July 12, 2024
It looks like an iconic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from the fifties. Still, under its neath fiber coachwork, it’s a fully electric, genuine Tesla Model 3, including a touchscreen and Tesla’s Autopilot cameras and sensors for semi-autonomous driving. And there will be no second one anybody else can buy; it is a one-off. It’s the latest […]
July 12, 2024
Dutch Technical University Delft students have accomplished their mission to create the first foiling hydrogen-powered boat to cross some 160 km of rough water of the North Sea between the Netherlands and England. To set their record, they took a ‘ride’ of 12.5 hours hovering above the waves between Breskens (Netherlands) and Ramsgate (UK), normally […]
July 11, 2024
Kalmar Automotive, a Danish enhancer and restorer of bespoke sports cars and special-purpose adventure vehicles, is breathing new – electric – life into the 35-year-old Porsche 911 (type 964) with a beefed-up Tesla S hart in new lightweight factory fiber bodywork. The 7-97 E-Volt is engineered to produce more power and torque than any road-going […]
July 10, 2024
According to the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), if lawmakers set content requirements, the auto industry can become a leading market for low-carbon steel production in Europe. Steel made with green hydrogen and electric arc furnaces, or produced from scrap, can reduce the CO2 emissions of producing cars in Europe by 6.9 Mt in 2030, […]
July 09, 2024
ArcelorMittal has started a pilot project at its Ghent plant to convert captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) for reuse in the production process. For this, the steel giant is teaming up with D-CRBN, an Antwerp-based climate technology company that developed a plasma reactor that breaks down CO2 into CO and oxygen (02). […]
July 09, 2024
If all goes well, Europe’s newest rocket, Ariane 6, will finally be launched this Tuesday from its space base in Kourou, French Guiana. In this way, the European Space Agency (ESA) is making it clear that it is ready to enter the space race with US billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX. But when Ariane 6 soon […]
July 09, 2024
It’s beautifully designed, as you might expect from an iconic Italian brand, but this one is rather meant to ‘fly’ on the water than on wheels: the Maserati Tridente. It’s a fully electric, 10.5-meter speedboat with 447 kWh or 600 hp of power and a top speed of 40 knots (74 km). But with a […]
July 09, 2024
Mercedes-Benz has opened the eCampus at its headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Germany. The manufacturer will pool battery research to develop innovative high-performance cells and new manufacturing processes. By doing so, Mercedes wants to reduce battery costs by more than 30%. Ola Källenius, the Mercedes CEO himself, kicked things off at the opening of the eCampus, evoking […]
July 08, 2024
The first-ever electric NASCAR racer debuted at the Chicago Street Race last week. It was eventually set to debut earlier, in Los Angeles on February 4th, but it took a few months longer than intended. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) worked with the Swiss electrification and automation multinational ABB in what […]
July 08, 2024
Under the slogan ‘Proud of your terminal’, Sibelga has launched an information campaign to alert Brussels citizens to the mandatory declaration of charging stations for electric vehicles in Brussels. This gesture allows the Brussels grid operator to list and monitor all electricity purchases in Brussels to ensure the proper functioning of the grid and the […]
July 08, 2024
The insolvent electric car manufacturer Fisker wants to sell off the stock of its Ocean e-SUV for just 2,500 to 16,500 dollars per vehicle. Meanwhile, existing Ocean owners are seeking legal advice to keep their cars running. Fisker hopes to sell off its entire inventory of remaining Oceans in a deal that would bring the […]
July 08, 2024
French energy giant Engie has started constructing one of Europe’s largest battery parks in Vilvoorde, near Brussels, accounting for 200 megawatts and an investment of 250 million euros. By 2025, the park will be able to store 800 megawatt hours of electricity and inject it into the grid for up to four hours if there […]
July 08, 2024
Chinese premium EV maker NIO has set up a joint lab with Belgian Solvay-split-off Syensqo to explore more advanced materials for electric vehicles. The lab was established at the Nio Nanxiang delivery center in Jiading, Shanghai, and announced on the occasion of Syenqo’s CEO Ilham Kadri’s visit. Syensqo is a Belgian multinational materials company established […]
July 05, 2024
It is very annoying to find that your expensive e-bike has suddenly disappeared. Therefore, a good bike lock that is difficult to break open is essential to protect your bike from theft. Austrian chain manufacturer Pewag is now competing with market leaders like Abus and Kryptonite, launching Serea, a pioneering battery-free smart lock with intelligent […]
July 04, 2024
Researchers from three German Fraunhofer Institutes claim to have jointly developed “a tandem module that is self-sufficient and reliable at producing solar-generated green hydrogen”. It’s a classic electrolyzer – what typically would be complex and expensive – combined in one ‘cheap’ panel. With 100 square meters of these hydrogen-solar panels, they theoretically could produce 30 […]
July 03, 2024
The Belgian Innoptus Solar Team, related to Louvain University, has presented a new version of its Infinite solar race car, the most efficient one to date. With it, they want to participate in the most challenging Solar Challenge race ever in South Africa in September. In October 2023, the student team of KU Leuven University […]
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 03, 2024
In 2023, Honda amazed the world with a modern electric version of its iconic foldable MotoCompo motorscooter from the eighties (1981 – 1983), the MotoCompacto. That ‘electric suitcase on wheels’ might get a ‘family version’ or an electric child cart version for two kids and one parent standing on it like an e-scooter. At least […]
July 01, 2024
Last Saturday, Dredging company DEME signed a cooperation agreement with the Egyptian government to establish an industrial-scale green hydrogen production facility in Egypt’s western desert. The wind and solar energy infrastructure will be located 70 kilometers away and connected to the factory by a high-voltage line. The new HYPORT green hydrogen production plant will be […]
July 01, 2024
German premium car manufacturer BMW is the world’s most innovative carmaker, but the Chinese are breathing down its neck. Geely and SAIC are closing in as second and third. Toyota ranks fourth – ahead of Mercedes-Benz and VW Group. However, five Chinese manufacturers show a clear lead when looking at innovations in electric mobility (BEVs). […]
June 28, 2024
As Polestar delivers its first three models to customers, it also introduces a more affordable version of its electric SUV. This new variant, the Long Range Single Motor, aims to intensify the model’s chances against the Tesla Model X or Porsche Macan EV. It’s been a long time coming, but Polestar has finally commenced deliveries […]
June 27, 2024
Volkswagen is set to introduce a new variant of the electric ID. Buzz, featuring a smaller battery. The move must make the model’s price point more accessible to a larger customer pool. Projected to be a genuine hit number, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is scaling up its production volume. In an interview with Automobilwoche, Lars Krause, a board member […]
June 27, 2024
The Croatian capital of Zagreb will be the first European city to host a fleet of fully autonomous robotaxis, which Rimac Group will make. That Croatian technology powerhouse manufactures electric hypercars like the Nevera and owns the Bugatti brand. It also provides technology to global automakers like Porsche or BMW. The Verne robotaxi is built […]
June 26, 2024
After 40 years, the seventh generation of the BMW M5 gets a combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and a specific version of the M HYBRID system, boosting power to 535 kW or 727 hp and a peak system torque of 1,000 Nm. The world premiere will take place at […]
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 25, 2024
BloombergNEF’s Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024 shows that EV adoption is still growing worldwide. With advances in EV technology and battery prices further falling, the future is bright despite an apparent slowdown in some countries and car manufacturers revising their EV policies. EVs are still the most cost-effective and commercially viable route to fully decarbonizing transport. […]
June 24, 2024
Belgian high-voltage operator Elia is calling on the market to be vigilant this summer. There is a chance that Belgium will produce too much power because all available nuclear power plants are running, and especially because a lot of solar panels have been added this year. This threatens to put pressure on the electricity system. […]
June 20, 2024
It seems like an entirely hypothetical question, but at least the Finish paper industry is convinced it can make EV battery production much more sustainable. Using lignin, a byproduct of its cellulose fiber (like for cloths) and paper pulp industry, Stora Enso has developed a bio-renewable replacement for the graphite carbon used for anodes today. […]
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 14, 2024
The Chinese car manufacturer Chery confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will use its M3X and E0X modular platforms for future battery-electric and plug-in cars, which will probably be sold mainly in China. To that end, JLR has signed a strategic agreement with Chery brand Exeed. JLR, owned by Indian Tata Motors, will use two […]
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 12, 2024
Toyota has finished production of the first ten prototypes of the fuel-cell electric Hilux pickup at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (TMUK) in the UK. It was developed with the help of Toyota Europe in Brussels, and now the Japanese carmaker has lifted the veil on its final specs. It uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai, […]
June 10, 2024
Dutch Technical University TUDelft students claim the world’s first prototype of a hyperloop pod changing lanes at high speed. They built a 42-meter reduced-sized test track at the university campus for their Helios III pod. A key innovation is a functional lane switch, including a curved branch and a straight section for braking. Theoretically, a […]
June 07, 2024
Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has delivered B-samples of its cells to Mercedes-Benz. The German company is now integrating these into modules and battery packs before extensively testing them. The American company has also publicized an energy density value for the first time: 391 Wh/kg. According to Factorial Energy, the B samples are solid-state battery […]
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 target of 5% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 is extremely ambitious, according to IATA, the International Airline Association. Nevertheless, IATA remains committed to its target of net zero emissions by 2050, although its chairman, Willie Walsh, clearly states that it “is not going to promise to achieve something that does not seem possible […]
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 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 […]
June 03, 2024
On a former Ford site in Blanquefort, near Bordeaux, Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) has opened the world’s first high-power fuel cell plant. HDF Energy has developed an innovative renewable electricity storage solution combining hydrogen production and fuel cells to transform it into electricity and batteries. The site covers 7,000 m² – another 5,000m² can […]
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 30, 2024
At the Terhills tourist site in Dilsen-Stokkem and Maasmechelen in Limburg, five instead of two self-driving shuttles will now drive around to take tourists and guests there to the various hotspots. It is the first and, so far, only fully autonomous transport system in Europe, i.e., without a safety steward on board. The shuttles can […]
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
Engie Electrabel is demanding 500 to 600 million euros in compensation from the Belgian government as the lifetime extension of two nuclear power plants disrupts the previously planned decommissioning plan. So, reports business newspaper De Tijd, which consulted the annexes to Electrabel’s annual accounts published last week. The government does not agree and has requested […]
May 28, 2024
The Brussels city council wants the Brussels Region to take measures against noise from amplified engines and exhaust pipes in the capital’s streets. To this end, the city council approved a resolution by Councilor Mathias Vanden Borre (N-VA) on the issue. According to the World Health Organization, noise is the second biggest environmental cause of […]
May 27, 2024
Software République, an open innovation ecosystem for intelligent, safe, and sustainable mobility in which Renault is involved, has now presented the ‘U1st Vision’ concept vehicle. It is intended for neighborhood services and can, for example, be equipped as a doctor’s surgery on wheels. The ‘U1st’ demonstrator consists of two parts: a self-contained multi-service module (‘pop-up’) […]
May 27, 2024
Porsche has decided to extend its involvement in Formula E. It means the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer will continue to compete in the electric racing series from Season 13 (2026/2027), when the fourth generation of vehicles is introduced. In 2023, Porsche extended its involvement in Formula E by two years until the end of 2026. […]
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 27, 2024
The radical Hyundai N Vision 74 concept will evolve into the world’s first road-legal hydrogen supercar and serve as a halo car for the South Korean brand. Several media reports suggest that Hyundai is planning on a surprise for friend and foe by producing the world’s first road-legal hydrogen supercar, the N74. Following its concept […]
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
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
Engineers at ArcelorMittal have launched a pilot plant in Ghent to capture CO2. The plant in Ghent is the first of its kind in the European steel industry. It is an important step toward greening the polluting steel industry. For all that, the Flemish government is raising support for the steel company from 350 to […]
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 20, 2024
Track runners and incidents at level crossings cause more than 12 hours of delays every day on the entire Belgian rail network. To improve safety at level crossings and train punctuality, rail network manager Infrabel is now using artificial intelligence (AI). By the end of this year, 70-level crossings will be equipped with AI cameras […]
May 15, 2024
South Korean carmaker Kia has decided to spruce up its EV6 fully electric cross-over three years after its introduction. That car got the ‘Car of the Year 2022’ title, beating the Renault Mégane E-Tech and its sister brand Hyundai Ioniq 5. New ‘eyes’, a quieter and smoother ride, 19 km more range, and faster charging […]
