How credible is EV Clinic’s warning on Tesla’s China-built NMC batteries?

December 02, 2025

When the Croatian repair network EV Clinic posted an unusually blunt warning on X about ‘catastrophic’ failure rates in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y NMC battery packs built by LG Energy Solution in Nanjing (China), the message rippled quickly across the EV community, picked up by sites like Electrek, ArenaEV, and others. But it […]

More than 5,000 Airbus A320s get major safety software update

December 01, 2025

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has issued a software update for its A320 Neo aircraft. This was prompted by a recent incident involving a JetBlue Airways Corp. aircraft. According to Airbus, this incident showed that intense sunlight can affect critical control data, potentially forcing the airplane into an unexpected dive. Initially, there was talk of a […]

New hybrid Omoda 5 aims to succeed where the EV struggles

November 28, 2025

Omoda is expanding its European range with a hybrid version of the Omoda 5. The new HEV aims for the likes of the hybrid Kia Niro and the oddball Nissan Qashqai e-Power. It comes with a facelift and the hope of gaining more traction in the Belgian marketplace through a more classic take on electrification. […]

Renault-Geely’s Horse bets globally on all-in-one ‘Future Hybrid System’

November 27, 2025

Horse Powertrain, the Renault-Geely joint venture backed by Saudi Aramco, has unveiled the production-bound version of its ‘Future Hybrid System,’ signalling a decisive shift from an intriguing idea shown earlier this year to a fully industrialised technology aimed at mass-market deployment by 2027. It’s more than yet another powertrain technology. It signals a shift in […]

TU Eindhoven students unveil concept of a user-friendly city EV

November 27, 2025

Students at the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) have developed a sustainable electric city car called Aria, which users can repair themselves in some cases. The goal of the study is “to inspire the automotive industry and challenge European policymakers”, as the university team states. The Technical University in Eindhoven (southern Netherlands) is renowned for its […]

Aspark Owl Roadster: €3 million shot at EV supremacy but collector’s gamble

November 27, 2025

In the hypercar world, the sky is the limit, yet even in this rarified space, the debut of the Aspark Owl Roadster lands with unusual force as one of the world’s fastest EV roadsters on sale. The Japanese company Aspark has unveiled a convertible version of its extreme electric hypercar, already famed for its 1,900-plus […]

Is BMW considering a range extender for larger cars?

November 27, 2025

BMW is reportedly considering equipping some electric models with range extenders, primarily for the Chinese market. The larger model series are the main candidates, as they are more likely to have the space for an additional powertrain. News agency Bloomberg broke the news on BMW’s plans, citing sources familiar with the company’s strategy. Apparently, the […]

Alstom puts development of hydrogen trains on hold

November 26, 2025

In mid-September, Alstom completed the world’s first journey with a shunting locomotive converted from diesel to hydrogen drive in Salzgitter, Germany. But barely two months later, the French multinational, a global leader in rail transport, is pausing further development of hydrogen trains. According to Alstom, the main reasons for discontinuing or pausing the projects are the […]

VW completes its development center in Chinese Hefei

November 26, 2025

The Volkswagen Group has completed the final expansion stage of its Technology and Innovation Center (VCTC) in Hefei. This will enable Volkswagen to independently develop complete vehicle projects and technologies for the Chinese market. The new operational facilities of the Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) expand local research and development capabilities by combining software […]

Renault Trucks debuts E-Tech long-hauler with a 600 km range

November 26, 2025

At last week’s Solutrans trade show in Lyon, Renault Trucks finally pulled the wraps off what it had promised earlier as its spearhead for long-distance electric freight. The new E-Tech T 780 and its payload-focused sibling, the E-Tech T 585, build upon the architecture developed by Volvo Trucks. The new trucks aim at convincing logistics […]

China-only AUDI EV-brand previews its second model

November 24, 2025

AUDI, the China-only EV offshoot of the brand, is preparing to broaden its lineup. At the Guangzhou Auto Show, a second model was previewed. Predictably, the concept previews the addition of an SUV, joining the E5 Sportback. The new vehicle, called the AUDI E SUV Concept, is the second product from Audi’s sub-brand developed with […]

Kia PV5 newcomer clinches International Van of the Year 2026

November 20, 2025

South Korean Kia’s PV5 has clinched the International Van of the Year 2026 title, an achievement that marks more than just another trophy in the light-commercial segment. It signals a generational shift in the European van market, one that has long been dominated by established European players and incremental updates rather than step-changes. What makes […]

Renault unveils new 800V Trafic E-Tech Electric van

November 19, 2025

Renault unveiled the production version of the new Trafic E-Tech Electric at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (18 to 22 November). The all-electric panel van is the brand’s first vehicle based on Ampere’s flexible, scalable SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture. Another first for the brand is the 800V technology, which is being used in a Renault […]

Annulment of traffic fine puts average speed control system under pressure

November 17, 2025

The Vilvoorde police court has annulled the fine imposed on mobility expert Johan De Mol (Ghent University) for speeding because a private company co-finances the speed camera. The ruling could undermine the entire average speed check system, especially in Flanders. Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) intends to study the ruling thoroughly and, […]

Study: ‘Electromagnetic levels in electric cars far below safety limits’

November 17, 2025

A major investigation in Germany has shed light on long-running concerns that electric cars might expose their occupants to unsafe levels of electromagnetic fields. The research team found that even at peak power demand, the readings stayed far below recognized health limits. Basically, electric cars are on par with trains, trams, and even conventional gasoline […]

Jeff Bezos’ New Glenn rocket launched again, bound for Mars

November 14, 2025

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has launched another New Glenn rocket. On board is a scientific mission to study the planet Mars. The New Glenn has only one flight under its belt. In January, the rocket successfully placed dozens of tons of equipment into orbit around the Earth on its maiden voyage. However, the landing […]

Belgian Solar Team heads for American Challenge

November 14, 2025

In July 2026, the students of the Innoptus Solar Team (KU Leuven) will travel to the United States to participate in the American Solar Challenge. After a strong performance and third place in Australia in August 2025, the Belgian team wants to showcase Belgian innovation in America. For the first time, the Belgians are participating in […]

Air Liquide builds ammonia cracker for hydrogen in Antwerp

November 14, 2025

French multinational Air Liquide, a company with a strong focus on innovation and the energy transition, has started up an ammonia cracker in the Antwerp-Bruges port area. This is a pilot plant that cracks ammonia and converts it into hydrogen. According to Air Liquide, this is a world first, and the project will save more than […]

French study: PHEVs may be ‘worst of both worlds’ for wallets and climate

November 14, 2025

A new study by the French Institut Mobilités en Transition (IMT) casts fresh doubt on the future of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), arguing that prolonging their sale in Europe beyond 2035 would harm both household budgets and the continent’s climate ambitions. The study finds that for buyers of new vehicles, plug-in hybrids cost about 7% […]

Peugeot Polygon Concept, a vision for the future

November 13, 2025

Peugeot has unveiled the Polygon Concept, embodying the manufacturer’s vision for the future. Peugeot claims it’s not a dream car but a compact concept car (under 4 meters) that previews the Peugeots of tomorrow, beginning with the new e-208 arriving soon. According to Peugeot, three qualities stand out: the Polygon Concept aims to be agile, […]

China plans EV acceleration limits under sweeping new safety rules

November 13, 2025

EVs are increasingly showing supercar performance, but this might hit a ceiling soon. China is preparing to introduce a sweeping new rule that would cap how quickly cars can accelerate when started, for instance. A new draft issued by the Ministry of Public Security proposes that all passenger vehicles be, by default, unable to accelerate […]

Xpeng’s filing for the new G6 EREV aims straight at Europe’s EV hesitation

November 12, 2025

Chinese carmaker XPeng has taken another step in the electrification race with the unveiling of the G6 EREV, an extended-range version of its midsize SUV featuring a 55.8 kWh battery that delivers a pure-electric range of over 400 km (CLTC) or 325 km (WTLP). That’s roughly the distance from De Panne to Eupen on pure electricity. […]

Worries about Chinese Yutong buses’ remotely operated ‘kill switch’

November 12, 2025

Yutong, China’s biggest bus manufacturer, based in Zhengzhou, which has supplied electric buses to Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, has built a remotely operated ‘kill switch’ into its vehicles. This mechanism gives the manufacturer digital access to systems for software updates and diagnostics. Still, in theory, it is also possible to disable or influence the […]

Wave of thefts of Poppy shared cars in Brussels by minors

November 11, 2025

In Brussels, there has been a noticeable increase in thefts of Poppy shared and rental cars. Exact figures are not available, partly because some cars are recovered before they are reported stolen, and because attempts are often considered vandalism. What is striking, however, is that the thieves are often minors without a driver’s licence. They […]

Toyota Hilux enters new era as all-electric pickup

November 10, 2025

Toyota’s indestructible Hilux, long defined by diesel torque and unshakeable dependability, is stepping into uncharted territory. The ninth-generation, on order as of December, marks the most significant shift in the model’s 55-year history with the arrival of a battery-electric version. Also, a hydrogen-powered model will follow. The fully electric Hilux BEV leads the launch, hitting […]

Xpeng cuts open Iron robot on stage to prove it’s not a woman in suit

November 10, 2025

When Chinese electric carmaker XPeng Motors unveiled its new humanoid robot Iron last week, the audience at a Guangzhou tech fair couldn’t believe their eyes. The tall, silver-skinned figure glided across the stage with slow, deliberate female movements — so human that murmurs rippled through the crowd. “It’s just a woman in a suit.” But […]

New Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric: the rebirth of a game-changer

November 06, 2025

Launched in 1992, Renault Twingo radically transformed the A segment with its bold new vision of the city car. Today, Renault wants to reinvent the electric A segment, with a bold ‘reinvention’ of its former success story. “Contrary to popular belief, the current size of the A segment is not a reflection of low demand: […]

Brussels ANPR cameras first to be linked to federal police network

November 06, 2025

The first Brussels ANPR cameras, initially intended for the low-emission zone (LEZ) and average speed checks, have been connected to the national police network. This involves 450 cameras. The integration allows all six Brussels police zones to access live data and footage in real time. Connecting the cameras to the brand-new national police platform ANPR@GPI […]

Belgium’s quiet revolution: how a small solar-hydrogen park could go global

November 06, 2025

Four companies are joining forces to realize a world first in green hydrogen. On a site in Namur, Belgium, they will build in 2026 the world’s first ‘commercial’ solar hydrogen park based on Belgian Solhyd technology, catching ‘green hydrogen’ directly from the air with sunlight. By choosing Namur, not a sunnier spot like the desert, […]

Zeekr X gets range, power and luxury boost at lower price in China

November 05, 2025

Geely’s Swedish-Chinese subbrand Zeekr has just rolled out a refreshed version with more power, more range, and a surprisingly long list of luxury features of its compact electric SUV, the Zeekr X, a sibling to the Volvo EX30 (Belgium-built )and the Smart #1. It packs a 61.47 kWh LFP battery, offering up to 530 km […]

Ampere and Stratus Materials to develop cobalt-free cathode technology

November 04, 2025

Renault’s electric Ampere division and Stratus Materials have closed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA). The aim is to use cobalt-free battery technology in the next generation of electric vehicles. This so-called LXMO technology offers an energy density comparable to that of NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries at a lower price, similar to that of LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries. […]

Spanish car brand Ebro launches flagship PHEV S900

November 04, 2025

The Spanish carmaker Ebro has unveiled the S900, a large, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV designed to push it into the same league as Europe’s established players. Once known for its sturdy commercial vehicles, Ebro has re-emerged as an SUV brand, with a bit of help from China. Ebro’s name doesn’t resound widely across Europe (yet?), […]

China’s Xpeng first to push flying cars into mass production

November 03, 2025

Chinese EV giant Xpeng has begun mass production of a ‘real flying car’ with the first flying body rolling of the assembly line. It’s the first time a major automaker, not a start-up, has crossed that line. Xpeng’s flying-car division, recently rebranded Aridge, announced this week that the first model rolled off the line at […]

China signals ‘flexibility’ in worrying Nexperia export ban

November 03, 2025

The Nexperia crisis is entering an easing phase. China has said it will grant case-by-case exemptions from its ban on Nexperia chip exports. This could offer a lifeline to automakers scrambling to secure supplies. In the meantime, industry leaders warn that recovery from the disruption could take months. The Ministry of Commerce said eligible firms […]

BMW gains international approval for its driver assistance system (DCAS)

November 03, 2025

BMW is one of the first European car manufacturers to receive approval for its driver assistance system (DCAS). The German carmaker can now offer its ‘Motorway Assistant’ for the new iX3 in 60 countries without having to apply for approval in each country. The DCAS regulation was adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for […]

Driving Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross: why going electric makes sense

October 31, 2025

Four years after the Japanese carmaker virtually disappeared from the Belgian market, Mitsubishi is back, as we wrote earlier. Test-driving on Spanish roads, the two latest additions to the lineup—the hybrid Grandis and the fully electric Eclipse Cross—there’s one thing that’s immediately apparent. Driving electric is so much more fun. And it makes sense for […]

Turkish SynPet to invest €300 million in new plastics recycling plant Antwerp

October 30, 2025

After more than ten years of research and fine-tuning of its pilot plant in Istanbul, Turkish SynPet Technologies has chosen the Port of Antwerp to build its first large-scale plastic recycling plant. The project will represent a 300-million-euro investment. If all goes according to plan, the plant will be operational in 2028 and will process […]

Flanders to scrap short-lived, unpopular second-hand motorcycle inspections

October 30, 2025

The mandatory technical inspection for second-hand motorcycles in Flanders will be abolished in mid-2026, barely three years after its introduction. Pretty unpopular among bike riders, it resulted in 21,000 fewer second-hand motorcycles sold in 2024. Motorcycles will no longer have to be inspected when sold or after an accident, and no periodic inspection will replace […]

TV maker Sharp wants to turn your car into another living room

October 29, 2025

Among the many concept and production vehicles from traditional car manufacturers present at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, there’s also a booth from… TV and household appliance maker Sharp. The Japanese company has unveiled its second interpretation of an electric car that serves as an addition to the household, rather than just a means of […]

Opel forced to shut down German testing facilities: 300 jobs lost

October 29, 2025

Around 300 employees at Opel’s vehicle testing facilities near Frankfurt are set to lose their jobs as French engineering firm Segula Technologies, which operates the sites, winds down its activities following insolvency. The two affected facilities, in Rodgau-Dudenhofen and Rüsselsheim, which have long been central to Opel’s engineering heritage, are among the most significant test […]

Chery’s domination plan: lots of brands and (RE)EVs on steroids

October 29, 2025

Chery, China’s 4th-largest auto manufacturer, might not yet be a familiar name to most Western European consumers. And yet, it has been China’s largest auto exporter for over 20 years. We travelled to Chery HQ in Wuhu, China, to attend the 2025 Chery International User Summit and learn how the company plans to become China’s […]

Can a ‘charging mandate’ keep plug-in hybrids alive after 2035?

October 28, 2025

The German car lobby is pushing an unusual idea to boost sales of plug-in hybrids as the EU seeks to measure their real-life emissions more accurately. The proposal? A legal obligation for plug-in hybrid drivers to charge their cars regularly. The punishment for not abiding by that obligation is reduced power. A creative solution, but […]

France tests live highway with induction charging near Paris

October 27, 2025

France has launched its first highway capable of charging electric vehicles while they drive. On a 1.5-kilometer stretch of the A10, near Angervilliers, southwest of Paris, VINCI Autoroutes and a consortium of partners have begun real-world tests of an inductive charging system touted as an innovation that should complement the charging infrastructure landscape. Developed in […]

Electric 1000 MBX: Skoda reimagines a forgotten classic

October 27, 2025

After the 110R, Skoda’s design studio has taken another dive into its archives, reviving one of its most obscure models — the 1000 MBX coupé — as a fully electric concept. The reinterpretation, unveiled as part of the brand’s ‘Icons Get a Makeover’ series, gives the rare 1960s two-door a futuristic twist under Skoda’s ‘Modern […]

GM announces eyes-off driving, conversational AI, and unified software platform

October 23, 2025

At its GM Forward media event in New York, General Motors showcased how manufacturing scale, software expertise, and AI are converging to transform the car from a mode of transportation into an intelligent assistant. Chair and CEO Mary Barra and other senior leaders unveiled advancements in AI, robotics, energy, and autonomy, demonstrating how the company […]

Michael Jost: ‘There’s no alternative to electric drives for cars’

October 23, 2025

Michael Jost, former head of VW Group’s product strategy, recently addressed the car industry, policymakers, and the general public at the E4Testival in Germany. His message was clear: “There is no alternative for electromobility and the so-called technology openness is an illusion.” His discourse was titled “Electrify the world – think bigger.” He asked his […]

Rivian’s Also spinoff brings its electric magic to its TM-B e-bike

October 23, 2025

Born from a skunkworks team at Rivian, the electric carmaker best known for its pickup trucks and SUVs, a group of engineers is now applying that same magic DNA to smaller wheels. An e-bike like a futuristic promise: sleek, software-driven, and distinctly Rivian in spirit. Their new spinoff, called Also, has unveiled the TM-B, a […]

With launch of new GLC EV Mercedes proofs that electric pays

October 22, 2025

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and the upcoming BMW iX3 are poised to compete directly in the premium mid-size electric SUV segment. The GLC, from today on available in Belgium for ordering at €72,479, combines a luxurious interior, spacious design, and a WLTP range of up to 715 km. Priced at a similar level to […]

AEM secures development partnership on electric motors without rare earths

October 22, 2025

British startup Advanced Electric Machines specializes in electric motors that do not use rare earths. After facing financial difficulties in recent years, it has now secured a development partnership with a major automotive supplier. The British startup Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has apparently reached a milestone, announcing that it has signed a development agreement with […]

Porsche Macan EV gets shot of power with GTS badge

October 22, 2025

The GTS name goes electric as Porsche adds more power and precision to its best-selling EV SUV. The dual-motor GTS delivers 571 hp and almost 1,000 Nm of torque, and sharper dynamics, making Porsche’s electric SUV the sportiest Macan yet. The Macan GTS EV is clearly positioned as a high-performance variant within the Macan EV […]

Research project Efferest focuses on user-oriented EV development

October 20, 2025

The EU-funded research project ‘Efferest’ aims to make electric vehicles more efficient, focusing specifically on the interaction between systems and components that manage interior comfort and powertrain performance. The project targets significant improvements in cabin comfort and drivetrain systems by the end of 2026. Considering both together ensures a holistic approach, allowing technical compromises to […]

BMW’s electrified leisure-mobility into uncharted waters: an eSUP

October 20, 2025

“Developed to bring the Joy of driving to gliding.” German premium carmaker is pushing its brand beyond traditional vehicles into electrified leisure mobility and new uncharted waters: an electric stand-up paddleboard (SUP). And it’s premium too, as the €3,990 price tag suggests. BMW is doing this with the help of  Slovenian SipaBoards, a company founded in […]

Leapmotor D19: world’s biggest battery in an EREV

October 20, 2025

The Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor is best known in Europe for its low-cost models, marketed alongside Stellantis. But in its home market, the carmaker has revealed an ambitious new flagship SUV that pushes the brand into luxury territory. And not without making a mark. The D19, a 5.2-meter-long electric SUV, features an onboard oxygen […]

Mercedes launches electric CLA 200 with LFP battery under €50,000

October 17, 2025

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the configurator for its eagerly anticipated entry-level electric CLA. Powered by a smaller lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the CLA 200 ships for €49,610 in Belgium, almost €6,000 less than the CLA 250+ with NMC pack. The German carmaker has built its new four-door coupé on its modular MMA platform, which underpins […]

Pedalling a tricycle at 120 km/h sounds impossible, right?

October 17, 2025

How about this: a pedalable trike vehicle with a top speed of up to 120 km/h? Something for you? It’s not entirely a crackpot idea, as there actually is a startup in France called Cixi working on a vehicle called the Vigoz that roughly matches that. That said, there are several caveats, and it has […]

Waymo to launch self-driving taxis in London in 2026

October 16, 2025

Alphabet-Google’s daughter company, Waymo, plans to introduce its robotaxi operations in London next year. This is in response to plans by the British government to allow commercial pilot projects with autonomous vehicles from 2026. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “delighted” by the announcement. For Waymo, this will be its second international expansion, after […]

Nissan refreshes the Ariya with a calmer face and new software 

October 14, 2025

Three years after its launch, Nissan has given the Ariya a modest but meaningful update. The electric SUV retains its core engineering but gains a sleeker design and much-needed digital upgrades. With Google built-in technology and the ability to power external devices, the Ariya is being repositioned as more practical and better connected. When it first […]

Five car makes face UK’s high court over dieselgate scandal

October 14, 2025

The High Court in London has opened one of the most attention-grabbing consumer trials in recent years. Five car manufacturers are accused of deceiving millions of drivers by installing defeat devices to cheat pollution tests. The case, expected to run for three months, revives the scandal that has haunted the industry for a decade. Billions of […]

Volkswagen ID Unyx 07: first China-developed EV for local market

October 13, 2025

Volkswagen is preparing to launch the ID Unyx 07, a mid-size electric saloon that will debut a new Chinese-developed platform and broaden the company’s electric range in the world’s largest car market. The model’s main task is to be perceived as a Chinese rather than a German Volkswagen to help resurrect sliding sales. To do […]

Stripped-down Tesla Model Y Standard cuts under 40,000 euros in Europe

October 13, 2025

As previously announced, Tesla has begun assembly and sales of its new base model, the Model Y Standard. The new Model Y Standard, priced from €39,990 in Belgium, lowers the barrier to entry by trimming away some of the brand’s hallmark features. The Standard must help revive flagging European demand, though some European markets have […]

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