the joint venture between the major truck manufacturers for public charging solutions, Scania has established Erinion, a charging solutions company for depot and destination charging. It aims to install 40,000 new charging points at customer locations by 2030. According to Scania, depot charging will be the primary […]
June 12, 2024
The electric counterpart of the subcompact Hyundai Casper gets its own name in Europe: Inster. This competitor to the Dacia Spring and Citroën ë-C3 will debut later this month and have a range of 355 km. The rumors are true: Hyundai is preparing an all-electric version of its A-segment crossover Casper, which has been on […]
June 10, 2024
As the curtain falls on the second-generation Peugeot 3008, a massive hit for the French manufacturer so does the production of ICE-only models at its historic Sochaux production site. Only electric and (mild) hybrid models will be built from now on. To say the 3008 II was a success for Peugeot would be an understatement. […]
June 04, 2024
The BMW 3 Series has received a model-year update, while the 5 Series (Touring) range has been expanded with more powertrain options. In both cases, a large(r) high-voltage battery of 19.4/19.5 kWh makes the plug-in hybrid 330e and 530e more attractive, offering up to 101 kilometers of all-electric range. Following the facelifted 4 Series and […]
May 31, 2024
Almost a year after the Chinese government first showed pictures of the upcoming Cadillac Optiq, the American manufacturer unveiled the mid-size electric SUV. The Optiq slots in below the Lyriq in Cadillac’s electric line-up and is also coming to Europe, likely in 2025. The Cadillac Optiq is a mid-size SUV with a length of 4.83 […]
May 27, 2024
Daimler Truck North America (Freightliner, Detroit Diesel) has detailed its end-of-life strategy for used electric truck batteries. The strategy uses a waterfall process in three stages: remanufacture, repurpose, and recycle. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality for its entire operations by 2039. When debating the environmental benefit of electric drivetrains compared to traditional combustion […]
May 23, 2024
Volvo Trucks wants to give combustion engines another chance at existence beyond the next decade by introducing hydrogen combustion-powered trucks. The first road tests with this technology will begin in 2026, and commercialization is planned by the decade’s end. Hydrogen combustion is considered a carbon-neutral way to keep combustion engines alive without the massive costs […]
May 22, 2024
Honda has unveiled its Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas. The concept truck is based on a Peterbilt chassis and offers up to 400 miles (644 km) of range, but Honda has no plans to produce the truck by itself. Along with Toyota and […]
May 22, 2024
Japanese truck manufacturer Hino Trucks (Toyota) and Norwegian zero-emission powertrain and storage specialist Hexagon Purus have joined forces to create Tern, a new zero-emission truck brand aimed at the US market. Their first RC8 model was unveiled at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas. The Tern RC8 is a short-haul battery-electric truck that […]
May 21, 2024
Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, the parent company of Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, have signed a preliminary agreement to form a joint venture to develop a software-defined vehicle platform in the heavy-duty sector. The new company hopes to get started in 2025. The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is a term also used by Hyundai, Renault, […]
May 14, 2024
Avatr, the joint venture between the Chinese state-owned manufacturer Changan and CATL, with Huawei as a major supplier, has unveiled its third model: the 07, a mid-size extended-range electric SUV. It follows the larger Avatr 11 SUV and Avatr 12 sedan and should rival the Tesla Model Y with a low price tag. With a […]
May 09, 2024
Volkswagen has introduced the new T7 generation of its California campervan, based on the latest Multivan. It has grown in size and features several firsts for the model, including dual sliding doors and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Last year, Volkswagen presented a concept version of the new California at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, teasing the […]
May 08, 2024
The Nissan Townstar is the first of the Kangoo-Citan-Townstar trio to get a long-wheelbase version with up to 7 seats. The Townstar Evalia is available with either a gasoline engine or a fully electric drivetrain, which remains the same as in the short-wheelbase variant. Both the Renault Kangoo and the Mercedes Citan/T-Class/EQT announced a long […]
May 07, 2024
The German sports car manufacturer has recently adopted six Scania electric box trucks to transport production materials around its Zuffenhausen, Weissach, and Leipzich plants. In contrast, an electric heavy truck from Designwerk delivers vehicles to Switzerland. HVO100 synthetic diesel is also being trialed to lower the CO2 emissions of existing diesel trucks. In addition to […]
May 07, 2024
This summer, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is taking its electric long-hauler eActros 600 on the manufacturer’s longest test run yet. The battery-electric truck will travel over 13,000 km through more than 20 European countries to gather real-world data and to send a message that electric long-haul transport is possible today. As Mercedes-Benz Trucks gears up for series […]
April 29, 2024
After a brief absence since the launch of the updated Tesla Model 3 Highland, the sporty Performance model is now back and better than ever, thanks to a new motor, improved aerodynamics, and better suspension. And the price is quite reasonable, too. The facelifted Tesla Model 3 range is now complete. After initially launching the […]
April 23, 2024
During testing at its development center in Wörth am Thein, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has achieved a charging speed of 1,000 kilowatts (kW) or 1 megawatt (MW) with the new eActros 600, which launches later this year. This means Mercedes one-ups MAN, which reached a charging speed of 700 kW, albeit at a public charging station in […]
April 23, 2024
Opel has presented its new flagship SUV: the next-generation Grandland. It shares its STLA Medium platform with the Peugeot E-3008, with the choice between fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid drivetrains, but it gets a more traditional shape and fancy lighting. The new Opel Grandland has been expected for some time, as it is […]
April 18, 2024
Jeroen van Tilburg, Tesla’s former Head of Charging in the EMEA region, will replace Michael Hajesch as CEO of Ionity on May 13th, 2024. He will have to use his experience growing the American manufacturer’s charging network to do the same for the European joint venture as electric mobility becomes commonplace and charging infrastructure becomes […]
April 17, 2024
Whereas most electric convertibles on the market today are compact city cars with modest performance, the Maserati GranCabrio turns up the dial to 11 thanks to its three-motor drivetrain with over 800 horsepower on tap. And there’s still space for four people, too. The arrival of the all-electric Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is not a surprise. […]
April 12, 2024
As an aside in a press release about the king of Spain visiting the Martorell production facility, Seat has announced that the Cupra Raval will become the first of the VW Group’s small EVs to be produced at the renewed factory. Production will kick off in late 2025 and will be supplied directly by the […]
April 09, 2024
DS Automobiles has introduced two non-plug-in hybrids to its model range: the DS 3 and DS 4 Hybrid, which make use of Stellantis’ new mild hybrid 1.2 three-cylinder engine, offering a nearly 20% reduction in fuel consumption. But more electric news is coming later this year. The new 1.2 PureTech Hybrid engine was introduced last […]
April 09, 2024
Opel has resurrected the Frontera nameplate for the successor of the Crossland. The new compact SUV focuses on practicality, clever technology and a high degree of electrification thanks to the choice between a (mild) hybrid or a fully electric drivetrain – although not every detail is yet known. The first Opel Frontera was a fully-fledged […]
April 04, 2024
Flemish minister for Mobility Lydia Peeters (Open Vld) has launched a new project call to improve the charging infrastructure for heavy electric commercial vehicles. Not only chargers but also innovative solutions like battery swap stations are eligible for the €3 million subsidy allocation. This isn’t the first time the Flemish government has offered to subsidize […]
April 02, 2024
Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi have been collaborating since 2016 in their home market of Japan. Still, a plan has been formed to extend this pooling of resources to North America. A Mexico-built 1-ton pickup truck and a plug-in hybrid vehicle for Nissan are first on the agenda to strengthen both brands in the US. […]
March 29, 2024
After twelve years and over 420,000 units produced, the pioneering Renault Zoé electric subcompact hatchback will end its production run on Friday, March 30th, in the Flins factory. It will be replaced by the new, cheaper, and prettier Renault 5 E-Tech. The Zoé was Renault’s first production electric car. Based on the Clio platform, it […]
March 29, 2024
Ford has signed an agreement with Dutch charging infrastructure specialist Allego to equip its European dealerships with fast-charging points, providing up to 400 kW of power and offering lower prices for FordPass Charging customers. The rollout of these chargers will begin this year. The way to get customers back into dealerships? Why not offer a […]
March 28, 2024
A Denim Blue XC90 was bestowed with the honor of being Volvo’s last diesel car. After promising to end production of diesel-powered passenger cars back in September 2023 at the NYC Climate Week, the Swedish manufacturer has put its money where its mouth is, ending on a V60 in Ghent and an XC90 in Torslanda. […]
March 26, 2024
Nissan has presented its new business plan, The Arc. The aim is to sell an additional 1 million cars per year by the end of 2026 while boosting the profit margin to 6% to prepare for an accelerated EV transition by 2030. To achieve this, 30 new models will be released globally in the next […]
March 25, 2024
The new eTruck range from MAN is compatible with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), making quick charging stops during mandatory breaks much more helpful. To demonstrate this, an eTruck was equipped with a prototype MCS charger from infrastructure expert ABB, which reached a charging speed of 700 kW. ABB and MAN still consider this a […]
March 25, 2024
Almost a year after the model was unveiled, Mercedes-Maybach’s first electric model is now available to order in Europe after its debut in the US. But of course, the privilege doesn’t come cheap… The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV tries to combine Maybach’s experience in extreme luxury with some sustainable touches to match the model’s all-electric […]
March 22, 2024
Volvo Buses, the sister brand of Volvo Trucks, launched the new Volvo 8900 Electric intercity bus, the successor to the 8900, in 2010. This electric-only bus is built on the brand-new modular BZR platform, allowing more shared parts to be used, which cuts costs and increases spare parts availability. Volvo Buses’ new BZR Electric platform […]
March 19, 2024
The Holy Grail of the EV market is currently the sub-25,000 dollar or euro model, a goal that every prominent manufacturer envisions. Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has announced that the company is working on a new, low-cost EV platform to bring a sub-$25,000 electric SUV and pickup truck to market, but the question remains: when? […]
March 19, 2024
Renault Trucks closed 2023 with 69,859 trucks delivered, the best result in recent years and an 18% year-on-year growth. The French manufacturer also delivered 1,636 electric trucks, an increase of 153% compared to 2022, giving it a market share of 22.4% in Europe. There are positive figures all around at Renault Trucks, as the 2023 […]
March 18, 2024
The European Parliament voted last week for the revision of the European Weights and Dimensions Directive, which would allow 44-ton combinations to cross the borders of member states more easily. This would increase efficiency and lower emissions per cargo unit, but it might also give diesel trucks a more significant advantage. The door has also […]
March 12, 2024
Porsche has unveiled the nec plus ultra of its facelifted Taycan range: the Turbo GT. It is the fastest four-door EV on the Nürburgring and Laguna Seca and the most powerful series production model from Porsche ever. It is enough to comfortably beat the Tesla Model S Plaid, but it also comes at a price. […]
March 12, 2024
Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool decided to cut almost half of its jobs at its headquarters in Koningshooikt after a series of cascading troubles eviscerated its competitiveness. Some point to Van Hool’s hydrogen strategy, others to the lack of support from public transport company De Lijn, but neither explanation offers a complete picture. It has […]
March 08, 2024
European vehicle safety non-profit Euro NCAP has unveiled plans for a new safety score 2026 that will include an assessment of the ease of use of essential controls. Cars that force drivers to use touch controls for features like wipers and indicators will be punished and risk the all-important five-star safety rating. The auto industry […]
